New BMW R 1300 GS unveiled in Singapore

Since production of the original R80G/S in 1980, BMW Motorrad's GS range of adventure bikes have become the most popular model among its lineup. And, for model year 2024, a host of upgrades have been made to the thoroughly redesigned model to further its capabilities. And now, the new R 1300 GS has been officially unveiled in Singapore at the brand new BMW Motorrad showroom at the newly opened Sime Darby Motors flagship facility. 

A key upgrade is to the iconic twin-cylinder boxer engine, the heart of any GS. The newly designed boxer engine, with bottom-mounted gearbox and BMW ShiftCam technology, sees displacement increased to exactly 1,300cc (hence the new 1300 name). Power has been increased to 143bhp and 149Nm of torque, making this the most powerful BMW boxer engine every produced. 

The twin-cylinder boxer engine now has a displacement of exactly 1,300cc, and produces 143bhp and 149Nm of torque

Major revisions have also been made to the chassis - a sheet metal shell main frame and die-cast aluminium rear frame that offers increased rigidity and improved steering precision, aided by the new EVO Telelever front wheel guide with flex element and the revised EVO Paralever rear wheel guide. Consequently, the bike is 12kg lighter than its predecessor. 

On the design front, the sharper front-end, a flatter fuel tank and slimmer tail section highlight the new model's emphasis on compactness, while still retaining the model's immediately identifiable adventure looks. 

The new GS has been thoroughly redesigned - it features a lighter and more compact chassis, as well as a new X-shaped LED head light

As standard, the new R 1300 GS gets four ride modes - Road and Rain, of course, but also an Eco mode, as well as an Enduro mode that specifically sets the bike up for off-roading. The new GS also gets a whole host of equipment as standard, including Matrix LED headlamp, Dynamic Cruise Control with Brake function, Engine drag torque control (MSR), dynamic brake assist (DBC) and ride-off assistant (HSC), and Full Integral ABS Pro. 

There are also some quality-of-life upgrades. There's a standard smartphone charging compartment with integrated USB socket, and a 6.5-inch TFT screen with improved connectivity. 

In addition to the white/red/blue Trophy variant, two other paint options are available - Triple Black and Option 719

A wide range of optional equipment also increase the capabilities of the new GS. The new electronic Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA) offers dynamic adaptation of the damping and spring rate, and also load compensation. In conjunction with the new DSA, riders can also opt for the adaptive vehicle height control and sports suspension. With adaptive vehicle height control equipped, the GS also offers something BMW calls lift assist - the bike is able to automatically raise itself to the appropriate pivot point to make raising the bike onto its main stand much easier. 

Of course, further customisation, such as a handlebar riser, adaptive turning light and even heated rider and passenger seats, is available. 

At launch, the new BWM R 1300 GS is offered in three colour variants - Trophy, Triple Black and Option 719. Of course, a range of optional specification and equipment is available across all variants, including performance upgrades like a dual-tip Akrapovic exhaust silencer, as well as essential touring upgrades like panniers. According to BMW Motorrad Singapore, first customer deliveries of the new R 1300 GS are set to commence in January.