Colombia is a land of beautiful extremes. In a single day of riding, you can climb from the humid, tropical heat of the Magdalena Valley up to the crisp, thin air of high-altitude Andean paramos over 10,000 feet. You’ll carve through hundreds of continuous, pristine asphalt switchbacks, only to turn a corner onto a gravel track cutting through a hidden coffee plantation.
Because the terrain changes constantly, choosing the right machine is the most critical decision you’ll make before clipping on your helmet. As an official partner of BMW Motorrad, Elephant Moto maintains a fleet of the absolute latest and greatest adventure motorcycles on the market.
But which one is right for your riding style? Let’s break down the distinct personalities of our primary weapons: the BMW R 1300 GS, the BMW F 900 GS, and the BMW F 800 GS.
1. The Flagship Powerhouse: BMW R 1300 GS
The Ultimate Balance of Luxury, Power, and Flow
If your dream tour is about maximum comfort, effortless power, and experiencing Colombia’s vast geography with absolute confidence, the R 1300 GS is the king. BMW completely re-engineered this bike from the ground up, making it significantly lighter and more compact than the previous 1250 generation, while squeezing even more punch out of its iconic boxer engine.
- The Colombian Advantage: The magic of the boxer engine lies in its center of gravity. Because the weight sits so low, this powerhouse behaves like a much smaller bike when you are tossing it through tight Andean switchbacks. Furthermore, at high altitudes where thin air steals horsepower from lesser engines, the 1300cc motor still packs plenty of torque to pull you up steep mountain passes effortlessly.
- Pillion Comfort: If you are planning a two-up adventure with a passenger, look no further. This is the gold standard. The dynamic electronic suspension automatically adjusts to the extra payload, keeping the ride incredibly plush and stable for both rider and pillion.
- Best Suited For: Riders who want top-tier technology, effortless highway overtaking power, absolute stability on asphalt, and premium comfort over long distances.
The Verdict: The R 1300 GS doesn’t just conquer the road—it glides over it, turning the most challenging mountain passes into a masterclass of flow.
2. The Off-Road Weapon: BMW F 900 GS
Built for the Untamed Backroads
BMW went straight to the enduro gym with this one. The F 900 GS isn’t just a minor refresh; it’s a radical, dirt-focused redesign that shed serious weight and gained an aggressive, off-road attitude.
- The Colombian Advantage: If you are the type of rider whose eyes light up when the pavement ends, this bike was built for you. Boasting a 21-inch front wheel, long-travel suspension, and a slim, dirt-bike-like ergonomic profile, it swallows potholes, loose gravel, and deep ruts for breakfast. It gives you unmatched agility and confidence on Colombia’s unpaved backroads and remote paths.
- The Trade-off: The F 900 GS is highly focused. It features a taller stance and a firmer, narrower seat designed for active off-road manipulation. On long tarmac highway stretches, it won’t pamper you like the 1300, and it is strictly built for solo riders—no passengers here.
- Best Suited For: Solo riders with dirt experience (or high off-road ambitions) who want a light, flickable machine that can handle rough dual-purpose terrain without breaking a sweat.
The Verdict: The F 900 GS is the choice for riders who see dirt roads not as obstacles, but as invitations to explore further.
3. The Confidence Builder: BMW F 800 GS
Approachable, Nimble, and Best for Beginners
Replacing the older F 750 GS, the new F 800 GS is the unsung hero of the fleet—and the ultimate choice for beginners or less experienced adventure riders. It pairs a punchy 895cc parallel-twin engine with a lower, highly approachable chassis and a road-biased 19-inch front wheel.
- The Colombian Advantage: Navigating small Colombian towns requires a lot of low-speed maneuvering—whether you’re pausing on a steep incline to let a colorful Chiva bus pass, or navigating tight, cobblestone streets. The F 800 GS offers a lower seat height that allows most riders to confidently plant both feet flat on the ground. Its power delivery is incredibly smooth, predictable, and friendly, taking the intimidation factor completely out of the equation.
- The Trade-off: It lacks the massive ground clearance and hardcore suspension of the F 900 GS. While it handles the smooth paved twisties beautifully and can easily conquer light gravel tracks leading to eco-lodges or coffee plantations, it is not meant for technical off-road trails.
- Best Suited For: Beginners, shorter riders, or anyone looking for a lighter, lower, highly manageable bike that inspires total confidence on twisty mountain pavement and casual country tracks.
- The Verdict: The F 800 GS makes adventure touring feel approachable, predictable, and enjoyable from the very first mile.
The GS Lineup at a Glance
Feature | BMW R 1300 GS | BMW F 900 GS | BMW F 800 GS |
Engine Type | 1300cc Boxer Twin | 895cc Parallel Twin | 895cc Parallel Twin |
Front Wheel Size | 19-inch | 21-inch (Off-Road Focus) | 19-inch (Street Focus) |
Core Character | Luxurious, Powerful, Balanced | Agile, Aggressive, Enduro-Ready | Approachable, Friendly, Best for Beginners |
Ideal Terrain | Paved mountain passes & light dual-purpose | Rugged dirt trails, mud, & rough gravel | Paved switchbacks & light gravel roads |
Passenger Friendly? | Yes (The Absolute Best) | No (Strictly Solo) | Moderately (Short distances) |
Questions & Answers
Q: I’ve never ridden outside my home country and consider myself a beginner. Is Colombia too difficult, and which bike should I pick?
A: Colombia is incredibly rewarding, but its mountain roads require focus. If you are a beginner or new to adventure touring, the F 800 GS is absolutely your best choice. Its lower seat height, lighter weight, and smooth power delivery give you maximum control and confidence, allowing you to focus on the scenery rather than worrying about handling a massive motorcycle.
Q: Can I switch motorcycles halfway through an Elephant Moto tour?
A: Our tours are planned based on bike availability and individual rider bookings, so you will generally stick with your chosen machine for the duration of the trip. This allows you to truly bond with the bike and master its handling over different terrains. If you are highly unsure which bike to choose, get in touch with our team before booking, and we’ll help match you to the perfect model.
Q: Does the R 1300 GS feel too heavy on Colombia’s tight switchbacks?
A: Surprisingly, no! While it is a large-displacement motorcycle, BMW’s signature boxer engine places the cylinders low and flat. This keeps the center of gravity closer to the ground than a traditional upright engine. Once the wheels are moving, the R 1300 GS drops into corners with shocking ease, making it feel incredibly nimble on twisty mountain roads.
Q: If I choose the off-road-focused F 900 GS, will I struggle on the paved highway sections?
A: Not at all. While the F 900 GS features an aggressive 21-inch front wheel and dirt ergonomics, it still packs a powerful 105-horsepower engine and modern electronic rider modes. It cruises effortlessly at highway speeds; it simply offers a firmer ride and less wind protection compared to the luxury-focused R 1300 GS.
No matter which machine you choose, the open roads, dramatic vistas, and deep cultural experiences of Colombia are waiting for you. We take care of all the logistics behind the scenes—all you have to do is pick your keys, trust your GS, and enjoy the ride.