BMW GS Adventure

BMW’s R1300 GS Adventure Hits Showrooms.

‘Strue! BMW Motorrad SA actually doesn’t do much in the way of launching new models through media outlets and the like – but thankfully, we have a couple of dealers who do try to keep us in the loop when it comes to the latest and greatest bikes.

Dealers across SA have started 2025 with the new R1300 GS Adventure on the floor. Last week was a flurry as Fourways Motorrad customers and clients were invited to “Sample the goods”, so we took the opportunity to sign all the paperwork and take a little street ride.

The GS Adventure is a ridiculously important machine in BMW’s arsenal – it would have been silly to miss the opportunity.

BMW GS Adventure

The shop was heaving when we arrived, (sans the numberplate on our little Husqvarna Terra), seriously, we don’t know where that is – only to discover that half of JHB’s traffic department was there to also ride the bikes. So we kinda snuck in, parked far away and studiously ignored our little bike – until they had all gone home.

This gave us the opportunity to chat to lots of people and get opinions on the new Bavarian beasty.

Opinions varied – some loved it, others felt a bit intimidated by the sheer size and girth of the new bike – and quite a few – including us, really liked it.

The biggest discussions were around BMW’s latest styling cues – which is going to take some getting used to, especially among die-hard BMW enthusiasts.

A great selection of Spankin new Adventures were on the showroom floor and available for everyone to ride and there was a steady trickle of bikes in and out all day long. Once things settled, we headed out for a quick 20 minute (ok it was a bit longer) flip through the Fourways traffic, out towards Lanseria, around to the Krugersdorp freeway and back again.

Some short points to ponder until Motorrad grants permission to media to ride the bikes;

  • The bike is big. Absolutely, but somehow BMW has managed to make it feel so well balanced and dare we say nimble when she gets going?
  • Tall. Yup Shorties won’t like life much, it’s tippy toes all the way for normal sized peeps.
  • The bike is wide. Especially the new crash bar design, so you need to be aware of this when you split lanes and stuff. HOWEVER. The handlebars are still the bikes widest part.
  • Technology. How much tech would you like? It’s getting ridiculous now…
  • Power. Man, that 1300 is a gem with amazing torque, smoothness and speed for overtaking.
  • Gearbox. With the quickshifter very smooth, exactly what you’d expect.
  • Comfort. Well, it’s a GS, so you guessed it, few bikes come close.
  • Looks. We like it, others are neutral and some don’t like. Believe us, it’s certainly unique and very distinct.
  • Quality. Quality fit and finish as expected from a brand like this. This specific bike has a beautiful brushed aluminum finish, we really like it.

Cost. We can see and understand where the money goes… it’s up to consumers really, but it’s a fair chunk of change for sure.

That’s all for now folks, the short ride was fun – and big thanks to Motorrad Fourways for the lekker day.

Next time… please just warn us when you invite the traffic department along…

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