Which suits you
- Choose the R 1300 GS if low-speed control and picking it up after a drop matter most: it is 12kg lighter wet.
- Both take a 120/70-19 front tyre, so the same front tyre options fit either bike.
- The R 1250 GS is only available second-hand.
Holloway ratings side by side
BMW R 1250 GS BMW R 1300 GS
Green lane
Technical off-road
Beginner friendly
Road
R 1250 GS vs R 1300 GS specs
| BMW R 1250 GS | BMW R 1300 GS | |
|---|---|---|
| Green lane score | 2/10 | 2/10 |
| Price | Used only | £15,995 |
| Wet weight | 249kg | 237kg |
| Seat height | 850mm | 850mm |
| Ground clearance | Not published | Not published |
| Suspension travel (f/r) | 190mm / 200mm | 190mm / 200mm |
| Wheels (f/r) | 19" / 17" | 19" / 17" |
| Tyre sizes (f/r) | 120/70-19 / 170/60-17 | 120/70-19 / 170/60-17 |
| Engine | 1254cc | 1300cc |
| Power | 136hp | 145hp |
| Fuel tank | 20L | 19L |
| Real-world range | Not officially published | ~250 mi |
| Licence | A | A |
A tick marks the better figure for green laning. Manufacturer figures; weights are wet unless marked as estimates.
Our take on each
BMW R 1250 GS: A huge, very capable and very comfortable boxer twin that handles dry gravel lanes happily, but at 249 kg it is a lot to pick up when a rutted, muddy byway goes wrong.
BMW R 1300 GS: A superb road tourer that carries its weight well on gravel, but its bulk and narrow front wheel make it a poor match for tight, rutted UK lanes.
Remember: rider ability, tyres and the weather on the day move the real answer more than the bike does. Check each lane's own difficulty and legal status before you ride.
Find where to ride either one
Plan a day of legal green lanes across England and Wales on Holloway's map, with each lane's difficulty and status.
Open the map