Fans of adventure bikes, or riders who simply want the best there is need look no further than the BMW R1300 GS. This successor to the highly popular R1250 GS adds yet another 50cc to its displacement, just like the 1250 did from the 1200, the 1150 and so on.
Not simply an engine upgrade, the R1300 GS also brings with it a number of upgrades and improvements to ensure the king of adventure bikes continues its reign unchallenged.
Sleeker design
The R1300 GS sports a sleeker coincidence and this is due to a number of factors. First of all, the boxer engine has been made more compact and the bike features a sleeker design.
The engine itself is a complete redesign wherein the gearbox has been repositioned under the engine to bring the cylinder heads higher off the ground and create a more compact cross-section. The 1,300cc flat-twin engine makes 145-hp at 7,750 rpm and 149-Nm at 6,500 rpm.
Keeping it aloft is a new Evo Telelever front wheel guide with flex element, and a revised Evo Paralever rear wheel guide for enhanced steering precision and stability. This lightweight construction saves 12kg, allowing the new model to tip the scales at just 237-kg.
Smart LED lighting
The GS’s signature asymmetric headlight may be gone, but it has been replaced with an arguably better system: a matrix LED headlight that forms a distinctive “X”. Matrix headlights allow for finer control of portions of the headlight, providing a more precise beam.
The new matrix headlight unit consists of two LEDs for low and high beam along with four additional LED units (forming X) for the daytime running light and the side light. The LED turn lights are now integrated into the hand protectors at the front and function-integrated at the rear – round off the lighting concept of the new R 1300 GS.
Naturally, LED lighting is used for the rest of the lights. The new turn indicators are integrated into the handlebar protectors, and an optional Headlight Pro gets the headlamp to turn into the bend according to your lean angle.
The bike comes with four riding modes as standard: Enduro, Rain, Road, and Eco. Dynamic Traction Control and ABS Pro are also fitted as standard.
Optional extras
Those that enjoy optional extras will be delighted to know that there are quite a few choices. First off is the Dynamic Suspension Adjustment package that provides electronic adjustment of not only front and rear damping but also the spring rate, depending on the selected riding mode and riding conditions. The system also provides automatic load compensation, providing a more stable ride whether riding solo, two-up, or loaded down with baggage.
An optional Riding Assistant package adds Active Cruise Control, Front Collision Warning, and Lane Change Warning. The Active Cruise Control has integrated distance control to set the desired riding speed as well as the distance from the vehicle in front. Front Collision Warning and Lane Change Warning works just like those features in modern cars.
4 variants
The R1300 GS will be offered locally in four variants. The Standard comes in solid light white finish and alloy wheels, priced at P1,755,000. Triple Black returns and will be priced at P1,795,000. The GS Trophy comes with red and white tapes and inscriptions combined with a rear frame coated in white metallic matte, priced at P1,795,000. Finally, the Option 719 Tramuntana comes with cross-spoke wheels in gold with a high-quality paint finish in Aurelius Green metallic and milled aluminum parts, priced at P1,895,000.
BMW Motorrad Philippines has not yet provided a date for the R1300 GS’s arrival, however, those interested can already contact their nearest Motorrad for reservations.