BMW R 1300 GS Adventure Reviewed: Adaptive Tech, Heated Comfort, and Real-World Ride Feedback

BMW R 1300 GS Adventure – First Impressions from ABR’s Long-Term Test

Please note: This review and video are courtesy of Adventure Bike Rider (ABR). We didn’t test the bike ourselves, but we thought this one was just too cool not to share with our readers.

Come and have a look at this, it’s really cool.

How often have you struggled to lift a big adventure bike onto its centre stand, especially when it’s fully loaded? With the new BMW R 1300 GS Adventure, the suspension does half the job for you. Just like that, she’s up. That’s the kind of clever engineering you’ll find throughout this beast of a machine.

Adaptive Ride Height – Game-Changer for Tall Bikes

One of the standout features from ABR’s first impressions is the adaptive ride height. When the bike slows down, the suspension lowers automatically, making it easier to get your feet flat on the ground. Then, as you ride off, it rises again for maximum clearance.

Even for taller riders like ABR’s 6-foot-tall reviewer, this makes a real difference in parking lots or paddling over uneven terrain.

Electronically Adjustable Screen and Wind Deflectors

The electronically adjustable windscreen isn’t just a luxury; it’s practical. Hit a switch and you can tuck behind it when it’s cold and rainy, or drop it down for airflow when it’s hot. Throw in wind deflectors, and you’ve got excellent protection from the elements.

Heated Comfort – For Rider and Pillion

The Triple Black edition comes with heated grips as standard, plus optional heated rider and pillion seats. ABR’s rider called the grips “a godsend” after riding in snow and ice, and with three heat levels, they’re a serious upgrade for winter warriors.

Even better, the pillion gets their own control button because happy passengers make better adventures.

Titanium Akrapovic Exhaust – Because Why Not?

While not a necessity, the Akrapovic double titanium silencer looks stunning and sounds even better. It’s the kind of feature that makes you smile every time you start the engine, and isn’t that what it’s all about?

Keyless Ignition – Love It or Leave It?

ABR’s tester had mixed feelings on the keyless ignition. While convenient, it can get annoying when switching jackets or hunting for that elusive pocket. Still, it’s a nice touch, especially when paired with the tech-heavy features of the GS.

Adaptive Cruise Control and Front Collision Warning

Yes, the adaptive cruise control works well, speeding up or slowing down based on traffic ahead. But the front collision warning system? That was less popular.

ABR noted that the early and medium settings were “panic-stricken,” especially when filtering through traffic. The late setting was more bearable, but it’s a feature that might not be for everyone.

Quick Shifter – Not Quite There

While most premium bikes now come with quick shifters, BMW’s version still isn’t as smooth as competitors’. It’s usable, but at times it clunks or surges. On a bike this refined, it’s one of the few letdowns.

Styling – Divisive but Bold

The new GS Adventure design has definitely split opinions. Some love the rugged, aggressive look, while others… not so much. ABR’s reviewer? He’s on board. It’s not a beautiful bike, but it looks like it means business, and that’s the whole point.

Final Thoughts

ABR’s Love It or Leave It take on the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure highlights some truly innovative features from adaptive suspension and weather protection to high-end comforts and bold design. While some tech (like collision warnings) might divide riders, there’s no denying that BMW has packed this bike with top-shelf ideas for serious touring.

Watch the full video and subscribe to Adventure Bike Rider on YouTube for more updates from their long-term test.

Thanks to Adventure Bike Rider for sharing their insights. We’re just as excited as you are to see where this machine goes next.

📌 Have you had a chance to ride the new GS Adventure? Let us know in the comments or tag us on Instagram.