A collection of images showing a heavily camouflaged BMW adventure bike test mule has been circulating online, strengthening rumours that a larger-capacity ‘R 1300 GS’ is currently in development.
Reports of a new-generation BMW GS gained traction last year when trademark filings appeared for an M 1300 GS nameplate, suggesting that the Bavarian brand may be building a higher-performance version of its flagship adventure bike complete with a slightly larger boxer engine.
Spy shots published last week by overseas publication Visor Down reveal a disguised BMW GS test mule with what appears to be an updated engine.
BMW engineers clearly made significant efforts to throw off potential onlookers by adding fake frame elements and mesh covers over the bike’s cylinder heads.
Fans of the GS brand have pointed out that these mesh covers may indicate that the new model may be completely liquid cooled, rather than air- and liquid-cooled, and the inclusion of larger radiators supports this theory.
While it is difficult to glean much from the images in terms of styling, the test mule clearly sports a revised front-end and more compact exhaust outlet, at least in this stage of its development.
There has been no official word on a next-generation BMW GS, and so these images, as well as the proposed R 1300 GS nameplate, should be taken with a grain of salt.
BMW launched an updated version of its R 1250 GS only a few months ago, and so its unlikely that we will see an ‘all-new’ model until late 2022 at the earliest.
The current model is fitted with a carry-over 1254cc 100kW/143Nm boxer motor, though an updated tech suite has resulted in minor performance improvements.
BMW now offers its R 1250 GS from $23,170 plus on-road costs in barebones trim, or $25,270 for the touring-oriented R 1250 GS Adventure, however, opting for the special edition ’40 Years GS’ ups pricing to $32,590 and $34,090, respectively.
An enhanced rider assistance suite sees the R 1250 GS and R 1250 GSA gain Dynamic Traction Control as standard, as well as a new ‘Eco’ rider mode to encourage efficient riding.
BMW has also included dynamic engine brake control as part of the ‘Pro’ rider mode, which aids in traction while coasting or when downshifting, and an improved hill start system makes riding uphill easier.
The tech suite also gains BMW’s Integral ABS Pro as standard, meaning that anti-lock braking characteristics now adjust depending on the respective rider mode.
A new LED headlight with a swivel function is also featured, as part of an upgraded lighting package, while adaptive headlights remain an optional extra.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
