BMW R 1300 GS Adventure Trophy X Review | Motorcyc...

BMW R 1300 GS Journey Trophy X Motorbike Take a look at

Overview by Wayne Vickers

Been a giant 12 months of testing GS’s for yours really. Clearly the brand new 1300 this 12 months is a large replace. First I threw the leg over the road oriented Pure, then the extra off-road ‘regular-sized’ Trophy X, now I’m on the large mama. The GSA Trophy X.

The massive GSA has all the time been a little bit of polarising bike. On the one hand it’s the ‘final’ Journey device from BMW, the largest, widest, heaviest, most optioned, longest vary, finest appointed GS on provide.

A go-anywhere hauler that’s undoubtedly the complete fats, full sugar choice. And this newest incarnation is undeniably well-considered and executed. There are a myriad of little particulars that make this bike a standout.

And but, then again,  I don’t suppose this bike is sensible for everybody. Actually, I’d say that for many punters, the ‘common’ GS would be the higher choice. Bear with me.

Let’s speak in regards to the Rhino within the room. It is a gargantuan bike. Positively huge. By each metric. If I in contrast the conventional GS to a Unimog, which I did, then it is a Panzer.

Make no mistake about it – this bike isn’t a toy. Not a motorcycle you’ll be able to simply bounce on with out having your mind engaged. Not that I’d advocate that on any bike within the first place thoughts you, however you get the purpose. The minute you go to rock it off the facet stand and really feel the load of it you might be on excessive alert… At 269 kg all juiced up and able to roll, it’s a full 31 kg heavier than the usual GS.

2 hundred and seventy kilos.

That’s quite a bit.

Then you definately throw the leg over and it solely ramps that feeling up.

That seat is wider and extra square-edged than the opposite fashions. Which solely accentuates the close to vertigo-inducing seat top of 915 mm for the rally seat you see right here (there are decrease choices you’ll be able to select – which I believe I’d). We’re speaking tip-toe stuff even for me at simply over 180 cm. And tip-toeing a 270 kg bike round at a standstill isn’t one thing you do evenly. There’s a weight pun for you. Increase tish.

As with GSAs of each incarnation, it feels notably completely different to the ‘common sized’ 1300 GSs I’ve examined this 12 months.

So let’s first speak about the best way it steers. Initially I believed it felt a bit reluctant to lean away from upright, then as soon as previous just a few levels it actually needed to fall on its facet. It was a bit unnerving at first within the non-linear method it needed to lean over.

I say initially as a result of one thing bizarre occurred after a few dozen rides and 1,500 km. It didn’t really feel like that anymore. Now that’s not sufficient distance to put on the tyre sufficient to alter the profile, so the one factor it may be is that my mind re-calibrated and I began adapting to it – using it in another way – leaning the bike extra and preserving my physique barely extra upright. Holding it easy, letting the bike do the work.

The extra time I spent on it, the higher I felt it steered. It did take longer than regular to regulate to, however it positively acquired to some extent the place I used to be comfy. I simply needed to adapt.

It’s very completely different from one thing just like the Multistrada V4 Rally, which feels lighter and extra playful by comparability. However hold it easy, get it flowing, let the bike do the work, and it’s definitely a really good factor. The phrase environment friendly springs to thoughts.

One other large factor I seen by comparability to the ‘common’ GS is how a lot better the TC maps appear to be suited to this variant. I truly requested BMW Australia to try to affirm if the maps had been completely different, however apparently not.

It might be the additional weight. It might be the 16 mm additional wheelbase that’s a results of the marginally longer suspension entrance and rear. That’s up 20 mm every finish and now is available in at 200 and 210 entrance and rear respectively.

I believe it’s in all probability a combo of all that however largely that suspension that makes it a much more progressive bike to slip round than the common GS. The place I discovered the common variants felt like they’d an excessive amount of mechanical grip and would hook up a bit quick for my liking, the largest Rhino is a bit more laid again in that regard.

I discovered it noticeably happier leaving the tail out a bit longer than the common GS. So if ripping skids is your factor, this might simply be the one to decide on. When you get a really feel for that additional bulk…

The suspension motion itself is critically spectacular. I’m extra impressed by the GSA suspension than the opposite variants. I’m unsure if that’s as a result of I understand how a lot heavier it’s, however it soaks up bumps, potholes, and whoops with ease. Corrugations on nook exit whenever you’re getting exhausting on the gasoline will nonetheless chop a bit, however it’s critically spectacular.

Talking of suspension, whereas different GSA variants get adaptive automobile top management that lowers the bike at each ends by 30 mm as you gradual under about 25 km/h (and carry once more as you enhance velocity above 25), the Trophy X doesn’t have that as an choice.

The BMW group has opted to depart that off the bike, together with Energetic Cruise Management (Radar), Lane Change Warning and Entrance Collision Warning to maintain the bike extra focussed on off-road using. So if that’s one thing that you simply’re actually eager on – you may need to take a look at a few of the different GSA variants.

The gearbox and quick-shifter had been the weather that I used to be most crucial of in my critiques of the opposite 1300s, however this GSA we had on check appeared a lot better by comparability. After I enquired if something had modified – I used to be informed there have certainly been some optimisation tweaks made to the MY2025 fashions.

Im not precisely positive what that entails, however it’s noticeably improved. The bike I rode right here was basically model spanking new for what its price. It’s nonetheless a bit clunky within the decrease three gears, particularly if you happen to’re cruising or coasting, however nothing just like the earlier variants. The fast-shift is way smoother. Hit it with a bit confidence or enthusiasm and it appears to shift properly. Particularly so within the higher three cogs.

That leads us to modes. Lots to select from however you’re restricted to 4 to have the ability to rapidly toggle between. I selected Highway, Dynamic Professional (which permits TC being off), Enduro and Enduro Professional (TC off). I discovered Highway mode to be good and easy in all methods. Fast shifter particularly. Dynamic Professional dials up the throttle response a bit and the shift is a bit firmer.

Enduro mode appeared a a lot nicer place to play within the gravel than the opposite fashions as I discussed earlier – with TC letting the tail wag a bit extra. And Enduro Professional with TC off was the go for when actually dialling up the enjoyable issue, even when it did really feel like there was nonetheless a bit TC taking place within the background.

That 1300 cc shift cam boxer nonetheless delivers an astonishing quantity of torque. All 149 Nm of it. And most of that’s obtainable from round 3000 rpm up. It rattles and shakes like the opposite boxers down low – fixed throttle of about 4000 rpm has an particularly disagreeable tapping/knocking at instances, however as soon as previous 2000 rpm whereas beneath throttle it smooths out fairly properly… Nonetheless has extra engine braking than I’d like, however little doubt I’d get used to that.

It is usually exquisitely fuelled with a beautiful throttle really feel. It’s simple to miss that, however it must be referred to as out. I discovered the throttle on this bike to be ‘carby easy’. Very, very good.

The electrical top adjustable display screen is superb. I needed the display screen to be half method between the obtainable settings on the common Trophy X and that is the answer. Adjustable on the go by way of the left hand switchblock, it’s a straightforward activity to dial in precisely the place you’re on the lookout for, to cut back wind and buffeting to the minimal. It returns to its lowest place on turning off the bike too. Very good.

Except for the taller suspension already talked about, the opposite apparent modifications are the large 30 L tank up from the usual 19 L. That and the rear subframe being a mix of tubular and solid aluminium versus the monocoque rear finish on the common variants

Stying-wise it’s going to be subjective. That is my method of claiming it doesn’t float my boat anyplace almost as a lot as the usual fashions (I believe the usual fashions look terrific). However there isn’t a denying the bike is purposeful.

That tank pushes effectively into ranges approaching the 600 km mark for critical touring and there has additionally been main consideration put in the direction of making certain you get most choices and suppleness with regards to hauling baggage. The mount factors for facet panniers will come as no shock, however I do like the extra bag mounts on the edges and high of the tank. Useful to have one other OEM choice on both facet of the bike with out having to place an excessive amount of weight up high if it may be averted.

The R 1300 GSA’s permitted whole weight of 485 kg will appear to be a ridiculous quantity for most individuals (myself included). It’s 20 kg greater than the usual bike for reference. And in my thoughts that’s when this model begins making much more sense. That 31 kg weight penalty gained’t be almost as noticeable whenever you throw 100 kilos or extra of baggage and/or a pillion on there with you. And with the additional suspension journey it’ll haul that weight in a much more managed method.

I’m assuming that the little additional loop on the engine safety bars is there to additionally assist hold the large lady extra upright when it does fall on its facet, to make life simpler hauling it again upright once more. I can affirm that they’re a little bit of a ache within the arse if you need to filter by means of site visitors as they stick out no less than so far as the bar ends do… however most GSA house owners in all probability gained’t be doing that always.

I don’t suppose they’re more likely to be going a lot additional ‘off-road’ than gravel tracks and the occasional 4WD path both. Something past that and I’d be on the lookout for one thing much less cumbersome and heavy. Solely a talented, sturdy, match rider ought to be even contemplating doing hardcore technical using on one thing of this measurement. I do know I wouldn’t need to be selecting it up usually…

This brings us again to what I mentioned at the start – that this bike makes much more sense for a choose few. For anybody not loading it up with baggage and setting off for critically long-haul adventures the place max vary is required, it might be unnecessarily cumbersome and heavy. They’d doubtless be higher off with a ‘normal’ GS Trophy X. It’s lighter, extra nimble and extra usable.

However for individuals who need to go full heavy responsibility. Who’re in all probability additionally using both with a pillion or with one other bike or two (so may have assist to choose the bike up when the inevitable occurs), this might make a number of sense. Now that the gearbox points from earlier fashions have been sorted it’s exhausting to search out fault with.

At simply over 42 large ones and with that spectacular 5 12 months BMW guarantee, I’ve little doubt there will likely be loads of punters prepared to put down their hard-earned for the most recent and best GSA.

BMW R 1300 GS Journey Trophy X hits

• In the event you’re trying to load up with most baggage and go Journey Touring – the GSA stays one of many nice choices.
• Longer journey suspension could be very spectacular and appears to be extra properly matched to the TC maps than the usual bikes.
• Throttle and fuelling are beautiful.
• The gearbox points discovered on earlier 1300s appears to have benefitted noticeably from a latest manufacturing tweak.

BMW R 1300 GS Journey Trophy X misses

• Total measurement and bulk of the bike will likely be an excessive amount of for a lot of.
• That Rally seat is basically fairly tall when attempting to get your ft down.
• Styling is polarising and will likely be an acquired style I believe.

2025 BMW R 1300 GS Journey Specs

2025 BMW R 1300 GS Journey Pictures