If you are looking for a motorcycle that can take you anywhere, from the paved roads to the dirt trails and city streets to the mountain peaks, then consider the BMW R 1300 GS. This is the latest and most advanced model in the legendary GS series, which stands for Gelände/Straße (German for off-road/road). The R 1300 GS is a versatile and powerful adventure bike that combines the best of both worlds: the performance and technology of a sport bike and the comfort and practicality of a touring bike.
But what makes the R 1300 GS even more appealing is the new Vario luggage system that BMW Motorrad, the motorcycle division of the German automaker, has introduced for this model. The Vario system is a set of three cases: two side cases and a top case that can be easily attached and detached from the bike with a single lock each. The cases are also adjustable in volume and shape, allowing you to customize them according to your needs and preferences. Whether you are going for a short or a long trip, carrying a light or a heavy one, or wanting more aerodynamics or more space, the Vario system can adapt to your situation and enhance your riding experience.
We will explore the features and benefits of the BMW R 1300 GS and the Vario luggage system and why they make a perfect pair for any adventure.
The BMW R 1300 GS: A powerful and adaptable machine
The BMW R 1300 GS is the successor of the popular R 1250 GS, launched in 2018 and sold over 59,000 units worldwide in 2020, making it the best-selling motorcycle in the history of BMW Motorrad. The R 1300 GS builds on the success of its predecessor and improves it in several aspects, such as engine size, power output, suspension quality, electronic features, and design details.
The heart of the R 1300 GS is a 1,293 cc boxer engine that delivers 136 hp at 7,750 rpm and 105 lb-ft of torque at 6,250 rpm. This is an increase of 48 cc, 9 hp, and 7 lb-ft compared to the R 1250 GS. The engine features a variable valve timing system called ShiftCam, which optimizes performance and efficiency across the rev range. The ShiftCam system works by switching between two different cam profiles depending on the engine speed and load. One profile has a lower lift and shorter duration for smooth and economical operation at low to medium speeds. The other profile has a higher lift and longer duration for more power and responsiveness at high speeds. The ShiftCam system also reduces emissions and fuel consumption by adjusting the intake valve opening time and lift.
The engine also has a new cylinder head, pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft that reduce weight and friction. The cylinder head has a new layout with four valves per cylinder instead of two, which improves gas flow and combustion. The pistons have a new shape with a flat crown that increases the compression ratio from 12.5:1 to 13.3:1. The connecting rods are lighter and stronger than before. The crankshaft has a new balance weight that reduces vibrations.
The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox that has a slipper clutch to prevent rear wheel hopping during aggressive downshifts. The gearbox also has an optional Gear Shift Assist Pro feature that allows clutchless upshifts and downshifts by cutting off ignition or fuel injection momentarily. This feature makes shifting smoother and faster, especially in sporty riding situations.
The suspension of the R 1300 GS is based on the BMW Telelever system at the front and the BMW Paralever system at the rear, which provide stability and comfort in various riding conditions. The Telelever system has a central spring strut connected to a trailing link supporting the front wheel. This system separates the steering and braking forces from the suspension forces, which reduces dive under braking and improves feedback. The Paralever system consists of a single-sided swingarm that supports the rear wheel and incorporates the shaft drive. This system eliminates torque reaction and reduces squat under acceleration.
The suspension can be further enhanced with the optional Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment), which automatically adapts the damping to the load, speed, and road surface. The Dynamic ESA uses sensors to measure parameters such as acceleration, deceleration, lean angle, spring travel, etc., and adjusts the damping valves accordingly. The Dynamic ESA also has an automatic load compensation feature that detects changes in weight distribution due to luggage or passengers and adjusts the spring preload accordingly.
The R 1300 GS also offers four riding modes as standard: Rain, Road, Dynamic, and Enduro. These modes adjust the throttle response, traction control, ABS, and suspension settings to suit different scenarios. The Rain mode provides a gentle throttle response and a high level of intervention from the traction control and ABS to ensure safety on wet and slippery surfaces. The Road mode provides a balanced throttle response and moderate intervention from the traction control and ABS to ensure comfort and stability on normal roads. The Dynamic mode provides a sharp throttle response and a low level of intervention from the traction control and ABS to ensure performance and agility on dry and smooth roads. The Enduro mode provides a soft throttle response and a specific level of intervention from the traction control and ABS to ensure traction and control on loose and uneven terrain.
Additionally, two optional riding modes, Enduro Pro and Dynamic Pro, allow more customization and fine-tuning of the parameters. The Enduro Pro mode is designed for experienced off-road riders who want more freedom and challenge. It allows the rear wheel to spin more freely, disables the ABS on the rear wheel, and reduces the brake force on the front wheel. It also enables the use of off-road tires with lower air pressure. The Dynamic Pro mode is designed for advanced sporty riders who want more excitement and thrill. It allows the rider to adjust the throttle response, engine braking, wheelie control, and ABS settings according to their preference.
The design of the R 1300 GS is inspired by its off-road heritage and its modern technology. The bike features a distinctive front end, a large LED headlight, and a beak-shaped fender. The headlight has an optional Adaptive Headlight feature that adjusts the light beam according to the bike's lean angle, providing better visibility in corners. The headlight also has an optional Daytime Running Light feature that enhances the bike's visibility during daytime.
The fuel tank has a capacity of 5.3 gallons and is shaped to provide a comfortable riding position. The seat height can be adjusted from 33.5 inches to 34.3 inches or even lower with an optional low seat or suspension lowering kit. The handlebars are wide and ergonomic, and the instrument panel consists of a 6.5-inch TFT display that shows all the relevant information and can be controlled by a multi-controller on the left handlebar. The display can also be connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth and offers navigation, music, phone calls, and other functions through the optional BMW Motorrad Connected App.
The R 1300 GS is available in three colors: Light White, Racing Blue Metallic, and Black Storm Metallic. It also has three optional style packages: Basic, Exclusive, and Rallye. The Basic package includes black engine covers, silver handlebars, wheels, and frame. The Exclusive package includes gold engine covers, handlebars, wheels, frame, black seat, chrome exhaust, and an Exclusive logo on the fuel tank. The Rallye package includes blue engine covers, blue handlebars, blue wheels, red frame, red seat, black exhaust, Rallye stickers on the fairing, and a Rallye logo on the fuel tank.
The R 1300 GS has a base price of $18,995 in the US, which includes ABS Pro, LED headlight, TFT display, riding modes, hill start control, heated grips, hand guards, cross-spoke wheels, adjustable windscreen, adjustable seat height, and adjustable brake lever.
The Vario luggage system: A flexible and convenient accessory
The Vario luggage system is one of the many accessories that BMW Motorrad offers for the R 1300 GS. The system is composed of three cases: two side cases with a capacity of 30 liters each, expandable to 39 liters, and a top case with a capacity of 25 liters, expandable to 35 liters. The cases are made of sturdy plastic with aluminum inserts and have waterproof liners. The cases can be adjusted in volume by pulling a lever on the inside, which changes their shape accordingly. This allows the rider to adapt the luggage space to their needs and improve the aerodynamics and handling of the bike.
The Vario luggage system also has a convenient locking mechanism that easily lets the cases be attached and detached from the bike. The cases are secured to metal brackets on the bike with a single lock each, which can be operated with the same key as the ignition. The cases can also be locked individually to prevent unauthorized access. The brackets are designed to blend in with the bike's frame when the cases are removed, preserving its sleek appearance.
The Vario luggage system is compatible with other accessories that BMW Motorrad offers for the R 1300 GS, such as an inner bag for each case, a backrest pad for the top case, an additional brake light for the top case, and a luggage rack for extra cargo. The system is also compatible with the original BMW Motorrad navigation devices, which can be mounted on the handlebar or a bracket above the instrument panel.
The Vario luggage system is available for purchase separately or as part of a Touring Package package, including Dynamic ESA, preparation for a navigation device, cruise control, and a center stand. The Touring Package costs $1,450 in the US, while the Vario luggage system alone costs $1,006.69 for the side cases and $524.57 for the top case.
The BMW R 1300 GS is a versatile adventure bike that can handle any terrain and challenge. The Vario luggage system adds flexibility and functionality, making it an ideal companion for long and short trips. The system is easy to use, secure, and adaptable and complements the bike's performance and design. The Vario luggage system is a must-have accessory for any R 1300 GS owner who wants to explore the world with style and comfort.
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