It’s best to talk about what the R1250GS and Adventure offer over my bike. The differential continues to grow with each new model year. Initially, it was different brakes, an all black handlebar and controls, ZF branded suspension, Euro5 support, 3 different heated grip settings and of course, larger displacement with cams that adjust on the fly. We all know R1250 like Honda’s 1150 Africa Twin and KTM’s 790 to 890 adventure is because of emissions. Displacement must go up to achieve two things. First, maintain power despite more stricter emissions forcing motors to run leaner and emit less harmful smog into the air and mechanical / electronic trickery that saves fuel at lower RPMs while still having plenty of power on hand for the rare occasions that GS owners actually ‘give it the beans’
Since the 2019 model year, BMW has released auto-leveling headlights, new always all running light turn signals (required in Europe), better electronics, new colors, better brakes, heated seats and a few other improvements but we’re not talking about an all around different bike. Heck, the 2016 to 2022 BMW GS has the same handlebar, grips, controls, luggage racks and so many other parts that are the same. Not much has changed, enough that anyone with a 2016 or newer GS should be considering upgrading.