- To be held in Romania
- Riders will use the new R12 G/S
- Qualifiers to be held in eight countries
BMW has confirmed that the 2026 International GS Trophy will be held in Romania, with riders using the brand’s new R12 G/S retro adventure bike through the country’s dense forests, gravel tracks, river crossings, and steep mountain climbs.
Traditionally, the event has showcased BMW’s adventure machines, with the most recent being the R1300 GS during the 2024 Trophy in Namibia. For 2026, however, organisers seem to have opted for a more stripped-back approach.
Competitors will take on the course aboard the new R12 G/S, introduced for 2025 and powered by a 1170cc flat-twin producing 108bhp. Its engine can be traced back to the revered 2007 HP2 Sport. Despite its retro styling, the R12 G/S has been engineered with serious off-road ability in mind. Generous ground clearance and a 21/17-inch wheel setup underline its dirt-ready character, making it well suited to Romania’s rugged terrain.
Ahead of the main championship event, eight national qualifiers will determine which riders progress to the Trophy. Selection rounds are planned in Australia, China, Germany, India, Japan, South Korea, and Ukraine. Riders from other nations will have the chance to compete for places at an international qualifier hosted at BMW Motorrad’s Enduro Park in Germany this October.
