BMW R 1300 GS in comparison

For all those passionate about conquering the world's rugged terrain, the decision of choosing the right Enduro bike goes beyond mere practicality. It's a soul-searching question: do we opt for the prestigious top models and break the bank, or do we trust in the mid-range and customize it into our ultimate off-road companion with dedication and carefully selected parts? This dilemma is at the heart of the epic showdown unfolding on the challenging roads and trails of the Azores.

The BMW R 1300 GS, a symbol of power and dependability, impresses not only with its performance but also with its price tag. On the other side stands the Honda Transalp 750, an underestimated contender with untapped potential that can be transformed into a true off-road gem through personalized modifications. The price contrast between these two legends is stark, but the real test lies beyond monetary value - in the rugged, untamed landscapes of the Azores.

Can the Honda Transalp, meticulously refined with passion and expertise, outshine the renowned BMW R 1300 GS? Is it possible for the heart and soul poured into customizing a bike to overshadow the mere prestige of brands and prices? These are the questions that lead us on a journey that transcends mere technicalities and figures. It's about the essence of motorcycling, the attention to detail, and the sheer exhilaration of riding. Let's discover together which of these machines truly ignites the spirit of daring adventurers.

When looking at the 1000PS marketplace, the financial contrast between touring enduros becomes evident: A new BMW R 1300 GS comes with a hefty price tag of 24,000 euros in Germany, while the latest models of the Transalp 750 are available for a modest 10,000 euros. Despite this, the registration numbers reveal a steadfast market loyalty: the GS reigns supreme in sales and enjoys immense popularity. However, for the dedicated off-road enthusiasts, this commercial success may not be the main focus. They prefer bikes that not only perform well but also mirror their individuality - customized with a no-compromise chassis.

As a discerning enthusiast, I have a deep admiration for the exceptional BMW R 1300 GS and its captivating features. Yet, I also appreciate expertly crafted chassis and unmatched durability that truly shines off-road. This is why comparing it to a Touratech-modified Transalp 750 was a delightful experience for me. The key elements for off-road performance included

• The Touratech Suspension Cartridge Kit,
• the Touratech Suspension shock absorber,
• a Rally seat, and
• various finely tuned components,

resulting in a total investment of around 4,000 euros for the customization. This sets up a showdown between a 14,000 euro bike with a superb chassis and a 24,000 euro standard model with impressive technical specs. But how does the overall comparison stack up? How much practical difference is there in the prices of mid-range touring enduros compared to top-of-the-line models?

• BMW R 1300 GS - starting from 24,000 euros
• [BMW F 900 GS](https://www.1000ps.com/used-motorcycles/brand/BMW/model/BMW-F-900-GS?SortColumnName=Price&SortOrder=asc&VehicleType[0]=new vehicle) - starting from 18,000 euros
• KTM 890 Adventure R - starting from 14,000 euros
• Husqvarna Norden Expedition - starting from 15,000 euros
• Honda Transalp 750 - starting from 10,000 euros
• Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro - starting from 15,000 euros
• Yamaha Tenere 700 - starting from 11,000 euros
• Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT - starting from 17,000 euros

The 2024 BMW R 1300 GS tipped the scales at a hefty 256 kg according to our 1000PS measurements. This weight poses a significant challenge, especially for riders looking to tackle long distances on a daily basis. Many adventure seekers crave a lighter option, but are often left unsatisfied with the offerings in the middleweight category. While it's true that motorcycles in the 700 to 1000 cc range are lighter than their larger counterparts, riders still find them too heavy for off-road trails. Comments on our YouTube channels frequently call for the ideal weight of an off-road touring enduro to be no more than 170 kg with a full tank. This remains a dream that no manufacturer of a 2-cylinder touring enduro has been able to fulfill. Explore our 1000PS weight database to see the actual weights of 2-cylinder touring enduros.

I can't emphasize this point enough - Enduros like the R 1300 GS are definitely in the higher price range. They come with a great engine, top-notch electronics, and a wealth of experience. However, when it comes to certain components, the consistent premium quality is lacking. While most GS riders may not push the standard chassis to its limits, I, as an off-road enthusiast, value high-quality suspension components and have high expectations for a pricey bike. So why can't I find what I'm looking for? I invested thousands of euros in upgrading my previous R 1250 GS to meet my standards. This presents an opportunity for an underdog to shine with a sophisticated tuning chassis!

When compared directly to a much cheaper bike, another drawback becomes evident! Particularly off-road, you yearn for a durable and seamlessly integrated navigation solution. Transitioning from the affordable Transalp to the expensive GS, you miss the sensation of riding a top-of-the-line machine, especially in terms of the display and navigation integration. Currently, only the Honda Africa Twin offers this innovative solution!

When it comes to rugged Enduros, the importance of "electronics" is often discussed within the community, and not always in a positive light. However, our extensive test rides in the Azores revealed that the BMW, with its luxurious approach, handles the challenges of everyday life better than the more basic Transalp. The simpler electronics of the Transalp provided limited settings and proved to be more of a hassle off-road. The traction control system was more of a hindrance than a help, requiring manual deactivation - an unnecessary extra step.

On the other hand, the BMW R 1300 GS proved to be a practical standout: with customizable riding modes, it can be tailored to individual preferences, making use of its various functions a delight. In the Azores, we effortlessly switched between Road, Rain, and Enduro Pro modes, with traction control always active even in Enduro Pro mode, proving to be a valuable tool for handling gravel drifts and challenging terrain. Changing modes was as simple as pressing a button on the right handlebar end and a quick clutch confirmation - a real highlight!

While the Transalp 750 may appear to lag behind the GS in terms of performance, our test week told a different story: it never felt like the GS was waiting for the Transalp. In fact, the Transalp was able to showcase its strengths on demanding sections. Performance advantages of the GS were put into perspective on highways or paved roads, where tire grip or speed limits played a role. In practice, performance wasn't the deciding factor. The Transalp's engine provided smoother acceleration off-road compared to the GS - a benefit in this terrain. The 92 hp engine of the Transalp truly shined at higher engine speeds, offering a satisfying and well-rounded riding experience.

Customizing your Enduro gives you the crucial advantage of tailoring the bike perfectly to your own needs and preferences. While mass-produced models are designed to appeal to a wide audience, they often lack the specialized features that true adventurers require for their journeys, especially on challenging off-road trails. This is where the true value of customization shines through: a customized Enduro that is not only finely tuned for its specific terrain, but also elevated to a higher quality standard in terms of components. The differences in cost and quality between a stock model and a professionally tuned suspension are significant and immediately noticeable once you hop on the Honda Transalp 750 with the Touratech Suspension setup. The suspension responds incredibly sensitively and, paired with the solid rally seat, turns the bike into a formidable off-road machine. Suddenly, the Transalp is in a league of its own: at 185 cm tall, I can barely touch the ground with my toes, and the bike effortlessly navigates through any terrain with remarkable precision. This suspension was exactly what the Transalp needed to truly excel as an off-road Enduro. While other Touratech accessories like the crash bar and luggage system may not be revolutionary, they prove to be practical additions that seamlessly integrate into the overall setup. When compared directly, it's almost unbelievable that this customized machine still comes in at a price point 10,000 euros lower than the GS.

Despite all the excitement surrounding the exceptional chassis and the appeal of the underdog, the Enduro 1300 GS clearly stands out in certain aspects. I've already mentioned the electronics, but this extends beyond just electronic rider aids: comfort features like heated grips and cruise control with distance radar are also included. While some riders may argue that they don't need these extras, let's be honest: even during rainy rides in the Azores, I found the luxury and comfort of this large machine to be truly appreciated. Riding a motorcycle with great weather protection, heated grips, and adaptive cruise control was simply fantastic.

Although raw engine performance wasn't the main focus, the engine on the pricier model ultimately delivered a more commanding performance. It provided power effortlessly and put a smile on my face, especially when accelerating out of corners in second gear.

On the final day in the Azores, I was faced with a decision between the two bikes. I knew that I wouldn't have another chance to explore this Atlantic island anytime soon. It was also clear that I might never ride these motorcycles on this island again. And I only had one day left! My colleague Clemens had left both motorcycle keys on my desk in the hotel room before flying back a day earlier. There they were, waiting for me. Which one should I choose? There were still some parts of the island we hadn't been able to ride due to the weather, as well as some highway sections to reach all the beautiful spots. I also needed to carry luggage for the beach and the hot springs. Whether it was my heart or my mind that ultimately made the decision, I can't say for sure - but I spent the last day with the prestigious Touratech Transalp and had an amazing time!

• Team communication: Cardo Packtalk Edge
• Textile suit: Held Atacama
• Touratech Transalp TuneUp](https://www.1000ps.de/schlagwort/azorenrally2024)
• Metzeler Karoo 4 tires](https://www.1000ps.at/testbericht-3009110-metzeler-karoo-4-im-test)