BMW R 1300 GS India launch imminent

When the much anticipated BMW R 1300 GS was revealed last year, it debuted an all-new engine, frame and styling for the flagship BMW GS model. This range-topping ADV has now been listed on BMW’s Indian website ahead of its launch. 

1. Listed in three variants – GS Trophy, Triple Black, 719 Tramuntana
2. 1300 GS is 12 kg lighter but has longer wheelbase
3. Holds 1 litre less fuel than R 1250 GS

BMW R 1300 GS specs, variants, launch price

At the heart of the new R 1300 GS is a horizontally-opposed (boxer, if you will) 1,300cc, twin-cylinder engine with a higher compression ratio than the outgoing 1,254cc mill. As a result of that and the displacement bump, peak output figures have now risen to 145hp at 7,750rpm and 149Nm of torque at 6,500rpm from the earlier 134hp and 143Nm. BMW says that despite the bump up in displacement, the engine is more compact than before, thanks to the gearbox now being placed underneath the engine.

The all-new sheet metal mainframe is bolted to a die-cast aluminium subframe. The engine is a load-bearing member and suspension comes, in typical BMW fashion, in the form of a telelever front end and paralever rear.

With its 19-litre fuel tank fully brimmed, the R 1300 GS tips the scales at 237kg, which is 12 kilos less than the venerable 1250, although it holds a litre less of fuel. 

BMW vs Ducati vs Harley vs Triumph - 2000km ADV road trip video comparison

For the first time on a GS model, BMW has bestowed radar-assisted riding aids in addition to the usual gamut of riding modes, electronic suspension, traction control and cruise control. 

Three variants of the R 1300 GS have been listed on the Indian website – GS Trophy, Triple Black and the top-spec Option 719 Tramuntana. Of the three, the first two have alloy wheels, while only the Tramuntana runs on tubeless spoked rims. Tyres sizes are common across the board at 120/70-R19 and 170/60-R17, front and rear, respectively. 

The outgoing BMW R 1250 GS is only sold in a single ‘Pro’ guise and is currently listed at Rs 20.55 lakh (ex-showroom, India). We expect BMW to continue with relatively competitive pricing, but it is likely that the 1300 GS will still carry a premium over the model it replaces. For reference, the closest competition to the R 1300 GS, are the Ducati Multistrada V4 and the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special, and both cost over Rs 24 lakh. Of the big 1,000cc+ ADVs on sale in India, only the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro is priced under Rs 20 lakh.   

All prices, ex-showroom, India. 

Also see:

BMW vs Ducati vs Harley vs Triumph - 2000km ADV road trip comparison