BMW R 1300 GS: The Ultimate Urban and Open-Road Adventure Companion

Unlike the GSA variant, which is tailored for long-distance adventures, the R 1300 GS caters to riders who navigate both urban streets and open highways, while retaining the off-road capabilities synonymous with the GS lineage.

The BMW R 1300 GS boasts a significantly sleeker design compared to its predecessor. Weighing in at just 237 kg, it sheds 12 kg thanks to BMW’s refined chassis and lightweight materials. Despite this weight reduction, the new frame offers enhanced rigidity, ensuring stability at high speeds and under heavy loads.

The fuel tank capacity has been adjusted to 19 liters, a minor reduction of 1 liter from the previous model. However, this change has minimal impact on the bike’s range, as the 1,300 cc engine’s improved fuel efficiency ensures it remains adept at long-distance travel.

Overall, the R 1300 GS emphasizes compactness. The Euro 5-compliant exhaust system is more streamlined, reducing both heat and noise compared to earlier versions. Features like the intelligent LED headlights, seamless bodywork, and balanced aesthetics reinforce its identity as a modern adventure bike.

A standout feature of the R 1300 GS is its 1,300 cc boxer engine, equipped with ShiftCam variable valve control technology. This powerhouse delivers 143 hp at 7,750 rpm and 149 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. Such performance allows the bike to effortlessly surpass 200 km/h while maintaining the stability characteristic of boxer engines.

In real-world conditions, the engine provides smooth responses and a broad torque curve, making it equally suited for off-road trails and highway cruising. The inherent balance of the boxer engine minimizes vibrations, enhancing rider confidence during extended journeys.

One of the most notable upgrades on the 2025 R 1300 GS is the front and rear radar system, a first for the GS series. This enables advanced technologies such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), forward collision warning, and lane change alerts.

Additionally, the bike retains BMW’s suite of electronic features, including riding modes, traction control, Cornering ABS, and tire specifications identical to the GSA model.

A key enhancement that makes the R 1300 GS more accessible is its reduced seat height of 850 mm, 20 mm lower than the GSA. This adjustment allows riders of average height in Vietnam to comfortably manage the bike in tight urban environments.

The front and rear suspension travel has also been shortened to 190 mm and 200 mm, respectively. This results in improved stability during city rides, reducing “floatiness” and enhancing cornering confidence at low speeds.

Furthermore, the R 1300 GS features a rear rack with integrated electrical contacts, enabling Keyless Ride functionality for opening and closing both the rear and side cases—a convenient addition for frequent travelers.

BMW Motorrad offers the R 1300 GS in Vietnam across three variants, priced between 789 million VND and 859 million VND.

TH – Huy Bách(Tuoitrethudo)