The BMW 1250cc Boxer


Here at the Bivouac, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the rugged reliability of BMW’s boxer engine in an R1100RT and the sheer sophistication and power of their inline six-cylinder engine in the remarkable continent cruiser, the K1600GT. Now, BMW is offering a new boxer engine with ShiftCam technology. Available in the new R1250RT and R1250GS.


BMW Motorrad's ShiftCam technology is an innovative engine design feature that has been integrated into their motorcycle lineup, enhancing both power delivery and fuel efficiency. ShiftCam stands for "Shift" and "Camshaft," and it represents a variable valve timing system, allowing the engine to optimize its performance characteristics depending on the rider's demands.

The core idea behind ShiftCam is to provide a broader and more usable power band. This technology allows the engine to switch between two camshaft profiles, one optimized for low to mid-range power and the other for high-end power. At lower RPMs, it operates with one cam profile, delivering smooth and efficient power for cruising and urban riding. As the throttle is opened further, or the engine speed increases, ShiftCam seamlessly switches to the second, more aggressive cam profile, delivering a surge of power and torque for spirited acceleration and highway cruising.

The benefits of ShiftCam technology are twofold. First, it improves the overall riding experience by providing better low-end torque and high-end power, making the motorcycle versatile in various riding conditions. Second, it enhances fuel efficiency and reduces emissions, as the engine can operate more efficiently across different RPM ranges. BMW Motorrad has integrated ShiftCam into several of its models, offering riders a dynamic and fuel-efficient performance that adapts to their riding style and preferences.