BMW Motorrad climbs highest active volcano with new R1300GS

Less than three months since its world launch the new BMW R 1300 GS proved its off-road pedigree when a team of riders climbed the world’s highest active volcano on two wheels.

Starting from sea level the riding party summitted the Nevado Ojos del Salado at 6 893 metres, which is the highest active volcano in the world, onboard a fleet of standard BMW R 1300 GS models.

The climb which presents a serious challenge for riders, bikes and tyres culminated in the notorious Rock Channel on the northern flank of the Nevado Ojos del Salado, where the expedition surpassed 6 000 metres in just 19 hours and 22 minutes and in doing so reached a maximum altitude of 6 027 metres.

The four standard BMW R 1300 GS models were equipped with Metzeler Karoo 4 tyres fitted to the 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels which are available as an option. With the Metzeler Karoo 4 tyres, the BMW R 1300 GS offers even better riding characteristics both off-road and on adventure tours. The multi-purpose tyres offer exemplary off-road traction and can be used on everything from sandy or desert tracks to the deepest mud in conjunction with the advanced rider assistance systems of the new BMW R 1300 GS.

The motorcycles were piloted by Christof Lischka, BMW Motorrad Development Manager, Salvatore Pennisi, Metzeler Test and Technical Director, Michele Pradelli, Italian Extreme Enduro Champion and tester for Italian magazine InMoto, and Karsten Schwers, tester and journalist for German magazine MOTORRAD. 

The climb to Nevado Ojos del Salado is an extreme challenge for both man and machine. The environment above 5 000 metres is very inhospitable to humans, the temperatures can reach -20 at night and oxygen content is low. This means that long-term preparation and prior acclimatisation to the region were essential. 

In addition, at over 5 000 metres above sea level, the cold and low air pressure placed particularly high demands on the air-fuel mixture of the Boxer engine, but also on all other vehicle components of the new BMW R 1300 GS. By completing this extreme challenge of performing reliably at over 6000 metres above sea level the BMW R 1300 GS has shown what it can do and what it is made for.

“I am delighted that we were able to take on this challenge with the new R 1300 GS and master it with flying colours. On such adventurous rides, the new GS has already demonstrated its great off-road expertise in standard trim and shown what it can do in extreme situations,” concludes Christof Lischka.