The 2024 BMW R 1300 GS Might Be Lighter Than We Thought

A few weeks ago, we uncovered some specifications for the yet-to-be-announced 2024 BMW R 1300 GS from Swiss homologation documents. The certification data confirmed details such as the 1,300 cc engine displacement and cited peak performance figures of 143.5 hp at 7,750 rpm and 109.9 lb-ft. at 6,500 rpm. What was less clear was how much the new GS would weigh.

The Swiss certification data listed the R 1300 GS as weighing 738.6 pounds, but that’s including the weight of a 165-pound rider plus accessories. Compared to how the R 1250 GS’ weight was similarly certified, we estimated the R 1300 GS would come in at around 552 pounds, or just a couple of pounds heavier than its predecessor.

Thanks to additional homologation data, this time from Australia, we now expect the R 1300 GS to weigh much less than our initial estimate. The Australian data confirms some details from the Swiss data, but it lists the tare mass at 237 kg, or about 522.5 pounds. Unlike Switzerland's homologation data, Australia lists the vehicle’s curb weight, without the additional ballast of a rider, and accessories, perhaps including luggage and engine guards.

The S 1000 RR, for example, is certified in Australia with a tare mass of 197 kg (434.3 pounds), which is the same as BMW’s claimed curb weight. The 2023 R 1250 RS is certified in Australia with a tare mass of 243 kg (535.7 pounds), which also matches BMW’s claimed curb weight.

Following this logic, we can reasonably assume that BMW will claim a curb weight of 522.5 pounds for the new R 1300 GS. That would put the new GS at 26.5 pounds lighter than the R 1250 GS, which claims a curb weight of 549 pounds. More impressively, this would also be 15.5 pounds lighter than the F 850 GS Adventure (though the F 850 GSA’s large 6.1 gallon fuel tank would account for some of its mass).

The Australian data also includes low-resolution photos of the R 1300 GS. The photos are too small and slightly distorted, but it does show the bike in a production paint scheme and without any of the camouflage of the spy photos. The photos show five-spoke cast wheels, with the data confirming a 120/70 R19 front tire and 170/60 R17 rear tire.

We also get a decent look at new bodywork including a silver radiator shroud and panels covering the rear subframe. The front beak is noticeably flatter than the schnoz of the current GS, and where we would typically expect the GS’ headlights, we spot a smooth piece of bodywork, further hinting that the actual lights are housed in the beak, along with a forward-facing radar sensor.

The certification filings suggest that we are getting closer to the BMW R 1300 GS’ official announcement. Initial details of an M 1000 XR prototype were released last week, and we expect BMW will want to give the M model some room to breathe before restarting the PR cycle with news on the new GS. BMW Motorrad Days is coming up, July 7-9, and we suspect the R 1300 GS will be present, with at least a teaser, if not a full announcement to come in the days ahead.

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