New BMW R1300GS Coming Soon: specs, price and release info

These are the first pictures of BMW’s eagerly awaited, all-new R1300GS adventure bike, the virtually all-new replacement for the R1250GS, which has been Britain’s best-selling bike for over a decade.
Officially unveiled at BMW’s Berlin Motorrad plant, the new bike is a huge step-up over its predecessor, which has remained largely unchanged since 2013 – so much, in fact, that BMW itself calls the newcomer the ‘Next level GS’. At its heart is a virtually all-new engine, which retains the GS’s characteristic boxer twin layout but gets a capacity and performance boost to 145 horsepower, making it by the most powerful BMW boxer so far while at the same time lighter and more compact. These same themes of less weight and smaller size are, in fact, consistent themes throughout this new R1300GS and represent a reversal of modern adventure bike trends. A point underlined by R1300GS project manager Jochen Beck during the presentation for the new bike. “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,” he said. “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.” With your appetite suitably whetted here are the full details on this critical new bike.

At the heart of the new R1300GS is its enlarged, uprated boxer twin engine, which is virtually brand new compared to its predecessor in the R1250GS.
Not only is it enlarged from 1,254cc to exactly 1,300cc with a larger bore and shorter stroke for increased revs but there are larger valves, a higher compression ratio and a revised version of the ‘ShiftCam’ variable valve timing system introduced on the previous 1250. The result is a significant hike in peak power from the previous 136 horsepower to 145 horsepower still at the same 7,750rpm plus also increased peak torque of 149Nm at 6,500rpm compared to the previous 143Nm at 6,250rpm. Interestingly, BMW also claims fuel consumption is barely affected. Just as impressively, the new motor has been redesigned to be more compact and lighter. By repositioning the gearbox to be under rather than behind the engine the combined unit is not only significantly shorter but lighter, too, saving 3.9kg. On top of this, the shaft drive unit has also been completely redesigned, saving another 2.6kg.

BMW’s ‘more compact, lighter’ approach with the new R1300GS has also resulted in radically revised chassis. The more compact engine is carried by an equally all-new sheet metal ‘shell’ main frame, which prioritises packaging and size and is also claimed to offer higher levels of stiffness, plus a new die-cast aluminium rear sub-frame.
The more compact dimensions, lighter weight (overall weight reduction is 12kg) and extra rigidity works hand in hand with the R1300GS’s new EVO Telelever front and EVO Paralever rear suspension, which BMW claims is more controlled and precise to enable improved handling and road holding.

Extra technology

While the basics of the new R1300GS seem straightforward – more performance, less size and weight – its new extra tech is anything but.
First, there’s now an extra riding mode as standard (four from three), comprising Road, Rain, Eco and an additional Enduro mode, with others available as options. Second, there’s a new radar-controlled package comprising Riding Assistant with Active Cruise Control (ACC), Front Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Change Warning (SWW). Active Cruise Control (ACC) with integrated distance control can be used to set the desired riding speed as well as the distance to the vehicle in front. Front Collision Warning (FCW) with brake intervention is designed to prevent collisions and help reduce the severity of accidents, while Lane Change Warning monitors the lanes to the left and right and can help ensure a safe lane change while supporting use of the rear mirror. The previous optional ‘Dynamic ESA Next Generation’ electronic suspension which offered dynamic adjustment of the damping and adjustable spring at the rear has now been replaced by the new electronic Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA) which now goes one step further, combining the dynamic adjustment of the front and rear damping with a corresponding adjustment of the spring rate depending on the selected riding mode, riding condition and manoeuvres. Another new optional feature is ‘Adaptive vehicle height control’ and sports suspension with both working in conjunction with DSA, plus Adaptive Headlight Pro where the headlight tracks through turns. BMW Motorrad’s Full Integral ABS cornering anti-lock braking system is offered as standard as is ‘engine drag torque control’ (branded MSR), dynamic brake assist (DBC) and ride-off assistant (HSC). The dash remains a 6.5-inch TFT with the familiar BMW scrolling wheel switchgear.

Naturally, the styling of the new R1300GS is all-new, too, with a distinctly leaner and more aggressive profile. The focus is the new ‘Matrix’ full LED headlight with ‘X’ motif, while indicators are neatly integrated into the handguards and the overall look is lighter and sharper while still retaining, BMW claims, traditional GS features such as its ‘beak’ and silver side panels.
The new tank is now aluminium, again to save weight, seat and screen are adjustable as before, and a range of variants and huge choice of aftermarket accessories is available. Four models are being offered initially, including standard, Triple Black, GS Trophy and Option 719 Tramuntana, along with four accessory packs plus BMW’s usual array of individual accessory options. The base model new BMW R1300GS will cost from £15,990 with the higher spec TE model £18,465. Exact availability dates have yet to be released.