The BMW GS models are among the most versatile motorcycles in the world – from the legendary R 80 G/S to the cutting‑edge R 1300 GS. Whether you’re tackling Alpine passes, desert tracks, or your daily commute, the right tire determines whether your ride becomes an unforgettable adventure or a nerve‑wracking slip‑and‑slide. With the huge variety of tire types — from pure road tires to all‑round adventure profiles and aggressive off‑road knobbies – choosing the right one isn’t always easy. This article provides an overview of proven tire recommendations for all generations of the BMW GS, covers different use cases, and explains what riders should consider when selecting tires for their GS.
Tire Sizes of BMW GS Models
BMW GS models use different tire sizes depending on model year and specific variant. Most modern GS models run a 120/70 R19 front and 170/60 R17 rear. Older models, such as the R 1100 GS, use different dimensions — for example 110/80 R19 front and 150/70 R17 rear.
| Model | Front Tire | Rear Tire | Wheel Size (front/rear) |
|---|---|---|---|
| R 1100 GS | 110/80 R19 | 150/70 R17 | 19″ / 17″ |
| R 1150 GS | 110/80 R19 | 150/70 R17 | 19″ / 17″ |
| R 1200 GS | 120/70 R19 | 170/60 R17 | 19″ / 17″ |
| R 1250 GS | 120/70 R19 | 170/60 R17 | 19″ / 17″ |
| R 1300 GS | 120/70 R19 | 170/60 R17 | 19″ / 17″ |
No guarantee of accuracy — always check your vehicle registration!
Requirements for Tires on the BMW GS
BMW GS models are true all‑rounders – and this versatility places special demands on their tires. A GS tire must remain stable at high motorway speeds, offer precise steering on twisty country roads, and still provide enough traction off‑road.
- Riders who spend most of their time on asphalt benefit from touring or adventure‑road tires with strong wet grip, low noise levels, and high mileage.
- Those who regularly ride gravel roads, forest tracks, or light off‑road sections should choose a 50/50 adventure tire that balances road grip with off‑road capability.
- Off‑road enthusiasts who take their GS through rocks, sand, or mud need aggressive knobby tires with reinforced carcasses.
Wheel type also plays a role:
- Cast wheels pair well with road‑oriented tires.
- Spoked wheels offer more robustness and flexibility off‑road.
Ultimately, the tire choice should reflect riding style, load (luggage, passenger), and climate to ensure maximum safety, comfort, and riding enjoyment.
| Use Case | Characteristics | Wheel Type |
|---|---|---|
| Road / Touring | High wet grip, quiet, long mileage, precise handling | Cast preferred, spoked possible |
| Road & light off‑road (70/30) | Balanced performance, good wet grip, gravel‑capable | Cast or spoked |
| Balanced on/off‑road (50/50) | Stable on asphalt and gravel, good self‑cleaning | Spoked preferred |
| Off‑road‑oriented (30/70) | Knobby profile, strong traction, reduced road comfort | Spoked recommended |
| Extreme off‑road (10/90) | Very aggressive knobs, maximum off‑road performance, loud on asphalt | Spoked recommended |
BMW GS Tire Recommendations
Here are the most relevant tire recommendations for BMW GS models, grouped by riding style.
Road Use
For riders who primarily stay on asphalt, the focus is on stability, wet grip, precise handling, and comfort. These adventure‑road tires combine sporty characteristics with the robustness needed for a heavy adventure bike.
- Pirelli Scorpion Trail III (and Trail II) – Very sporty adventure‑road tire with excellent handling, quick warm‑up, and strong wet grip. Ideal for fast country roads and long tours.
- Bridgestone Battlax T33 – The newest sport‑touring tire with excellent cornering stability and a wide performance range. High comfort and mileage.
- Continental RoadAttack 4 – Premium road tire featuring Continental’s “GripLimitFeedback” for maximum lean‑angle feedback. Very agile and sporty.
- Metzeler Tourance Next 2 – The all‑rounder for GS riders: balanced handling, great stability with luggage/passenger, and high long‑distance comfort.
Low Off‑Road Share (70/30 or 60/40)
For riders who occasionally leave the asphalt and ride gravel or dirt roads, these tires offer a strong compromise between road performance and light off‑road capability.
- Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR – Popular compromise tire: sporty on asphalt with a blocky design for gravel traction.
- Metzeler Karoo Street – Road‑focused enduro tire with off‑road‑friendly looks. Excellent wet grip and sufficient traction on gravel.
- Heidenau K60 Scout – A classic GS tire: robust, very durable, ideal for long-distance travel. Slightly cautious in the rain.
- Heidenau K60 Ranger – More aggressive version of the K60 with stronger knobs. More off‑road grip, louder on asphalt.
- Continental TKC 80 – The cult enduro tire with iconic block pattern. Very capable off‑road, but less stable and shorter‑lived on asphalt.
- Michelin Anakee Adventure – A well‑balanced 50/50 tire with good road grip and enough reserves for light unpaved terrain.
Higher Off‑Road Share
For adventure riders who regularly take their GS into rough terrain, true knobby tires are the best choice. They offer maximum traction in mud, sand, and rocks — at the cost of comfort and road manners.
- Dunlop Trailmax Raid – Modern adventure knobby tire designed for long off‑road tours with heavy bikes. Very robust and surprisingly secure in the wet.
- Michelin Anakee Wild – Classic GS knobby tire with strong off‑road performance. Excellent on gravel, sand, and rocks; louder and shorter‑lived on asphalt.
- Mitas Enduro Trail XT – Extremely off‑road‑oriented with aggressive tread. Lots of grip in tough terrain, less suitable for long motorway rides.
Conclusion: The Right Tire for BMW GS Models
The ideal tire for a BMW GS depends heavily on your personal riding profile:
- Mostly asphalt: Pirelli Scorpion Trail III, Metzeler Tourance Next 2
- Mixed riding with light gravel: Michelin Anakee Adventure, Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR
- Regular heavy off‑road: Dunlop Trailmax Raid, Michelin Anakee Wild
In short: The BMW GS is as versatile as its riders. With the right tires, it becomes the perfect partner — whether on endless motorways, twisty mountain passes, or adventurous off‑road routes.
If you have questions or want to add your own GS tire experiences, feel free to leave a comment.
