BMW R1300 RT (2026) Review

Many motorcycle riders often scoff at GT-style bikes, referring to them as "old man rides" or "retirement scooters." Still, as many of these younger speed enthusiasts will eventually discover, these bikes represent a much larger part of the riding culture than they initially think. GT bikes combine the best aspects of riding, speed, cornering, comfort, and convenience into one seamless riding experience.

Related: Suzuki GSX S1000 GX (2024) Review

As many riders begin to age, comfort and ease of riding often outweigh outright speed, and they find themselves migrating from low-slung, hard-as-rock sports bikes to GT bikes, which still offer an element of sportiness but also provide a comfort factor for tackling longer rides and days in the saddle. We spent a week with the latest bike in BMW's stable to get the 1300 boxer engine treatment.

BMW S1000RR (2025) Review

Styling

The BMW R 1300 RT in Option 719 Camargue spec is the undisputed king of the breakfast run. Gone is the "heavy-set" look of the old 1250; this new 1300 is lean, mean, and incredibly premium. The standout feature is that the Blue Ridge Mountain metallic paint catches the morning sun perfectly and is highlighted by those iconic hand-painted pinstripes that evoke a classic old-school look.

BMW hasn't held back on the jewellery either. The RT is fitted with the Shadow Milled Parts package, which includes high-end billet aluminium components that make the cockpit feel more like a private jet than a bike. With its chrome exhaust and sleek Option 719 sport wheels, it manages to look athletic despite its touring chops. 

Tech and Features

The headline act is the Automated Shift Assistant (ASA), which eliminates the clutch lever for a seamless twist-and-go experience in 'D' mode, or manual toe-flicking in 'M' mode, without the risk of stalling.

BMW’s Riding Assistant suite brings automotive-grade safety to two wheels, featuring Active Cruise Control (ACC), Front Collision Warning, and Lane Change Warning, all utilising front and rear radar sensors. Underneath, the Dynamic Chassis Adaptation (DCA) doesn't just adjust damping; it physically alters the bike's height and geometry between "Road" and "Dynamic" modes to prioritise either plush stability or sharper turn-in.

Rounding out the private jet feel is the Headlight Pro system, which utilises 47 LEDs to illuminate around corners, and a massive 10.25-inch TFT display with full-map navigation. Even the luggage is smart—the central-locking panniers are electrified with internal lighting and USB-C ports.

Naturally, it is all about touring comfort, with plush seating, heated grips, and a central locking system for the panniers and top box set.

Engine and Drivetrain

The 1300cc boxer engine, which first appeared in the GS, has finally made its way into the rest of the BMW lineup. Under the fairing of the R 1300 RT lies BMW Motorrad's 1300cc boxer engine, which pumps out 107 kW and an impressive 149 Nm of torque, ensuring you’ve got effortless overtaking power even when fully loaded for a week in the Karoo. The big news for the drivetrain is the repositioned gearbox, now located under the crankshaft rather than behind it, making the entire unit shorter and more compact. 

When it comes to the twisties, the R 1300 RT raises the bar for a bike of this size. It features the new EVO-Telelever front and EVO-Paralever rear suspension, which provides a steering precision that’s almost spooky for a 280kg machine. When it comes to braking, you get massive 310mm dual discs up front gripped by radial four-piston callipers, governed by Full Integral ABS Pro. This system links the front and rear brakes perfectly, so even if you grab a handful mid-corner, the bike stays settled and flat. Now combine that with the low-maintenance cardan shaft drive, and it’s a setup built for crossing provinces without breaking a sweat.

Let's Ride

The main thing you notice is that despite its size, the R1300 RT is actually lighter and more agile than its competitors. Its rival, the Honda Goldwing, is 100kg heavier, and both the Honda and the in-house threat from the BMW K1600 lack the ASA and DCA systems that give the R 1300 RT its sporty, progressive ride. The RT is supremely comfortable to ride and almost never feels like it's under load. If there is one point we could highlight, it is that the Auto Shift System does not perform well at slower speeds, such as in traffic or the city. It will just randomly change gears when you least expect it, so we kept it in manual gear change mode for our sanity.

Model and Price

*The prices are non-binding recommendations of the manufacturer, including 15% VAT and excluding transfer costs. Pricing correct at time of publication and subject to change without notice.

**Modifications and mistakes reserved. If you have any questions, please speak to your BMW Motorrad retailer.

Pros and Cons

• Powerful engine 
• Adaptive suspension
• Comfort and luxury in spades

• Shift Assist isn't that great in Auto mode
• Overly complicated menus
• Expensive

Verdict

The 2025 BMW R 1300 RT Option 719 isn’t just an evolution; it’s a total takeover of the luxury touring segment. By shedding the "sensible" skin of the 1250 and injecting the raw punch of the 1300cc boxer, it's lighter and better equipped than its competitors, and it's safe to say that BMW has created a machine that is as rewarding on a technical mountain pass as it is on a 600km haul to the coast.

The Option 719 Camargue package turns this bike into a rolling work of art. While the ASA gearbox has its quirks in tight traffic and the price tag will make your bank manager do a double-take, the combination of Dynamic Chassis Adaptation and the massive 10.25-inch tech hub makes everything else feel a generation behind. It is a complete package that will allow you to relive your sporty aspirations without compromising your safety and comfort.