The new BMW R 1300 GS: “Next level GS” with new boxer engine and new suspension, with significantly reduced weight and greater competence.
BMW Motorrad has already been part of the new endurance touring segment for more than four decades with the R 80 G/S. The BMW GS with boxer engine has been a leader in the competitive field ever since. To ensure that this remains the case in the future, BMW Motorrad has opted for a virtually new design for the new R 1300 GS, with a weight saving of 12 kg compared to the previous model.
The centerpiece is once again the legendary twin-cylinder boxer engine. Its new design is more compact, due to a gearbox located underneath the engine and a new arrangement of the camshaft unit. With exactly 1,300 cc, it produces a power output of 107 kW (145 hp) at 7,750 rpm, developing a maximum torque of 149 Nm at 6,500 rpm. This makes it the most powerful BMW boxer engine ever produced in series.
At the heart of the new suspension is the steel plate main frame, which as well as being significantly optimized in terms of installation space, also offers higher levels of rigidity than the previous model. For the rear frame, the previous tubular steel structure has now been replaced by a cast aluminum construction. The new EVO Telelever front wheel guide with flexible element and the renewed EVO Paralever rear wheel guide also provide even greater steering precision and ride stability.
The previous Dynamic ESA Next Generation electronic suspension provided a high level of safety and riding enjoyment on a wide variety of terrain with its dynamic damping adjustment and adjustable spring rest at the rear. The new Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA) electronic system now goes one step further, combining dynamic adjustment of the front and rear damping with a corresponding adjustment of the spring pressure rate (“spring stiffness”) – depending on the selected driving mode, driving conditions and maneuvers. Automatic adjustment of the spring support ensures load compensation. Whether solo, in pairs or with bulky luggage – the DSA guarantees a high level of safety, performance and driving comfort.
Exclusively in combination with DSA as optional equipment ex works, two more items of optional equipment are available for the suspension of the new R 1300 GS: the new adaptive ride height control and the sports suspension.
With adaptive ride height control, the new R 1300 GS offers fully automatic ride height adjustment depending on the conditions of use, thus ensuring the greatest possible comfort without having to compromise on driving dynamics and freedom of movement.
With 20 mm more suspension travel at the front and rear and an optional athletic sports suspension specially developed for the GS, off-road riders are well catered for.
Even in the standard version, the new R 1300 GS now has four driving modes instead of three, to adapt to the rider’s individual preferences. The “Rain” and “Road” driving modes allow the driving characteristics to be adapted to most road conditions. With the “Eco” riding mode it is possible to achieve maximum range on a single tank of fuel, while the additional “Enduro” riding mode allows for an enhanced riding experience off the beaten track with a specific configuration for off-road use.
The new R 1300 GS offers a new, very small full LED headlight with a new, distinctive light icon as standard, thus ensuring better perception in traffic. The light unit consists of two LED units for the low beam and high beam, as well as four additional LED units for the daytime running light and the side light. State-of-the-art LED light units with newly designed LED direction indicators – integrated into the hand guards at the front and integrated into the function at the rear – complete the lighting concept of the new R 1300 GS. With the optional equipment item “Headlight Pro”, the beam of the standard full LED headlight turns into the curve according to the position of the seat. In this way, the curve is almost completely illuminated because the light moves where the bike is heading.
The new BMW R 1300 GS features the new Riding Assistant option, made up of the Active Cruise Control (ACC), Front Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Change Warning (SWW) components. Active Cruise Control (ACC) with integrated distance control can be used to set the desired driving speed as well as the distance to the vehicle in front. Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with brake intervention is designed to prevent collisions and help reduce the severity of accidents, while Lane Change Warning monitors the left and right lanes and can help ensure safe lane changes by supporting the use of the rear-view mirror.
The new R 1300 GS features a completely new design that builds on the traditional GS driving line, while reflecting a compact shape and significant weight reduction.
With a new aluminum fuel tank that has a much flatter ramp than on previous models, the drive line is largely responsible for the dynamic, light and accessible appearance of the new R 1300 GS. Here, too, it has been possible to add a sporty and dynamic accent through the continuous texture on the central fuel filler cap.
he basic variant of the new BMW R 1300 GS embodies what the BMW Motorrad development team has been developing the GS model for: compact component layout, high equipment functionality – and everything centered on the essentials. In Lightwhite paint and together with its drawn lines and simple appearance, the new R 1300 GS has a muscular appearance and incorporates the GS boxer theme in an original style.
TripleBlack is a variant of the boxer GS model that has been popular for many years. In this color scheme, the new BMW R 1300 GS has a masculine attitude combined with exclusive surfaces.
The basic Racingblue metallic finish sets the tone for the GS Trophy model variant. With red and white stripes and lettering combined with a rear frame coated in matte metallic white.
The new R 1300 GS shows its exclusive and technically sophisticated side in the Option 719 Tramuntana model variant. This combines gold spoked wheels with a metallic Aurelius green paint finish and polished aluminum parts.