There are plenty of do-it-all bikes across the various motorcycle segments today. However, being able to do it all doesn’t mean doing it best. For example, do-it-all cruiser bikes and sport bikes might do wonders on the road, but are not designed to tackle off-road terrain.
Similarly, ADVs that are considered the flag bearers of do-it-all motorcycles have the brawn to do it all. But certain offerings, especially the flagship models, struggle to be all-rounders, as their sheer size limits their usefulness as comfortable urban runabouts. But there is a popular BMW flagship ADV that nearly excels at doing it all.
The Appeal Of Do-It-All Motorcycles
The appeal of a do-it-all motorcycle lies in its versatility. These motorcycles are designed to seamlessly transition between commuting, long-distance, touring, spirited corner carving, and even light trail runs. Apart from being a motorcycle that can handle any surface, a do-it-all bike also offers comfort, ergonomics, utility, and even fuel efficiency.
Each motorcycle segment has a do-it-all model that takes the spotlight. Among sport bikes, it is the CBR650R E-Clutch. Among naked bikes, the Yamaha MT-07 steals the show. And among cruiser bikes, the Honda Rebel 1100 DCT has no match. Now, all these bikes showcase impressive versatility, but they fall short when we leave the tarmac behind.
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Here’s Why ADVs Are The Best Do-It-All Bikes
Adventure bikes are aptly called the “SUV on two wheels”. This is because this segment of motorcycles blends rugged off-road styling and capabilities with on-road comfort. Touring, commuting, and even moderate corner carving are all aspects an ADV can handle without trying too hard. The entry-level options, such as the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the KTM 390 Adventure R, make more sense for commuting.
The middleweights, like the Suzuki V-Strom 800 and the Yamaha Tenere 700, strike a balance between doing it all and offering touring-ready performance, more rugged underpinnings, and superior technology and materials. The flagship ADVs shoot for the moon with the absolute best of performance, ruggedness, technology, and comfort. The presence of top-spec technology and hardware helps the likes of the Honda Africa Twin and the Ducati Multistrada V4 seamlessly transform from a nimble urban runabout to a relaxed triple-digit touring machine and a rugged off-roader.
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The BMW R 1300 GS Is The Motorcycle That Can Do It All Well
Price: $20,395
This is a very important motorcycle in the BMW lineup. The R 1300 GS is the successor to the famed R 1250 GS and, hence, had a lot riding on its shoulders when BMW revealed the 1300 in 2023. The R 1250 GS was a solid do-it-all motorcycle. But its gigantic proportions did get in the way of making it city-friendly. To address this and to further refine the package, BMW designed the R 1300 GS. It is more powerful, packed with more technology, and most importantly, lighter and more compact than the outgoing 1250 GS.
While its $20,000+ starting price puts it in the premium category, the R 1300 GS does everything right and well to justify the price. It is powered by a tried-and-tested engine honed over the years. Its sophisticated underpinnings help strike a balance between on-road comfort and off-road stability without compromising either. Finally, the crucial piece that binds its exceptional do-it-all character well is an advanced suite of electronics.
BMW also offers the more jacked-up R 1300 GS Adventure with a much bigger fuel tank, increased suspension travel, and better weather protection. However, these very differences are what incline the GSA towards its focused long-distance touring potential. While it has the hardware to tackle challenging trails, it is limited by a heavier build and larger dimensions. The lighter, slimmer, and nimbler R 1300 GS does a better job, even on tight urban roads.
BMW GS Has Been Proving Its Mettle For Over 40 Years
The BMW R 80 G/S is considered to have kick-started the now-popular, ever-growing adventure motorcycle segment. It was intended to fuse off-road and on-road capabilities into a daily rideable motorcycle. Little did BMW know that this formula would define the do-it-all ADV category. The BMW GS series has aged like fine wine. Notable features such as a boxer-twin engine, a final shaft drive, and the iconic “flyline” design language remain integral to the GS models even today.
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A Versatile Boxer Twin With A Sublime Spread Of Torque
The R 1300 GS packs BMW’s most powerful boxer twin engine. This 1,300cc liquid-cooled mill is an evolution of the outgoing R 1250 GS’s engine, with a bumped-up displacement and added versatility, including new features like variable valve timing. The R 1300 GS produces 145 horsepower at 7,750 RPM and 110 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 RPM. These numbers might look intimidating, but BMW has cleverly made this mill an approachable one thanks to its well-spread-out torque curve. This eliminates an aggressive nature and makes this ADV predictable.
Furthermore, the meaty mid-range torque helps extract the most from this mill without stressing it at higher RPMs. The linear yet punchy performance curve translates to comfortable low speeds, composed highway rides, and enough punch to take on challenging trails. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a standard six-speed manual gearbox. It is coupled to a durable Cardan shaft drive. An assist-and-slipper clutch is standard to make gear shifts easy.
An Optional Automatic Gearbox Sweetens Its Versatility Further
Dialing this powertrain’s versatility further up is an optional automatic gearbox. This automated manual essentially transforms this top-spec ADV into a straightforward twist-and-go scooter. This eliminates the need for the left-hand clutch and the right-leg shifting mechanism. This feature can be a lifesaver for people who are in the market for a solid automatic motorcycle. Furthermore, this system can be turned off for riders wanting to shift gears the good old way. The Honda Africa Twin DCT broke the ice on this feature, and the BMW R 1300 GS packages it well.
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Unique Underpinnings Designed To Tackle Everything With Finesse
The underpinnings of the BMW R 1300 GS are sophisticated and unique, but designed to last for ages without compromise. It has a pressed-steel main frame that uses the engine as a stressed member. A die-cast aluminum sub-frame maintains a balance of sturdiness, rigidity, and weight.
The suspension setup is innovative, with the GS using BMW’s Telever and Paralever setups at the front and rear. The front gets a double-wishbone setup with a single central coilover spring offering 7.5 inches of travel. The rear gets a link-type monoshock attached to the single-sided swingarm, offering 7.8 inches of travel. Braking duties are handled by bitey dual 310mm discs, coupled to four-piston fixed calipers up front. The rear gets a 285mm disc with a two-piston floating caliper.
Aiding its do-it-all appeal is a 19/17-inch alloy wheel combination that accounts for both on- and off-road riding. Its dual-purpose tires suit both on- and off-road use. Furthermore, BMW offers optional forged-laced wheels, superior braking hardware, and even an electronic suspension setup to enhance durability.
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Purpose-Built Technology Features To Dial Up The Do-It-All Experience
The electronics neatly hidden behind this rugged Beamer are the binding force that upholds its do-it-all character. The standard model gets a 6.5-inch TFT screen, one of the largest in its segment. Comfort, convenience, and riding character are addressed by features such as an LED matrix headlamp, heated grips, keyless entry and ride, a USB charging socket with a dedicated smartphone compartment, and four ride modes (Eco, Rain, Road, and Enduro).
A series of assistive features helps the rider feel as confident as possible on any surface. Notable ones include Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Control, Dynamic Cruise Control, Engine Drag Torque Control, Hill Start Control, and Tire Pressure Monitor. That’s not all. BMW also offers a healthy list of optional features, including active cruise control, a luggage system, extra protection, and heated rider and passenger seats, making its do-it-all packaging even better.
Source: BMW Motorrad