The initial impetus for the project came two years ago, when Mansell competed in a standard R 1250 GS Adventure and achieved surprisingly fast times. After the presentation of the R 1300 GS in Málaga, the idea of testing the new generation of the Boxer in competition began to take shape. With a near-standard setup – only with a 17-inch front wheel – Mansell already came close to the record.
In the following races, the team developed the motorcycle step by step. Changes were made to the final drive ratio, the chassis, a tuned engine control system from Hilltop Motorcycles, and a continuous exhaust system. The result was a kind of oversized supermoto based on the GS.
The breakthrough finally came in the fourth and final race of the year: with a time of 45.13 seconds, Mansell beat the existing record by 0.02 seconds. What is particularly remarkable is that the focus was not on performance enhancements, but on chassis optimizations. As a result, the R 1300 GS was even able to outperform the BMW M 1000 XR, which is significantly more powerful with 201 hp (148 kW), on the steep and undulating course.
Mansell himself explained: “On a race track, the XR would clearly beat the GS. But due to the incline and the poor asphalt, the GS plays to its strengths with its Telelever and torque.”
The discussion about a possible M 1300 GS
Parallel to the motorsport successes, there is persistent speculation about an M version of the R 1300 GS. Although there is no official confirmation from BMW Motorrad, the evidence is mounting. BMW secured trademark protection for the name “M 1300 GS” back in 2019. In the summer of 2022, the model also appeared briefly in a US workshop tool.
At this year’s Jersey Hill Climb, the Mansell Collection competed with an R 1300 GS in M design. The paintwork in the typical BMW M colors was striking, as was a technology package reminiscent of a possible M variant: front wheel reduced from 19 to 17 inches, rear wheel widened from 170 to 200 mm (presumably with rims from the R 1300 R), revised brakes, and modified chassis. The Telelever remained unchanged.
It remains unclear whether this racing machine is intended as a test balloon for a production model. There are no official details about possible performance enhancements, weight reductions, or a market launch. However, CEO Markus Flasch has already hinted that a GS under the M label is conceivable.
The orientation of such a machine is open: either a road-oriented version in the style of a Boxer XR with 17-inch tires or an uncompromising enduro with 21/18 wheels. The only thing that is clear is that an “M” would be hard to imagine without additional power.
Conclusion
With its record run in Bouley Bay, the BMW R 1300 GS has impressively proven that it is also competitive outside the adventure segment. At the same time, the use of a GS in M look is fueling discussions about a possible production version. Whether and when a BMW M 1300 GS will be released remains uncertain. The only thing that is certain is that the rumor mill is in full swing, and the Mansell Collection’s motorsport appearance provides plenty of fuel for speculation.
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