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DENALI Jumpstarts R&D Effort for the New 2024 BMW R1300GS

February 07 2024

 DENALI LED Lights for BMW R1300GS

1. Why the BMW R 1300 GS and Why UK:

Why the BMW R 1300 GS?

BMW GS customers are arguably some of our biggest fans, and we have been supporting the BMW GS platform with vehicle-specific products since we started it all. In the fast-paced world of motorcycle innovation, anticipation is building as we at DENALI ventured across the pond to the United Kingdom.
The mission? Jumpstarting work on the BMW R 1300 GS before it makes its way to the United States, setting the stage for the BMW R 1300 GS to make a lasting impression on American roads.

The BMW R 1300 GS, is a powerhouse. With it’s boxer engine, redesigned compact frame, and unparalleled performance, this bike has already captured the imaginations of riders around the world. We at DENALI saw an opportunity to enhance this experience even further.

Why the UK?

We knew we needed get creative to ensure that we will have our signature DENALI driving light, horns, visibility lighting, mounts, wiring, accessory switches and controllers ready to ship the day the bike lands in North America, so we sent our head of engineering Aaron LaPrade on the red-eye. Aaron stopped in our popular UK dealer, A Bike Thing in Chilcote, United Kingdom, to start tearing into their brand-new BMW 1300GS. Special thanks to Steve at A Bike Thing for hosting Aaron, and to R&G (our distributor in the UK) for assisting with the project).
Armed with our 3D scanner to embark on our first remote R&D session with real-time collaboration to the team back in the states, Aaron utilized state-of-the-art technology to send scans to RI, while our engineers designed and constructed components mere seconds later. During the process of scanning, Aaron was able to capture details like mounting points and vacant spaces in which our lights and mounts could be housed.


2. What we learned about the bike?

When working with the BMW R 1300 GS, one of the notable impressions is the design. The experience of removing cosmetic panels is now more straightforward than ever, thanks to the inclusion of pop fasteners and a few Torx Head screws. This ease of panel-removal not only facilitates maintenance but also ensures a quicker return to the road, especially with riders opting for additional accessories like the CANsmart, DialDim and the cutting-edge D7 PRO lights. With more space, the process of routing harnesses is easier than ever.

One notable improvement is the repositioned battery, now situated directly under the rider’s seat instead of its previous location by the right calf. This strategic change enhances user convenience, providing easy access to essential components for both regular maintenance and customization.

The rear subframe was redesigned to become a one-piece cast component. Removing the rider and passenger seats reveals the packaged elements underneath, eliminating the need to navigate through closeouts, such as the Rear Carrier Assembly on the R1250GS. This redesign allows for a more efficient and hassle-free installation of accessories like the DialDim Controller or CANsmart Controller. Ultimately the new subframe offers additional space.

As we sent 3D scan data back to The States and several prototype iterations were created, such as the vehicle specific Upper Light Mount, we were able to seamlessly integrate the design as if it was crafted in Berlin. Installing the new light mount only requires “popping” off the front upper fender and aluminum “GS” panels to access the mount’s installation points. Seriously, that’s it.


3. What Products are we developing for the bike?

Within our DNA is Safety, Performance, Control, Design, Integration and Durability. Our new products will feature the latest advancements in technology to elevate your riding experience. Exciting products such as:

  • CANsmart - We are thrilled to announce that our widely popular CANsmart Controller will be among the first products available for the R1300GS. It will have all the same features you know and love but can now be paired with our Dual-Beam D7 PRO Driving Lights to deliver an industry-first experience, giving R1300GS riders the ability to change the beam shape and beam color on fly via the BMW “wonderwheel” switch. Click here to see everything else the CANsmart can do.
  • Upper Light Mounts – We already completed the CAD design and are now testing our beefy 5mm steel upper light mount that grabs three points of the bike to mount even our largest lights in the ideal mounting location on your R1300GS. They’re gonna look good.
  • Rally Mount (for mounting GPS or Cell Phone)
  • Horn Mount for SoundBomb Split Horn
  • Our X-Lens aesthetic and beefy center optic of the D7 PRO is a perfect match to the new BMW X-shaped DRL headlight. It literally looks like an OEM extension of the modern-aggressive, yet sleek, headlight that BMW choose to define the next-generation king of the adventure motorcycle segment
  • And much more


4. What Products already fit the bike?

While we wait for the bike to be released, you don’t have to wait to pick up some product! Our wide range of universal products have been confirmed to fit and are available now. We believe in making your experience as seamless as possible, and that includes the installation of our products so check out our comprehensive outfitting guides – the ultimate go-to resource for step-by-step installation instructions.

Check out our outfitting guide to see what already fits!

Stay tuned for more exciting R1300GS specific products from us at DENALI. As we gear up for the release of the bike in the US Market, you can expect some new and exciting things in the pipeline.