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Head to head

BMW R 1300 GS vs Zero DSR/X

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

The BMW R 1300 GS and Zero DSR/X are among the most cross-shopped adventure bikes of 2026. The BMW R 1300 GS undercuts the Zero DSR/X by about $5,400, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the BMW R 1300 GS leads on power with 145 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

BMW R 1300 GS
Our pick
9.3

BMW

BMW R 1300 GS
Zero DSR/X
7.8

Zero

Zero DSR/X

The verdict

The BMW R 1300 GS edges it overall at 9.3/10, but the Zero DSR/X wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Zero DSR/X

100 hp.

Most exciting

BMW R 1300 GS

145 hp and 0.61 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

BMW R 1300 GS

Our 9.3/10 at $18,895, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

BMW R 1300 GS

237 kg with an 850 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

BMW R 1300 GS

Our top score in this matchup at 9.3/10.

Price & rating
Price$18,895$24,295
KickTheStand score9.3 / 107.8 / 10
Performance
Engine1300cc twinElectric
Power145 hp100 hp
Torque149 Nm229 Nm
Power-to-weight0.61 hp/kg0.40 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspensionTelelever (EVO)n/a
Rear suspensionEVO Paralever monoshockn/a
Front brakesDual 310mm discs, radial 4-pistonn/a
Rear brakesSingle 285mm discn/a
Dimensions & practicality
Weight237 kg247 kg
Seat height850 mm832 mm
Fuel capacity19 Ln/a
Suitability
ClassAdventureAdventure
A2 licenceNoNo
Good for beginnersNoNo
Best foradventure, touringadventure, commuting

Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.

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BMW R 1300 GS vs Zero DSR/X: your questions answered

Which is faster, the BMW R 1300 GS or the Zero DSR/X?

The BMW R 1300 GS makes the most power at 145 hp and 149 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the BMW R 1300 GS or the Zero DSR/X?

The BMW R 1300 GS is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $18,895.

Which is lighter, the BMW R 1300 GS or the Zero DSR/X?

The BMW R 1300 GS is the lightest at 237 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the BMW R 1300 GS or the Zero DSR/X?

For a new rider we'd point to the Zero DSR/X: 100 hp and 247 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

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