2025 R 1300 GSA to use Automated Shift Assistant
The new R 1300 GS, which was released in the Philippines earlier this year, has continued the long tradition of BMW Motorrad’s boxer twin in adventure bikes. Soon, its ‘Adventure’ sibling, with its bigger fuel capacity for that extra long haul, will become available. And if sources are correct, it will be the first in BMW Motorrad’s adventure bike line up to be fitted with the Automated Shift Assistant (ASA), which is basically the German’s version of an automatic transmission on a motorcycle.
The ASA features a clever functional design in which two electromechanical actuators automate the clutch and gear shifting of the six-speed transmission, which is the main difference from a conventional shift assistant. There is no need for a hand lever to operate the clutch manually. Starting, stopping, and maneuvering are made easy with the ASA.
Automated Shift Assistant
The ASA features two modes: D and M. “D” is comparable to car’s Drive, where all the gear shifting is handled by the system. The “M” mode is for semi-automatic mode, where the shifting is done by the rider through the shift lever on the left footpeg.
BMW Motorrad adds that the ASA takes out some of the load from the rider, especially in difficult riding conditions. Thus, the rider can concentrate more on the throttle and don’t have to worry about clutch control.
The ASA has two electronically controlled electromechanical actuators that operate the clutch and gearshift, enabling easy starting and automated gear changes. The rider’s shift request is transmitted to the control unit via a gearshift lever sensor, which is actuated by the conventional foot-operated gearshift lever. Additional sensors determine the revs of the transmission input shaft and the clutch position. These values are transmitted to the TCU (Transmission Control Unit), which is closely linked to the engine control unit, for modulating and controlling the clutch, shift actuation, and status.
Heavier
Like its predecessor, the R 1250 GS Adventure (GSA), the upcoming 1300 GSA will be heavier and a bit slower than its GS sibling. According to reports, the R 1300 GSA will be 21 kilos heavier than its GS brother, tipping the scales at 258 kilos. For comparison, the outgoing R 1250 GSA weighs 268 kilos.
Naturally, the extra weight means less in terms of top speed. The reports claim that the approval documents say that the R 1300 GSA has a top speed of 220.5 kilometers per hour, whereas the R 1300 GS has a top speed of 225 kilometers per hour.
The fuel tank capacity of the R 1300 GSA could be somewhere between 30 and 32 liters for extra range.
Philippine availability and pricing is TBA.
