Motorcycle description sheet BMWR 1300 GS 2024 Youthfulness and dynamism

The new BMW R 1300 GS is here, hallelujah! From the very first glance, the uppercut is violent: BMW Motorrad has not contented itself with a gentle evolution of its best-seller, so as not to confuse aficionados of this iconic model. We're talking about the world's best-selling large-displacement motorcycle in 2022! Last year, the propeller-driven brand sold over 60,000 units of the R 1250 GS in all versions. That's more than a third of their total motorcycle production! Reinventing such a motorcycle is no mean feat. And yet, the new R1300GS makes a clean break with the styling of its predecessors. From its more aggressive, resolutely slimmed-down silhouette to its ultra-futuristic X-shaped optics, the new GS takes an unprecedented stylistic direction.

Is this a crisis of youth for a brand celebrating its 100th anniversary, or a bold risk-taking backed by even greater dynamic qualities? Only time will tell... For now, the eagerly-awaited new R 1300 GS arrives in the spotlight of the world's press, under the watchful eyes of the competition and the avid gaze of enthusiasts - and non-enthusiasts alike - with its long history, impressive sales figures and unquestioned dynamic qualities.

Flashback: where do you come from R 1300 GS?

In the spring of 1977, BMW began to think seriously about developing an off-road motorcycle powered by its unmistakable flat-twin. In January 1980, two prototypes embarked on 2,200 km of extreme testing in South America. The R 80 G/S was ready!

In 2004, with the arrival of the R 1200 GS, which took over from the R 100 GS (1987), R 1100 GS (1994) and R 1150 GS (1999), the big German trail bike definitively established itself as the benchmark for the genre, and quite simply as the best motorcycle in the world, according to many specialists. After treating itself to a double overhead camshaft cylinder head in 2007, its flat engine switched to liquid cooling in 2013. Six years later, in 2019, its displacement, long confined to 1,169.6 cm3 (bore x stroke: 101 x 73 mm) climbs to 1,254 cm3 (102.5 x 76 mm). The new engine also features ShiftCam technology, which allows you to vary the timing and lift of the intake valves. With 14.58 mkg of torque and 136 hp of power, the GS's flat engine has never performed better.

More powerful: + 9 hp!

Forty-three years after its birth, the bike whose initials stand for Gelände/Straße reinvents itself once again. From 797 cm3 at birth, the flat-twin it has never abandoned has now grown to exactly 1300 cm3 (106.5 x 73 mm), becoming even more super-square. By increasing the diameter of its pistons, but reducing their stroke, the flat promises even sharper and faster revs. This allows the intake valve diameters to increase, from 40 to 44 mm at the inlet and from 34 to 35.6 mm at the exhaust, further optimizing flow. In terms of performance, the flat-twin engine gains 9 hp to reach 145 hp at 7,750 rpm (unchanged revs). Maximum torque is up by 6 Nm (0.6 mkg) to a promising 149 Nm (15.18 mkg) at 6,500 rpm, 250 rpm later.

While on a sports bike, the race for maximum power is obvious, on a big trail bike of this calibre, it seems somewhat out of place. And yet, how can you imagine a manufacturer today announcing a drop in performance on its big new model? It's not easy... With its new R 1300 GS, BMW can now boast the most powerful production boxer engine ever! This new flat-twin, with its new camshaft layout, adds a detonation sensor to the famous ShiftCam variable valve timing to optimize power control.

Featuring a new camshaft layout, this new flat-twin adds a detonation sensor to the famous ShiftCam variable valve timing system to optimize injection control and deliver even greater riding pleasure. Despite its larger displacement, the new flat-twin is more compact. Its gearbox is also located under the engine.

More modern: the Matrix generation!

On the chassis side, the revolution is even more visible. While the main frame remains in steel, but with reworked and increased rigidity, the tubular steel trellis rear end, which played a major part in the very raw aesthetic signature of the R 1200 and R 1250 GS, gives way to a die-cast aluminum rear end. Combined with a flatter fuel tank, the overall lines of the R1300GS are a radical departure from those of its predecessor, becoming slimmer, longer and more modern. Perhaps too much, at first glance, for some who are very attached to what the big GS is and represents. Already, comments are pouring in from specialists, professionals, enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike, who, as ever, are giving free rein to their good intentions: from "it looks like a BMW G 310 GS" to "finally an RGS I like", from "more elegant" to "the headlight spoils everything", the 1300 leaves no one indifferent.

More in line with the latest aesthetic canons, with its all-new Matrix X-shaped optical signature, the GS creates a sensation: it's love at first sight, or hate at first sight. Whatever the case, as with many iconic motorcycles when they evolve, there's first of all a necessary adaptation period. The first negative opinions can be tempered by looking at it. Then there's the image phase, when you finally see it for real. Perceptions can often change, with volume, size, finish and perceived quality tipping the balance in one direction or another. Then comes the most important part of all: the test drive. A pumpkin that's fun to drive can very quickly turn into a coach. Once you've shared a stretch of road together, felt your soul on the handlebars, experienced the sensations, whether strong or gentle, your outlook inevitably changes. Don't we look at our bikes differently when we look at them with coffee in hand after a great ride? There's no doubt that the R 1300 GS won't miss this opportunity, as the list of dynamic improvements is still long.

The R 1300 GS marks a radical change in design from the R 1250 GS

Lighter: - 12 kg!

Starting with the fact that, in addition to a 9hp increase in power, it loses 12kg on the scales, with an unladen kerb weight of 237kg. For the first time since 2004, the GS loses weight, dropping one kilogram below the 238 kg of the 2013 model. It is now the lightest model in its segment. With less weight and more power, it's even more dynamic overall! Agility and liveliness when changing direction and angle should benefit from this slimming down, compensating for the longer wheelbase (from 1,514 to 1,518 mm) and more open front axle geometry (from 100.6 mm of headroom and 25.7° of column angle to 112 mm and 26.2°), the latter designed to increase overall stability.

The highly personal front and rear wheel steering systems have also been optimized. Now called EVO Telever and EVO Paralever, they offer, according to the press kit, "enhanced steering precision and stability". Available as an option, the R 1250 GS's Dynamic ESA Next Generation electronic suspension adjustment system is now called DSA, for Dynamic Suspension Adjustment, the difference being that the system, which acts on the front and rear hydraulic adjustments, no longer intervenes only on rear shock preload, but also on front shock preload. All this "depending on the steering mode selected, the driving conditions and the type of manoeuvre performed".

More equipment: some standard, many options...

The R 1300 GS also offers a host of technological refinements as standard, including four riding modes: Road, Rain, Eco and Enduro. It also features Engine Brake Torque Management (EBTM), Dynamic Brake Assist (DBA), Hill-Start Assist (HSA), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and ABS Pro Full Integral. A new Matrix LED headlamp and front turn signals integrated into the hand guards (watch out for the price of the drop!) are also standard. On the practical side, the R 1300 GS comes standard with a USB socket and 12V charging system on the handlebars, a familiar 6.5" TFT display, keyless ignition, a useful RDC system that continuously monitors tire pressure, BMW's emergency call system and heated grips.

Of course, the R 1300 GS doesn't break with tradition, as the list of options, accessories, equipment and packages of all kinds is long... and expensive. Of particular note is the bike's adaptive height adjustment, which allows the seat height to be reduced from 850 to 820 mm at standstill and when riding slowly. A Sport mode of suspension adjustment also makes its appearance. The optional Headlight Pro system illuminates the inside of the bend according to the bike's position. In terms of driving assistance, there's ACC (Active Cruise Control) with integrated braking function (is this really necessary on a motorcycle?); SWW (Lane Change Warning); FCW (Front Collision Warning). In terms of comfort, even the coldest riders will appreciate the heated rider and passenger seats. And so many other refinements available à la carte (blue!).

By card: blue, gold or Amex?

The new R 1300 GS is available in three distinct styles: the sporty GS Trophy, the sober Triple Black, both of which come with spoked wheels, and the chic Option 719 Tramuntana with gold-spoke wheels and various milled aluminum elements.

For the time being, the Adventure version remains in the catalog in its R 1250 GSA configuration. But the R 1300 GS Adventure will eventually replace it. Note that the new fuel tank on the R 1300 GS loses one liter of capacity (from 20 to 19 l), but retains its 4-liter reserve. Finally, travelers will have noticed that the original bubble has been transformed into a windscreen. Adjustable, of course, but it will be necessary to validate in action the new aerodynamic protection of this terminal devourer that is the GS.

Now starting at €20,690, or €800 more, the bill can quickly skyrocket as you dip into the options list. Just for fun, a full-option Triple Black model is listed at €32,265 on the official configurator available on the manufacturer's website. As with its predecessors, which have marked a real step forward in terms of dynamics... and pricing, the only limit to the R1300GS, in all areas, is you!

The BMW R 80 G/S and its distant descendant - a world apart, but they want the same thing.

The highlights of the new BMW R 1300 GS at a glance:

The BMW R 1300 GS is already available to order, starting at 20,690 euros (outch...). The first customer deliveries will take place in early November 2023.

• Completely reworked boxer engine and BMW ShiftCam technology to adjust control times and intake valve lift.
• Gearbox located under the engine for greater compactness.
• BMW's most powerful boxer engine ever.
• Responsiveness across the entire engine speed range, exemplary fuel economy, low emissions, smooth running and top-level refinement.
• Power and torque: 145 hp (107 kW) at 7,750 rpm and 149 Nm at 6,500 rpm.
• Detonation sensors for optimal injection control and enhanced driving pleasure.
• Completely redesigned suspension with steel main frame and die-cast aluminum rear loop. Improved steering precision and stability thanks to the new EVO Telelever with flexible element and the reworked EVO Paralever rear wheel guidance system.
• 12 kg weight reduction compared to previous model.
• BMW Motorrad Full Integral ABS Pro as standard.
• Four driving modes as standard.
• Engine Brake Torque Regulation (EBTR), Dynamic Brake Assist (DBA) and Hill-Start Assist (HSC) as standard.
• Pro control modes with additional control modes available as options.
• DTC dynamic traction control as standard.
• Optional Electronic Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA), with dynamic adjustment of damping, spring rate and load compensation.
• Adaptive height adjustment and sport suspension available as options.
• New Matrix LED headlamp as standard.
• Headlight Pro with optional adaptive cornering light.
• Hand guards with integrated indicators as standard.
• Lithium-ion battery with "Battery Guard" as standard (service available via the BMW Motorrad app).
• Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC) with braking function as standard.
• Pilot assistant with active cruise control (ACC),
• Optional Front Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Change Warning (SWW) for safer driving.
• Smartphone charging compartment behind the handlebars with USB and 12V sockets as standard.
• Heated saddles for rider and passenger available as an option.
• Optional handlebar extensions up to 30 mm.
• Wide choice of optional seat heights.
• Connectivity: multifunction instrument cluster with 6.5" TFT color display offering a host of standard functions.
• RDC, Keyless Ride, heated grips as standard.
• Intelligent emergency call available as standard.
• Available in Triple Black, GS Trophy and Option 719 Tramuntana.
• Extensive range of optional equipment, genuine BMW Motorrad accessories and rider equipment.

Michaël Levivier -Manufacturer photos