BMW R1300GS (2023 - on) Review

The rear brake pads needed replacement at 6000 miles service .

Central locking is rubbish , but l have been told l shall receive an upgraded set early next year . I think it’s a quality product .

Not sure .

I know it's not an S1000XR but it's like the R1250 and S1000XR have come together to create the 1300. The lightness is great as I mentioned of the 12kg saving on the new 1300 versus the outgoing 1250 and of course you can still feel the overall weight being the type of bike it is but that thought soon fades away and you can have such a blast on this bike and when you want to turn it down a notch, change the riding mode back to Road, let the electronic suspension re-adjust itself, and just munch the miles normally in a docile manner. The new rear shock adjusts dampening much more quickly than previous models which is very impressive. The rake angle of the front-forks are tucked in towards the rider for greater agility and what a difference! The bike turns effortlessly and very quickly with poise. You lose some feeling with the telelever set-up compared to conventional sprung internal forks but the front end feel is not all lost and you still get lots of feedback through the bars. I know I have raved on about qualities in the 1300 that most riders do not especially search for when buying this type of bike but it certainly needed mentioning!Tyre choice as standard was Michelin Anakee's dual-purpose tyre. I quite rate these and during the summer months, they provided excellent grip but when really pushing them they started to lose traction slightly especially from the front. The rear felt stable during left to right turns on a mix of tight corners and long-sweeping corners. The front just didn't have the wow-factor but they are not 'all out' sports tyres, they are dual-purpose and for that reason they were brilliant in the wet, good in the dry and good in the damp with a good level of wear but that's also down to me not being hand-fisted with the throttle and the brakes and keeping the bike balanced as much as possible and feeding the power through generously harvesting the torque from the boxer engine. In terms of comfort, the standard seat isn't that great to be honest; it's cushioned but not softly enough. It's no problem when on your favourite b-road moving about on the bike but when you are mile munching on a motorway and sitting in one position, you start to know soon enough what I'm talking about.

It's a blend of aspects; the low centre of gravity from the boxer engine which by the way now, has the gearbox underneath which makes the weight even better positioned and we have 145 HP on tap and of course the ShiftCam technology optimising the engine at around 5,500 rpm for a incredible dose of torque down low with beautifully fuelled power delivery up top which surges you forward and a super pace. The torque is there to fire you out the corners and the power soon takes over to get you to the next corner and then the surge of torque is there throughout the RPM's.

The 1300 is incredibly well built with quality parts as we have known from the brand over the years. The only issue part quality wise is the kill switch which I have had a problem with on my R1200GS and my S1000R, when you move the switch to the 'kill' position and then go to start it, it might take a couple of presses when starting to get the bike turning over. It doesn't happen all the time but it can be a panic moment as you may think something more serious might be wrong.

First service is around £200 which includes a check over, new oil and filter, new final-drive oil and tyre pressure check. Expect to pay a little more if an air filter needs changing or your bike requires the major service which could cost up to around £500-600 which will include everything in a light service plus spark plugs and valve clearances.

The TFT-screen from the full range of BMW's bikes has been used with easy-to-use menus and options - very intuitive and most important, very clear and easy to read. For touring we have the new electric windshield which a decent addition. One of the other features is a multi-function toggle button which allows you to select a shortcut for quick get-to which is great, but when you are riding along it gets quite fiddly and you are constantly looking down at the TFT and then up at the road again numerous times. Of course you can pull over and use it which is what is recommended but it just adds a level of complexity that a lot of riders will pick up on. Personally, I have no issue with the shortcut button and after a couple of times using it, you can soon quickly select what you need without too much distraction.

Huge torque and a turn of speed when on the shift cam

Would have been 5 if not for the recall on the Starter solenoid

Michelin Anakee OEM tyres were way too noisy on the road. Radar cruise control is fantastic. Needs back lit switchgear.

No where near the braking of a Ducati Multistrada, it is a bit bland in comparison, bought the wrong bike, And BMW lack of support means BMW is not right for any customer who is expecting support from BMW

Kind of lazy, compared to competition.

Lithium battery failed, truck pick up bike. Mirrors Olsen when trying to adjust, need wrench to tighten. No back lit controls. $30,000 bike???

What does it matter, bought this bike to go to Alaska, and BMW can not even have a hope to deliver cases in one year period, BMW tried to get dealers to use straps, truely this is not even close to acceptable. Then to find out dealers are on the hook for shipping charges back to BMW.

Equipment that is promised but BMW can’t deliver is reason sold this bike in 4 months.

Amazing stopping power. Sensational ride quality. Plush when you want it and can be stiffened up when sportier riding is preferred or softened to tackle the rough stuff.

Endless torque and real jaw dropping performance in every situation.

No issues to date. 5656 miles covered in 3 months.

Expensive bike but you get what you pay for! BMW support very good.

Very high tech! Nothing wanting with regard to equipment. Don't like the Michelin Anakee Adventure tyres that came on her from the factory. Now on Michelin Anakee Road tryes. Much better. More responsive and plusher ride. I have Touratech crash bars - excellent. Givi tank bag and Givi Weightless 901 top box - both excellent. Aftermarket exhaust - Akrapovic - lighter and provides marginally more power/torque and slightly throatier note.

Da solo ho percorso anche 4 ore senza soste. Con il passeggero massimo 3 ore. La moto è molto versatile e dona un elevato piacere di guida.

Erogazione incredibilmente dolce ai bassi giri. Se si apre il gas senza troppo riguardo, si scatena. La coppia del motore è sorprendente. Le modalità di guida sono complete.

In oltre 4000 Km nessun problema o avviso di malfunzionamento o avaria Le finiture sono eccellenti, migliorate rispetto al passato.

Il primo tagliando è gratis, i successivi saranno dettagliati ma costosi.

Accessori e optional sono infiniti, belli e/o utili, anche se costosi. La mia è full optional ed ho acquistato tutti gli accessori pratici per il viaggio ed alcuni estetici.

Any discomfort I suffer is age related and the bike is such a dream to ride. I feel this bikes turning circle is shorter than the 1250 GS.I found the heated seats a treat and the radar assisted cruise control brilliant.This bike spoils the need to look elsewhere for any replacement because the shaft drive is so much better than a chain.

Nothing to dislike whatsoever.

Hill start keeps sticking.So far I do like the engine case covering and the overall look of the bike after a run, seems to keep itself cleaner.

I was given the first service free and the services are as keen as other makers main dealers.

The engine!!!!!

Brakes excellent

Strong but mechanical audible

Diagnostic faults

Options expensive and confusing

I'm a taller rider so l opted for the taller by 20mm suspension version and Enduro package with the lighter forged allow wheels All of this in my opinion has transformed my bike into the BEST GS ever. The suspension can be adjusted up 35 settings very easily thru the TFT. The brakes are awesome too but with these lighter wheels and a full de-cat Akra end can I've shaved easily another 15kg from my bike

Now this is THE BEST improvement so impressive an absolute game changer. A bloody sharp full bodied motor with torque to die for. Oh yeah.

After 9 months of owning the R1300GS I've not had any issues with quality or reliability. The bike was re-called and fitted with a new starter relay. I had no issues with my starter

All motorcycle manufacturers enjoy taking our money especially for servicing. BMW aren't the cheapest nor the most expensive out there. But after having 4 GS's prior to this as a brand they look after you with vg customer care. And I'm good with that.

The bikes also equipped with 35 throttle settings which most will say why? Or who cares? But I'm sorry just likecthec35 suspension settings these are easy to adjust thru the TFT. I ride various sealed and unsealed roads so l love being able to program in what throttle settings work best for me in the different circumstances. Thank you BMW

Ride quality is good. Just take a couple of litres of water with you during the winter months to wash the mud off your helmet visor. And bulk buy some nikwax tech wash for the weekly motorcycle garment wash.

Even wearing custom made ear plugs the engine sound is dreadful and I thought the 2022 Triumph 1200 GT PRO sounded rough.

It isn't premium quality as you would think for the high purchase price. The engine sound is just awful. The thin paint has already scuffed gripping with the knees. Constant TFT warning messages - check engine oil level, 7 warnings on a two hour ride and on a daily basis although the oil level is always correct. And trying to get the bike booked into a dealership for warranty repairs is a nightmare and to make matters worse BMW UK have little or no interest when it all goes wrong - they don't care, your blood pressure is guaranteed to rise.

I purchased the 5 year, 30,000 mile Service Included for £1350 Getting it insured was initially a problem so it might be worth getting some quotes before you put your deposit down. But I think the insurance issues have calmed down a bit.

The front screen is very, very good. As is the Active Cruise Control, especially on motorways in biblical rain in very bad visibility. Blind spot detection is also very good - the warning led's aren't blinding like the new 1200 Triumph at night. Heated grips and seats are very good and they get very hot on the 3rd setting. No vibrations using the BMW sat preparation mount with the 3D AM E-NAV / TomTom rider 550.

Rattling valve train audible embarrassing

Expensive option list Which should be standard

Just insane amounts of torque and power

5,000 miles in 6 months and no issues. A couple of things could be better but that is being over critical

Too new to comment

I have every box ticked and it’s fantastic

The bike floats along and stops on a sixpence. Loves the twisties more than it should. Just put 50/50 Dunlop mission tyres on for a trip to france.

Lots of grunt and go. Engine is a little noisy though.

The paint round the tank where your legs touch is poor and marks easily. The bike had constant electrical faults on the tft although they were mostly false. Bmw slow and reluctant to accept any issues but they all have stopped after changing the battery to an AGM battery 800 miles ago. Recall for starter relay took too long to get to early customers. Hopefully the 3 out of 5 score will go up now the battery is swapped. A 3000 mile trip to france next week will make or break it for me.

All flagship bikes are expensive and once kitted out mine was just over £22k. Not sure you could call any bike value for money at £20k plus. Does 50mpg all day long. Usual BMW service costs and experience

All good after 3000 miles, except the lithium battery.The enduro pack is a bargain at £600.I wish I had got the forged wheels instead of the black spoked ones.