BMW R 1300 GS unveiled!

You don’t need us to tell you how popular the BMW GS is. A model which started out as a quirky oddball in the 1980s has been the reference adventure bike for more than a decade now and, even today, the BMW R 1250 GS and its Adventure off spin are consistently the UK’s best-selling motorcycles. So when BMW introduces a replacement, it’s fair to say it’s a big deal.

And here it is. The new-for-2024 R 1300 GS is BMW Motorrad’s 100^th birthday present to us all, with the most powerful production boxer engine to date, less weight and a whole host of electronic trickery to make more accessible to a wider range of riders.

The new boxer engine checks in at exactly 1300cc and delivers 145bhp, with maximum torque of 149Nm at 6500rpm. That’s almost 10bhp more than the R 1250 GS but, despite the hike in capacity it’s actually more compact than its predecessor thanks to a new camshaft drive design and a gearbox which is now positioned below the engine. The shorter stroke engine itself is almost 4kg lighter than the previous model, with the overall powertrain and revised shaft drive being 6.5kg less than that of the R 1250 GS. The motor is housed in a new steel frame, which BMW claims to be stiffer than on the 1250, while the subframe is now a lighter die-cast aluminium unit. At 237kg ready to ride, the GS is one of the lightest large adventure motorcycles on the market today.

As the flagship models in most manufacturers’ ranges, big adventure bikes have introduced some serious technology in recent years – in particular Ducati’s Multistrada V4, which has brought superbike levels of performance and technology to the dual sport category.

While the BMW can’t quite match the Ducati’s heady 170bhp motor, the new R 1300 GS follows the Multistrada in coming loaded up with some serious electronic aids.

BMW has retained its traditional Telelever front and Paralever rear setup (with the shaft drive, of course) and there’s the option of the semi-active Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA), which has been updated for the new model. It allows dynamic adjustment of the set-up while riding, and also now gives the option of ‘adaptive vehicle height control’, BMW’s take on an increasingly popular option which allows the suspension travel to lower at standstill – making the bike more accessible to shorter or less confident riders who may otherwise be put off by the thought of riding a large adventure bike. Seat height, incidentally, sits at 850mm, but we’d expect some accessory saddles to be available for those preferring a lower option.

Back on the electronics theme, the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS gains the increasingly popular radar controlled active cruise control system as standard. The system includes blind spot monitoring and front collision warning, and can apply the brakes automatically to prevent collisions. Four riding modes come as standard, up from three on the 1250, while other upgrades to the ‘base’ spec of the old bike include standard heated handlebar grips, keyless ignition, cornering ABS, tyre pressure monitors and engine drag torque control, to help on downshifts. There’s also a lithium ion battery, a contributing factor to a 12kg weight reduction over the 1250, while hand protectors are also now a standard fitment, with the new design now incorporating the indicators.

While the styling remains undoubtedly ‘GS’ the design has been thoroughly updated, most notably with the distinctive but small new LED headlight, which can be specified to provide an adaptive cornering function when ticking the ‘Headlight Pro’ box at the dealership. Unlike competitors like Ducati and Triumph, who typically offer multiple specification levels for their models, BMW continues with the strategy of offering one standard version, with a host of ‘ex-works’ options and dealer fit accessories to allow owners to spec the bike to meet their requirements and budget.

As with the previous generation GS boxer, the R 1300 GS runs road orientated 19” front and 17” rear wheels, although the 19 litre fuel tank is slightly smaller than that found on the outgoing 1250. Expect to see an R 1300 GS Adventure model announced in the not too distant future, with a larger fuel tank, bigger wheels and more suspension travel for true continent crunching capability.