BMW unveils the 2024 R 1300 GS
BMW has unveiled the R 1300 GS, the company's flagship adventure motorcycle. This new model has more power, less weight, and a redesigned suspension, frame, and now gets radar technology. BMW offers four distinct variants of the R 1300 GS to accommodate a variety of tastes, including the Standard, the Triple Black, the GS Trophy, and Option 719 Tramuntana models.
2024 BMW R 1300 GS styling
The 2024 BMW R 1300 GS features a significant design shift that draws inspiration from the traditional GS flyline while prioritising compactness and significant weight reduction, which can be attributed in part to the new flatter-profile aluminium fuel tank. The motorcycle includes matrix LED headlamps as standard, which are supplemented by LED light units throughout the motorcycle, including turn indicators integrated into the hand protectors based on the variant you opt for. The LED headlamp is made up of two LED units for low and high beams, as well as four more for daytime running lights and side lights. An optional 'Headlight Pro' feature allows adaptive beam adjustment based on the banking position of the motorcycle, improving corner illumination and overall riding safety.
2024 BMW R 1300 GS chassis
The R 1300 GS retains the established Telelever at the front and Paralever at the rear, but introduces a new 'EVO' design. The EVO Telelever system attempts to isolate the handlebar from the suspension, thereby reducing steering influence caused by suspension movements. While the EVO Telelever at the front adds some flexibility, the EVO Paralever at the rear increases stiffness, promoting better traction while retaining the quick-release rear axle feature. The bike has 190mm of front-wheel suspension travel and 200mm of rear-wheel suspension travel. The suspension system includes BMW's Adaptive Vehicle Height Control algorithm, which allows the seat height to be reduced from 850mm to 820mm when stationary or moving at low speeds. In addition, the Sport Suspension option adds 20mm of spring travel and a stiffer setup. The adaptive ride higher, dynamic damping control and sport suspension are optional extras. BMW's weight-cutting efforts resulted in a 6.5kg reduction in engine and powertrain weight, making the 2024 R 1300 GS a full 12kg lighter than its predecessor. The 2024 model weighs 237kg when ready to ride, compared to the outgoing motorcycle's 249kg. The new GS also features three footrest positions and adjustable handlebars, ensuring adaptability for riders of various statures. Wheel options include cast aluminium and cross-spoke wheels for various models, as well as lighter forged Enduro wheels.
2024 BMW R 1300 GS powertrain
The BMW R 1300 GS 2024 is powered by a 1300cc boxer engine with air and liquid cooling. This engine produces 143bhp at 7,750rpm and 149Nm of torque at 6,500rpm (compared to 134bhp and 143 Nm of the outgoing BMW R 1250 GS). The six-speed gearbox is positioned beneath the engine. The motorcycle comes standard with four riding modes, including ‘Rain’ and ‘Road’ for adapting to different road conditions, ‘Eco’ mode for maximising fuel efficiency and range, and an additional ‘Enduro’ mode tailored to enhance the off-road riding experience, with specific settings for off-road use. As always there are also extra ‘Pro’ modes that can be unlocked as optional extras.
2024 BMW R 1300 GS features
The BMW 2024 R 1300 GS incorporates a wide range of technological advancements and features. Among the notable additions are Active Cruise Control, Front Collision Warning, and Lane Change Warning. Active Cruise Control manages the motorcycle's position and speed in traffic by using a front-mounted radar system. The front collision warning system detects potential collisions with vehicles ahead and can apply the brakes autonomously to mitigate or prevent such incidents. Meanwhile, the Lane Change Warning system uses radar sensors to monitor adjacent lanes, alerting the rider when a vehicle enters the blind spot to the left or right.
This adventure motorcycle features smartphone connectivity through a 6.5-inch TFT display. BMW's Multi-Controller enables smartphone and Bluetooth headset connectivity, allowing media and phone functionality without requiring the rider to take their hands off the handlebars. Furthermore, BMW's Motorrad Connected app improves navigation by displaying turn-by-turn arrow-led guidance on the TFT screen. The Sport screen displays important information such as bank angle, traction, braking behaviour, a sports tachometer, and gear indicator. In addition, the app provides useful information about service status, warnings, battery health monitoring (Battery Guard), fuel level, remaining range, and bike mileage. In addition, the motorcycle has standard Intelligent Emergency Call (eCall) for quick assistance in the event of an accident, automatically connecting to the BMW call centre when a fall is detected and allowing manual activation via an SOS button when needed.
The 2024 BMW R 1300 GS also comes standard with heated grips, keyless ignition for steering, ignition, and fuel tank, a tyre pressure monitoring system, engine drag torque control, ABS Pro, cruise control, a lithium Ion battery, and hand protectors with integrated turn indicators. Aside from these standard features, riders can customise their ride with aftermarket accessories such as Riding Modes Pro, Headlight Pro, seat heating, Intelligent Emergency Call, and handlebar risers. Furthermore, a diverse range of aftermarket accessories, luggage options, and crash protection components are available to meet the preferences and needs of different riders.
2024 BMW R 1300 GS variants
The lineup includes several variants, including the basic model with its clean and muscular appearance in Light White solid paint, the timeless TripleBlack variant with masculine design and exclusive surfaces, the GS Trophy model in Racing Blue metallic finish denoting sporty off-road capabilities with red and white accents, and the technically sophisticated Option 719 Tramuntana model with gold cross-spoke wheels, an Aurelius Green metallic paint finish, and milled aluminium parts.
