The luxury sports tourer that proves it’s practical can also be fun

BMW has long been respected for its engineering prowess, so it’s no surprise that the German giant is at the forefront of motorcycle development with some very clear ideas about how to do it better than everyone else. Many riders think of ‘grandpa’s bike’ when you talk about touring bikes, but that’s not it.

Far from being an American-style touring car, the new R 1300 RT definitely has a sportier layout that prioritises comfort and performance at high speeds, with all the appropriate electronic driving aids as standard equipment to complete the package. Whether you do it now touring with two peopleand use it like a dandy commuterWhether you’re looking for a weekender bike, this bike has what it takes to turn even the most boring of tasks into an exercise in unnecessary fun.

To give you the most current and accurate information, the data used to compile this article comes from BMW Motorrad. The information provided is current at the time of writing.

BMW R 1300 RT: Boxer muscle meets high-tech touring luxury

BMW Motorrad loves its boxer engines, so the R 1300RT has a classic flat-twin for its beating heart. It provides both air and liquid cooling for efficient waste heat removal, despite the engine being largely under the bodywork. A 180-degree firing order delivers even power pulses for smooth power delivery, with soft idle vibrations and effortless cruising. If you’re more in the mood for the “sports” aspect of this sports cruiser, just hit the gas to let loose 145 ponies and 110 pounds of grunt for your driving pleasure. A slipper clutch sends power to the six-speed gearbox with a shaft final drive.

Main engine specifications

BMW R 1300 RT chassis: smart technology, confident handling

Like so many other things, Beemer has his own ideas about the frame and suspension of the R 1300 RT. The structure is fairly simple, with a main frame section, a bolt-on subframe and a tension-element motor that completes the frame and contributes to its final rigidity. At the rear, the BMW Motorrad EVO-Paralever suspension features a single-sided swingarm and a central spring strut.

The real magic, however, is in the Evo-Telelever front suspension, which uses a central coil-over shock absorber for support, separate from the telescopic forks. This also separates the spring loads from the steering loads, allowing for sensitive, responsive steering that makes driving even easier twisties looks like a fun afternoon. Dual front brakes provide sufficient stopping power, while the standard equipment allows you to safely get the most out of the anchors.

BMW R 1300 RT Comfort & Touring Tech: sporty where it counts

The overall design is very sporty, with a jockey footpeg setup and short, vibration-isolated handlebars that encourage and enable racing. With such a large windshield you will be much more relaxed. Stock heated grips also allow you to extend your riding season a bit. A wide seat and pillion ensure the comfort of two people, and the passenger has a nice, sturdy pair too JC handles to grab.

New saddlebags and a top case is ready to pop on straight away, so you can mix and match for different loading capacities. The bags are illuminated and one bag has an integrated socket, so you can charge a device on the go. A top-shelf audio system lets you take your jams with you, while Beemer’s Connectivity Hub connects to accessories like heated equipment and heads-up display glasses.

The forward-looking radar will keep you locked in and not exhausted

There are various electronic options available to complete the stock package. Perhaps the most interesting is the Automatic Shift Assistant, which turns your manual into a wimp. There’s also Driving Assistant, which acts as one cruise control with foresight radar which allows you to maintain a fixed following distance between yourself and the traffic in front of you.

Main dimensions

BMW R 1300 RT: the thinking driver’s luxury sports tourer

The BMW R 1300 RT puts an end to the idea that touring bikes are slow, soft or exclusively for retirees. Instead, it delivers a carefully engineered blend of athletic performance and long-distance refinement that feels special for riders who want it all. The Boxer Twin delivers effortless thrust and smooth sailing, while the advanced chassis and suspension translate that power into confident, surprisingly playful handling.

Add in BMW’s extensive driving aids – radar-assisted cruise, electronic shifting, lean-sensing braking – and the RT becomes as smart as it can be. Comfort hasn’t been compromised in the name of sport either, with heated accents, flexible luggage options and thoughtful passenger accommodation. Whether taking a favorite back road, covering highway miles or commuting in style, the R 1300 RT proves that functionality doesn’t have to be boring; it can be downright entertaining.