BMW has debuted a new top-spec adventure bike, the new 2024 R 1300 GS, which will top the range of BMW’s iconic GS adventure machines. The R 1250 GS remains in the lineup as a 2024 model.
BMW stuck with the basic elements of the big GS, including the boxer twin-cylinder engine and the proprietary paralever/telelever suspension system, but otherwise, the new bike features a long list of changes, including a stylistic makeover.Â
Long the ugly but highly capable ducklings of the motorcycle world, adventure bikes are built for toughness over aesthetics, but BMW has reworked the largely utilitarian look of the GS with more angular bodywork and a new “X” shaped LED headlight nacelle setup in place of the incongruous twin beam/flood setup from past generations. The front retains the “beak” mudguard, but a standard black fender is also located close to the front wheel.
BMW promotional videos show the R 1300 GS being ridden very aggressively off-road in a manner more similar to riding a motocross or lightweight dual-sport machine rather than a world-circling explorer, but they also include footage of it being ridden two-up with angular hard cases and a tail case. Given the options available, buyers will be able to build the new bike to their tastes, but BMW appears to be aiming the new bike slightly away from the hard-core Long Way ‘Round crowd and positioning it more as a sport-tourer than can wander off the pavement if desired.
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Underneath the new plastic, the frame is now a mix of formed steel components and tubes instead of an all-tubular steel construction. The motor has grown 50 ccs from the old 1250 GS to displace 1,300cc and is now fully liquid cooled instead of the old air/oil/partial liquid cooling scheme. Power increases nine horsepower to 145, and torque jumps five nits to 110 pound-feet.
Weight has always been a knock big ADV machines, but BMW says the new frame and revised engine internals have trimmed 26 pounds off the new bike compared to the old model. Fueled weight is listed as 523 pounds. The base price is $18,895, and BMW offers three trims, including Trophy, Triple Black, and a limited edition “Tramuntana” in green with gold accents. The name roughly translates as “north wind blowing from a mountainous region.”
The R1300 GS will be a tech showcase for BMW, with the R1300 GS including heated grips, a slipper clutch, a large LCD display with GPS capability, full smartphone connectivity, an app for fine-tuning, keyless ignition, ABS brakes, four ride modes including Enduro off-road mode, cruise control, traction control, and the company’s handlebar-controlled tech suite. Options include a quick shifter and smart cruise control with radar. BMW uses a CAN-BUS data system that allows many aftermarket electronics, such as GPS units, to be plugged into the bike and operated by BMW’s handlebar controls. A wide selection of wheel options, luggage, crash protection, and lighting equipment will be available from BMW and the aftermarket.
BMW says the bikes are coming soon and will be Euro 5 compliant and compliant with future emissions standards.
