Introduction
In 2024, the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy took place in our neighbouring country, Namibia, and I was chosen to cover the happenings of this event, including following our Mzansi team, and give followers of the event up-to-date feedback.
Around winter of that same year, the new GS 1300 Adventure was launched, and I did not attend the media launch because of off-road training happening at the same time. But I did see the GS in the metal at a dealer launch in Sandton. To be honest, I did not like the look of the bike. The BMW R1300 GS Adventure replaces the R1250 GS Adventure which made a huge mark in the large adventure sector during its reign.
The looks
My test bike came clad in Trophy colours, a blend of blue, red and white. A new cross-like LED headlight dominates the front, and immediately above it is a radar sensor that is responsible for the adaptive cruise control that the bike is equipped with. A set of auxiliary lights protrude to either side of the main light and are tucked neatly on the front of the huge 31 litre fuel tank.
The tank itself is covered with bits of brushed aluminium plates for added protection, and there are hooks for the attachment of various other equipment one might need on the bike. This is a huge bike that commands respect and attention.
Being an adventure bike, the exposed cylinder heads of the 1 300cc boxer engine are also protected with crash bars. And a bash plate for protection underneath the engine. The rear end of the bike complements the front and is also fitted with a radar sensor just above the rear LED cluster. On either side of the end, the bike is fitted with aluminium panniers and a top box for luggage and tools.
The technology
For the first time in my riding history – which spans over three decades – it was my first experience with an automatic gearbox in a BMW. Amongst other things, the bike can be set to lower itself when the side stand is deployed, a feature aimed at smaller riders who appreciate the GS.
Other technology includes
- Heated grips and seats
- Electrically adjustable front screen
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind spot detection and warning
- Dual-clutch gearbox, with an option for manual
- Bi-directional quick shifter
- Various riding modes from rain to enduro pro, and everything else in between
My riding experience
With a kerb weight of 269kg and a bulky presence, the BMW R1300 GS Adventure does look intimidating. But once the bike is rolling, it is as light as a feather to someone who knows how to command it. Unlike the R1300 RT which I rode the previous week, the 107kW and 149Nm air/liquid cooled twin cylinder four-stroke boxer engine runs much cooler.
In the biking community, some say that “GS” stands for “geen sand” in Afrikaans (no sand), but in my experience it was made for the sand, especially after experiencing it firsthand in Namibia. To say that the BMW R1300 GS Adventure is an ultimate beast would be an understament. But it is.
Final thoughts
Bikes like the GS make you question your life choices. Do you oblige to societal norms, or do you fill up the tank and disappear somewhere peaceful and remote, while planning your next fuel stop in the middle of nowhere, 600-odd kilometers later.
The GS Adventure is a capable and comfortable off-roader, one that will continue to dominate the large adventure bike sector for many years to come.
A price tag that starts at R417 000 one has the basis for choosing between a human therapist, or one that never gets tired, and is always able to deliver a thrill at every trail, and weather conditions.
