Published: May 31st, 2024
Both the GS and GS Adventure will be available with Automated Shift Assistant
With a completely new R 1300 GS now available in showrooms, it should be no surprise that BMW will follow it up with a GS Adventure model. That’s always been the pattern for BMW, with a new GSA following the introduction of each generation of GS. While we don’t expect it to be announced until the fall, Motorcycle.com has been able to obtain some initial specifications about the 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure.
The information comes to us via hom*ologation data released in Switzerland. The data is still preliminary and missing several key details, but there is enough to confirm some vital details.
Firstly, the Swiss data confirms that the R 1300 GS Adventure as well as the 2025 R 1300 GS will be available with a choice of the traditional fully-manual six-speed transmission and the new Automated Shift Assistant system (ASA) that BMW announced earlier this month.
ASA allows for automatic shifting without the need for a manual clutch lever. It uses two electromechanical actuators, one to operate the clutch, and another for shifting gears. The system can operate fully automatically without need for rider input, or manually with the rider controlling gear changes with a conventional shift lever.
When BMW announced ASA, it used photos of a red model with hand guards but bodywork that did not appear to match the R 1300 GS. We theorized that the pictures were actually of the GS Adventure, and the certification data suggests that might be the case.
Beyond the optional ASA, the Swiss certification data confirms the GS Adventure will use the same engine tuning as the regular R 1300 GS, with a 1,300cc Boxer engine claiming 143 hp at 7,750 rpm and 110 lb-ft. at 6,500 rpm. Despite having the same peak performance figures, the R 1300 GS Adventure is listed with a top speed of 220 kph (136 mph) compared to the GS which is hom*ologated with a top speed of 225 kph (140 mph). That’s not surprising, as the R 1250 GS Adventure also has a lower top speed than the R 1250 GS, with the added weight of a larger fuel tank and other components contributing to the slower maximum speed.
The documentation lists tare weight, which includes a 75kg rider and some accessories, so we don’t have the exact wet weight, but comparing apples to apples, it does confirm the GS Adventure weighs 21 kg (46 pounds) more than the R 1300 GS. By comparison, the Swiss certification data has the R 1250 GS Adventure listed as 19 kg (42 pounds) heavier than the R 1250 GS. BMW claims a curb weight of 523 pounds for the R 1300 GS, so we're expecting a wet weight of around 569 pounds for the R 1300 GS Adventure. That would put it at about 22 pounds lighter than the R 1250 GS Adventure.
We don’t know how large the R 1300 GS Adventure’s gas tank will be, but we can assume that will account for some of the weight difference. Going by past GS Adventure models, we can also assume the latest model will have different bodywork, engine guards, more suspension travel, and wire spoke wheels.
The certification data shows a higher weight capacity for the rear wheel, so we can assume the GS Adventure is set up with a beefier swingarm to better support luggage and a passenger. The R 1300 GS Adventure is listed as being 162mm (6.4 inches) taller than the R 1300 GS; some of that is due to the different suspension, but we expect the GS Adventure will have a taller windscreen than the GS.
One of the features of the R 1300 GS that BMW bragged about is the more compact engine design, which allows for a shorter wheelbase and shorter length compared to the R 1250 GS. According to the Swiss data, the R 1300 GS Adventure will be even more compact, with a length of 86.9 inches, compared to 87.1 inches for the R 1300 GS. The wheelbase is also shorter, with the data listing the GS Adventure at 59.4 inches compared to the R 1300 GS’ 59.8-inch wheelbase.
The Swiss data is still missing some other key details, but we expect more information will trickle out over the next few weeks. We expect the 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure will be announced later this year, likely during the fall show season.
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