The new BMW R 1300 GS has just arrived in dealerships and we can already see the first customized version of this travel enduro: the R 1301, created by the Swiss team VTR Customs.
VTR-BMW R 1301 – 5-7 kilos lighter with a shortened rear
VTR, the official BMW dealer in the town of Schmerikon on the shores of Lake Zurich, has gained international fame for its radical conversions of BMW motorcycles. In early 2024, VTR Customs presented its first project based on the new BMW R 1300 GS, renamed R 1301.
A more compact and lightweight design
The R 1301 features a shortened rear end, which is currently in the prototype stage, but could be produced in small quantities if there is enough demand. The front fender has also been shortened, and the overall weight of the bike has been reduced by around 5-7 kilos, according to Dani Weidmann of VTR Customs. Although the weight saving is not drastic, the bike is closer to the 250 kilo mark. Interestingly, VTR has not removed the centre stand, which could have contributed further to the weight reduction.
Custom accessories and supersport tires
The R 1301 features short levers and a small, tinted windshield, which are available as Original BMW Accessories. Forged aluminum wheels are a factory option, while Metzeler M9RR supersport tires have been chosen to ensure excellent grip, while still maintaining the 19-inch front wheel, which ensures typical GS handling. In addition, Kellermann Atto mini turn signals and the distinctive "X" of the LED headlight, made even more eye-catching thanks to a yellow film, complete the aesthetics of the bike.
"Attrapovic" and sporty finishing touches
For the exhaust system, VTR opted for a black powder-coated stainless steel silencer inspired by Akrapovic, but with a touch of irony in the name: "Attrapovic". The headers are covered in black heat-resistant tape. The 1,300 cc boxer engine, with an output of 145 hp and 149 Nm, requires no particular modifications. Finally, the R 1301 sports sporty colors typical of BMW M, with "M-Grey" shades made by Freuler AG, and a custom seat by Yves Knobel.
A 40,000 euro customization
There BMW R 1300 GS The basic model, with sports suspension and forged aluminum wheels, is priced at 25,900 Swiss francs (around 27,000 euros). The cost of the R 1301 customization amounts to 15,000 Swiss francs (around 15,750 euros), bringing the total price of the bike to 40,900 Swiss francs (around 43,000 euros). However, the price of the R 1301 has been set at 37,800 Swiss francs (around 40,000 euros), making it an attractive offer. Production of the R 1301 edition is not limited, and customers can request color variations or other customizations.
In February 2024, VTR Customs presented the first conversion based on the new BMW R 1300 GS, offering a sportier, more compact and lighter version. With a price tag of around 40,000 euros, the R 1301 represents a one-of-a-kind motorcycle, but with the possibility of further customized variants according to customer needs.