R 1300 GS
$19,595
*Product specifications and price may vary; this is an approximate reference.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 1300cc air/liquid-cooled twin-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine with BMW ShiftCam |
| Displacement | 1300cc |
| Power | 145 HP @ 7,750 rpm |
| Torque | 149 Nm / 110 lb-ft |
| Weight | 237 kg / 522 lbs |
| Seat Height | 850 mm / 33.5" |
| Fuel Capacity | 19L / 5.0 gal |
| Transmission | 6-speed claw-shifted gearbox integrated under the engine, Shaft Drive |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Electronics
Rider Modes
Performance & Efficiency
- Top Speed
- 140 mph
- 0-60 mph
- 3.3 sec
Reliability & Ownership
Reliability BMW's boxer engines are legendary for longevity, often reaching 100,000 miles with ease. The R 1300 GS introduces a more compact engine design and a new gearbox location. While the platform is relatively new compared to the 1250, BMW’s rigorous testing and the refinement of the ShiftCam system suggest high durability. Valve clearance checks are required every 12,000 miles, which is standard for the segment.
Maintenance Oil changes every 6,000 miles; Valve clearance and spark plugs every 12,000 miles; Shaft drive is low maintenance but requires periodic inspection.
Comfort & Ergonomics
The 1300 GS represents a significant ergonomic evolution. It feels notably slimmer between the legs than its predecessor. The new EVO Telelever front end provides incredible stability while filtering out road harshness. Wind protection is top-tier with the electronically adjustable screen, and the seat is designed for 500-mile days without fatigue. Heat management from the boxer cylinders is excellent, keeping the rider's legs cool.
Overview
" The Technological Apex "
The 2025 BMW R 1300 GS isn't just an update; it's a ground-up redesign of the world's most successful adventure motorcycle. By shedding nearly 12kg compared to the R 1250 GS and adopting a more compact, punchier 1300cc boxer engine, BMW has pivoted the GS toward a more athletic, aggressive character. The introduction of the Matrix LED headlamp and optional Automated Shift Assistant (ASA) or radar-guided cruise control proves that BMW is not resting on its laurels. This bike matters because it sets the benchmark for the next decade of ADV travel, balancing sophisticated road manners with surprising off-road agility. It remains the 'do-it-all' machine, now refined with a sharper edge and a digital soul that makes long-distance touring feel like a futuristic experience.
WikiMoto Verdict
"The undisputed king of adventure touring has been reinvented with more power, less weight, and class-leading tech."
In-Depth Review
Engine
At the heart of the R 1300 GS lies the most powerful boxer engine BMW has ever produced for the GS line. The 1300cc unit produces a stout 145 horsepower and 110 lb-ft of torque. The implementation of ShiftCam technology—variable valve timing—ensures that the power delivery is linear and abundant across the entire rev range. Unlike the older 1250 engine which felt a bit more ‘tractor-like,’ the 1300 unit feels modern, rev-happy, and incredibly smooth. The decision to move the gearbox underneath the engine has allowed for a more compact design and better mass centralization, which is immediately felt when lifting the bike off the side stand.
Handling
Handling is where the R 1300 GS makes its biggest leap forward. The new sheet-metal shell frame is stiffer than the previous tubular spaceframe, providing more precise feedback during aggressive cornering. The EVO Telelever front suspension remains a GS staple, preventing brake dive while maintaining a plush ride, but it has been updated for better steering precision. On the road, the bike tips into corners with the ease of a sport-tourer. Off-road, the 12kg weight reduction is transformative. It no longer feels like you are piloting a massive tank through the dirt; it feels manageable, flickable, and significantly more balanced when standing on the pegs.
Tech
BMW has packed the 1300 GS with an array of electronics that would make a fighter jet jealous. The 6.5-inch TFT display remains the gold standard for clarity and ease of use. The new radar-based Active Cruise Control (ACC) and Front Collision Warning (FCW) add a layer of safety and convenience for long highway stints that competitors are still struggling to match. The Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA) now adapts not just the damping but also the spring rate and load compensation in real-time. Perhaps the most talked-about feature is the optional Adaptive Vehicle Height Control, which automatically lowers the bike when coming to a stop—a godsend for shorter riders on such a tall machine.
Verdict
The 2025 BMW R 1300 GS is a masterclass in evolution. It manages to be faster, lighter, and smarter without losing the ‘GS’ DNA that has made it a global bestseller. While some purists might miss the rugged, chunky aesthetic of the previous generation, the performance gains are undeniable. It is more than just a motorcycle; it is a high-speed touring computer capable of crossing continents regardless of whether the pavement ends. It is expensive, especially when you start ticking the option boxes, but in the world of premium adventure motorcycles, it remains the standard by which all others are measured.