2024 BMW R 1300 GS Review: The Modern High-Capacity Adventure Bike

BMW has yet again impressed the motorcycling world with its superior adventure bike technology. The German manufacturer has raised the bars in the high-capacity adventure bike category with its all-new 2024 R 1300 GS. The bike looks super cool, aggressive, and futuristic.

The very first look of this bike can make your jaw drop. It is one of the best premium-looking bikes that almost every ADV rider would love to ride and own.

The BMW R 1300 GS is bigger, better, and technologically more advanced than its previous generation. It is expected to take the competition in the large-displacement ADV motorcycle category to the next level. Above all, the weight of this bike is kept lower to make it more fun.

If you want to know whether this bike is perfect for you and whether you should be investing in this bike in 2024, continue reading this article to learn in detail about the BMW R 1300 GS.

This year, BMW has introduced two new models in its current lineup, including the BMW R 1300 GS and the R 1300 GS Adventure. If you see both these models, you will find a considerable difference, particularly when it comes to design and build.

The BMW R 1300 GS is a more sportier, aggressive, and sleek-looking bike. It is also made lighter than the previous generations for a more versatile performance.

On the other hand, the R 1300 GS Adventure looks quite bulky. This bike looks a bit odd, considering its unusual design. Considering its fuel tank design, it looks like an electric bike with a large rectangular battery. However, it is an adventure bike with better capabilities to overcome challenging terrains.

The major differences between the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS and R 1300 GS Adventure are obvious. The 2024 R 1300 GS Adventure features:

• Better suspensions for off-road performance with long-wheel travel.
• The suspensions are also electronically controlled.
• Tires are designed to conquer extreme off-road challenges.
• The wind protection is bigger and better
• The fuel-carrying capacity is considerably larger
• The ground clearance is substantially high.
• Being a better adventure bike, the seat height is also quite high.

The 2024 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure is heavier than the R 1300 GS.

The all-new 2024 BMW R 1300 GS is a fresh, modern take on the previous-generation BMW ADV bikes. The first glimpse of this bike will make you fall in love with this bike.

The design looks trendy, innovative, and more aerodynamic. It is a pure ADV bike with a better on-road performance. If you are looking for a better off-road performance with a 1,300 cc engine displacement size, it is better to go with the R 1300 GS Adventure.

However, don’t take the 2024 R 1300 GS, as it is unsuitable for off-roading. This bike is as good as the R 1300 GS Adventure for off-roading.

The 2024 BMW R 1300 GS looks more like a sportier naked bike. It is aesthetically a very appealing motorcycle. The fit and finish is also beyond perfection.

In 2024, BMW has come up with an all-new headlight design. There are four LED Daytime Running Light (DRL) tubes positioned in a cross shape around the circular main lamp.

The panels installed on this bike are designed aggressively, as you find on most high-performance bikes. They are neatly integrated into this bike.

Unlike most BMW motorbikes, the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS is different. The 1300 cc boxer engine is installed at a good height to ensure performance gain. Overall, the bike looks amazing.

Another major difference you can find in the all-new 2024 BMW R 1300 GS that wasn’t present on the previous-gen BMW R 1250 GS is its symmetrical design. Since the beginning, BMW motorcycles have used an asymmetrical front-end design.

Some motorcyclists initially disliked it, but it became a style statement with time. Riders start identifying the asymmetrical design as the iconic BMW shape. However, in 2024, BMW is back to the symmetrical front-end design.

The engine on the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS is not the same as you will find in previous generation models. Engineers at BMW have made significant updates to the new engine, which makes the bike perform better.

The engine on the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS is bigger, much better, and lighter. It produces more horsepower and torque without adding extra weight to this bike.

The 1,300 cc air and oil-colled DOHC flat-twin engine ensures a peak horsepower of 145 hp at 7,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 149.2 Nm at 6,500 rpm. The power figures are quite impressive compared to the previous-gen R 1250 GS .

The lighter engine technology and the overall weight loss have made this bike phenomenal. The difference is pretty evident as you ride this bike. It feels quicker and smoother on the road.

The torque produced is quite evident in the mid-range. In the ADV motorcycle category, it is notably a quick motorbike. Though built differently, the all-new flat-twin Boxer engine provides a similar feel and sound as the previous generation models.

A majority of riders are not a huge fan of the sound the Boxer twin engine makes. It doesn’t sound as aggressive as the sound produced by other large-capacity ADV motorcycles.

However, considering the smoothness and practicality, the new BMW shift cam engine technology is a great step forward. It is a great power plant for comfortable long-distance riding.

Another essential feature of the new flat-twin Boxer engine technology is its low fuel consumption figure. It is a highly practical engine technology, consuming only 4.8 L/100 km, which is comparatively lower than the high-displacement ADV bike category.

In the handling department, the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS feels so good. It is an easy-to-ride bike that handles incredibly well and feels lighter. This bike is easy to handle thanks to the new frame design and latest ride enhancement.

The 2024 R 1300 GS feels quite planted and stable. The weight is also centered down low, helping riders turn corners easily. The steering also feels lighter thanks to the unique front-end design and suspension.

The BMW Motorrad EVO-Telelever suspension technology with a central shock absorber and handlebar tilting decoupled via flex element provide a unique riding experience.

The new frame and suspension design make it a completely different bike from the ADV bikes with conventional-style frames and suspensions. The steering and turning feel different than what you will find on conventional motorbikes.

The new frame design and Telelever suspension technology provide several advantages. However, if you prefer the traditional chassis design and its feel, there are a few downsides.

The response you get from the front end while steering is different. It doesn’t feel as sporty as the conventional chassis and fork suspensions. However, it is easy to ride and reassuring as you handle the bike around corners.

Considering its design and capabilities, the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS can be referred to as a better “Adventure Touring” bike. It is perfect for long-distance touring because it is highly comfortable.

Though this bike looks like it is designed for adventure rides with its slim, sportier, and lightweight design, it is a very comfortable motorbike.

The wind protection is adequate for the purpose for which this bike is built. It also features an electronically adjustable windscreen, along with the side deflectors. The handguards also look quite premium and also come with integrated turn signals.

The ergonomics are pretty wide for riders of almost every size and stature. The handlebars are big and wide for comfortable and sporty vibes. You can comfortably sit on this bike in an upright ride position.

If you don’t find the seat height comfortable for you, you have three different optional seat options to choose from.

Being a high-displacement adventure bike, the BMW R 1300 GS features several standard rider aids. These include ABS Pro, which is optimized for lean angle, traction control, hill start control, cruise control, and four ride modes (Eco, Rain, Enduro, and Road). These rider aids are displayed and controlled through an easy-to-use TFT display.

The all-new 2024 BMW R 1300 GS has radar technology integrated with the adaptive cruise control system. These sensors provide collision warnings and notify riders about blind spots.

The adaptive cruise control system also detects slow-moving vehicles and reduces the speed to maintain a safe distance.

The adaptive seat height control system is another great feature on a few modern bikes. It allows the 2024 R 1300 GS to reduce the seat height as the rider applies brakes and comes to a standstill.

Similarly, as you start to accelerate, the bike lifts again. This feature also helps lift the bike when parking on the center stand. You don’t have to exert all your energy lifting such a heavyweight bike while putting it on the center stand.

There is also an SOS button installed on the handlebars for emergencies. You can also easily charge your phone in the phone stash integrated with the gas tank.

The 2024 BMW R 1300 GS also comes with standard heated grips for superior comfort while riding in the cold. If you want a more premium touring experience in winter, you can install the optional heated seats for riders and passengers.

This is the first time BMW has opted for a symmetrical front-end design, and motorcycle enthusiasts seem to like it. The first competitor would probably be the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure . This is the first thing you will find online, as everybody loves the previous-gen R 1250 GS.

The all-new 2024 R 1300 GS looks cleaner, slimmer, and sportier than the R 1250 GS Adventure . However, it doesn’t look as daunting and rough as the R 1250 GS Adventure because it is more focused on adventure touring.

Being a high-capacity adventure touring bike with multiple rider aids, the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS is not affordable. Compared to other top-end ADV bikes on the market, it will not feel too expensive either. However, if you add the accessories and optional features, the price can go much higher.

The 2024 BMW R 1300 GS is an all-round adventure bike that is unique and exceptional. It is better than most of its competitors in terms of comfort and touring capability.

The official statistics by BMW state that the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS can attain a top speed of over 120 mph. However, as per the reviews and tests, this bike can go at a top speed of 147 mph thanks to the updated and more powerful engine.

The 2024 R 1300 GS is recorded to go from rest to 60 mph in only 3.4 seconds.

Dynamic ride height differs from the usual ride height, as stated by the company on the specs sheet. The real-time seat height varies as the rider maneuvers over different terrains.

The dynamic ride height can change as the rider applies brakes or experiences a bump. During both these situations, the springs or shocks installed in motorcycles are compressed, resulting in the vertical motion of the bike’s chassis.

Also, if the rider experiences curved terrain or bumps, the dynamic ride height changes to slightly less than normal.

The all-new 2024 BMW R 1300 GS is a great addition to the BMW adventure bike category. This bike is completely new from its predecessor and provides a different riding experience.

The engine has also been redesigned for better performance. A slight increase in the displacement size has also resulted in more horsepower and torque.

Despite being a high-capacity adventure bike, the BMW R 1300 GS has reduced much weight compared to the previous-generation models. It is slimmer, aggressive, and lighter than the BMW R 1250 GS .

When it comes to its capabilities, the BMW R 1300 GS is more focused on better ADV touring performance. The comfort level of this bike is superior to that of the previous models.

This bike is fully loaded with impressive modern features and equipment, making it a premium high-capacity adventure tourer.

If you are looking for a versatile large-displacement adventure bike that can perform incredibly well on both on- and off-road terrains, the 2024 R 1300 GS is a great option.