BMW Is Turning Indian GS Owners Into Proper Off-Road Riders This Year

BMW Motorrad has revealed the full 2026 schedule for its GS Experience in India. It’s a two-day, structured off-road training program built exclusively for GS owners, and it’s rolling through nine major cities this year.

What makes this particular GS Experience different is the fact that they’re running Level 1 and Level 2 at the same time on separate tracks. That might sound minor, but it changes the whole vibe of the event.

For the first time, up to 20 Smart CC riders and 20 Core riders can train simultaneously. For reference, “Smart CC” is BMW’s way of grouping its smaller-displacement GS bikes, mainly the G 310 GS (since the F 450 GS isn't officially out yet) in the 300cc class. “Core” covers the bigger 650cc and above machines like the F, R, and larger boxer GS models. So you’ve got lightweight single-cylinder bikes on one track and heavyweight adventure tourers on another, all under the same umbrella.

Level 1 is about building fundamentals. Riders work on proper body position, throttle control, enduro steering, and controlled braking. That includes emergency stops on slopes and managing inclines without freaking out. It’s less about speed and more about understanding how a 500-plus pound adventure bike reacts once the pavement ends.

Finish Level 1 successfully and you’re cleared for Level 2, which is a clear step up. Riders tackle off-camber sections, longer uphill and downhill runs, and loose surfaces like sand and gravel. There’s a heavy focus on riding position because that’s what keeps a GS composed when traction changes mid-corner. Participants also dive into Enduro Pro mode, which recalibrates ABS, traction control, and throttle response for dirt. Instead of just toggling a mode and hoping for the best, they’re taught what those systems are actually doing and how to use them properly.

There are tight Figure of 8 drills to sharpen low-speed control, quick U-turns in confined spaces, and recovery techniques on slopes. It’s practical training. This is the kind of stuff that prepares you for a fully loaded GS in the middle of nowhere, not just a scenic fire road that leads to your local coffee shop. Plus, every session includes classroom briefings and live demos from BMW Motorrad International Instructor Academy certified trainers. Riders split time between pavement and dirt, so it’s not just an off-road bash. It’s about understanding the full range of what a GS can do.

The 2026 tour hits Chandigarh, New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Pune, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Chennai between February and October. Participants need a valid motorcycle license and an eligible GS model. Full protective gear is mandatory, including a DOT, ECE, or ISI approved helmet, gloves, armored jacket and pants, and proper boots. It goes without saying that alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited, and everyone signs a liability waiver before riding.

Now, regardless of where in the world you're reading this, this is the kind of factory-backed skill development that makes a lot of sense. The bikes are already capable. The real difference is teaching people how to actually ride them. And a lot of the time, a stock bike is already far more capable than its rider.