Touring motorcycle from Berlin: BMW R 1300 RT – a solid but dynamic machine

RT has always set the standard for sophisticated travel at BMW. The new R 1300 RT continues this tradition, but also aims to impress with more dynamic performance than its predecessor.

Since the model abbreviation "RT" entered the BMW model range in 1979, it has been synonymous with sophisticated touring on two wheels. The R 100 RT was the first model of a serious, full-size, yet compact tourer. The first RT was developed from the sportier R 100 RS. Since then, the Boxer RT has stood for superior touring characteristics such as ride and seating comfort, handling safety, space for rider, passenger, and luggage, as well as driving dynamics, range, payload, ease of operation, wind and weather protection, and, last but not least, reliability. The R 1250 RT was the name of the last of its kind to date.

Now the next RT generation is appearing, in the form of the all-new R 1300 RT. Its heart has been known for two years; the now exactly 1,300 cc boxer engine (107 kW/145 hp, 149 Nm of torque) first found its place in the R 1300 GS and is a particularly powerful machine. From mid-2025, the identical engine will also power the naked, dynamic R 1300 R and the equally agile R 1300 RS sports tourer.

The importance of the RT version for the Munich-based manufacturer, whose most important motorcycles are all built in Berlin, has declined over the years. This is due to the significantly increased model diversity. The new R 1300 RT, far from being sluggish, could bring a breath of fresh air to this segment. Its driving dynamics combined with high-quality equipment are impressive.

Light mode adjusts automatically

The RT version has always combined new technological approaches in the past. This also applies to the 1300: For the first time, it features a new adaptive chassis control system beyond the standard Dynamic ESA, namely Dynamic Chassis Adaptation. This offers variable spring rate adjustment, two individually adjustable damping modes, and two independent riding positions. The result: The new RT is essentially two different motorcycles. On the one hand, it is consistently comfort-oriented, underscoring this with significantly longer suspension travel, and on the other, it is consistently dynamic. The vehicle can be temporarily raised, increasing lean angle and making the handling more active thanks to a steeper steering head angle.

The lighting technology is also new: The new (optional) light modes optimally illuminate the road; they depend on the current speed. The light becomes wider when driving slowly, and shines further forward when driving very quickly. A total of up to 16 LEDs are available for the low beam, and up to an additional 31 LEDs for the high beam and cornering lights. Of course, the light mode that best suits the driving speed is then automatically selected.

New for pure BMW street motorcycles is the ASA automated gearshift system, previously only available on the Boxer GS. This system allows gears to be shifted clutchlessly, either mechanically via the foot shift lever or fully automatically at the touch of a button. The shift points depend on the selected riding mode. The RT is two kilograms heavier just because of the ASA; it now weighs 281 kilograms with a full tank. The equipment is more comprehensive than ever; for example, heated grips are fitted as standard. A charging compartment for a cell phone is also always on board.

With extras the machine quickly becomes expensive

Everything has been said about the boxer engine (107 kW/145 hp, 149 Nm, 4.9 l/100 km): Thanks to the variable valve timing, known as Shift Cam, the 1.3-liter is by far the most powerful, yet most refined engine ever to grace a RT. Abundant power in all situations, high revving, still exemplary fuel economy, and enormous range are the key features. The new DCA suspension also performed excellently on the first drive. The range from comfort to extreme dynamics is wider than ever. The radar-based assistance and warning systems are also of a very high standard.

The R 1250 RT already outperformed the six-cylinder K 1600 GT, which was engineered for exceptional handling and had a superior six-cylinder engine, in terms of ride comfort and wind and weather protection. This advantage has now increased even further. The two variable wind deflectors on the sides of the vehicle (starting with the "Impulse" trim level) work wonders. The smooth interaction of all the systems on this motorcycle also reaches a new level. It was to be expected that the seating position would be excellent. Yet BMW has once again raised the bar (compared to the 1250 RT). However, we don't rate the new side cases, now with variable volume, as entirely positive; the more angular sections are less usable than the admittedly bulkier predecessor cases.

The BMW R 1300 RT is now available in the Base, Triple Black, Impulse, and Option 719 "Camargue" variants. They differ not only in their paint finishes, but also in the range of equipment. There's virtually no upper limit; if you let the configurator run wild, you can easily add another €10,000 to the base price of just under €23,000. For that, you get, for example, heated back padding on the top case and two-stage heated grab handles. Or an audio system that operates at different speeds with different frequency controls. And much more.