BMW R 1300 GS Adventure Review
"The most capable big adventure tourer money can currently buy used."
Key Specs
Used Buyer Review
The R 1300 GS Adventure is BMW's most accomplished long-haul weapon yet, and buying used makes the sting of that sticker price considerably more bearable. The ShiftCam engine is genuinely extraordinary — smooth, torquey, and surprisingly fuel-efficient for something this large. First-generation examples had some software gremlins with the adaptive cruise and connectivity suite, so insist on seeing the service history and confirm all updates have been applied at a dealer. The chassis transformation over the old 1250 is real and noticeable; it genuinely feels lighter than the spec sheet suggests. Check the fork seals, crash protection condition, and whether the previous owner actually used it off-road — scuffed engine bars and scratched sump guard tell an honest story. The 30-litre tank makes it a continent-eater, and the semi-active suspension on higher spec bikes is genuinely impressive. Budget for tyres; the OEM Metzelers wear predictably fast on motorway miles. Overall, this is a motorcycle that rewards experienced riders who actually travel.
Pros
Cons
You're under 5'8" or hate complexity
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