BMW hosts breakfast and launch for 700+ riders
More than 700 riders were witness to BMW Motorrad Philippines latest product offering in the market: the 2019 R1250 GS. Unveiled during a breakfast ride last Sunday, December 9, at the LausGroup Event Center in San Fernando, Pampanga, the new models arrives just months after its launch at the prestigious EICMA motorcycle show in Italy.
Besides the much awaited R1250, BMW also unveiled the F850 GS and F750 GS. Now boasting of 84cc more than its predecessor (1170cc), the R1200 GS, and a host of technological upgrades, the R1200 GS has quickly become a favorite in the local Adventure Riding Community.
Miguel Llabres-Pohl, BMW Motorrad Asia Director astride the R1250 GS Style HP
R1250 GS
The 2019 R1200 GS boasts of the following upgrades: a newly developed boxer engine with ShiftCam Technology which allows for variation of the valve timing and valve stroke on the intake side. This grants it more power across the entire engine speed range, improved fuel consumption, lower emissions, and smoother and more refined operation. Naturally, it also equates to increased power output and torque.
R1250 GS Exclusive (foreground) and R1250 GS Style HP (back) backstage, before their reveal to the general public.
It now produces 136-PS at 7,750 rpm over the previous 125-PS, and 143 Nm of torque at 6,250 rpm over the previous 125 Nm. This power is then delivered to the rear wheels via a driveshaft with a toothed chain (as opposed to its predecessor's roller chain).
Much of the technology has been retained or improved. First off, the R1250 GS comes with a standard LED headlamp. It comes with two riding modes, with ASC and Hill Start Control as standard. It's also fitted with electronic suspension called the next generation of Dynamic ESA with fully automatic load compensation. All of this is displayed on the 6.5-inch full-colour TFT screen.
Naturally, the R1250 also offers standard adjustability of seat height (except for the HP style).
Current BMW Owners Society of Saferiders (BOSS) president, Lito Flores, onboard the R1250 GS Style HP.
There's also a long list of optional extras: a wider range of seat height adjustments; optional LED daytime running lamps; Riding Modes Pro, featuring additional riding modes, Dynamic Traction Control DTC, ABS Pro, Hill Start Control Pro and Dynamic Brake Assistant DBC; Intelligent Emergency Call; BMW Motorrad Spezial customization features; and optional equipment items and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.
The R1250 GS is offered in three variants: Style HP at PhP 1,570,000; GS Exclusive at PhP 1,520,000; and GS Cosmic Blu at PhP 1,490,000.
The new F750 GS on display.
F750 and F850 GS
For those that find the R1250's a bit out of reach, BMW Motorrad also unveiled the parallel twin GS duo. Like the R1250, the F750 and F850 also sport 50-80cc larger engines from the previous 700 and 800cc respectively. The F750 produces 78 Ps and 83 Nm. The F850 produces 95-PS at 8,250 rpm, and 92 Nm at 6,250 rpm. Both deliver power to the rear wheels via a chain drive.
Like the R's the F's sport new LED daytime running lamps, new full-color TFT screens, and riding modes.
The new F850 GS.
The F850 GS edges out its little brother with the addition of Dynamic ESA suspension control.
The F GS twins are both offered in Standard and Sport variants. Unfortunately, BMW Motorrad Philippines has yet to release pricing and delivery date of the two models.
Open to all
As mentioned earlier, BMW's new model launch turned out to be quite the event, filling the Laus Event Center to capacity with an estimated 700+ riders. The event was open to riders of all brands, makes, and models.
Naturally, spaces for BMW bikes were provided while those that rode in on other brands were directed to spaces for "Future BMW Owners." Lots of prizes and giveaways were offered to all, as well as displays of the latest in BMW apparel.
