As September begins, summer lingers, and the warm temperatures almost make you believe it’s still mid-July! To take full advantage of this extended summer, what better way than to test ride the queen of “dual-purpose” motorcycles: the brand-new BMW R 1300 GS.
Having covered over 1,800 kilometers with the Beast, its versatility truly impressed me. From the Adirondacks in New York State to the dirt roads of the Outaouais, the BMW R 1300 GS adapts effortlessly, creating a bond with the rider from the very first turn of the wheels. Here are my practical observations about this exceptional travel companion.
When I first got the BMW R 1300 GS at the end of August, my initial impression was how compact it seemed. With a weight reduction of about 12 kg and its adaptive suspension in the low position when stationary, it appears much more accessible than the previous version (30 mm lower, with an original seat height of 820 mm or 800 mm with a low seat).
Next, I noticed there were no panniers or top case on the bike provided to me. A pity, as a travel-loving motorcyclist, I would have liked to test the new electronic “Vario” luggage system. Oh well, I focused on its other features instead!
One common critique that often deters some riders from dual-purpose motorcycles is their height, with seats sometimes seemingly designed for giants. With its lighter weight and reasonable height, the R 1300 GS allows almost everyone to straddle it and plant both feet firmly on the ground when stopped.
During daily rides, the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS gave me a taste of what it offers. For two weeks, riding this marvel was pure joy! Follow along…
First Ride, September 1 (250 km):
Heading to Saint-Côme in the beautiful Lanaudière region. After hearing about Chute-à-Bull Regional Park on the news, it was the perfect excuse to go explore. We took Route 337 and 343 to get there. At Saint-Alphonse-Rodriguez, a must-stop at Maison Staner let us pick up Belgian and French delicacies for dinner: blood sausage, rillettes, and duck gizzards confit. A beautiful forest hike followed, and it was well worth it!
For the return trip, we took the delightfully winding Route 347 westward, followed by Route 125. Though we managed to dodge much of the rain, it eventually caught up with us—a downpour! Riding in “Rain” mode, we stopped for a comforting bowl of soup at Chez Henri in Chertsey before continuing home.
Second Ride, September 3 (110 km):
Visiting my parents in the Laurentians. Taking the winding Filion and Beakie roads was far more enjoyable (despite some rough pavement) than the perpetually congested Route 15!
Third Ride, September 5 (50 km):
A gorgeous day! I took a work break for a local ride to spots like Maison Lavande, Vergers Lafrance, Pointe-aux-Anglais, Oka, and Saint-Joseph-du-Lac. The beauty of our region and the GS left me wanting more!
Fourth Ride, September 6 (600 km):
The ultimate ride! We headed to a favorite spot in New York State. After taking the Oka ferry and crossing the Trout River border, we hopped onto Route 30 and stopped for lunch at Tail-of-the-Pup in Saranac Lake along Route 86.
The Olympic Village of Lake Placid was a highlight, followed by the summit of White Face Mountain. The VIEW over Lake Placid and the Adirondacks was stunning—WOW! The twisty roads leading up made it a delight to experience the BMW R 1300 GS’s mountain prowess. On the way back, we added a few kilometers with scenic routes like Gillespie DR and Port Kent-Hopkinton Turnpike.
Fifth Ride, September 10 (100 km):
MONTREAL! Without panniers, the 1300 GS becomes the ultimate urban motorcycle. Thanks to its suspension, the city’s infamous potholes and uneven roads are no issue! I stopped by Ulysse bookstore on Plateau Mont-Royal, the publishing house for my “motorcycle travel” books. The bike maneuvered effortlessly through detours, construction zones, and alleyways.
Sixth Ride, September 11 (50 km):
An evening ride to unwind after a stressful workday. Nothing beats the soothing purr of the boxer engine as the sun sets.
Seventh Ride, September 13 (300 km):
A ride to the covered bridge in Brébeuf (closed to traffic) via the scenic and winding Route 327. A stop at the charming Lost River Market for dinner supplies was a must before returning via Route 329.
Eighth Ride, September 14 (400 km):
The cherry on top: my son joined me! I lent him my BMW R 1200 GS, and we headed to the Paugan Dam, exploring dirt roads like River Road and Paugan Road. A stop at Denholm Falls provided a well-earned break. Despite not being equipped for dirt roads, the R 1300 GS handled the backcountry roads of the Outaouais region beautifully.
My Thoughts on the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS:
The updates to the R 1300 GS give it a sportier vibe. Its lighter weight enhances the boxer engine’s responsiveness at startup, and its acceleration is impressive.
Safety: A major step forward with adaptive cruise control (Dynamic Cruise Control, DCC) and blind spot warnings in the mirrors—EXCELLENT!
Comfort: It’s decent, though slightly less comfortable than my 1200 GS, especially on long days. I appreciated the tank protector (made of the same material as the seat), which prevents scratches.
The side stand’s more obtuse angle makes it easier to park almost anywhere. The central stand now benefits from electronic assistance, a convenient upgrade.
The adjustable electronic windshield and side deflectors adapt well and retract automatically when the engine stops. The rear luggage rack offers multiple anchor points for travel bags.
Integrated LED indicators in the handguards optimize visibility during turns, and a small compartment above the tank is handy for essentials like keys or a wallet.
Downsides: The slightly smaller gas tank and reduced weather protection are minor drawbacks.
Verdict: A top-tier touring bike combining comfort, robustness, and agility.
Base Price: $22,795 CAD
Tested Model with Options: $29,225 CAD
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