2025 BMW R 1300 GS Specs & Review

The 2025 BMW R 1300 RS is a sport-touring machine built around BMW’s latest boxer twin with ShiftCam technology. It targets riders who want real-world speed, stability, and year-round utility without giving up sporty handling. This BMW R 1300 GS review focuses on the facts that matter most to enthusiasts comparing in-class options.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Engine: Air/liquid-cooled 2-cylinder boxer, DOHC, BMW ShiftCam variable valve timing (intake)
• Displacement: 1,300 cm³
• Power: 145 hp (106 kW) @ 7,750 rpm
• Torque: 149 Nm (110 lb-ft) @ 6,500 rpm
• Transmission / Final Drive: 6-speed / Shaft (cardan)
• Wet weight: 229 kg (DIN, ready to ride)
• Seat height: 820 mm
• Wheels/Tyres: Cast aluminum 17-inch; Front 120/70 ZR17, Rear 180/55 ZR17

Engine & Performance

At the core of the 2025 BMW R 1300 GS specs is BMW’s 1,300 cm³ boxer with ShiftCam on the intake side. The headline figures—145 hp (106 kW) at 7,750 rpm and 149 Nm (110 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm—tell the story of a powerplant tuned for strong midrange and easy overtakes. In traffic, the big twin’s tractability helps it pull cleanly from low revs, while the 6-speed gearbox and a wet, anti-hopping (slipper) clutch keep downshifts composed.

On the open road, torque is the standout: roll-ons are confident, and the smooth, linear delivery lets you ride a gear higher than you might expect. Standard Ride Modes (Rain, Road), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), and Engine Drag Torque Control (MSR) refine the experience—use Rain for slippery commutes, Road for everyday pace. Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) adds reassurance when you need to shed speed fast, and Hill Start Control helps on steep urban ramps. The shaft final drive suits long-mile riders who value consistency and low maintenance, and EU5+ compliance keeps it current with emissions standards.

Handling, Comfort & BMW R 1300 GS Seat Height

The chassis blends stability and agility using a steel sheet-metal shell main frame with an aluminum subframe and the engine as a stressed member. Up front is a 45 mm upside-down telescopic fork, and the rear uses a single-sided swingarm with BMW Paralever and a central spring strut. Optional Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA) adds the convenience of electronically adapting damping to conditions. With 17-inch cast wheels and sport-oriented tyres (120/70 ZR17 front, 180/55 ZR17 rear), turn-in feels familiar to riders coming from performance road bikes.

The BMW R 1300 GS seat height is 820 mm, a middle-ground that gives most riders a balanced reach to the ground without overly cramping taller riders. At parking-lot speeds, the BMW R 1300 GS weight of 229 kg (DIN, ready to ride) is noticeable, but the low-slung boxer layout helps centralize mass for a planted feel once rolling. Ergonomically, the RS’s sport-touring intent means a mild forward lean that supports spirited riding without sacrificing day-to-day comfort.

Equipment & Features

Braking hardware is serious: dual front discs with 4-piston radial-mount calipers and BMW Motorrad ABS Pro, plus a 320 mm front disc diameter for bite and consistency. The rear is a single disc at 276 mm with ABS Pro oversight. Electronics are comprehensive out of the box—Ride Modes (Rain, Road), DTC, MSR, Hill Start Control, DBC, and cruise control—while Riding Modes Pro and the quickshifter (Gear Shift Assist Pro) are optional upgrades for riders who want even more control and convenience.

Visibility and information are modernized: full LED lighting (with an adaptive headlight available as an option) and a 6.5-inch TFT display featuring BMW Motorrad Connectivity. The chassis details round out the long-haul brief: shaft (cardan) final drive, cast aluminum 17-inch wheels, and a robust frame structure with the engine as a stressed member.

Who Is the 2025 BMW R 1300 GS For?

The R 1300 RS is best for experienced riders who split their time between weekday commuting and fast weekend rides, and who value a blend of stability, touring practicality, and real performance. Newer riders may appreciate the safety net of ABS Pro, Rain mode, and DTC, but the combination of 145 hp and a 229 kg ready-to-ride mass means it’s more at home under a rider with solid fundamentals. If you’re upgrading from a middleweight and want shaft drive, strong electronics, and sport-bike tyres in a more all-round package, this RS fits neatly.

Torquepedia Verdict

As a sport-touring platform, the RS nails the essentials: a torquey boxer with 149 Nm in the sweet spot, a stable yet engaging chassis, and a well-judged electronics package that enhances rather than overwhelms. The 6.5-inch TFT with connectivity, full LED lighting, and cruise control elevate long days in the saddle, while optional DSA and Riding Modes Pro let you tailor the ride further.

Potential downsides? The BMW R 1300 GS weight of 229 kg will deter riders prioritizing ultra-light flickability, and the 820 mm seat height won’t suit every inseam out of the box. Some desirable features are optional, so spec carefully. Overall, within its class, the 2025 BMW R 1300 GS specs read like a balanced, high-composure answer for riders who want real-world pace, minimal fuss, and lasting durability.

FAQ

• Is the 2025 BMW R 1300 GS good for beginners? It’s manageable thanks to ABS Pro, Rain mode, and DTC, but with 145 hp and a 229 kg ready-to-ride mass, it’s better suited to riders with some experience.

• What is the seat height of the 2025 BMW R 1300 GS? The BMW R 1300 GS seat height is 820 mm.

• How heavy is the 2025 BMW R 1300 GS? Wet weight is 229 kg (DIN, ready to ride).

• What electronics come standard? Ride Modes (Rain, Road), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Engine Drag Torque Control (MSR), Hill Start Control, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), cruise control, and BMW Motorrad ABS Pro.

• Does it have a quickshifter? A quickshifter (Gear Shift Assist Pro) is available as an option, along with Riding Modes Pro.