BMW Motorrad has unveiled its latest adventure bike, the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS, representing a significant step forward in the world of adventure motorcycles. This new model serves as the successor to the previous R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure, emphasizing weight reduction and enhanced performance while staying true to the iconic GS legacy.
The heart of the R 1300 GS is the renowned BMW Motorrad boxer twin engine, which has been in production for over a century. With a larger capacity and more aggressive bore/stroke measurements (106.5mm x 73mm), this 1,300cc engine remains air/oil/water-cooled and features four-valve cylinder heads, along with dual-overhead camshafts. Notably, it retains BMW’s ShiftCam variable valve timing technology, which was first introduced in the 2019 BMW R1250GS Adventure.
This potent engine now boasts a 13.3:1 compression ratio, an increase of 0.8 from its predecessor. It runs on premium 91-octane fuel from a 5.0-gallon aluminum fuel tank. Power is efficiently transferred to a road-friendly 17-inch rear spoked wheel via a six-speed gearbox, which is now positioned under the engine. A hydraulic oil-bathed multiplate clutch and reliable Cardan-style shaft final drive complete the powertrain. BMW states that the boxer twin delivers 145 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and 109.9 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,500 rpm, making it the most powerful boxer twin in terms of horsepower.
Jochen Beck, the project manager of the BMW R 1300 GS, expressed the team’s commitment to bucking the trend of larger bikes, focusing instead on weight and dimension reduction. The result is a more compact and lean GS, achieved through innovative design and manufacturing methods. The engine serves as a load-bearing component within a steel main frame, with a lighter aluminum subframe taking the place of a heavier steel counterpart.
The R 1300 GS features BMW’s effective Telelever front suspension, providing a balance between steering and damping functions for optimal performance. It comes with a 19-inch front wheel, chosen over larger 21-inch wheels featured on other adventure motorcycles. The rear suspension incorporates a single-sided aluminum swingarm and BMW’s trusted paralever, seamlessly combining suspension and final drive responsibilities. Suspension travel remains consistent at 7.5 inches in the front and 7.9 inches in the rear. The wheelbase has been extended by 0.16 inches to 59.76 inches.
For riders seeking enhanced suspension, the optional Dynamic Suspension Adjustment, an upgrade from the previous Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA), now includes spring preload adjustment and variable semi-active damping. This system is managed through various rider-selectable ride modes, vehicle dynamics, and rider control input. It also allows for changes in vehicle height based on terrain and riding conditions.
The 2024 R 1300 GS introduces four distinct riding modes (Road, Rain, Enduro, and the new Eco setting). For those desiring advanced options, the Ride Modes Pro package offers Dynamic, Dynamic Pro, and Enduro Pro modes. The bike now incorporates radar-powered cruise control, providing intelligent pacing of vehicles ahead and enhancing front collision and lane change warnings. The system can apply brakes to reduce the risk of sudden vehicle deceleration accidents.
