BMW Motorrad has announced a thorough overhaul for its top-selling model for 2024, now called the BMW R 1300 GS thanks to an increase in displacement from 1,254cc to 1,300cc. The GS’s signature opposed “boxer” Twin now makes a claimed 145 hp and 110 lb-ft of torque, up from 136 hp and 105 lb-ft on the R 1250 GS. With a claimed curb weight of 523 lb, the new R 1300 GS is 26 lb lighter than its predecessor.
Related: 2021 BMW R 1250 GS 40 Years Edition Review | Road Test
The increased displacement results from a larger bore (106.5mm, up from 102.5) and a shorter stroke (73mm, down from 76). Not only did peak torque increase, BMW says there is a significant increase in torque throughout the rev range, with 96 lb-ft or more available between 3,600 and 7,800 rpm. The engine is also said to run more smoothly, and repositioning it within the frame reduces vibration. Returning is the BMW ShiftCam system that varies the valve timing and valve stroke on the intake side, but the camshaft drive arrangement has been revised. A new 2-into-1 stainless steel exhaust is lighter and optimized to work with ShiftCam. Of the 26 lb shaved off the GS, 8.6 lb came from the engine and another 5.7 lb from the rest of the powertrain.
As part of the redesign, the 6-speed gearbox was moved under the engine, which reduces the overall length of the powertrain and better centralizes mass. The transmission now uses a sensor signal transmitter and a torsion magnet for the optional Shift Assistant Pro quickshifter, which BMW says provides a more direct feel. The driveshaft now has larger universal joints, and the rear axle now has a longer axle stub for easier mounting and dismounting of the rear wheel.
Four ride modes are standard: Road, Rain, Eco, and Enduro. The optional Riding Modes Pro adds Dynamic, Dynamic Pro, and Enduro Pro, and the “Pro” modes are customizable. The R 1300 GS can be further customized to show only preferred ride modes. Also standard is Engine Drag Torque Control (MSR), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Brake Assist (DBC), and Hill Start Control (HSC).
The entire chassis of the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS has been revised. Replacing the former tubular-steel bridge main frame is a new steel sheet metal main frame, which BMW says allows for more compact packaging as well as increased stiffness. And replacing the former tubular-steel subframe is a die-cast aluminum unit that is said to be lighter, stiffer, narrower, and more tightly bonded to the main frame for added stability.
Suspension consists of the front Evo Telelever and rear Evo Paralever. The new Evo Telelever incorporates a novel flex element whereby the upper fork bridge is “pivotally and rotatably connected via a radial swivel bearing to a sturdy steering shaft tube, which in turn is guided in the main frame via a cylindrical roller bearing at the top and a deep groove ball bearing at the bottom.” BMW says the new design offers significantly greater rigidity as well as improved stability. The new Evo Paralever has a stiffer connection to the shock, a longer single-sided swingarm for increased traction, a quick-release axle, and a swingarm bearing that is now off-axis to that of the rotation of the cardan shaft joint.
The optional Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) has been updated as well. The system not only adjusts front and rear damping in real time based on settings and conditions, but it also now adjusts spring rate, automatically adjusts for different loads, and integrates with different ride modes.
Similar to the Adaptive Ride Height available on the Harley-Davidson Pan America and the recently announced Active Preload Reduction available on Triumph Tiger 1200 models, a new option on the R 1300 GS is adaptive vehicle height control, which reduces seat height from 33.5 inches to 32.3 inches during slow travel and when stopped. Also available is optional sports suspension, which adds 0.8 inch of suspension travel front and rear and a firm setup designed for off-road riding.
Standard equipment on the R 1300 GS includes Full Integral ABS Pro, which has Pro settings that turn ABS off at the rear wheel. Optional Dynamic Brake Control prevents unintentional throttle application during braking and reduces drive torque to get the most out of the rear brake for optimal stability and shorter stopping distances.
Replacing the GS’s signature asymmetrical headlight is a new centralized LED headlight surrounded by an X-shaped matrix of four LED running lights, and the optional Headlight Pro adds cornering function. LED front turnsignals are now integrated into the handguards.
The R 1300 GS also comes standard with a 6.5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, the Multi-Controller wheel on the left handlebar, tire-pressure monitoring, heated grips, USB and 12V outlets, Keyless Ride, and Dynamic Cruise Control. The new optional Riding Assistant adds radar sensors to enable Active Cruise Control (ACC), Front Collision Warning (FCW), and Lane Change Warning (SWW).
Three wheel options are available, all in 19×3.0-inch front and 17×4.5-inch rear sizes. Standard and Triple Black models come with cast-aluminum wheels. Trophy and Option 719 Tramuntana model variants are fitted with newly developed cross-spoke wheels featuring aluminum rings for dedicated off-road use. A third option is new Enduro forged wheels, which are intended for off-road use and are 3.9 lb lighter than the more robust cross-spoke wheels.
In terms of styling, the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS has a more aerodynamic look, with a sharper beak, a flatter tank, and a slimmer tailsection.
In addition to the standard model, several variants will be available. The R 1300 GS Triple Black variant returns with blacked-out bodywork and components, comfort seats, comfort passenger footpegs, and a centerstand. It also features an electric windscreen, wind deflectors, and special cockpit trim.
The R 1300 GS Trophy has a Racing Blue Metallic colorway with red and white detailing and a White Metallic Matte subframe. A high rider’s seat and Sport passenger seat offer the look and ergonomics of a rally seat (34.2-inch seat height), and the seat cover continues onto the fuel tank. The Trophy also comes with radiator guards and cross-spoke wheels with black rims or optional gold rims.
The new R 1300 GS Option 719 Tramuntana features cross-spoke wheels with gold rims, a gold anodized handlebar, and gold trim on the bodywork. The chassis and components are black, the fuel tank center cover is Luxor Black/Grey, and the cylinder head covers are Avus Black Metallic Matte. The side trim sections, the top of the front fender, the aluminum tank, and intake silencer are finished in Aurelius Green Metallic. Special optional equipment includes a top case carrier in Avus Black Metallic, a gray-colored handguard extension, cross-spoke wheels with black rims, and titanium-colored anodized sport brakes.
Pricing for the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS starts at $18,895. Find out more at the BMW Motorrad website.
2024 BMW R 1300 GS Specifications
- Base Price: $18,895
- Website: BMWMotorcycles.com
- Warranty: 3 yrs., 36,000 miles
- Engine Type: Air/liquid-cooled, longitudinal opposed-Twin, DOHC w/ VVT, 4 valves per cyl.
- Displacement: 1,300cc
- Bore x Stroke: 106.5 x 73.0mm
- Horsepower: 145 @ 7,750 rpm (factory claim)
- Torque: 110 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm (factory claim)
- Transmission: 6-speed, hydraulically actuated slip/assist wet clutch
- Final Drive: Shaft
- Wheelbase: 59.8 in.
- Rake/Trail: 26.2 degrees/4.4 in.
- Seat Height: 33.5 in.
- Wet Weight: 523 lb
- Fuel Capacity: 5.0 gal.
The more I look at it, the more ugly it appears. I think this downfall correspond to Occident overall collapse, with its promotion of decadence and bad taste associated.
It’s bad, it’s sweating degenerate marketing and commercial old trick.
I really tried to like that “new design”, but it is nothing new, it’s the death of an icon. A tool.
Rear looks like a sport bike from the 90s, front(…) the side? It’s all about cost saving, but not for the buyers. Oy vey, has they say lol
Outrageously ugly. This guy has betrayed the GS.
Hey, at least, the 900gs looks like a Tenere/Tuareg bastard, but that 1300? Jeezzz… Oh My God!
I KNOW! It’s a trick to clear the 2023 stock in 1 month (before selling BMW to Mexican Singaporean Lol)
Some statements could be more clear:
“the 6-speed gearbox was moved under the engine, which reduces the overall length of the powertrain and better centralizes mass.”
— moving engine up will raise CG, contributing to a top-heavy feeling, negating the famous “engine low” advantage of the boxer layout.
“The driveshaft now has larger universal joints that reduce rotational mass.”
— Rotational inertia is proportional to the square of rotational radius, so why would larger means “less” is not clear.
Here’s what BMW’s official press release says about the relocation of the transmission:
“The six-speed gearbox and clutch are integrated in the engine housing in the new R 1300 GS. The gearbox is no longer located behind the engine, however, but underneath it. The advantages of this new arrangement are a reduced overall length and in improved packaging and weight balance since it was possible to make the transmission shafts significantly shorter. Compared to the power unit of the predecessor models, it was possible to achieve a weight saving of 8.6 lbs. for the engine and 14.3 lbs. overall for the entire powertrain. At the same time, the greater concentration of mass towards the center of gravity of the motorcycle ensures better handling qualities. As before, power is transmitted to the six-speed gearbox via a wet clutch with ten lining discs and a self-reinforcing anti-hopping mechanism. Output is via two spur gears, one of which has an integrated vibration damper.”
Presumably the gearbox will go into the centre of what was once the oil sump, while the sump will spread a bit sideways to accommodate it. Thus shortening the whole engine block and lowering Centre of Mass in both axis. Meanwhile the Paralever to wheel length is shortened and more inclined apparently. All it needs now is an electric motor! Thereby removing the clutch and gearbox etc.
Looks like new electric bikes…gross. And I’d much rather have a chrome moly tubular steel trellis frame than sheet metal and cast aluminum parts that will crack when struck or dropped on a rock. What’s up with that headlight and exposed radiators? Engine seems like a gem, but not much power increase and still less than competitors.
Looks like… a Suzuki. No Germanic cool-weirdness left at all. And that headlight with the X around it… looks like something from a cheap Hollywood Sci Fi set.
Only one that has any appeal to me is the Triple Black.
But, very nice numbers & weight reduction is always appreciated. I bet it scoots down the road with authority.
“The horror! The horror!”
Very good engine with new improvements from torque to horsepower.
I find it nice.
If all of you the guys with negative comments please send all that bad comments directly to BMW not here understood.
You a cop Victor?
They killed the very DNA of GS, the bulk and road presense.
GS1300 looks extremely ordinary and doesnt have the oomph factor. Competitors in comparison have better design language
Don’t mean to be negative but the commenters before me nailed it. Article just regurgitated garbage stats. Rotational mass REDUCED by a larger u-joint? Huh?!? Tranny under engine….so….engine went up?
No journalistic effort to ferret that out.
Sadly…bike is unattractive and looks to be following instead of leading. Headlight looks cool. Power windshield….yeah, like the 2018 Triumph 1200….like a half decade ago.
Ok —who would integrate turn signals into the one component that is most likely to get destroyed?!? In the grip guards?!? BMW trying to increase revenue?
Sorry BMW. Sticking with my Tiger 1200.
We apologize, the sentence about larger U-joints reducing rotational mass was our mistake. Here’s what BMW’s official press release says:
“The driveshaft now has larger universal joints, a reduced angle reduces the deflection of the rotational mass that is inherent in cardan shaft joints.”
For the malcontents:your complaints on the main page and with an email to BMW motorrad, not here
The title of the article is “First Look” is it not? Are we not supposed to look? Or are we not supposed to comment? I thought this was the comment section.
I can’t believe the mass of haters crapping all over this bike. Like everything else, take the time to absorb and understand before jumping on the soap box. Also, if you never had a GS in the past, how can you even discuss this new bike. By the way, I am a BMW Enduro instructor (not paid by BMW) and I ride about every models of other brands, off and on road, the GS is still the top (especilly as compared to a Tiger1200 BTW). I am looking forward to seeing and trying this new model as it looks very exciting.
The best engine and reliable for long distances and many miles continuously, with a constantly evolving and improving for decades 43+ years of history and some bunch of organized idiots and bitter people are fraudulently trying to tarnish the historic GS name!
Personally I think it looks great! I’ll be very interested to read the reviews before I consider buying one. The triple black would be my choice. I’m also interested to know if the gearbox would still be considered ‘agricultural’ as the present GS with its pronounced ‘clunk’… I like the smaller screen, it’s almost R meets GS!!
And is the rather expensive, much sought after screen any more secure from the thieving ‘barstools’… all things considered i think this GS is more accessible to more folk straight out of the box without having to lower the seat or lowered suspension… nice work!! 😊🍻👍
All bikes with a wet clutch clunk.
This R1300 is somewhat need your brain adjustment in order to liking it. I do prefer FJR 1300 or NT1100 than this weirdly beast.
I have never really been a fan of the looks of a BMW GS, to me it always looked big, cumbersome , a ugly looking bike that a much older generation bought. But I did respect it.
This new bike looks stunning. Cannot wait to see it in real life. A breath of fresh air.
I agree. I like the styling very much; it is an extremely well engineered bike. And, I am sure if many here don’t want to own the bike, plenty of European riders will ! BMW will sell all they can make.
Unfortunately I have to agree with the majority here, the new bike looks uninspiring and unauthentic.
If I was looking for a new adventure bike I would snatch 1250 GS while they are still available. The new 1300 GS looks like a downgrade.
This design does not appeal to my adventure inner side, it just tells me that the BMW design team is led by a lazy millennial who has never rode a motorcycle before. Rip GS Adventure bike 2023.
I’m going to wait for the R18 GS
I have had 6 GS/GSAs and have loved them all for more than 25 years (along with other BMWs like the RT). I rode them all off-road and in intense terrain. I am not at all resistant to changes made over the years. The technology is superb. But this bike confirms the basic fact that the bike demographic is white-haired older men (and some women) who, in fact, ride this bike as a touring bike while nurturing the “adventure” fantasy on their way to get coffee with their mates. It is indeed sad to see the round-the-world adventure bike go the way of the standard road cruiser from a design point of view. It looks like any number of Honda, Suzuki, and Kawasaki models and screams “road bike”. Best to buy an RT and take it off-road.
No mercy Burns.😁
Olie
Wow, a stying miss for sure. Agree with the others who say it looks like a Suzuki or Honda now. What happened to the signature Swiss Army knife tubular rear subframe? Sometimes it’s better to not fix what’s not broken. My ’08 Vstrom 1000 just got more modern looking – thanks BMW!
Looks fantastic and I can’t wait to test ride it, I also have a 2008 gs and a R80 GS for comparison
It appears to me, and I hope I’m right, this first release is not the best they can do. There are two more models to come GSA & M.
I’ll be waiting for the showroom touch and sit test before I buy.
unlike when I purchased the HP2 from a picture & video. I still loved that hp2 so so light 😉
This is a huge disappointment. I would imagine Tiger 1200 sales will be soaring. I do look forward to riding one I just hope it rides better than it looks!
Aint nobody riding this bike around the world.
They saw the Moto Guzzi Mandello S copied the color scheme (poorly), realized they had to do something to shorten the engine block and failed miserably when compared to the slick and elegant job Piaggio did. OK, wins on horsepower but with an engine that bland there has to be some perceived superiority. Yawn…
I own a 2018 R1200GSA fully optioned that now has about 1K miles. I don’t ride it much due to injuries. The GSA is incredibly smooth and it’s suspension can tame just about any road to give me the most pain free ride. I bought it because of its looks and that magic carpet ride. I wouldn’t do an even swap for the new GS 1300 with my GSA. I just don’t find the new GS appealing. I also own a K1600GT with considerably more miles but the GSA is more comfortable. It’s surreal how the “old” GSA glides over poorly maintained roads unflinchingly like it’s child’s play. I regret buying the K1600GT before my GSA.
This is for those who are disappointed by the “new” GS1300. Not sure if it was intentional or not but notice that for the 2024 year model there is no 1300 model bearing the A for adventure. There is however still listed a 2024 1250GSA here in the States anyway. I hope this is the direction BMW will continue in the future. An adventure looking dirt capable multipurpose touring machine that cater to the masses covered by the new 1300. The 1250 remaining to keep these of us happy that will push the bike to edge of its abilities.
While I pondered briefly about the new style, I am reminded that what I liked about the 1250 GS is it’s handling characteristics. While it was “agricultural” I expected that a new version needs to upgrade technologies, build on performance, increase safety and make touring easier. The 1300GS checked all the boxes. Brave new world, waiting for my Tramuntana to be delivered!
I like it!
I like my current GS. No plan to upgrade yet. I will wait until I see one in person and get a chance to sit on it and better yet ride one. Before I pass judgment on it’s looks or performance which I’m sure will be better than my hard ridden and put away wet dirty 1200. Only disappointed a bit by the reduced fuel capacity I have used all my 20l on occasions.
The adaptability ride hight got to be a winner.
Which one will I pick.
The one I get a good deal on used. Just like the one I got now.
I think the new GS (all 4 variants) look incredibly beautiful..! And that speaks volumes because the outgoing 1250 “was” the undisputed King of the heavy Adventure-Touring segment. I’ve owned 21 Beemers (since 1976), most have been Roadsters and RS’s with a few F800’s in the mix. I currently own a 1250 Roadster set up for touring with hand guards and a screen…the BEST of all my previous rides including the fabulous VFR 800, Triumph 1050 Sprint ST and 1250 RS…I’ve never considered a GS having always preferred the more “aero” RS’s and Roadsters. To my eye, the new 1300 is a perfect blend of 60% GS, 20% RS and 20% Roadster..
It’s loaded with every conceivable feature a BMW lover could possibly want! The new 1300 just might be my next BMW. My only concern (although I understand the marketing with all the horsepower weenies out there), the current 1250 produces more than enough HP and TORQUE for anyone to use…The fun is in low and mid-range torque not horsepower to propel you to 150 mph…that’s potentially trouble with the boys in/on the Black and Whites to say nothing of fuel and tires.
No idea what to say about some tastes, I think it is a great looking bike that really appears to be a game changer, I would love one!
It’s nice to see some new styling changes for the GS line. Frankly, I like the new look.
I think it looks good. Its not a fashion statement, Its a well purposed motorcycle
Reminds me of Terreblanche’s designs while at Ducati, new doesn’t always look better.