BMW’s GS has been around since 1980. Hard to believe, for those that remember the early days; for those who don’t, the context is missing. So, as a reminder of the past and a history review too, BMW has unveiled changes for the 2021 model year that brush up the tech and performance a little while nourishing the narrative.

The two top-tier models in the series—the R 1250 Adventure, and the R 1250 GS—have received a host of changes that include a few concessions to creature comforts for the two-wheeled set, a heated seat among them. Four color schemes will be available, including the Edition 40 Years GS cosmetics package, a nifty blend of then and now.

For safety, ABS Pro is now standard on the duo; an adjustable LED headlamp is optional, but the bike’s base sticker does include a brighter rear indicator, also LED. An ‘Eco’ mode keeps fuel economy up on longer trips, and a ‘Pro’ mode improves the performance presets.

The changes come at a $100 premium over the outgoing model’s base sticker, which is fair indeed; the price of the 2021 R 1250 GS starts at $17,995. The black-and-yellow 40 Years edition starts at $19,745.