BMW R 1300 GS, the trail icon par excellence, faces a major redesign in the face of fierce competition

For more than forty years, the GS saga from BMW Motorrad has stood as one of the standard-bearers of trail motorcycles. Perhaps we could even say it is the favourite of long-distance travellers and adventurers to a greater extent, and not without reason: the characteristics of its chassis, together with the proven boxer engine of the brand, are its great champions. This package is now modernised even further and puts the pressure on its fierce competition.

Stylistically, the BMW R 1300 GS, like the rest of the family, has set an example in design, standing apart from the rest, and this will continue to be the case in this new generation. An example of this is the new Full LED headlight with a new light signature in the shape of an “X”, which consists of two LED units for the dipped and high beams, together with four additional LED units for the daytime running light and the side light. It can also be equipped with the Headlight Pro function, whereby the light beam swivels into the bend depending on the position and lean angle.

In terms of design, the new BMW R 1300 GS is completely new and still based on the traditional flyline of the GS. For example, it features an aluminium fuel tank with a flatter design than previous models, which also gives it a sportier look thanks to the texture on the central tank cap, which continues onto the seat to give it a pure enduro aesthetic. Furthermore, besides the basic version, there are three finishes to choose from according to preference, the 719 Tramuntana with its golden spoked wheels being the most sophisticated.

Mechanically, the power of the new BMW R 1300 GS still comes from the two-cylinder boxer engine with an exact displacement of 1,300 cc, delivering 145 CV at 7,750 rpm and a torque of 149 Nm at 6,500 rpm, making it the most powerful boxer engine BMW has ever produced in series. This engine comes as standard with four riding modes, which can be selected via the handlebar switch, with the selected mode shown on the 6.5-inch TFT display. The modes are Rain, Road, ECO and Enduro.

The boxer engine is embraced by the steel frame, which has been optimised to offer greater rigidity than its predecessor, combined with the secondary frame, which is now a die-cast aluminium structure. The front EVO Telelever and rear EVO Paralever suspension have also been completely revised, and can optionally be upgraded with the new Dynamic Spring Adjustment (DSA), which automatically controls the stiffness of the spring according to riding conditions.

Along with the DSA, you can also fit the adaptive ride height control, which, as its name suggests, adjusts the height, as well as sport springs with 20 mm of additional travel that provide greater firmness. To all this technology you can also add systems for safe riding such as Active Cruise Control or the highly interesting Forward Collision Warning, which helps prevent and reduce the severity of a frontal collision, and the Lane Change Warning. Finally, it is worth noting that the new BMW R 1300 GS reduces weight by a total of 12 kilograms compared with its predecessor, despite the greater technology available.