BMW R 1300 GS: specifications, pros and cons, compatible accessories
Not an update: a completely new GS
Sheet-steel shell frame, more compact boxer engine, EVO Telelever suspension. Practically nothing from the 1250 carries over here, and that's where most mistakes cost the most. On the other hand, the dedicated catalog has grown quickly: more than fifty accessories with part numbers created for this bike.
- In summaryLighter and more powerful than the 1250, but with an accessory range that has to be rebuilt from scratch.
- Do firstHeadlight protector, grille, crash bars, kickstand plate.
- AvoidAny accessory made for the 1250: it won't fit.
- AttentionThe kickstand plate differs between mechanical and adaptive suspension.
- BrandsLOBOO, DENALI, Barkbusters, Kaoko, Eazi-Grip, Endurrad.
Who it's recommended for
It's the right bike if
- You want the most up-to-date maxi enduro on the market and aren't deterred by the price list
- You ride many miles two-up, with luggage, and want suspension that adapts automatically
- You're interested in the latest-generation electronics, including radar
- You're coming from a 1250 and are looking for a more compact, lighter bike to maneuver
- You're prepared to invest in a new setup without reusing the one from your previous bike
Look elsewhere if
- You already have a complete setup for the 1250 and want to reuse it
- You're looking for the best value for money: a used 1250 costs much less
- You do technical off-roading and are looking for genuine lightness
- You want a wide range of accessories, with more alternatives for every part
- The 1300's front end doesn't convince you: it's a divisive design choice
In short: it's the GS for those who want the latest generation and are starting from scratch with accessories. If you're interested in saving money, the used R 1250 GS offers almost the same journey with a mature catalog and lower prices; if you're looking for greater range and carrying capacity, the 1300 GS Adventure is the next step.
Technical specifications
| Engine | 1,300 cc boxer twin, liquid-air cooling, ShiftCam valve timing |
|---|---|
| Power | 145 hp at 7,750 rpm |
| Torque | 149 Nm at 6,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed, shaft final drive |
| Frame | Main shell made of sheet steel, rear subframe made of die-cast aluminum |
| Suspension | EVO front Telelever, EVO rear Paralever, optional Dynamic Suspension Adjustment |
| Wheels | 19 inches front, 17 rear |
| Weight | 237 kg in running order, 12 less than the 1250 |
| Fuel tank | 19 liters |
| Seat height | 850 mm standard, with lowered and raised options |
| Production | from 2024 |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Twelve fewer kilos are immediately noticeable when maneuvering
- More power and torque, with even fuller delivery
- Adaptive suspension that genuinely changes the setup under load
- Latest-generation electronics, optional radar
- Unprecedented compactness for a maxi enduro of this size
Cons
- The accessory range is new: fewer alternatives and higher prices
- Nothing carries over from the 1250, not even the dashboard films
- Divisive front-end styling
- The list price and options quickly drive up the total
- It is still too early to save money on the used market
What to install, in order of priority
Ordered by the ratio between cost and damage prevented, not by price.
- 1
Headlight guardThe 1300's headlight assembly is new and expensive. It is the first protection to install, even before luggage. - 2
CHG131 304 stainless steel crash barsWith replaceable bushings: after a fall, you replace the pad, not the entire bar. They also serve as the mounting point for the CDJ131A auxiliary-light brackets. - 3
4 mm aluminum skid plateSix-point mounting, also suitable for the Adventure. On dirt, it is what stands between a rock and the boxer engine casing. - 4
Larger side stand plateIt comes in two versions, for mechanical or adaptive suspension: they are different, so check yours. - 5
Barkbusters BHG-124 handguard kitTwo-point mount developed for the 1300, in black or aluminum. With integrated LED turn signals, the part number is BHG-133. - 6
CGTBH151BK cylinder head guardsThe boxer cylinder heads are the first thing to hit the ground. They mount to the bike's mounting points, without drilling. - 7
29 mm handlebar risersPart number CJG131, developed for the 1300 and the Adventure. It changes standing riding. - 8
Larger windscreen433 × 432 mm compared with the standard 370 × 335 mm, 4 mm polycarbonate. The most direct answer to helmet noise on the highway. - 9
Side pannier frames, no drillingThey are the system-specific part: the 65- to 90-liter PIKE TRACKER panniers move from one motorcycle to another, but the frames do not. - 10
DENALI CANsmart control unitFour circuits controlled by the standard buttons, without cutting a wire. The clean way to add auxiliary lights, horns, and turn signals.
The dedicated 1300 catalog is broader than these ten items. For luggage: top case plate for the original luggage rack, reinforced rear luggage rack, and sliding upper luggage rack. For riding: larger foot pegs, navigation device mount, and dedicated folding mirrors. For lighting: D7 PRO auxiliary light kit with CANsmart, DL4 kit, SoundBomb horn kit, T3 rear visibility kit, auxiliary light brackets for crash bars, LC081 CAN-Bus controller, and LED turn signals for handguards. For everything else: carbon radiator cover, exhaust deflector, non-slip tank stickers, and Kaoko mechanical cruise control.
See all accessories for the R 1300 GSCompatibility table
What carries over from previous generations and the Adventure, and what does not.
| Accessory | From the R 1250 GS | Towards the 1300 Adventure |
|---|---|---|
| Crash bars | no | no |
| Pannier racks and luggage rack | no | no |
| Pannier cases and top case | yes | yes |
| Skid plate and cylinder head guards | no | yes |
| Headlight protection and grille | no | yes |
| Barkbusters handguard kit | no | yes |
| Kickstand plate | no | yes, same suspension version |
| Handlebar risers and taller windshield | no | yes |
| CANsmart control unit | no | yes |
| Tank bag and mirrors | yes | yes |
Brands with dedicated accessories
The 1300 market is still taking shape: these brands already have codes developed for this motorcycle.
LOBOOThe furthest ahead on the 1300CHG131 crash bars, CHB151BK skid plate, CJG131 riser, kickstand plate, cylinder head guards, pannier racks, windshield, radiator cover.
DENALILighting and electronicsCANsmart control unit, D7 PRO and DL4 auxiliary-light kits, SoundBomb horn, T3 indicators, and high and low brackets for the 1300.
BarkbustersHandguardsTwo-point mounting kit specific to the R 1300 GS, in black or aluminium, also available with integrated LED indicators.
KaokoCruise controlMechanical throttle stabilizer with a model-specific code for the 1300 and the Trophy.
Eazi-GripTank gripShaped anti-slip tank grips for the 1300 from 2023.
EndurradProtectionDedicated headlight grille and detailed accessories for the new GS.
Frequently asked questions
Do the R 1250 GS accessories fit the 1300?
No. The frame, fuel tank, headlight and instrument cluster are new: the crash bars, pannier frames, auxiliary-light brackets, handguard kit and protective films are all model-specific. Only universal handlebar-mounted accessories and the pannier cases remain compatible.
Which handguards fit the R 1300 GS?
Barkbusters with the two-point mounting kit developed for this motorcycle, the BHG-124, available in black or aluminium, and the BHG-133 with integrated LED indicators. The 1250 kit does not fit.
Which side-stand plate do I need, mechanical or adaptive?
It depends on your motorcycle's suspension. The two versions have different geometries and are not interchangeable: check whether you have Dynamic Suspension Adjustment.
What is needed to mount the side panniers?
Two separate parts: the specific 1300 frames, which mount without drilling and remain on the motorcycle, and the pannier cases. The 1250 frames do not fit, but the pannier cases can be moved from one motorcycle to the other. For the top case, you need the top-case plate on the original luggage rack, or the reinforced rear luggage rack if you carry heavy loads.
How much does it cost to equip an R 1300 GS compared with the 1250?
More so, for two reasons: the accessories are recent, so there is less competition, and many manufacturers have not yet completed their range.
Do the 1300 GS accessories fit the 1300 GS Adventure?
For the most part, yes: the headlight guard, risers, windscreen, side-stand plate, handguard kit, skid plate and cylinder head guards are shared. The pannier frames, luggage rack and crash bars differ because of the fuel tank and rear subframe.
How do I control the auxiliary lights?
Two options. The DENALI CANsmart control unit connects to the diagnostic system and controls four circuits from the factory switches, making it the complete solution. The LC081 CAN-Bus controller does the same thing on a smaller scale, for a single auxiliary light. In both cases, no wiring needs to be cut.