BMW unveiled drastic changes to one of its largest adventure touring motorcycles last week. The R 1300 GS Adventure got a new engine, chassis, and electronic rider aids along with a host of redesigned features, adding to the mystique of the GS line that has been circling the globe for 4 decades.
The BMW GS Adventure bikes are classic touring motorcycles. When I think of riding around the world, this bike is the default for every fantasy film in my mind. So. Darn. Classic. Ewan McGregor and riding partner Charlie Boorman rode a predecessor to the R 1300 GS Adventure from London to New York. This ride resulted in the cult classic Long Way Round TV series and book, thrusting the BMW GS into many adventure-seeking minds.
BMW outlined an enormous list of changes from the previous R 1300 GS Adventure. The 2025 version is an all-new bike, down to the engine, chassis, suspension, brakes, rider electronics, and so much more. Here’s our rundown on the most significant new developments on BMW’s grand adventure touring machine.
New Boxer Engine
Classic BMW Boxer Engine Characteristics
BMW’s boxer engines are just as classic as the GS namesake. The horizontal and opposed cylinders have several advantages. The weight balance between the left and right sides and the lower center of gravity improve handling over vertical cylinders.
Since the pistons always “box” one another, the engine is more efficient and smooth since this action eliminates opposing inertial forces. And the rotational output doesn’t need to make an extra 90-degree change of direction to power the rear wheel. Anyone who has ridden a boxer engine understands the unique feel these horizontally opposed cylinders and pistons deliver.
Some disadvantages include the increased width of the motor and the greater potential of valve head damage in a crash. But, since the cylinders do stick out, they can somewhat protect the legs during a crash.
The New 1300cc BMW Boxer Engine
BMW increased the bore, decreased the stroke, enlarged the four valves per head, and combined all this with new crankshafts. The 1300cc motor has a claimed peak horsepower of 145 at 7,750 rpm, an increase of 9 horsepower over last year. Maximum torque is 110 foot-pounds at 6,500 rpm for a 5 foot-pound gain. The torque gain applies to wide engine speeds.
This is especially notable in the super-usable 3,600-7,800 rpm range, where at least 96 foot-pounds are available. The 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure has a 3.4-second 0-100 km/h time and a top speed of over 124 mph.
The BMW Boxer engine utilizes unique ShiftCam technology. Two different valve cams riding on a single intake camshaft can be actuated depending on the situation. A “partial load” cam optimizes fuel economy, while a “full-load” cam stresses performance.
Even with these performance gains, the fuel economy is almost identical to last year’s big GS. A 7.9-gallon aluminum tank guarantees the long-range adventure tourists demand.
New Transmission on the 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure
The big news is that BMW moved the transmission below the engine instead of behind it. This allows shorter transmission shafts, which results in tighter packaging. Both improve mass centralization for better handling and equate to a weight loss of 8.6 pounds. It’s still a six-speed, and power is modulated by a 10-disk wet clutch with a self-reinforcing anti-hopping mechanism.
BMW installed a signal transmitter for the new optional Automated Shift Assistant, which converts the clutch into an auto clutch. The feature negates the need for the clutch lever to disengage the motor from the transmission.
The rider can shift via the adjustable foot-shift lever or choose an automated mode that shifts gears without input. While in this automatic mode, the rider can still shift gears manually (without actuating the clutch).
These automated shift functions are tuned with other electronic riding aids for optimal performance. These include Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Hill Start Control, and riding modes.
New Riding Modes Pro
BMW can fit the new R 1300 GS Adventure with an optional Riding Modes Pro feature. This gives riders the additional ride mode choices of Dynamic, Dynamic Pro, and Enduro Pro modes. The latter two riding modes can be further tuned to personal tastes. Standard riding modes are Rain, Road, Eco, and Enduro.
The mode button can be programmed to sequentially toggle up to four of these modes while riding.
Chassis and Suspension Changes
New Frame
The new BMW R 1300 GS Adventure has a new sheet metal frame, which is more compact and stiffer than the outgoing frame. The rear subframe is also new, with BMW replacing the tubular steel construction with an aluminum lattice structure.
Part of the chassis redesign accommodates more comfortable, longer, and height-adjustable seats and a larger volume of baggage. The new chassis configuration also contributes to modularity. For example, rear footpegs can be removed for a sportier solo setup. And riders can fit three different passenger grab handles.
EVO Telelever
BMW has improved its unique and visually stunning Telelever front suspension for 30 years. The new EVO Telelever on the 2025 R 1300 GS Adventure combines the best characteristics of two prior Telelever variants.
Telelever suspension is much more complicated than standard motorcycle suspension. The simplest way to describe the new front EVO Telelever system is that it decouples any tilting handlebar movement from steering forces while maintaining front-end rigidity and stability.
Another way to look at EVO Telelever is that it isolates the handlebar steering movement from the suspension action. BMW achieves some of this through a showcased stainless steel plate that connects the handlebar bridge to the upper fork bridge. BMW dubs this as the “flex element.”
EVO Paralever
The Evo Paralever rear suspension system has a new wheel guide, stiffening the connection between the suspension and the frame. The frame extends farther back to increase traction, and the swingarm bearing now sits off-axis in comparison to the rotation of the shaft drive joint.
All these suspension changes increase front and rear suspension travel by 0.8 inches, to 8.3 inches in the front and 8.7 inches in the back.
Electronic Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA) is now standard. DSA automatically adjusts spring preload and dynamically adjusts front and rear damping rates depending on riding mode, riding conditions, and bike movement.
This electronic suspension adjusting capability improves safety, comfort, and performance. It also eliminates manual adjustments that are required when riding parameters change.
BMW also offers optional Adaptive Vehicle Height Control, which changes ride height depending on conditions to ensure the greatest comfort while maintaining riding dynamics and cornering ability. This system can alter the seat height by 1.2 inches; it’s completed in 3 seconds when raising and 1.5 seconds when lowering. Shorter riders can opt for another optional addition that further lowers the seat height by an additional 0.8 inches.
Braking Improvements on the 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure
Two new radially mounted four-piston calipers mate to dual discs on the front of the 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure. A two-piston floating caliper clamps the single disc out back. BMW Motorrad Full Integral ABS Pro actuates both front and rear brakes with the hand or foot brake lever. The braking action is optimized for on or off-road use, depending on the riding mode selected.
And the dirt bikers among us can rejoice! The rear wheel can be locked up in the ABS Pro setting!
BMW Dynamic Brake Control prevents unintentional throttle application during difficult braking maneuvers. The system intervenes at the engine control level, reducing drive torque to ensure shorter braking distance and stability.
Conclusions on the 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure
This listing covers the more significant changes to BMW’s largest and most powerful adventure touring machine. Many other electronic rider aids, luggage systems, lighting, comfort, convenience, safety features, and aesthetic improvements grace the 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure.
The iconic GS has taken many adventurous motorcyclists across the hottest deserts, the tallest mountain passes, and the most challenging terrain on Earth. The new bike promises to do more of the same but with many improvements to every aspect of adventure riding.
The four 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure models will hit showroom floors in the fourth quarter of 2024. MSRP has not been specified at this time.