You don’t become a touring icon by accident. The BMW RT lineage has been hauling arses and luggage across Europe for decades — quietly, efficiently, and usually faster than most think. Now there’s a new one. The R 1300 RT. Lighter. Sharper. Meaner. And, if you believe the engineers, easier to live with than ever.
“With the new BMW R 1300 RT, we’ve taken the touring icon from BMW Motorrad to a whole new level. It is lighter in design, more accessible and more dynamic than ever before. In addition, with a completely new engine, chassis and aerodynamics, it offers a riding experience that meets the highest demands in this segment in terms of dynamics, comfort and travel capability.”
— Harald Spagl, Project Manager BMW R 1300 RT

Touring, With Teeth
This isn’t just a facelift. Everything’s new: engine, chassis, gearbox, even the wind management. BMW has built a machine that stretches from serene autobahn cruiser to dynamic backroad weapon. It looks the part too — athletic lines, tighter packaging, a front end that means business.
Optional upgrades like the sport brake system, Dynamic Chassis Adaption (DCA), and revised Shift Assistant Pro prove this isn’t just about long-haul comfort. It’s about control, precision, and dynamic character. The R 1300 RT wants to carve corners as much as it wants to cross borders.
Aerodynamics That Breathe
BMW didn’t just throw plastic at the wind. The new fairing’s more sculpted and smarter. It directs air with surgical precision. Adjustable side panels open to channel fresh air when crawling through town, then shut tight to shield you from motorway blast. It’s climate control by bodywork.

These aren’t gimmicks — they’re genuine comfort features for riders who don’t just ride on sunny Sundays. For year-round commuters and transcontinental tourers, staying warm and dry — or cool and comfortable — matters. It’s one more reason the RT has such a loyal following.
Paint options range from understated Alpine White to the blacked-out Triple Black, the lively Racing Blue, and the Blue Ridge Mountain metallic finish under the Option 719 Camargue package. Clean lines, subtle badging, and that big boxer stance — it’s unmistakably RT.
Ergonomics to Keep You Moving
BMW has nudged the seating triangle forward — bars, pegs, seat — pulling the rider slightly closer to the action. The payoff? More feedback from the front, better control through corners, and a riding position that encourages a bit of sport without sacrificing comfort.
The seat is height-adjustable, the angle can be tweaked, and taller or lower saddles are available ex works. Pillion passengers haven’t been forgotten either. The rear seat is longer and better padded, with more lower-leg clearance thanks to redesigned panniers. On a long ride, that’s the kind of thing that keeps tempers sweet.
Touring Toolkit: Luggage and Storage
As standard, the R 1300 RT comes with 27-litre side cases, integrated cleanly into the bike’s rear end. For the first time on an RT, BMW offers optional Vario cases — expandable from 27 to 33 litres. They’re electrified, open via central locking, and lit inside. The left case even has a USB-C charging port.


Need more? Two topcase options are available: 39 and 54 litres. The big one is powered and includes a heated backrest. It’s plush, practical, and exactly what you’d want if you’re hauling across countries with a passenger and their two-week wardrobe.
Boxer Engine: Bigger, Bolder, Better
At the heart of the RT beats a completely reworked 1300cc boxer engine — now the most powerful BMW has ever built. 145 horsepower and 149 Nm of torque means effortless roll-on grunt in any gear. It still revs to a healthy 9,000 rpm, but the beauty of this unit is how it pulls from low down.
ShiftCam technology helps manage power delivery — varying valve timing and lift depending on load. The result is smooth, linear torque across the rev range, with plenty of muscle for two-up riding and full luggage. Even in sixth, the RT pulls like a freight train.
Three riding modes come as standard: Rain, Road, and Eco. Tick the “Riding Modes Pro” box, and you unlock Dynamic and Dynamic Pro, plus the ability to pre-select your favourite setups. It’s about making the bike yours, for any road, in any conditions.
Engine drag torque control (MSR) also comes standard — smoothing out engine braking and helping prevent rear-wheel hop on downshifts.
ASA: Ditch the Clutch, Keep the Soul
The optional Automated Shift Assistant (ASA) removes the need to touch the clutch at all. In auto mode, it shifts seamlessly for you. In manual, you tap through gears with your foot, but without the lever. It’s not just easier — it’s addictive.
ASA isn’t about turning the RT into a scooter. It’s about making long rides less tiring, urban traffic more manageable, and twisty roads even more engaging. Gear changes are fast and smooth. You still feel connected. You just don’t have to babysit the clutch.
A New Backbone: Chassis and Geometry
Out goes the tubular frame. In comes a pressed steel sheet main frame and a lattice aluminium subframe. Together, they increase stiffness, reduce weight, and allow tighter packaging of the drivetrain. More importantly, they shift the mass toward the centre.
The result? The RT steers lighter, handles better, and feels more stable under braking. You notice it in roundabouts and switchbacks alike.
BMW’s signature Telelever front end and Paralever rear are both updated in EVO form. Steering is sharper. Feedback is clearer. And the bike tracks through corners with uncanny stability.
The new hollow-spoke cast wheels shed over 1.4 kg, which pays dividends in unsprung weight and agility.
Suspension That Reads the Road
Dynamic ESA comes standard and works well. But for those who want more, Dynamic Chassis Adaption (DCA) adds even smarter tech. DCA adjusts damping, preload, and spring rate — on the fly.
Better still, it offers two riding geometries: one low and stable for touring, the other higher and steeper for aggressive handling. Switch modes and the bike physically reshapes itself. It’s not marketing fluff — it works. You feel it in every corner.

Serious Brakes, Optional Bite
Up front: dual 310 mm discs with four-piston radially mounted calipers. Out back: 276 mm with two pistons. BMW’s Integral ABS Pro manages everything with lean-sensitive modulation.
Want more aggression? The sport brake option ups the ante with stronger initial bite and titanium-coloured callipers.
Vision Systems That Adapt
The LED headlamp is standard and impressively bright. But Headlight Pro adds adaptive tech. It levels the beam during braking, acceleration, and changes in load. Adaptive Light Modes go further still — widening or narrowing the beam based on speed and cornering.
It’s the kind of lighting system that makes night riding not just safer, but enjoyable. You see more, sooner. And you ride better because of it.

Rider Assistance That Helps, Not Hinders
Standard cruise control includes a braking function. But the optional Riding Assistant adds radar-guided Active Cruise Control, Front Collision Warning, Lane Change Warning, and Rear-End Collision Alert.

It’s not overbearing. It’s subtle, intuitive, and keeps you out of trouble. Long-haul riders and high-mileage commuters will appreciate the added peace of mind.
Command Centre: TFT and Tech
A crisp 10.25-inch TFT dash dominates the cockpit. It’s fully customisable with tiles for Navigation, Media, My Motorcycle, Phone, and more. The new Connectivity Hub supports smart wearables — from glasses to heated vests.
Below that: a ventilated smartphone charging bay with USB-C and a tidy clip for cards or notes. Simple, practical, very BMW.

Soundtrack Your Ride
The RT can be spec’d with a standard Audio System, or you can opt for Audio Pro. That adds tweeters, woofers, and sound profiles tailored to your riding speed and environment. It’s not just louder — it’s sharper, fuller, and tuned to your surroundings.
The gold-dome speaker grilles look the part too — high-end touches that elevate the whole riding experience.
Final Thoughts: A Touring Flagship, Redefined
The 2025 BMW R 1300 RT is no longer just a top-shelf tourer. It’s a dynamic platform that blends comfort, speed, tech, and genuine riding joy. Whether you’re crossing continents or carving coastal backroads, this is the RT reborn.
Lighter. Smarter. Stronger. Still the one to beat.