BMW unveiled the new R 1300 GS late last year, bringing a raft of changes over its much-loved 1250 predecessor. Now smaller, lighter and faster thanks to a new chassis, gearbox and engine, we jumped on board to see what all the fuss was about.
As someone who previously owned a 2020 1250 GS, and having racked up more than 22,000km on said bike, this writer was more than ready to check out just how the German bike maker had improved on its already impressive power, torque and comfort.
Enter the new model, tested here in Triple Black form. It’s good. Bloody good. We’d go so far as to say, damn near perfect, for a multitude of reasons. Let’s start with the fact it scores radar cruise control, lane change warning assist and heated front and rear seats.
Electric screen adjustment is a huge improvement and the fully adjustable suspension allows you to set your ride height. For comparison, as someone who stands at 185cm, the 1250 was a tall bike, that was difficult to manoeuvre, especially at low speeds.
The 1300 GS has this sorted, with some very clever trickery. The electronic suspension will automatically lower the ride height by 30mm as you slow to a stop. When you accelerate away, it automatically raises itself to the original setting.
So subtle is the adjustment, you can’t feel it happening. This allows even the vertically challenged to comfortably ride a bike of this size, and still get their feet on the ground. It’s a real boon for a bike in this space.
Radar cruise control is a fabulous addition, allowing you to keep a safe distance from the car in front, in case of an emergency. It’s not perfect, as it will occasionally detect vehicles beside you and decrease speed unnecessarily, but we’re sure that can be calibrated.
It’s a damn quick machine too, for its size. Having shed an almighty 12kg over the 1250 GS, the new bike is certainly easier to control at low speeds, and is noticeably more agile when you head into the tight stuff.
Twist the throttle hard and you better hang on, tight! All 107kW of power and 149Nm of torque will ensure you take off like a racehorse that has just been kicked in the nuts. It’s all delivered in a very linear fashion though, making it easy to predict.
It did catch us out a few times though, as we were approaching a corner with to much vigour, giving yours truly the opportunity to test the stopping power of the highly responsive BMW brake setup.
As scary as it might sound to the uninitiated, the R 1300 GS’s very predictable braking and acceleration performance inspires tremendous confidence when trying to wash off speed with a sense of urgency.
The handlebar controls have been re-designed to give you easier access to some of the new features on the fly, and after pressing the function list button, you can quickly select what you need with the familiar scroll wheel, or a multiple rocker switch.
Options include adjusting the adaptive cruise control distance, heating for the hand grips and rider’s seat, and the height of the windscreen. You can switch the damping between Road and Dynamic, as well as adjust the ride height too.
All models now come equipped with Enduro Pro ride mapping (for off road) and a lithium-ion battery as standard. You also gain an additional sport dash display that lets you see things like maximum lean angle, dynamic traction control and maximum braking.
The Pro modes can be customised to suit rider preferences, including throttle response, traction, cornering ABS, semi-active suspension, engine braking, torque, auto-off throttle during braking and hill start assist.
There’s an array of optional add-ons too, with a gorgeous re-designed Vario top box and panniers now offering a new electrical interface and magnetic coupling. This feature allows you to lock and unlock all luggage with a remote key.
Interior lighting and USB charging ports can be accessed inside the cases, which is super cool as well, but the package will set you back an additional $3,100. That aside, the new R 1300 GS sets a new standard in the adventure bike space against some big hitting rivals.
And if you’re wondering whether this writer would part with the cash for the new model, over the one he previously owned, the answer is yes, and resoundingly so. The new model offers a much improved riding experience and heaps of exciting new technology.
As we mentioned at the beginning of this review, it’s faster, lighter and more powerful, and the re-designed engine and chassis offer amazing handling and performance. The vastly improved gearbox delivers smoother changes with a bi-directional quick shifter too.
The Triple Black tested here is priced from $35,390 plus on-roads, and offers plenty of bang for your buck. Backed by a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty, you can also opt for three or five year service plans.
You can find out more about the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS, which is available in six different configurations, including the Triple Black, by visiting the BMW Motorrad Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership.
Our test bike was provided by BMW Motorrad Australia for independent review purposes.
