BMW’s RT range of touring motorcycles debuted in 1978 with the R 100 RT. Forty-eight years later, we get the 2026 BMW R 1300 RT—an all-new entry in the storied line of long-distance runners. What has been a stodgily styled motorcycle is now quite the looker, with plenty worth knowing about underneath the new bodywork. So, let’s get started.
- We will let Harald Spagl, Project Manager for the BMW R 1300 RT, have the first word: “With the new BMW R 1300 RT, we’ve taken the touring icon from BMW Motorrad to a whole new level. It is lighter in design, more accessible, and more dynamic than ever before. 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”.
- The 2026 BMW R 1300 RT gets the new 1301cc boxer powerplant. Liquid-and-air cooled, the shorter-stroke and higher-compression ShiftCam twin puts out 145 horsepower at 7750 rpm, with the torque hitting a maximum of 110 ft-lbs at 6500 rpm. According to BMW, that’s good for over 124 mph, with a redline at 9000 rpm. If you need to, you’ll be able to gobble up the miles quickly. There are three standard riding modes—Road, Eco, and Rain—which include dynamic traction control. Two more riding modes—Dynamic and Dynamic Pro—are available as an option.
- The six-speed transmission has been relocated under the engine, rather than behind it. The consolidation of mass maximizes the nearly nine-pound weight savings. The clutch is a wet multiplate design with slipper action. A quickshifter is optional.
- BMW’s new Automatic Shift Assistant is available. Automatic Shift Assist replaces manual clutch operation, and the rider can choose between manual shifting and automatic gear changes.
- The sheet metal frame is new, and that means new cargo-carrying options. The chassis is more contact and stiffer, with the slimmer subframe allowing for higher-capacity panniers. Optional cases can be configured to carry 27 to 33 liters by adjusting their width. The cases have electronically controlled locks, and the left case has a powered USB-C port. There are two optional top cases—39 and 54 liters.
- BMW has updated the suspension, and a semi-active suspension is now an option. It’s single-shock suspension, front (Evo Telelever) and rear (Paralever). If you go with the semi-active suspension, there are two settings—Comfort and Dynamic—with more adjustments for a passenger and luggage. Lighter wheels cut three pounds from the weight of the 2026 BMW R 1300 RT.
- The new 10.25-inch TFT dash is an infotainment system. The high-def 1920 x 720 pixel count is easy on the eyes, while offering a choice of displays, including Pure Ride Screen, My Motorcycle, Radio, Navigation, Media, and Phone. An audio system is standard, with Audio Pro available as a sound and appearance upgrade.
- Riding Assistant is an option on the 2026 BMW R 1300 RT. While Dynamic Cruise Control is standard, Riding Assistant adds radar-informed active cruise control, front collision warning, and lane change warning.
- The new bodywork gives the RT a slimmer look. In the front, the side trim is adjustable to increase or decrease airflow to the rider. Additional wind deflectors are optional. Also, new cylinder fairings keep the rider’s heels drier in wet weather.
- As always, BMW offers a broad range of Packages, Styles, and options. There are too many to go over, so we’ll leave that to your BMW dealer. We can tell you that the 2026 BMW R 1300 RT can be had in Alpine White, Style Triple Black, Style Impulse, and Option 719 Camargue. Pricing starts at $22,495, and you might see the RT as soon as late summer.
2026 BMW R 1300 RT Specs
ENGINE
- Type: Horizontally opposed twin
- Displacement: 1301cc
- Bore x stroke: 106.5 x 73mm
- Maximum power: 145 horsepower @ 7750 rpm
- Maximum torque: 110 ft-lbs @ 6500 rpm
- Top speed: 124+ mph
- Compression ratio: 13.3:1
- Fueling: EFI w/ 52mm throttle body
- Valvetrain: DOHC w/ dual profile cams; 4vpc
- Cooling: Liquid and air
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Clutch: Hydraulically actuated wet multiplate w/ slipper function
- Final drive: Shaft
CHASSIS
- Frame: Steel w/ aluminum subframe
- Front suspension; travel: BMW Motorrad Evo Telelever; 5.9 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: BMW Motorrad Evo Paralever and shock; 5.2 inches
- Wheels: Aluminum
- Front wheel: 17 x 3.50
- Rear wheel: 17 x 6.00
- Front tire: 120/70-17
- Rear tire: 180/55-17
- Front brakes: 310mm discs w/ radially mounted 4-piston calipers
- Rear brake: 285mm disc w/ 2-piston caliper
- ABS: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro
DIMENSIONS
- Wheelbase: 59.2 inches
- Rake: 27.5 degrees
- Trail: 5.0 inches
- Seat height: 30.7 inches
- Fuel capacity: 6.3 gallons
- Estimated fuel consumption: 49 mpg
- Curb weight: 620 pounds
COLORS
- Alpine White
- Style Triple Black
- Style Impulse
- Option 719 Camargue
2026 BMW R 1300 RT Price: from $22,495 MSRP
2026 BMW R 1300 RT Photo Gallery
