BMW R 1300 GS By Ben Purvis
BMW's R-series GS models have dominated sales charts around the globe for the last 20 years, and that trend shows no sign of changing in 2024 thanks to the launch of the widely reported and test- ridden all-new R 1300 GS.
It's a genuinely new bike, with arguably the biggest changes ever seen in the evolution of the GS - including completely revamped styling, a new sheet-steel chassis and the most powerful engine ever seen in a GS model.
That frame is a huge departure, dropping the tubular steel concept of its predecessors in favour of pressed steel sheets - a concept that BMW has already trialled in the F-series GS models. It is said to be a concept that combines low weight, rigidity and the ability to cope with the rigours of off-road use without suffering the metal fatigue that an aluminium frame might be susceptible to.
The chassis is in a large part responsible for the 12 kg weight reduction compared to the previous R 1250 GS. At the back, there's a cast alloy seat subframe instead of the old steel tube design, and BMW has even rethought the Telelever front suspension system, introducing a new 'EVO' Telelever design that adds more stability and steering precision by taking its inspiration from the sports bike Telelever systems previously used on bikes like the HP2 Sport.
Below it hangs a boxer twin engine that's grown to a genuine 1,300 cc capacity, pushing out 107 kW (145 hp) at 7,750 rpm and 149 Nm at 6,500 rpm. As before, it's a water-cooled design, with BMW's ShiftCam variable valve timing and lift system, and there's a huge suite of rider aids including Dynamic Brake Assist, Driving Modes Pro, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Cruise Control with brake function and, optionally, Active Cruise Control that uses a front-facing radar to monitor the vehicles in front and keep pace with them, as well as intervening on the brakes when needed. There's also a rear sensor that enables lane change warnings.
Optionally, the new GS can be fitted with electronic Dynamic Suspension Adjustment that alters not only damping, but also the front and rear spring rates, bringing them into line with the selected riding mode and compensating for loads including passengers and luggage. Further options include height control, raising or lowering the suspension, depending on the situation, and making it easier to reach the ground at a standstill.
The four standard riding modes add an 'Enduro' setting to the previous Road, Rain and Eco option.
Visually, the new GS offers a much sleeker look than its predecessors. The lopsided headlight design of the last few generations is gone, replaced with an X-shaped design that's tucked into the top of the front nacelle that helps disguise the radar sensor, when fitted. As before, there's a choice of wire or alloy wheels, as well as a huge array of options and variants available, but as yet, BMW has NOT launched an 'Adventure' variant - that is likely to come for the 2025 model year.
