It’s asset to assume the R 1300 GS Adventure will sell like hotcakes. Over successive generations the Adventure version of BMW’s boxer GS models have increasingly established themselves as standalone models rather than simply a trim level and for 2025 the new R 1300 GS Adventure takes that a step further with a distinctive look and spec that’s significantly different to that of the standard R 1300 GS.

Despite hefty price tags and higher equipment levels, the GS Adventure sells in large numbers, often even more than the base R-series GS, making it arguably the most important model in BMW’s range.

For the new R 1300 GS Adventure, the basis is the same clean-sheet engineering that emerged in this year’s R 1300 GS, including an unaltered version of the new 1300cc, 107kW, boxer twin that’s sure to spread through BMW’s ‘R’ models over the coming years. This all-new engine rethinks the signature boxer design, repositioning the transmission from behind to underneath – raising the cylinders for more ground clearance and allowing shorter wheelbases and longer swingarms – as well as providing a big performance increase. That peak power comes at 7750rpm, as on the old 1250 motor, while the maximum torque of 149Nm arrives at 6500rpm.

The frame, like the engine, is from the R 1300 GS and unlike any of its forebears. Gone is the usual trellis of steel tubes, instead there’s a pressed and welded steel chassis that’s stiffer and lighter while retaining steel’s ability to cope with the stress of off-road use without the fear of metal fatigue that might be a concern with an aluminium frame. Aluminium is, however, used for the subframe, which is made of a combination of tubes and forged alloy parts. 

The suspension uses updated ‘EVO’ versions of BMW’s usual Telelever front end and Paralever rear, as on the standard R 1300 GS, with electronic Dynamic Suspension Adjustment as standard that’s able to tweak both damping and spring rates on-the-fly depending on conditions and riding mode. That suspension also brings the option of adaptive height control, dropping the bike by 30mm when stationary to let shorter riders reach the ground without a reduction of ground clearance when moving.

The new elements of the Adventure version include completely redesigned styling, centring on that boxy-looking, 30-litre fuel tank. Intriguingly, the tank includes multiple mounting points for luggage – which BMW will happily supply from the options list – as well as rubberised trays on its vast upper surface.

For 2025 both the normal R 1300 GS and the new R 1300 GS Adventure will be offered with the option of BMW’s new ‘ASA’ (Automated Shift Assistant) transmission, which ditches the clutch lever and the mechanical connection for the shifter, replacing both with electro-mechanical actuators controlled by an on-board computer. It gives the option of two fully-automatic modes – normal and sport – as well as a manual shift setting, operated by a normal-looking foot lever that’s connected to microswitches rather than the gearbox itself. Even in the fully-auto modes, that shifter will override the computer when you want to manually knock the bike up or down a ratio.

The extensive options don’t stop there. You can spec the GS Adventure with both front and rear radars, allowing adaptive cruise control and both front and rear collision warning systems, as well as blind spot monitoring. And of course, most GS Adventure buyers are likely to opt for at least some of the wide array of luggage options, which include a 37-litre top case and similarly-large side boxes (37 litres left, 36.5 litres right). You can even extend those side cases by an additional 10 litres each, for a possible total of 130.5 litres of space – and that’s without even starting on the front luggage, which clips onto those tank mounting brackets, or the optional bags that can mount either side of the radiator cowl.

In its base form, the R 1300 GS Adventure is inevitably heavier than the normal R 1300 GS, coming in at 269kg ready to ride, but that’s only 1kg more than the previous R 1250 GS Adventure – more than offset by the substantial increase in power.

Here is the Aussie pricing and options structure (plus on-road costs):

R 1300 GS Adventure: $30,490*

  • 1300cc 2-cylinder boxer engine with ShiftCam, 13.3:1 compression, EU5+, 107kW (145HP) @ 7,750rpm, 149Nm at 6,500rpm
  • Twin disc front brake
  • Dynamic Brake Control
  • Steering Stabiliser
  • BMW Motorrad Paralever
  • Tyre Pressure Control
  • Cross Spoke Wheels
  • BMW Full Integral ABS Pro
  • BMW Motorrad EVO Telelever
  • Radial Brake Caliper Front
  • Heated Grips
  • Electronic Immobiliser
  • LED Taillight
  • Dynamic Brake Light
  • 12V Socket
  • Multifunctional Indicator Lights Rear
  • Cruiser Control
  • LED Flash turn indicator
  • Comfort Turn Indicator
  • Matrix LED Headlights
  • 6.5” TFT with Connectivity
  • Multi-controller
  • LED Daytime Riding Light
  • Hand protection inc. LED turn indicator
  • Luggage Rack
  • Windscreen adjust
  • Engine skid plate
  • Onboard Computer
  • Adjustable clutch/handbrake lever
  • Storage compartment with charging function
  • 2 separate seats
  • Keyless Ride
  • Riding Modes
  • Detachable licence plate holder
  • Fuel tank aluminium
  • MSR (Dynamic engine brake control)
  • Dynamic Traction Control
  • Hill Start Control
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 30 litres, weight 268kg wet. WMTC Fuel Consumption 4.9 Litres/100km
  • Wheels: F: 3.00×19”, R: 4.50×17”, F: 120/70×19”/R:170/60×17”

Option program

  • Touring package (Chrome-plated Header Pipe, Windscreen Electronic Adjustable, Pannier fastening for aluminium panniers, Preparation for GPS device, Main Stand) with Top Case Carrier, Headlight Pro and Riding Assistant, Comfort Passenger Seat (inc. Seat Heating, Comfort Rider’s Seat): $4045
  • Dynamic package (Riding Modes Pro, Gear Shift Assistant Pro, Sport Brake): $1255
  • Enduro package pro (Handlebar Risers, Short Enduro Hand Lever, Enduro Vario Rider footrests, Handlebar Impact Protection, Turn Indicator Bar, Rear Silencer Holder): $590
  • Automated Shift Assistant: $1200
  • Double Silencer: $1475
  • Anti-theft alarm system: $395
  • Comfort Handlebars: $160
  • Adaptive Vehicle Height Control Comfort (20mm lower than 20D): $795
  • Adaptive Vehicle Height Control: $795
  • Gold Cross Spoke Wheels: $NCO
  • Forged Enduro Wheels: $1425
  • Off-road tyres: $NCO

R 1300 GS Adventure Trophy: $37,190*

Includes all specification of the R 1300 GS Adventure and adds the following:

  • Touring package
  • Dynamic package
  • Style GS Trophy (Radiator protection grille, Large Radiator cover, Auxiliary LED light grille black) with Cross Spoke Wheels
  • Headlight Pro with Riding Assistant
  • Windshield High
  • Top case Carrier
  • Passenger Kit (Luggage carrier, Seat Heating, Comfort Passenger Seat)
  • Comfort Rider’s Seat
  • Option program
  • Enduro package pro: $590
  • Automated Shift Assistant: $1200
  • Double Silencer: $1475
  • Anti-theft alarm system: $395
  • Comfort Handlebars: $160
  • Adaptive Vehicle Height Control Comfort (20mm lower than 20D): $795
  • Adaptive Vehicle Height Control: $795
  • Forged Enduro Wheels: $1425
  • Off-road tyres: $NCO
  • Gold Cross Spoke Wheels: $NCO
  • Comfort Rider’s Seat Low: $NCO
  • Comfort Rider’s Seat High: $NCO

R 1300 GS Adventure Trophy X: $36,090*

Includes all specification of the R 1300 GS Adventure and adds the following:

  • Dynamic package
  • Touring package
  • Style GS Trophy
  • Enduro package pro
  • Double silencer
  • Off-road tyre

Option program

  • Automated Shift Assistant: $1200
  • Anti-theft alarm system: $395
  • Gold Cross Spoke Wheels: $NCO
  • Forged Enduro Wheels: $1425

R 1300 GS Adventure Triple Black: $36,530*

Includes all specification of the R 1300 GS Adventure and adds the following:

  • Touring package
  • Dynamic package
  • Style Triple Black (Cross Spoke Rims (Black) (Comfort Passenger Seat (Seat Heating), Aluminium Fuel Tank, Comfort Rider’s Seat)
  • Topcase carrier
  • Headlight Pro
  • Riding Assistant

Option program

  • Enduro package pro: $590
  • Automated Shift Assistant: $1200
  • Double Silencer: $1475
  • Anti-theft alarm system: $395
  • Comfort Handlebars: $160
  • Adaptive Vehicle Height Control Comfort (20mm lower than 20D): $795
  • Adaptive Vehicle Height Control: $795
  • Gold Cross Spoke Wheels: $NCO
  • Forged Enduro Wheels: $1425
  • Off-road tyres: $NCO
  • Comfort Rider’s Seat Low: $NCO
  • Comfort Rider’s Seat High: $NCO

R 1300 GS Adventure Option 719: $38,790*

Includes all specification of the R 1300 GS Adventure and adds the following:

  • Touring package
  • Dynamic package
  • Style Option 719 (Comfort Passenger Seat (with Seat Heating), Comfort Rider’s Seat, Gold Cross Spoke Wheels, Option 719 Billet Pack Shadow)
  • Headlight Pro
  • Riding Assistant
  • Windshield High
  • Topcase Carrier

Option program

  • Automated Shift Assistant: $1200
  • Double Silencer: $1475
  • Anti-theft alarm system: $395
  • Comfort Handlebars: $160
  • Adaptive Vehicle Height Control Comfort: $795
  • Adaptive Vehicle Height Control: $795
  • Black Cross Spoke Wheels: $NCO
  • Forged Enduro Wheels: $1425
  • Off-road tyres: $NCO
  • Comfort Rider’s Seat Low: $NCO
  • Comfort Rider’s Seat High: $NCO

WORDS: BEN PURVIS