The 2026 BMW R 1300 RS sport-tourer is updated with a more powerful engine, revised styling, more aggressive ergonomics, a new chassis, and more – all aimed to make the machine sportier than its predecessor.
The updated liquid-cooled boxer engine can also be found in the R 1300 GS, R 1300 R, and R 1300 RT. It gets a bump in displacement from 1,245cc to 1,300cc with a larger bore of 106.55mm and a shorter stroke of 73mm. The compression ratio increased from 12.5:1 to 13.3:1. The new engine gets a boost of 9 hp to a peak of 145 hp at 7,750 rpm, and torque is increased by 5 lb-ft to 110 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm. Despite the engine being more powerful than before, it weighs 8.6 lb less than the outgoing model’s and retains the same fuel consumption.
Ride modes include Road, Rain, and Eco as standard, with Eco working in collaboration with BMW ShiftCam technology to maximize range. The optional Riding Modes Pro package includes Dynamic and Dynamic Pro modes. As standard, the RT comes with Engine Drag Torque Control and Dynamic Traction Control. The optional Riding Assistant includes Active Cruise Control and Front Collision Warning.
Also available as an option, Automated Shift Assistant eliminates the need for the rider to operate the clutch at all, providing a fully automatic drive mode. Riders can switch between manual and automatic shifting modes as desired.
The sheet-metal steel frame is also new and is said to offer higher levels of stiffness and a more compact package than the previous frame. The previous tubular-steel subframe is replaced with a die-cast aluminum unit. BMW claims that the more compact powertrain and chassis concentrate mass toward the center of the bike for improved handling and more neutral riding dynamics.
Ergonomics were updated to create a sportier riding position. Rear-set footpegs and a flatter handlebar position the rider farther forward over the front wheel. The handlebar is also 1.4 inches wider than before. Seat height is 31.1 inches, and customers can choose optional Sport seats or Comfort seats for rider and passenger.
Also new is a 47mm inverted telescopic fork and revised EVO Paralever suspension, offering 5.5 inches of travel up front and 5.1 inches in the rear. The base model comes with semi-active electronic Dynamic ESA, and Dynamic Suspension Adjustment is available as an option. DSA combines dynamic front and rear adjustments with corresponding spring rate adjustment based on the selected ride mode and riding conditions.
The optional sports suspension, available on the Style Performance variant, includes a longer fork and rear shock to increase ground clearance and lean angle and raises seat height by 0.4 inch.
The BMW R 1300 RS receives new 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels weighing 3 lb less than the previous wheels. Brakes include dual 310mm front discs paired with radial-mounted 4-piston calipers and a single 285mm rear disc with 2-piston caliper. Fully Integral ABS Pro and Dynamic Brake Control are standard.
Styling has been updated to create a sportier, more aggressive appearance, featuring a full fairing broken by cut-outs and recesses and a visually smaller LED headlight. The 6.5-inch TFT screen features smartphone connectivity, and 12V and USB-C sockets are included. The optional GPS Prep feature is now electronically lockable and allows quick attachment of a navigation device. Intelligent Emergency Call comes as standard.
BMW offers a wide range of options for the R 1300 RS. In addition to the options already mentioned, riders can also choose heated grips and seats, saddlebags, a top case, a tankbag with tank ring mount, a high windshield, and more.
The BMW R 1300 RS comes standard in Racing Blue. The Style Triple Black variant includes Black Storm Metallic paint, an engine spoiler, a dark chrome plated rear silencer, and embossed graphic on the passenger seat.
The Option 719 Cuyamaca variant comes in Brooklyn Gray Metallic paint and includes a painted seat insert, an embossed graphic on the passenger seat, dark chrome plated rear silencer and exhaust, and Option 719 badge, Milled Pack Shadow, and Sport wheels.
The Style Performance is the most fully equipped option. It comes in Light White paint and includes Sport suspension, a gold fork, a red rear shock, a Sport short handlebar, Sport shorthand levers, DTC-Shift and Sport screens, adjustable footpegs, the Sport rider seat and passenger seat, Sport tires, Desing Option wheels, and dark chrome plated silencer and exhaust.
Pricing starts at $16,995. Visit the BMW Motorrad website for more information.
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