New spy photographs suggest that the brand's Motorrad division is cooking up a fresh boxer-powered M bike after all.Since BMW introduced its first factory M bike with the M 1000 RR in 2020, the German brand has gradually expanded the treatment to other motorcycles in its portfolio.As such, along with rolling out a mean hypernaked M 1000 R, BMW has also whipped up a spritely XR variant intended for spirited long-distance touring. Still, the veritable Gelände/Straße (GS) has yet to benefit.AdvertisementAdvertisementHowever, the latest spy photographs are to be believed, it seems that could be changing sooner rather than later.BMW's R 1300 GS has yet to join the brand's other flagships in enjoying the M treatment, even if it wears similar colors. - Credit: BMW MotorradAn eye-catching covered boxerYou can find the photos in question thanks to Germany's Speed Week. While the images only capture portions of the bike's wheels and undercarriage, they're nevertheless an important development.Namely, they appear to provide some serious evidence of the existence of an M 1300 GS at all. The brand initially trademarked the name even before the launch of the M 1000 RR, so it's been a long-rumored prospect.Beefing up the stopping power never hurts, especially if it's on a hefty adventure bike like the R 1300 GS. - Credit: BMW MotorradHowever, those parts of the bike that are visible are pretty revealing in their own way, too. AdvertisementAdvertisementIn addition to a set of eye-catching blue M brake calipers, the covered GS clearly shows a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear fitted with Metzeler Karoo rubber. Along with upgraded stopping power, it would seem that it's to retain its mixed-surface capabilities.To that end, according to Speed Week, the covered bike also featured longer-travel suspension and a redesigned swingarm support. Both of those upgrades would be aimed at improving the bike's off-road chops.Whether BMW will upgrade the powertrain only time will tell. - Credit: BMW MotorradSome clues in past BMW motos?So what can be expected of the first boxer-powered M bike, assuming it's production-bound? At this stage, it's a tough play to call, but BMW's past efforts could yield some clues.For instance, in the case of the S 1000 RR and the M 1000 RR, the latter is a homologation special. This means that it gains fancy titanium engine internals, race-derived aero and an abundance of carbon fiber, along with a bit more power (among other differences).The M 1000 RR is a homologation special that brings notable upgrades (and a significant price hike) over its stablemate in the S 1000 RR. - Credit: BMW MotorradAs the standard R 1300 GS is hardly wanting for grunt with 145 horsepower and 110 lb-ft of torque, it's unlikely that BMW will go quite as deep on the mods. Still, touches like the brakes suggest a more comprehensive effort than the brand's most recent up-spec boxer ADV.AdvertisementAdvertisementThat's because the GS Adventure HP of the prior R 1250 platform was basically a sticker pack. Though it brought a sweet motorsport-inspired livery and some slick gold wheels, any substantial upgrades were optional extras.BMW's HP2 Enduro was basically a GS on a diet, and significant weight-saving measures could yield a bike that'd be similar in spirit. - Credit: BMW MotorradAs a result, any potential forthcoming M 1300 GS may skew a little more like an even older BMW boxer off-roader: the HP2 Enduro. Back in the days of the R 1200, the brand whipped up a trio of high-po twins, and the dirt-focused version was basically a GS on a diet with some fancy suspension. Something similar doesn't seem too far-fetched, if only in spirit.More to comeWhile there's not much more to do than speculate for now, the photos suggest that M-ified R 1300 GS seems increasingly likely. However it would shape, BMW's past badge designations pretty much guarantee that it would sit atop the GS hierarchy.About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he's not chasing the latest industry news, he's probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.AdvertisementAdvertisementWant to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.