Let’s break down how BMW decided to start fresh and build its most important motorcycle from scratch. Seven years back, BMW made that call, and what you’re seeing now is the result of almost ten years of engineering and design work. So, where do we start? We’ll begin at the very heart of it all and then move outward, diving into how it revamped its famous BMW adventure bike and, of course, what it feels like to ride it.
Now, what’s changed? Three big things: it’s lighter, more compact, and packs more power. These are the standout features of the GS, and they also describe the new Boxer engine driving the latest addition to the Gelände Straße family. Losing weight isn’t simple. It’s like shedding pounds while gaining muscle – a real challenge. But BMW has pulled it off with the GS’s fresh 1300 cc power plant.
BMW increased power by making the bore 4 mm bigger and reducing the stroke by 3 mm. They also raised the compression ratio to 13.3:1 from 12.5:1. Now, they claim 145 hp at 7,750 rpm and 110 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm.
To improve valve lift and stroke at different loads, they kept their Shiftcam technology. The intake valve is now 44 mm, and the exhaust side is slightly larger at 35.6 mm (before, they were 40 mm and 34 mm respectively). The only parts retained from the 1250 GS are the 52 mm throttle bodies.
BMW moved the transmission from behind the engine to below it, creating a shorter package from front to back. They also kept the center of gravity the same by removing a third shaft driving the transmission. This allowed ground clearance to remain unchanged and the engine’s height to stay almost exactly the same.
The engine is slightly more forward-biased now. GS enthusiasts might notice that the cylinder heads are now completely symmetrical. This is because BMW placed the timing chains on opposite sides of the cylinders during the engine/transmission reworking.
BMW moved the transmission from behind the engine to below it, creating a shorter package from front to back. They also kept the center of gravity the same by removing a third shaft driving the transmission. This allowed ground clearance to remain unchanged and the engine’s height to stay almost exactly the same.
The engine is slightly more forward-biased now. GS enthusiasts might notice that the cylinder heads are now completely symmetrical. This is because BMW placed the timing chains on opposite sides of the cylinders during the engine/transmission reworking.
We believe that any GS owner or adventure rider would appreciate a smaller open-class adventure bike. BMW started this downsizing process with the engine, which has had a positive impact on the entire bike.
When riding the R 1300 GS, you’ll notice a familiar, yet stronger mid-range power surge from the engine. However, after spending some time on the bike, it seems like it may have lost a bit of torque right off idle, possibly due to the shorter stroke. Oh! By the way do read our review article on 10 Reasons Why the Harley Davidson Sport Bike ‘Sportster S’ Is the Ideal City Cruiser
Despite feeling more spirited during aggressive riding, the bike still maintains its ability to provide a relaxed and mature touring experience. It remains easy to handle off-road, whether navigating through rocks or taking on corners. And it does all of this very smoothly, with minimal vibrations from the engine.
In its standard trim, the 1300 GS offers four ride modes: Eco, Rain, Road, and Enduro. However, for enhanced performance, optional Ride Modes Pro are available, which include Dynamic for sporty riding, Dynamic Pro for adjustable sporty riding, and Enduro Pro for adjustable sporty riding off-road.
The difference between Dynamic and Road mode is significant, and we believe we can all appreciate that. Having six ride modes wouldn’t make sense if the distinctions were barely noticeable. Dynamic mode provides a much more precise and immediate throttle response, allowing you to access the 1300’s powerful mid-range more quickly.
The switchgears have been updated to offer greater customization, allowing for long presses, short presses, and favorite buttons. When you first hop on the bike, it may seem overwhelming, but once you’ve chosen your preferred combination, these features offer nearly limitless customization possibilities, and that’s not even considering additional accessories. The BMW adventure bike price starts from ₹24 lakhs and only one variant is available in 4 colors.
