BMW R 1300 GS test and experience

The BMW R 1300 GS, our flagship in the realm of adventure, reigns supreme at the top of the wish list for our dedicated community of riders. However, even the most discerning enthusiasts among us are intrigued by the slightest imperfections. The pursuit of perfection led to heightened interest when BMW had to halt deliveries of this iconic motorcycle not once, but twice - a situation plagued by technical uncertainties. The burning question on every rider's mind: What is the true level of reliability of our beloved BMW R 1300 GS?

Navigating through this sea of uncertainty is our reliable endurance test companion, the 1000PS GS, bearing the marks of two recalls that resulted in a new engine heartbeat. A true testament to our time that has kept us in suspense regarding the durability of this mechanical marvel.

But on the horizon, a ray of hope emerges - our test bike tackling the rugged trails of the Azores. Crafted by the skilled hands of accessory expert Touratech, with 7,000 kilometers of life experience, many of which were spent off-road. A messenger from Touratech who brought the bike to the Azores Rally specifically for 1000PS, where we embarked on a journey to gather another 1,000 kilometers of frontier experience. Following this ultimate test, it will be time to assess the results. Climb aboard and join us on this epic adventure - the call of the wild awaits!

The BMW Enduro rally doesn't transform into a roaring motorsport spectacle, but rather unfolds as an incredibly cool countryside cruise where approximately 40 customers and friends of Touratech Portugal participate, bonded by their shared passion and friendship. At the core of this adventure is the charismatic Portuguese rider Felipe Elias, whose chest swells with pride for the unmatched beauty of his homeland. With a wealth of motorcycling experience, he is the mastermind behind Touratech Portugal and the Azores Rally, an event that pays homage to the community rather than seeking international recognition. Our paths crossed with Felipe thanks to his involvement in the ACT, welcoming us into the exclusive group of participants.

The briefing by the Portuguese rider was an exhilarating experience. Attempting to translate his speech live using Google Translate provided amusing results. Here are some of the highlights:

"Little magic glasses, if you're in love, it's because I don't know it myself, there's no cleaning, so keep making change................Today we're taking two of my three favorite breaks as I return to the border................. man, the opportunity to endure this is great and we will also get an area. With a spot of earth, earth with rocks and poisoning, these bullets that sometimes we can't take, a strong beating, because eh eh eh eh, that's it, I think that's more or less what we're going to do."

Although the 30-minute speech was condensed into 2 sentences in English by Felipe, we felt reassured and started the day with optimism. The mention of a "strong beating" had us wondering - were aggressive hunters lurking in the woods? Was there a rival event? Or was there unexpected competitive pressure on this group outing?

Nevertheless, we eagerly anticipated visiting Felipe's "3 favorite places" and were not disappointed. The sensory experiences on the island were awe-inspiring, making it hard to maintain focus. The views of the sea were captivating, while the spectacular crater lakes on the other side left us in awe. Along the way, beautiful pink flowers bloomed, adding to the scenic route that had its own surprises in store.

In my previous reports on the BMW R 1300 GS Enduro, I have already discussed the electronics extensively. This time, however, I was able to delve even deeper and I must say: the electronics package is impressive in everyday use and operation is truly effortless. During a typical day in the Azores, I changed riding modes 20-30 times without any difficulty - a simple process. The Enduro Pro mode tackled all off-road obstacles with ease, rendering manual deactivation of traction control unnecessary. On the road, we seamlessly switched between Rain and Road modes. Whether we were traversing streams, sand, gravel, or asphalt, going uphill or downhill, in rain or sunshine - the bike always provided maximum safety and comfort.

The Metzeler Karoo 4 tire proved to be the perfect companion: an absolute top-tier tire! On dry asphalt, we pushed it to the limit, and off-road, the tire exceeded all our expectations. Of course, the powerful torque poses a challenge for the treads on gravel, but even with significant wear, the tire still offers substantial reserves.

The BMW Enduro's traction control performed reliably as promised throughout the week. However, in some particularly tricky situations, we encountered the limits of the combined ABS. The steep downhill sections in the Azores proved to be especially challenging, with rough asphalt that resembled a skid plate. These unique surface conditions, combined with wet weather, pushed the ABS system to its limits. Even a slight application of the rear brake caused the hand cylinder to stiffen, resulting in a loss of feel for the pressure point. Riders had to rely on the system blindly. This specific challenge could be seen as the ultimate test for the ABS system developers. Perhaps my observations will soon lead to BMW test riders being sent on a business trip to the Azores!

My initial review of the BMW Enduro in the fall of 2023, which can be found on YouTube, sparked a lot of interest - thank you all for the positive feedback! It brings me great joy to hear that many of you have become happy owners of the BMW Enduro based on my recommendation. However, after a thorough week of testing, I need to reassess two aspects of my previous opinion.

Firstly, I must correct my initial statement that the new BMW Enduro is not as capable off-road at low speeds. After extensive rides in challenging terrain, I have discovered that the BMW Enduro 1300 definitely provides a high level of confidence and safety. The motorcycle proved to be extremely reliable with its excellent handling and stable ride. Either I was mistaken initially, or the BMW Enduro only truly showcases its qualities after a certain period of getting used to it.

Secondly, I need to adjust my view on the torque at low revs. Despite addressing this issue in the first test, I noticed it even more after the week of testing. Despite its strong performance in the low rev range, the bike no longer feels as assured as its predecessors. It tends to jerk and vibrate at low speeds, necessitating frequent downshifts - this can be particularly bothersome on slow sections or when cruising between 60 and 90 km/h. Fans of the BMW Enduro will likely be familiar with this riding behavior. With the previous 1250 Enduro, you could easily cruise in 6th gear out of town. With the new BMW Enduro, you'll find yourself shifting into 4th gear more frequently. While this adjustment works fine, the more direct response and increased background noise may take some getting used to. I am curious to see how long-time BMW Enduro fans will adapt to these changes in real-world scenarios.

In this test, the BMW Enduro once again proved its capability in challenging terrain. Despite its high price, weight, and wide engine, the bike excelled in being easy to handle, reliable, and powerful. It tackled all obstacles effortlessly, with a standout performance on deep sandy ground. The bike's control in difficult terrain was exceptional. Riding fast on gravel was a joy, especially with the traction control making drifts a breeze. The Enduro faced difficulties with hard bumps, which were felt by the rider and sometimes caused the bike to veer off course. Compared to other enduro motorcycles, speed had to be reduced significantly over rough terrain. However, the Enduro was able to outperform lighter bikes on technical uphill climbs. The 19-inch front wheel and versatile chassis may be limiting factors in extreme conditions. In such situations, specialized models like the Africa Twin and lighter enduro bikes like the Tenere and Tuareg perform better.

Throughout the intensive week of testing, the BMW Enduro left a remarkable impression. Despite already covering 7000 kilometers, it appeared in a fresh condition without showing any significant signs of wear from the challenging terrain. However, a few shortcomings were identified.

The new GS models feature increased fairing on the sides, allowing for more freedom of movement and a visually appealing design. However, it became evident that these surfaces are prone to scratches during tough off-road use or when wearing rugged boots. This was noticeable on the test bike, and I have detailed this in the 1000PS video.

The handguards with integrated turn signals are not recommended for off-road riding. The strong vibrations can put strain on these components, potentially leading to long-term issues. For off-road enthusiasts, it would be more advisable to use standard turn signals.

The mirrors with integrated blind spot warnings are also not ideal for off-road use. The wiring appears fragile and exposed, which could cause difficulties in rough terrain. If you frequently ride your motorcycle off-road, it is recommended to protect the wiring with durable adhesive tape.

While I understand that most GS customers primarily ride on asphalt, there are those who have higher expectations for the GS - and I believe BMW also has high standards. Therefore, it was important for me to address these points openly.

After closely inspecting the bike at the end of each day, I found no loose bolts or other issues - until the last day when a bolt came loose from the left hand protector. This incident prevented my test log from being flawless. It was truly impressive to see how effortlessly this luxurious motorcycle tackled the challenging terrain. Adventure riders will be thrilled with this BMW Enduro!

I might be repeating myself on the topic of navigation, but I truly believe that having a full map display on the BMW Enduro's screen would be a significant improvement. While BMW does offer a navigation device as an accessory, I question the need to add an extra screen to a bike that is already large and complex. I strongly advocate for the integration of Apple or Android systems to allow access to a variety of navigation apps and enhance usability.

Despite some reservations about the BMW Enduro being the ideal choice for a challenging off-road tour due to its weight, I must say that during a week of intensive riding, I did not find the weight to be a hindrance. We never had to struggle or exert ourselves excessively; all obstacles were easily overcome while riding. The Enduro demonstrated excellent traction and maintained a precise line throughout. It felt just right. We weren't the only ones out on the road with the BMW Enduro; even the local Portuguese riders were impressed by this new companion. By the end of the testing week, one thing was clear: even in the 2024 model year, the Enduro remains a pricey investment, but it is a motorcycle that confidently caters to a remarkably wide range of uses.

• Teamkommunikation: Cardo Packtalk Edge
• Textilanzug: Held Atacama
• Touratech Transalp TuneUp
• Metzeler Karoo 4 Reifen

On 1000PS.com we present our reports, facts and figures online in 16 languages.

• BMW R 1300 GS test and experience (EN)