BMW R 1300 GS (2024+) Maintenance Schedule and Service Information
This is the maintenance schedule and information relevant for regular service of the BMW R 1300 GS, whose manual became available late October, 2023.
BMW announced the BMW R 1300 GS in September 2023 for the 2024 model year as a replacement for the already very well-received BMW R 1250 GS.
The BMW R 1300 GS is based on a 1300 cc liquid-cooled boxer twin with dual overhead camshafts and “ShiftCam” variable valve timing. It makes peak power of 107 kW / 145 PS (143 bhp) at 7750 rpm, a 7% increase over the R 1250 GS’s peak power, at the same revs.
The R 1300 GS also brings with it a host of new tech, plus less overall weight.
The final drive is, as before, through a Paralever shaft.
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BMW R 1300 GS service intervals
Overall, like its liquid-cooled predecessors, the BMW R 1300 GS has service intervals of every 6 000 miles / 10 000 km or every year, at which point BMW recommends you change the oil and oil filter, plus do a number of other checks for leaks, tightness, and adequate lubrication (the standard service).
Every 12 000 miles / 20 000 km services, do a major service, including a valve clearance inspection, changing the oil in the rear bevel gears, the air filter and the spark plugs.
There are some items that are time-based rather than distance-based, like replacing rear bevel oil and brake fluid. See more detail in the maintenance schedule below.
For the BMW R 1300 GS, BMW explicity recommends replacing the shaft every 36 000 miles / 60 000 km. This is quite a big job, but important preventative maintenance.
Maintenance schedule for the BMW R 1300 GS
Below is the maintenance schedule for the BMW R 1300 GS.
We have combined and simplified the service information in the BMW R 1300 GS’ manual. There are some additional maintenance requirements for the R 1300 GS that are worth noting.
Notes on the schedule
- The running-in check is omitted (Dealers usually do this as part of the warranty period)
- Follow the earlier of the distance-based or time-based intervals. E.g. change the oil and do the annual service every year or 6000 miles / 10000 km, whichever comes first.
- Past the end of the maintenance schedule, keep following it in the pattern shown.
| miles x 1000 | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 | 36 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km x 1000 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 60 | Every |
| Conduct standard BMW annual service (see below) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change engine oil and filter (BMW Motorrad Advantec Ultimate 5W-40, HF160RC) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change oil in rear bevel gears (SAE 70W-80 differential oil) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 2 years | |||
| Check valve clearances | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Change all spark plugs (LMAR8AI-10) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Replace air filter insert | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Visually inspect and lubricate the universal shaft | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Replace the universal shaft | ✓ | ||||||
| Change brake fluid, entire system (BMW DOT 4) | After 1 year, then every 2 years |
Standard BMW service for the R 1300 GS
The “standard service” to be done according to the schedule above is below.
Items marked [D] are for dealers / mechanic shops and need special tools or equipment.
| Standard BMW annual service (1300 motor) |
|---|
| [D] Perform visual test with BMW Motorrad diagnosis system |
| Inspect clutch system visually, checking for friction point |
| Visually inspect brake lines, brake hoses, and connections |
| Check front brake pads and brake discs for wear Minimum thickness: 1.0mm |
| Check brake fluid level, front wheel brake Brake fluid must be above MIN mark. Note: level can drop with pad wear. |
| Check rear brake pads and brake disc for wear Minimum thickness: 1.0mm |
| Check brake fluid level, rear wheel brake Brake fluid must be above MIN mark. Note: level can drop with pad wear. |
| Check coolant level |
| Check the expandable plate on the handlebar bridge (part of the R 1300 GS’ Telelever Evo system) |
| Check the side stand for ease of movement |
| Check centre stand’s ease of movement |
| Check tyre pressure and tread depth |
| Check spoke tension (if spoked wheels fitted), adjusting if necessary |
| Check lighting and signalling system |
| Check engine start suppression for correct function |
| Final inspection and check for road safety |
| Checking battery state of charge |
| [D] Perform a second vehicle test with the BMW Motorrad diagnostic system |
| [D] Setting service-due date and countdown distance with BMW Motorrad diagnosis system |
| [D] Confirming BMW service in on-board literature |
BMW R 1300 GS tire pressure recommendations
The R 1300 GS uses a 19/17-inch front/rear-wheel combo, as with previous generations of the R GS for the last few decades.
Use the following recommended tire pressures for the BMW R 1300 GS to optimise for performance and tire longevity.
| Wheel | Wheel size | Tire size | Tire pressure (cold) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front | 3.00 x 19 inch | 120/70 R 19 | 36.3 psi / 2.5 bar |
| Rear | 4.50 x 17 inch | 170/60 R 17 | 42.1 psi / 2.9 bar |
Maintenance Torque Values
Below are maintenance torque values for the BMW R 1300 GS that you might find useful.
| Item | Nm | lb-ft |
|---|---|---|
| Handlebar clamping block Including handlebar risers | 19 | 14 |
| Silencer on bracket | 19 | 14 |
| Rear wheel lug bolts (x5) | 60 | 44 |
| Front wheel quick release axle | 50 | 37 |
| Quick release axle clamping bolts | 12 | 9 |
| Foot brake lever | 56 | 41 |
| Front brake calipers mount to forks | 38 | 28 |
| Front wheel speed sensor | 8 | 6 |
| Gearshift lever | 8 | 6 |
| Mirror arm / lock nut | 22 | 16 |
About the BMW R 1300 Adventure
BMW has been making the iconic GS adventure bike since 1981. Suffice it to say that in over four decades, the GS (originally a G/S) has gone through some huge changes.
BMW’s last major version of the GS was released in 2019, with the BMW R 1250 GS. That was the first generation to use variable valve timing — “ShiftCam” in BMW-speak — to optimise the bike for both low-rpm torque and high-rpm power. Top-end pull has been becoming more important, with the Ducati Multistrada V4, KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, even the newcomer Harley-Davidson Pan America all stealing the show with 150+ hp at their peak.
But the latest GS still doesn’t match them when it comes to all-out power, with the 1300 cc ShiftCam motor making 107 kW / 145 hp at its peak. It’s nothing to sneeze at, of course, and for the vast majority of people, more power than they’ll ever need or be able to use.
What’s interesting is what else BMW has changed on the latest GS.
Firstly, BMW managed to reduce 12 kg / 26 lb of weight on the base model GS (non-Adventure). They did this through revisions to the chassis, engine, and even fuel… there’s 1 litre less capacity, sneakily. Nonetheless, weight is often a drawback of large adventure bikes, and less of it is always… more good.
Secondly, BMW granted the new BMW R 1300 GS optional active cruise control.
Very few motorcycles as of the BMW 1300 GS’s release date (2024) have active cruise control. Active cruise means radar-guided safety assist systems that adjust speed based on vehicles in front of the motorcycle. It’s a luxury ride aid, and the R 1300 GS is increasingly seen as a luxury motorcycle, so it’s nice to have it there.
Thirdly, BMW modified the suspension. The rear is still EVO Paralever, but BMW innovated further with the front end, creating EVO Telelever.
The goal of EVO Telelever is to allow the motorcycle’s suspension to go up and down without the handlebars rotating. This enhances the rider’s sense of stability, while keeping all the control they have. It’s an ingenious system, and something that can only be done on Telelever motorcycles.
Finally, and maybe I should have led with this, BWM changed the front end of the BMW R 1300 GS. Gone are the asymmetrical lights; enter the X front daytime riding light.
To others, of course, this is a minor detail, and all the other great stuff make the BMW R 1300 GS as droolworthy as ever.
Alternatives to the BWM R 1300 GS — Big Bore Adventure Motorcycles
The BMW R 1300 GS lives in tough company. Here are the other (latest) big-bore adventure motorcycles with which it competes.
BMW R 1300 GS (2024+)
The BMW R 1300 GS (2024+), is the latest in the long line of GS boxer-powered adventure motorcycles. It’s a high-power, high-spec, and very capable adventure tourer, designed to be at home on highways or on dusty 4×4 paths. It’s powered by a 1300 cc liquid-cooled boxer engine with VVT (“ShiftCam”). The R 1300 GS replaces the already high-spec R 1250 GS, with updates including optional radar-supported adaptive cruise control, improved Telelever design, improved optional dynamic suspension, and 12 kg / 26 lb reduced weight. The R 1300 GS “Adventure” is not yet available, though the GS is available with optional 20mm longer travel suspension (just not a longer-range tank).
Ducati Multistrada V4
Ducati’s latest incarnation of its Multistrada is the Ducati Multistrada V4, powered by Ducati’s V4 Granturismo motor, which makes impressive power of 125 kW / 170 hp at 10000 rpm) and has super long 36000 mile / 60000 km major maintenance intervals, thanks to a traditional spring valve return — no desmo. The Multi V4 has loads of things that make it special, including active “Skyhook” suspension, and a popular option of radar-based adaptive cruise control.
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250
Harley-Davidson released the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250, surprising markets by releasing not just an adventure motorcycle, but one with a liquid-cooled engine that’s packed with an array of tech and which makes a surprising amount of power. It combines peak power of 112 kW / 150 hp at 9000 rpm with hydraulic self-adjusting valve lifters, meaning it never needs a valve service. The Pan America has a neat trick of lowering itself at low speed, to make it easier to flat-foot at lights. On top of that, the Pan America comes with cornering ABS, cruise control, and 19/17-inch wheel combo with optional spoked rims.
Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L
The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin is Honda’s continuation of the revival of an iconic brand that put them on the map as adventure touring manufacturers. The 2016+ models are powered by a parallel twin “Unicam” engine which has a 270-degree crankshaft, and has loads of torque and character. The Africa Twin has a 21-inch front tire and comes with tubes in some configurations, which is something to be aware of. The 1100+ model has cruise control and a 6-axis IMU for cornering ABS, and optional semi-active suspension.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S / R
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R (along with its sibling, the Super Adventure S) is a bike that has so much power and character that some find it overwhelming. Both bikes are powered by the LC8 V-twin, a 1301 cc liquid-cooled high-power beast that also powers the 1290 Super Duke R. It makes 118 kW / 160 hp @ 8750 rpm, and gobloads of torque. The S is the street bike, with a smaller front rim, semi-active suspension, and radar-supported active cruise control, and the R is the off-road adventurer with long-travel suspension (non active), both rims spoked with a 21-inch front wheel, and a shorter screen.
Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE
The Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and 1050 (same 1037 cc engine capacity for a while) have always been budget contenders in the adventure touring market, but this doesn’t mean they’re not capable and very well-equipped — plus stylish! For 2023, Suzuki updated the 1050 to the V-Strom 1050DE, bestowing upon it a 21-inch front wheel and letting you disable rear ABS for off-road riding. Otherwise, the V-Strom 1050DE is the same V-twin powered adventure bike with a motor that traces its architecture back to the groundbreaking Suzuki TL1000S. The V-Strom 1050DE doesn’t have all the latest tech (e.g. radar or active suspension) that its competitors do, but it has cruise and an IMU, and a much lower sticker price.
Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally / Explorer
Triumph has been making the big triple-powered Explorer 1200 for many years, but in recent years has made concerted efforts to make it more off road-ready. The Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer (and Rally Pro) replace the XE and XC models, and they’re the same concept — a big adventure tourer powered by an 1160 cc triple, powering the rear through a shaft drive, a relative rarity in this class. The Rally models have a 21-inch front wheel, still with a tubeless tire, and semi-active suspension.
Yamaha Super Ténéré XTZ1200
The Yamaha Super Ténéré XTZ1200 is almost forgotten next to its middleweight sibling, the darling Ténéré 700, but for a long time was the secret alternative to the GS. The “S10”, as it’s affectionately known, is powered by an 1198 cc big bore parallel twin with a 270-degree crankshaft, and puts power down through a shaft drive. The ES version lets you electronically control rear preload and front and rear damping. Aside from the introduction of the option of ES, the XTZ1200 hasn’t had major updates since 2014 and has been discontinued in some markets.
Reference — Manual for the BMW R 1300 GS
The above maintenance schedule comes directly from the 2024 manual for the BMW R 1300 GS, with parts references coming from parts fiches.
You can download BMW’s manuals for their motorcycles here. This is a link to the US manual for 2024.
