Now you might look at the subtitle and wonder, why? Because the R 1300 GS is lighter than its predecessor by 12 kg, and it also lets go of the bulky bits from before, resulting in a transformation that the writer of this story looks forward to for himself, but let’s focus on the bike for now.
The BMW R 1300 GS comes in as a CBU, and it will be offered in five different variants with different paint schemes; Light White, Triple Black, GS Trophy, and 719 Tramuntana.
You’ll notice the transformation of the R 1300 GS with the slimmer front beak, and a new headlamp with a projector and X-shaped DRLs. The fuel tank is flatter than and it is made out of aluminium. Essentially, no matter what angle you look at it from, the transformation of the R 1300 GS is evident, bearing a much leaner, sleeker profile than the bike it replaces.
The 1300 cc twin-cylinder boxer engine is an all-new unit, and the most powerful one made by BMW Motorrad, packing 143 bhp at 7750 rpm and 15.19 kgm of torque at 6500 rpm. The six-speed gearbox is located beneath the engine, and is also brand-new. The configuration is interesting, since that helps in making the whole Boxer engine setup more compact.
A new steel sheet-metal shell frame and a die-cast aluminium sub-frame replaces the tubular steel from before, making use of new Evo Telelever and Evo Paralever suspension setups on the front and rear respectively. The front features a flex element, while the rear is stiffer. The R 1300 GS also receives dynamic electronic suspension adjustment and adaptive ride height, but it’s not that easy to choose. Check out Manaal’s review to know why.
In terms of other features, the R 1300 GS comes packing with tubeless spoke rims, six riding modes, engine drag torque control, hill start control, cruise control, front collision warning, lane change warning, a 6.5-inch TFT screen, heated grips, a smartphone charging compartment with a USB port and an additional 12V socket among other things.
Would you pick the BMW R 1300 GS over the Triumph Tiger 1200, Ducati Multistrada V4, and the Harley-Davidson Pan America?
