The All-new BMW 1300 GS is ready for any adventure

BMW established a completely new segment of touring motorcycles when it launched the R 80 G/S more than 40 years ago and the GS has been the undisputed leader since. To ensure that this remains the case, BMW Motorrad is launching a completely redesigned model in the form of the R 1300 GS.

The new BMW 1300 GS takes the flagship GS concept to the next level with a new boxer engine, new suspension and significantly reduced weight.

With the design of the new BMW R 1300 GS designers focused on honing the GS concept even further. The design is defined by integration and modularity, thereby offering optimum performance and functionality for all riders. With its significantly flatter tank ramp, the flyline is largely responsible for the very dynamic, light and accessible appearance. Continuing through the upholstered centre cover over the aluminium fuel tank, the seat gives the GS a typically enduro style silhouette. 

A striking break from tradition in terms of design was achieved with the new headlight signature of the daytime running light, with the integration of high beam and low beam in a single projector unit resulting in a redesign of the iconic face of the GS headlamp. The light unit consists of two LED units for low and high beam along with four additional LED units for the daytime running light and the side light. LED turn indicators are integrated into the hand protectors at the front and sleekly integrated rear lights round off the lighting concept.

The ergonomic triangle of the new R 1300 GS has been optimised for a sporty, relaxed riding position. With the optional handlebar riser and different rider seats and footrests the ergonomics can be adjusted to ensure the new R 1300 GS perfectly suits the rider.

All-new engine

A newly designed boxer engine has a capacity of exactly 1 300cc, derived from an enlarged cylinder bore and new crankshaft with reduced stroke. The result is an output of 107kW at 7 750rpm and 149Nm at 6 500rpm. In addition to the increased performance, the tractability has also been improved with improved torque throughout the rev range.

The two-cylinder boxer engine is more compact than ever before thanks to a gearbox located under the engine and a new camshaft drive arrangement. The six-cylinder gearbox and clutch are integrated into the engine housing, the advantages of this arrangement include a reduced overall length and improved packaging and weight balance. In the interests of increased shifting precision, the gearbox now has a sensor signal transmitter for the optional Shift Assistant Pro based on a new concept involving a torsion magnet. This is reflected in a much more direct feel when shifting gears.

Even in standard trim, the new R 1300 GS offers four riding modes for adaptation of individual rider preferences including Rain, Road, Eco and Enduro. Riders can also choose the optional Riding Modes Pro which comprises additional riding modes Dynamic, Dynamic Pro and Enduro Pro.

The new BMW R 1300 GS features the new Riding Assistant option, consisting of Active Cruise Control, Front Collision Warning and Lane Change Warning.

A thoroughly revised chassis package

Like the engine, the entire suspension of the new BMW R 1300 GS was redesigned. The new main frame is made of steel, which offers better packaging space and higher levels of stiffness. The rear subframe is now made of die-cast aluminium. The short, slim and dynamic rear end now forms a significantly stiffer bond with the main frame resulting in a noticeable increase in riding precision and stability.

The newly designed suspension achieved the goal of centralising a lot of the weight towards the centre of gravity, which is reflected in noticeable handling benefits. The new R 1300 GS is even more precise and stable when braking, requires less effort to ride and offers an even more satisfyingly precise response of the suspension elements.

The front suspension still utilises the Telelever principle introduced by BMW Motorrad 30 years ago, but in an innovative, newly designed form that combines the best of both worlds. With the new Evo Telelever, BMW Motorrad is combining the strengths of the two previously utilised Telelever variants and sees upper fork construction, fork tubes, handlebar connected in a new way that creates significantly greater rigidity, which is reflected in the noticeably increased ride stability of the new R 1300 GS. Rear suspension has also been redesigned.

Dynamic Suspension Adjustment, available as an option has been updated and now combines dynamic adjustment of the damping and adjustable spring rest at the rear with a corresponding adjustment of the spring rate depending on the selected riding mode, riding condition and manoeuvres. In conjunction with the Dynamic Suspension adjustment new features include adaptive vehicle height control and sports suspension.

The new R 1300 GS comes as standard with a twin disc brake featuring two newly developed, radially mounted four-piston fixed callipers at the front and a single disc brake with two-piston calliper at the rear that work in conjunction with BMW Motorrad Full Integral ABS Pro. Here, the handbrake lever activates the front and rear brakes at the same time.

Three different wheel sets are available for the R 1300 GS measuring 3.0 x 19-inch upfront and 4.5 x 17-inch at the rear. Basic and Triple Black models are fitted with very light cast aluminium wheels while the Trophy and Option 719 Tramuntana model variants are fitted with newly developed cross-spoke wheels featuring aluminium rim rings for dedicated off-road use. Newly developed Enduro forged wheels are available as optional fitment.

The new R 1300 GS is fitted with a new, very small and attractive full LED headlamp with a novel, distinctive light icon as standard. The light consists of one LED unit for low and high beam along with four additional LED units for the daytime running light and the side light. State of the art LED light units with the newly designed LED turn indicators, integrated into the hand protectors at the front, round off the lighting concept.

The new R 1300 GS is fitted with Riding Assistant which consists of Active Cruise Control, Front Collision Warning and Lane Change Warning.

The Connectivity multifunctional instrument cluster with 6.5-inch full colour TFT screen works in conjunction with the BMW Motorrad Multi-Controller to give the rider fast access to vehicle and connectivity functions.