BMW R 1300 GS Long-Term Test 2025 - Embracing a New Spring!

After our 1000PS long-term test BMW R 1300 GS had a rather bumpy start last year with several workshop visits, the 2025 season is off to a smooth start! I had the opportunity to take our 1300 Trophy, equipped with top-notch features (much like most buyers would configure it) and even an electrically adjustable windshield, out on the stunning roads of Spain right after the winter break—and once again, I was thrilled by its incredible power combined with an effortless ride.

Head straight to all BMW R 1300 GS models on the 1000PS new and used market!

The big GS, and the latest evolution in the form of the R 1300 GS is no exception, is once again a machine that makes me feel right at home the moment I get on. The fact that the 1300 now packs even more power is a welcome change, and yes, revving it out makes even more sense now. But the true calling of this displacement monster remains its ability to deliver torque seamlessly from low to mid-range RPMs. This is where it truly shines, justifying its massive fanbase.

Ensuring that comfort isn’t compromised was a priority for BMW engineers, and they executed this perfectly. Long stretches are no issue with the R 1300 GS. However, in the second season of our long-term test, we wanted to try something new, so we fitted some practical Wunderlich parts and the new Pirelli Scorpion Trail 3 tires onto this jack-of-all-trades.

Wunderlich crafts the Active Comfort Seats with a distinctive, ergonomic 3-D contour. The form and angle of the intricately crafted seat core support an ergonomically beneficial, natural pelvic posture. Once integrated into the bike, it allows for a relaxed and thus active ride. No doubt, a relaxed sitting posture enhances passive safety. The "bottoming out" of the padding is reliably avoided thanks to the thoughtful design, and the seating pressure is evenly distributed over a larger area, resulting in noticeably less specific pressure on the posterior. Comfortable! The ergonomic shape of the special foam also relieves pressure on the sensitive coccyx. Who hasn’t experienced the sudden shove from a pillion when anchoring, forcing you to brace yourself and steer simultaneously, possibly in a precarious situation? With Wunderlich's specially developed support contour, these braking frights are a thing of the past. The innovative, ergonomic 3-D contour also ensures that pressure points on the inner thighs while standing at traffic lights are a thing of the past. Lastly, the seat features the latest ThermoPro technology, which keeps the temperature of the seat surface up to 25°C cooler under direct summer sunlight compared to conventional cover materials.

For 439 euros, you certainly expect something—and you won't be disappointed. Initially, you might think the seat is quite firm, but with every kilometer, you realize that comfort comes from the seat not bottoming out but distributing weight evenly. The aesthetics are a matter of taste, with the blue-white-red accents perfectly matching the R 1300 GS Trophy livery—though how long the white stays white is a matter of maintenance...

The Wunderlich Ultimate Pro Engine Guard is specifically designed for adventure riding with the BMW R 1300 GS. It not only reliably protects the cylinders and valve covers but also the two lambda sensors. In the event of a fall or tip-over, the forces are optimally distributed through the guard structure to the load-bearing mounting points, preventing peak forces and moments and effectively reducing material stress. Additionally, the Ultimate Pro features an extra filler plate that further enhances protection. This additional, four-times-welded stainless steel protection plate includes cut-outs, reinforcing the tube structure of the engine guard while extending direct protection for the cylinder head and valve cover.

599 euros are certainly not too much if it saves you from costly repairs. The Ultimate Pro integrates very discreetly into the appearance of the 1300 GS and doesn't really add to the weight, even at nearly 260 kilos curb weight.

The Ultimate Indicator and Handguard Bars provide optimal protection for the original handguards of the BMW R 1300 GS, reliably safeguarding your hands. Especially in the event of a fall or tip-over, there is a high risk that the original handguards, with their integrated indicators, could be damaged, which could be costly. The Ultimate Bars offer maximum protection and are made from high-quality, durable steel. Installation is twist-proof, both at the outer handlebar inner thread and around the handlebar fittings, preventing the handguards from twisting when subjected to external force and impact.

179.90 euros is really not much when you consider the purchase price of the R 1300 GS. Besides protecting your hands, they also safeguard the expensive original protectors with the integrated indicators. Personally, I think the design, reminiscent of an American football helmet, is really cool—making it a clear recommendation from me. The fact that Wunderlich provided us with pre-production handguard bars that leave slight scratches on the upper fairing at full lock is, on the other hand, our own issue—it had to be a quick fit. According to Wunderlich, the customer versions maintain a respectful distance from the fairing, even at full lock.

All the aforementioned Wunderlich parts should be understood as preventive measures, especially when fitting a quality tire on the BMW R 1300 GS that consistently delivers good grip. Pirelli describes the Scorpion Trail 3 as a tire for powerful enduros, adventure, and crossover bikes, suitable for asphalt and light off-road terrain. The enduro-street tire segment has gained significant importance in the tire market in recent years, and Pirelli responds to this with the Scorpion Trail 3, offering sporty performance on the road while maintaining a rugged off-road look. The tread design is based on the (super-)sporty Diablo series, optimized for enhanced stability and riding precision. The wider, crosswise grooves ensure traction and track stability on unpaved roads. The newly developed compounds of the Scorpion Trail 3, which are 100 percent silica-based, are intended to offer performance on both wet and dry roads equally.

Anyone expecting the typical Pirelli sportiness in an adventure and crossover tire won't be disappointed with the Scorpion Trail 3. Naturally, the BMW R 1300 GS is inherently a comparatively agile and remarkably nimble touring enduro, but the Trail 3 additionally provides the confidence to approach riding more sportily. The grip level and steering response are spot on, though I can't say much about the mileage after the first rollout in Spain. However, the dual-compound layout on the rear tire, with a harder compound in the center tread area, should indeed benefit the mileage during longer straight-line stretches.

The Wunderlich Guard Cardan Shaft Protector is the perfect bodyguard for the Paralever of the R 1300 GS. The protector is positioned below the rear axle drive and protects both the hollow-drilled rear axle and the Paralever joint. Its robust construction from solid steel material absorbs energy in the event of a tip-over or slip, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the light metal housing. In extreme cases, even oil loss due to damage to the drive seal can be prevented. Installation is straightforward using a stable clamping element without any intervention on the vehicle, allowing the cardan protector to be removed without leaving any traces.

Protecting the cardan drive for 119.90 euros, which in the worst-case scenario could suffer damage requiring an expensive repair, is probably one of the most cost-effective solutions. Above all, the guard integrates so discreetly into the overall look of the R 1300 GS that it doesn't even pose an aesthetic issue.

Wunderlich believes that the swingarm bearing, swingarm, collector, and shock absorber of the R 1300 GS are exposed to the elements behind the rear wheel. They are vulnerable to dirt, stone chips, and water spray from the rear wheel, which can significantly affect these technical components. The Wunderlich Inner Fender protects the shock absorber, shock absorber mount, swingarm, and collector, capturing and reliably redirecting water spray. It also provides lasting protection for the rider and passenger from spray and road grime around the feet and lower legs.

The first Wunderlich part on our long-term test R 1300 GS that I personally would have skipped. Not that 119.90 euros is overly expensive for this admittedly useful splash guard, but it's not really necessary. At least on the road, the stock splash guard is sufficient, though regular maintenance of your GS is still important. Off-road, with potential stone chips, the situation is, of course, different.