In brief. The BMW M 1300 GS exists as a prototype: on July 31, 2026, the German magazine MOTORRAD photographed it next to the 2027 R 1300 GS, with M colors on the cylinder head cover, a 21-inch front wheel and blue M brake calipers. The Telelever remains at the front, rather than an upside-down fork. As of October 12, 2026, BMW has published neither specifications nor dates.
Everything else is an estimate by the German press: an 18" rear wheel, under 230 kg, 150-160 hp, arrival in spring 2027 starting at €25,000. In this article, we separate what can be seen in the photos from what is being hypothesized, and explain what changes for those who currently fit accessories to an R 1300 GS.
The July 31 spy photos show two GS models under the same tarp, and one of them bears the M
This is neither a patent nor a homologation document: these are two real motorcycles, photographed while stationary and covered, published by MOTORRAD on July 31, 2026, and reported the same day by Motorrad & Reisen, Speedweek and Moto.it.
How to identify the M
According to MOTORRAD, the decisive detail is the M colors on the left cylinder head cover. The blue anodized front brake calipers, typical of the M 1000 models, can also be seen, along with knobby tires that Motorrad & Reisen identifies as Metzeler Karoo tires. The motorcycle on the left, under the tarp, is instead the R 1300 GS updated for 2027.
The M 1300 GS is focused on off-road riding, not highway speed
The M 1000 RR, M 1000 R and M 1000 XR are road bikes. The GS prototype is heading in the opposite direction: larger front wheel, knobby tires, longer suspension travel. Here is what can be seen and what is estimated, with the source alongside.
| Item | What emerges | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front wheel | 21", spoked | MOTORRAD, Moto.it photos | Seen in the photos |
| Rear wheel | 18", cross-spoked | Motorrad & Reisen (certain), MOTORRAD (hypothesis) | Probable |
| Front suspension | Telelever with central shock absorber, no USD fork | MOTORRAD | Seen in the photos |
| Travel | longer than those of the R 1300 GS, swingarm with reinforced mount | Motorrad & Reisen | Unconfirmed report |
| Brakes | blue-anodized M calipers | MOTORRAD, Motorrad & Reisen | Seen in the photos |
| Engine | nearly unchanged 1,300 cc boxer; estimated 150-160 hp | MOTORRAD (estimate) | Speculation |
| Tank | probably the one from the R 1300 GS, not the Adventure | Motorrad & Reisen | Hypothesis |
| Exhaust | titanium | Motorrad & Reisen | Hypothesis |
| Weight and seat | under 230 kg, seat around 90 cm | MOTORRAD (estimate) | Speculation |
| Price | at least €25,000 in Germany | MOTORRAD (estimate) | Speculation |
| Arrival | spring 2027, in any case before the season | MOTORRAD, Motorrad & Reisen | Hypothesis |
The Telelever is the surprise
A specialized off-road GS would suggest a conventional fork with upside-down tubes, like the R 12 G/S. MOTORRAD writes instead that the M prototype retains the Telelever with central shock absorber from the R 1300 GS. This choice keeps the M within the family: the same front frame, the same riding dynamics, just more travel and taller wheels. If it reaches production in this form, nobody can say today.
- handles steps, rocks, and ruts better
- floats better on sand and gravel
- opens up the choice of knobby enduro tires
- a little more agility when changing direction on asphalt
- a narrower choice of road tires
- higher seat, if the suspension travel also increases
The 2027 R 1300 GS is a refresh, and it is already listed in the United States
The first of the two prototypes is the updated R 1300 GS. The engine, suspension, and wheels, where visible, are those of today: all the reports describe a mid-cycle update, not a new generation.
| Item | Data | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,300 cc, 145 hp at 7,750 rpm, 149 Nm at 6,500 rpm | BMW Motorrad Italy (official) |
| Price in Italy, MY 2026 | from €21,500 | BMW Motorrad Italy (official) |
| Tires | 120/70 R19 · 170/60 R17 | BMW Motorrad (official) |
| Travel | 190 mm front · 200 mm rear | BMW Motorrad (official) |
| 2027 model year in the USA | listed from July 2, 2026, at $20,395; the Option 719 color changes | BMW Motorrad USA (official) |
| European 2027 color price list | the GS was not on the list valid from August | MOTORRAD, Moto.it |
| Front end | probable new LED headlight design, without changing the “beak” | MOTORRAD (hypothesis) |
| Colors | a light yellow never seen on a GS | MOTORRAD, Moto.it (unconfirmed report) |
| Production | after the summer break in September | MOTORRAD, Moto.it (hypothesis) |
What about the R 1350 GS?
At the beginning of July, the GS's absence from the price list sparked talk of an imminent R 1350 GS. Spy photos show no larger boxer engine, and MOTORRAD, Moto.it, and inSella agree: the engine will remain 1,300 cc for 2027. Our article on the BMW R 1350 GS covers the question of the future displacement.
A BMW boxer with a 21" front wheel already exists: the R 12 G/S
It is often said that the M 1300 GS would be the first BMW boxer with an enduro wheel. That is not the case: the air- and oil-cooled R 12 G/S comes with a 21" front wheel as standard and offers an 18" rear wheel with the Enduro Pro package.
| Model | Wheels | Power / torque | Travel | Italy price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R 1300 GS | 19" / 17" | 145 hp · 149 Nm | 190 / 200 mm | from €21,500 |
| R 12 G/S | 21" / 17", 18" with Enduro Pro | 109 hp · 115 Nm | 210 / 200 mm | from €17,900 |
| M 1300 GS (expected) | 21" / 18" likely | estimated at 150-160 hp | longer-travel suspension than the GS | estimated: over €25,000 in Germany |
How to read the table. The first two rows contain official BMW Motorrad Italia data. The third consists of rumors and estimates from MOTORRAD and Motorrad & Reisen: no figures for the M 1300 GS have been confirmed. To give an idea of the price range, Motorrad & Reisen notes that in Europe the M 1000 R and M 1000 XR cost an average of €6,000-8,000 more than the models on which they are based.
Who would it compete against
The M 1300 GS would bring BMW, with the most powerful engine in the boxer category, into the group of large enduro bikes with a 21" wheel: bikes such as the KTM 1390 Super Adventure R, Ducati DesertX, and Honda Africa Twin. Until now, for a 1,300 cc GS with a 21" wheel, you had to change the wheels and approval yourself. Read our preview of the KTM 1390 Super Adventure to see how its rivals are responding.
Up to July 2026, these are facts; from September onward, only hypotheses
The complete timeline, with the status of each step. We will update it after EICMA 2026, in Milan from November 5 to 8 (press days 3 and 4).
| Date | Event | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | BMW registers the name M 1300 GS | Done (Motorrad & Reisen) |
| September 2023 | Presentation of the R 1300 GS | Done |
| Summer 2024 | The R 1300 GS Adventure arrives | Done |
| July 2, 2026 | BMW Motorrad USA publishes the 2027 model-year R 1300 GS | Done |
| July 2026 | European 2027 color list without the GS | Done (MOTORRAD) |
| July 31, 2026 | Spy photos of the two prototypes | Done |
| Fall 2026 | Updated R 1300 GS in production, perhaps before EICMA | Hypothesis |
| Spring 2027 | Commercial launch of the M 1300 GS | Hypothesis |
Accessories for the R 1300 GS remain valid; those for the M all need to be checked
Those who have an R 1300 GS have no reason to wait: the motorcycle remains in the lineup, and its dedicated accessories are mature. Those waiting for the M should know that the rear subframe and seat will change, according to Motorrad & Reisen: GS luggage systems are not guaranteed.
- engine and cylinder head guards, if the boxer engine remains unchanged
- radiator guards, linked to the engine and air ducts
- ergonomic handlebar accessories for the 2027 R 1300 GS
- headlight protectors, if the 2027 model changes the LED design
- luggage frames and a luggage rack for the M, with a revised subframe
- anything that touches the M's front fender and wheel
- Lens material
- low-distortion polycarbonate
- Opening
- magnetic hinge, no tools required
- Finishes
- transparent · light grey · chrome
- Installation
- original mounting points, no drilling
- Compatibility
- R 1300 GS; for the Adventure, CDBH151 is required
- Contents
- two panels, one per side
- Material
- 2 mm aluminum, honeycomb perforation
- Dimensions / weight
- 169.2 × 217.9 mm · 220 g
- Installation
- original hardware, no drilling
- For
- BMW R 1300 GS from 2023
- Cases
- PIKE TRACKER 37+37 or 45+45 L, CONQUEROR 45+45 L, Wanderer 40+40 L, ALPS
- Tightening torque
- M6 at 12 N·m, M8 at 20 N·m
- Installation
- 16 fastening points, no drilling
- Does not fit
- R 1300 GS Adventure (JP151B required)
Skid plate and riser: what's available today
The LOBOO CHG131 crash bar in 304 stainless steel is currently available only as the upper bar, which LOBOO asks customers to pair with the lower CHG131 bar (out of stock). The CJG131 handlebar riser is out of stock. All alternatives for your motorcycle are in the BMW R 1300 GS accessories collection; if you have the Adventure, see the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure accessories. To choose cases based on the model, see the guide to BMW GS side cases.
Frequently asked questions about the BMW M 1300 GS
Does the BMW M 1300 GS really exist?
It exists as a prototype: MOTORRAD photographed it on July 31, 2026, with M colors on the head cover, and BMW had already registered the name in 2019. As of October 12, 2026, BMW Motorrad has not published any press releases, technical data, or dates.
What wheels does the M 1300 GS have?
In spy photos, the front wheel is 21 inches, reported by Moto.it as 90/90-21, with Metzeler Karoo knobby tires. The 18-inch rear wheel with crossed spokes is considered certain by Motorrad & Reisen and likely by MOTORRAD.
Will the M 1300 GS have upside-down forks?
According to MOTORRAD, no: the prototype retains the R 1300 GS's Telelever with a central shock absorber. That is what can be seen in the July photos; the production version could still change.
How much horsepower will the M 1300 GS have?
There is no official figure. MOTORRAD estimates 150-160 hp, compared with the R 1300 GS's 145 hp; Motorrad & Reisen mentions a few more horsepower with the same torque of 149 Nm. These are journalistic estimates.
How much will the M 1300 GS cost?
BMW has not announced prices. MOTORRAD estimates at least €25,000 in Germany. For comparison, in Italy the R 1300 GS starts at €21,500 according to BMW Motorrad Italia.
When will the M 1300 GS be released?
German publications indicate spring 2027, in any case before the season. BMW has not confirmed any date. EICMA 2026 takes place in Milan from November 5 to 8 and is the first event at which new developments could arrive.
Will it be unveiled at EICMA 2026?
It has not been confirmed. The German press (Speedweek) links EICMA only to the R 1300 GS update, not the M. We will update the article after the show.
What changes on the 2027 R 1300 GS?
The prototype's visible parts - engine, suspension and wheels - are unchanged. New colors are being discussed, including a light yellow, and possibly redesigned LED headlights. In the United States, BMW has already published the 2027 R 1300 GS on July 2, 2026, with only one color changed.
Is the R 1350 GS coming in 2027?
There is no evidence to support that. Spy photos do not show a larger boxer engine, and major publications rule out an increase in displacement for 2027.
Is there already a BMW boxer with a 21-inch wheel?
Yes, the R 12 G/S: a 21-inch front wheel as standard, an 18-inch rear wheel with the Enduro Pro package, 109 hp and 115 Nm, starting at €17,900 in Italy according to BMW Motorrad Italia. However, it has an air- and oil-cooled boxer engine, not the GS's 1,300 cc engine.
Will the R 1300 GS accessories fit the M 1300 GS?
No one can guarantee that today. Engine and radiator guards are likely to remain compatible if the boxer engine does not change; pannier frames and luggage racks are at risk because, according to Motorrad & Reisen, the rear subframe and seat will be revised.
Is it worth buying an R 1300 GS now or waiting?
The M would be an additional variant above the range, not a replacement. A minor update has less impact on used value than a generational change. The choice remains personal; anyone who wants a touring GS now has the widest range of accessories.
Are the M 1300 GS photos official?
No. These are spy photos taken by photographers from German magazines and published by MOTORRAD. BMW has not released official images of the M 1300 GS.
Read also
Are you preparing your GS?
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Sources. MOTORRAD, spy photos of the 2027 R 1300 GS and M 1300 GS (07/31/2026: M colors, 21", Telelever, blue calipers, weight, power, price and date estimates) · Motorrad & Reisen (07/31/2026: 21"/18", Metzeler Karoo, suspension travel, titanium, 2019 trademark, M 1000 prices) · Moto.it (07/31/2026: 90/90-21 size, light yellow, R 1350 GS) · BMW Motorrad USA, 2027 model year (07/02/2026) · BMW Motorrad Italy, R 1300 GS and R 12 G/S (official prices and specifications) · BMW Motorrad, R 1300 GS technical data (tires and suspension travel) · LOBOO accessory brochures and manuals.
The accessory compatibility ratings are the editorial opinion of the Endurrad editorial team. Prices and availability verified on October 12, 2026. Article published on August 2, 2026; to be updated after EICMA 2026.
