Introducing the New R 1300 R, RS and RT

It was a simply matter of time before BMW Motorrad upgraded its existing R 1250 product line. With the addition of the new R 1300 R, R 1300 RS and R 1300 RT models, that is now a reality.

Common among all three new BMW models is the 1300cc boxer motor, producing an output of 145 hp and a maximum torque of 110 lb-ft., making this the most powerful serial production BMW boxer engine to date. The R 1300 boxer engine is equipped with BMW’s ShiftCam technology to vary the valve timing and stroke on the intake side. At the heart of this technology is a single-section intake shift camshaft, which has a partial-load and a full-load cam for each valve to be actuated, each with a different cam geometry. While the partial-load cam has been configured to ensure optimized fuel consumption and refinement, the full-load cam is designed for optimized output.

The bike’s six-speed gearbox and clutch are now integrated into the engine housing, not behind the engine but underneath it. The advantages of this arrangement result in a reduced overall length and weight balance as it is possible to make the transmission shafts significantly shorter. Compared to the previous model, a weight saving of 8.6 lbs. for the basic engine and 14.3 lbs. for the entire powertrain was possible. This greater mass concentration towards the overall center of gravity ensures better-handling qualities. As before, power is transmitted to the six-speed gearbox via a ten-disk wet clutch with a self-reinforcing anti-hopping mechanism.

Equipped with ASA Automatic Shift Assistant, riders can employ automated clutch operation and gear changes without sacrificing the dynamic of shifting gears. ASA uses two electromechanical actuators to automate clutching and shifting in the conventional six-speed gearbox–the key difference from a conventional shift assistant. As a result, there is no need for a clutch lever for manual operation. Starting, stopping and maneuvering are effortless.

In shift mode “M,” gears can still be changed manually using the foot lever, allowing the rider to choose the exact shift point. ASA comes into its own when using shift mode “D,” where perfectly timed gear changes with smooth torque interruption deliver efficient acceleration and greater ride stability.

Along with their revised styling and bodywork, some other shared features among the three new models include new frames with aluminum rear sections, new suspension and suspension adjustment systems, lighter wheels, Riding Assistant with Active Cruise Control and frontal collision warning. To ensure the fastest possible assistance in the event of an accident or situations of emergency and danger, BMW Motorrad has developed eCall–Intelligent Emergency Call–which, at the push of a button, aims to get help to the scene of the incident as quickly as possible.

And like all new BMW motorcycles, they all come standard with BMW’s complimentary 600-mile break-in service. For complete details and available options, visit your local BMW Motorrad dealership or visit bmwmotorcycles.com.

R 1300 R

BMW’s new R 1300 R roadster offers more power, torque, style, the latest technology and new options, allowing riders to tailor their motorcycles to their specific desires and needs.

“With the new BMW R 1300 R, we’ve taken our dynamic roadster with a boxer engine to a new level. Focused uncompromisingly on riding dynamics, it delivers a far sportier experience than its predecessor thanks to a completely redesigned engine and chassis, while still retaining core BMW values such as touring capability and comfort,” said Christof Lischka, Head of Development BMW Motorrad
With the bike’s more aggressive and sportier design, equipment features such as the Style Performance variant–including a sport suspension, short hand levers, machined and adjustable footrests, DTC-Shift, two additional sport screens, sport seat, engine spoiler and sport tires, allow customers to dial up the bike’s dynamic potential even further. At the same time, the R 1300 R remains a capable companion for everyday use and touring. With options such as seat heating, Riding Assistant, a higher windscreen and a variety of luggage choices, the bike can be perfectly tailored to individual needs of this type.

The ergonomic triangle formed by the new R’s handlebars, footrests and seat was designed to position the rider noticeably further forward over the front wheel thanks to slightly rear-set footrests and a flatter handlebar. This results in improved feedback from the front end, especially during sporty riding, and greater controllability. At the same time, the sporty seating position still allows for relaxed touring and cruising, even with a passenger.

The 2-into-1 exhaust system of the new R is made of stainless steel and designed for optimum output and torque in conjunction with the BMW ShiftCam technology and low weight.

Three standard riding modes, including “RAIN” and “ROAD,” allow riding characteristics to be adapted to most road conditions. The “ECO” riding mode makes it possible to use the innovative BMW ShiftCam technology to achieve maximum range from a single tank of fuel.
The optional Riding Modes Pro adds two additional riding modes, including “DYNAMIC” and “DYNAMIC PRO,” to configure the R further to suit a rider’s needs.

Standard DTC Dynamic Traction Control uses fixed base settings to control rear wheel slip in “RAIN,” “ROAD,” and “ECO” riding modes. In “DYNAMIC PRO” mode–included in the R 1300 R Style Performance–fine adjustment via DTC-Shift (+/– shift) is available.

The chassis of the new R has been redesigned and is highlighted by the new sheet steel main frame, which, in addition to being more compact, also offers higher levels of stiffness than the previous model. During the redesign, the rear frame was also redesigned. In place of the previous model’s tubular steel construction, the new R uses a rear frame made of die-cast aluminum. Combined with a more compact drivetrain, the new chassis design achieved a significant mass concentration towards the center of gravity, reflecting noticeable handling benefits.

The bike’s standard Dynamic ESA electronic suspension offers high riding safety and fun over various surfaces with its dynamic damping and adjustable rear spring pre-load adjustment.

The optional electronic Dynamic Suspension Adjustment now goes one step further, combining the dynamic adjustment of the front and rear damping with a corresponding adjustment of the spring rate (spring stiffness)–depending on the selected riding mode, riding conditions and dynamic maneuvers.

The new R comes standard with a twin 310 mm disc brake featuring two radially mounted four-piston fixed calipers at the front and a single 285 mm disc brake with a two-piston floating caliper at the rear in conjunction with BMW Motorrad Fully Integral ABS Pro.

As a backup system to Fully Integral ABS Pro, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) offers increased safety when braking in difficult situations by preventing unintentional throttle application. By means of intervention in the engine control unit, the drive torque is reduced during braking, making full use of the braking power at the rear wheel. This keeps the motorcycle stable and shortens the braking distance.

The new R features standard Connectivity, including a 6.5-inch full-color TFT screen. In conjunction with the standard BMW Motorrad Multi-Controller, this gives the rider fast access to vehicle and connectivity functions.

MSRP: $16,595

R 1300 RS

The goal in developing the new R 1300 RS was to give the sports touring boxer motorcycle a significantly sportier and more dynamic feel–both technically and visually.

“The new R 1300 RS has been given a far sportier character than its predecessor. This is evident not only in its increased engine performance and chassis capability, but is also instantly visible in the bike’s sporty design with fairing that extends a long way downwards. Accordingly, the ergonomics are now also noticeably sportier and more front-wheel-oriented, without compromising the typical BMW RS qualities of comfort for touring and long-distance travel,” said Christian Hahn-Wörnle, Designer R 1300 RS.

Alongside its more aggressive and sportier design, the fastest of the new models (top speed of 152 mph) is available with optional equipment including a sport suspension, short, hand levers, milled and adjustable footrests, DTC-Shift, sport screens, sport seat, engine spoiler and sport tires which allow riders to take the bike’s dynamic potential even further. At the same time, the new RS remains a capable companion for everyday use and touring. With options such as seat heating, Riding Assistant, a higher windscreen, and a variety of luggage choices, the bike can be perfectly tailored to individual needs of this type.

With an emphasis on optimum accessibility and a low seat height, the new RS has a seat height of 31.1 inches. Optional seats are available.
For touring, the new RS can be fitted with new side cases with 26 and 29-liter capacity. Both are electrified and can be unlocked using the central locking system. They also feature interior lighting, and the left-hand case includes a USB-C charging port. Additional storage is provided by the optional 39-liter top case, including a USB-C port.
Another accessory highlight in the R 1300 RS is the new tank bag, which has been designed without straps and is mounted on the motorcycle using a tank ring.

Like the new R 1300 R, the new RS also uses an exhaust system made of stainless steel and designed for optimum output and torque in conjunction with the BMW ShiftCam technology and for very low weight.

The new RS offers three standard riding modes for adaptation to individual rider preferences. The “RAIN” and “ROAD” riding modes allow riding characteristics to be adapted to most road conditions. The “ECO” riding mode makes it possible to use the innovative BMW ShiftCam technology to achieve maximum range from a single tank of fuel. Optional Riding Modes Pro adds two additional riding modes: “DYNAMIC” and “DYNAMIC PRO.”

A new chassis includes a redesigned sheet steel main frame that offers higher levels of stiffness than the previous model. The rear frame was also completely reconceived and now uses a rear frame made of die-cast aluminum, offering higher stiffness levels and lower weight, resulting in a noticeable increase in riding precision and stability.

The new RS features a 47 mm upside-down telescopic fork with 5.5 inches of suspension travel. The redesigned rear suspension is built around the Evo Paralever II, with its significantly stiffer connection to the frame and a continuous swinging arm quick-release axle. The rear suspension travel is 5.1 inches.

The bike comes standard with a twin 310 mm disc brake featuring two radially mounted four-piston fixed calipers at the front and a single 285 mm disc brake with a two-piston floating caliper at the rear in conjunction with BMW Motorrad Fully Integral ABS Pro.

The new RS features standard Connectivity, including a 6.5-inch full-color TFT screen. In conjunction with the standard BMW Motorrad Multi-Controller, it gives the rider fast access to vehicle and connectivity functions.

MSRP: $16,995

R 1300 RT

The new BMW R 1300 RT follows in the footsteps of its highly successful predecessor and builds on the proven qualities of the BMW RT, including touring capability and riding comfort, whether alone or with a passenger and luggage. Optional package equipment such as the Sport Brake, Gear Shift Assistant Pro and the all-new DCA electronic suspension allows for an even more dynamic riding experience. The Automatic Shift Assistant ASA complements the range of optional package extras. All this, combined with a more dynamic and visually lighter design, promises to continue the success story of the BMW RT.

“With the new BMW R 1300 RT, we’ve taken the touring icon from BMW Motorrad to a new level. It is lighter in design, more accessible and more dynamic than ever. In addition, with a completely new engine, chassis and aerodynamics, it offers a riding experience that meets the highest demands in this segment in terms of dynamics, comfort and travel capability,” said Harald Spagl, Project Manager BMW R 1300 RT.

The wind and weather protection of the new RT includes adjustable side trim integrated into the design to provide the rider with an adequate supply of fresh air even in challenging conditions such as city traffic or high outside temperatures while offering effective protection from the wind and weather at low temperatures. Optional Variable Wind Deflectors are also available.

The position of the footrests in relation to the seat has been retained from the previous model; however, the handlebar position has moved forward, bringing the upper body closer to the front wheel. Passenger comfort has also been significantly improved with the new cases, which now offer more space for the passenger’s lower legs without compromising the volume of the cases. The passenger seat has also been lengthened.

The new RT comes standard with two 27-liter side cases. Optional variable cases allow the volume of the cases to be adjusted from 27 to 33 liters so that the vehicle’s width can be adapted to suit needs. Both are electrified and can be unlocked using the central locking system and feature interior lighting, with the left-hand case including a USB-C charging port.

The new RT comes with three standard riding modes. The “RAIN” and “ROAD” riding modes allow riding characteristics to be adapted to most road conditions. The “ECO” riding mode makes it possible to achieve maximum range from a single tank of fuel. Optional Riding Modes Pro adds two additional riding modes: “DYNAMIC” and “DYNAMIC PRO.”
The chassis of the new RT has been completely redesigned and uses a new steel sheet metal main frame offering higher levels of stiffness than the previous model. The rear frame was also completely reconceived and now uses an aluminum lattice tube rear frame.

In combination with a more compact motor and transmission, the new design of the chassis moved a significant concentration of mass towards the overall center of gravity and offers noticeable handling benefits. At the same time, the RT is more precise and stable when braking, requires noticeably less effort to ride, and provides an even more satisfyingly precise response from suspension components.

The EVO Telelever in the new RT combines the strengths of the two previously used Telelever variants. Clamped tightly to the fork tubes, the upper fork construction incorporates a handlebar decoupling system that prevents detrimental tilting movement and only transmits steering forces. This sophisticated construction creates greater rigidity and noticeably increased ride stability. The shock is electronically adjustable in terms of damping rebound, compression damping, and spring rate. Front suspension travel is 5.9 inches.

The rear suspension of the new RT has also been redesigned. The hallmark of the EVO Paralever is a significantly stiffer connection via the suspension in the frame and a continuous swinging arm quick-release axle. The shock is electronically adjustable in terms of damping rebound and compression damping, as well as spring rate and preload. The rear suspension travel is 6.2 inches.

The new RT comes standard with twin front disc brakes featuring two radially mounted four-piston fixed calipers and a single rear disc brake with a two-piston floating caliper in conjunction with BMW Motorrad Fully Integral ABS Pro. The handbrake and foot brake levers activate the front and rear brakes simultaneously. Integral ABS Pro is optimized using an additional set-up that depends on the riding mode. In the Integral ABS Pro settings, it is possible to lock the rear wheel via the foot brake lever.

The new R 1300 RT comes with state-of-the-art LED light units as standard. The new full LED headlamp illuminates the road with unrivaled brightness and clarity. The light unit consists of an LED module with twelve LEDs for the low beam and five for the high beam. Optional Headlight Pro goes one step further and adds LEDs to the headlight. With the Headlight Pro equipment, the headlight features an adaptive function. Additional LEDs are switched on depending on the leaning angle to ensure an ideally illuminated horizon even when the vehicle is banking in a bend.

The RT has a 10.25-inch TFT color screen with integrated map navigation and a newly developed Connectivity Hub. With maximum connectivity, excellent readability, straightforward menu navigation and a highly integrated operating concept, the new RT maintains its leading position among production motorcycles.

The new RT offers an even more intense sound experience than the standard audio system. In addition to the loudspeakers, a connected communication system can also be used for playback. Optional Audio Pro offers an even more impressive sound experience. It features higher-quality speakers with separate tweeter/midrange and woofer adjustments. Various sound profiles and dynamic volume adjustment guarantee optimum listening pleasure in every riding situation.
Frontal Collision Warning (FCW) with brake intervention is designed to provide protection from collisions and help reduce the severity of accidents. It also uses the ACC radar system to protect from frontal collisions. The rider assistance system can warn of potential collisions with other vehicles or cyclists and preconditions the brakes.

MSRP: $22,495