BMW updates and gives greater versatility to its touring flagship, the R 1300 RT

Looking at the touring motorcycles available on the market, the BMW R 1300 RT is one of its top representatives, a German motorcycle that is now updated in several areas and does so with greater versatility. BMW wanted its R 1300 RT to be a motorcycle suited both for long-distance journeys and as the perfect companion for occasional weekend outings or short rides.

Aesthetically, the new BMW R 1300 RT stands out for receiving the new fully LED front headlight, which can optionally be replaced by the also new Pro headlight, which features a servo motor and an auto-leveling system to keep the beam vertical at all times, among other functions. Behind this headlight and the new aerodynamic windscreen is the 10.25-inch colour TFT display, with map navigation, a wide range of functions and the new Connectivity Hub for controlling accessories.

The arrival of this new front end has meant that the rest of the side fairing has also been modified, although much of the credit for this goes to the new design applied to the semi-active chassis, which contributes to a noticeable improvement in the handling of the R 1300 RT. Within this chassis area we also find a new EVO Telelever front wheel guide with flexible element and a new EVO Paralever rear wheel guide, joined by new 17-inch wheels that help reduce the overall weight by 1.4 kilograms less compared to its predecessors. Together with these wheels, the brakes come as standard: twin discs with two fixed four-piston calipers on the front axle and a single disc with a floating two-piston caliper at the rear, combined with the BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro.

As a true touring motorcycle, the BMW R 1300 RT comes equipped as standard with side cases of 27 litres capacity each, although for the first time you can optionally choose Vario cases adjustable in volume from 27 to 33 litres, with electric unlocking via central locking, interior lighting and a USB-C charging port inside the left case. For greater load capacity, two top cases of 39 and 54 litres are also offered, the latter featuring electric unlocking and the option of an electrically heated passenger backrest.

Mechanically, the new BMW R 1300 RT continues to use a 1,300 cc boxer engine with power increased to 145 hp at 7,750 rpm compared with 136 hp in the outgoing model, while torque has also risen to 149 Nm at 6,500 rpm compared with 143 Nm in the outgoing model. It comes standard with three riding modes and the Automated Shift Assistant (ASA), with automatic clutch and gear actuation that can be operated manually or automatically. It also comes standard with rider assistance technologies such as Dynamic Cruise Control, Active Cruise Control, Front Collision Warning, Lane Change Warning and the new Rear Collision Warning.

The new BMW R 1300 RT, with extensive standard equipment and a long list of accessories, is already on sale in Spain, with a starting price of 24,680 euros.