2026 BMW R 1300 RS First Look: 14 Fast Facts and 30 Photos

August 11, 2025

BMW’s boxer-powered sport-tourer gets more muscle this year, along with a new chassis and updated aerodynamics. It’s a sleeker and sportier RS, so let’s dive in and see what it’s the 2026 BMW R 1300 RS is all about.

We’ll let R 1300 RS Designer Christian Hahn-Wörnle have the first words: “The new BMW R 1300 RS has been given a far sportier character than its predecessor. This is evident not only in its increased engine performance and chassis capability, it is also instantly visible in the bike’s sporty design with fairing that extends a long way downwards. Accordingly, the ergonomics are now also noticeably sportier and more front-wheel-oriented without compromising the typical BMW RS qualities of comfort for touring and long-distance travel.”

The 2026 BMW R 1300 RS features the new, larger-displacement boxer and drive train seen in the GS, R, and RT. This unit is lighter and more compact, with the six-speed transmission repositioned under the motor for a lower center of gravity. The motor puts out 110 ft-lbs of torque at 6500 rpm, with a peak of 145 horsepower at 7750 rpm. The 1301cc boxer twin featured a DOHC design and retains BMW’s ShiftCam system.

The steel frame is new, as is the die-cast aluminum subframe. The RS registers 540 pounds on the scales with the 4.5-gallon fuel tank filled. The wheels are also about three pounds lighter than last year.

BMW engineers fitted the fairing with a new, contoured design. BMW loves distinctive front ends, and the RS has a spit-face design.

Many significant updates are optional. While we can’t go over every option, the highlights are worth noting.

The 2026 BMW R 1300 RS has Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA) available as an option. The damping and spring rate at both ends are semi-active. They can also be adjusted via the riding modes.

Radar implementation can be added, and that means more safety features. Active cruise control and front collision warning are part of the system, with automatic braking part of the package. These features are adjustable.

BMW’s new Automatic Shift Assistant (ASA) is optional. We tested ASA on the R 1300 GS Adventure. It allows clutchless operation, with gear shifting done either manually or automatically.

The Style Performance package lengthens the fork and shock for increased cornering capabilities. It’s a feature made possible by DSA, and raises the seat height by 0.4 inches. In addition to longer suspension travel, it is also damped firmer for a superior feel in corners.

Braking can be upgraded by the Sport Brake option. This gets you titanium-colored brake calipers, and BMW allows that this gives the RS “a slight increase in braking performance.”

GPS Prep is an option for dedicated touring enthusiasts. This makes it easier to add a smartphone or navigation unit via a ConnectedRide Cradle. BMW Motorrad Navigator 4 or newer can be fit, which ties in with BMW’s ConnectedRide Navigator. The BMW Motorrad Multi-Controller (aka Wonder Wheel) is standard.

There’s a new case mounting system. The cases are optional. The left-side case has a powered USB-C port and holds 39 liters. The exhaust-side case can swallow 26 liters. If you need to carry more cargo, there’s an optional 39-liter-capacity top case that has a powered USB-C port. Further, BMW is offering a new tank bag that has adjustable carrying capacity—five or eight liters, depending on how you configure it.

BMW offers an Excellence Package, with the feature list depending on which RS variant you buy. The features you get in the Excellence Package ($2850) with the Performance Package ($4020) are different than what you get if you order the Racing Blue ($2020), Style Triple Black ($2830), or Style Option 719 ($4305) Packages. Your local BMW dealer can explain it all to you.

The starting list price is $16,995, though be prepared to spend quite a bit more to get the 2026 BMW R 1300 RS. The RS is expected to land on dealers’ floors as soon as September. Dealers are taking orders now.

2026 BMW R 1300 RS Specs

ENGINE

Type: Horizontally opposed twin
Displacement: 1301cc
Bore x stroke: 106.5 x 73mm
Maximum power: 145 horsepower @ 7750 rpm
Maximum torque: 110 ft-lbs @ 6500 rpm
Top speed: 152 mph
Compression ratio: 13.3:1
Fueling: EFI w/ 52mm throttle body
Valvetrain: DOHC w/ dual profile cams; 4vpc
Cooling: Liquid and air
Transmission: 6-speed (automatic shifting optional)
Clutch: Hydraulically actuated wet multiplate w/ slipper function
Final drive: Shaft

CHASSIS

Frame: Sheet metal man frame w/ load-bearing engine and die-cast aluminum subframe
Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable inverted 47mm fork (semi-active optional); 5.5 inches
Rear suspension; travel: BMW Motorrad Evo Paralever II and shock (semi-active optional); 5.1 inches
Wheels: Cast aluminum
Front wheel: 17 x 3.50
Rear wheel: 17 x 6.00
Front tire: 120/70-17
Rear tire: 190/55-17
Front brakes: 310mm discs w/ radially mounted 4-piston calipers
Rear brake: 285mm disc w/ 2-piston caliper
ABS: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro