Adventure motorcycling has always been about pushing the boundaries, whether traversing rugged terrains, taking on long highway stretches, or weaving through the cityscape. For over 40 years, BMW Motorrad has been at the forefront of setting and raising the bar in this segment. With the release of the BMW R 1300 GS, it’s evident that the legacy continues, combining rich tradition with groundbreaking innovation.

Hailing from the revered production lines of the BMW Group Plant in Berlin, a facility steeped in tradition and modernity, the new R 1300 GS is not just a motorcycle – it’s a statement—a testimony to BMW’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and the spirit of adventure.

For enthusiasts and seasoned riders, the allure of the R 1300 GS is not just its impressive lineage but its intricate details, technical prowess, and the sheer engineering marvel it embodies. Let’s dive deeper into the world of this new bike and discover what makes it stand out in the world of adventure motorcycling.

BMW Group Plant Berlin

The journey of KTM’s adventure bikes has always been about The BMW Group Plant in Berlin-Spandau isn’t just a factory; it’s an institution of motorcycling history. Since 1969, this plant has been the cradle where BMW motorcycles are born, blending craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. With over 2,200 dedicated employees working in harmony, it boasts a daily production capacity of up to 900 motorcycles and premium e-scooters. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about upholding a tradition and legacy that resonates with every BMW enthusiast.

The plant has seen the evolution of numerous iconic models, with the GS series holding a special place in its annals. Since the debut of the R 80 G/S in 1980, the Berlin plant has proudly crafted over a million GS vehicles. A testament to its prowess was the recent milestone in June 2023 when the one millionth BMW GS with a boxer engine, the R 1250 GS, majestically rolled off the Berlin production line. For those who understand the soul of motorcycling, this plant isn’t just about manufacturing; it’s about creating legends.

The BMW R 1300 GS is not just another addition to the realm of adventure motorcycling; it’s a testament to BMW’s dedication to engineering and performance. Every technical aspect of this motorcycle reveals a tale of precision, innovation, and sheer riding pleasure.

Key Features

Engine & Performance:

Capacity: A powerful 1,300 cc (or 79 cu. in.) engine ensures that the R 1300 GS packs a punch. It’s a dynamic blend of robustness and smoothness.
Output & Torque: This machine is built for adventurous trails and smooth highways, delivering a staggering 145 hp at 7,750 rpm and a torque of 105 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm.
Engine Type: The air/liquid-cooled 2-cylinder 4-stroke boxer engine is a classic BMW design, ensuring optimal performance in diverse conditions.
Valve System: An OHV actuation and 4-valve PE allow more efficient fuel combustion, translating to better throttle response and power delivery.
Emission Control: The bike is equipped with a closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter and meets EU5 standards, reflecting BMW’s commitment to sustainability without compromising performance.

Transmission & Drive:

Gearbox: A constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox promises smooth shifting experiences across terrains. Whether you’re accelerating on highways or navigating tricky trails, this bike has got you covered.
Clutch System: The hydraulically activated, anti-hopping wet clutch ensures that riders get the necessary traction and control, especially during rapid downshifts.
Rear Wheel Drive: The universal shaft drive is a signature BMW feature, reducing maintenance and ensuring a smooth power delivery to the rear wheel.

Get a taste of the 2024 BMW R1300GS evolution. Hungry for more? Our next issue dives deep into every facet.

Suspension & Handling:

Front & Rear Suspension: With the EVO Telelever at the front and EVO Paralever with cast aluminum single-sided swing arm at the rear, the R 1300 GS promises a plush ride, absorbing the bumps and keeping the rider in control.
Wheelbase & Steering: A wheelbase of 59.8 inches (152 cm) combined with a steering head angle of 63.8° ensures stability during high-speed cruises and agility during off-road adventures.

Braking System:

Brakes: Twin disc brakes with Ø 310 mm 4-piston radial calipers at the front and a single-disc brake with Ø 285 mm 2-piston floating calipers at the rear ensure optimal stopping power.
ABS: The BMW Motorrad ABS Pro system provides additional safety, allowing riders to make confident stops even under challenging conditions.

Dimensions & Weight:

Overall Dimensions: With a total length of 87.1 inches (221 cm) and width (with handguards) of 39.4 inches (100 cm), the bike has a commanding presence.
Seat Height: At 33.5 inches (85 cm), the seat height is designed to accommodate riders of varying heights, ensuring comfort and control.
Weight: A DIN unladen weight of 523 lbs (237 kg) ensures the bike is sturdy without feeling cumbersome, striking the right balance between stability and maneuverability.

This machine is more than the sum of its parts. Every specification has been meticulously thought out to cater to the needs of the modern adventure motorcyclist. With the BMW R 1300 GS, you’re not just buying a bike but investing in a legacy of precision, performance, and passion.

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The “Enduro” mode is your ally for those seeking adventure off the tarmac. A configuration honed for off-road conditions adjusts the bike’s dynamics to offer an exhilarating, controlled, off-road riding experience.

BMW’s Pioneering Innovation

BMW Motorrad has long been a vanguard in the realm of motorcycling safety and cutting-edge technology. This legacy continues with the introduction of the R 1300 GS’s avant-garde, full LED headlamp. This compact and sleek headlamp presents a unique, eye-catching light signature and enhances road illumination to unparalleled levels, ensuring improved visibility and safety in traffic.

The R 1300 GS also boasts state-of-the-art LED light units, complementing the central headlamp. These have been thoughtfully integrated, with turn indicators seamlessly housed within the hand protectors at the front and functionally incorporated at the rear. This intricate design maintains the motorcycle’s sleek silhouette while ensuring top-notch lighting functionality.

For riders looking to elevate their nighttime riding experience even further, BMW offers the optional “Headlight Pro.” This state-of-the-art feature is nothing short of revolutionary. As the motorcycle leans into turns, the beam of the matrix full LED headlamp dynamically adjusts its focus. This means that as you lean into a curve, the light beams trace the road ahead, illuminating the rider’s path by the bike’s lean angle. Thanks to this adaptive turning light mechanism, the horizon of the illumination remains consistent, offering a broad and seamless light spread. This ensures better visibility and significantly enhances the safety quotient during nighttime rides.

Elevate Your Riding Experience with the R 1300 GS’s Diverse Modes

Embarking on a journey with the new R 1300 GS means having the freedom to tailor your ride to the conditions ahead. With a total of four distinct riding modes, BMW ensures that riders have both the control and adaptability they need for any terrain or situation.

Rain Mode: Specifically designed for wet conditions, the “Rain” mode offers a softened throttle response and adjusted traction control, ensuring optimum grip and stability when the heavens open up.
Road Mode: Tailored for everyday riding, the “Road” mode delivers a balanced throttle response suitable for various asphalt conditions.
Eco Mode: Emphasizing fuel efficiency, the “Eco” mode harnesses the potential of BMW’s innovative ShiftCam technology. This mode presents riders with a gentle throttle curve and moderated torque, encouraging fuel-efficient riding habits. To ensure you’re making the most of every drop, the TFT color screen’s upper-status line displays an efficiency indicator when “Eco” mode is active. Should the need arise to boost performance momentarily – say, during hill ascents or overtaking – a simple press of the riding mode button allows for a swift mode change.
Enduro Mode: The “Enduro” mode is your ally for those seeking adventure off the tarmac. A configuration honed for off-road conditions adjusts the bike’s dynamics to offer an exhilarating, controlled, off-road riding experience.

For riders seeking even more specificity in their journey, the optional Riding Modes Pro provides an expanded range of modes. Additionally, every R 1300 GS benefits from the standard engine drag torque control (MSR) and a pre-selection feature for the riding modes, ensuring that the motorcycle remains responsive and adaptive to every twist and turn of your adventure.

Revolutionizing Ride Stability

Introducing the EVO Telelever & EVO Paralever

BMW Motorrad, renowned for its pioneering engineering, elevates the riding experience of the R 1300 GS by merging the strengths of Telelever systems used in the past. Here’s how the new front and rear suspensions set the R 1300 GS apart:

EVO Telelever – The Reinvention of a Classic: BMW’s signature Telelever, which first appeared 30 years ago, sees an evolution in the R 1300 GS. The new EVO Telelever combines the best of previous designs, ensuring optimal steering precision without unnecessary tilting movements. At its core lies a stainless-steel flex element. This unique component is designed to absorb tilting while transmitting essential steering forces. As a result, riders experience enhanced steering precision thanks to reduced bearing friction and an increased stiffness from a quick-release axle diameter of 1.0 inches (2.54 cm), up from the previous 0.8 inches (2.03 cm).
EVO Paralever – Mastering the Rear: The rear of the R 1300 GS introduces the revamped EVO Paralever. Its redesign focuses on a stiffer connection within the frame for better traction and an uninterrupted swinging arm quick-release axle. Uniquely, the swinging arm bearing is placed off-axis relative to the cardan shaft joint’s rotation axis, optimizing the suspension’s dynamics.

This rear setup supports a spring travel of 7.9 inches (20.06 cm), while the front enjoys a generous 7.5 inches (19.05 cm).
With the combination of the EVO Telelever and EVO Paralever, BMW Motorrad promises riders of the R 1300 GS an unparalleled blend of stability, precision, and comfort. Riding on rough terrains or cruising down highways, the motorcycle’s suspension system is geared to excel.

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The 2024 BMW R1300GS: More than meets the eye. Unlock its full potential and story in our upcoming magazine release.

A glimpse into the 2024 BMW R1300GS. Dive into its standout features now, but stay tuned for an in-depth exploration next issue.

Photos: BMW Media, Studio Goico – Words: Tomas Ferrero

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The R 1300 GS Adventure is tailor-made for the passionate long-distance rider, brimming with additional equipment and a more substantial fuel tank for those never-ending roads.

BMW R 1300 GS

A Glimpse into the Pinnacle of Motorcycling Evolution