BMW R 1300 RT
2026 BMW R 1300 RT: 145 hp boxer, 149 Nm, 281 kg, from €24,500. Specs, options, press reviews, recalls and generations.
At a glance
The BMW R 1300 RT is BMW's large tourer, renewed in 2025 with a 1,300 cc, 145 hp boxer, a steel sheet-metal frame, semi-active suspension and standard panniers. Priced from €24,500 in France, and €30,645 with the Finition Pro, it takes on the K 1600 GT, the Honda Gold Wing and the Ducati Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour. International reviewers praise its engine, wind protection and comfort, but criticise numerous, expensive options, an ASA automated gearbox that still needs work and its 281 kg weight.
World press review
Meta-score
9 sources
Press ratings
New engine, chassis and technology for a price close to the previous model; ASA gearbox still needs work and slight instability in strong winds.
Engine better than the 1250 in every respect but with slightly less character; semi-active suspension and DCA make the RT better, well-designed ASA gearbox; no touchscreen or CarPlay.
The ultimate RT for tech-loving high-mileage riders; excellent ASA manual mode, automatic mode too quick to upshift when riding hard; seat below what a $30,000 bike warrants and disappointing audio.
A worthy heir: convincing engine and chassis, effective side deflectors, ASA among the best automated gearboxes but reactive by nature; high price and a profusion of options.
Slimmer-looking, even better wind protection, sovereign boxer, ASA recommended for town and touring; slight front-end instability above 160 km/h.
Touring qualities and dynamism combined, convincing DCA, intuitive ASA; the only real drawback is the price.
A benchmark for dynamic performance, explosive engine in Dynamic mode, impressive protection; essential and expensive options, road noise reaching the helmet, extra weight.
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
Reviews cover the 2025 and 2026 model years, which are technically identical. Only two publications give a numeric score: MCN (5/5, plus its 2025 Tourer of the Year title) and Caradisiac (15.3/20). The average score of 88/100 therefore rests on these two scores alone and is a fragile indicator. Bennetts BikeSocial, Cycle World, RevZilla Common Tread, Motorcycle.com, MOTORRAD, 1000PS and Le Repaire des Motards tested it without scoring it.
What reviewers like: a more powerful boxer with strong low-rev punch, outstanding wind protection (MOTORRAD says it has never ridden so sheltered on two wheels), a more dynamic chassis thanks to DCA and true touring comfort. MCN believes BMW has raised the touring bar.
What they criticise: numerous, expensive options (MCN, Motorcycle.com, Caradisiac, 1000PS), an ASA gearbox that still needs work in automatic mode (BikeSocial, RevZilla Common Tread, MCN), slight instability at high speed or in strong winds (MOTORRAD, BikeSocial), a disappointing seat and audio system (RevZilla Common Tread), road noise in the helmet and extra weight (Le Repaire des Motards).
Key quotes
"BMW didn’t need to improve it, but they did anyway and raised the touring bar in the process."
"It should have been a nightmare, but turned out to be one of the best rides of the year because the R1300RT is so flipping good at doing exactly what you need it to in a way that takes the least possible effort."
"Then there’s DSA and DCA, which quite simply make the RT a better motorcycle."
"The 2026 BMW R1300 RT is a worthy heir to the Bavarian firm's sport touring crown."
"We have never travelled so shielded, so calm and so free of load on the upper body, at least not on two wheels."
"The BMW R 1300 RT combines its classic touring qualities with a surprising amount of riding dynamism."
"Heavier once again, more powerful and less bulky in return, the RT nonetheless remains a benchmark of its kind when it comes to dynamic performance."
"Undoubtedly superior, the RT is imposing and asserts itself, provided you are willing to pay the price."
Pros
- 145 hp boxer, punchy from low revs
- Outstanding wind protection
- Dynamic chassis, especially with DCA
- Comprehensive standard equipment: semi-active suspension, navigation, panniers
- Range of about 440 to 470 km
- 3-year unlimited-mileage warranty
Cons
- Numerous, expensive options (€30,645 with the Finition Pro)
- ASA gearbox needs work in automatic mode
- 281 kg wet
- Slight instability at high speed and in strong winds
- No touchscreen or CarPlay
Our review
What is the R 1300 RT?
The R 1300 RT replaced the R 1250 RT, which is no longer on sale, in 2025. Everything is new: engine, frame, suspension, fairing and electronics. Neither the 2026 nor the 2027 model year brings any technical change. In the US, the 2027 model year only changes the price (+$100) and the graphics of the Impulse variant.
Which versions and what price in France?
BMW Motorrad France offers a single engine version, with no A2 variant, in four finishes:
- Alpine White 3, €24,500;
- Triple Black (Black Storm Metallic), €25,185;
- Style Impulse (Racing Blue Metallic), €26,065;
- Option 719 (Blue Ridge Mountain Metallic), €26,720.
The Finition Pro (€6,145) bundles the main options: sport brakes, Riding Assistant, Dynamic Chassis Adaption, Headlight Pro, Shifter Pro, Riding Modes Pro, audio system, centre stand, alarm and central locking. It takes the base version to €30,645. Some of this equipment also comes in packages: Comfort (€1,045), Dynamic (€1,665), Innovation (€1,500) and Passenger Comfort (€1,730). The ASA automated gearbox costs €900. In the US, the 2027 R 1300 RT sells for $22,745.
How good is the engine?
The 1,300 cc boxer (106.5 x 73 mm), with its gearbox now located under the engine, makes 145 hp at 7,750 rpm and 149 Nm at 6,500 rpm, against 136 hp and 143 Nm for the R 1250 RT. It keeps ShiftCam variable valve timing. BMW quotes 0-100 km/h in 3.7 s (3.6 s in the press kit) and a top speed of 231 km/h in the owner’s manual and configurator, while the website and press kit only state “over 200 km/h”.
Cycle World rates it better than the 1250 in every respect, with slightly less character. Le Repaire des Motards finds it explosive in Dynamic mode, and Caradisiac likes its low-rev punch.
How does it ride?
The steel sheet-metal main frame gets an aluminium rear frame and EVO Telelever and EVO Paralever suspension, controlled by standard Dynamic ESA. The optional DCA (Dynamic Chassis Adaption) changes the geometry: in the Dynamic modes, it raises the rear by about 30 mm and the front by about 8 mm. Cycle World says it makes the RT better, and 1000PS finds it convincing. Braking combines twin 310 mm discs with radial calipers and integral ABS Pro.
Reviewers raise two stability reservations: slight front-end instability above 160 km/h for MOTORRAD, and sensitivity to strong winds for BikeSocial.
The ASA gearbox divides testers. Caradisiac, MOTORRAD and 1000PS find it relevant; MCN finds it practical but sometimes jerky. RevZilla Common Tread praises the manual mode but finds the automatic mode too quick to upshift when riding hard. For Motorcycle.com, it is one of the best automated gearboxes, but it reacts rather than anticipates.
What equipment?
Standard equipment includes three riding modes (Rain, Road, Eco), DTC traction control, cruise control with braking function, a 10.25-inch TFT with navigation, Keyless Ride, heated grips, an electric screen, tyre pressure monitoring and 27-litre side cases. The Riding Assistant (adaptive cruise control, front and rear collision warnings, lane change warning) remains optional. Cycle World regrets the lack of a touchscreen and CarPlay.
Fuel consumption and maintenance
BMW quotes 4.9 L/100 km on the WMTC cycle (5.0 L with ASA). BikeSocial and RevZilla Common Tread recorded 5.1 to 5.5 L/100 km, giving 440 to 470 km of range from 24 litres. The owner’s manual specifies a service with oil change every 10,000 km or every year, and a valve check and spark plug replacement every 20,000 km. The warranty is 3 years with unlimited mileage.
Recalls
In the US, a 2025 recall covers the insufficiently hardened drive shaft of certain 2026 R 1300 RTs; only one bike was in a customer’s hands. No recall had been published in France as of 13 October 2026.
Where does it come from?
The RT line began in 1978 with the R 100 RT. It was followed by the R 1100 RT and its Telelever chassis (1995), the R 1150 RT, two generations of R 1200 RT (air/oil-cooled in 2005, air/liquid-cooled in 2014), then the ShiftCam R 1250 RT in 2019.
Specifications
| Displacement | 1300 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 145 hp (107 kW) @ 7,750 rpm |
| Torque | 149 Nm @ 6,500 rpm |
| Weight | 281 kg (kerb, road ready, tank at least 90% full, standard equipment; 265 kg dry) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 1.94 |
| Seat height | 820 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 24 L |
| Fuel consumption | 4.9 L/100 km (WMTC cycle) — 113 g/km CO2; 5.0 L/100 km with the ASA gearbox |
| Maintenance interval | Service and oil change every 10,000 km or 1 year — Valves and spark plugs: 20,000 km (BMW owner's manual) |
| Engine type | Air/liquid-cooled 4-stroke boxer twin, chain-driven DOHC, counterbalance shaft, BMW ShiftCam variable valve timing |
| Cooling | liquide |
| Transmission | 6-speed, shaft drive; optional ASA automated gearbox |
| License | A |
| MSRP | €24,500 |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 106,5 x 73 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 13,3:1 |
| Fuel system | Indirect electronic fuel injection, 52 mm throttle body, ride-by-wire (BMS-O engine management) |
| Valve train | Chain-driven DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, BMW ShiftCam variable intake valve timing |
| Max power RPM | 7750 units.rpm |
| Max torque RPM | 6500 units.rpm |
| Starter | Electric |
| Euro standard | Euro 5+ |
Chassis & running gear
| Frame type | Two-piece: steel sheet-metal main frame and bolt-on aluminium rear frame, load-bearing engine |
|---|---|
| Rake angle | 25.8 ° |
| Trail | 121.5 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1500 mm |
| Front suspension | BMW Motorrad EVO Telelever, handlebar tilt decoupled by a flexible element, electronically adjusted central shock (Dynamic ESA), 149 mm travel |
| Rear suspension | BMW Motorrad EVO Paralever, cast aluminium single-sided swingarm, electronically adjusted central strut (Dynamic ESA), 158 mm travel; optional Dynamic Chassis Adaption (DCA) |
| Front brake | Twin 310 mm floating discs, 4-piston radial calipers |
| Rear brake | Single 285 mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper |
| Front tire | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear tire | 190/55 ZR17 |
| ABS system | BMW Motorrad integral ABS Pro (optimised for cornering), Dynamic Brake Control |
Performance
| 0 to 100 km/h | 3.7 s |
|---|---|
| Top speed | 231 km/h |
Electronics & rider aids
| Riding modes | Rain, Road, Eco |
|---|---|
| Traction control | Yes |
| Quickshifter | Optional: Shifter Pro (€275, Dynamic package) or ASA automated gearbox (€900) |
| Cruise control | Yes (Standard dynamic cruise control with braking function; optional radar adaptive cruise control (ACC, Riding Assistant)) |
| Dashboard | 10.25-inch colour TFT (1,920 x 720 pixels), built-in map navigation |
| Connectivity | BMW Motorrad Connectivity (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, BMW Motorrad Connected app), Connectivity Hub |
| Other features | Standard Dynamic ESA semi-active suspension; optional Dynamic Chassis Adaption (DCA), Optional Riding Modes Pro (Dynamic, Dynamic Pro), DTC traction control, MSR engine brake control and Dynamic Brake Control, HSC Pro hill start control, Optional Riding Assistant: adaptive cruise control, front collision warning, lane change warning, rear end collision warning, Full LED lighting; optional Headlight Pro and Adaptive Light Modes, Keyless Ride, Heated grips, Tyre pressure monitoring (RDC), Electrically adjustable screen, Ventilated smartphone compartment with USB-C socket, 12 V socket, Standard 27-litre hard side cases, Intelligent emergency call (free option), Lithium-ion battery |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Upright, touring handlebars |
|---|---|
| Wind protection | Full fairing, electrically adjustable screen, optional variable wind deflectors (protection praised by reviewers) |
| Payload | 229 kg |
| Max total weight | 510 kg |
The R 1300 RT offers an upright touring position, with a seat at 820 or 840 mm; BMW also offers low (780/800 mm), comfort (825/845 mm) and high (840/860 mm) seats. The screen is electrically adjustable and variable wind deflectors are available as an option; MOTORRAD praises unprecedented protection, Motorcycle.com effective side deflectors. RevZilla Common Tread finds the seat below what the bike’s price warrants, and Le Repaire des Motards notes road noise reaching the helmet. BMW quotes a payload of 229 kg and a maximum of 10 kg per side case.
Ownership & maintenance
5.1 to 5.5 L/100 km (foreign press readings: BikeSocial 55 UK mpg, RevZilla Common Tread 43 US mpg in mixed riding)
L/100km
Real-world consumption
~~440 to 470 km (estimated: 24 L tank / recorded 5.1 to 5.5 L/100 km)
km
Estimated range
| Oil change | every 10,000 km or every 12 months |
|---|---|
| Valve check | every 20,000 km |
| Spark plugs | every 20,000 km |
| Chain | Not applicable (shaft drive): bevel gear oil every 20,000 km or 2 years; drive shaft replaced at 80,000 km |
Average service cost
BMW France plans, 3 years / 30,000 km: Oil Inclusive €770, Service Inclusive €1,410
Warranty
3 years / Unlimited mileage; 1- or 2-year extension (€160 or €320)
BMW’s owner’s manual specifies a running-in check with oil change between 500 and 1,200 km, then a service with oil and oil filter every 10,000 km or every year. Valve clearance, spark plugs and air filter come every 20,000 km, as does the bevel gear oil (or every two years). The drive shaft is inspected and greased at 30,000 and 60,000 km, then replaced at 80,000 km. Brake fluid is changed after one year, then every two years. BMW Motorrad France provides a 3-year unlimited-mileage warranty, extendable by one or two years (€160 or €320). The 3-year or 30,000 km plans cost €770 (Oil Inclusive) or €1,410 (Service Inclusive).
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW R 1300 RT | €24,500 | 145 hp (107 kW) @ 7,750 rpm | 281 kg (kerb, road ready, tank at least 90% full, standard equipment; 265 kg dry) |
| BMW K 1600 GT2027 | €28,900 | 160 hp | 343 kg (wet, side cases included) |
| Honda GL1800 Gold Wing DCT2026 | €28,849 | 126 hp | 373 kg (kerb) |
| Ducati Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour2027 | €28,990 | 170 hp | 240 kg (without fuel) |
| Honda NT1100 DCT2027 | €15,799 | 102 hp | 248 kg (kerb, without the standard side cases) |
Generations
Compare →- R 100 RT (double bras oscillant)1978 – 1984
980 cc · 70 hp · — · —
The first RT ("Reisetourer"): full fairing with a large screen, luggage rack and pannier mounts.
- R 100 RT (Monolever)1987 – 1996
980 cc · 60 hp · — · —
The RT returns with a revised 1,000 cc twin and Monolever chassis; Classic version in 1994.
- R 1100 RT1995 – 2001
1,085 cc · 90 hp · — · —
Four-valve air/oil-cooled boxer from the R 1100 RS, Telelever and Paralever suspension.
- R 1150 RT2001 – 2006
1,130 cc · 95 hp · — · —
Displacement up from 1,085 to 1,130 cc, subtly revised design.
- R 1200 RT (refroidissement air/huile)2005 – 2013
1,170 cc · — · — · —
New 1,200 cc boxer, more powerful and lighter, electrically adjustable screen.
- R 1200 RT (refroidissement air/liquide)2014 – 2018
1,170 cc · 125 hp · 125 Nm · 274 kg (road-ready)
Air/liquid-cooled boxer, new frame, Dynamic ESA and new design.
- R 1250 RT2019 – 2024
1,254 cc · 136 hp · 143 Nm · 279 kg (road-ready)
ShiftCam variable valve timing; 2021 facelift with a new front end, 10.25-inch TFT with navigation, integral ABS Pro and optional radar adaptive cruise control.
Compare with this generation → - R 1300 RT2025 – today
1,300 cc · 145 hp · 149 Nm · 281 kg (road-ready)
New 145 hp 1,300 cc boxer, steel sheet-metal frame, optional DCA suspension and ASA automated gearbox.
| Generation | Displacement | Power | Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R 100 RT (double bras oscillant)1978 – 1984 The first RT ("Reisetourer"): full fairing with a large screen, luggage rack and pannier mounts. | 980 cc | 70 hp | — | — |
| R 100 RT (Monolever)1987 – 1996 The RT returns with a revised 1,000 cc twin and Monolever chassis; Classic version in 1994. | 980 cc | 60 hp | — | — |
| R 1100 RT1995 – 2001 Four-valve air/oil-cooled boxer from the R 1100 RS, Telelever and Paralever suspension. | 1,085 cc | 90 hp | — | — |
| R 1150 RT2001 – 2006 Displacement up from 1,085 to 1,130 cc, subtly revised design. | 1,130 cc | 95 hp | — | — |
| R 1200 RT (refroidissement air/huile)2005 – 2013 New 1,200 cc boxer, more powerful and lighter, electrically adjustable screen. | 1,170 cc | — | — | — |
| R 1200 RT (refroidissement air/liquide)2014 – 2018 Air/liquid-cooled boxer, new frame, Dynamic ESA and new design. | 1,170 cc | 125 hp | 125 Nm | 274 kg road-ready |
| R 1250 RT2019 – 2024 ShiftCam variable valve timing; 2021 facelift with a new front end, 10.25-inch TFT with navigation, integral ABS Pro and optional radar adaptive cruise control. Compare with this generation → | 1,254 cc | 136 hp | 143 Nm | 279 kg road-ready |
| R 1300 RT2025 – today New 145 hp 1,300 cc boxer, steel sheet-metal frame, optional DCA suspension and ASA automated gearbox. | 1,300 cc | 145 hp | 149 Nm | 281 kg road-ready |
Manufacturer figures (otherwise specialist press). Weighing conditions differ between generations: compare weights with care.
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
Insufficiently hardened drive shaft: the universal joint may slip within the shaft, causing a loss of drive power. Covers certain US 2026 R 1300 RTs (only one in a customer's hands, fixed on 21/11/2025); drive shaft replaced free of charge. No recall published in France (RappelConso) as of 13/10/2026
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