BMW R 1300 GS Unveiled, India Launch In 2024

The big daddy of adventure motorcycles has witnessed another evolution as BMW has taken the wraps off the R 1300 GS, making it the millionth GS to roll out of Bavaria. While in essence it is still the same ADV with a big boxer twin with fancy suspension and electronics. However, BMW has carefully gone about trying to make the new big GS better in every possible manner.

And immediately you’ll notice that the GS no longer looks butch and beefy. Don’t get me wrong, it still is a hefty bugger, tipping the scales at 237 kg, but it is 12 kg lighter than before. And the new shredded look supplements the claims of weight loss. The ‘X’ LED DRL setup with a projector headlight might disappoint die-hard GS fans who are in love with the old asymmetric face.

Underneath the toned garb is a brand new motor and chassis. Displacing exactly 1300 cubes, the new motor makes 145 bhp and 149 Nm, a serious step-up from the previous 1250 (136 bhp and 143 Nm). More so, the engine and drivetrain itself contribute towards the majority of the weight savings, 4 kg and 2.5 kg respectively.

You continue to get the ShiftCam tech (BMW lingo for variable valve timing) on the R 1300 GS, which is obviously optimised for the new motor. The engine is aided by several IMU-based electronic rider aids, plus radar-aided safety systems. Eco, Rain, Road and Enduro riding modes alter the riding behaviour of the bike to suit the conditions, Hill Start Control (hill hold assist) is now standard, and the usual barrage of rider aids are here.

BMW has made Dynamic Cruise Control, Front Collision Warning and Lane Change Warning standard on the GS now. While these ADAS features do help further the cause of safety on two-wheels, we still have seen these features go into a sensory overload on our roads.

The new chassis is made from optimised sheet metal with the subframe now an aluminium diecast unit. Both the Paralever and Telelever suspension, a staple of big GS bikes, have been revised for the 1300, offering 20 mm more travel at both ends.

Currently, the R 1250 GS is carrying a sticker price of Rs 20.55 lakh (ex-showroom India) without any additional accessories. We expect the R 1300 GS to come in towards the middle of 2024 and BMW might bump up the asking price to around Rs 23-24 lakh.