A touring bike that can comfortably cruise at 200km/h. Test ride of the new BMW R1300RT

A high-tech machine that holds the strongest boxer

The new BMW R1300RT features BMW’s traditional horizontally opposed engine and comes standard with a large windscreen and pannier cases. This marks the first full model change in six years since the previous R1250RT.

The power unit shares the same water-cooled boxer twin-cylinder engine as the previously released flagship adventure model, the R1300GS. It delivers the most powerful output in the R series’ history, 145 horsepower, delivering a powerful ride unimaginable for a touring bike. Furthermore, the combination of a newly designed frame, improved front and rear suspension, and lightweight wheels significantly improves dynamic performance.

Comfort features are also plentiful. In addition to the electric windscreen and adjustable luggage system, options include Automatic Shift Assist (ASA) with automated clutch and shifting, and Active Cruise Control (ACC) with automatic vehicle tracking. Aerodynamically, new adjustable side deflectors and newly designed wind and weather guards ensure comfortable riding in any weather. Riding modes include “Road,” “Rain,” and “Eco,” plus an optional “PRO” mode. Safety is further enhanced by the combination of assistance functions such as electronically controlled suspension, front and rear collision warning, and lane change warning.

Also noteworthy is the latest technology, Dynamic Chassis Adaptation (DCA). The vehicle height and suspension settings are automatically optimized according to the driving mode, resulting in a transformation that makes you feel as if you’ve switched to a completely different bike. Furthermore, the Audio Pro sound system enriches your journey, delivering powerful sound that will fill your soul. This is truly the ultimate grand tourer, condensing everything you need in a “traveling bike.”

Quiet time cruising at 200km/h

The new R1300RT has been completely redesigned from its previous, stately form. Its slim, sharp, and linear design exudes a sense of solidity. It shares a freshness with the R1300GSA, showcasing a design that aims to combine urban sophistication with functionality. I also

test rode the naked R1300R, which shares the same engine. While both models boast the most powerful water-cooled boxer twin engine ever, the RT’s power output felt somewhat more mellow and smooth. According to BMW, while the engine map itself is the same, the drivetrain settings are optimized for each model. While the RT is 10kg lighter than the previous model, weighing in at 280kg, it still boasts a heavyweight feel, giving the impression of effortless acceleration. The natural feeling of increasing speed without even thinking about it is truly suited to touring.

The test vehicle was equipped with Automatic Shift Assist (ASA), which eliminates the need for clutch operation, allowing starting, stopping, and shifting gears simply by operating the accelerator. It feels just like a four-wheel automatic, and it’s truly comfortable. From crowded city streets to the suburbs, it significantly reduces the stress of long rides. In addition, the slim electric screen, when raised to its maximum position, firmly protects the rider from wind pressure while creating an amazingly quiet space. The newly added variable side deflectors also precisely control airflow, providing excellent protection against crosswinds. This outstanding power and aerodynamic performance makes cruising at 200km/h on the autobahn a daily occurrence. There’s a saying in four-wheel vehicles that “the road makes the car,” and this was a scene that truly showed the car’s German-born lineage.

DCA unleashes a new dimension of cornering

Also featured for the first time is the Dynamic Chassis Adaptation (DCA) system, an advanced control system that not only adjusts suspension settings but also vehicle height and front-to-rear posture depending on the selected riding mode. In the comfort-oriented “Road,” “Rain,” and “Eco” modes, the vehicle maintains a flat posture that prioritizes stability and ride comfort, like a fluffy, flying carpet. In contrast, “Dynamic” and “Dynamic PRO” modes tighten the front and rear suspension, raising the vehicle height and placing the bike in a forward-leaning combat stance. The result is sharper response and a greater sense of front-end contact, allowing for a more stable ride even in high-speed corners. It’s fascinating to see how

the bike’s character changes dramatically, almost as if two different characters coexist in one machine. In that sense, the new model could be said to be more like a sports tourer. Advanced safety features like ACC, front and rear collision warnings, and blind spot detection when changing lanes support the rider’s intentions behind the scenes, reducing fatigue and risk. I was able to experience these benefits firsthand, especially at ultra-high-speed speeds like on the Autobahn.

Comfort, safety, and riding pleasure… The R1300RT fuses all of these elements at a high level, making it the ideal long-distance touring bike, built with BMW’s signature perfectionism.

It runs through corners with nimble handling that you wouldn’t expect from a heavyweight machine. The support of the latest electronic control systems, including DCA, brings peace of mind not only to the machine but also to the rider.

styling

The powerful silhouette is inspired by the image of a bull with bulging shoulder muscles. The sharp, boxy design based on straight lines is very modern. It gives off a slimmer and more refined impression than the previous R1250RT.

Foot reach (rider height 179cm, weight 73kg)

The handlebars are close, and the upper body is almost upright, giving a relaxed posture, and the footpegs are positioned naturally and comfortably. In one word, “comfortable.” The seat height is standard at 820 mm, but the width of the panniers and the weight of the bike mean that handling can be a little tricky.

Detailed explanation

Commonly known as the “water-cooled boxer,” the engine is a water-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed, twin-cylinder, DOHC, four-valve, 1300cc engine. Its displacement has been increased from the previous model, and it now features a big bore and short stroke. It delivers a maximum output of 145ps/7750rpm and a maximum torque of 149N・m/6500rpm, the same specifications as the R1300GS and R1300R.

The radar sensor, which is the key component of the assistance system, is located in the center of the front cowl. Below that is the full LED headlight, and the “Headlight PRO” has a function that adjusts the angle and distance of the light according to the speed and tilt of the motorcycle body.

Newly adopted adjustable side deflectors. These can be easily raised and lowered manually by pinching the tab at the rear end of the wings.

When lowered, it allows a moderate amount of air into the cockpit, and when raised, it can be expected to have the effect of blocking wind and rain. The reason it was not made electrically operated was to prioritize the benefits of simplicity over avoiding increased weight and cost.

The front brakes are equipped with dual φ310mm discs and radially mounted 4-pin calipers. Fully integral ABS for cornering is also included for safety. The tire sizes are 120/70-17 and 190/55ZR 17, respectively, mounted on Michelin Road 6 tires as standard. The wheels are 1.4kg lighter than the previous model.

5.

This is a manual gearshift pedal, and the higher-grade “Option 719 Camargue” comes with a special color (Blue Ridge Mountain) and incorporates high-quality billet parts.

The passenger seat is wide and flat, emphasizing a sense of unity with the rider. It also comes with a heater. The top case mount is a floating type that minimizes side-to-side roll and impacts handling.

BMW has been thoughtful enough to include a switch for heated grips for tandem riding on the back of the grab bar.

The pannier cases on both sides can be adjusted from 27L to 33L in capacity using the optional variable luggage system (adjust by turning the knob on the front of the box). They are electronic center locking, equipped with interior lighting and a USB-C charging port.

The left grip is where the ACC and ASA switches are located. The test vehicle is an ASA model, so there is no clutch lever and automatic transmission is the default. If you want to operate it manually, it’s easy to do by simply pressing the switch with your index finger and thumb. On the outside is a multi-controller for switching displays, which is also used on BMW’s four-wheel vehicles.

A 54L capacity top case (39L for the small case) is available as an option. The rear frame is made of a high-strength aluminum tube and forged parts to accommodate tandem riding and luggage systems.

This is a cool looking police motorcycle. It has been officially adopted by the German police and is already in use on the scene. The large guards are equipped with several blue LED lamps instead of red lights.

Specifications

Body size: Length x Width x Height = 2229 x 971 x 1387 mm

Wheelbase: 1500 mm

Seat height: 820 / 840 mm (Comfort seat low: 780 / 800 mm)

Vehicle weight: 281 kg

Engine: 1300 cc water-cooled 4-stroke horizontally opposed 2-cylinder DOHC 4 valves (per cylinder)

Transmission: Shaft drive / 6-speed AT

Maximum output: 145 PS (107 kW) / 7750 rpm

Maximum torque: 149 N・m (15.2 kgf・m) / 6500 rpm

Fuel tank capacity: 24 L

Frame: Steel sheet metal (main) / Aluminum truss (sub)

Suspension (travel): EVO Telelever (149 mm) / EVO Paralever (158 mm)

Brakes:

　Front φ310 mm double disc + 4P radial mount caliper Rear

　φ285 mm, single disc + 2P floating caliper (lean angle compatible full integral ABS)

Tires: Front 120/70 ZR17, rear 190/55 ZR17 (Michelin “Road 6”)

Fuel economy: 4.9 liters/100 km (approximately 20.4 km/liter, WMTC mode)

Price: To be determined