2024 BMW R 1300 GS Buyer Guide: Specs and Price

The 2024 BMW R 1300 GS represents a ground-up redesign of the flagship adventure bike, built around a brand-new boxer twin in a slimmer, lighter package designed for long-distance touring, carving mountain roads, and off-road riding when the pavement ends. Starting at $18,895 MSRP, the flagship adventure motorcycle features a 1300cc horizontally opposed twin engine that is more oversquare than its 1254cc predecessor. It boasts a 13.3:1 compression ratio, ShiftCam variable valve timing, and liquid-and-air cooling with shaft final drive. Peak output hits 145 horsepower at 7750 rpm, while maximum torque reaches 105 ft-lbs at 6500 rpm, delivering a broad powerband up to the 9000 rpm redline.

BMW repositioned the 6-speed transmission beneath the engine rather than behind it, shortening the powertrain, allowing for a longer swingarm, and contributing to a 26-pound weight reduction for a curb weight of 523 pounds. The setup includes a hydraulically actuated wet multiplate clutch with a slipper function and an optional quickshifter. The chassis utilizes a steel sheet-metal main frame with the engine acting as a stressed member, complemented by a replaceable bolt-on cast-aluminum subframe. Up front, a redesigned Evo Telelever system eliminates previous flex for precise steering and feedback, matched to a longer, stiffer Evo Paralever swingarm in the rear.

Suspension travel measures 7.5 inches up front and 7.9 inches out back. Fully linked brakes consist of 310mm front discs with radially mounted 4-piston calipers and a 285mm rear disc with a dual-piston floating caliper, supported by BMW Motorrad ABS Pro. Standard features include Road, Rain, Eco, and Enduro ride modes, a 6.5-inch TFT display, heated grips, keyless ride, tire pressure monitoring, hill-hold control, a Matrix LED headlight, and Metzeler Karoo 4 tires sized 120/70 x 19 front and 170/60 x 17 rear. Available options include three additional ride modes, semi-active suspension, adaptive ride height that lowers the seat 1.2 inches at low speeds, and radar-based Active Cruise Control.

Beyond the base model, the R 1300 GS is offered in Triple Black, GS Trophy, and Option 719 Tramuntana variants, with Premium, Comfort, and Enduro Pro packages bundling popular options. Seven seat combinations allow heights ranging from 31.5 to 35 inches, while the standard seat height is 33.5 inches.