2024 BMW R1300GS Specs & Review

BMW’s big GS is built for riders who want one bike to do it all: long-distance touring, daily commuting, and confident gravel exploring. In this BMW R1300GS review, we dig into what the factory gives you and how it stacks up for real-world riders comparing adventure machines.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Engine type: Air/liquid-cooled four-stroke flat twin (BMW ShiftCam), DOHC, chain-driven cams, balance gear wheels
• Cylinders: 2
• Displacement: 1300 cc
• Power: 107 kW (145 hp) at 7,750 rpm
• Torque: 149 Nm at 6,500 rpm (110 lb-ft)
• BMW R1300GS weight (unladen): 237 kg / 523 lbs
• BMW R1300GS seat height (unladen): 850 mm / 33.4"

If you’re cross-shopping, these are the core 2024 BMW R1300GS specs most riders ask about first.

Engine & Performance

The 1300 cc flat-twin with BMW ShiftCam brings a muscular, flexible character. With 145 hp at 7,750 rpm and 149 Nm at 6,500 rpm, the motor delivers strong midrange punch for brisk passing and two-up touring. It’s backed by a 13.3:1 compression ratio and electronic intake pipe injection, plus closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter meeting EU5 standards.

City riding benefits from the tractable torque and the wet, anti-hopping clutch that calms aggressive downshifts. Out on the highway, the shaft (Cardan) drive and claw-shifted 6-speed gearbox make for low-maintenance, long-haul confidence. BMW Motorrad DTC helps meter power on sketchy surfaces, and Full Integral ABS Pro is lean-angle optimized for added security. When the road opens up, top speed is listed at over 200 km/h (over 120 mph).

Practical touches include a 19 L fuel tank (with 4 L reserve), WMTC fuel consumption of 4.8 L/100 km, and WMTC CO2 emissions of 110 g/km. Fuel flexibility is built-in: super unleaded 95 RON recommended, with adaptive fuel quality regulation for 91–98 RON.

Handling, Comfort & BMW R1300GS Seat Height

Chassis tech is classic BMW adventure: a two-part frame concept with the engine co-supporting, BMW Motorrad EVO‑Telelever up front (handlebar tilting decoupled via flex element, central shock), and EVO‑Paralever at the rear with a cast aluminum single-sided swingarm. The central WAD spring strut features fully adjustable spring preload, and travel is generous at 190 mm front and 200 mm rear (7.5" / 7.9") for smoothing rough pavement and dirt tracks.

Geometry reads as stable yet responsive, with a 1,518 mm (59.8") wheelbase, 112 mm (4.4") castor, and a 63.8° steering head angle. Aluminum cast wheels with 120/70 R19 front and 170/60 R17 rear tires strike the familiar GS balance between on-road poise and light off-pavement ability.

For fit, the BMW R1300GS seat height is 850 mm (33.4") unladen, paired with an inner leg curve of 1,900 mm (74.8"). Taller riders will feel instantly at home, while shorter riders may appreciate the optional adaptive vehicle height control. At low speeds, the 237 kg (523 lbs) unladen weight is noticeable, but the low-slung boxer layout and balanced geometry help it feel planted and predictable.

Equipment & Features

Braking hardware is serious: a twin-disc front setup with semi-floating 310 mm rotors and 4-piston radial calipers, and a rear 285 mm disc with a 2-piston floating caliper. BMW Motorrad Full Integral ABS Pro (lean-angle optimized) is standard.

Standard equipment is extensive:

• TFT display with BMW Motorrad Connectivity
• LED matrix headlight and daytime running lights
• Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Full Integral ABS Pro
• 4 riding modes: Eco, Rain, Road, Enduro
• Hill Start Control (HSC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC)
• Engine drag torque control (MSR) and Tyre pressure control (TPC)
• KeylessRide, heated grips
• Smartphone charging compartment with USB
• Hand protection with integrated indicator lamps

Notable options include DSA (electronic suspension with load compensation and spring rate adjustment), adaptive vehicle height control, heated seats (rider and passenger), Headlight Pro, additional LED headlight, Riding Assistant, forged enduro wheels, and a central locking system. Accessories cover the traveler’s wish list: Vario luggage, tank bag, enduro engine and headlight guards, tinted windscreen, cylinder‑head cover guards, and more.

Who Is the 2024 BMW R1300GS For?

This is a premium adventure platform aimed squarely at experienced riders who want a do-everything machine for commuting, touring, and exploring light to moderate off-road. Beginners may find the combination of power (145 hp) and BMW R1300GS weight (237 kg unladen) a bit much at first. For riders planning long trips or two-up travel, the 19 L tank, robust electronics suite, and 228 kg (502 lbs) payload within a 465 kg (1,025 lbs) permitted total weight make a compelling case.

Torquepedia Verdict

The 2024 BMW R1300GS blends a strong, characterful boxer with modern chassis tech and a best-in-class electronics package. Power and torque are right where adventure riders want them, and the Telelever/Paralever setup, generous travel, and 19/17 wheel combo deliver confident all-surface handling. The standard features list is comprehensive, and options like DSA and adaptive vehicle height control broaden the appeal.

On the downside, the fixed 850 mm seat height may stretch shorter riders without the optional height systems, and the unladen mass requires respect during tight maneuvers. Still, as an all-rounder, it remains a benchmark. If your priority is a tech-rich, long-legged adventure bike with shaft drive and serious braking/electronics, the 2024 BMW R1300GS deserves a top spot on your shortlist.

FAQ

• Is the 2024 BMW R1300GS good for beginners?

  • It’s better suited to experienced riders due to its 145 hp output and 237 kg (523 lbs) unladen weight.

• What is the seat height of the 2024 BMW R1300GS?

  • The BMW R1300GS seat height is 850 mm (33.4") unladen, with an inner leg curve of 1,900 mm (74.8"). An adaptive vehicle height control system is available as an option.

• How heavy is the 2024 BMW R1300GS?

  • BMW R1300GS weight (unladen) is 237 kg (523 lbs). Permitted total weight is 465 kg (1,025 lbs) with a 228 kg (502 lbs) payload.

• What are the power and torque figures?

  • Rated output is 107 kW (145 hp) at 7,750 rpm, with 149 Nm at 6,500 rpm (110 lb-ft).

• What is the fuel capacity and consumption?

  • Usable tank volume is 19 L (with 4 L reserve). WMTC fuel consumption is 4.8 L/100 km.