- New 1300cc ShiftCam boxer: 145hp/149Nm with improved performance and reduced engine weight.
- Massive tech upgrade: Adaptive headlights, radar-based safety systems, Dynamic Chassis Adaptation and optional ASA auto-shift.
- Unmatched long-distance comfort: Redesigned aerodynamics, heated everything, low-effort ergonomics and 400km+ real-world range.
BMW’s all-new R 1300 RT arrives with more power, more tech, and more long-haul luxury than any RT before it. The big boxer tourer has never chased outright excitement, but it has always been the benchmark for devouring kilometres in comfort. Now, with a sharper look and a serious upgrade in brains and brawn, it feels like BMW has redefined what a modern tourer should be.
Words: Adam Child Pics: BMW
A New Attitude
Slotting the latest 1300cc ShiftCam boxer from the GS into the RT was inevitable, but the real surprise is the attitude change. This RT isn’t politely styled—it has presence. A leaner silhouette, sharper lines and much sportier proportions give it a confidence previous RTs never tried to show.
But the makeover isn’t just skin-deep. BMW has thrown everything at this platform: adaptive radar front and rear, heated grab rails, heated pillion backrest, adaptive LED headlights, and tech menus so deep they should come with map references. It’s essentially a high-speed lounge with torque.
BMW hosted the world launch in Germany, giving us two days of twisties, Autobahn blasts and wet-weather testing through the Black Forest—perfect conditions to find out whether all this tech actually matters.
Lighter, Smarter, More Capable
The RT is genuinely new from the wheels up. Even the rims are lighter. That 1300cc boxer is both stronger (145hp/149Nm) and physically smaller, dropping 6.5kg from the engine/drivetrain package. The new steel-sheet chassis is paired with BMW’s latest EVO Telelever and Paralever system plus ESA, and if you tick the right box, Dynamic Chassis Adaptation (DCA) adds electronically adjustable spring rates and changed geometry between “Road” and “Dynamic Pro”.
The tech rollout continues with Headlight Pro, a 47-LED adaptive unit that changes projection based on speed and lean angle. A redesigned screen and fresh wind deflectors clean up airflow, while thoughtful touches—like cylinder-head splash protection and a ventilated smartphone cubby—show BMW’s forensic approach to rider comfort.
Standard panniers (27L each) can be upgraded to variable-capacity versions that expand to 33L. Add the optional top boxes (39L or 54L), and the pillion can enjoy a heated backrest, heated seat, and those frankly outrageous (but brilliant) heated grab rails.
On the electronics front: MSR engine-brake control, lean-sensitive ABS, DTC, three riding modes (Road, Rain, Eco) and optional adaptive cruise, lane-change warning, collision warnings and more. It’s the most tech-dense production motorcycle I’ve ever ridden.
Easy Rider
Despite looking substantial, the RT is easier to manoeuvre than the GS thanks to its lower seat and 17-inch wheels. BMW has pushed the rider slightly further forward for a more dynamic feel, yet the overall comfort remains unmistakably RT.
Seat options span a broad 780–860mm range, and all can be heated. The 10.25-inch TFT is still class-leading, pairing beautifully with BMW’s navigation wheel. And on this test bike, BMW introduced the ASA (Automated Shift Assistant) gearbox—no clutch lever, no manual neutral, and the option of manual (M) or fully automatic (D).
ASA works well most of the time, but it’s not flawless. It occasionally second-guesses itself at low speed and can upshift too early when you’d prefer engine braking. It’s good, but not perfect—and if it were my money, I’d put the budget into DCA or luggage instead.
On the Road
Once rolling, the RT’s inherent balance shines. Low-speed manners are superb, the fuelling is silky smooth, and visibility over the lowered screen is perfect. The dashboard may be massive, but navigation remains intuitive.
The new engine transforms the RT’s personality. Overtakes are effortless. Even fully loaded with pillion and luggage, the bike surges forward with confidence. On unlimited sections of Autobahn, 160–180 km/h cruising felt effortless, with only a minor weave above 200 km/h depending on suspension mode.
In twisty terrain, the DCA-equipped RT is far more agile than you expect from a 281kg tourer. Switching to Dynamic mode sharpens geometry, lifts ride height, and makes the RT genuinely engaging—light steering, excellent clearance and surprising composure for its size.
The brakes deserve praise too. Radial calipers haul up the RT with real authority, though the linked rear-into-front system in Road mode takes a moment to adjust to. Luckily, Dynamic mode tones that down.
Wet weather performance is exemplary. The new bodywork dramatically reduces spray and turbulence, and heated everything keeps morale high. Rain mode adds extra reassurance via softer response and heightened intervention.
Built for the Big Miles
Long motorway hauls are where the RT dominates. With the tall screen raised, buffeting is minimal and wind noise is impressively low. A subtle scoop reduces back-pressure turbulence that plagued the old model.
Active Cruise Control, lane-change monitoring and adaptive headlights (sadly untested on this ride) suggest BMW is edging toward true two-wheel autonomy. Fuel consumption sits around 4.7L/100km, meaning 400km stints are realistic. And with comfort levels this high, you’ll happily do them in one hit.
Verdict
BMW has taken an already exceptional long-distance machine and elevated it. More power, sharper handling, extraordinary electronics and genuine comfort improvements for both rider and pillion place the R 1300 RT in a class of its own.
Competition? There isn’t much left. Sport-tourers like the Yamaha FJR1300 have vanished, and while machines like Kawasaki’s Ninja 1000SX SE offer more sport, they can’t touch the RT’s sophistication or long-range comfort.
The only catch? The price. At $43,990 + ORC in NZ—and likely higher with optional packages—this is premium touring at a premium cost.
But if you want the most advanced, most complete long-distance motorcycle on the market, the RT is hard to argue with.
2025 BMW R 1300 RT Gallery
2025 BMW R 1300 RT Specs
Price: $43,990 + ORC
Engine: DOHC, Air/liquid-cooled, four-stroke Boxer
Displacement: 1300cc
Bore x stroke: 106.5 x 73mm
Compression ratio: 13.3:1
Max power: 145 hp at 7,750rpm
Max Torque: 149Nm at 6,500 rpm
Fuel system Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management system with throttle-by-wire
Exhaust: 2-1
Transmission: Six-speed shaft drive
Electronics: Rain, Road, Eco
Chassis: Two-part frame consisting of main frame, bolted rear frame, and load-bearing engine
Front suspension: BMW Motorrad EVO-Telelever, handlebar tilting decoupled via flex element, central shock absorber. 149mm travel
Rear suspension: BMW Motorrad EVO-Paralever, cast aluminium single-sided swingarm, continuous swingarm bearing axle, central suspension strut 158mm travel
Front brake: Dual 4-piston radial-mount calipers, 310mm discs w/ ABS
Rear brake: 1-piston caliper, 285mm disc w/ ABS
Front tyre: 120/70 ZR17
Rear tyre: 190/55 ZR17
Wheelbase: 1500mm
Seat height: 820 / 840 mm (comfort seat low: 780 / 800 mm; comfort seat: 825 / 845 mm; comfort seat high: 840 / 860 mm)
Fuel capacity: 24litres
Weight: 281kg (wet) / 265kg (dry)
Contact: www.bmw-motorrad.co.nz
2025 BMW R 1300 RT SUMMARY
The 2025 BMW R 1300 RT is a fully redesigned luxury tourer featuring the latest 1300cc ShiftCam boxer engine, upgraded chassis with Dynamic Chassis Adaptation, adaptive LED lighting and class-leading rider aids including optional radar-based cruise control. Lighter, sharper and more powerful, the new RT delivers exceptional long-distance comfort with improved aerodynamics, heated features for rider and pillion, expanded luggage options and a premium 10.25-inch TFT interface. Tested across Germany, the RT proved effortless on the motorway, surprisingly agile in the twisties and supremely refined in poor weather—cementing its status as the most advanced touring motorcycle currently available.
