Initial Specs for the 2026 BMW R 1300 RT Leak
Expect the announcement to follow this week’s R 1300 R reveal
We are mere days away from the launch of the 2026 R 1300 R roadster, but that hasn’t stopped us from looking ahead at the next model BMW’s got lined up, as we’ve received initial technical details about the new R 1300 RT sport-tourer.
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The information comes to us via homologation data from Switzerland, which recently added preliminary specifications for the R 1300 RT.
The data confirms the RT will have the same engine tuning as the R 1300 GS, claiming 145 hp at 7,750 rpm and 110 lb-ft. at 6,500 rpm. By comparison, the R 1250 RT is certified by the same Swiss database as producing 134 hp at 7,750 rpm and 105.5 lb-ft. at 6,250 rpm.
BMW typically loads the RT models with its latest technology, so we can expect Automated Shift Assistant will be an available option, along with radar-backed active cruise control.
At 88.8 inches, the R 1300 RT is slightly longer than the 87.2-inch long R 1250 RT (pictured above), but its 38.2-inch width is 0.7 inches narrower than its predecessor. The certified tare weight (wet weight plus a 165 pound rider and a number of typical accessories) is quite a bit heavier than the R 1250 RT’s weight, though we wonder if a bulk of the difference comes from including a top case in addition to the saddlebags. Without knowing exactly what accessories are included on the 2026 model, and how it differs from 2025, we'll reserve judgment until we see the official curb weight.
The certification data also confirms a wider rear wheel, with the R 1300 RT fitted with a 190/55 tire on its 6.00x17 wheel, compared to the 180/55 tire and 5.50x17 wheel employed on the R 1250 RT.
Based on the March 27 announcement of the R 12 G/S and R 1300 R reveal set for April 10, it looks like BMW is scheduling its early 2026 model reveals for every two Thursdays. If this pattern continues, we should expect the R 1300 RT to be announced April 24, with the 2026 R 1300 RS sportbike to come on May 8.
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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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once upon a time dropping a BMW might easily require a new valve cover though even cracked you could remove it and reinstall it upside down-been there and did that. Now you drop a BM and there goes your super expensive overhead cam etc. time to get a ride home and a new bike. haha , now the dumbest engine design ever for a bike!
if you want a BMW, and you regard reliability, buy an old airhead, note those have maintained value over any more recent models for a good reason!