2024 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure Bike Preview

New for 2024 is BMW’s R 1300 GS. Positioned as BMW Motorrad’s top-of-the-line adventure bike, the R 1300 GS effectively replaces the outgoing R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure models, building upon the GS’ legendary pedigree (read about it during the The Genesis of the BMW R80 G/S article). Engineering goals for 2024 were for a lighter, slimmer, and more compact ADV with nearly a 27-pound reduction in curb weight.

“With the new BMW R 1300 GS we will once again take the competition by surprise,” said Thilo Fuchs, head of water-cooled boxer models, in BMW’s official press release. “It is defined by an even broader spread of product substance, while the reduction in complexity and vehicle weight, combined with focused equipment, enable the essence of the boxer GS to be showcased even more strikingly. With a new engine, outstanding handling, and impressive ride qualities, it will set the pace both on and off the road.”

As usual, the heart of the R 1300 GS is BMW Motorrad’s legendary boxer twin that it’s been manufacturing in Germany for more than 100 years (find out more in the BMW Motorrad Boxer Twin Motorcycle Engine History article). Featuring a larger capacity with more radical bore/stroke measurements (106.5mm x 73mm), the 1,300cc engine continues to be air/oil/water-cooled with four-valve cylinder heads and dual-overhead camshafts. The intake camshafts continue to be controlled via BMW’s ShiftCam variable valve timing technology, which we outlined during the 2019 BMW R1250GS Adventure First Ride Review.

Fuel is squeezed to 13.3:1 ratio (increased by 0.8) and it drinks premium 91-octane from the 5.0-gallon aluminum fuel cell. In typical GS fashion, power is put back to a road-friendly 17-inch rear spoked wheel through a six-speed gearbox, which is now located beneath the engine. It’s mated to a hydraulic oil-bathed multiplate clutch and reliable Cardan-style shaft final drive. BMW says its twin is good for 145 hp at 7,750 rpm and 109.9 lb.-ft. torque at 6,500 revs. Making it the most powerful boxer twin in terms of horsepower (the R 18′s engine holds that title for torque and is in an exclusive club with its sibling K 1600 derivatives and Honda’s six-cylinder Gold Wing).

“Another thing we wanted to achieve with the new BMW R 1300 GS was to stop the trend of getting bigger and bigger—and in fact we managed to reverse this trend, " said Jochen Beck, project manager BMW R 1300 GS. “Our team achieved a significant reduction in weight and dimensions, resulting in an extremely focused and lean GS. The bike’s engineering is packaged as compactly as possible using innovative design and manufacturing methods.”

The engine is hung in a steel main frame that uses it as a load-bearing element. A lighter aluminum subframe replaces the precious steel piece. As usual, BMW continues to campaign its versatile and highly effective Telelever front suspension that separates steering and damping functions, offering riders the best of both worlds. It’s matched to a 19-inch front wheel, which BMW prefers versus oversized 21-inch hoops available on other liter-and-above ADVs. Rear suspension consists of a single-sided aluminum swingarm and BMW’s tried-and-true paralever, which neatly integrates suspension and final drive duties. Suspension travel remains the same at 7.5 inches up front and 7.9 inches at the rear. Wheelbase has increased by 0.16 inch to 59.76 inches.

New optional Dynamic Suspension Adjustment replaces the previous Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) and includes spring preload adjustment in addition to variable semi-active damping. This is controlled via rider-selectable ride modes, vehicle dynamic, and/or rider control input. It also allows the height of the vehicle to change based on terrain and riding conditions.

BMW Motorrad now includes four riding modes (Road, Rain, Enduro, and a fresh setting: Eco). Ride Modes Pro (Dynamic, Dynamic Pro, and Enduro Pro) can be purchased as an upcharge. Radar-powered cruise control has been added to the platform. This allows the motorcycle to pace vehicles ahead. The radar also supplements front collision and lane change warning protection. The motorcycle has logic built into it to apply brakes to help mitigate accidents when the vehicle ahead deaccelerates suddenly.

In terms of lighting, the GS signature asymmetrical lighting is replaced with a cleaner-looking “X” reshaped LED headlamp, with optional cornering function that enhances night riding capability.

Motorcyclist Magazine will be at the official BMW Motorrad press introduction next week and will have detailed reports and multiple videos. Stay tuned.