On June 21, 2023, the 1,000,000th GS equipped with a boxer engine rolled off the production line at the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin-Spandau – a BMW R 1250 GS.
BMW motorcycles have been manufactured in Berlin since 1969 and the BMW Motorrad GS models with boxer engines since 1980. These elemental, authentic motorcycles have spurred on countless motorbike enthusiasts on trips to distant countries, spectacular adventure trips and expeditions to the remotest regions globally over the past decades. The latest edition of the now-legendary BMW GS with boxer engine – the R 1300 GS – will be presented on September 28, 2023 at the grand opening of the new BMW Motorrad Welt in Berlin.
It was in 1980 that BMW Motorrad presented the R 80 G/S, a motorcycle which combined two very special areas of riding for the first time: off-road and on-road. What began with 798 cubic centimetres of displacement and 50 hp has developed over more than four decades into a fascinating high-tech touring enduro of the calibre of the current BMW R 1250 GS. Complemented by state-of-the-art chassis technology and electronic control systems such as ABS, traction control, engine drag torque control, semi-active suspension and a great deal more. It is also thanks to this ongoing and consistent advancement that the BMW GS models with boxer engine have advanced to become the most sought-after touring enduros in the world to this day.
Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, said: “With the R 80 G/S and its unique combination of on-road and off-road suitability, everyday qualities and long-distance touring abilities, BMW Motorrad created the new motorcycle genre of touring enduros in 1980. The BMW GS with boxer engine became an icon, which achieved global success in this segment. What is more: The BMW GS became a legend and at the same time an indispensable cornerstone in the BMW Motorrad model range. Its outstanding talents, such as dynamic riding performance, brawny off-road qualities, superior long-distance comfort and enormous robustness, have since been continuously developed by BMW Motorrad and transferred to other BMW Motorrad model series with great success.”