We have finally got confirmation that the brand-new BMW R 1300 GS is coming – a long anticipated model which has been spotted quite a bit recently in the testing phase with spy shots on the numerous journalistic rags. But what do we know about it so far?

Officially, not too much. This news coincidentally coincides with the millionth GS boxer produced by BMW, with the press release pointing towards the finished product but not telling us much about what is going on beneath the bodywork.

But there are some rumours, so we’ll summarise what we know so far here.

 The Bavarian behemoth has proved an immensely popular motorcycle the world over, with adventurers and tourers opting for the many variations of the boxer since the Berlin production line started churning out GS models in 1980.

Since then, one million GS boxer units have been assembled, the millionth being an R 1250 GS in Triple Black which left the production line on the 21^st of June 2023 – the new GS also coincidentally being announced in the anniversary year of the ‘100 years of BMW Motorrad’ milestone.

Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, said in the release: “With the R 80 G/S and its unique combination of on-road and off-road suitability, everyday qualities and long-distance touring abilities, BMW Motorrad created the new motorcycle genre of touring enduros in 1980. The BMW GS with boxer engine became an icon, which achieved global success in this segment.”

He goes on to say that the boxer line-up will “soon be supplemented by an exciting chapter with numerous innovations with the new R 1300 GS.”

More concrete information is set to be revealed by BMW on the 28th of September, at the new ‘heart of the brand’ site BMW Motorrad Welt, following their 100th-anniversary celebrations at BMW Motorrad Days.

The presentation will be an exclusive event streamed live on the BMW Motorrad social media channels, with the doors then opening to the public on the 30^th September. That could be the first chance to get up close and personal for the public, at least before EICMA and Motorcycle Live 2023.

As Markus Schramm noted, this new GS is expected to be a step forward for the adventure motorcycle, with an anticipated 2024 release date.

We aren’t afforded a proper look at the 2024 R 1300 GS – though this would confirm we'll be seeing sleeker styling if leaked spy shots online are to be believed (which it's very likely they are).

The confirmation that the GS once again ups its engine capacity will also likely see a slight increase in power output, estimated to now be around 143.5 bhp and 143 Nm of torque for the ShiftCam boxer, no doubt re-engineered to allow the ’24 GS to continue adhering to ever-tightening emissions regulations.

Elsewhere, it remains to be confirmed, but the suspension may well feature electronic assistance in the form of semi-active assists and ride-height adjustments when at a standstill – much like the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1290 S and Ducati Multistrada V4, which will drop the ride height when stopped.

It is also very likely the new GS will feature state-of-the-art radar assistance (as seen on the new Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+, and elsewhere on premium models), as well as continued gadgetry as seen on other BMW motorcycles – like a superb TFT screen with smartphone functionality.

Much more is still to be confirmed, but with a 2024 release date that is rapidly approaching, the 28^th of September is a date that’ll be firmly in our diaries to find out all about the world-beater.

Get a quote on your adventure motorcycle - doesn't have to be a GS - with Lexham here.