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BMW R 1300 GS: Is the BMW R 1300 GS nonetheless the benchmark for long-distance touring bikes?

By J.Müller

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As an avowed fan of the GS Journey fashions, I used to be actually wanting ahead to the brand new BMW R 1300 GS Journey. However once I noticed it for the primary time within the Canary Experience storage , I used to be shocked: the 1300 did not instantly seize me visually. The long-lasting “I would like it” impact that earlier fashions triggered in me simply did not occur. Nonetheless, my curiosity was too nice and so I reached for the important thing.

The primary few meters – a difficult feeling

Within the slender maze of streets in Las Palmas, the huge and tall machine initially felt misplaced. With a seat top that’s unrivalled, the Journey was something however compact. However after the primary few kilometers, a well-known feeling returned. As soon as the seat was lowered, it gave a secure feeling on the visitors lights. On the similar time, it stays a miracle of consolation that pays off particularly on longer excursions.

The street calls – harmonious dealing with regardless of the scale of the R 1300 GS Journey

We had barely reached the primary bends when it was there once more: that harmonious, playful steering conduct that I like a lot in regards to the GS Journey. Regardless of its 269 kilograms ready-to-drive weight, it masters each mixture of radii with a composure that’s unequalled. I led the group, driving loosely and relaxed, however on the first cease I turned conscious of the excessive pace I used to be touring at. For me it felt like “snug cruising” whereas the colleagues behind me needed to pull arduous on the gasoline to maintain up. Typical GS Journey: sovereignty at a excessive pace.

BMW R 1300 GS Journey – Energy with out finish – Electronics on the sting

The 145 hp at 7750 rpm and 149 Nm torque at 6500 rpm are now not the highest finish of the road for premium journey enduros. However particularly in Dynamic mode, the BMW develops a dynamic that’s actually spectacular. Each hairpin bend turns into the start line for highly effective propulsion, with the entrance wheel actually screaming in direction of the sky. On the similar time, you’ll be able to really feel that the chassis can change into fairly unstable in excessive driving conditions. BMW permits the digital driving aids a surprisingly great amount of leeway, which is agreeable but in addition difficult for knowledgeable drivers. If you happen to swap to Street mode, the electronics change into noticeably extra restrained, however even right here the bike is something however tame.

Chassis and brakes – excellent, however not infallible

The chassis of the R 1300 GS Journey is as assured as ever. The Telelever on the entrance and the Paralever on the rear guarantee stability, even on tough asphalt. The seat gives an ideal stability of consolation and suggestions – an actual spotlight. However on the GC 606, one of the crucial troublesome bike routes on Gran Canaria, it turned clear that the digital helpers have their limits. The mixed ABS works excellently on regular asphalt, however reaches its limits on extraordinarily poor asphalt circumstances. Transparency and feeling within the brakes are extra theoretical right here – the deceleration is there, however confidence suffers somewhat. The brake lever is continually pulsating and you actually do not know what the brakes are actually as much as. Unhealthy asphalt with a lot of bumps is the ultimate boss for the management programs of the massive Journey. As a result of in Enduro mode every thing is evident once more – the electronics take a step again and you know the way to cope with it. On good asphalt every thing is simply as great – you’ll be able to hearth roughly mindlessly and the ECU does the remaining. However it’s fairly troublesome to grasp the bumps talked about on dangerous asphalt with the heavy bike.

Working idea – BMW stays the benchmark

One level the place BMW stays unbeatable within the new Journey model is the working idea. The switches, the menu and the logic behind it are all intuitive and completely accessible. Particularly when in comparison with different manufacturers, it’s placing how effectively thought out the ergonomics of the R 1300 GS Journey are. Whether or not on the street or off-road: you instantly really feel at dwelling and at all times have every thing below management. It pays off that BMW stays true to its line and fine-tunes as an alternative of reinventing the wheel each few years.

Tires – Michelin Anakee Journey put by way of its paces

The Michelin Anakee Journey was an excellent selection within the changeable circumstances on Gran Canaria. From ice-cold asphalt at an altitude of 2000 meters to brief gravel sections and even racetrack-like bitumen in sweltering warmth, the tires mastered every thing with ease. It gives grip, stability and a sense of safety that’s value its weight in gold on a tour like this. In fact, the Anakee Street is a little more exact on good asphalt circumstances and gives much more grip, however the Anakee Journey provided a tough look however nonetheless loads of security on asphalt. A superb compromise for this bike.

Anybody who needs to customise the brand new BMW R 1300 GS Journey ought to check out BMW’s on-line configurator. There you’ll be able to simply click on by way of the out there choices, from seat heights to colours and tools packages. The configurator additionally reveals the overall worth immediately, so that you rapidly have an outline of what the specified machine will value in the long run. A useful software for tailoring the GS Journey completely to your personal necessities. Sadly, the configurator additionally places the record worth of the naked machine into perspective. Even when some tools options are already on board as customary, you’ll have to add quite a lot of extras to your tailored journey. Personally, I got here up with 27,300 euros for my configuration utilizing the BMW bike configurator in Germany. In Austria, the worth climbed to over 30,000 euros. Hyperlink Configurator BMW Bike Austria

That is how I might personally configure my Journey:

  • fundamental mannequin
  • Model GS Trophy
  • Innovation Bundle, Touring Bundle, Dynamic Bundle
  • cross-spoke wheels (included within the Model GS Trophy bundle)
  • Excessive consolation seat plus consolation handlebars
  • Preparation for navigation machine (included within the Touring bundle)
  • high case

Versatile by way of all altitudes: IXS Enterprise sequence in island check

The temperature fluctuations on Gran Canaria pose an actual problem for each bike go well with: from a cool 5 levels within the morning within the mountains to a summery 30 levels on the seaside, the tools has to have the ability to cope. The brand new IXS Enterprise sequence mastered this job with flying colours on the Canary Islands journey 2025.

Within the editorial workplace, we relied on two totally different setups: Whereas McGregor selected the ethereal Enterprise Air mixture with the brand new Enterprise 1.0 helmet and the STX gloves, I examined the marginally sportier lower Enterprise STX mixture. The spotlight of each variations? Due to intelligent air flow openings and a excessive stretch content material, they tailored completely to the altering circumstances. A contact of the strategically positioned air flow zips was sufficient to modify from mountain mode to coastal local weather. Throughout our check rides throughout the island, this proved to be an actual time saver – no annoying stops to vary gear, simply modify in the course of the trip and keep on.

The BMW R 1300 GS Journey 2024 stays the superior journey enduro that it at all times was. It’s highly effective, highly effective and cozy – a motorbike for demanding and skilled riders who love each lengthy excursions and demanding routes. The electronics and brakes present small weaknesses in excessive conditions, however the general idea continues to be spectacular. Would I purchase it? The look did not instantly impress me, however after this present day on Gran Canaria I’m positive: The R 1300 GS Journey is a motorbike that shouldn’t be underestimated and that in the end satisfied me once more. However frankly, with this terrain, this time I might somewhat go for the brand new F 800 GS once more subsequent time. Right here on the island it was simpler to maneuver and general I discovered it to be the higher selection. Whereas after excursions in Andalusia I at all times felt a powerful eager for the massive journey fashions. It’s logical that the meant use situation is crucial criterion for the acquisition determination. The small GS fashions at the moment are a lot better than earlier than and are an enchanting various to the massive monster. The BMW R 1300 GS Journey is, nonetheless, a transparent suggestion for riders who prefer to trip dynamically however nonetheless need most driving consolation. Nevertheless, the prerequisite is that you’ve the mandatory top and the expertise to confidently management such a heavy and enormous bike. Then it makes touring not solely simple and cozy, but in addition breathtakingly quick – a mixture that’s merely fascinating.

Technical data BMW R 1300 GS Adventure 2025

engine and drive
engine typeboxer
number of cylinders2
timing4-stroke
valves per cylinder4
valve controlDOHC
coolingliquid air
displacement1300 cc
drilling106.5 mm
Hub73 mm
Performance145 hp
rpm at power7750 rpm
torque149 Nm
rpm at torque6500 rpm
compression13.3
mixture preparationinjection
throttle valve diameter52 mm
starterelectric
couplingantihopping
driveKardan
transmissiongearshift
number of gears6
A2 throttling possibleYes
chassis
FrameSteel
frame constructionengine supporting
steering head angle63.8 degrees
caster118.8 mm
front suspension
suspensionTelelever
suspension travel190 mm
rear suspension
suspensionParalever
materialaluminum
shock absorbermonoshock
suspension travel200 mm
setting optionspring preload
front brakes
designdouble pane
diameter310 mm
Pistonsfour-piston
Recordingsemi-floating saddle
activityhydraulic
technologyradial
rear brakes
designdisc
diameter285 mm
Pistonstwo-piston
Recordingfloating saddle
driver assistance systems
assistance systemsABS, anti-skid control, hill start assist, driving modes, combined braking system, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, traction control
data and dimensions
front tire width120 mm
front tire height70%
front tire diameter19 inches
rear tire width170 mm
rear tire height60%
rear tire diameter17 inches
length2280 mm
Width1012 mm
wheelbase1534 mm
seat height of870 mm
seat height up to890 mm
Weight ready to drive (with ABS)269 ​​kg
tank capacity30 l
top speed200 km/h
driving license classesA
reach395 km
battery power (volts V)12 V
battery power (ampere hours Ah)10 Ah
CO² emissions combined113 g/km
combined fuel consumption4.9 l/100km
idling noise88 dB
Idle noise over 95dBno
equipment
equipmentLED headlights, TFT display

Conclusion: BMW R 1300 GS Journey 2025

The BMW R 1300 GS Journey stays a powerful journey enduro with a strong drive, excessive stage of consolation and superior dynamics. It shines with agile dealing with, high-quality help programs and first-class ergonomics. Small weaknesses change into obvious in excessive circumstances within the brakes and electronics in addition to in its excessive weight. Regardless of its polarized design, it’s a clear selection for knowledgeable riders who worth consolation and efficiency on lengthy excursions.

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