The BMW 1300 GS is a ground-up redesign of one of the most iconic motorcycles of all time. Has BMW jumped the shark with the new GS, or is a lighter, more powerful boxer what we needed all along?
The BMW GS has always been a divisive machine. Loyalists love it for its rich history, outstanding road manners, and globe-trotting versatility, while haters hate it for its polarizing looks, middling performance, and utilitarian design.
That's all changed with BMW's latest ground-up redesign. The BMW 1300 GS is lighter, more compact, and more powerful than ever, but has BMW made a mistake by messing with success?
Below, we'll take a deep dive into the latest BMW GS, digging into its new design, updated technology, and industry-first innovations.
What's New for the 2025 BMW 1300 GS?
While much of the BMW 1300 GS' features are carried over from the first year 2024 model, some new bells and whistles are on offer in typical BMW fashion.
Automated Shift Assist
"BMW's new automatic transmission gives riders the option of clutchless or fully automated shifting." photo: BMWThe first is the addition of an automated shift system, making the 1300 GS the first automatic GS in the model's storied history. More and more brands are rolling out this feature on their flagship models, but BMW is doing it a little differently.
No, bikes equipped with the "Automated Shift Assist" option don't have clutch levers, but they do retain a foot-mounted shift lever.
This system employs two modes: one that allows riders to shift themselves (minus a clutch), and another that's fully automatic.
Should you opt for the fully automatic mode, BMW has optimized the shift points for each of its rider modes (rain, road, enduro, etc.).
This changes how long the motorcycle holds onto its revs before shifting for maximum traction and performance.
Rear Collision Warning
"An optional rear-facing radar system is now available to help mitigate rear-end collisions." photo: BMWBMW has added a second radar system to the rear of the bike for 2025, another first for the GS line. Unlike the front radar, which is used for cruise control, this rear-facing unit is designed to help prevent rear-end collisions.
The system works by monitoring approaching traffic from the rear, then rapidly flashing the tail light when a vehicle is too close or coming on too fast. Riders are also notified using integrated lights in each of the rearview mirrors.
Sport Suspension Improvements
Last but not least, from 2025 onward, BMW will be offering its "Sport" suspension package with the optional automatic ride height adjustment feature.
Variable ride height was already an option for 2024, but the system couldn't be added to motorcycles equipped with the sharp-handling sport package. That's no longer the case.
2025 BMW 1300 GS Adventure
"BMW's 1300 GS gets the flagship Adventure trim option for 2025." photo: BMW
BMW has also introduced their legendary "adventure" version of the new 1300 GS for 2025, and it's every bit the epic globe trotter we've come to expect.
All of the features detailed below apply here, but the GSA gets a few unique upgrades and changes of its own.
"A larger 7.9 gallon tank gives the GSA a massive range boost." photo: BMWThe first (and most obvious) is the addition of a massive 7.9 gallon fuel tank, which allows the new GSA to deliver well in excess of 300 miles of range on a single fill up.
Suspension travel is also increased for the Adventure model. Up front the EVO Telelever now delivers 8.5-inches of travel, while rear travel from the EVO Paralever shock is improved to 8.7-inches.
"Longer travel suspension and increased rake improve the GSA's off-road chops over the standard model." photo: BMWA taller and wider electronic windshield also comes as standard equipment to improve wind protection, while additional tie-down points are integrated into the seat, tank, and frame for more luggage options.
As for performance, the GSA gets BMW's premium adjustable rider modes as standard, dubbed "Dynamic Pro" for street use and "Enduro Pro" for off-road. The 2025 GS Adventure's chassis is also slightly tweaked with increased rake for better off-road stability.
2025 BMW 1300 GS Overview
All new everything: That's the big headline with the current BMW 1300 GS and its ground-up redesign. While at first glance it may seem like BMW is taking a big risk with its flagship ADV, we believe GS fans everywhere are in for a pleasant surprise.
Powertrain, Frame, Chassis
Starting with the biggest change first, discerning ADV aficionados will immediately notice that BMW has moved away from a hallmark of the GS design: The trellis frame is no more, and in its place is an all-new stamped steel chassis.
BMW's aim here is simple: A lighter, more compact, and overall "tighter" package for the new era of GS. As you'll read below, this is a theme we'll see throughout the bike, but the significance of this change can't be overstated.
"The new GS is offered in four distinct trim levels, but the base model starts at $19,945." photo: BMWThe second major update here is the engine. BMW's new 1,300cc water-cooled boxer is the most powerful iteration of the engine yet, and its oversquare dimensions deliver a whopping 145 horsepower at 7,500rpm, a 9 hp gain over the outgoing 1250GS.
While extra power is always welcome, the most remarkable aspect of the new powertrain is the transmission. The BMW 1300 GS ushers in a completely new layout for its 6-speed gearbox, which now sits directly underneath the motor rather than behind it.
The benefit here is substantial: By shortening up the entire powertrain, BMW is able to shift the lion's share of the GS' mass further forward, improving the overall responsiveness of the bike.
This also allowed them to move the single-sided swingarm pivot lower on the chassis, which reduces the angle (and therefore stress) on the drive shaft's U-joints.
These two major changes also contribute to the bulk of the BMW 1300 GS' weight savings. BMW claims the base model is a whopping 26 pounds lighter than the outgoing 1250, which is a giant leap in the right direction for this iconic ADV.
Suspension
The BMW 1300 GS is also the first ever motorcycle to feature electronically adjustable damping, preload, and spring rates.
This is an important industry first, and we're both surprised and impressed to see it coming from the folks at BMW Motorrad.
The new system works by utilizing two springs on either end of the bike. One is a conventional spring with a set rate, while the other is a smaller unit enclosed in a remote reservoir with separate fluid damping.
"By shortening the engine, BMW was able to lengthen the GS' swingarm for improved handling and stability." photo: BMWBy electronically adjusting the damping rate of the smaller spring, the new BMW 1300 GS is effectively able to alter spring rates on the fly.
This means that for the first time preload, damping, and spring rate will be automatically adjusted to accommodate for the load on the bike whether you're riding solo, weighed down with luggage, or bringing along a passenger.
The 1300 also includes an adaptive ride height feature, which riders with a shorter inseam will appreciate.
We've experienced this before on the Harley Pan America and Triumph Tiger 1200, and BMW's take is just as seamless and effective.
Tech and Electronics
While the BMW 1300 GS comes with all the usual bells and whistles you'd expect in a modern ADV, it's also got a new trick up its sleeve that the touring crowd will appreciate: Radar.
Yes, the 1300 GS joins the Ducati Multistrada and KTM Super Adventure on the Bosch-equipped adaptive cruise control scene, and as was the case with our recent outing on the latest Multistrada V4 Rally, it's an absolute treat.
"The bright TFT dash on the 1300 GS remains one of the best in the business." photo: BMWThe Bosch system allows riders to set a speed as well as a "following distance" from vehicles ahead, then modulates the throttle automatically to maintain a comfortable cruise.
BMW also elected to include accident mitigation as part of the radar package, which will apply braking in a crash scenario to safely reduce speeds as much as possible before an impact.
The GS also gets a wide selection of rider modes, including three modes for road riding (eco, rain, and road), new "dynamic" modes that allow for rear wheel drift (GS supermoto anyone?), and "enduro" modes with fully selectable ABS for treacherous terrain.
2025 BMW 1300 GS Specs
MSRP: $19,945
Engine
- Engine: Liquid-cooled twin-cylinder boxer
- Displacement: 1,300cc
- Bore x stroke: 106.5mm x 73mm
- Compression: 13.3:1
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Final drive: Shaft
- Horsepower: 145 hp @ 7,750 rpm
- Torque: 110 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm
- Redline: 9,000 rpm
- Fueling: Electronic injection
- Clutch: Wet/slipper assist, hydraulic
Chassis, Suspension, and Brakes
- Frame: Stamped steel, engine as a stressed member
- Front suspension: EVO-Telelever
- Front travel: 7.5”
- Rear suspension: EVO-Paralever, spring preload fully adjustable
- Rear travel: 7.9”
- Front brakes: Twin disk, 310mm, 4 piston radial calipers
- Rear brakes: Single disk, 285mm, 2 piston floating caliper
- ABS: Yes, lean angle sensitive
- Wheels: 19"x17", aluminum cast
- Tires: Metzler Tourance Next 2, 120/70 front, 170/60 rear
Dimensions/Capacities
- Rake: 63.8*
- Trail: 4.4"”
- Wheelbase: 59.8"”
- Seat height: 33.4”
- Fuel capacity: 5.0 gal.
- Weight: 523 lbs (with fuel and fluids)
Our Take on the 2025 BMW 1300 GS
Pros
- New and improved everything
- Hasn't lost that beloved GS feel
- Impressive tech and accessories on offer
First impressions of the new GS are positive all around. Existing GS devotees are getting a clean-sheet redesign that stays faithful to the bike's iconic character, while the rest of us are getting a lighter, more compact, and more capable machine on road and off.
We love that while the BMW 1300 GS is lighter and more powerful than ever, it's clear that BMW isn't chasing horsepower figures with their big ADV.
Whether we care to admit it or not, most riders simply have no need for 180+ ponies, and the new GS delivers the thrills without sacrificing the big boxer's easy-going and torque-laden nature.
"While much has clearly changed, it's clear BMW was careful not to compromise the GS' mile-munching character."The BMW 1300 GS represents a massive investment in real-world usable R&D, delivering what is quite possibly the most advanced and impressive touring suspension we've ever experienced on an adventure bike.
The GS has always been a long-distance road warrior first and foremost, but it's never been afraid to tackle a dirt road either.
The BMW 1300 GS raises the bar for BMW owners in both regards making the new GS the most appealing all-rounder yet.
Cons
- New style is a big departure from "classic" GS look
- Can't compete with the road prowess of the Multistrada
- Can't compete with the dirt prowess of the Super Adventure
- Price hike for 2025
As far as drawbacks go, we aren't seeing much to complain about with the 1300. In terms of performance and technology, the new bike brings the iconic GS into the modern era to compete with the latest and greatest in the segment.
With that being said, the single biggest issue we see with the GS is that it doesn't directly compete with other premium offerings in the segment.
It simply can't touch the fire-breathing V4 of the latest Multistrada or the off-road prowess of a big KTM.
"The asymmetric headlight is gone, but the GS' styling remains as polarizing as ever."Apart from that, we believe the single biggest issue for most prospective buyers will come down to style.
We have no doubt there's an angry mob out there somewhere mourning the loss of the trademark asymmetric headlight that's adorned the GS since the oilhead era, but we suspect there are just as many fans on the other side who are glad to see it go.
Last but not least, BMW has tacked on a substantial price increase on the GS for 2025.
Whether its tariff related, inflation related, or just business related we're not sure, but the base model GS has increased from $18,895 to $19,945 for 2025. Ouch...
Final Thoughts On the 2025 BMW 1300 GS
Say what you will about the BMW GS and the folks who own them: this bike has earned a ravenously loyal following over the last few decades.
The latest BMW 1300 GS looks like a serious departure from form on paper, but as anyone who's owned a GS will tell you, this bike has always been more than what you read in the brochure.
"Nothing draws the local crowd like a shiny new GS."We feel BMW has knocked this one out of the park. The 1300 GS is a new and exciting bike that improves on the previous model in every way while still maintaining (if not enhancing) the personality and character that's always made the GS a great ride.
It may not compete with KTM's competence in the dirt or Ducati's prowess on a twisty road, but as the world's greatest big all-rounder, BMW remains king.
Class-leading comfort and road manners are still on offer with the 2025 BMW 1300 GS, and there's simply no denying that the big Adventure remains one of the most attractive bikes on the planet if factory farkles are your bag.
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