BMW rolls out the new R 1300 RS, a sports touring motorcycle that’s packed with a boxer engine, updated tech, and a sleek, dynamic design that just screams sporty. And get this – it comes in four cool versions!
BMW really wanted to give this sports tourer a boost, both in how it looks and what it can do. The R 1300 RS has a sportier vibe now, and if you’re after maximum performance, there’s the “Performance” variant. This one’s loaded with stuff like sport suspension, shorthand levers, adjustable footrests, a quick-shifter (DTC-Shift), extra sports screens, a sport seat, an engine spoiler, and sports tyres. But, even with all that, the R 1300 RS is still a great all-rounder for everyday riding and those longer trips. And with options like heated seats, Riding Assistant features, a taller windscreen, and a bunch of luggage choices, you can really make this bike your own.
You’ve got a few different flavours to choose from with the R 1300 RS. There’s the standard model in Racing Blue metallic, the all-black “Triple Black” version in Blackstorm metallic, the sporty “Performance” variant in Lightwhite uni, and the premium “Option 719 Cuyamaca” in Brooklyn Grey metallic. BMW Motorrad really focused on making the new R 1300 RS more dynamic and sporty than the previous model. It’s not just about the design, engine, and chassis – they also pay close attention to how the bike feels to ride. The riding position is now sportier and more active.
Basically, the way the handlebars, footrests, and seat are positioned puts you a bit further forward, over the front wheel. This gives you better feedback from the front end, especially when you’re riding hard, so you feel more in control. But even with this sporty position, it’s still comfortable enough for relaxed touring, even with a passenger. And if you prefer an even more relaxed position for those long hauls, you can get optional comfort handlebars.
BMW also offers a bunch of different seat options and comfort handlebars, so you can really dial in the perfect riding position for you. And for those longer trips, there’s a new luggage system with electrically locking cases and a top case, plus a clever new tank bag. BMW’s RS models with boxer engines have been legendary since the R 100 RS came out in 1976. They’re known for perfectly blending sporty riding, cornering thrills, and touring comfort. That’s why the new R 1300 RS comes with not only that new luggage system but also a wide range of seat options and optional comfort handlebars. There are five different seats available in addition to the standard one.
For touring and holidays, you can equip the R 1300 RS with case holders and a top case carrier right from the factory. And there’s a newly developed set of cases and a top case available as part of the Original BMW Motorrad Accessories range. The cases hold 26 and 29 litres, respectively, and the top case holds 39 litres. The cool part is that the cases and top cases are electrified and can be locked with the central locking system. They also have interior lighting, and the left-hand case and top case even have a USB-C charging port. The new tank bag is also a neat feature – it doesn’t use any straps and attaches to the bike via a tank ring.
The heart of the R 1300 RS is its updated boxer engine, which now has a capacity of 1 300 cc. It’s more powerful and torquey than before, delivering 107 kW (145 hp) and 149 Nm of torque. In fact, it’s the most powerful boxer engine BMW has ever put in a production bike. The R 1300 RS comes standard with three riding modes – “Rain,” “Road,” and “Eco” – so you can adapt the bike to different road conditions. The “Eco” mode uses BMW’s ShiftCam technology to maximize fuel efficiency. You can also get optional “Riding Modes Pro,” which adds “Dynamic” and “Dynamic Pro” modes, and there’s a riding mode pre-selection feature that lets you choose your preferred modes. Engine drag torque control (MSR) is also standard, which helps to keep the bike stable when you’re coasting or downshifting.
For even easier riding, there’s an optional automated shift assistant (ASA) that handles clutch operation and gear changes for you. The chassis of the R 1300 RS is completely new. It has a new steel sheet metal main frame that’s stiffer and more compact than before, and the rear frame is now made of die-cast aluminium instead of steel tubes. This new design, along with a more compact engine, concentrates the bike’s mass more towards the centre, which makes it handle better. The R 1300 RS is also more precise and stable under braking, requires less effort to ride, and the suspension responds more precisely.
The front wheel is guided by a new upside-down telescopic fork, and the rear wheel uses BMW’s redesigned Evo Paralever system, which is stiffer than before. The R 1300 RS also has new, lighter 17-inch cast aluminium wheels, which improve acceleration, braking, and handling. You can also get the R 1300 RS with optional electronic Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA). While the standard electronic Dynamic ESA adjusts damping, DSA goes a step further by also adjusting the spring rate (“spring stiffness”) based on the riding mode, conditions, and how you’re riding. The R 1300 RS is only the second production motorcycle with an upside-down fork that can do this. DSA also includes automatic load compensation. With DSA, the bike handles even better, and you can lean it over further in “Dynamic” mode.
The R 1300 RS comes standard with a high-performance braking system and BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro. You can also opt for a sports brake system, which has a sportier look with titanium-coloured callipers and offers slightly better braking performance. The R 1300 RS has a newly designed LED headlight with a slim, sporty look. For the first time on a BMW RS model, you can get an optional Headlight Pro with adaptive turning light, which optimizes the low beam when you’re cornering. The R 1300 RS also comes standard with Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC) with a braking function. You can get an optional Riding Assistant package that includes Active Cruise Control (ACC), Front Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Change Warning (SWW), and Rear End Collision Warning (RECW).
Stay tuned for more updates on the BMW R 1300 RS.
Recommend0 recommendationsPublished in Bikes, News
0
