With a reputation that’s as large as its sheer road presence, the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure has legend status among those who like to get off road or go touring. To find out if the 2025 model was up to scratch, we took not one, but two, for a spin.
Both Triple Black variants, one was fitted with BMW’s automatic shift assistant (ASA), with the second featuring a traditional clutch and quick shifter – but more on all that in a moment. First, to the looks of the new model.
On paper, prior to its launch, it appeared boxy and square, perhaps even downright unattractive. The reality is much better though, with the final version that landed in our hot little hands looking pretty good. It does have a bit of a military minimalism about it though.
The addition of front panniers and a sexy Akrapovič twin exhaust made it even more attractive. We had a fair bit of trepidation regarding the new ASA transmission, and slipping the GS 1300 Adventure into D mode makes the big Bimmer fully automatic.
It’s definitely something different, and for those who want the best of both worlds, there is an M mode, that lets you change gears manually with the silky smooth quick shifter. That aside, you will notice the lack of a clutch lever, which takes a bit of getting used to.
That’s especially so when pulling up to a stationary stop at traffic lights or going to take off again. Many times, we found ourselves reaching for it out of habit, and feeling a little silly at the same time.
At this point it’s probably worth mentioning that our first test bike came with more road focused. On that basis, we quickly planned a ride, taking in a 300km loop around the outskirts of the Central Coast and up to the Hunter Valley and back.
We made a conscious decision to use the ASA on the way up, and the manual gears on the return journey. Setting out, we selected Dynamic mode (the Triple Black features the Dynamic Package) and engaged the fully automatic option.
Our ride would see us hit some nice sweepy bends through Yarramalong before heading towards Wollombi, with a good mix of corners. Not having the ability to shift down gears and use engine braking would also test the stopping power of the GS Adventure.
We certainly did that aboard the 269kg GS Adventure, giving the twin 310mm front discs with 4-piston radial calipers a proper tough workout. What we noticed was that the gearbox would try and keep up with us, rather than being in the right gear.
That’s particularly so when cornering. The further we rode though, it seemed like the BMW was learning our riding style, and adjusting itself to suit. It was an interesting experience. The ASA capability certainly works better when cruising, rather than pushing though.
For the record, the brakes were adequate, working in collaboration with a rear 285mm single disc and ABS. It was the return trip though that made us truly fall in love with the 2025 BMW R GS 1300 Adventure.
Engaging M mode, we had control over shifts, with the gearbox and quick shifter working together to deliver a sensational ride, transforming the experience into something that felt more sports tourer than adventure bike.
Carving corners in upright comfort, we soon had the foot pegs kissing the bitumen and were in absolute awe of how wonderful and pure it is as a touring bike. The ease with which the GS ate kilometres was brilliant.
The air/liquid-cooled four-stroke flat twin engine with double overhead chain driven camshafts produces 107kW and 149Nm. The pure beauty is the continuous torque across the entire rev range, giving instantaneous power, regardless of gear.
BMW claim that the GS 1300 Adventure covers the sprint to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds, which is pretty impressive for a bike of this size. Fuel consumption sits between 4.9-litres and 5.5-litres/100km in real world testing, with a 30-litre tank.
It’s fair to say we were feeling a little chuffed and impressed with the first of our two tests. It was time to swap bikes though, with the second Triple Black pairing a clutch with off road tyres. It took a hot minute to get used to the lever again (and we forgot once or twice).
The Michelin Anakee rubber isn’t as pleasant as you might think on-road but offer plenty in the dirt, making for a reasonable compromise in all conditions. Although we didn’t head anywhere too wild, it’s clear to see the appeal as it carved up some fire trails.
We suspect tighter, single trail endeavours and more technical off road challenges will not be for the faint hearted though, given the sheer size of the GS Adventure. That said, the bike is more than capable of it.
The suspension setup for the road and the limited amount of dirt we experienced was excellent. Boasting an additional 20mm at both front and rear over the standard model, it handles its size admirably.
The semi-active suspension is adjustable via BMW’s 6.5-inch TFT control centre, which doubles as the hub for device connectivity. It’s easy to navigate via the control wheel on the left hand side of the handlebars too.
The GS 1300 Adventure Triple Black boasts a myriad of tech, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a brake intervention system. It represents a perfect blend of comfort, capability and German engineering.
As a road touring bike it works extremely well, and as an off road adventure beast, its reputation speaks for itself. Up against rivals from Ducati, Triumph, Suzuki, Honda and even Harley-Davidson, it undoubtedly holds its own, and then some.
Priced from $36,530 plus on-roads, the 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure Triple Black is backed by a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with the option of three or 5-year service plans. You can find out more online, or by talking to your local dealership.
Our test bike was provided by BMW Motorrad Australia for independent review purposes.
Nice post indeed!!!