2026 BMW R 1300 RS – Sport Touring Elevated to New Heights
BMW Motorrad continues to redefine performance touring with the 2026 BMW R 1300 RS, the most dynamic and technologically advanced sport-tourer ever to roll out of the Munich-based marque. Combining the iconic boxer twin powerplant with intelligent rider assistance systems and sharp aerodynamics, the R 1300 RS is built for those who demand speed, comfort, and cutting-edge innovation in one premium motorcycle.
Ride Overview
- Global Overview: The Pinnacle of Boxer Sport-Touring
- Advanced Technology: Intelligent Touring Redefined
- Performance and Power: The Most Advanced Boxer Engine Yet
- Chassis, Suspension & Ride Quality
- Ergonomics & Touring Comfort
- Lighting & Visibility
- Pricing & Availability
- 2026 BMW R 1300 RS – Specifications
Global Overview: The Pinnacle of Boxer Sport-Touring
With production beginning in late Q3/early Q4 of 2025, the 2026 R 1300 RS is BMW’s fastest and sportiest boxer bike ever. It sits atop the ShiftCam-equipped 1300cc lineup alongside the GS, RT, and R models. It delivers a 152 mph top speed and a 0–62 mph sprint in 3.2 seconds, making it a road missile with long-distance comfort credentials.
Available in Racing Blue, Style Triple Black, Option 719 Cuyamaca, and Style Performance variants, the RS offers personalisation in style and performance. Optional Performance Packages allow riders to tailor everything from seating ergonomics to electronically adaptive suspension.
Advanced Technology: Intelligent Touring Redefined
The 2026 R 1300 RS brings automotive-grade rider aids into the motorcycle world:
Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA): The world’s first production bike has an electronically adjustable spring rate on USD forks.
ASA Automatic Shift Assistant: Fully automates clutching and shifting while allowing manual override.
Riding Assistant Package: Features Radar-based Active Cruise Control (ACC) and Frontal Collision Warning (FCW).
BMW ShiftCam Technology: Variable valve timing & lift for seamless throttle response across RPMS.
Ride Modes: RAIN, ROAD, ECO standard; DYNAMIC & DYNAMIC PRO optional with DTC-Shift customisation.
6.5” Full-Colour TFT Display: With smartphone & helmet connectivity, GPS prep, and app-free media control.
Intelligent Emergency Call: Built-in crash alert system for faster emergency assistance.
Performance and Power: The Most Advanced Boxer Engine Yet
Beneath its sleek fairings is a new-generation 1,300cc air/liquid-cooled boxer twin, producing:
145 hp @ 7,750 rpm
110 lb-ft of torque @ 6,500 rpm
13.3:1 compression ratio
Lighter engine-gearbox combo (–14.3 lbs) and reduced drivetrain mass for better handling.
Thanks to a redesigned crankshaft, larger valves, and an ultra-light stainless steel exhaust, the R 1300 RS offers enhanced combustion efficiency and smoothness without increasing fuel consumption.
Chassis, Suspension & Ride Quality
New Steel Main Frame + Die-cast Aluminium Rear Frame
New EVO Paralever II swingarm and quick-release axle
Lighter 17” cast aluminium wheels (–3 lbs)
Suspension Travel: 5.5” front / 5.1” rear
Optional Sport Suspension on Performance Style variant
Its more centralized mass and improved geometry offer stunning agility, while the optional DSA system automatically adjusts both damping and spring stiffness depending on rider load, speed, and terrain.
Ergonomics & Touring Comfort
BMW nails the balance between sport posture and long-distance comfort:
New rider triangle: rear-set pegs + lower clip-ons + wider bars
Multiple seat options: Standard, Sport (High/Low), Comfort (with heating)
Optional heated seats & grips
Electrified side cases (26L & 29L) with USB-C ports + 39L Top Case
New Tank Bag: Strapless magnetic mount, expandable to 8L
Whether commuting, canyon carving, or cross-country cruising, the RS adapts seamlessly.
Lighting & Visibility
Standard LED headlight system with optional adaptive cornering (Headlight Pro)
LED tail light and turn indicators
Two lighting modes adjust the beam direction with lean angle for optimised visibility in turns
Pricing & Availability
Starting MSRP: $16,995 USD (plus destination)
Release Window: Late Q3 or early Q4 2025
Packages: Excellence Package (comfort + tech), Style Performance Package (sport-focused)
2026 BMW R 1300 RS – Specifications
| Engine & Transmission | |
|---|---|
| Engine | DOHC, air/liquid-cooled, 4-stroke boxer twin; 4 valves/cylinder |
| Displacement | 1300cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 106.5 x 73.0 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13.3:1 |
| Transmission / Final Drive | 6-speed gearbox / Shaft drive |
| Clutch | Wet, hydraulically activated, anti-hopping |
| Performance | |
| Horsepower | 145 hp @ 7750 rpm |
| Torque | 110 lb.-ft. @ 6500 rpm |
| Fuel System | Fuel injection, ride-by-wire |
| Chassis & Suspension | |
| Frame | Two-section frame with bolt-on rear; engine is load-bearing |
| Front Suspension | 47mm inverted fork; 5.5 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension | Single-sided swingarm w/ BMW Evo Paralever; 5.1 in. travel |
| Brakes & Wheels | |
| Front Brake | 4-piston radial calipers, 310mm discs w/ ABS |
| Rear Brake | 2-piston floating caliper, 285mm disc w/ ABS |
| Front/Rear Wheels | 17 x 3.50 in. / 17 x 6.00 in. (cast aluminum) |
| Front/Rear Tires | 120/70-17 / 190/55-17 |
| Dimensions | |
| Rake / Trail | 28.0° / 4.8 in. |
| Wheelbase | 59.7 in. |
| Seat Height | 31.1 in. to 32.0 in. |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.5 gallons |
| Wet Weight (claimed) | 540 lbs |
Reference and Image Credit – BMW Group
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