2026 BMW R 1300 R First Look

BMW revealed a new R 1300 R, introducing a naked bike to its new 1,300cc Boxer platform, as well as a sportier replacement to the R 1250 R. The R joins the GS and GS Adventure in using BMW’s new R 1300 platform, with an R 1300 RT and an R 1300 RS expected to follow.

The R 1300 R fills a very specific position in BMW’s lineup, offering a more modern look and higher performance than the R 12 nineT, but not enough to challenge the S 1000 R’s or M 1000 R’s positions in BMW’s large naked bike range. The R 1300 R has a starting price of $16,595, exactly the same as the R 12 nineT, and a $1,250 increase over the R 1250 R. The S 1000 R might be the better bargain of the bunch, starting at $14,745, and on the other end of the spectrum, you have the M 1000 R which starts at $21,695.

Of course, the starting price only covers the base model without any options. For 2026, BMW is offering four variants, a standard base model, an Exclusive variant with more premium styling, a Performance variant with sportier suspension, and an Option 719 Kilauea variant with various milled accessories.

Visually, the R 1300 R looks starkly different from its predecessor. Typically, when we use the image juxtaposition tool above to compare new and old models, there are enough common touchpoints for both models to help us overlay the images for a fair comparison. In this case, the only common element we could find to orient ourselves was the 17-inch front wheel.

The sharp new headlight design, layered radiator shrouds, and the new, more compact powertrain give the R 1300 R more visual mass at the front compared to the R 1250 R. Despite looking bulkier than its predecessor, BMW says the R 1300 R has the exact same curb weight of 527 pounds.

The R 1300 R’s ergonomics also place the rider’s weight further forward compared to the R 1250 R. The handlebars are lower and further forward, while the footpegs were moved back slightly, and the 31.1-inch standard saddle height is 1.1 inches lower (that said, BMW offers a number of high and low seat options to suit different riders).

The 1,300cc Boxer engine with ShiftCam technology is unchanged from the R 1300 GS, claiming the same performance figures of 143.5 hp at 7,750 rpm and 109.9 lb-ft. at 6,500 rpm. Both of those figures are improvements over the R 1250 R’s claimed 134.1 hp at 7,750 rpm and 105.5 lb-ft. at 6,500 rpm.

In standard trim, the R 1300 R offers three ride modes: Rain, Road, and Eco. BMW also offers a Riding Modes Pro ex works option which adds Dynamic and Dynamic Pro modes. The electronics package also includes engine drag torque control, Dynamic Traction Control, lean-sensitive Integral ABS Pro linked braking as standard equipment. Optional upgrades include ASA, DTC-Shift function for finer traction control adjustments, plus radar-backed Active Cruise Control and Front Collision Warning systems.

The chassis uses a steel sheet metal main frame and a die-cast aluminum rear frame. Both options were chosen for reduced weight and optimized packaging. Along with the more compact powertrain, the chassis design allowed BMW to concentrate more mass near the center of gravity, claiming improved handling.

Up front, the R 1300 R employs a 47mm inverted fork with 5.5 inches of travel, while a new EVO Paralever offers 5.1 inches of rear wheel travel. Standard Dynamic ESA offers electronic damping and preload at the rear, and a new optional Dynamic Suspension Adjustment upgrade offers electronic adjustment of front and rear damping, plus a corresponding spring rate adjustment. BMW claims this makes the R 1300 R the first series production motorcycle to use an inverted fork with adjustable spring rate. The Performance variant comes standard with DSA and taller suspension for added ground clearance and higher lean angles.

The braking system is comprised of dual radially-mounted four-piston front calipers and a single two-piston rear caliper. With the standard Integral ABS Pro, pulling the hand brake lever activates both front and rear brakes.

Other features include a 6.5-inch TFT display, new, lighter wheels, full LED lighting (the adaptive Headlight Pro is available), a 12V socket, and a USB-C socket.