Few motorcycles have shaken the world of two-wheelers like the BMW GS adventure bike. For years, it has set the standard in its category, with every other manufacturer trying to catch up. Now, in its new and advanced version, the GS raises the bar again, setting a new standard for adventure bikes. Join us for the launch ride on the BMW R1300GS.
After five years of domination by the remarkable BMW R1250GS, the successor, the 2024 BMW R1300GS, has arrived. And what better way to celebrate this milestone than with a special launch tour, full of surprises and experiences? In the spring and early summer months, we’ve organized a short trip in Greece to experience and test the new model, and held several tour sessions with it. Greece was the obvious choice for the launch—it’s a perfect playground for motorcycle riding, with breathtaking landscapes, traditional villages, and challenging mountain roads that would allow us to explore the bike’s full capabilities. In this article, we’ll take you on an unforgettable launch ride of the new BMW R1300GS through Greece.
BMW R1300GS Motorcycle – Riding Experience
The BMW R1300GS, equipped with a 1300cc engine and advanced suspension system, provides smooth riding even in the toughest conditions. The combination of advanced technology, ergonomic design, and excellent maneuverability makes the R1300GS the ideal bike for long rides on both dirt roads and highways.
The excitement was palpable as we landed in Athens and headed to the dealership. Among all the bikes, the new and shiny R1300GS immediately stood out. Its clean, elegant design with modern and futuristic lines promised a striking presence on the road. The new headlight design gives the bike a more aggressive, modern look. The narrower frame and flatter fuel tank add to the bike’s compact feel, making it accessible for riders of all heights, both on the road and off-road.
The bike is packed with electronics and features, including keyless ignition, heated grips, dynamic traction control, ABS Pro, cruise control, tire pressure monitoring, hill-start assist, and four riding modes: Rain, Road, Eco, and Enduro. The newly installed gearbox beneath the engine operates more smoothly and quietly, and the shifting has become more precise.
Performance
The new 1300cc engine is a different beast altogether. With power and torque available throughout the RPM range, the bike accelerates smoothly and linearly. Even off-road, the engine responds excellently, delivering the necessary power to tackle any challenge.
Comfort
One of the most notable changes is the improved riding comfort. The new seat, combined with upgraded suspension, provides significantly better riding comfort. Even on long rides, we didn’t experience fatigue or discomfort.
Technology
BMW spared no expense on technology in this new bike. The advanced traction control system, various riding modes, and integrated navigation system make the ride safer and more comfortable.
The Ride
Athens – Starting Point
Our journey began in Athens, the capital of Greece. Our first destination was the island of Evia, a Greek gem in the Aegean Sea. Greece’s winding roads provided the perfect stage for this bike. Every turn, every climb and descent was an opportunity to experience the outstanding performance of the R1300GS.
We set off heading north. After a short ride, it was easy to notice how the R1300GS feels more compact, lighter, and stronger than its predecessor. Its new boxer engine, with 8 valves and a twin overhead camshaft, is the most powerful engine of this configuration ever built by BMW. The engine’s displacement increased from 1,254cc to 1,300cc.
Leaving the city was a moment of freedom as we entered the wild nature of Gora Valley. The roads twisted before us, offering breathtaking views. The new model’s lower center of gravity made the bike feel incredibly stable on the winding roads, allowing us to enter turns at high speeds for such a large bike. The handlebars provided great feedback from the front tire, and the front brake was precise.
Evia Island
We spent our first night on Evia. The narrow, winding roads climb into the mountains and reveal stunning views of the Aegean Sea. The traditional villages and pristine beaches offer an authentic experience. The BMW R1300GS handled the winding, challenging roads with ease. The new engine delivers tremendous power across the RPM range, and the suspension absorbed the road’s bumps excellently. After hours of riding, our backs and hands were still comfortable.
The new bike’s handlebars are wider, providing a more relaxed riding posture and improved steering compared to the previous model’s narrower handlebars. In the afternoon, we reached the northern part of the island and boarded a ferry to cross to the Pelion Peninsula.
Pelion Peninsula
The transition to Pelion in the spring feels like entering a fairytale. The picturesque villages, green forests, and snow-capped peaks create a magical landscape. The winding roads climb into the mountains, offering a true challenge for the rider. Pelion is one of Greece’s most beautiful and diverse regions. Mount Pelion features winding roads with breathtaking views of the mountains and the Aegean Sea. The roads in the peninsula are particularly challenging, with sharp turns and steep climbs, making it a perfect area for motorcycle riding. The new BMW handles these roads with more ease and precision, making long rides less tiring. The added power and torque of the new engine not only provide improved acceleration but also deliver a smoother, more linear ride.
You can stay in third gear, cornering after cornering along winding mountain or rural roads for kilometers, flowing through the engine’s linear torque curve without unnecessary vibrations. The bike feels almost semi-automatic—smoothly pulling in sixth gear from just 1,500 RPM with no hesitation, and it delivers full throttle power in any gear, all the way until the shift light flashes to remind you to upshift with the nearly perfect bi-directional quick shifter.
As much as we were impressed by the power of the previous R1250GS, the new R1300GS offers much more torque and responsiveness across the entire RPM range.
Meteora – The Hanging Monasteries
Meteora, located in central Greece, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The region contains a group of ancient monasteries perched atop towering rock formations. Riding to Meteora is a unique experience, with winding roads offering stunning views of the colossal rocks and the valleys surrounding them. It’s a perfect spot to take a break, capture some photos, and enjoy the view.
Return to Athens
The return ride to Athens gives us a chance to reflect on the experiences we’ve had. The familiar roads now feel like home, and the R1300GS remains a loyal companion. As we ride through open plains, side roads, and vast green valleys with majestic mountain views, the road is empty. We ride alone with no traffic around, and we accelerate. The R1300GS’s windscreen, although small, is surprisingly effective and manually adjustable as standard. The new boxer engine delivers impressive performance—0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds according to manufacturer specs. We didn’t measure it, but the acceleration was exhilarating and jaw-dropping.
Conclusion
The journey was diverse and enriching. We rode on winding mountain roads, open plains, and dirt paths by stunning coastal views. Every day brought a new adventure, a new landscape, and a different riding experience.
The tour on the BMW R1300GS through Greece was amazing, highlighted by the bike’s impressive performance. The R1300GS handled all types of terrain with ease— from the winding roads of Pelion, through the mountain roads of Meteora, to the dirt trails in rural areas. The powerful engine, perfect stability, and quick response of the bike gave us full confidence, even in challenging riding conditions.
The powerful boxer engine, adjustable suspension, and advanced technology made every kilometer unforgettable. The bike’s load-carrying capacity and comfort during long rides made a huge difference. The R1300GS’s careful design and stability made every ride smooth and fulfilling, letting us focus on the stunning landscapes and the sense of adventure, knowing the bike was ready for any challenge the road might bring.
Athens, which just a few days ago felt so far away, now welcomes us back with open arms.
