As one of the best-selling motorcycles in the world, BMW has finally pulled the wraps on the long-awaited update to the GS family. Introducing the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS.

After countless spy shots, teasers and rumours, the BMW R 1300 GS finally broke cover as it was revealed in Germany at the 100^th anniversary celebrations in Berlin, with the GS story starting way back in 1980 as the R 80 G/S with 798cc and 50 bhp.

Times have changes drastically since then, with capacity and power (and technology) making huge leaps forward in that time – now the R 1250 GS can make way for a larger, lighter and more technologically advanced 1300cc boxer. It’s quite the legacy to build from.

Thilo Fuchs, head of Water-cooled Boxer Models for BMW Motorrad, states the new GS ‘is defined by an even broader spread of product substance, while the reduction of complexity and vehicle weight, combined with focused equipment (…) new engine, outstanding handling and impressive ride qualities, it will set the pace both on and off the road’.

The heart of the beast is updated for 2024, 46cc bigger than the R 1250 GS, with a larger bore yet shorter stroke, with a DOHC and four-valves (that are increased in size), with a redesign to the shaft drive, the gearbox now relocated to underneath the engine, and the same ShiftCam setup – with updates to the valve timing (plus the compression goes from 12.5:1 to 13.3:1.

All in, the power has gone up to 145 bhp at 7750 rpm, and peak torque is now 149 Nm at 6500 rpm. Performance figures are given as 3.39 seconds to 62 mph, and a top speed of over 120 mph.

There’s a 19-litre tank fitted, with the official quoted fuel consumption sitting at 4.8 L per 100 km – or 58 mpg in imperial units, to you and I.

Compared to the outgoing R 1250 GS, this new R 1300 GS doesn’t just look more slender and sleek – it has shed 12 kg, and hits the scales at 237 kg wet. Naturally, this reduction in weight will aid agility and performance both on and off the road – but it goes further than that.

BMW Motorrad has put in work to almost entirely revise the frame, aiming to counter the seeming habit of manufacturers to add needless complexity and size of their adventure models.

A new sheet metal main frame for increased stiffness, along with a die-cast aluminium rear frame – plus the new EVO Telelever suspension with flex element, and revised rear wheel guide EVO Paralever – on paper, it should handle as a great agile touring enduro model across all terrains.

Let’s dive into the suspension real quick.

Following the Telelever design first seen 30 years ago, the R 1300 GS follows the principles of the two previously used variants – here, a handlebar decoupling system is featured with a flex element to compensate for tilting and assists in maintaining steering control, the upper fork bridge pivotally connected via a radial swivel bearing to the steering shaft tube, and the lower fork bridge gaining an additional roller bearing.

The Evo Paralever at the rear, or the rear wheel guide, has been redesigned for improved traction, featuring a unique swinging arm bearing arrangement. Front and rear spring travel is 190 mm and 200 mm, respectively.

Additionally to this, there is the further choice to bolster the suspension with Adaptive Vehicle Height Control, and Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA) as ex-works options. Respectively, these will automatically adjust the bike's height based on riding conditions and speed, and adapt in the moment to terrain and conditions via the damping and spring rate at the front and rear in accordance with the riding mode, riding conditions and manoeuvres.

The DSA option will be particularly intriguing for riders who are happy to go on a bulky tour fully laden, then shed the weight and go for a lighter jaunt off-road, without the need to adjust suspension settings!

BMW has upped the specs by now including some pretty vital components as standard across the range. These include: heated grips, keyless ride (for steering, ignition, fuel tank lock), RDC, Engine Drag Torque Control (MSR), ABS Pro, Dynamic Cruise Control with brake function, LiO starter battery, hand protectors with integrated turn indicators.

You’ll also find a knock sensor as standard fit, a new matrix LED headlamp (more on that later), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Front Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Change Warning (SWW), a smartphone charging compartment with integrated USB socket and 12 V on-board power socket, and finished off with the 6.5” full-colour TFT dash packed with features.

For your money, you’re able to pick up quite the machine – without even delving too far into the accessories catalogue!

Did you know that GS stands for Gelände/Straße, which means off-road in German? Though the GS may not be the first thought when it comes to off-road motorcycles, this new trim seems to certainly be cut out for some good days work off the beaten track.

Uprated brakes, radial four-piston calipers. The new suspension, dropped weight, and dedicated off-road rider modes (total of four) with other tweaks for 2024 make this a tasty prospect.

Flick off from the ‘rain’, ‘road’, or ‘eco’ mode and get into the ‘enduro mode’, and your back wheel will be skidding through trails before you know it. Then, if you need more, you can opt for the ex works accessories to sharpen the bike's abilities off-road – if you have the budget!

The new 2024 R 1300 GS boasts Matrix LED headlamps as standard, a fairly innovative design which steps away from the iconic current GS headlight layout style.

The system works with two LED units, one for low and one for high beam, along with four additional LED units for the daytime running light and the side lights. The LED indicators are now integrated in the standard-issue handguards, and are tucked away neatly at the rear. The only potential downside here is dropping the bike, and losing the indicators in the handguard!

With the optional ‘Headlight Pro’, the beam adapts to the bike's banking position, ensuring optimal visibility in corners.

Safety features like Riding Assistant with Active Cruise Control, Front Collision Warning, and Lane Change Warning provide peace of mind during your journeys.

And finally, the question that is no doubt on all of your minds… the price!

From launch, the base model BMW R 1300 GS will be priced at £15,990 – but there are also a few variants with corresponding spec and relevant price tags to consider.

The GS Trophy model is for those after specific off-road use – coming with a rally seat, flat fuel tank, radiator grille guards and spoked wheels. Add £830 for this, coming in at a sleek £16,820. Looks nice in this blue, mind.

The Triple Black has distinct design, with sleek tone-in-tone style, comfort seats & comfort rear footrests, and an electrically adjustable windscreen. This is also an £830 additional cost, with total price £16,820.

Finally is the Option 719 Tramuntana, with exclusive green colour scheme, high-quality ‘Option 719’ milled parts, comfort seats, comfort rear footrests, a centre stand, and an electrically adjustable comfort windscreen. Prepare to add £2,260 for this variant – final price £18,300.