BMW R 1300 RT 2026 — Specifications

For the average motorcyclist, there are a few common and universal units of measurement: km/h, horsepower, mkg, kilograms, and kilometers. The latter is terrified of facing this Behemoth. Because it is as much a target as prey for one of the most accomplished touring bikes in over forty years: the BMW R 1300 RT.

An icon with a noble stature, a symbol of a dynamic and accomplished frame or a limitless globetrotter. A class 5 version motorcycle, with such an experience that it has become untouchable; for a long time. The manufacturer had to really rack his brains to renew it.

The RT had gone over 10 years without a redesign. Without it suffering any harm: its dynamic lines made it a seductive machine without betraying its GT vocation. But with this 1300 generation, BMW wants to make an impression and firmly seize the generational shift. That is the case: each 1300 model decisively breaks away from the 1250 it replaces.

It is clear that this evolution is remarkable. VERY remarkable! Gone are the stylistic effects with sculpted curves, converging lines, and a hint of subcutaneous sportiness. The R 1300 RT likes square shapes, a robust appearance, and biomimetic styling. The bird of prey has given way to an axolotl. The result is a motorcycle with a very… Chinese look.

BMW is taking advantage of the redesigned look to integrate “active” protection. The massive windshield promises excellent onboard tranquility while the shoulders can change position. In the low position, fresh air vents the rider; raised, the trim deflects air around the rider. An effort has also been made to better protect the boots.

Traveling in a BMW RT is like settling into a premium sedan. Everything is designed to ride far and long. Already, it is easier to access with a lower seat height of 25 mm, 780 mm from the ground. The position of the footrests relative to the seat is the same as the previous generation, but the handlebar moves forward slightly to make the riding position more dynamic, to obtain more maneuverability and feel. In parallel, the seat adjusts in height (20 mm) and inclination. The passenger is entitled to more space on the seat and less hindrance near the cases.

Speaking of cases! As it should be, they are standard. With a new shape, each offers 27 liters of capacity. And there, another shock. The 1250 cases held 32 liters. BMW falls into the same trap as Honda when redesigning the 1800 Goldwing in 2018, where the cases fell from 43 to 30 liters – until Honda compensated in 2021 by increasing the size of the top case. This mechanically leads you to the options corner, where Vario models allow you to modulate the capacity from 27 to 33 liters. They are electrified, with central locking, interior lighting, and the left one has a USB-C port. For a fee, of course.

Ah, those options. They attract you like sugar. Enough to transform the motorcycle into a technological palace. With the latest innovations from BMW, the 1300 RT offers even more accomplished solutions than on the 1250. Above all, the RT can finally get an element that many riders hoped for: an automatic gearbox. The latest ASA robotic system robotizes the clutch and allows the choice between a manual gear shift and an auto mode. The “M” mode allows you to shift gears with your foot; the “D” changes gears automatically, with a responsiveness calibrated to the Riding Mode.

This gives the RT the transmission tranquility that it could (sometimes) lack. A motorcycle close to an imperial driving experience, its ambitions are in line with the latest and enthusiastic 1300 cm3 twin-cylinder engine. A block that has little to do with the previous one, except for its overall architecture. Redesigned, improved, excited, it gives wings to the models it propels. The GS had the first taste of it, in the fall of 2023. BMW took its time to install it on all the R models, spreading this graft until the summer of 2025. But that's it: the 145 hp boxer, or 9 hp more than the 1250 cm3, vigorously propels the GS, the GS Adventure, the R roadster, the sport-GT R and our touring RT.

Vigor is the most appropriate word, so much is its energy present. Thanks to its large torque of 15.2 mkg and its availability, it can relaunch with force at any RPM. Of course, its drive will be somewhat smoothed by the weight of the machine. Heavier by 2 kgs from the previous RT, the 1300 must compose with 281 kgs – that's almost 50 kgs more than the GS. This doesn't scare the engine. More valiant than the 1250, it has increased bore and stroke, larger valves, a higher compression ratio, a construction and layout of the technical aspects reducing bulk and no longer hindering the knees, a lighter weight (- 6.5 kg), incorporates the Shiftcam variable valve timing system and vibrates less. Its cylinder heads are protected by discreet carbon fiber hoops.

Once the smartphone is slipped into the dedicated storage pocket (on top of the tank) and larger than before, a little loading into the cases and a bag strapped to the luggage rack, the R 1300 RT will flirt with 300 kgs. But we can trust the Behemoth engineers to offer it a very high level of driving balance. Throughout its existence, the RT dynasty has never ceased to excel.

A step will be taken with this one: its frame is no longer made of a tubular structure. Instead, a steel sheet frame allows for more rigidity and compactness. The rear frame is now made of aluminum tubes. To calm it down, the braking staff is up to par. Integral ABS Pro acts on the front and rear when actuating the brake lever and adapts to the selected Riding Mode. From there, Hayes 4-piston calipers bite 310 mm front discs and a 285 mm rear disc with 2 pistons.

Regarding suspension, the EVO Telelever is inspired by the design of the old R 1200 and HP2 Sport, with a more rigid upper structure. Precision and feel will be noticeably felt. Behind, the monobrach with adjustable footrests remains the same.

It is richly equipped as standard: a 10.25-inch color TFT screen, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, a DAB-FM audio system, a ventilated glove box with a USB-C port, heated grips, 3 Riding Modes (Rain / Road / Eco), traction control, residual engine braking regulation (MSR), cruise control, dynamic braking control, active ABS on the angle, keyless system, Headlight Pro headlights with adaptive lighting (in curves, at the motorcycle's angle, at speed and light intensity), tire pressure monitoring and intelligent emergency call.

However, few R 1300 RT... Excuse me, few BMWs will settle for the standard equipment. Why not make the wallet hemophilic with a few options like the aforementioned elements (ASA automatic gearbox, DCA suspension, variable luggage) or the Pro Audio system, additional Dynamic and Dynamic Pro Riding Modes, radar technology piloting the adaptive cruise control (ACC), forward collision warning (FCW), lane change warning (SWW) and the new rear collision warning (RECW), "air conditioning" (seat, top case backrest, passenger heated grips), the shifter, the Sport brakes, the adjustable footrests... or just a top case!?

The BMW R 1300 RT once again pushes the boundaries of Grand Touring even higher. The design, performance and technology climb a new level. The ReiseTourer dynasty is more than ever at the top of its category. Even if the competition no longer exists, this motorcycle wants to dominate everything that rolls. Under one condition: accept a price equivalent to a car.

M.B - Photos manufacturer

The BMW R 1300 RT is available in 4 colors, each corresponding to a typical “definition”:- The base version, in Alpine White, is the only one with a tubular handlebar- The Triple Black model receives a much shorter windshield and a darkened exhaust line.- The Impulse, in racing blue, features a darkened exhaust line, additional air deflectors, a brushed aluminum tank and red stickers on the wheels.- The 719 Camargue option features air deflectors, a chrome exhaust line, sport wheels, a set of milled parts, and its white stripes are hand-painted.