BMW Motorrad has taken the wraps off the 2024 R 1300 GS Adventure. Designed for even longer rides than its already potent R 1300 GS sibling, the GS A gets more range, revised styling, the option of a semi-automatic gearbox and more kit to make your cross-country roadtrips seem like a walk in the park.
The R 1300 GS Adventure has become visually boxier than before. It gets a wider front-end with an LED Matrix headlight (adaptive is optional) flanked by X-shaped DRLs. In profile, the bike gets edgier body panels with integrated LED indicators, a 19-inch wheel at front and a 17-inch wheel at the rear. It retains the GS’ signature engine crash guard, the massive bash plate, knuckle protectors and an upswept exhaust. At the rear the GS A gets sleek indicators which also double as the tail light. The R 1300 GS A also gets radar as standard, mounted between the indicators, which enables rear collision warning along with blindspot monitoring amongst other ADAS features. This sharper styling is sure to divide opinions, but there's no arguing over the fact that the R 1300 GS A definitely looks more macho than its predecessor.
The R 1300 GS Adventure gets a redesigned chassis with sheet metal main frame and an aluminium lattice tube rear frame. Although BMW has shaved off about 3kg from its engine by giving it a bottom-mounted transmission, overall, the bike has gained 20 kilos. BMW Motorrad says that the GSA gets ‘even greater steering precision’ courtesy of a new EVO Telelever front suspension with flex element and a revised EVO Paralever rear wheel guide. The brand also offers adaptive suspension as an option, if that is something which tickles your fancy.
Powering the GS A is a 1300cc twin-cylinder boxer engine which made its debut on its younger sibling. This mill makes 143bhp and 149Nm. It can properly this 269kg (kerb weight) behemoth from 0 to 100kmph in just 3.4 seconds. Top speed? That's limited to 200kmph. In the GS A this engine also gets BMW’s ShiftCam variable valve timing tech and a knock sensor for better travel analytics.
This engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox which can be had with BMW’s Automated Shift Assistant technology that enables clutchless or fully automatic shifts. And that's something which is definitely a bonus considering the GS A is designed for those really long hauls.
Braking duties on the bike are handled by twin 310mm semi-floating discs up front with four-piston radial calipers. At the rear it gets a single, 285mm, two-piston floating caliper. The setup is supported by dual-channel ABS.
As expected the R 1300 GS A gets a boatload of kit. It gets a massive 30-litre fuel tank for extended range over the standard GS, a smartphone charging compartment with USB socket and even a 12 Volt socket, keyless entry, heated grips, a 6.5-inch colour TFT screen and even a tyre pressure monitoring system. On the safety front, it features traction control hill start control, dynamic cruise control, front and rear collision warning and lane change warning. More optional kit includes seat heating for the rider plus passenger, 30mm handlebar risers, a 10-litre tank bag, twin 10-litre panniers. Phew.
The BMW R 1300 GS Adventure rivals the likes of the Triumph Tiger 1200, Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special, Honda Africa Twin and the Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally. The India launch of the R 1300 GS A isn’t confirmed yet, but when it reaches our shores, it should be priced between the ₹30 to ₹25 lakh mark.