BMW R 1300 GS unveiled with more power, less weight

BMW’s flagship adventure bike has entered its next generation, evolving from the venerable R 1250 GS into the new R 1300 GS.

1. 145hp, 149Nm, 1300cc boxer-twin
2. All-new frame, sub-frame and suspension
3. 12kg lighter than before

BMW R 1300 GS engine

At the heart of this new bike sits the most powerful series production boxer engine that BMW has ever produced. Displacing exactly 1,300cc, it puts out 145hp at 7,750rpm and 149Nm at 6,500rpm, meaning its 9hp and 6Nm up from earlier. Peak power arrives at the same rpm, though peak torque now comes in 250rpm higher. BMW says that despite the bump up in displacement, the engine is more compact than before, thanks to the gearbox now being placed underneath the engine.

BMW R 1300 GS underpinnings

Around the engine, there’s also an all-new sheet metal steel main frame which BMW says is stiffer than before, while the tubular steel rear sub-frame has been replaced with a die-cast aluminium unit. Suspension at both ends is also new, though it still takes the form of BMW’s signature telelever front fork and paralever rear suspension.

Overall, the R 1300 GS is 12kg lighter than its predecessor, tipping the scales at 237kg. That said, the new aluminium fuel tank, at 19 litres, holds 1 litre less than before. Nevertheless, with a more potent engine and less bike for it to haul around, power-to-weight ratio has jumped significantly from 546.2hp per tonne to 611.8 hp per tonne.

BMW R 1300 GS design and features

In terms of features, you now get four standard riding modes (up from the earlier three): Rain, Ride, Eco and Enduro. As before, you get a Bluetooth-equipped TFT colour display, adjustable windscreen and LED headlight as standard (cornering function is an optional extra). However, the design of the latter has been completely changed, and you no longer get an asymmetric fascia. BMW has revised the styling across the motorcycle, and you now get less expansive, more sleek bodywork. The tail section in particular appears to be more slender than before, and the pillion seems to be smaller and less flat too.

Continuing with features, this is the first BMW GS to feature radar-assisted safety features – you get Active Cruise Control (ACC), Front Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Change Warning (SWW). The first can maintain a set distance to a vehicle ahead, while the second includes brake intervention to avoid a collision. As for optional extras, BMW continues to offer electronically adjustable suspension, but the new Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA) now also adjusts spring stiffness depending on the selected riding mode and other conditions. The earlier Dynamic ESA electronic suspension could only adjust damping rates on the fly. Additionally, you can now also opt for adaptive vehicle height, which automatically adjusts the height of the motorcycle depending on the conditions.

BMW R 1300 GS India launch and price

Having just been globally unveiled, you can expect the R 1300 GS to make its way to the Indian market in the coming months. If the current trend is followed, then it will arrive solely in a ‘Pro’ variant, with certain optional extras included as standard. Expect it to carry a price hike over the current R 1250 GS Pro, which sells for Rs 20.55 lakh (ex-showroom, India).