BMW R 1300 GS Adventure Review

As a self-confessed fan of the GS Adventure models, my anticipation for the new BMW R 1300 GS Adventure was immense. Yet, when I first saw it live in the Canary Ride garage, I was surprised: the 1300 didn't immediately grab me visually. The iconic "desire to own" factor that previous models sparked in me just didn't kick in. Nevertheless, my curiosity was too great—so I grabbed the key.

In the narrow streets of Las Palmas, the wide and tall machine initially felt out of place. With a seat height that's unparalleled, the Adventure was anything but compact. Yet, after just a few kilometers, a familiar feeling returned. Once the seat was adjusted to a lower position, it provided a secure feeling at the stoplights. At the same time, it remains a marvel of comfort, especially rewarding on longer tours.

As soon as we hit the first curves, it was back: that harmonious, playful steering that I love about the GS Adventure. Despite its 269 kilograms of ready-to-ride weight, it handles every radius combination with unmatched poise. Leading the group, I rode leisurely and relaxed—yet at the first stop, I was made aware of the high travel speed I was setting. To me, it felt like a casual "cruise," while my colleagues behind had to twist the throttle hard to keep up. That's typical GS Adventure: sovereignty at a high touring pace.

The 145 hp at 7750 rpm and 149 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm are no longer the pinnacle in the realm of premium adventure bikes. Yet, particularly in Dynamic mode, the BMW unleashes a dynamics that truly excites. Every hairpin turn becomes a launch pad for powerful thrust, with the front wheel almost pointing skyward. Simultaneously, you can feel that the suspension can become quite unsettled in extreme riding situations. BMW allows the electronic aids a surprisingly large margin, which delights but also challenges experienced riders. Switching to "Road" mode, the electronics become noticeably more restrained—yet even here, the bike remains anything but tame.

The suspension of the R 1300 GS Adventure remains as composed as ever. The Telelever front and Paralever rear ensure stability, even on rough asphalt. The seat offers a perfect balance of comfort and feedback—a true highlight. However, on the GC 606, one of the toughest motorcycle routes on Gran Canaria, it became evident that the electronic aids have their limits.

The Combined ABS works excellently on normal asphalt but hits its limits on extremely poor surfaces. Brake transparency and feel become more theoretical—the deceleration is there, but confidence takes a hit. The brake lever constantly pulses, leaving you unsure of what the brakes are really up to.

Poor asphalt with many bumps is the ultimate 'final boss' for the systems of the hefty Adventure. But 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 too—you can throttle away almost thoughtlessly, and the ECU takes care of the rest. However, tackling those bumps on bad asphalt with the heavy bike is quite a task.

One area where BMW remains unbeatable, even in the new Adventure version, is the control concept. The switches, the menu, and the logic behind them—everything is intuitive and perfectly accessible. Especially when compared to other brands, the well-thought-out ergonomics of the R 1300 GS Adventure stand out. Whether on the road or off-road, you feel at home immediately and have everything under control. It pays off that BMW sticks to its line and focuses on refinement rather than reinventing the wheel every few years.

The Michelin Anakee Adventure was an excellent choice for the varied conditions on Gran Canaria. From icy asphalt at 2000 meters to short gravel stretches and racetrack-like bitumen in scorching heat—the tire handled everything with ease. It offers grip, stability, and a sense of security that is invaluable on such a tour. Naturally, the Anakee Road is a bit more precise and offers even more grip on perfect asphalt, but the Anakee Adventure provided a rugged look and still plenty of safety on tarmac. A good compromise for this motorcycle!

Here is all the information about the tire.

If you want to customize the new BMW R 1300 GS Adventure, you should check out BMW's online configurator. 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 cost in the end. It's a helpful tool to tailor the GS Adventure perfectly to your needs. However, the configurator often puts the base price of the naked machine into perspective. Even though some features are already included as standard, you'll have to add quite a few extras to get your bespoke Adventure. Personally, my configuration on the BMW Motorrad Configurator in Germany 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
• GS Trophy Style
• Innovation Package, Touring Package, Dynamic Package
• Cross-spoke Wheels (included in GS Trophy Style Package)
• High Comfort Seat plus Comfort Handlebars
• Navigation Device Preparation (included in Touring Package)
• Top Case

Gran Canaria is a true GPS paradise—and at the same time, a real challenge for digital routing. Between 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 tricky 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 guidebook. Particularly handy: the offline functionality. In the mountains, mobile networks 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 Hidden Roads
• The Tour with Atlantic Views: Western Route

The temperature fluctuations on Gran Canaria present a real challenge for any motorcycle gear: from chilly 5 degrees in the morning up in the mountains to summery 30 degrees at the beach—your gear has to keep up. The new IXS Venture Series tackled this task with flying colors during the Canary Islands trip in 2025.

In the editorial team, we relied on two different setups: while McGregor opted for the breezy Venture Air suit with the new Venture-1.0 helmet and STX gloves, I tested the slightly sportier 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 all it took 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 for gear changes, 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 tourer it has always been. It's powerful, robust, and comfortable—a motorcycle for demanding and experienced riders who love both long tours and challenging tracks. While the electronics and brakes show minor weaknesses in extreme situations, the overall concept is still impressive.

Would I buy it? The looks didn't immediately win me over, but after a day on Gran Canaria, I'm certain: the R 1300 GS Adventure is a motorcycle not to be underestimated—and it ultimately convinced me again. However, to be honest, on this terrain, I'd 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 yearning for the big adventure models. It's logical that the intended use scenario is the most crucial criterion for the purchase decision. The "smaller" GS models have improved significantly and are a fascinating alternative to the hefty giant.

Nonetheless, the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure is a clear recommendation for riders who enjoy dynamic riding but still seek maximum comfort. The prerequisite, however, is having the necessary height and experience to confidently handle such a heavy and large motorcycle. Then it makes travel not only easy and comfortable but also breathtakingly fast—a combination that is simply fascinating.