BMW is reimagining its big-bore boxer naked upright sport bike. The 2026 BMW R 1300 R is positioned as a sportier model, with an all-new motor, chassis, ergonomics, and styling. There is quite a bit to talk about, including people of opportunities for personalization, so let’s check it all out together.
- We will let BMW Motorrad Head of Development Christof Lischka set the table: “With the new BMW R 1300 R, we’ve taken our dynamic roadster with boxer engine to a whole new level. Focused uncompromisingly on riding dynamics, it delivers a far sportier experience than its predecessor thanks to a completely redesigned engine and chassis, while still retaining core BMW values such as touring capability and comfort.”
- The liquid- and air-cooled boxer is boosted to 1301cc. With a broad 106.5mm bore, short 73mm stroke, larger 44mm intake valves, 35.6mm exhaust valves, a 13.3:1 compression ratio, and ShiftCam technology, the motor delivers 145 horsepower at 7750 rpm and 110 ft-lbs of torque at 6500 rpm easily bests the outgoing 1250. Further, a knock sensor and BMS-O management maintain fuel efficiency and meet emission standards. Smoother operation reduces vibrations via refined timing chains and crankshaft.
- The 2026 BMW R 1300 R has a full electronics suite. The three standard modes—Rain, Road, Eco—adjust throttle and traction, with Eco optimizing fuel consumption via ShiftCam. Optional Riding Modes Pro adds Dynamic and Dynamic Pro. Engine drag torque control prevents skidding the rear wheel during deceleration, and traction control fine-tunes slip during acceleration, with upgraded action available. Optional Riding Assistant includes active cruise control and front collision warning. Everything is operated via a 6.5-inch TFT dash.
- BMW moved the six-speed transmission under the motor and cut some weight. The new gearbox’s revised positioning saves 14 pounds and lowers the center of gravity for improved handling. The wet 10-disc clutch has a slipper function, and sends power to larger universal joints in the propeller shaft that reduce rotational irregularities.
- There are two transmission upgrades available. You can add a quickshifter, which now features a torsion magnet sensor that enhances shifting precision. For an even higher level of ease of use, there’s the Automated Shift Assistant (ASA). The ASA fully automates clutch and gear shifts, offering manual (M) and automated (D) modes. M mode allows precise foot shifts, while D mode uses electromechanical actuators to adapt shifts to speed, load, and riding mode—smooth in Eco, and quick in Dynamic Pro. Upshifts reduce jolts, and downshifts stabilize the chassis. ASA prevents stalling, eases low-speed maneuvers, and integrates with cruise control and front collision warning.
- The chassis is all-new. It’s a two-piece steel main-frame design with a diecast aluminum rear subframe.
- The 2026 BMW R 1300 R gets new suspension, and various flavors. The inverted 47mm fork works with a stiffer swingarm. Semi-active suspension is an option. The Performance variant has upgraded suspension that raises the ride height by 0.4 inches for added cornering clearance.
8. Braking is stronger. The new front brakes use 310mm front discs and a 276mm rear disc. A brake upgrade path includes titanium calipers and upgraded ABS.
9. The 2026 BMW R 1300 R has more aggressive ergonomics. Its ergonomic triangle—grips, footrests, seat—leans the rider forward with rearset footrests and a flatter handlebar bend for better control. The seat height is 9 or 31.9 inches, depending on the mounting position, with sport, high, low, and Comfort seat options. The Performance variant includes four-way adjustable footrests, and the optional Comfort handlebar bends 0.4 inches closer to the rider. The bike also sports a 4.5-gallon aluminum tank with new side trim.
10. The 2026 BMW R 1300 R comes in three variants and the standard version—Option 719, Exclusive, and Performance. Each Package offers Automatic Shift Assistant as a $935 option.
Style Exclusive
- Design option muffler w/ dark chrome plating (Sport muffler optional)
- Engine spoiler
- Manifold, dark chrome-plated (chrome plating optional)
- Painted seat insert
- Passenger seat w/ embossed graphic.
Style Performance
- Style Exclusive features included
- Sport suspension w/ red shock spring
- Red shock spring
- Dynamic package
- DTC-Shift + Sport-Screen 2 & 3.
- Design option wheels.
- Milled and short sport handlebars
- Upgraded main seat (Sport seat optional)
- Sport passenger seat
- Milled and adjustable footrests
- Central fuel tank cover
Option 719 Kilauea
- Style Exclusive features included
- Option 719 badge
- Option 719 Milled Parts Package Shadow
- Option 719 Wheel Sport
- Black inverted fork
- Handlebar end mirrors
- A Premium Package is also available to enhance the variants. It includes:
- Semi-active suspension
- Quickshifter or Automatic Shift Assistant
- Upgraded ride modes
- Upgraded Sprot braking
- Headlight Pro
- Radar-assisted cruise control
- Front collision warning
- Heated seats and grips
- Tire pressure monitoring
- Luggage system w/ wiring for central locking and LED lighting
- Outside of the variants and Packages, a wide range of accessories is available. We could write a book on this and BMW does. There’s just too much to cover here.
- The 2026 BMW R 1300 R will arrive as soon as August. Color options depend on the variant selected. Snapper Rocks Blue Metallic is standard. Upgrades include Racing Blue Metallic (Style Exclusive), Black Strom Metallic (Option 719 Kilauea), and Light White (Style Performance).
2026 BMW R 1300 R 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: 120+ 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: Two-section w/ load-bearing engine
- Front suspension; travel: Inverted 47mm fork; 5.5 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: BMW Motorrad Evo Paralever and shock; 5.1 inches (optional sport and semi-active available)
- Wheels: Cast aluminum
- Front wheel: 17 x 3.50
- Rear wheel: 17 x 6.00
- Front tire: 120/70-17
- Rear tire: 190/55-17
- 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: 30.9 or 31.9 inches
- Fuel capacity: 4.5 gallons
- Estimated fuel consumption: 49 mpg
- Curb weight: 527 pounds
2026 BMW R 1300 R Price: from $16,595 MSRP
2026 BMW R 1300 R Photo Gallery
