The world of motorcycles is clear when it comes to reliability: there’s nothing more dependable than a Japanese motorcycle. Or is it? By and large, that has been true in the past, as Japanese manufacturers pioneered tighter tolerances and higher build qualities. It’s the reason why the most reliable motorcycles in the world, like the KLR 650 or the Super Cub, come from manufacturers like Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, or Yamaha.
We said in the past that other manufacturers have caught up to the Japanese makers in terms of reliability, including BMW. This German manufacturer is infamous for producing expensive-to-maintain bikes and cars, but that is changing now, and the perfect example of it is the BMW R 1300 GS. Here’s how BMW’s GS adventure bike proves that German manufacturers can make reliable and dependable motorcycles, too.
The 2026 BMW R 1300 GS Proves German Bikes Can Be Reliable
The BMW GS series dates back to 1980, when the R 80 G/S was introduced. That motorcycle effectively invented the adventure touring segment and won the Paris Dakar Rally four times, along with several other off-road competitions. Since then, the GS has represented the benchmark of the segment, and thanks to the Long Way Round and Long Way Down series, it has become a part of pop culture, too. Today, many still look at the GS as the ultimate globe-trotting motorcycle.
That reputation exists for multiple reasons. Of course, with the latest R 1300 GS, BMW has produced the most advanced and capable GS to date, which offers some of the best comfort and tech features in the segment. But there’s more to it than just that. What makes a bike capable of going around the world, after all, isn’t performance or features; it’s longevity. And the GS proves on that front, as well, proving that even German manufacturers can build bulletproof motorcycles.
The R 1300 GS shows this longevity in various ways. To start with, BMW has been working with boxer engines for over a century, and it has nearly perfected the formula. Add to that the boxer engine’s inherent balance and ease of maintenance, German precision, and long service intervals. Moreover, BMW has made the GS capable of handling the toughest conditions with a stiffer chassis, shaft drive, and unique suspension, so you don’t have to worry about your Beemer ADV breaking down or literally breaking on the road.
BMW Has Perfected The Boxer Engine Layout On The Latest GS
BMW’s boxer engine dates back to 1923, with the manufacturer’s first-ever motorcycle: the BMW R 32. Since then, in one way or another, BMW has been using the boxer engine in its motorcycles. From cruisers to adventure bikes, the boxer layout has been serving Beemers since then, and today, BMW offers that same layout in its most advanced state with the R 1300 GS. For boxer enthusiasts, this engine is a technical masterpiece and, for adventurers, it’s a recipe for dependability.
Boxer Engine Is Inherently More Reliable
The boxer engine is unique, and while it may not produce as much horsepower as its equivalent Vee or inline counterpart, it offers something else. The engine layout is low-stress and low-revving, which makes it ideal for high-mileage touring. The opposed cylinder design also results in inherent primary balance, i.e., fewer vibrations, which reduces wear on mechanical parts. Such factors combine to make the boxer engine quite a reliable layout that’s suitable for adventure touring.
Most of this dependability comes down to how BMW designs and makes its engines. Otherwise, you can buy a Ural and learn what an unreliable boxer engine is. Still, like other German manufacturers, BMW maintains high quality and precision standards, and modern tech has enabled it to produce highly refined, reliable boxer engines with little to go wrong. While there is some skepticism about the new liquid-cooled boxers, owners largely report dependable performance from their R 1300 GS.
R 1300 GS Is The Most Powerful GS Ever
|
Displacement |
Power |
Torque |
Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1,300cc |
145 HP @ 7,750 RPM |
110 LB-FT @ 6,500 RPM |
Over 120 MPH |
The BMW R 1300 GS maintains that dependability while offering the best performance ever for a GS. It steps up the boxer displacement to 1,300cc with a larger bore and shorter stroke, and it features liquid-cooling, DOHC, and BMW ShiftCam. This engine produces 145 horsepower and is often praised for its linear power delivery, and its low center of gravity helps in handling, too. It’s also lighter by 8.6 pounds over the older engine. You can either have it with the standard six-speed manual or opt for the BMW Automatic Shift Assistance for a clutchless experience.
The R 1300 GS Offers Round-The-World Dependability
When you take your BMW GS on an around-the-world adventure, things are unlikely to go according to plan. That’s the fun part for us adventurers, but your motorcycle should be able to handle that stress, too. That’s also where the GS wouldn’t disappoint you. There’s a reason why there are so many six-digit mileage examples of the GS out there; the motorcycle is dependable and, if something does go wrong, easy to work on.
Boxer Layout Makes Maintenance Super Easy
One of the reasons why owners love the GS’ boxer engine is its easy maintenance. Thanks to the cylinder heads sticking out from the sides, head repairs and service become much easier. You can easily adjust or replace the spark plugs, gaskets, and valves without having to dismantle half the bike or drop the engine. And this can be done on the side of the road by simply laying the bike on one side, should the need arise. The only downside of this layout is that it makes doing the clutch way more difficult than it should be.
GS Also Gets A Cardan Shaft Drive
A small aspect of the BMW GS’ reliability that actually matters more than you’d think is its final drive. The GS here gets a Cardan shaft drive instead of a conventional chain drive, virtually eliminating the need for chain cleaning and maintenance. Many might find the cleaning routine therapeutic, but for some of us, not having to worry about chain maintenance is just one less thing to worry about. Plus, BMW designs the shaft drive to take off-road abuse, as well. The downside here is that it can be expensive to repair.
BMW Has Stiffened Up The Frame
Not many riders have to worry about the frame snapping on their motorcycles, except those who carry a year’s worth of luggage on the back of their bikes. Here, the current GS uses a monocoque chassis that uses the engine as a load-bearing member, and it’s paired with a die-cast aluminum rear frame that’s not only lighter but is said to provide a rock-solid foundation for your luggage and pillion. Taking it a step further is BMW’s unique suspension system, including the clever Telelever fork and Paralever rear, which is designed to sustain hard dirt road abuse.
It’s Still Not Perfect, Though
All of this may make the BMW R 1300 GS seem like an indestructible bike that’s ready for the apocalypse, but we’d rather pick a 650 dual sport for that. In other words, the GS is still not perfect when it comes to its reliability. To start with, the liquid-cooling in the new boxer engine has brought its own share of skepticism from riders. Yes, this engine is said to rev easily and produce more power, but liquid-cooling adds a layer of complexity, and its long-term dependability is yet to be proven.
With More Tech, There’s More To Go Wrong
BMW motorcycles are usually tech-heavy, and the R 1300 GS is no exception. It’s packed to the gills with cutting-edge features and optional extras, including DSA electronic system, heated seats and grips, Active Cruise Control, Headlight Pro, and an array of rider aids. So much tech on board means there are more things to go wrong, whether due to electrical gremlins, bad weather, or just age-related wear. Most of these will only cost you some comfort on the road, but some can make your bike unrideable unless fixed. And we don’t imagine these fixes being cheap, either.
R 1300 GS Was Once Recalled For Fire Risk
Back in 2024, BMW issued a recall for the R 1300 GS due to a faulty starter relay. Its housing had insufficient injection molding, which made it susceptible to damage from moisture, risking corrosion or a short circuit, resulting in fire. Over 1,500 units were recalled here, and while BMW seems to have fixed this issue, it has left a mark on the bike’s reliability record. Not to forget, the R 1300 GS is a relatively new bike, so long-term issues are yet to crop up and may not be as perfect as we’d like them to be.
Round-The-World Adventure Starts At $20,395
The 2026 BMW R 1300 GS starts at $20,395 for the base model. For this price, you get a bike that looks pretty value for money, considering its pedigree, performance, and features on offer. Standard equipment includes LED matrix lights, an array of rider aids, keyless ride, heated grips, and more. Spending more can unlock more features, like electronic suspension, Active Cruise Control, forged enduro wheels, luggage, and more.
BMW also offers the off-road-ready GS Trophy, the Triple Black all-rounder, or the exclusive and premium Option 719 Biscaya. For those wanting a true intercontinental experience, BMW also offers the R 1300 GS Adventure, which starts at $23,795. The GS Adventure adds a massive fuel tank, better wind protection, longer suspension travel, and much more for proper globe-trotting performance and comfort.
Are there better or more reliable adventure motorcycles out there? Definitely. Pick one from Honda, Suzuki, or Yamaha, and it should be easier to live with. BMW motorcycles are on the more expensive side when it comes to maintenance. But if you are on your toes with maintenance and ride them well, even the BMW R 1300 GS can be just as dependable, if not more, than its Japanese ADV rivals.