Quick Analysis
BMW R 1300 GS
20.5 pts
Unweighted: 17 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE SPEEDMASTER
10.0 pts
Unweighted: 6 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
||
| Cooling System | Air and liquid-cooled | Liquid cooled |
| Displacement | 1,300 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Type | Two-cylinder, four-stroke boxer engine | 8 valve, SOHC, 270° crank angle parallel twin |
| Power | 145.48 bhp @ 7750 rpm | 78 PS / 76.9 bhp (57.5 kW) @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 149 Nm @ 6500 rpm | 106 Nm @ 4000 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
||
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19 L | 12 L |
| Mileage | 20.83 kmpl | 22 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
||
| Kerb Weight | 237 | 263 |
| Seat Height | 850 | 705 |
Brakes & Suspension |
||
| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Twin disc brake, semi-floating brake discs, diameter 310 mm, 4-piston radial brake caliper | Twin Ø310mm disc, Brembo 2-piston sliding axial calipers, ABS |
| Front Suspension | Central Shock Absorber | Ø 47 mm Showa cartridge forks |
| Rear Brake | Single disc brake, diameter 285 mm, 2-piston floating caliper | Single Ø255mm disc, Nissin single piston sliding axial caliper, ABS |
| Rear Suspension | Single-sided Swingarm | Mono-shock RSU with linkage and preload adjustment |
Tyres & Wheels |
||
| Front Tyre | 120/70 - R19 | MT 90 B16 |
| Rear Tyre | 170/60 - R17 | 150/80 R16 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Spoke |
Features & Technology |
||
| Headlight | LED | DRLs LED |
Other Specifications |
||
| 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/2025/11/bonnevillespeedmasterpacificbluesilverice.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Triple-black.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/bonnevillespeedmasterjetblack.webp |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GS-Trophy.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/bonneville-speedmaster_my25_icon-edition_rhs_629px.webp |
| Cluster | Digital | — |
| Color Options | Light white | #F5F5F5 Black Storm Metallic | #1B1B1B Racing Blue Metallic | #15327E Aurelius Green Metallic | #3A4B3B,#D4AF37 | Snowdonia / Cranberry Red | #F4F4F4, #8B1E2D Aluminium Silver Sapphire Black | #C0C0C0, #0F1A2B Jet Black | #0A0A0A Pacific Blue / Silver Ice | #1F3A5F, #D9D9D9 |
| 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 | Low ground clearance & limited suspension travel: On bad or uneven surfaces, its cruiser geometry and low clearance can be a drawback, especially in markets with rough roads. Heavy weight / less agility in tight scenarios: While stable at speed, the mass and cruiser chassis make it less nimble than lighter motorcycles, especially in traffic or tighter corners. Suspension setup may feel firm/stiff: Some reviewers mention that the suspension, tuned for style and load, can feel a bit firm or less compliant than ideal for rough surfaces. Premium cost and ownership aspects: As a premium bike in its class, purchase price, maintenance and parts/spares may cost more than simpler alternatives. |
| 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. | The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster is the kind of motorcycle that looks like it belongs to an older era, but once you start looking at the specs, you realise it’s built with modern parts underneath. It runs on a 1200 cc parallel-twin engine that makes around 78 PS and 106 Nm. What this means in real life is that the bike feels strong at low speeds. You don’t have to keep changing gears again and again in traffic, and even on highways it moves in a smooth and relaxed way rather than feeling aggressive. The riding position is very different from regular bikes. You sit low, with your legs stretched forward, and your hands on wide handlebars. It feels comfortable when the road is open, but in city traffic it can take some time to get used to, especially when you have to stop and start often. The seat height is quite low, around 705 mm, so most riders can easily place their feet on the ground, which helps when handling such a heavy bike. Talking about the hardware, the Speedmaster uses a steel frame with front telescopic forks and a rear monoshock that is hidden to keep that classic look. The suspension is tuned more for comfort, so it works fine on normal roads, but sharp bumps and bad patches are still clearly felt. The bike rides on a 16-inch front and rear wheel setup, which adds to its low and stretched design. Braking is handled by a disc at the front and rear, along with dual-channel ABS, so braking feels controlled and predictable in normal riding conditions. This is not a light bike by any means. It weighs around 263 kg, so you will notice the weight when moving it around or riding at low speeds. Once the bike is moving, it feels more stable and planted. The fuel tank is about 12 litres, which means you may need to plan fuel stops on longer rides. In real-world conditions, mileage usually stays around 18 to 22 km/l, depending on how you ride. On the feature side, the Speedmaster keeps things simple but modern enough. It gets a semi-digital instrument cluster with an analogue speedometer and a small digital screen for details like gear position, fuel level, and trip info. It also comes with riding modes, traction control, and cruise control, which can be useful on highways. There is no focus on flashy tech or connectivity, and the bike sticks to a straightforward setup. |
| 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 | With the Bonneville Speedmaster, the focus is clearly on a calm and steady riding experience rather than speed. The 1200 cc engine feels strong at low speeds, so riding in traffic doesn’t require constant gear changes, and on highways it stays smooth at a relaxed pace. The riding position is stretched out with forward footpegs, which feels natural on open roads but less convenient in crowded areas. Because of its weight, slow-speed handling needs some effort, especially in tight turns or parking. The suspension is set for comfort, but bad roads and sharp bumps are still felt. It gets basic modern features like ride modes and traction control, without too much focus on advanced electronics. In everyday conditions, it feels more suited to easy rides than regular heavy usage., 4.3, 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 does the Bonneville Speedmaster have? A: It uses a 1,200 cc liquid-cooled, 8-valve, parallel-twin engine with a 270° crank, producing around 78 PS at 6,100 rpm and 106 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Q: What is the seat height and wet weight for the Speedmaster in India? A: The seat height is approximately 705 mm and the wet weight is listed at about 263 kg (according to specification data) for the model in India. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and what mileage can one expect? A: The fuel tank capacity is 12 litres. Real-world mileage is around ~18-20 km/l on mixed use in Indian conditions as per reviews. Q: What features and rider aids come with the Speedmaster? A: The Speedmaster comes with dual riding modes (Rain & Road), ABS, switchable traction control, cruise control, LED lighting, ride-by-wire throttle and torque-assist clutch. Q: What is the price of the Speedmaster in India? A: The ex-showroom price starts from around ₹ 13,37,500 for the latest variant in India. Q: What kind of chassis and wheels does the Speedmaster use? A: It uses a tubular steel cradle frame, 16″ wire-spoked wheels (16×2.5″ front and 16×3.5″ rear) with 47 mm Showa front forks and mono-shock at the rear, twin 310 mm front discs and single 255 mm rear disc with ABS. Q: Is the Speedmaster suitable for two-up riding and touring? A: Yes, its comfortable riding position with forward foot-pegs, low seat height and cruiser-style ergonomics make it well-suited for relaxed rides. However, its 12-litre tank and cruiser setup mean it's more for relaxed touring rather than ultra-long highway blasts. Q: What is the service interval for the Speedmaster? A: The service interval is about 16,000 km (10,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first. |
| Fuel System | Electronic fuel injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | Triple Black | 2200000 Trophy | 2225000 Option 719 Tramuntana | 2425000 | Standard | 1287500 Icon Edition | 1367500 |
| 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 | Excellent low-end torque and ride feel: The 1200 cc twin delivers a rich, satisfying pull from low rpm, giving the Speedmaster good real-world usability. Iconic styling & credible build: It carries classic cruiser/modern-classic looks with swept-back bars, forward foot-controls and premium finishes, which many riders find appealing. Comfortable ergonomics (for many): With its low seat height (~705 mm in some markets) and cruiser-style riding position, it’s relatively accessible and suitable for relaxed rides. Modern features included: Despite its retro styling, it integrates modern tech, ride-by-wire throttle, two riding modes, ABS, traction control, cruise control and full LED lighting. |
| Starter | Electric | Self start |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual | 6-speed |
