BMW R1300GS (2023-24)

BMW R1300GS: 144 hp and 150 Nm and a cast aluminium chassis

BMW will launch a new model generation of the successful GS model this year. With it, the conversion to complete water cooling, dry sump lubrication and an aluminium chassis takes place.

Hardly any other BMW motorcycle symbolizes the development of the BMW brand as much as the GS, despite a model range that now includes super sports bikes, electric scooters, and big cruisers.

The latest evolution of the Bavarian travel enduro, the R1300GS, makes its debut in late summer of this year, just in time for the 100th anniversary of the Bavarians. This is currently being developed in Munich, where pre-series bikes that are almost the same as the later series and are no longer veiled are given the finishing touches during test rides on public roads.

Particular attention should be paid to the completely new drive, among other things. It will continue to be equipped with the tried and tested variable valve control "Shift Cam". But the most important change is revealed when you look at the cylinders from the front: The ventilation ribs of the still mostly air-cooled boxer engine of the current GS generation are no longer visible and can only be seen in a stylized form. This makes it clear that the drive of the R1300 GS will be 100% water-cooled in the future.

Above all, more stringent noise standards, but also the prospect of future emission standards are likely to have caused this new development. In addition, the boxer engine will apparently be switched to dry sump lubrication in the future, which offers advantages in off-road operation and at high speeds, among other things. In addition to the larger cubic capacity of apparently exactly 1300 ccm in the future, the torque and the nominal power will also increase. According to recent homologation data, peak power will be around 144 hp, with torque increasing to 150 Nm at 6500 rpm.

The engine itself is integrated into a cast aluminium frame as a load-bearing part. Bolted to this main frame is a matching rear frame with a new case mount, apparently also made of cast aluminium. The swing arm, which still has an integrated cardan drive, has also been newly developed. All of these measures will certainly result in significant weight savings compared to the current model. According to the unofficial homologation data, the total weight will still level off at around 250 kg.

BMW has also packaged the new construction in a somewhat jagged, but also slimmer design, at least the prototype looks much more compact in the picture. The suspension travel also seems to be a little less. However, it is also clear that well-known styling elements will be used again in the next GS. However, this does not apply to the asymmetrical front lamp. Although the new design is still camouflaged here, the daytime running lights and thus part of the shape in the upper area of the lamp can already be seen.

Directly above it is the recording for the radar cruise control. The preparation for radar monitoring at the rear can also be seen and points to the blind spot warning, which is available as an option. The characteristic duckbill seems to be preserved as well as the telelever.

All in all, discounting the minimal camouflage, the pre-production bike is almost complete. The R1300GS should therefore only be a short time away from its debut. A presentation at a BMW-Motorrad anniversary celebration in September is accepted. The air guide elements, which adjust automatically depending on the riding speed and which BMW patented in 2022, cannot be seen on the pre-series models.

Based on the model policy that BMW pursues in other motorcycle categories, the R1300GS should be placed alongside an M1300GS designed for increased off-road use, with a 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel, and then of course with longer spring.

In addition, we are expecting an R1400GS with a huge tank, touring accessories and more power and torque as the successor to the R1250GS Adventure. Whether the new 1400 Adventure will have an adapted frame geometry with a steeper steering head angle and shorter trail, as in the past, remains to be seen. This would be quite easy to do by switching to a cast aluminium chassis.

So, it remains to be seen what will happen to us.

We are curious.

Feel the #SpiritofGS