First introduced in 1980, the BMW R 80 G/S is widely considered to be the first-ever adventure motorcycle, quickly proving its worth and capabilities by winning the infamous Dakar Rally in 1981, the year after its debut. The Bavarian brand’s inaugural Gelände/Straße model would ultimately give way to a host of ever-more-advanced successors, culminating in its latest generation flagship adventure motorcycle, the all-new and completely redesigned BMW R 1300 GS.
Totally redesigned from the ground up, the R 1300 GS replaces BMW’s existing 1250 model, and packs an all-new 1,300cc boxer twin with ShiftCam variable valve timing tech that makes 145hp and 110ft-lbs of torque at 7,750rpm and 6,500rpm, respectively — making it the most powerful GS model ever, and by a significant margin. The entire bike also weighs 26.4lbs less than the outgoing 1250 model. Mated to a revised frame is BMW’s new EVO Telelever front-end setup while the aft-end of the bike has been treated to a revised EVO Paralever rear unit.
The most noticeable change to the two-wheeler is the fact that BMW’s design team has treated the bike to a ground-up redesign, resulting in a much, much sleeker appearance that includes more sweeping seat shape that flows into a more modern tank, before culminating in an all-new front-end design complete with state-of-the-art Matrix LED headlights. Unsurprisingly, the R 1300 GS is absolutely brimming with tech. And includes adaptive vehicle height control, Dynamic Cruise Control with a brake function, electronic Dynamic Suspension Adjustment, four ride modes (Rain, road, Eco, Enduro), Riding Assistant with Active Cruise Control, Front Collision Warning, and Lane Change Warning, just to name a few. All in all, the 1300-spec represents the most significant model update that BMW has ever bestowed upon its flagship ADV range.
The 2024 BMW R 1300 GS is available for order now, with pricing starting at $18,895. In typical BMW fashion, the brand’s new flagship adventure motorcycle is being offered with an enormous range of optional add-ons and accessories.
