Most Powerful BMW R 1300 GS Ever Gets Adventure Version, And It's Glorious

The BMW Adventure line has been around for more than two decades now, but the Germans promise that this new version blends in never-before-seen ways seating comfort, ergonomics, and wind protection, with handling, suspension comfort, and smooth running.

It will be up to the bike's riders to decide if that's so, we're only here to tell you about the changes made to the bike compared to the previous version. And let me tell you, from where I'm standing things look glorious.

BMW says it has made significant changes to everything that makes up the bike, namely the engine, chassis, bodywork, design, and storage concept. But given that Adventure is based on an entirely new big GS, it's easy to see why.

I'll start with the skeleton of the motorcycle, its chassis. Completely redesigned compared to what came before, it is now built around a sheet metal main frame and an aluminum lattice tube rear frame, replacing the previous tubular steel setup. The new materials and arrangement should ensure the bike is stiffer than before.

The frame is propped on a revised suspension system that makes use of a new electronic Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA). Among other things, it allows the bike to be lowered by 30 mm when the bike is stationary or traveling at low speeds.

The frame holds in its embrace the mighty 1,300cc twin-cylinder boxer engine that was unleashed in the range nine months ago. It occupies less space than it did before, as it now has the transmission located underneath it, and the camshaft drive comes in a new arrangement.

The power levels of the engine on the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure are the same as on the standard version, meaning 145 horsepower and 149 NM of torque. There was no need to take those numbers any further, as the powerplant already is the most powerful boxer engine BMW has ever made for series production.

There are four riding modes available for the bike, going from the usual Rain, Road, and Eco and ending with the specially created Enduro.

The new bike is visually different from the previous generation as well. The first thing that strikes you is the things fuel tank, a massive chunk of aluminum that can hold up to 30 liters (eight gallons) of fuel, which is how much some small European cars are capable of holding. Such a capacity should ensure the bike is capable of traveling vast distances in the wild.

Because the bike is meant for adventure seekers, a lot of space for luggage has been devised. The fuel tank itself, for instance, comes with individual fastening eyelets and an articulated mount with snap lock. This allows for a 12-liter tank bag to be installed.

At the rear, BMW imagined an aluminum top case that's good for 37 liters of luggage (or eight kg / 17 pounds of weight). The side cases have a combined capacity of over 73 liters and can hold items weighing as much as ten kg (22 pounds).

BMW says it will offer the 2025 R 1300 GS Adventure in four variants: standard (Racing Red), Triple Black (black with gray), GS Trophy (Racing Blue metallic with Light White and solid Racing Red stripes), and Option 719 Karakorum. This one is painted in an exclusive color called Aurelius Green and comes with gold accents and a special badge on the fuel tank.

Because riding in the great outdoors requires quite a lot of prep work and assistance, BMW is throwing into the world a wealth of optional equipment for the bike, including stuff like a riding assistant, Lane Change Warning, and Rear End Collision Warning.

Perhaps the most exciting offering in the options list is the recently announced Automated Shift Assistant (ASA). The system basically automates clutch actuation, eliminating the clutch lever from the design and allowing riders to choose either manual (but with no clutch operation) and automated shifting.

Although it was barely announced, the R 1300 GS is already listed on the bike maker's configurators. For the American market, there's a big sign on the bike's page reading "Available soon" with no other details provided, not even the crucial one regarding price.

For reference, the standard 2024 model year BMW R 1300 GS goes for prices that start at $18,895, so you should expect more for the Adventure.