2026 BMW r 1300 rt

The first of the modern BMW RT machines was brought to the public in 1976, and for 50 years BMW has steadily let this machine evolve, with jumps in displacement, technology and comforts. So, it really is no surprise, after the success of their R 1300 GS machines, that an RT version would quickly follow.

This 1300 RT uses the same 1300cc engine the GS does, but with some tweaks for the RT. It brings 145hp and 110 lb-ft of torque, which is up almost 10 horsepower and 5 lb-ft of torque from the 1250 model. 

It is a smoother and more efficient engine in all of its modes – Eco, Rain, Road, Dynamic.

But the 2026 R 1300 RT is not just a larger displacement engine slid into the previous RT, rather it is complete clean sheet of paper design. Do you know its pedigree? Indeed. But under the reminiscent looks lies an entirely different machine.

They came up with a set of 10 requirements for the new 1300 RT, and then set about to build a machine that would meet, or exceed, each of those. 

Designers at BMW thought the 1250 looked bigger than it really was, and the seating was too passive and upright. The new design has a more compact and athletic look, and is available with different option packages and four colors – Alpine White (Basic Stormtrooper), Racing Blue Metallic (Impulse), Black Storm Metallic (Triple Black - OMG!), and what they call Blue Ridge Mountain Metallic (Carmargue?), which I thought a bit tony’ish.

Although it looks more “Sport” than “Tourer,” the electrically adjustable windscreen and optional Variable Wind Deflectors, that easily raise by hand, even at highway speeds, offer a touring-like bubble. On the highway or when raining, or simply cold, these Wind Deflectors were simply brilliant.

Pillion comfort was a major point, as so many use the RT for long-distance two-up traveling, and the saddle offers substantially more room for the passenger. The new R 1300 RT offers optional passenger heated seat, backrest, and handgrips as well. The saddlebags have been redesigned for more leg room for the passenger as well; and the new Variable Luggage allows the side cases to expand from a tight fitting 27 liters to a full 33 liters with an easy turn of the knob. The Top Case is almost Tardis-like – looking svelte but holding a full 54 liters – all with powered locking, lighting, and (drum roll) heated backrest.

Seat height (two saddles available) can be as low as 30.7 inches, making the machine better suited for shorter rider, and can be adjusted for height and lean for those with longer legs. At 6 foot I found the RT right in the Goldilocks Zone for me.

The saddle’s comfort?

Well, I didn’t think of it once. That says a 1,000 words. 

The large 10.25” color TFT screen is a mammoth unit. I believe it is as large as my parent’s first RCA color television set – I kept waiting for Batman to start playing. Seriously – my first thought when I saw this size screen on the previous RT was it was monstrous, but after riding the bike for a few thousand miles I appreciate the TFT, and that it shows speed, rpm, as well as full map integrated navigation (BMW Motorrad App required), ride modes, bike status, radio AM/FM/Sirius and Bluetooth connectivity – all controlled by the wheel on the left grip handle controller. The RT comes with speakers built in as well, and there is even an upgraded system, but I have never been much for machines that can play Rock & Roll annoyingly louder than their engines. This system will Bluetooth easily to a Cardo or Sena communication unit keeping your music more personal in nature.

Another RT option is Rider Assistant that brings on board Active Cruise Control, Frontal Collision Warning, and Lane Change Warning. I found all this to have a moderately steep learning curve, but if you are familiar with late-model BMWs it should come more naturally.

Although the RT is available with a conventional 6-speed, our bike was equipped with the BMW’s new Automated Shift Assist.

There was no clutch lever; you can leave the RT in Drive-Mode and it will shift for you, or Manual-Mode, where you will need to use the conventional-style foot shifter to run through the gears.

I tried the D-mode a few times, but it left me a bit disappointed. But… the M-Mode was stellar!

Once I got used to not having to engage a clutch lever, and that my shifting would be spot-on each shift (especially downshifting) I slowly became a believer.

I have ridden BMWs for decades, and have never been impressed by a smooth BMW transmission – until now. 

The R 1300 RT is a little “Die Clunky” in D, but pretty smooth in M.

Sadly, and it almost hurts to say, I think I can ride the RT quicker, and more smoothly, with the ASA, than I could an RT with a conventional 6-speed. 

I got a few laps on Barber’s 2.38-mile road course, and the R 1300 RT was a gem to ride on the track, and that smoothness transferred over to the Kentucky and West Virginia backroads, and then another long week and 1,000 miles on the Backroads Fall Fiesta Rally.

The RT is also equipped with anti-lock integrated braking system that allows front and rear brakes to work together, taking in speed, lean angle and road conditions. All the nanny-shit may seem a bit much when compared to the motorcycles of yore, but when all is working it is more than brilliant.

The frame was rethought, designed and created.  Gone is the tubular frame of the 1250, replaced with sheet metal frame and trellis tube rear, adopted from the proven GS model.

The suspension, once again using BMW’s EVO Telever and EVO Paralever, was reworked and this machine uses what BMW has dubbed Dynamic Chassis Adaptation, which can offer the rider two different suspension positions. One with a more relaxed steering head angle, the other offering tighter damping and a higher spring rate. The rear actually raises a bit putting the bike, and rider, in a sportier stance. You can change damping and preload settings on the fly.

On paper and on a walk-about around the new RT, it all looks amazing. But, what about on the road?

On the Road (OMG who’da thought…)

The biggest preconceived thoughts I had were about the Automatic Shift Assist, and they were not happy thoughts; but as I wrote, I quickly learned to love this system.

The power of the R 1300 RT is very impressive, quickly pulling out of sweepy backroads turns, that were smoothly downshifted into by the previously mentioned ASA. When ‘on the go’ the bike did just that, with gusto. Warp Drive a mere twist away.

With all the feldecarb that BMW has integrated into the new RT, the one that impressed me the most was the Dynamic Chassis Adjustment. In normal street or highway riding the RT sits in a low and composed manner. But, when seeing signs that say “Great Twisties Ahead For 100 Miles,” I would toggle the mode into Dynamic and let the bike open up and do the shape-shifting thing into its sportier stance. In my mind the bike went from a martial artist going from relaxed to a fighting stance. It truly transforms the RT from Clark Kent into The Man of Steel, and instilled a ton of confidence even in the tightest West Virginian mountain roads.

I did a few hundred miles in serious rain as well, and the bubble of protective air did a decent job, but rain always wins.

The Frontal Collision System can be adjusted, and should be, for when it does decide that you are too close it slows the bike down in the most annoying fashion. You can turn it off as well. Just sayin’.

The stowage capacity was perfect for me, and any couple riding the new R 1300 RT, who pack reasonably, should be able to tour with this bike all summer long.

On the interstate I did use BMW’s Drive-Mode a bit, as well as the excellent Cruise Control, both of which are immediately turned off with the twist of the throttle or a downshift. Very non-intrusive.

The RT is spot-on steady too, easily eating up ‘Big Miles’ at just under a ton when prudent. I did notice a bit of affect from big trucks when in their turbulence, all that BMW air management becoming sail-like, but it was always easy enough to get past them with a twist of the wrist.

Over the mountains and through the woods the RT was awesome stellar, amazing… basically a splendid machine and got me to Grandma’s house every time.

In parking lots, puttin’ around on Impulse, the bike floated easily with a soft touch on the throttle, but it is still a 600 pound plus machine, so gravity is not your friend, and lifting it off the side stand on an incline required commitment. On level ground the RT center stand offers you help, by raising the bike up and making it far easier to get the bike up onto the stand. This same system allows the RT to lower itself, unperceptively, when coming to a stop. A big plus for shorter riders.

We spent a few days two-up on the new R 1300 RT, and neither Shira nor I are petite, but with all that torque it hardly seemed to matter.

One long day in the Adirondacks, along the very tight east/west roads to and from Lakes George and Champlain, had us leading some long-time riding buddies with experience and quickness. Their thoughts were that the RT floated and danced through turns, and was amazing to see 1,000 lb. of mortals and machine run through Tracy Road with grace and ease. It was certainly more the RT than us.

Shira thought the pillion position was perfect, the heated seats and, especially, the backrest and grips were magnificent (we started in 40-degree temps). Unlike most who ride themselves, she seems very comfortable on the back, and is far more a co-pilot than luggage. She said she felt very comfortable and at ease, with room to move with me, as we rode along sportier pavement.

There are a few nitpicks.

At this premium price backlit switchgear should be expected. Not being clear on your instruments in the dark mountains at midnight is not a good thing. Speaking of visibility, the RT has an optional additional tail/brake light for the top case. It should be standard as I got comments on the road from other riders how they thought the brake light could use more punch and visibility.

Also, it might be nice if there was a generic power plug that also allowed for heated gear – liners and gloves - to be used via the TFT screen like the heated grips and seat. Seems like an easy thing.

I have ridden RTs, and similar machines from others manufacturers, but with the 2026 BMW R 1300 RT this part of the market has just made a giant leap, and if you are in the market for a serious solo, or two-up, touring motorcycle it would be foolish not to take this bike for a ride.

In our thoughts the R 1300 RT is the best two-up motorcycle on planet – period. 

The BMW R 1300 RT, which will run with the usual factory packaging around $30,200, is at dealers now