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Head to head

BMW R 1300 GS vs CFMoto 800MT-ES

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 CFMoto 800MT-ES are among the most cross-shopped adventure bikes of 2026. The CFMoto 800MT-ES undercuts the BMW R 1300 GS by about $8,396, 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
CFMoto 800MT-ES
8.0

CFMoto

CFMoto 800MT-ES

The verdict

The BMW R 1300 GS edges it overall at 9.3/10, but the CFMoto 800MT-ES wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

CFMoto 800MT-ES

90 hp.

Most exciting

BMW R 1300 GS

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

Best value

CFMoto 800MT-ES

Our 8/10 at $10,499, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

CFMoto 800MT-ES

231 kg with an 825 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$10,499
KickTheStand score9.3 / 108 / 10
Performance
Engine1300cc twin799cc twin
Power145 hp90 hp
Torque149 Nm75 Nm
Power-to-weight0.61 hp/kg0.39 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspensionTelelever (EVO)41mm KYB USD fork, semi-active electronic, 160mm travel
Rear suspensionEVO Paralever monoshockKYB monoshock, semi-active electronic, 150mm travel
Front brakesDual 310mm discs, radial 4-pistonDual 320mm discs, J.Juan radial 4-piston
Rear brakesSingle 285mm discSingle 260mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight237 kg231 kg
Seat height850 mm825 mm
Fuel capacity19 L19 L
Suitability
ClassAdventureAdventure
A2 licenceNoNo
Good for beginnersNoNo
Best foradventure, touringadventure, touring, 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 CFMoto 800MT-ES: your questions answered

Which is faster, the BMW R 1300 GS or the CFMoto 800MT-ES?

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 CFMoto 800MT-ES?

The CFMoto 800MT-ES is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $10,499.

Which is lighter, the BMW R 1300 GS or the CFMoto 800MT-ES?

The CFMoto 800MT-ES is the lightest at 231 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 CFMoto 800MT-ES?

For a new rider we'd point to the CFMoto 800MT-ES: 90 hp and 231 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

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