R 1300 GS shows why it is still THE go-to adventure bike

Some four decades ago, BMW Motorrad established the touring-enduro segment with the R 80 G/S. Fast forward to today and we find an almost completely new design for the R 1300 GS which shaves 12kg off its predecessor.

The legendary two-cylinder boxer engine is once again found here. At 1,300cc capacity, it produces 145hp at 7,750rpm and 149Nm of torque at 6,500rpm, making this the most powerful BMW boxer engine ever to be produced in series.

The R 1300 GS will also be offered with a newly-calibrated electronic Dynamic Syspension Adjustment (DSA) as a factory option. This DSA goes one step further, combining the dynamic adjustment of the front and rear damping with a corresponding adjustment of the spring rate or “spring stiffness”, depending on the selected riding mode, riding condition and manoeuvres.

The automatic adjustment of the spring rest ensures load compensation, that makes for a more engaging and thrilling ride on all surfaces.

In conjunction with DSA will be offered two more factory options - adaptive vehicle height control and the sports suspension.

With adaptive vehicle height control, the new R 1300 GS offers fully automatic adjustment of the vehicle height depending on the operating condition, thereby ensuring the greatest possible comfort without having to compromise on riding dynamics and banking freedom.

With 20 mm more spring travel at the front and rear and an optional "athletically firm" sports suspension specially developed for the GS, off-road riders can be assured that are well catered for.

As standard, the R 1300 GS comes with four riding modes instead of its predecessor's three. The “Rain” and “Road” riding modes allow riding characteristics to be adapted to most road conditions. “Eco” riding mode helps eke out maximum range on a single tank of fuel, while the additional “Enduro” mode enables an enhanced riding experience off the beaten track with a specific set-up for off-road use. Riding Modes Pro can be optionally specified to bring additional riding modes to this GS.

Matrix LED headlights consists of two LED units for low and high beam along with four additional LED units for the daytime running light and the side light. State-of-the-art LED light units with newly designed LED turn indicators that are integrated in the hand protectors at the front and function-integrated at the rear, round off the lighting concept of the new R 1300 GS.

Splash out for the optional “Headlight Pro” and the beam of the standard full LED headlamp turns into the bend according to the banking position. In this way, the bend is almost fully illuminated because the light moves to where the motorcycle is heading.

In addition to all this, while the the R 1300 GS comes standard with Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC) with brake function, it can also be optioned with Riding Assistant which brings a slew of electronic rider aids like Active Cruise Control (ACC), Front Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Change Warning (SWW).

BMW Motorrad Full Integral ABS Pro is fitted as standard equipment, as are Engine Drag Torque Control (MSR), Dynamic Brake Assist (DBC), Hill Start Control (HSC) and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC).

Four colour-scheme variants will also be available - basic, Triple Black, GS Trophy and Option 719 Tramuntana.

As usual, accessories like boxes and panniers will also be available to deck out your GS to carry the necessary barang-barang on adventure rides.

The R 1300 GS is expected to be launched in Singapore some time toward the end of 2023. Local specifications have yet to be confirmed, and we'll bring you more upon local launch. So... ready to begin your GS adventure yet?