– All-new GS to debut in a few weeks
-Powered by a 1300cc, 145bhp and 149Nm engine
-Expected to be priced from Rs 23 lakh
The BMW R1300GS was launched in international markets last year and after keeping us waiting for a few months, BMW Motorrad is preparing to launch the bike in India. The launch is expected to take place in a few weeks’ time, possibly around the end of April which is when we will be riding the bike as well. Or, in the beginning of May.
The R1300GS will pick from where the R1250GS will leave and those are pretty big shoes to fill. After all, the R1250GS is one of the best-selling ADVs, not only in India but also across the world. That said, the R1300GS seems to have a lot of potential going by what it brings to the table.
The design, to begin with, has been completely reworked. It looks smaller, lighter and athletic instead of the bulky-looking R1250GS. It does, however, have that typical BMW GS silhouette, evident in the shape of the beak, the fuel tank and the tail section.
Powering the bike is a new 1,300cc, twin-cylinder engine that makes 145bhp at 7,750rpm and 149Nm at 6,500rpm. It is paired with a six-speed gearbox. BMW says that while in terms of displacement, the engine is larger than the R1250GS’, it is more compact which was achieved by placing the gearbox under the engine.
Under the bodywork, you’ve got a sheet metal mainframe and a die cast aluminium subframe which aids in weight saving. The chassis is suspended by a BMW’s Telelever front suspension while at the rear there’s a Paralever unit. Expect the bike to offer a good blend of ride and handling, like the old bike.
As is expected of a big adventure bike these days, the R1300GS is loaded with electronic rider aids. There’s multi-level traction control, ABS and ride modes but what’s also new on this BMW is radar-based assistance. This allows Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Collision Warning and Lane Change Warning.
Prices of the BMW R1300GS are expected to begin around the Rs 23 lakh mark. We expect BMW to launch three variants in India – GS Trophy, Triple Black and Option 719 Tramuntana. Once launched, it will go up against the Ducati Multistrada V4, Triumph Tiger 1200 and Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250.
