Feedback

BMW’s updated 2021 R 1250 GS and R NineT motorcycles debut in Singapore

Derryn Wong
03/06/2021
2021 BMW R 1250 GS adventure motorcycle updated and on sale in Singapore

BMW Motorrad’s updated adventure R 1250 G and heritage R NineT motorcycles are now on sale in Singapore. Prices start from S$50,800 OTR


Photos: Derryn Wong

SINGAPORE – Updated 2021 versions for two of BMW Motorrad’s most popular nameplates – the BMW R 1250 GS adventure tourer and BMW R NineT heritage boxer – have arrived in Singapore. 

The GS range includes the standard R 1250 GS and off-road optimised R 1250 GS Adventure, prices start from S$67,800 OTR. 

The R NineT range encompasses the standard R NineT roadster, the R NineT  Urban G/S, and R NineT Scrambler, with prices starting from S$50,800 OTR. 

2021 R 1250 GS – what’s new

While BMW’s ‘GS’ label has diffused throughout its entire model range, this is the model that’s being referred to when ‘The GS’ is mention – BMW’s big-displacement, boxer-engined mainstay adventure touring motorcycle that’s set the trend for the whole adventure bike segment since its inception. 

2021 BMW R 1250 GS adventure motorcycle updated and on sale in Singapore
BMW R 1250 GS in GS 40th Anniversary livery

The current motorcycle debuted in Singapore in April 2019 where it was literally unboxed at its launch here, and for 2021 it has been updated with minor changes. 

2021 BMW R 1250 GS adventure motorcycle updated and on sale in Singapore
2021 BMW R 1250 GS Triple Black

The standard R 1250 GS retails for S$67,800, while the even more off-road-y R 1250 GS Adventure goes for S$70,800. 

BMW R 1250 GS in GS 40th Anniversary livery - Singapore
BMW R 1250 GS in GS 40th Anniversary livery

The most obvious 2021 model is the one with the GS 40th Anniversary livery, which celebrates the original BMW GS, the R80G/S from 1980. The 2020 models were announced by BMW in October 2020 and arrived in Singapore in 2021 so we’re terming them 2021 MY releases. 

Middle: The second-gen GS from 1990, the R100 G/S

The bumblebee black and yellow scheme follows the colour scheme from the 1990’s R100 G/S, with black paintwork contrasting the yellow handguards, seat, and windscreen, plus golden wheels. Also shown here are the Triple Black and Rallye paint options. 

2021 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure in Rallye livery, motorcycle updated and on sale in Singapore
2021 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure in Rallye livery


BMW’s 1,254cc liquid/air cooled horizontally-opposed twin is almost unchanged, retaining the ShiftCam variable intake valve control. It still makes 136hp and 143Nm of torque, but is now Euro V approved.

2021 BMW R 1250 GS adventure motorcycle updated and on sale in Singapore - new adaptive headlights

One of the other notable changes are to the headlights, which sees a new adaptive headlight unit capable of swiveling the low beam depending on the direction of travel, BMW claiming that ‘curves are almost fully illuminated this way’ as a result – handy for night rides. The front and rear turn indicators are also lit by default (dimmer than  when they’re actually indicating) for increased visibility. 

2021 BMW R 1250 GS adventure motorcycle updated and on sale in Singapore - new Eco riding mode

Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), the full-featured tunable traction control, and Integral ABS (changes according to ride mode) are standard on all bikes now, though this is less important for Singapore as the GS already came with DTC and Riding Modes Pro (seven modes) as standard. What is new is the ‘Eco’ riding mode, which should help you wring a few extra kilometres out of a tankful. 

2021 BMW R NineT range – what’s new


BMW’s first proper attempt at a heritage bike was a big success, first appearing in 2014 as the singular R NineT roadster. But the formula was good enough that the line proliferated into four different bikes, the barebones style Scrambler, the off-road Urban G/S, and the cafe racer Racer

2021 BMW R NineT update on sale in Singapore

The base/roadster model goes for S$50,800, the R NineT Scrambler for S$51,800, and the R NineT Urban G/S for S$49,800. 

The updated model range sees the Racer dropped from the lineup, while overseas markets have a new, entry-level R NineT Pure model, which isn’t sold here.

2021 BMW R NineT update on sale in Singapore
2021 BMW R nine T roadster



The 1,170cc air/oil-cooled Boxer engine (derived from the previous R 1200 GS) has some modifications for increased torque and to meet Euro V regulations. Power output drops from 110hp to 109hp as a result. More important for rideability, torque remains at the peak of 116Nm with BMW saying it is now delivered at a wider range. 

2021 BMW R NineT update on sale in Singapore
2021 BMW R Nine T Scrambler

New cylinder heads improve cooling, along with new throttle valves and cylinder head covers. Inside the heads is an improved air-gas swirl, which helps with cleaner combustion and better torque spread. Akrapovic pipes come as standard on all three models.

In safety, there’s two ride modes – Rain and Road – standard throughout the range, plus the addition of ABS Pro with cornering ABS, as well as a new preload-adjustable rear shock whose damping is dependent on spring travel. The Enduro and Urban G/S models also have an additional ‘Enduro’ mode for slippery stuff, while the roadster has a tarmac-focused Dynamic mode. 

*All prices quoted here are OTR (On-The-Road) inclusive of COE, Road Tax, but without insurance. 


Tags:

About the Author

Derryn Wong

CarBuyer's former chief editor was previously the editor for Top Gear Singapore and a presenter for CNA's Cruise Control motoring segment.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

CarBuyer – Revolutionizing The Online Car Marketplace In Singapore

Buy Used And New Cars Online
Start your car buying journey with CarBuyer as we connect you seamlessly to the industry’s best CaseTrust-SVTA accredited car dealerships. As a one stop car online portal you can now buy your new ride, be it a pre-owned car or a brand new car from trusted dealers all over Singapore, all in one place. Our ever expanding listing of quality and covet-worthy cars, new and second hand, from both owners and trusted car dealers, will leave you spoilt for choice. Refine your search by vehicle type, registration year, price, mileage, engine type, transmission, annual depreciation value and more to find the car that best suits your needs, taste and lifestyle. You can even search for your car by dealer or directly by owner.

Sell Your Car In An Instant With Confidence
We all know how selling a car in Singapore can be a daunting task especially for a first time car seller; from trying to get a valuation for your car, finding a trusted dealer, to getting the best quote on your vehicle. CarBuyer understands the hassle and even the costs involved and have as such partnered with Huawei to develop a FIRST in Southeast Asia AI car valuation tool that is able to provide a car’s resale value at the snap of a finger. Backed with a consortium of trusted CaseTrust-SVTA accredited car dealers you can be assured that you are getting the best price for your vehicle and do not have to worry about any hidden costs.

The Ultimate Car Shopping Experience Online
CarBuyer platform is the first of its kind to be backed by Huawei’s Artificial Intelligence and cloud computing, enabling it to be able to offer users transparency and enhanced security, all with the one aim of enhancing customer experience. So come on over to buy and sell used cars online at the best prices at CarBuyer Singapore. Connect easily with dealers in real-time via our online video call feature, or schedule a test drive when you’re ready. Have some questions? Get them answered instantly with our chatbot moderated by our responsive team. Stay in the loop with our car-related tips, reviews and news. Learn the ins-and-outs of your car, as well as global and Singapore’s car updates at your own pace.