2025 BMW Motorrad R1300 RS sportsbike launched

On the sports side of the sport-touring motorcycle equation is the 2025 BMW Motorrad R1300 RS. Complementing its stable mate, the BMW Motorrad R1300 RT, the R1300 RS is the latest in the Munich firm’s line up of sporty touring motorcycles with a boxer engine, a heritage going back to the BMW Motorrad R100 RS in 1976.

With the newest generation of the BMW boxer engine displacing 1,300 cc, the R1300 RS gets identical numbers to the R1300 RT – 145 hp at 7,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 149 NM at 6,500 rpm. Power goes through a six-speed gearbox with Automated Shift Assistant (ASA) giving a choice of fully automatic or manual clutchless gear selection as an extra cost option.

There are four model variants – Basic, Triple Black, Performance and Option 719 Cuyamaca. The Basic R1300 RS comes in Racing Blue metallic, while the Triple Black is painted Blackstorm metallic, with the Performance in Lightwhite Uni and the Option 719 Cuyamaca is finished in Brooklyn Grey metallic.

Ergonomics on the R1300 RS has changed with the riding position now placing the rider further forward over the front wheel with slightly rear-set footrests and flatter handlebars. This improves feedback from the front end, especially during sporty riding with greater controllability, while a comfort handlebar option is available for a more touring-oriented riding position.

This is complemented with a wide range of seat height options, the standard seat height set at 790 mm with an unladen weight of 245 kg and 17-litres of fuel in the tank. The R1300 RS optional luggage system consists of asymmetrical side cases with 26 and 29 litres, and a 39 litre top box, with electric central locking, as well as a new tank bag that attaches with a fuel cap lock ring.

In standard trim, the R1300 RS has three riding modes – Road, Rain and Eco – while adding the Ride Modes Pro option gives two additional customisable riding modes – Dynamic and Dynamic Pro – with Engine drag torque control (MSR), a.k.a. engine braking, coming as standard equipment.

New for the R1300 RS is upside-down telescopic forks with an inner tube diameter of 47 mm and BMW Motorrad’s Evo Paralever rear suspension which is a significantly stiffer due to the new sheet metal main frame made of steel. Electronic Dynamic ESA gives automatic adjustment of the front and rear damping with a corresponding adjustment of the spring rate, as well as automatic load compensation to maintain ride height and comfort.

Also new is the twin LED headlights, a very slim, sporty design featuring two LED elements for the low beam and two additional, separately positioned LED elements for the high beam. Two more LED units are provided for the daytime running light and side light while Adaptive Turning Light, or cornering lights, is an option.

The electronic riding suite includes Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC) with braking function. Adding the optional Riding Assistant gives Active Cruise Control (ACC), Front Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Change Warning (SWW), and the new Rear End Collision Warning (RECW).

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