BMW R 1300 GSA: Big, bold and brutal.

Alright, let's talk about the new BMW R 1300 GSA. When I first got the keys to the Triple Black version, my initial thought was, "Wow, this thing is big." And yeah, maybe even a bit, shall we say... challenging on the eyes? It’s bold, no doubt about it. But the real question wasn’t about looks, it was whether this beast was actually any good.

I spent a good chunk of time on it, including a serious trip down to Jindabyne with some mates. That trip involved a mix of coastal roads, twisties over Brown Mountain, and the main event: a massive 400km loop featuring the stunning Barry Way.

First up, the much-talked-about Automated Shift Assistant (ASA). I wasn't sure what to expect from an auto box on a bike like this. Turns out, it's brilliant. It’s easy to switch between manual and auto modes on the fly with just one button. And even if you leave it in Auto, you can still tap the quick shifter whenever you feel like it – which I did, a lot! It’s not like a car auto; you still get that satisfying, mechanical clunk as the gears change. It’s built around a proper manual gearbox, and it feels like it.

The Road to Jindabyne and the Barry Way test

That first day riding down the coast, I was still getting used to the bike. When the boys asked what I thought at our lunch stop in Tathra, I was like, "Yeah, I think I like it... It's okay, it's big." But heading up over Brown Mountain and into Jindabyne, something clicked. By the time we rolled into Jindy, I was thinking, "Okay, this is wonderful."

But the real test, the one I was genuinely a bit nervous about, was the next day's loop incorporating the Barry Way. For those who don't know it, that means around 180 of dirt and gravel roads following the Snowy River. Taking a bike weighing nearly 270kg onto that? Yeah, I had some butterflies.

I started the dirt section cautiously, keeping the ASA in manual mode, wanting full control. But after just 10-15km, curiosity won. I flicked it into Auto. And left it there. For the entire rest of the trip.

It was absolutely perfect. Seriously. The bike just handled it. The ASA chose the right gear every time, letting me focus purely on riding, enjoying the incredible scenery, and having a great old time. I was even getting the back wheel sliding out confidently – it was just fantastic fun. The bike felt surprisingly manageable and incredibly comfortable, even on the rough stuff.

We finished that huge 400km loop, and while I was tired, I wasn't absolutely wrecked like some of the other guys. The GSA just soaked it all up. That automatic gearbox was the absolute star on the dirt for me. Honestly, if you're buying this bike, I don't know why you wouldn't option the ASA. For anyone who says, "Oh, I ride a bike because I want to use the clutch," – guys, get over it. This system is unbelievable, and you can still shift yourself if you really want to!

Beyond the Gearbox: What Else Stood Out?

• That Suspension: BMW's Telelever/Paralever setup is just incredible. No front-end dive when you grab the brakes, which is amazing on a big bike. And the Adaptive Ride Height? Magic. I'm 5'9", and having the bike lower itself by about 3cm when I came to a stop meant I could easily get both feet flat on the ground. It makes a massive difference in managing the bike's size.
• Fuel Range That Just Won't Quit: As my fellow reviewer Lukas said "They should call this the BMW Long Haul. I did about 250km on one stretch and barely saw the fuel gauge move – I honestly thought it might be broken." It’s a 30L tank, and I easily saw 600km of range during the trip, even including the thirsty work on the Barry Way. Filling up became a choice, not a constant necessity.
• Stopping Power: Those brakes are fantastic. Plenty of power to haul down all that weight, and the ABS is perfectly tuned, even for off-road – plus you can turn it off if you want more control in the dirt, via the Enduro rider mode.

So, About Those Looks...

Okay, it’s not traditionally beautiful. It looks functional, purposeful. But after riding it, especially after riding the Barry Way with such ease and enjoyment, the looks just... don't matter. You get over it really quickly because the bike underneath that challenging exterior is just so damn capable and brilliant to ride.

My Final Word

Going into this, I had some reservations, mainly about the size. But after spending quality time with the R 1300 GSA, I'm completely won over. The way it handled everything – freeways, twisties, and especially the dirt and gravel – was phenomenal. That ASA gearbox is a genuine game-changer, particularly off-road.

Was I impressed? Understatement of the year. It’s an exceptional motorcycle that inspires confidence and makes epic adventures feel easy. It’s genuinely one of the best, most capable bikes I've ever ridden.

Head over to YouTube and check out our review.