Story and photos from motorcyclistonline.com / Adam Waheed

Fresh for the 2024 model year is BMW Motorrad’s 2024 R 1300 GS and R 1300 GS Trophy editions. These are the German company’s top-of-the-range adventure-touring bikes for all those motorcyclists out there who want to conquer all roads. BMW’s GS series adventure bikes have a long history, with BMW inventing the adventure motorcycle segment with its 1981 R80 G/S (read about it in The Genesis of the BMW R80 G/S article).

Editor’s note: We previewed this model in the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure Bike Preview article. Also take a look at the Top 10 Features of the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS ADV Bike for added insight on this product. We tested its predecessor during the 2021 BMW R 1250 GS Review.

Fast-forward 43 years and we have this 2024 R 1300 GS. Let’s start with the engine; this vehicle is powered by BMW’s legendary 1,300cc boxer twin engine. BMW Motorrad has been manufacturing this engine configuration for more than a century in Germany. This particular engine sports more radical bore and stroke measurement versus its predecessor, the R 1250 GS (read about it in the 2019 BMW R1250GS Adventure First Ride Review). If you can believe it, the diameter of the pistons inside measure over 4 inches in diameter! BMW says its twin is good for 145 hp at the crank, but we expect right around 123 ponies at the business end of the 17-inch Metzeler tire.

Maintenance-wise, these R 1300 GSs are built tough. After the initial 750-mile service it goes 6,000 miles between engine oil and oil filter changes, and 12,000 miles for differential fluid swaps. Valve adjustment interval is also at 12,000 miles, so you know when you buy a BMW Motorrad vehicle it’s going to be there for the distance.

As usual, the R 1300 GS continues to roll on BMW’s signature wheel combo 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel combo. In the modern ADV world, a lot of manufacturers use 21/18-inch wheel setups, but BMW has nearly perfected its setup. You’d be amazed how capable this vehicle is, not only on the road but off as well.

The GS continues to employ BMW’s signature suspension setup that stands out compared to the competition. Up front is its Telelever front suspension which separates the steering and the damping functions. This allows the 523-pound GS to be extremely light and agile. It also affords favorable damping response whether you’re riding on broken beat-up pavement or on smooth ribbons of asphalt carbon turns.

At the rear the GS employs its paralever rear suspension. This combines suspension and rear power delivery duties into one sleek setup. It performs well and you’d be amazed at how smoothly this ADV rides over bumps. If you’re looking for a motorcycle that delivers you to where you want to go in an extreme level of comfort, this R 1300 GS does it. Yet at the same time when you’re riding this bike off-road all the touch points of the vehicle make it feel like you’re riding a big 450cc off-road bike.

The ergonomics are right where you want them to be, this motorcycle is easy to squeeze with your legs, the handlebar is wide and upright, and it’s a very easy liter-and-above size motorcycle to operate in difficult conditions. During the official press introduction, we didn’t really ride anything too tough, but based on past experiences, this ADV is very capable of taking you off the beaten path and to places where you’d think you’d need a real dirt bike.

In terms of the electronics, as usual this R 1300 GS has all the bells and whistles. It’s got standard heated grips and optional heated rider and passenger seats, plus adaptive cruise control. The cruise control is powered by radar hardware mounted in the front of the vehicle. It measures the distance between your vehicle and the object/vehicle in front. This allows it to “pace” the vehicle ahead much like most new automobiles equipped with this technology. This same radar hardware also powers front end collision mitigation electronics (much like the 2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+). So let’s say you’re following a vehicle and, all of a sudden, it decelerates. The BMW R 1300 GS has logic where it applies the brakes to help mitigate an accident. Now it’s not a fail-safe for preventing collisions, but it’s just one level of technology to help riders stay safe on the road.

Realistically, the German manufacturer didn’t reinvent the wheel with its R 1300 GS. The engine is smoother, with considerably less vibration. The engine remains powerful yet still gets over 40 mpg during the course of our moderately paced ride. Plus it offers a snappy character and pleasing charisma unlike other powertrains. We also value its added agility and lighter feel.

If you’re seeking a very capable and versatile motorcycle, this R 1300 GS checks a lot of boxes for modern motorcyclists. BMW also stands behind its product with a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty in the Americas with roadside assistance. If we had to buy a new motorcycle for general riding, the R 1300 GS would be atop our shopping list.

Gearbox

Helmet: Shoei Hornet X2

Jacket: Rev’It Defender 3 GTX

Pant: Rev’It Defender 3 GTX

Gloves: Rev’It Cayenne Pro

Boots: Alpinestars Tech 7

2024 BMW R 1300 GS Technical Specifications and Price

PRICE	Starting at $19,890
ENGINE	1,300cc, DOHC, air/liquid-cooled boxer twin; 8-valve
BORE x STROKE	106.5 x 73.0mm
COMPRESSION RATIO	13.3:1
FUEL DELIVERY	Fuel injection w/ 52mm throttle bodies
CLUTCH	Wet, multiplate slipper; hydraulic actuation
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE	6-speed/shaft
FRAME	Steel trellis
FRONT SUSPENSION	EVO Telelever, central suspension strut; 7.5 in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION	EVO paralever II, WAD spring strut, spring preload hydraulically infinitely adjustable; 7.9 in. travel
FRONT BRAKES	4-piston radial-mount calipers, semi-floating 310mm discs w/ ABS
REAR BRAKE	2-piston caliper, 285mm disc w/ ABS
WHEELS, FRONT/REAR	Die-cast aluminum; 19 x 3.0 in. / 17 x 4.5 in.
TIRES, FRONT/REAR	120/70-19 / 170/60-17
RAKE/TRAIL	26.2°/4.4 in.
WHEELBASE	59.8 in.
SEAT HEIGHT	33.4 in.
FUEL CAPACITY	5.0 gal.
CLAIMED WET WEIGHT	523 lb.
WARRANTY	3-year
CONTACT	bmwmotorcycles.com