BMW R 1300 GS

What’s new on the 2026 R 1300 GS?

Nothing mechanical. BMW Motorrad announced its 2026 model year changes in two steps (press releases of 3 July and 27 November 2025), and they concern the finish:

• the base model switches to Racing Red non-metallic, replacing Lightwhite;
• the GS Trophy style gets, alongside Racingblue with red and white stripes, a new White Aluminium matt metallic / Racingblue metallic scheme;
• Option 719 Biscaya (Imperial Blue metallic / White Aluminium matt, gold cross-spoke wheels) replaces Option 719 Tramuntana, and the Option 719 headlight is now black.

In France, the maximum recommended price for the base model is €21,300 as of 1 January 2026. In the US, the MSRP is $20,395 plus destination (production from 1 February 2026).

How good is the 1,300 cc boxer?

The 1,300 cc flat twin (bore x stroke 106.5 x 73 mm, compression 13.3:1) makes 145 hp at 7,750 rpm and 149 Nm at 6,500 rpm, 9 hp and 6 Nm more than the old R 1250 GS. It keeps ShiftCam variable valve timing and air/liquid cooling, but its 6-speed gearbox now sits under the engine, making the whole unit shorter. It is Euro 5+ compliant.

Reviewers agree on the engine: MCN, inSella, 1000PS, Moto-Net and Motociclismo praise stronger torque and punchier drive than the 1250. Criticism focuses on the gearbox: the optional quickshifter and manual shifts are judged improvable by Visordown, 1000PS, Moto.it and Motociclismo, and Moto-Net notes mechanical noise and vibration.

How does the chassis perform?

The two-part frame (main frame and bolted rear frame) uses the engine as a stressed member. Up front, EVO Telelever (190 mm travel) keeps BMW’s central spring strut principle; at the rear, the single-sided EVO Paralever (200 mm) houses the shaft drive. Wheelbase is 1,518 mm, trail 112 mm and steering head angle 63.8°.

At 237 kg road-ready (DIN, 90% fuel), the R 1300 GS is 12 kg lighter than the R 1250 GS. Reviewers highlight much improved agility (MCN, BikeSocial, Moto-Net, MOTORRAD). MOTORRAD adds a caveat: the sportier character comes at the cost of suspension comfort, especially two-up.

Braking relies on twin 310 mm semi-floating front discs with radial 4-piston calipers, and Full Integral ABS Pro (lean-angle optimised) is standard.

Standard equipment and options

Standard: 4 riding modes (Eco, Rain, Road, Enduro), DTC traction control, MSR, DBC, Hill Start Control, cruise control, Keyless Ride, heated grips, tyre pressure monitoring, LED matrix headlight and a connected 6.5-inch TFT screen.

Optional: Riding Modes Pro, DSA semi-active suspension, Adaptive Vehicle Height Control (-30 mm), Shift Assistant Pro, the ASA automated gearbox, and the Riding Assistant package (radar adaptive cruise control, front collision warning and lane change warning). This is the press’s main complaint (MCN, Visordown, BikeSocial, Motociclismo): the bill climbs quickly once you add options.

Fuel consumption and range

BMW quotes 4.8 L/100 km on the WMTC cycle. Tests record more: 5.05 L/100 km over 10,163 km at 1000PS and 5.5 L/100 km at BikeSocial. With a 19-litre tank, real-world range is therefore roughly 345 to 375 km.

Which recalls affect the R 1300 GS?

Early bikes were recalled for the starter relay (overheating risk), then for an insufficiently sealed right handlebar switch. In 2026, a recall covers the left handlebar switch on bikes built between January and February 2026. The full list is in the recalls section of this page: ask a dealer to check that your bike is up to date.