New BMW R 1300 GS. Check Out The First Look

The new R 1300 GS is lighter but looks more sleek while replacing the old headlamp set-up which looked unique. The new one looks better with its new LED Matrix Headlights

New BMW R 1300 GS gets a 6.5-inch full-colour TFT screen, Centre stand, Adjustable windscreen including high windshield high, cockpit trim and wind deflector, passenger rest and Luggage carrier. ( Image Source :Somnath Chatterjee )

The GS is an iconic bike but BMW has again changed the bikes with a radical transformation including the looks which remain a talking point. The new R 1300 GS is lighter but looks more sleek while replacing the old headlamp set-up which looked unique but soon we had become used to it. The new one looks better with its new LED Matrix Headlights.

It looks more compact somehow but make no mistake this is a huge bike even though it weighs less now in its new avatar but parking speeds or taming this beast across city streets will take caution especially for short riders.

Some classic design elements remain while it has adjustable windshield and wide handlebars while there is a Style Triple Black option too which is menacing while another highlight includes the cross-spoke wheels in gold.

We will get to the main talking point being the Boxer engine which now develops 145hp of power along with more torque at 149Nm. The suspension on the other hand comprises new sheet metal main frame made of steel along with new front wheel guide EVO Telelever with flex element and new rear wheel guide EVO Paralever.

There is also standard Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA), Shift Assistant Pro, Riding Modes Pro, sport brake as a part of the Dynamic Package. Riding Modes Pro” comprises three additional riding modes “Dynamic”, “Dynamic Pro” and “Enduro Pro” in addition to The “Rain” and “Road” riding modes.

In terms of features, the big bike gets a 6.5-inch full-colour TFT screen, Centre stand, Adjustable windscreen including high windshield high, cockpit trim and wind deflector, passenger rest and Luggage carrier. Touring package meanwhile includes Central locking, preparation for navigation, chrome-plated manifold, left and right case holder, hand protector extension and the topcase holder.

The line-up is a bit confusing but the R 1300 GS Option 719 Tramuntana gets the new Riding Assistant with Active Cruise Control (ACC) with integrated distance control which can be used to set the desired riding speed as well as the distance to the vehicle in front plus Front Collision Warning (FCW) with brake intervention and  Lane Change Warning.

There are three options-  Style Triple Black, Style GS Trophy and 719 Tramuntana with the base colour being Light White metallic while Optional ones include – Triple Black being available in Blackstorm metallic paintwork, GS Trophy meanwhile comes in the Racing Blue metallic paintwork and the 719 Tramuntana is available in the Aurelius Green metallic.

In comparison to direct rivals, prices have been kept aggressive and it undercuts its rivals as well at Rs 20.95 lakh. We rode the bike in Ladakh and it easily conquered the terrains while the view matches its personality as well.

The new GS is easier to live with and is sportier now but has more power and is also lighter with added technology. Hence, with only a small increase in price, it certainly will keep its loyalists happy like the older 1250 but welcome new buyers.