The new BMW R 1300 GS Adventure: A Design Flop?
The BMW R 1300 GS Adventure seems destined to disappoint with its controversial design and low payload, inadequate for a long-distance enduro.
A Controversial Design
BMW has always been at the forefront of design, but not all of its creations have been received with enthusiasm. Models such as the R 1200 ST, R 1200 CL and F 650 CS "Scarver" attracted mixed reactions. Now, the new R 1300 GS Adventure seems to follow this divisive trail.
Performance and Market Strategy
In the press release, BMW presents the R 1300 GS Adventure as a true "all-rounder", capable of tackling any terrain, from deserts to rainforests to the Himalayas, with passenger and luggage in tow. With a boxer engine that delivers 149 Nm of torque and 145 HP, already proven on the R 1300 GS, expectations are high. However, the tests in extreme conditions were conducted without passengers or luggage.
Limited Load Capacity
With a curb weight of 269 kg, the R 1300 GS Adventure can only carry an additional 216 kg, including a full tank and equipment. This could lead to overload situations, a problem also found in the previous model, the R 1250 GS Adventure.
Advanced Technology: Automatic ASA
An important technical innovation is the ASA (Automatic Shift Assistant), which eliminates the need to use the clutch lever, allowing for smoother gear changes compared to the previous Quickshifter. This system is available as an option.
Improved Suspension and Seat Height
The R 1300 GS Adventure features increased suspension travel, with 210 mm at the front and 220 mm at the rear. The seat height varies between 870 and 890 mm, but can be reduced by 30 mm thanks to the semi-active DSA chassis.
Innovations with Radar
Another innovation introduced by BMW is the rear radar with lane departure and collision warning, available as an option for the base GS starting from 2025.
30 liter tank
The new 30-litre aluminum tank represents a distinctive element that divides opinions. Despite the greater volume, it offers a support system for bags and accessories, increasing functionality.
Four Versions Available
The R 1300 GS Adventure will be offered in four variants:
- Base: starting from 22,335 euros, with standard equipment.
- Trophy: starting from 23,060 euros, with additional protections and a shorter windshield.
- Triple Black: starting from 23,120 euros, with comfort seats and extra accessories.
- Option 719 Karakorum: starting from 24,460 euros, with special paint and aluminum components.
The BMW R 1300 GS Adventure has recently appeared on the motorcycle market and has already raised a heated discussion among enthusiasts and critics. The main question that many are asking is: the new BMW R 1300 GS Adventure is truly a design flop? Let's analyze the various aspects to understand better.
From the beginning, BMW's GS range has been synonymous with innovation, robustness and performance. But with the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure, the Bavarian brand seems to have opted for a design that has divided opinion. Some criticize the lines being too square and a less harmonious aesthetic compared to previous versions.Others, however, appreciate the attempt to modernize the appearance while maintaining the distinctive characteristics of the GS series.
An element of strong debate concerns the new tank, which on the one hand offers greater capacity, on the other it appears visually bulky. Furthermore, the innovative TFT display has a double face: for some it represents a leap in quality in terms of technology and functionality, but for others it is excessively complex and not very intuitive.
In addition to design, the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure does not disappoint in terms of performance. The 1300cc engine offers impressive power and excellent handling both on and off-road. However, the aesthetic issue seems to heavily influence the general opinion regarding the entire package.
We cannot ignore that the perception of design is also influenced by motorcyclists' personal expectations and aesthetic preferences. So whether the new BMW R 1300 GS Adventure represents a flop or a revolution depends a lot on the individual point of view. In conclusion, the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure remains a motorcycle capable of offering excellent performance, but with a design that continues to be discussed.
