BMW R 1300 GS Adventure Test

As a self-confessed fan of the GS Adventure models, the anticipation for the new BMW R 1300 GS Adventure was immense. However, when I first saw it live in the garage of Canary Ride, I was surprised: visually, the 1300 didn't immediately grab me. The iconic "must-have effect" that earlier models evoked in me just didn't materialize. Nevertheless, curiosity got the better of me – and so I reached for the key.

In the narrow maze of streets in Las Palmas, the wide and tall machine initially felt out of place. With a seat height that is unparalleled, the Adventure was anything but compact. Yet, after the first few kilometers, a familiar feeling returned. The seat – once adjusted to the lower position – provided a sense of security at the traffic lights. At the same time, it remains a comfort marvel, which particularly pays off on longer tours.

As soon as we hit the first curves, it was back: that harmonious, playful steering behavior that I love so much about the GS Adventure. Despite its 269 kilograms of wet weight, it handles every combination of curves with an ease that is unparalleled. I led the group, riding casually and relaxed – but at the first stop, I was made aware of the high travel speed I was setting. To me, it felt like leisurely "cruising," while the colleagues behind me had to go full throttle to keep up. Typical GS Adventure: sovereignty at high travel speeds.

The 145 hp at 7750 rpm and 149 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm are no longer the pinnacle among premium adventure bikes. However, especially in Dynamic mode, the BMW unleashes a dynamism that truly excites. Every hairpin becomes the starting point for a powerful thrust, with the front wheel seemingly screaming towards the sky. At the same time, you can feel that the chassis can become quite unsettled in extreme riding situations. BMW allows the electronic riding aids a surprisingly large margin, which pleases but also challenges experienced riders. Switching to the "Road" mode, the electronics become noticeably more restrained – yet even here, the bike remains anything but tame.

The chassis of the R 1300 GS Adventure is as reliable as ever. The Telelever at the front and the Paralever at the rear ensure stability, even on rough asphalt. The seat offers a perfect balance of comfort and feedback – a real highlight. However, especially on the GC 606, one of the most challenging motorcycle routes in Gran Canaria, it became evident that the electronic aids have their limits.

The Combined-ABS works excellently on normal asphalt but reaches its limits under extremely poor asphalt conditions. Transparency and feel in the brakes are more theoretical here – the deceleration is there, but the confidence suffers a bit. The brake lever constantly pulsates, and you really have no idea what the brakes are actually doing.

Bad asphalt with many bumps is the ultimate challenge for the control systems of the hefty adventure bike. In Enduro mode, everything is clear again – the electronics take a step back, and you know how to handle it. On perfect asphalt, everything is wonderful as well – you can more or less mindlessly go full throttle, and the ECU takes care of the rest. However, it is quite challenging to tackle the mentioned bumps on poor asphalt with the heavy motorcycle.

One aspect where BMW remains unbeatable, even in the new Adventure version, is the operating concept. The switches, the menu, and the logic behind it—all are intuitive and perfectly accessible. Especially in comparison with other brands, the thought-out ergonomics of the R 1300 GS Adventure stand out. Whether on the road or off-road: you immediately feel at home and always have everything under control. It pays off that BMW stays true to its line and refines rather than reinventing the wheel every few years.

The Michelin Anakee Adventure was an excellent choice for the variable conditions on Gran Canaria. From icy asphalt at 2000 meters altitude to short gravel sections and race track-like bitumen in scorching heat – the tire handled everything with confidence. It offers grip, stability, and a sense of security that is invaluable on such a tour. Clearly, the Anakee Road is even more precise and offers more grip on perfect asphalt conditions, but the Anakee Adventure provided a rugged look and still plenty of safety on asphalt. A good compromise for this bike!

Here is all the information about the tire.

If you want to customize the new BMW R 1300 GS Adventure, you should check out the BMW online configurator. There, you can easily click through the available options, from seat heights and colors to equipment packages. The configurator also directly displays the total price, giving you a quick overview of what your dream machine will ultimately cost. It's a helpful tool to perfectly tailor the GS Adventure to your own needs. Unfortunately, the configurator often puts the list price of the bare machine into perspective. Even though some features are already standard, you'll need to add quite a few extras to your custom Adventure. Personally, using the BMW Motorrad Configurator in Germany, my configuration came to 27,300 euros in Germany. In Austria, the price climbed to over 30,000 euros. Link to BMW Motorrad Configurator Austria

Here's how I would personally configure my Adventure:

• Base model
• Style GS Trophy
• Innovation package, Touring package, Dynamic package
• Cross-spoke wheels (included in the Style GS Trophy package)
• High comfort seat plus comfort handlebars
• Navigation device preparation (included in the Touring package)
• Top case

Gran Canaria is a true GPS navigation paradise—and simultaneously a real challenge for digital route guidance. Amidst tight hairpins, spectacular coastal roads, and hidden mountain passes, we relied on the Calimoto app during our test. And for good reason: the app's precise curve anticipation was invaluable, especially in the confusing mountain sections. With the "curvy" setting, the app reliably presented us with the island's most exciting routes—from the legendary "Valley of Tears" route to hidden roads not found in any travel guide. Particularly handy: the offline functionality. Especially in the mountains, the mobile network can sometimes falter. Thanks to pre-loaded maps, we could fully focus on the fantastic routes of the Canary Island.

Here are 3 tour tips for your motorcycle holiday on Gran Canaria.

• NastyNils' favorite tour on Gran Canaria
• Narrow paths, dead ends, and secret roads
• The tour with a view of the Atlantic. Tour in the west

The temperature fluctuations on Gran Canaria present a real challenge for any motorcycle gear: from a chilly 5 degrees in the mountains in the morning to a summery 30 degrees at the beach – the equipment needs to keep up. The new IXS Venture series mastered this task with flying colors during the Canary Islands Trip 2025.

In the editorial team, we relied on two different setups: While McGregor chose the airy Venture Air suit with the new Venture-1.0 helmet and STX gloves, I tested the slightly sportier cut Venture-STX combination. The trick with both variants? Thanks to clever ventilation openings and a high stretch content, they adapted perfectly to the changing conditions. A quick adjustment of the strategically placed ventilation zippers was enough to switch from mountain mode to coastal climate. During our test rides across the island, this proved to be a real time-saver – no annoying stops to change gear, just adjust on the go and keep riding.

Here is all the information about the IXS System.

The BMW R 1300 GS Adventure 2024 remains the commanding adventure bike it has always been. It's powerful, mighty, and comfortable—a motorcycle for demanding and experienced riders who love both long tours and challenging routes. The electronics and brakes show minor weaknesses in extreme situations, but the overall concept is still impressive.

Would I buy it? The looks didn't immediately captivate me, but after this day on Gran Canaria, I'm sure: The R 1300 GS Adventure is a motorcycle not to be underestimated—and it ultimately won me over again. However, to be honest, on this terrain, I would rather opt for the new F 800 GS next time. Here on the island, it was easier to maneuver, and overall, I found it to be the better choice. Whereas after tours in Andalusia, I always felt a strong longing for the big adventure models. It's logical that the intended use scenario is the most important criterion for the purchase decision. The "smaller" GS models are now much better than before and are a fascinating alternative to the big beast.

The BMW R 1300 GS Adventure is, however, a clear recommendation for pilots who like to ride dynamically but still seek maximum riding comfort. The prerequisite is that you have the necessary height and experience to confidently handle such a heavy and large motorcycle. Then it makes traveling not only easy and comfortable but also breathtakingly fast—a combination that is simply fascinating.