BMW R 1200 GS 2010 vs. BMW R 1300 GS 2024

The BMW R 1200 GS model year 2010 is a sporty-looking enduro motorcycle that is well-equipped and offers enough storage space. It features a boxer engine with a bore of 101 mm and a stroke of 73 mm, producing 110 HP of engine power and 120 Nm of torque. The transmission is a prop shaft, and it has 2 cylinders with a displacement of 1170 ccm. The front suspension is a strut, while the rear suspension is a single swing arm with preload adjustment. The frame type is load-bearing engine, and it has double disk brakes at the front. The rear tire width is 110 mm, and the wheelbase is 1507 mm. The seat height is 850 mm, and the fuel tank capacity is 20 l.

On the other hand, the BMW R 1300 GS model year 2024 is a more advanced version of the R 1200 GS. It also features a boxer engine, but with a larger bore of 106.5 mm and the same stroke of 73 mm. The engine power has been increased to 145 HP, and the torque is now 149 Nm. The transmission remains a prop shaft, and it still has 2 cylinders, but the displacement has been increased to 1300 ccm. The front suspension has been upgraded to a telelever, while the rear suspension is now a paralever with preload adjustment. The chassis frame type remains a load-bearing engine, and it still has double disk brakes at the front. The rear tire width has been increased to 170 mm, and the wheelbase has been slightly extended to 1518 mm. The seat height and fuel tank capacity remain the same at 850 mm and 19 l, respectively.

BMW R 1200 GS 2010

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1200 GS 2010 offers a sporty look, is well-equipped, and provides enough storage space. On the other hand, the BMW R 1300 GS 2024 boasts a powerful engine with breathtakingly good response behavior, very good traction, and very stable handling. Despite its stability, the motorcycle remains agile and cornering-friendly. It also offers a wide range of ergonomic customization options, a well-integrated radar cruise control, and an understandable operating concept. The display is easy to read, and it features a powerful brake system and a precise gearbox. The motorbike also has a very accessible driving behavior despite its high torque and a well-functioning and unobtrusively integrated emergency call system. The handguards on the R 1300 GS also offer surprisingly good wind protection.

BMW R 1300 GS 2024

However, both models have their weaknesses. The BMW R 1200 GS 2010 requires some getting used to the technology of the conversion. On the other hand, the BMW R 1300 GS 2024 has limitations in terms of configuration options, as some unnecessary extras may have to be selected. The suspension, although working at a high level, does not offer flawless response behavior or a wide adjustment range. The front collision warning system can trigger annoying false alarms in rough everyday driving, and a very sporty riding style may result in a slight rolling motion in the vehicle. Additionally, the motorbike may appear too compact for a touring enduro when ridden by tall riders, especially from the rear. The ABS system also gives too much feedback into the brake lever during sporty riding.

Overall, the BMW R 1300 GS 2024 offers significant improvements over the BMW R 1200 GS 2010 in terms of engine power, traction, handling, customization options, and technology integration. However, it still has some limitations and areas for improvement.