The face that launched 1000 trips: BMW GS celebration

The wraps are finally off BMW’s long-awaited, all-new R1300GS. The ninth evolution of the German firm’s pioneering enduro-tourer brings with it a radically different frame, new larger motor, as well as modernised looks and the latest safety-enhancing tech. As Motorrad’s perennial best seller, it’s a bold move but one that’s necessary, as the firm galvanises the model to ward off intensifying competition from rival Euro brands, Ducati and KTM.

And besides, there’s never a better time to make a change than when you’re right at the top.

The GS remains – as it has done for many years – at the pinnacle of BMW’s sales charts. In fact the model currently represents one in every three BMW bikes sold. In this, the firm’s centenary year, BMW also celebrated the production of the one millionth boxer-powered GS at their Berlin plant.

Since its launch in 1980 it has become, without doubt, one of most – if not the most – influential models of the modern era – not bad for a model that started out as something of a parts-bin stop-gap!