BMW practically invented the ADV class back in 1981. In German, “GS” stands for Gelände/Straße which loosely translates to terrain/street in English. More than 40 decades later, BMW’s philosophy of the GS remains the same: Produce a motorcycle capable of tackling any terrain over any amount of miles. The R 1300 GS does that better than any other BMW we have seen before.The 2024 BMW R 1300 GS is all-new. Everything has been reworked; even the design goals have changed. As the GS gained more tech, displacement, and power it grew in every dimension through each new generation. Now, bigger and badder is no longer the direction. Smaller and lighter is the new focus—but with a larger-displacement engine and more power. Winning strategy? We think so..embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }The new flat-twin engine is now 1,300cc. BMW increased the bore and shortened the stroke to create space for the larger 44mm intake valves (40mm on the predecessor). Despite increasing the bore and decreasing the stroke (shortening the stroke typically reduces torque), the 1300 GS has improved torque thanks to ShiftCam technology. BMW’s ShiftCam system provides different intake timing and valve lift at low rpm. Kevin Cameron describes it best: “ShiftCam prevents that loss by shortening valve timing and reducing lift at lower revs. Both increase intake velocity. When ShiftCam operates in low rpm mode, the intake valves are given staggered opening timings that cause mixture entering the cylinder to swirl around the cylinder axis. This also contributes to speeding combustion, helping to maintain high torque.”Related: Championship-Winning Superbike Built on BMW’s Flat-Twin

Compression ratio has been increased to 13.3:1. This is made possible thanks to the engine’s knock protection system. If abnormal detonating combustion is detected, the computer cuts ignition. For 2024, BMW packaged the gearbox below the engine allowing a more forward weight bias and longer swingarm.A design goal for the R 1300 GS chassis: stiffer and lighter. BMW increased the front axle diameter from 20mm to 25mm and the new single-sided swingarm is also stiffer. As mentioned in Kevin Cameron’s design analysis of the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS, “BMW describes the new swingarm as having a stiffer connection to the frame.” Ditching the steel tube chassis of the R 1250 GS, BMW designed a sheet metal shell frame for the R 1300 GS, adding to the new bike’s 26-pound weight savings over the predecessor. In an effort to increase handling performance, the Evo Telelever front suspension has also been redesigned. As Kevin Cameron explained it, “Steering motion is linked to the fork tubes by a flexible stainless steel plate.” This is to prevent “accentuating the tilting of the upper crown.”

The 2024 BMW R 1300 GS has an extensive electronics package. Standard equipment includes four rider modes (Eco, Rain, Road, Enduro), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), ABS Pro, Hill Start Control (HSC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC), engine drag torque control (MSR), Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM), Keyless Ride, heated grips, a smartphone charging compartment with a USB charging port, and BMW Motorrad Connectivity. BMW also offers a slew of optional equipment including electronic suspension, adaptive vehicle height control, and forged enduro wheels to name a few.

Before hitting our in-house Dynojet 250i dynamometer, the R 1300 GS weighed 566 pounds on our automotive scales. On the Cycle World dyno, the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS produced 128.4 hp at 7,750 rpm and 95.8 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,410 rpm. For reference, the 2021 BMW R 1250 GS produced 117.4 hp and 91.5 lb.-ft. of torque. Studying the dyno chart, you’ll observe the R 1300 GS’ impressive power curves. The engine offers nearly 85 percent of maximum torque right off idle and doesn’t fall off until after 8,000 rpm. So basically riders have close to maximum torque available throughout the entire rev range. And the horsepower curve is about as linear as they get. With the combination of an extremely strong torque curve and a linear power delivery, the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS is powered by one of the greatest engines in motorcycling. Whether you’re riding on or off-road, the 1,300cc flat-twin provides smooth, direct power throughout the entire rev range.