Model update announcement to be expected soon?

[Granada]

Hi,

Long time lurker here, but simply not much of a poster.

Riding a couple of 1200GSes since 2013, and am in the market for something else. Not because I need to, but just because...

As I wanted something else, my eyes were set on a Multistrada. Starting with a (used) V4, riding it for a few years, and then (if I really like the Multi experience) to a V2. Because age is counting and 40 kg lighter is really appealing.

Had a ride on a V4 last Friday, was not really convinced, and when I jumped back on the GS I couldn't fail to notice how good a bike it is. Also because I know it like the back of my hand by now of course.

In the past I had ridden the 1300GS, was not really convinced at that time, but decided now to give that another try. And came back with the conclusion that it is, after all, a very good bike and is now definitely one of the options.

My question to you guys is now. I bought my last 1200 about a day (ok, a few months) before the 1250 was introduced, which still sucks. And given that there is now quite a sale going on with readily available bikes, I would not be surprised if they are clearing the existing stock and preparing for a new model. Which, I guess, won't be a big chance but could include some useful changes.

What do you guys think? Is something to be expected in the short run?

PS: still not fully decided to go for the GS, have rented a Multi V2 for the weekend in order to give that a fair chance. Time will tell.

 

[Arsey]

I hear there’s a new 1300 GS BS coming out , featuring for the first time on a GS, backlit switchgear .
I’ll be a game changer or could just be BS

 

[MRDDD]

BS/BS/BS

 

[RichardD]

The 2026 model has already been announced. It has no significant differences to the 2025 model.

From BMW:

BMW R 1300 GS.

• Optional equipment: Innovation Package adapted. Adaptive light modes are included in the Innovation package and individual optional equipment.
• Basic: New colour scheme Racingred non-metallic. Lightwhite non-metallic dropped.
• Option 719 “Biscaya”: New colour scheme Imperial Blue metallic / White Aluminium metallic matt. Option 719 “Tramuntana” Aurelius Green metallic dropped.

BMW Press release

 

[Granada]

The 2026 model has already been announced. It has no significant differences to the 2025 model.

From BMW:

BMW R 1300 GS.

• Optional equipment: Innovation Package adapted. Adaptive light modes are included in the Innovation package and individual optional equipment.
• Basic: New colour scheme Racingred non-metallic. Lightwhite non-metallic dropped.
• Option 719 “Biscaya”: New colour scheme Imperial Blue metallic / White Aluminium metallic matt. Option 719 “Tramuntana” Aurelius Green metallic dropped.

BMW Press release

Ah great, nothing to wait for then. Thanks!

 

[botus]

new models became available to order 4 August - same as every year after summer hols - the only recent change is they pretend to do it in May - they release new bikes in may and baby facelifts for current bikes

my understanding was a May 25 bike is mostly fixed of bugs
in Aug they introduced 2 new options - covered here and the other bits mostly in the video https://www.ukgser.com/community/threads/1300-ultimate-buying-guide.497311/#post-5935586

his video misses out explaining S0547A Sport Suspension - faster more comfortable bike with enhanced grip and braking, as it has more travel to cope with the mess we call roads - sits 20 mm higher

these are the new 2026 options
S05AG Adaptive Light Modes - new head lamp modes auto tweaks beam pattern round town, as you speed up, and when ripping it
S05AR Rear Collision - miss explained the changes to rear radar stuff

 

[GrinningGSer]

LCD screen has been out so long , that it’s looking dated now.
Sidestand is far too short
Switchgear should be backlit
Wishful thinking

 

[leadfarmer]

And this on all models:

Cross-model change for all BMW Motorrad models.

• Optional equipment: New navigation preparation with electric unlocking. Unlocking with a key is no longer necessary.

 

[Mr Derek]

LCD screen has been out so long , that it’s looking dated now.
Sidestand is far too short
Switchgear should be backlit
Wishful thinking

The screen is still probably the best available. The digits on my KTM screen are so small I need my reading glasses to see what they are saying. Range, temperature, clock? Not a clue when I'm riding.

 

[Fiddlesticks]

Once you've had a Triumph Rocket you'll never complain about the BMW screen again.

 

[botus]

And this on all models:

Cross-model change for all BMW Motorrad models.

• Optional equipment: New navigation preparation with electric unlocking. Unlocking with a key is no longer necessary.

that would be cute - except how to you remove it ? (does it have a switch on the bracket, otherwise it would already be locked each item you want to remove it)

 

[Khulu]

I'd rather have a software update to put the spotlights selection on to the burger button.

 

[RichardD]

that would be cute - except how to you remove it ? (does it have a switch on the bracket, otherwise it would already be locked each item you want to remove it)

I imagine it is aligned to the central locking, so it is (optionally) only locked/unlocked with the steering lock, the panniers etc.

RTFM.

 

[Avelingporter]

I picked up my new GS yesterday and it has the new for 2026 model year smaller CRN cradle. SOOOOO much better looking. Much smaller. A welcome surprise.
It has a small button underneath that only operates when the ignition is switched on. Press it and up pops a red marked doofer out the top and its unlocked. So its only operational when the bike is. Not linked to the central locking as such. It has a removable cover for the connection pins, if you don't have anything connected to it.

 

[Granada]

I picked up my new GS yesterday and it has the new for 2026 model year smaller CRN cradle. SOOOOO much better looking. Much smaller. A welcome surprise.
It has a small button underneath that only operates when the ignition is switched on. Press it and up pops a red marked doofer out the top and its unlocked. So its only operational when the bike is. Not linked to the central locking as such. It has a removable cover for the connection pins, if you don't have anything connected to it.

View attachment 446422View attachment 446423

Nice. Didn't realise until now that you could put the craddle vertically. But I also didn't realise until recently you could use it for your cell phone But I like that, I also had the BMW navigators (Garmin based) but had lots of issues with them over the years, so I will give using my phone a try now.

 

[botus]

my Nav 5 has well hidden mode to switch it to the correct orientation (portrait like all sat navs should be)

but as soon as you plug into a BMW bike it ignores this correct setting and reverts so I can't see where I'm going - but its OK coz I can now see 10 miled to the left and 10 miles to the right of where I'm never going to go.... all driven by the insanity of Pin ? this mistake should be switchable - so grown ups can use the nav like a tomtom manages it RFT

 

[Granada]

Rode the Multi V2 the full day today. Damn, what a fun bike that is! Very lightweight, handles brilliantly and more than enough power.

Still leaning towards the GS though, due to it being more comfortable. Which counts on way more KMs the way I'm using it than the fun factor.

But how underwhelmed I was after riding the Multi V4, how impressed I am with the V2.

PS. I know this is a GS forum but as I started off this thread with introducing that I am also trying out the Multis, I found it my duty to keep you informed about it

 

[Bubb]

Spoke to a mate who has the v2….( he is a Ducati fanboi) ..said he tried the v4 and didn’t like it compared to his older v2.
He has enough money that the cost was not a factor at all….said he’d have bought the v4 after the test ride if he’d liked it, but decided it wasn’t for him. He didn’t even consider a gs as he loves his dukes ( has a gts, and a paso as well)

 

[stick]

Did the same , test rode the V2 back to back with the new V4s , as good as it is , it’s still made to a budget . If you push it , the bike shows its weakness unlike the V4 s which just performs. I did say to the dealer , make an S version with the current Sky Hook on the V4 and I may have been tempted . Ad a fun bike I get it , but a serious fast bike , no.
V4 s or R1300 all day .
Just bought the new V4s . For the record.
Could have had the PP but not suited to fast back roads . It likes smooth roads lol .
Take an All Road bike as stick a 17 on the front , not a good idea .

 

[Granada]

Did the same , test rode the V2 back to back with the new V4s , as good as it is , it’s still made to a budget . If you push it , the bike shows its weakness unlike the V4 s which just performs. I did say to the dealer , make an S version with the current Sky Hook on the V4 and I may have been tempted . Ad a fun bike I get it , but a serious fast bike , no.
V4 s or R1300 all day .
Just bought the new V4s . For the record.
Could have had the PP but not suited to fast back roads . It likes smooth roads lol .
Take an All Road bike as stick a 17 on the front , not a good idea .

Indeed, the v2s feels and looks a bit cheap but i guess the 40kg difference has to come from somewhere.

Power is enough for me, i never felt it lacking but that's probably a subjective thing. The v4 was too much for me. Exhilarating for sure, but you blink twice and you're hitting the 200 kmph. Not healthy for my riding license.

Comfort wise the v2 leaves something to desire, in comparison with the GS which feels much more bike.

But also depends fully on your experience. My son is riding a Ducati Monster and when trying out the Multi V2 he commented how big a bike it is. Well, he hasn't ridden my GS yet .