On Sept. 28, 2023, BMW Motorrad celebrated the a centesimal anniversary of its first manufacturing bike (the R 32) by unveiling the most recent model of its best-selling bike, the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS. With a pedigree that goes again 43 years to the unique R 80 G/S, which launched the Gelände/Straße (“off-road/highway”) idea and began the journey bike revolution, the R 1300 GS is new from the bottom up. Solely the butterfly valves and some bolts and connectors carry over from the R 1250 GS.
Growth of the R 1300 GS began six years in the past – two years earlier than the R 1250 GS was launched. Having squeezed as a lot as they might out of the present platform, which began with the R 1200 GS launched in 2004, BMW’s designers and engineers knew that taking the R-series GS into the long run and sustaining its place available in the market required a clean-sheet design.
Associated: 2021 BMW R 1250 GS 40 Years Version | Street Take a look at Overview
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BMW R 1300 GS: New from Stem to Stern
The design targets had been to make the R 1300 GS lighter, extra compact, extra highly effective, and extra succesful than its predecessor. The one factor that couldn’t change was the engine configuration; the brand new GS had to have a flat-Twin boxer, however almost every thing else in regards to the engine is new. Displacement elevated from 1,254cc to 1,300cc, achieved by a bigger 106.5mm bore (up from 102.5) and a brand new crankshaft that shortened the stroke to 73mm (from 76). Peak horsepower elevated from 136 to 145, peak torque elevated from 105 to 110 lb-ft, and there’s extra torque all through the rev vary, with greater than 96 lb-ft accessible from 3,600 to 7,800 rpm (redline is 9,000 rpm).
GEAR UP
- Helmet: Shoei Hornet XS
- Jacket: Tourmaster Ridgecrest
- Gloves: Tourmaster Overlander
- Pants: Tourmaster Ridgecrest
- Boots: Sidi Journey 2 Gore-Tex
Like its predecessor, the brand new boxer has air/liquid-cooled cylinders, ShiftCam variable valve timing, and DOHC with 4 valves per cylinder. The cams are pushed by a brand new timing chain association, with the fitting cylinder’s timing chain in entrance of the cylinder and the left cylinder’s timing chain behind the cylinder. Serving to obtain the elevated energy and torque consequence are revised cam timing, bigger valves (44mm consumption, up from 40; 35.6mm exhaust, up from 34), and the next compression ratio (13.3:1, up from 12.5:1).
The R 1300 GS has 4 customary journey modes: Street, Rain, Eco, and Enduro. Non-compulsory Trip Modes Professional provides three extra modes – Dynamic, Dynamic Professional, and Enduro Professional – and the 2 Professional modes might be custom-made. Every mode has presets for varied customary digital features, together with throttle response, Dynamic Traction Management, cornering ABS Professional, Dynamic Brake Management, MSR (engine braking torque), and Hill Begin Management Professional, in addition to non-compulsory Dynamic Suspension Adjustment.
Claimed moist weight for the R 1300 GS is 523 lb – 26 lb lower than the R 1250 GS. Regardless of the rise in displacement and energy, the engine is almost 9 lb lighter, whereas all the powertrain is greater than 14 lb lighter. A brand new lithium battery shed one other 5.5 lb, and decreasing gasoline capability from 5.3 to five.0 gallons saved 1.8 lb. The gearbox was moved underneath the engine, which was made potential by decreasing the variety of transmission shafts from three to 2. The extra compact engine allowed BMW to package deal every thing extra tightly and higher centralize mass. Although the engine was moved as much as accommodate the gearbox, the bike’s general middle of gravity and weight distribution haven’t modified.
As a part of the GS’s tighter packaging, the earlier tubular-steel house body has been changed with a exactly shaped and laser-welded sheet-metal important body that makes use of the engine as a structural part. The tubular-steel subframe has been changed with a cast-aluminum subframe that’s stated to be lighter, stiffer, narrower, and extra tightly bonded to the primary body. Because the weight of the rider, passenger, and baggage is carried by the subframe, the brand new design improves stability and driving dynamics.
For 3 a long time, the R-series GS platform has used BMW’s proprietary Telelever entrance suspension system, which separates suspension forces from steering inputs. The Telelever makes use of a swingarm that connects the body to the decrease triple clamp via a ball joint. The fork’s stanchions slide throughout the tubes like on a telescopic fork, however the fork doesn’t management damping; that’s dealt with by a single central shock between the Telelever’s swingarm and the body. The tops of the fork stanchions are related to the handlebar plate through ball joints. Because the suspension strikes via its stroke, the swingarm strikes via an arc, and the higher and decrease ball joints compensate for the Telelever’s torsional motion.
The R 1300 GS is supplied with the next-gen EVO Telelever system, which eliminates the ball joints atop the fork tubes and as a substitute makes use of a metallic flex plate between the handlebar plate and the higher triple clamp. The flex plate accommodates the Telelever’s torsional motion however does so with much less friction and extra stiffness than the ball joints. To additional cut back friction, a radial spherical plain bearing connects the higher triple clamp to the steering stem, which is guided throughout the body through a cylindrical curler bearing on the high and a deep-groove ball bearing on the backside. There’s additionally an additional curler bearing for the ball joint that connects the Telelever swingarm to the decrease fork bridge. Rising the entrance wheel axle’s diameter from 0.2 inch to 1.0 inch contributes extra stiffness to the entrance finish, and the brand new axle is 1.7 oz. lighter.
There’s additionally a brand new EVO Paralever rear suspension. Transferring the gearbox underneath the engine allowed the single-sided swingarm to be made longer for higher traction (wheelbase has elevated by solely 0.2 inch). The EVO system has a stiffer connection between the rear shock and the body, and the swingarm bearing is organized off-axis to the rotation of the cardan shaft joint. The driveshaft has bigger common joints, and an extended rear-axle wheel stub makes it simpler to take away and mount the rear wheel.
The non-compulsory Dynamic Suspension Adjustment not solely electronically adjusts damping relying on suspension mode and situations, it additionally mechanically adjusts preload to compensate for various masses. Throughout the entrance and rear shocks’ distant reservoirs are secondary springs which permits DSA to make use of totally different spring charges for on-road and off-road journey modes.
Two new suspension choices are additionally accessible. One is adaptive car top management, which lowers seat top from 33.5 to 32.3 inches and might be set to mechanically alter seat top or to remain on the low or excessive heights. Within the different course, sports activities suspension, which is designed for aggressive off-road driving, provides 0.8 inch of entrance/rear journey and firmer damping.
With its sharper beak, extra built-in bodywork, and new body and subframe, the styling of the R 1300 GS is a radical departure from the R 1250 GS, a lot in order that preliminary reactions had been blended after we posted an announcement on-line. Whereas styling is extremely subjective, the brand new GS is greatest appreciated in individual; pictures don’t do it justice, and I depend myself as a fan of the brand new look.
The R 1300 GS has a extra aggressive and aerodynamic profile, with a flatter tank and a slimmer tailsection. Maybe most controversial of all is the centralized X-shaped headlight that replaces the asymmetrical headlight that’s been a signature GS styling aspect for a few years. The brand new design was guided partly by new homologation necessities but additionally by a want to create a particular new look that might be immediately recognizable.
Using the BMW R 1300 GS
We spent two days driving the R 1300 GS on- and off-road for almost 300 miles on the world press launch in southern Spain. Over the previous 15 years, with hundreds of miles ridden on intros, highway checks, and almost a dozen abroad excursions, I’ve logged extra miles on BMW R 1200/1250 GS fashions than some other bike. Fingers down, the R 1300 GS is the very best GS but. The traits that the boxer-powered GS are identified for – engine character, stability, consolation, and flexibility – are higher than ever. It appears to be like and feels a lot slimmer than earlier than, and the elevated energy and torque are spectacular.
Due to the stiffer chassis and new EVO Telelever/Paralever suspension, the R 1300 GS feels extra steady each on-road and off-road, but its steering is lighter and sharper. Whereas the earlier Telelever setup provided responsive dealing with however muted suggestions, the EVO Telelever sends clearer indicators to the rider via the handlebar.
Throughout our off-road take a look at, we rode the Trophy variant of the R 1300 GS with cross-spoke wheels and Metzeler Karoo 4 tires. Balanced and predictable low-speed dealing with has lengthy been an indicator of boxer-powered GS fashions, and the R 1300 GS chugged alongside fortunately on singletrack gravel trails and wooded paths. At greater accelerates and down an unpaved highway lined in fist-sized rocks, the GS improved upon what it’s identified for – dealing with higher off-road than a motorcycle of its measurement ought to. Standing on the pegs felt very pure due to the slimmer tank and midsection and 1.2-inch-taller handlebar.
Our off-road take a look at was not more than 10 miles whole, primarily only a picture alternative at an enduro park in a former rock quarry. We made quick runs on gravel, gradual runs on rocky singletrack, and chugged up a rocky highway to a vista excessive above the Mediterranean coast – sufficient for a style take a look at, however actually nicely wanting a full meal. We’ll have to attend till we get a take a look at bike to do a extra thorough evaluation of the bike’s off-road prowess.
On-road is the place we logged most of our miles, every thing from freeways to traffic-choked metropolis roads with slippery roundabouts to a 10-course meal of backroads that snaked from the coast up into the mountains and again down once more. The GS was responsive and simple to deal with in all situations, nevertheless it actually got here alive on tight, twisty roads within the Sierra de las Nieves vary. I used to be capable of push tougher with extra confidence, particularly with the firmer suspension damping in Dynamic Professional mode.
The added energy and torque permit the R 1300 GS to launch ahead rapidly with a flick of the wrist in virtually any gear or rpm, but the bike doesn’t really feel edgy or aggressive. The revamped boxer runs extra easily, which long-distance touring riders will recognize. Whether or not gentle pulls on the lever or exhausting squeezes, the GS slows down with precision and energy, enhanced by the digital wizardry of cornering ABS and semi-active suspension.
Not solely does the brand new GS deal with, speed up, and cease higher than the R 1250 GS, it’s additionally extra snug. At 33.5 inches, its nonadjustable seat top is similar because the low place on the 1250. At 6-feet with lengthy arms and a 34-inch inseam, the ergonomics of R-series GS fashions have all the time suited me. The 1300’s taller handlebar opens up the rider triangle, which I discovered agreeable whether or not seated or standing. We tried two totally different windscreens, the quick Sport windscreen and the electrically adjustable windscreen with facet deflectors, and each managed airflow nicely, the latter offering extra safety at any top.
BMW R 1300 GS: The Each Bike
State-of-the-art know-how has all the time been an necessary side of the GS. The R 1300 GS has extra customary options than earlier than, together with the digital rider aids listed above together with a 6.5-inch TFT with connectivity, tire-pressure monitoring, heated grips, cruise management, handguards with built-in turnsignals, Keyless Trip, a 12V socket, and a smartphone charging compartment with a USB port.
Because the R 1300 GS is the continuation of its best-selling mannequin line, BMW Motorrad tried to make sure that virtually any buyer desire might be glad. 4 mannequin variants can be found:
- The bottom mannequin R 1300 GS has a Sport windscreen and a 33.5-inch seat top, and it is available in Gentle White with a two-tone black/grey two-piece rider and passenger seat.
- The Triple Black variant has a black-on-black coloration scheme, an electrical excessive windscreen with facet wind deflectors, consolation seats, consolation passenger footpegs, and a centerstand.
- The Trophy variant has a pink/white/blue Racing Blue Metallic colorway in addition to a excessive rider’s seat (34.2 inches) and a Sport passenger seat that give the looks of a one-piece rally seat.
- The Possibility 719 Tramuntana variant has an Aurelius Inexperienced Metallic paint scheme and particular finishes, a gold anodized handlebar, cross-spoke wheels with gold rims, and a rear baggage rack.
There are three choices packages:
- The Premium Package deal provides lean-sensitive Headlight Professional, Dynamic Suspension Adjustment, Shift Assistant Professional, Using Modes Professional, Sport Brakes, Central Locking, preparation for navigation, a chrome-plated exhaust manifold, Vario facet and high case mounts, handguard extensions, and the brand new radar-enabled Using Assistant, which incorporates Entrance Collision Warning, Energetic Cruise Management, and Lane Change Warning.
- The Consolation Package deal provides an electrical excessive windscreen, a centerstand, a Consolation passenger seat and footpegs, and a baggage rack.
- The Enduro Professional Package deal provides handlebar risers, engine safety bars, an enduro aluminum engine guard, quick enduro handlebar levers, GS adjustable rider footpegs, an exhaust mount for single seat, adjustable foot brake and gearshift levers, giant body guards, and narrower turnsignal stalks.
And there are greater than 60 particular person choices and equipment. Relying on how the R 1300 GS is configured, there are seven seat heights to select from starting from 31.5 inches to 35 inches. There are 4 totally different suspension choices to select from: Collection (handbook adjustment), DSA (Dynamic Suspension Adjustment), DSA + Sport Suspension, and DSA + Adaptive Automobile Top Management. There are totally different windscreens, footpegs, levers, safety bars and guards, wheels, and a dizzying space of bags choices.
By utterly overhauling the R-series GS platform, BMW Motorrad risked alienating a few of its core prospects and presumably jeopardizing gross sales of its flagship bike. However it’s additionally no shock that probably the most highly effective, succesful, and complicated R-series GS made its debut throughout BMW Motorrad’s a centesimal anniversary. It’s the proper bike to hold the marque into its subsequent century.
Try extra new bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorbike Consumers Information.
2024 BMW R 1300 GS Specs
ENGINE
- Kind: Air/oil-cooled, longitudinal opposed flat Twin, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.
- Displacement: 1,300cc
- Bore x Stroke: 106.5 x 73.0mm
- Compression Ratio: 13.3:1
- Valve Insp. Interval: 6,000 miles
- Gas Supply: Absolutely sequential EFI, 52mm throttle our bodies x 2
- Lubrication System: Moist sump, 4.2 qt. cap.
- Transmission: 6-speed, hydraulically actuated slip/help moist clutch
- Remaining Drive: Shaft
CHASSIS
- Body: Two-section sheet metallic important body w/ engine as pressured member, cast-aluminum subframe, single-sided cast-aluminum swingarm
- Wheelbase: 59.8 in.
- Rake/Path: 26.2 levels/4.4 in.
- Seat Top: 33.5 in.
- Suspension, Entrance: EVO Telelever w/ single shock, totally adj., 7.5 in. journey
- Rear: EVO Paralever w/ single shock, totally adj., 7.9 in. journey
- Brakes, Entrance: Twin 310mm floating discs w/ radial-mount opposed 4-piston calipers
- & ABS
- Rear: Single 285mm disc w/ floating 2-piston caliper & ABS
- Wheels, Entrance: Forged, 3.00 x 19 in.
- Rear: Forged, 4.50 x 17 in.
- Tires, Entrance: Tubeless, 120/70-ZR17
- Rear: Tubeless, 170/60-ZR17
- Moist Weight: 523 lb (manufacturing unit declare)
- Load Capability: 502 lb
- GVWR: 1,025 lb
PERFORMANCE
- Horsepower: 145 @ 7,750 rpm (manufacturing unit declare)
- Torque: 105 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm (manufacturing unit declare)
- Gas Capability: 4.5 gal.
