New BMW R 1300 GS More Powerful GS

The new 1300 is still unmistakably a GS, albeit a smaller, smoother, lighter, more agile and refined version of its old self, the BMW R1250GS. Despite the changes, the higher level of spec, huge array of accessories and even a sophisticated new robotic production line at BMW’s Berlin plant, it’s more of a subtle evolution than revolution. Rather than it offering a completely new riding experience the new GS is simply a machine for more riders to enjoy in more situations.
It’s still unlikely to be a KTM beater off-road, won’t handle tarmac with the easy accuracy of the latest Triumph Tiger 1200 or be as superbike-fast as a Ducati Multistrada V4, but the old GS never needed to be any of those things to be successful and still doesn’t now. The new R1300GS is a superb off-roader, tourer and scratcher all rolled into one and that’ll take some beating.
Styling is the first big departure from the chunky, decade-old R1250GS. It’s a case of ‘Honey, I shrunk the GS’, because despite its bigger engine the new 1300 feels like a much smaller bike. It’s slimmer and has a lower, narrower fuel tank that’s a litre smaller than before. But despite its ground-up transformation the GS is still instantly familiar the second you climb aboard, from the shape of its wide handlebars to the colour dash that contains a host of new functions, including a sports display.
After day in its plush saddle at its world launch in southern Spain, the 1300 still does what a GS does best. It’s still an accomplished adventure-shaped touring bike and one you’re happy to spend big miles on. It’s every inch as spacious and comfortable as its predecessor and there are lots of nice little detail touches that quickly get your attention, like the new cubby hole for your phone on the tank, the textured finish on the rocker covers and fuel tank and a retractable centre stand tab to make the heavy lifting easier.
Its new manually adjustable screen has a slippery new shape that’s blissfully quiet at speed, which is a big tick for an adventure bike and for the first time on a GS you can opt for an electric version. The screen operation, together with the heated grips control and options like heated seats, radar cruise and electronic suspension can now all be controlled by a single switch without having to dive into layers of menus on the dash.
Although it has a new chassis the new R1300GS rides similarly to before. It’s still stable and forgiving with superb ride quality. It was never and still isn’t the fastest steering bike in the world, but it’s that bit more agile, accurate and roadster-like than before. It lets you place the big Beemer where you want through corners and takes a lot of the effort out of muscling a 237kg bike about. The suspension can still bounce around on and off the throttle, even with the damping ramped up and doesn’t quite have the composure of a machine with more conventional suspension, but as before it digs in hard and confidently through corners, especially on its sticky new Metzeler Tourance Next 2 dual purpose tyres. New front calipers and bigger diameter discs provide strong, progressive braking, backed up with a powerful rear.

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I rode the 1300gs a month ago and didn't like it at all, not comfortable at all and it leans over too much on the side stand so difficult to lift. Compared to my 1250gs, its garbage.