Wet GS for 2022?

Though it’s the best-selling bike in the universe (as far as we know), BMW are working on a new GS featuring a spanking flat-twin motor that we expect to be wheeled out at some point next year. Beemer have already made a trademark application for the name M1300GS, which not only hints at an increased displacement to help fend off rivals such as Ducati’s scorching Multistrada V4, but also that there will be a swanky M-spec version as with the S1000RR.

Now a heavily disguised GS has been spotted testing in Wales featuring larger radiators and shielded cylinders, suggesting a greater amount of water cooling than just the top-end as on the existing engine. This will help BMW hit future emission regs: it’s easier to maintain engine temperature and tolerances, allows quicker warm-up to get the cat working, and the water jacket will make it quieter too.

WET AND DRY This is the current R1250GS, which is commonly referred to as liquid cooled but is actually ‘precision’ cooled. Cylinders are still air cooled while the coolant is used to target the cylinder heads, replacing the oil-cooling system of earlier 1200 models. WRAPPED UP Covered cylinders on the test mule suggest a proper water jacket for the new 1300, for better control and to hit future emissions.