Quick Analysis
BMW R 1300 GS
14.0 pts
Unweighted: 12 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
Road Glide
13.5 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Air and liquid-cooled | Air-cooled |
| Displacement | 1,300 cc | 1,923 cc |
| Engine Type | Two-cylinder, four-stroke boxer engine | Milwaukee-Eight® 117 V-Twin |
| Power | 145.48 bhp @ 7750 rpm | 107 hp @ 5,020 rpm |
| Torque | 149 Nm @ 6500 rpm | 175 Nm @ 3,500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19 L | 22.7 litres |
| Mileage | 20.83 kmpl | 16.66 Kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 237 | 387 |
| Seat Height | 850 | 720 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Dual-channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Twin disc brake, semi-floating brake discs, diameter 310 mm, 4-piston radial brake caliper | Disc |
| Front Suspension | Central Shock Absorber | 49 mm dual-bending valve fork |
| Rear Brake | Single disc brake, diameter 285 mm, 2-piston floating caliper | Disc |
| Rear Suspension | Single-sided Swingarm | 3 in. (76.2 mm) Dual Outboard Emulsion with Preload Adjustability |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 120/70 - R19 | 130/60 B19 |
| Rear Tyre | 170/60 - R17 | 180/55 B18 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Cast aluminum |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | LED | LED (frame-mounted fairing) |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12 V / 10 Ah | — |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Aurelius-Green.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Brilliant-Red.avif |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Triple-black.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Mystic-Shift.avif |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GS-Trophy.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Blue-Burst.avif |
| Bike Image 4 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Billiard-Gray.avif |
| Bike Image 5 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Atlas-Silver-Metallic.avif |
| Bike Image 6 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Iron-horse.avif |
| Cluster | Digital | 4-inch TFT touchscreen |
| Color Options | Light white | #F5F5F5 Black Storm Metallic | #1B1B1B Racing Blue Metallic | #15327E Aurelius Green Metallic | #3A4B3B,#D4AF37 | Vivid Black | #0F0F10 Billiard Gray | #6B7074 Blue Burst | #1E4D8C Brilliant Red | #A01824 Iron Horse Metallic | #5A5A58 Mystic Shift | #4B4F59 Atlas Silver Metallic | #B6B8BA |
| Cons | Significantly expensive compared to many adventure bike alternatives • Heavy motorcycle, especially for slow-speed manoeuvring and off-road beginners • Optional accessories and packages increase cost quickly • The boxer engine’s width can feel bulky in narrow traffic • Heat is noticeable in Indian summers at crawling speeds • Pillion seat comfort is good but not exceptional without optional top-box/backrest • Maintenance and parts costs are on the premium side | Very Heavy Motorcycle – The weight is noticeable during parking, low-speed manoeuvres, U-turns, and urban riding conditions. Expensive Ownership Experience – Purchase price, insurance, servicing, accessories, and replacement parts can be significantly higher than most motorcycles. Not Ideal for Congested City Traffic – Its dimensions and weight make navigating dense traffic more demanding than on smaller motorcycles. Heat Can Be Noticeable in Slow Riding – The large V-twin engine can generate considerable heat during prolonged stop-and-go traffic. Requires Rider Familiarity – New riders may find the size, weight, and overall presence intimidating initially. Fuel Efficiency Is Secondary to Touring Ability – Running costs are higher than those of middleweight touring motorcycles and adventure bikes. Limited Off-Road Capability – The Road Glide is designed almost entirely around paved-road touring and highway use. Premium Features Come at a Cost – Many factory accessories, customization options, and upgrades can add substantially to the ownership cost. |
| Detailed Overview | The BMW R 1300 GS is built around a new 1,300cc two-cylinder boxer engine, which is the most powerful of its kind from the brand to date. It produces approximately 145 hp at 7,750 rpm and 149 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. A major change in this generation is the placement of the gearbox underneath the engine, a design choice that makes the entire powertrain more compact and helps centralize the bike’s weight. In terms of physical build, the motorcycle uses a two-part frame consisting of a main steel shell and a bolted rear subframe. It features a unique suspension system: the EVO-Telelever at the front and EVO-Paralever at the rear, which together provide a travel of 190 mm and 200 mm, respectively. The standard bike has a kerb weight of 237 kg (fully fueled) and a fuel tank capacity of 19 litres, while the more rugged GS Adventure variant increases this capacity to 30 litres and weighs 269 kg. For everyday usability, the seat height is set at 850 mm on the standard model, though an optional Adaptive Vehicle Height Control system can automatically lower the bike to 820 mm when coming to a stop. Braking is handled by twin 310 mm discs at the front with four-piston radial calipers and a single 285 mm disc at the rear, all governed by a lean-angle sensitive ABS system. The cockpit is centered around a 6.5-inch (or optional 10.25-inch) full-color TFT display that includes Bluetooth connectivity for navigation and media. It comes with four standard riding modes, Eco, Rain, Road, and Enduro, which adjust the throttle response and traction control. Other standard electrical features include a full LED matrix headlight, heated grips, keyless ride, and a smartphone charging compartment with a USB socket. | Few motorcycles are as instantly recognizable on the highway as the Harley-Davidson Road Glide. Its signature Sharknose fairing, stretched touring profile, and large V-twin engine have made it one of the defining models in Harley-Davidson’s touring lineup for decades. Unlike motorcycles that try to balance multiple roles, the Road Glide is built primarily around long-distance road travel, carrying its rider, passenger, and luggage across large distances while maintaining comfort and stability. At the centre of the motorcycle is Harley-Davidson’s Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, a large-capacity V-twin designed to produce strong torque throughout the rev range. Rather than encouraging high-rev riding, the engine delivers most of its performance lower down, allowing the motorcycle to accelerate with minimal effort and maintain highway speeds without feeling strained. The powertrain is paired with a six-speed transmission, helping keep engine speeds relaxed during long-distance cruising. This approach reflects the motorcycle’s touring-focused character, where smooth power delivery and effortless overtaking are often more important than outright acceleration figures. One of the Road Glide’s most distinctive features is its frame-mounted Sharknose fairing. Unlike a fork-mounted fairing that turns with the handlebars, this setup remains attached to the frame. The design helps reduce steering effort while providing substantial wind protection at higher speeds. Long hours on the highway can expose riders to constant wind pressure, and the fairing is intended to reduce that fatigue by directing airflow around the rider rather than directly at them. Combined with the large windscreen, it contributes significantly to the motorcycle’s long-distance touring capability. The chassis is built to support the demands of a fully loaded touring motorcycle. Suspension duties are handled by front forks and rear suspension components designed to cope with the weight of luggage, passengers, and extended travel. While the Road Glide is a large motorcycle, its suspension setup focuses on maintaining stability and comfort over long stretches of road. The wheelbase, overall dimensions, and weight distribution are all aimed at providing confidence during highway riding rather than quick changes of direction. Braking performance is managed through dual front disc brakes and a rear disc brake, supported by modern rider-assistance systems. Recent generations have introduced a more advanced electronics package that includes cornering-enhanced safety systems, traction control, selectable riding modes, and electronically managed rider aids. These technologies operate in the background and are intended to assist the rider across varying road and weather conditions. Technology has become a much larger part of the Road Glide experience than in previous generations. A large TFT touchscreen serves as the motorcycle’s primary information and entertainment hub. Through this display, riders can access navigation, smartphone connectivity, audio controls, ride information, and vehicle settings. The system is designed to remain usable while touring and reduces the need for additional navigation or communication devices. Storage and passenger accommodation are also central to the motorcycle’s design. Hard saddlebags come fitted as standard and provide secure luggage space for longer journeys. The seating arrangement offers ample room for both rider and passenger, with ergonomics that prioritize comfort over aggressive riding posture. Wide handlebars, floorboards, and a relaxed seating position further reinforce the touring-oriented layout. With its Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, frame-mounted Sharknose fairing, integrated luggage, advanced electronics, and long-distance-focused ergonomics, the Harley-Davidson Road Glide remains a motorcycle developed around the specific demands of highway touring. Its design, engineering, and equipment are all centered on covering distance comfortably while carrying the features and storage capacity expected from a modern grand touring motorcycle. |
| Expert Review | The BMW R 1300 GS is a massive leap forward for Indian riders who found the previous 1250 model a bit too bulky for our frantic traffic. By shedding significant weight and adopting a more compact frame, it feels much more manageable when you're filtering through city chaos or tackling narrow mountain hairpins. The new engine delivers smooth, predictable power that doesn't feel overwhelming, which is a huge plus on our unpredictable road surfaces. However, the bike’s sophisticated electronics and radar systems might feel like overkill for someone sticking to well-known routes, and the premium price tag remains a high barrier. While the cooling system has improved, the large boxer engine still radiates a fair amount of heat that becomes very noticeable during long waits at Indian traffic signals. It’s a highly capable machine that balances high-tech features with better agility, though it requires a serious financial commitment and an appetite for its unique, modern styling., 4.3, MotoAutiv Team | The Road Glide is one of those motorcycles whose strengths become clearer the farther you ride it. Around a parking lot, the weight is impossible to ignore, and in city traffic it constantly reminds you that it is a full-size American touring motorcycle. Once the road opens up, however, the bike starts making a lot more sense. The frame-mounted fairing keeps wind pressure away from the rider without making the steering feel heavy, and the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine settles into a relaxed rhythm that suits highway travel remarkably well. The Road Glide isn't a motorcycle that encourages aggressive riding or constant direction changes; instead, it feels most natural covering hundreds of kilometres at a steady pace while carrying luggage and a passenger. Recent updates have also brought a more modern electronics package, helping the bike feel less old-school than previous generations. Its appeal comes less from outright performance figures and more from the effortless way it handles long-distance touring, which remains the core purpose of the motorcycle., 4.6, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the engine capacity of the BMW R 1300 GS? A: The engine capacity is 1,300 cc, featuring a twin-cylinder boxer layout with BMW’s ShiftCam technology. Q: What are the standard riding modes on the BMW R 1300 GS? A: It comes with modes such as Road, Rain, Eco and Enduro. Q: Does the R 1300 GS come with advanced electronics? A: Yes, it includes features like ABS Pro, traction control, dynamic cruise control with brake function, and optional radar-based systems. Q: Is the BMW R 1300 GS seat height manageable for shorter Indian riders? A: Yes, significantly more so than the older models. While the standard BMW R 1300 GS seat height is 850 mm, the new Adaptive Vehicle Height Control system automatically lowers the bike to 820 mm as you slow down or stop. If you opt for the "Low Comfort Seat," it can drop as far as 800 mm, making it much easier to plant your feet firmly at traffic signals or on uneven Indian roads. Q: What is the real-world fuel range of the BMW R 1300 GS on Indian highways? A: The BMW R 1300 GS fuel tank capacity is 19 litres, which is slightly smaller than some long-distance tourers. In Indian conditions, you can expect a real-world range of approximately 320–350 km on a full tank, depending on your riding mode. Q: Is the BMW R 1300 GS maintenance expensive in India? A: Owning a premium machine like the BMW R 1300 GS does come with high-tier maintenance costs. A standard annual service at an authorized BMW Motorrad India workshop typically ranges between ₹18,000 to ₹25,000, covering oil changes and basic checks. | Q: What engine powers the Harley-Davidson Road Glide? A: The latest Road Glide is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin engine, producing strong low-end and mid-range torque suited to touring. Q: What type of motorcycle is the Road Glide? A: It is classified as a grand touring motorcycle, designed primarily for long-distance highway travel and touring. Q: What is the difference between the Road Glide and Street Glide? A: The biggest difference is the fairing design. The Road Glide uses a frame-mounted Sharknose fairing, while the Street Glide uses a fork-mounted Batwing fairing, resulting in a different riding feel and wind management. Q: Is the Road Glide suitable for long-distance touring? A: Yes. Long-distance comfort is one of the motorcycle's primary purposes, supported by its seating position, luggage capacity, wind protection, and touring features. Q: Does the Road Glide have cruise control? A: Yes. Cruise control is standard and is designed to reduce rider fatigue during extended highway rides. Q: Does the Road Glide come with navigation? A: Yes. The motorcycle features a large TFT display with integrated navigation and smartphone connectivity functions. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the Road Glide? A: The motorcycle is equipped with a fuel tank of approximately 22.7 litres. Q: Are hard saddlebags included as standard? A: Yes. Lockable hard saddlebags are fitted as standard equipment and provide substantial luggage capacity for touring. Q: Is the Road Glide comfortable for a passenger? A: Yes. The motorcycle is designed for two-up touring and offers a spacious pillion seat, passenger footrests, and supportive seating arrangements. Q: Does the Road Glide have riding modes? A: Yes. Recent models include selectable riding modes that alter throttle response and electronic intervention settings. Q: Is the Road Glide suitable for beginners? A: Due to its size, weight, and power output, it is generally considered more suitable for experienced riders. Q: What is the kerb weight of the Harley-Davidson Road Glide? A: Depending on the specification and model year, the motorcycle weighs approximately 380–390 kg in running condition. Q: Can the Road Glide be used for city commuting? A: It can be ridden in urban environments, but its dimensions and weight make it more comfortable on open roads and highways than in dense city traffic. Q: Does the Road Glide support smartphone connectivity? A: Yes. Bluetooth-based smartphone integration is available through the infotainment system. |
| Fuel System | Electronic fuel injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | Triple Black | 2200000 Trophy | 2225000 Option 719 Tramuntana | 2425000 | STD | 4575000 |
| Pros | • Strong and refined 1,300cc boxer engine with excellent low-end and mid-range torque • Noticeably lighter and more agile than the previous R1250GS • Improved dynamic handling thanks to new chassis and updated suspension • Very comfortable riding position suitable for long-distance touring • Advanced electronics including traction control, ABS Pro, radar-based aids (optional), and multiple ride modes • High-quality build and premium materials throughout • Great wind protection and ergonomic improvements for rider comfort • Versatile performance — equally confident on highways, off-road trails, and city traffic • New design is more compact, modern, and sharper • Multiple style variants (Triple Black, Trophy, Option 719) giving different personalities and equipment | Outstanding Long-Distance Comfort – The large fairing, spacious seating, relaxed ergonomics, and highway-focused design make the Road Glide well suited for covering long distances. Milwaukee-Eight 117 Engine Performance – The V-twin engine produces strong low-end and mid-range torque, allowing effortless highway cruising and overtaking. Excellent Wind Protection – The frame-mounted Sharknose fairing directs airflow effectively, reducing rider fatigue during extended highway journeys. High-Speed Stability – Despite its size, the Road Glide feels remarkably stable at touring speeds and remains composed during long interstate rides. Premium Touring Equipment – Features such as the large TFT display, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, and integrated saddlebags enhance touring practicality. Strong Luggage Capacity – The hard saddlebags provide useful storage for multi-day trips without requiring additional luggage solutions. Improved Technology Package – Recent generations include modern infotainment, rider-assistance systems, ride modes, and advanced electronics. Distinctive Road Presence – The Sharknose fairing and large touring proportions make the Road Glide one of the most recognizable motorcycles in Harley-Davidson's lineup. |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual | 6-speed manual |
