BMW R 1300 GS
It is a versatile adventure-touring motorcycle that redefines the iconic GS lineage with a lighter, more powerful design. Powered by a 1,300cc boxer-twin engine with ShiftCam technology, it delivers 145 hp and class-leading torque, competing with the Ducati Multistrada V4, Triumph Tiger 1200, and KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. With a 12 kg weight reduction over the R 1250 GS, advanced electronics, and adaptive vehicle height control, it excels in on-road touring, off-road adventures, and long-distance comfort. Below is a detailed breakdown of its specifications and features.
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Air/liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, flat-twin boxer, 4 valves per cylinder, double overhead chain-driven camshafts, BMW ShiftCam, balance gear wheels |
| Displacement | 1,300 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 106.5 mm x 73 mm |
| Power Output | 145 hp (107 kW) at 7,750 rpm |
| Torque | 149 Nm (110 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm |
| Compression Ratio | 13.3:1 |
| Fuel System | Electronic fuel injection, 52 mm throttle bodies, ride-by-wire |
| Fuel Type | Premium unleaded, 95–98 ROZ/RON, max. 10% ethanol (E10), 91 AKI |
| Transmission | 6-speed gearbox with anti-hopping wet clutch, optional Automated Shift Assistant (ASA) |
| Final Drive | Shaft drive, BMW Motorrad EVO-Paralever |
| Frame | Steel sheet metal main frame, die-cast aluminum subframe, engine as stressed member, 63.8° rake, 112 mm trail |
| Front Suspension | BMW Motorrad EVO-Telelever, central spring strut, adjustable preload, electronic Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA), 190 mm (7.5 in) travel; optional sports suspension (+20 mm travel) |
| Rear Suspension | BMW Motorrad EVO-Paralever, cast aluminum single-sided swingarm, WAD spring strut, electronic DSA, adjustable preload/damping, 200 mm (7.9 in) travel; optional sports suspension (+20 mm travel) |
| Suspension Adjustment | Electronic DSA, adaptive vehicle height control (30 mm auto-adjustment), customizable via TFT display |
| Wheels | Cross-spoke wheels (Standard); optional cast aluminum wheels |
| Wheel Sizes | Front: 3.0 x 19”; Rear: 4.5 x 17” |
| Tires | Tubeless, Front: 120/70 R19; Rear: 170/60 R17 (Metzeler Karoo 4 or Tourance Next 2) |
| Brakes (Front) | Dual 310 mm discs, 4-piston radial calipers, BMW Motorrad Full Integral ABS Pro |
| Brakes (Rear) | Single 285 mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper, BMW Motorrad Full Integral ABS Pro |
| Weight (Kerb) | 237 kg (522 lbs) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19 liters (5.0 US gallons) |
| Claimed Mileage | 20.83 kmpl (49 mpg, ARAI certified); user-reported 19–22 kmpl |
| Seat Height | 850 mm (33.5 in); adaptive height control lowers to 820 mm at standstill; optional low seat 800 mm, high seat 870 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Length x Width x Height | 2,212 mm x 1,000 mm x 1,406 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,518 mm (59.8 in) |
| Top Speed | 225 km/h (140 mph) |
| Riding Modes | Four: Eco, Rain, Road, Enduro; optional Riding Modes Pro (Dynamic, Dynamic Pro, Enduro Pro) |
| Electronics | 6-axis IMU, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Engine Brake Control (EBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Hill Start Control (HSC) Pro, Full Integral ABS Pro, Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Front Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Change Warning, Automated Shift Assistant (ASA, optional), tire pressure monitoring, heated grips, keyless ride, USB-C charging socket, Riding Assistant package, Matrix LED headlight |
| Display | 6.5-inch full-color TFT, BMW Motorrad Connectivity, navigation via BMW Connected app |
| Lighting | Full LED with Matrix headlight, adaptive lighting, DRL, integrated turn indicators in hand protectors |
| Additional Features | Adaptive vehicle height control (30 mm auto-adjust), sport windscreen (adjustable), GS Flyline design, short monocoque rear, sport grab handle bridge, radar-based Riding Assistant (ACC, FCW, Lane Change Warning), Dynamic ESA, M Endurance chain (optional), auxiliary LED lights, luggage docking elements, comfort lift assistance for center stand, 12,000 km service intervals, optional Enduro Package Pro, optional Innovation Package (intelligent safety tech), AHO (Automatic Headlight On), Hazard Warning Switch, Pillion Grabrail |
| Variants/Colors | Light White, GS Trophy (Racing Blue Metallic), Triple Black, Option 719 Tramuntana |
| Warranty | 3 years, unlimited mileage (India/Europe); 2 years, limited mileage (USA) |
| Competitors | Ducati Multistrada V4, Triumph Tiger 1200, KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 |
Why Choose the BMW R 1300 GS?
The 2024 BMW R 1300 GS redefines adventure-touring with a 145 hp boxer engine, 237 kg lightweight design, and cutting-edge features like adaptive vehicle height control and radar-based Riding Assistant. Its steel frame, EVO-Telelever/Paralever suspension, and Metzeler tires deliver unmatched handling on and off-road, while the 6.5-inch TFT display, Matrix LED headlight, and heated grips ensure touring refinement. Compared to the Ducati Multistrada V4’s V4 power (167.6 hp) or the Triumph Tiger 1200’s softer focus (148 hp), the R 1300 GS offers superior torque (149 Nm), accessibility, and versatility. Though maintenance costs are high and the 19-liter tank limits extreme touring compared to the R 1300 GS Adventure, its blend of performance, technology, and comfort makes it ideal for riders seeking a do-it-all machine for solo or two-up adventures, earning it Motorcycle.com’s Best Adventure Motorcycle of 2024. Named “Best of 2024” and “Best Adventure Motorcycle of 2024” by Motorcycle.com, the R 1300 GS embodies BMW’s #SpiritOfGS ethos, setting a benchmark in the large touring enduro segment.
