BMW R 1300 R, R 1300 RS, R 1300 RT Confirmed for 2026
R 12 G/S also coming for 2026
When BMW first announced the R 1300 GS, everyone knew it was just a matter of time before its engine would find its way across a number of other models. The R 1300 GS Adventure was the next obvious step, but like previous generations of R models, we all expected BMW to add more variants using the same platform.
Expectations are one thing, but we now have hard evidence, thanks to updated certification data released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that BMW will introduce an R 1300 R, R 1300 RS, and R 1300 RT for the 2026 model year, all using the new 1,300cc air- and liquid-cooled Boxer. And, for those who prefer an air/oil-cooled Boxer, we’ve also got evidence of a new 2026 BMW R 12 G/S. We’ll get to that in a bit, but first let’s look at the 1300 models.
The names leave little mystery, as they follow in the same format as BMW’s usual nomenclature. The R 1300 R will be a naked roadster with the R 1300 RS a faired version, and the R 1300 RT a more upright sport-tourer. All three variants share the same certification as the R 1300 GS and R 1300 GS Adventure, though we don’t know if it will share the same state of tune or have the same claimed peak figures of 145 hp at 7,750 and 110 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm.
We can also expect the new R 1300 models to have the option of shifting without needing a manual clutch lever using the Automated Shift Assistant that debuted on the GS Adventure.
The R 1300 GS introduced a new sheet metal main frame that helped BMW optimize space for various components, like the airbox and fuel tank, while allowing for a longer swingarm while still reducing wheelbase. In theory, it should also make it easier for BMW to reconfigure the platform for these other variants.
As for the R 12 G/S, the EPA data certified it along with the R 12 nineT roadster and R 12 cruiser. That means the G/S shares the same 1,170cc air/oil-cooled DOHC Boxer as the other R 12 models. The R 12 nineT claims 109 hp at 7,000 rpm and 85 lb-ft. at 6,500 rpm while the R 12 claims 95 hp at 6,500 rpm and 81 lb-ft. at 6,000 rpm, but we don’t know what state of tune the R 12 G/S will offer.
BMW’s previous-generation R nineT platform included an Urban G/S variant (pictured below), and we expect the R 12 G/S will offer a similar design inspired by the brand’s first “Gelände/Straße” model, the R 80 G/S. The lack of “Urban” in its name may suggest the R 12 G/S will be more off-road oriented, with longer travel suspension and perhaps a 21-inch front wheel.
While we know these models are all coming, the certification data does not provide a clear timeline for when they will be officially announced. Still, we suspect that will happen in the next couple of months rather than in the fall when most new models are announced.
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Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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We shall see what this thing ends up being. I doubt BMW wants to take sales away from their flag$hip 1300 GS. That wouldn't be too smart of them.
Nope, I am perfectly happy with my much simpler 2016 R1200 GSA. I do not need high tech variable cam timing, but then I still have a R80 G/S Paris Dakar and R100 GS. Strange that when I am on the road, they all get me to my destination equally.