2024 BMW R 1300 GS Review | First Ride

October 31, 2023 editor 2024, BMW, R 1300 GS 16 min read

We logged nearly 300 miles during our two-day first ride on the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS. (Photos courtesy BMW Motorrad)

On Sept. 28, 2023, BMW Motorrad celebrated the 100th anniversary of its first production motorcycle (the R 32) by unveiling the latest version of its best-selling motorcycle, the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS. With a pedigree that goes back 43 years to the original R 80 G/S, which introduced the Gelände/Straße (“off-road/road”) concept and started the adventure bike revolution, the R 1300 GS is new from the ground up. Only the butterfly valves and a few bolts and connectors carry over from the R 1250 GS.

The alpha and omega of adventure bikes. On the left, the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS Trophy. On the right, the 1980 R 80 G/S.

Development of the R 1300 GS started six years ago – two years before the R 1250 GS was introduced. Having squeezed as much as they could out of the existing platform, which started with the R 1200 GS introduced in 2004, BMW’s designers and engineers knew that taking the R-series GS into the future and maintaining its position in the market required a clean-sheet design.

The new 1,300cc boxer Twin is more powerful yet lighter and more compact. In this cutaway view, the gearbox that was moved from behind to under the engine is visible.

BMW R 1300 GS: New from Stem to Stern

The design objectives were to make the R 1300 GS lighter, more compact, more powerful, and more capable than its predecessor. The only thing that couldn’t change was the engine configuration; the new GS had to have a flat-Twin boxer, but nearly everything else about the engine is new. Displacement increased from 1,254cc to 1,300cc, achieved by a larger 106.5mm bore (up from 102.5) and a new crankshaft that shortened the stroke to 73mm (from 76). Peak horsepower increased from 136 to 145, peak torque increased from 105 to 110 lb-ft, and there’s more torque throughout the rev range, with more than 96 lb-ft available from 3,600 to 7,800 rpm (redline is 9,000 rpm).

The next-gen EVO Paralever front suspension gives the R 1300 GS better control on and off the pavement.

GEAR UP

Helmet: Shoei Hornet XS

Jacket: Tourmaster Ridgecrest

Gloves: Tourmaster Overlander

Pants: Tourmaster Ridgecrest

Boots: Sidi Adventure 2 Gore-Tex

This illustration shows the new timing chain arrangement.

Like its predecessor, the new boxer has air/liquid-cooled cylinders, ShiftCam variable valve timing, and DOHC with four valves per cylinder. The cams are driven by a new timing chain arrangement, with the right cylinder’s timing chain in front of the cylinder and the left cylinder’s timing chain behind the cylinder. Helping achieve the increased power and torque result are revised cam timing, larger valves (44mm intake, up from 40; 35.6mm exhaust, up from 34), and a higher compression ratio (13.3:1, up from 12.5:1).

Enduro Pro mode is part of Riding Modes Pro that’s included in the optional Premium Package. For our off-road test, bikes were also equipped with accessory engine protection bars.

The R 1300 GS has four standard ride modes: Road, Rain, Eco, and Enduro. Optional Ride Modes Pro adds three additional modes – Dynamic, Dynamic Pro, and Enduro Pro – and the two Pro modes can be customized. Each mode has presets for various standard electronic functions, including throttle response, Dynamic Traction Control, cornering ABS Pro, Dynamic Brake Control, MSR (engine braking torque), and Hill Start Control Pro, as well as optional Dynamic Suspension Adjustment.

The base-model R 1300 GS comes in Light White with a Sport windscreen. The bikes we rode were equipped with an electric windscreen (the first time offered on a GS) that’s part of the Comfort Package.

Claimed wet weight for the R 1300 GS is 523 lb – 26 lb less than the R 1250 GS. Despite the increase in displacement and power, the engine is nearly 9 lb lighter, while the entire powertrain is more than 14 lb lighter. A new lithium battery shed another 5.5 lb, and reducing fuel capacity from 5.3 to 5.0 gallons saved 1.8 lb. The gearbox was moved under the engine, which was made possible by reducing the number of transmission shafts from three to two. The more compact engine allowed BMW to package everything more tightly and better centralize mass. Even though the engine was moved up to accommodate the gearbox, the bike’s overall center of gravity and weight distribution have not changed.

This is the Trophy variant of the R 1300 GS, which features tubeless cross-spoke wheels. The white cast-aluminum subframe clearly shows the departure from the tubular-steel subframe used on previous R-series GS models. A sheet-metal main frame replaces the former tubular-steel unit.

As part of the GS’s tighter packaging, the previous tubular-steel space frame has been replaced with a precisely formed and laser-welded sheet-metal main frame that uses the engine as a structural component. The tubular-steel subframe has been replaced with a cast-aluminum subframe that is said to be lighter, stiffer, narrower, and more tightly bonded to the main frame. Since the weight of the rider, passenger, and luggage is carried by the subframe, the new design improves stability and riding dynamics.

This illustration highlights the EVO Telelever front and EVO Paralever rear suspension systems as well as the optional Dynamic Suspension Adjustment. Within the black reservoirs are secondary springs that allow different spring rates to be used in on-road and off-road modes.

For three decades, the R-series GS platform has used BMW’s proprietary Telelever front suspension system, which separates suspension forces from steering inputs. The Telelever uses a swingarm that connects the frame to the lower triple clamp through a ball joint. The fork’s stanchions slide within the tubes like on a telescopic fork, but the fork doesn’t control damping; that’s handled by a single central shock between the Telelever’s swingarm and the frame. The tops of the fork stanchions are connected to the handlebar plate via ball joints. As the suspension moves through its stroke, the swingarm moves through an arc, and the upper and lower ball joints compensate for the Telelever’s torsional movement.

As with all Telelever systems, front suspension damping is controlled by a central shock.

The R 1300 GS is equipped with the next-gen EVO Telelever system, which eliminates the ball joints atop the fork tubes and instead uses a metal flex plate between the handlebar plate and the upper triple clamp. The flex plate accommodates the Telelever’s torsional movement but does so with less friction and more stiffness than the ball joints. To further reduce friction, a radial spherical plain bearing connects the upper triple clamp to the steering stem, which is guided within the frame via a cylindrical roller bearing at the top and a deep-groove ball bearing at the bottom. There’s also an extra roller bearing for the ball joint that connects the Telelever swingarm to the lower fork bridge. Increasing the front wheel axle’s diameter from 0.2 inch to 1.0 inch contributes additional stiffness to the front end, and the new axle is 1.7 oz. lighter.

On the previous Telelever system, the tops of the fork tubes connected to the handlebar plate via ball joints. On the EVO Telelever above, the tops of the fork tubes end in caps and the tubes are firmly clamped by an upper triple clamp. The bolt below the right fork cap attaches to the new flex plate that handles torsional movement as the Telelever swingarm moves through its stroke.

There’s also a new EVO Paralever rear suspension. Moving the gearbox under the engine allowed the single-sided swingarm to be made longer for better traction (wheelbase has increased by only 0.2 inch). The EVO system has a stiffer connection between the rear shock and the frame, and the swingarm bearing is arranged off-axis to the rotation of the cardan shaft joint. The driveshaft has larger universal joints, and a longer rear-axle wheel stub makes it easier to remove and mount the rear wheel.

Through a combination of weight loss, chassis redesign, and suspension updates, the R 1300 GS handles fast twisty roads better than its predecessor.

The optional Dynamic Suspension Adjustment not only electronically adjusts damping depending on suspension mode and conditions, it also automatically adjusts preload to compensate for varying loads. Within the front and rear shocks’ remote reservoirs are secondary springs which allows DSA to use different spring rates for on-road and off-road ride modes.

Two new suspension options are also available. One is adaptive vehicle height control, which lowers seat height from 33.5 to 32.3 inches and can be set to automatically adjust seat height or to stay at the low or high heights. In the other direction, sports suspension, which is designed for aggressive off-road riding, adds 0.8 inch of front/rear travel and firmer damping.

The R 1300 GS has a sharper, more aggressive profile than the R 1250 GS.

With its sharper beak, more integrated bodywork, and new frame and subframe, the styling of the R 1300 GS is a radical departure from the R 1250 GS, so much so that initial reactions were mixed when we posted an announcement online. While styling is highly subjective, the new GS is best appreciated in person; photos don’t do it justice, and I count myself as a fan of the new look.

Replacing the previous asymmetrical headlight is a new X-shaped matrix with LED daytime running lights on the outside and high/low beam in the center. The optional Headlight Pro adds a cornering function.

The R 1300 GS has a more aggressive and aerodynamic profile, with a flatter tank and a slimmer tailsection. Perhaps most controversial of all is the centralized X-shaped headlight that replaces the asymmetrical headlight that’s been a signature GS styling element for many years. The new design was guided in part by new homologation requirements but also by a desire to create a distinctive new look that will be instantly recognizable.

Riding the BMW R 1300 GS

We spent two days riding the R 1300 GS on- and off-road for nearly 300 miles at the global press launch in southern Spain. Over the past 15 years, with thousands of miles ridden on intros, road tests, and nearly a dozen overseas tours, I’ve logged more miles on BMW R 1200/1250 GS models than any other motorcycle. Hands down, the R 1300 GS is the best GS yet. The traits that the boxer-powered GS are known for – engine character, balance, comfort, and versatility – are better than ever. It looks and feels much slimmer than before, and the increased power and torque are impressive.

Our off-road test was brief, but it provided a favorable first impression of how the R 1300 GS handles on rocky, uneven terrain.

Thanks to the stiffer chassis and new EVO Telelever/Paralever suspension, the R 1300 GS feels more stable both on-road and off-road, yet its steering is lighter and sharper. Whereas the previous Telelever setup offered responsive handling but muted feedback, the EVO Telelever sends clearer signals to the rider through the handlebar.

During our off-road test, we rode the Trophy variant of the R 1300 GS with cross-spoke wheels and Metzeler Karoo 4 tires. Balanced and predictable low-speed handling has long been a hallmark of boxer-powered GS models, and the R 1300 GS chugged along happily on singletrack gravel trails and wooded paths. At higher speeds up and down an unpaved road covered in fist-sized rocks, the GS improved upon what it’s known for – handling better off-road than a bike of its size should. Standing on the pegs felt very natural thanks to the slimmer tank and midsection and 1.2-inch-taller handlebar.

With a taller handlebar and a slimmer midsection, the R 1300 GS is well-suited to stand-up riding.

Our off-road test was no more than 10 miles total, primarily just a photo opportunity at an enduro park in a former rock quarry. We made fast runs on gravel, slow runs on rocky singletrack, and chugged up a rocky road to a vista high above the Mediterranean coast – enough for a taste test, but certainly well short of a full meal. We’ll have to wait until we get a test bike to do a more thorough assessment of the bike’s off-road prowess.

Dynamic Pro mode was our preferred setting for attacking twisty backroads.

On-road is where we logged most of our miles, everything from freeways to traffic-choked city roads with slippery roundabouts to a 10-course meal of backroads that snaked from the coast up into the mountains and back down again. The GS was responsive and easy to handle in all conditions, but it really came alive on tight, twisty roads in the Sierra de las Nieves range. I was able to push harder with more confidence, especially with the firmer suspension damping in Dynamic Pro mode.

Because the EVO Telelever front suspension is stiffer, it is more stable and also communicates more feedback to the rider.

The added power and torque allow the R 1300 GS to launch forward quickly with a flick of the wrist in almost any gear or rpm, yet the bike doesn’t feel edgy or aggressive. The revamped boxer runs more smoothly, which long-distance touring riders will appreciate. Whether light pulls on the lever or hard squeezes, the GS slows down with precision and power, enhanced by the electronic wizardry of cornering ABS and semi-active suspension.

The R 1300 GS has a more slender tank and midsection, which opens up the cockpit. The tank is flatter (and 0.3 gallon smaller), and the gray section is padded upholstery that acts like a continuation of the seat.

Not only does the new GS handle, accelerate, and stop better than the R 1250 GS, it’s also more comfortable. At 33.5 inches, its nonadjustable seat height is the same as the low position on the 1250. At 6-feet with long arms and a 34-inch inseam, the ergonomics of R-series GS models have always suited me. The 1300’s taller handlebar opens up the rider triangle, which I found agreeable whether seated or standing. We tried two different windscreens, the short Sport windscreen and the electrically adjustable windscreen with side deflectors, and both managed airflow well, the latter providing more protection at any height.

BMW R 1300 GS: The Every Bike

State-of-the-art technology has always been an important aspect of the GS. The R 1300 GS has more standard features than before, including the electronic rider aids listed above along with a 6.5-inch TFT with connectivity, tire-pressure monitoring, heated grips, cruise control, handguards with integrated turnsignals, Keyless Ride, a 12V socket, and a smartphone charging compartment with a USB port.

2024 BMW R 1300 GS Triple Black

Since the R 1300 GS is the continuation of its best-selling model line, BMW Motorrad tried to ensure that almost any customer preference will be satisfied. Four model variants are available:

The base model R 1300 GS has a Sport windscreen and a 33.5-inch seat height, and it comes in Light White with a two-tone black/gray two-piece rider and passenger seat.

The Triple Black variant has a black-on-black color scheme, an electric high windscreen with side wind deflectors, comfort seats, comfort passenger footpegs, and a centerstand.

The Trophy variant has a red/white/blue Racing Blue Metallic colorway as well as a high rider’s seat (34.2 inches) and a Sport passenger seat that give the appearance of a one-piece rally seat.

The Option 719 Tramuntana variant has an Aurelius Green Metallic paint scheme and special finishes, a gold anodized handlebar, cross-spoke wheels with gold rims, and a rear luggage rack.

2024 BMW R 1300 GS Option 719 Tramuntana with optional Vario luggage, which now has internal lighting

There are three options packages:

The Premium Package adds lean-sensitive Headlight Pro, Dynamic Suspension Adjustment, Shift Assistant Pro, Riding Modes Pro, Sport Brakes, Central Locking, preparation for navigation, a chrome-plated exhaust manifold, Vario side and top case mounts, handguard extensions, and the new radar-enabled Riding Assistant, which includes Front Collision Warning, Active Cruise Control, and Lane Change Warning.

The Comfort Package adds an electric high windscreen, a centerstand, a Comfort passenger seat and footpegs, and a luggage rack.

The Enduro Pro Package adds handlebar risers, engine protection bars, an enduro aluminum engine guard, short enduro handlebar levers, GS adjustable rider footpegs, an exhaust mount for single seat, adjustable foot brake and gearshift levers, large frame guards, and narrower turnsignal stalks.

The left switchgear still includes the excellent Multi-Controller wheel. Above the menu button is a new “burger” button (that’s what the icon looks like) that works in conjunction with the up/down rocker switch to assist with menu navigation.

And there are more than 60 individual options and accessories. Depending on how the R 1300 GS is configured, there are seven seat heights to choose from ranging from 31.5 inches to 35 inches. There are four different suspension options to choose from: Series (manual adjustment), DSA (Dynamic Suspension Adjustment), DSA + Sport Suspension, and DSA + Adaptive Vehicle Height Control. There are different windscreens, footpegs, levers, protection bars and guards, wheels, and a dizzying area of luggage options.

The new look may take some getting used to, but this is the best GS yet.

By completely overhauling the R-series GS platform, BMW Motorrad risked alienating some of its core customers and possibly jeopardizing sales of its flagship motorcycle. But it’s also no surprise that the most powerful, capable, and sophisticated R-series GS made its debut during BMW Motorrad’s 100th anniversary. It’s the perfect motorcycle to carry the marque into its next century.

Check out more new motorcycles in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide.

2024 BMW R 1300 GS with optional equipment