The BMW R 1300 GS marked a clean break with the past: more compact, more responsive, and almost "nervous" in its approach to riding. It has been an undeniable commercial success, but one that left a segment of purists questioning: have we sacrificed too much comfort on the altar of sportiness?

With the horizon set for 2027–2028, rumors about the future R 1350 GS are growing louder. As an editor who has followed the evolution of the Bavarian twin-cylinder for decades, here is my technical analysis of what is brewing in Munich.

BMW’s Tradition: The Evolutionary Cycle

Following BMW Motorrad’s classic chronology, a generational leap to a higher displacement isn't just a marketing exercise; it's about homologation and performance management. If the 1300 reduced dimensions and sharpened the chassis, the future 1350 won't simply need to "go faster."

The rumor circulating in circles close to the Berlin plant is clear: the next evolution might not seek a power record, but a return to its "Grand Touring" vocation.

What to expect from the "1350": Sport vs. Comfort

The current R 1300 GS is a scalpel. But BMW knows well that the typical GS customer is a long-distance traveler who doesn't just look for lap times, but the ability to cover 800 km in a day without fatigue.

    The Engine: An increase in displacement (toward 1350 cc) is likely, not so much to chase extra horsepower (as the 1300 is already at the limit for road use), but to optimize the torque curve at mid-range and comply with future emission standards without losing fluidity. We do, however, expect a new upgrade to approximately 155/160 hp of maximum power.

    Top Speed: This is expected to remain unchanged at approximately 230/240 km/h (actual).

    Chassis: We could see less extreme tuning of the Evo Telelever/Paralever system. The goal? More "plushness"—a return to the feeling of "controlled floating" that made the brand famous. We anticipate greater set-up possibilities, with a softer base than the current model; it is likely we will move from the current +/- 2 steps to perhaps +/- 4 adjustment steps for the suspension.

    Aesthetics: We may see a return to its "origins" with more protective bodywork for both rider and passenger, and a more classic front end.

Why 2028 is the key date

Historically, BMW does not shorten the lifecycle of its flagship models. A launch planned for 2027/2028 would allow BMW to mature the 1300 platform, integrate all customer feedback, and present a model that isn't just an "uprated version," but a GS that restores the balance between pure performance and the attitude for infinite travel. We anticipate a presentation at the end of 2027 as a MY2028, with availability in the first half of 2028.

The Crazywheels Tester’s Opinion

"We don’t believe we will see a 'less' powerful or performant GS, but a 'smarter,' faster, yet more comfortable one. Our suspicion is that BMW is working on even more precise Riding Mode management, specifically addressing those 'disappointed by the new direction,' with greater adjustment and calibration possibilities. This will make the bike appealing not only to sporty riders but also to long-distance tourists. The 1300 GS is almost a 'toy for sprinting'; the 1350 GS will have the task of returning to the roots of the GS: a fast, comfortable motorcycle, to be used 365 days a year in all asphalt conditions and while riding two-up. If you are waiting to change bikes, don’t rush: the R 1300 GS is today a mature and exceptional product. But if you are looking for the future 'queen of comfort,' 2027/2028 could be the year of the true turning point."