The BMW GS Trophy is set to run in Namibia in a few weeks (in September, 2024) and now the competitors know what they’ll be riding.
As you might expect, they’re going to ride machines based off the R1300 GS platform; BMW typically sends the competitors out on their latest twin-cylinder adventure bike, and that means the new flat twin, in this case. Specifically, and unsurprisingly, they’re on the R1300 GS Trophy variant.
That means spoked wheels as standard, along with a rally-style seat, radiator guards, skid plate and frame guards, adjustable levers and GS Vario footpegs. For the actual competition bikes, BMW also added handlebar risers and extensions, a beefed-up gearshift lever, and an oversized skid plate. Knobby tires also come standard, on spoked wheels (in Canada, the standard GS Trophy model has cast rims in some photos on BMW’s website, but spoked wheels are standard for this machine).
Build it yourself?
Knowing BMW’s extensive parts catalog, you could probably order all these bits yourself, if you wanted to have a machine the same as the competitors use. The aftermarket could also certainly supply similar pieces. However, chances are that most riders looking for a better-off-the-pavement R1300 GS will be happy to wait for this fall’s almost-certain release of the Adventure variant, which should come with improved suspension as well as a larger fuel tank.
See the 2024 BMW Motorrad R1300 GS Trophy, and available options, at BMW’s website here.
What’s the BMW GS Trophy?
If you’ve gotten this far and you’re still wondering what the BMW Motorrad GS Trophy competition is… basically, it’s a motorcycle skills competition combined with tests that challenge your survival/travel/camping skills. It’s intended for BMW customers who are competent amateurs (ex-racers need not apply!). The event has actually run in Canada before; at this point in its once-every-two-years cycle, it is headed back to Africa, where the first events were held.
To get there, riders from around the world challenge each other in regional events, to earn a spot on their national team. Sadly, once again, there appears to be no more Canadian team. This year, there are 22 teams total, including six female teams. For more info, check out the Trophy competition’s website here.
