On road or off, this high-tech GSA is still the king of adventure bikes

If you wanted to buy a big-bore BMW GS Adventure in 2024, you had to settle for the R1250GSA. I say “settle” because it was based on the previous-generation platform, and not on the completely redesigned and improved R1300GS. The GSA model is the dressed-up GS: it’s better equipped for longer excursions on and off the road with a bigger fuel tank, larger windshield, crash protection, and standard semi-active suspension, among other things. Despite being bigger, heavier and pricier than the standard GS, it has proven hugely popular, representing about half of the big GS’s sales — and the BMW GS is the biggest-selling ADV bike globally. GS riders have been patiently waiting for the adventure-friendly follow-up to the R1300GS, and the wait is finally over with the 2025 R1300GS Adventure.

A BRIEF REFRESHER ON THE CHANGES

BMW redesigned the big GS from the axles up last year, and slipped a new, more compact boxer engine into a new frame. The liquid-cooled twin displaces 1,300 cc (up from 1,254 cc) and has variable timing and lift at the intake valve via BMW’s ShiftCam. Compression ratio has been bumped to 13.3:1 from 12.5:1; premium fuel is required for optimum performance, though it will run on regular. The engine has been made more compact by relocating the six-speed gearbox from behind the engine to beneath it, and ratios have been revised with taller fifth and sixth gears. The engine weighs 3.9 kilos less than its predecessor and claims 143 horsepower and 110 lb.-ft. of torque vs. 134 hp and 105.5 lb.-ft. for the R1250GSA. 

A boxed-steel frame replaces the tubular item of the previous bike, and it is lighter and more rigid. The telelever front end was entirely redone on the R1300GS, with larger 45-mm fork tubes replacing 37-mm units; the fork tubes are now solidly clamped to the top triple clamp, which rides in a new bearing setup that improves front-end rigidity and feel.

The R1300GS was lighter, more powerful, and handled better than its predecessor. The new GSA has all those traits, and it features some new tech.

The list of standard and optional electronic aids is long. It includes traction control, fully integral ABS, four standard (Rain, Road, Eco, and Enduro) and three optional (Dynamic, Dynamic Pro, Enduro Pro) ride modes, hill start assist, engine braking control, adaptive cruise control with brake function, tire pressure monitoring, keyless ignition, and automatic emergency calling. Heated grips, a phone charging compartment with USB socket, and a 12-volt power socket are standard; heated seats for rider and passenger are optional.

GS VS. GSA

While the GS Adventure shares underpinnings with the R1300GS, it has a number of additional features…