Motorcycle specifications BMWR 1300 RT 2025 The art of mastery

For the average biker, there are a few common, universal units of measurement: km/h, horsepower, mkg, kilogram and kilometer. The latter is terrified by the idea of facing this new 1300. For it is as much a target as it is prey for one of the most accomplished road cars of the past forty years: the BMW RT.

An icon of noble stature, a symbol of the dynamic, accomplished executive or the no-holds-barred backpacker. A motorcycle version of the 5 Series, with so much experience that it has long since become untouchable. So its manufacturer had to put a lot of thought into renewing it.

The RT had gone more than 10 years without a makeover. This was not to its detriment: its dynamic lines made it an attractive machine without detracting from its GT vocation. But with this new 1300 generation, BMW wants to make a lasting impression and mark the change of generation. And so it is: each 1300 model emancipates itself from the 1250 it replaces.

An audacity it can afford

Clearly, this evolution is remarkable. VERY remarkable! Gone are the styling effects of chiselled curves, converging vanishing lines and that touch of subcutaneous sportiness. The new R 1300 RT loves square shapes, rugged looks and a biomimetic look. The bird of prey has given way to an axolotl. The result is a motorcycle with a very... Chinese look.

BM takes advantage of the reworked design to integrate "active" protection. The huge windshield provides excellent on-board peace of mind, while the shoulders can be moved to different positions. In the lowered position, fresh air ventilates the rider; in the raised position, the trim deflects air around the rider. An effort has also been made to better protect boots.

Travelling aboard a BMW RT is like settling into a premium sedan. Everything is designed for long, hard rides. For a start, it's easier to access, with a seat height that's 25 mm lower, at 780 mm from the ground. The position of the footrests in relation to the seat is identical to the previous generation, but the handlebars are moved forward a little to make the riding position more dynamic, for greater handling and feel. At the same time, the seat height (20 mm) and tilt can be adjusted. This gives the passenger more room on the saddle and less hindrance on the luggage side.

A different kind of equipment

Let's talk about suitcases! As you'd expect, they come as standard. Newly designed, they each hold 27 liters. And then, shock again. The 1250 's had a capacity of 32 liters. BMW falls into the same trap as Honda when it redesigned the 1800 Goldwing in 2018, where the panniers dropped from 43 to 30 liters - a tare that Honda will compensate for in 2021 by increasing the size of the top-case.
This takes you mechanically to the options corner, where Vario models allow you to modulate the capacity from 27 to 33 liters. They are electrified, with central locking, illuminated interior, and the one on the left benefits from a USB-C port. For a fee, of course.

Ah, those options. They draw you in like sugar. They're enough to turn a motorcycle into a technological palace. With BMW's recent innovations, the 1300 RT offers even more advanced solutions than the 1250.
Above all, the RT can finally get something many riders have been hoping for: an automatic gearbox. The latest ASA system robotizes the clutch and lets you choose between manual and auto shifting. The "M" mode lets you shift by foot; the "D" changes gears by itself, with responsiveness matched to driving style.

This gives the RT the transmission peace of mind it (sometimes) lacks.
A motorcycle that's close to imperial driving, its ambitions go hand in hand with the new, exciting 1300 cm3 twin-cylinder engine. A block that has little in common with its predecessor, apart from its overall architecture. Rethought, improved and excited, it gives wings to the models it powers. The GS got its first taste of it, in autumn 2023. BMW took its time installing it on all the R models, spreading out this graft until the summer of 2025. But now it's here: the 145 hp boxer, 9 hp more than the 1250 cm3, is vigorously driving the GS trail bike, the GS Adventure rover, the R roadster, the RS sport-GT and our RT tourer.

The engine that fits like a glove

Vigorous is the best word for it, such is its energy. Thanks to its generous 15.2 mkg of torque and its availability, it can rev up with force at any engine speed. Of course, its drive will be somewhat smoothed out by the machine's weight. Weighed down by 2 kg since the previous RT, the 1300 has to contend with 281 kg - almost 50 kg more than the GS.
This doesn't scare the engine. More powerful than the 1250, it boasts a larger bore and stroke, bigger valves, a higher compression ratio, a more space-saving and knee-friendly gearbox layout, less weight (-6.5 kg), the Shiftcam variable valve timing system and less vibration. Its cylinder heads are protected by discreet carbon hoops.

Once you've slipped your smartphone into the larger-than-before dedicated storage compartment (at the top of the fuel tank), loaded some luggage into the panniers and strapped a bag onto the pack carrier, the R 1300 RT will be close to the 300kg mark. But Béhème's engineers can be relied upon to provide a very high level of driving balance. Throughout its existence, the RT dynasty has never ceased to excel.

New and renewed chassis.

The RT's chassis is no longer a tubular structure. Instead, a sheet-steel frame provides greater rigidity and compactness. The rear frame is now made of aluminum tubing.
To calm the nerves, the braking staff are up to the task. The Pro integral ABS acts on the front and rear by activating the brake lever, and adapts to the chosen riding style. From there, Hayes 4-piston calipers bite 310 mm discs at the front, as well as a 285 mm 2-piston disc at the rear.

In terms of suspension, the Telelever EVO is based on the design of the old R 1200 S and HP2 Sport, with a stiffer upper structure. Precision and feel are clearly enhanced. At the rear, the Paralever EVO single-arm design with integrated universal joint remains.
Add new, 1.4 kg lighter rims and Dynamic ESA electronic suspension, and you have a machine that fears neither the road nor its emotions.

The R 1300 RT can go even further with the latest evolution in semi-active suspension: DCA. This Dynamic Chassis Adaptation modifies the position of the chassis, either in a flat position to optimize stability, or by raising and tilting the ride attitude to the front while firming up the damping, for a more agile and dynamic bike.

Techno-GT

The German brand has not finished surprising us with its electronics. The RT is no slouch in this department. Standard features include a large 10.25" color TFT screen, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, DAB-FM audio system, ventilated glovebox with USB-C port, heated grips, 3 driving modes (Rain / Road / Eco), traction control, residual engine braking (MSR), cruise control, dynamic braking control, active cornering ABS, keyless keyless entry, Headlight Pro with adaptive lighting (cornering, motorcycle attitude, speed and light intensity), tire pressure monitoring and intelligent emergency call.

Yet few R 1300 RTs... Sorry, not many BMWs will be satisfied with the basic equipment. Why not make the wallet hemophiliac with a few options such as those already seen (ASA automatic gearbox, DCA suspension, variable luggage) or , the Audio Pro system, additional Dynamic and Dynamic Pro driving modes, radar technology driving the adaptive cruise control (ACC), forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (SWW) and the new Rear Collision Warning (RECW), "air conditioning" (saddles, top-case backrest, heated passenger handgrips), shifter, Sport brakes, adjustable footrests.... or just a top-case?!?

Her highness on the road

The BMW R 1300 RT once again pushes the Grand Touring envelope. Design, performance and technology take on a new dimension. The Reise Tourerdynasty is more than ever at the top of its class. Even if the competition no longer exists, this motorcycle wants to dominate everything else on the road. There's just one condition: it has to be priced like a car.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos

The BMW R 1300 RT is available in 4 colors, each corresponding to a specific "definition":
- The basic version, in Alpine White, is the only one with tubular handlebars
- The Triple Black model features a much shorter sports windshield and a dark exhaust system.
- The Impulse, in racing blue, benefits from a dark exhaust system, additional air deflectors, a brushed aluminum fuel tank and red stickers on the rims.
- The 719 Camargue option includes air deflectors, a chrome exhaust line, sport wheels, a set of milled parts and hand-painted white piping.