BMW R 1300 GS Adventure: A Total Overhaul
Last year, BMW released the new R 1300 GS, an updated and more powerful take on the marque’s flagship model. It’s a great motorcycle that, despite its somewhat opinion-splitting looks, is still GS to the core (as John Flores discovered in our Apr ‘24 issue). Now, the company has revealed the up-spec model with the 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure.
As with the regular R 1300 GS, BMW has opted for an almost total overhaul. The new Adventure comes with a new engine, a completely redesigned chassis, and a slew of standard and optional electronics and rider aids to give motorcyclists a helping hand on the trail.
Engine and Transmission
The R 1300 GS Adventure draws its power from the same air/liquid-cooled four-stroke boxer engine as the R 1300 GS—the most powerful boxer BMW has ever made. With a displacement of precisely 1300cc, the powerplant puts out nine more ponies than the 1250 Adventure’s, topping at 145 horsepower at 7,750 rpm. Torque has increased as well, with the 1300 squeezing out 110 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm (compared to the 105 lb-ft of its predecessor).
Although the engine produces more power, BMW has tweaked its efficiency. Without giving specific figures, the German manufacturer claims the 1300 Adventure’s 7.9-gallon fuel tank empties at roughly the same rate as its predecessor’s. That’s partially thanks to the six-speed transmission, which—like on the 1300 GS—is now integrated into the engine casing underneath the powerplant. This solution shaved 8.6 pounds off the previous configuration, resulting in a 593-pound curb weight (two pounds above the 1250 Adventure).
Speaking of the transmission, BMW offers the new Adventure with its Automated Shift Assistant (ASA). The ASA automates both the clutch and gear shifts, basically rendering the entire transmission automatic, although the rider can still operate it manually as well.
Chassis and Style
The R 1300 GS Adventure’s chassis is wholly new, with a sheet metal main frame and an aluminum lattice rear frame. BMW has updated its Evo Telelever and Paralevel front and rear wheel guides, promising increased stability and steering precision. The suspension offers 8.3 inches of travel in the front and 8.7 in the rear to swallow up bumps.
Stopping power stems from semi-floating 310mm twin discs, clamped by four-piston radial calipers in the front. On the butt side, the 1300 Adventure sports a single 285mm disc with a two-piston floating caliper. The bike comes standard with the BMW ABS Pro system.
Style-wise, the 1300 Adventure looks like a more robust R 1300 GS (including the X-shaped LED headlamp, accompanied by integrated aux lights). That said, it’s not a massive departure from the previous models and the bike remains recognizable with its sharp nose. The basic bike comes in a black/red colorway, while trim options come in all black, Racing Blue Metallic/Light White, and Aurelius Green Metallic.
Electronics
Finally, a word on the tech package. The 1300 Adventure comes standard with torque, dynamic brake, traction, and hill start control, in addition to dynamic cruise control. There are four standard ride modes (Rain, Road, Eco, and Enduro), while the Riding Modes Plus package introduces the Dynamic, Dynamic Pro, and Enduro Pro options. The latter two allow personal tweaks to the settings.
BMW naturally offers a whole slew of OEM accessories for the motorcycle, from a heated seat and handlebar risers to an adaptive headlight. The 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure will arrive at dealerships in late 2024 at a price that will be announced later.