New BMW R 1300 GS breaks cover

Gajanan Kashikar Published: September 29, 2023, 03:27 PM IST

BMW Motorrad has unveiled its most-awaited adventure motorcycle â" the new R 1300 GS â" the successor to the famous R 1250 GS. It has gained a more potent engine, new underpinnings, advanced electronics, additional features, and more importantly, a completely fresh look.

BMW R 1300 GS: Design, chassis, and suspension

The new design language used on the all-new R 1300 GS is a significant departure from the previous R 1250 GS. The new model is compact and sleek and also has a touch of sportiness. Its fascia now gets an X-shaped light setup comprising a matrix LED headlamp and daytime running lights. In addition, it uses a new main frame, which is made from a new sheet metal material and a new dia-cast aluminium sub-frame.Â

Like the R 1250 GS, its successor also continues the telelever front forks and paralever rear mono-shock. What is more? The new electronic dynamic suspension adjustment that automatically adjusts spring rate depending on the ride mode and riding conditions. Also on offer is active height adjustment and sports suspension, which offers 20mm more spring travel at the both ends.

BMW R 1300 GS: Powertrain

Here is the crux of the R1300 GS â" a 1,300cc, boxer-twin, liquid-cooled double overhead camshaft (DOHC) engine producing 145PS at 7,750rpm and 149Nm of torque 6,500rpm. It features an increased displacement of 46cc over its predecessor, thanks to its four-valve DOHC configuration and larger valves. BMW has also tuned up its ShiftCam variable valve timing system to achieve improved efficiency. Meanwhile, the carmaker has saved 4kg by moving the gearbox underneath the engine, making the overall length of the powertrain shorter than before. The reworked shaft drive has further saved 2.6kg. Given that and other changes to its bodywork, the R 1300 GS is 12kg lighter than the R 1250 GS. It now weighs 237kg.

BMW R 1300 GS: Electronics and features

BMW has given it all the bells and whistles, such as four ride modes (Road, Rain, Eco, and Enduro),Â ABS Pro, traction control, hand protectors with indicators, dynamic cruise control with brake function, phone charging compartment and a USB charging socket, seat heating for rider and pillion, a 6.5-inch colour TFT instrument console, RDC, MSR, heated grips, keyless ignition, and intelligent emergency call function, among others. Its Riding Assistant package offers Active Cruise Control (ACC), Front Collision Warning (FCW), and Lane Change Warning (SWW).

The new R1300 GS comes with a starting price of Â£18,465 in the UK. It will be available in three colour options: Triple Black, GS Trophy, and Option 719 Tramuntana. For India, we expect BMW to launch the adventure motorcycle by the end of the year or early 2024. Its prices could start from Rs 22-25 lakh. The new R 1300 GS competes against the Ducati Multistrada V4, Harley-Davidson Pan-America, Triumph Tiger 1200, Honda Africa Twin, and KTM 1290 Super Adventure R.