Hitting the Road in Style: The Adrenaline-Fueled BMW R 1300 RT
Agile and dynamic BMW R 1300 RT motorcycle offers robust performance.
Embrace the power of the road with the latest addition to BMW's touring motorcycle lineup - the R 1300 RT. This dynamic ride is specially crafted to deliver an exhilarating experience combined with the sophistication you'd expect from a premium brand like BMW.
Since the RT name first graced the BMW model range in 1979, it has represented the epitome of refined touring on two wheels. The R 100 RT paved the way for a serious, mature, yet compact tourer that set the bar high for riding comfort, safety, space, and dynamic handling. The new R 1300 RT continues that legacy, with a twist of extra adrenaline to set it apart from its predecessors.
At its heart, a robust 1,300 cc Boxer engine beats strong, delivering 145 PS and 149 Nm torque. This engine has proven its worth since its debut in the R 1300 GS in 2021 and will be powering other dynamic BMW motorcycles such as the R 1300 R and R 1300 RS by mid-2025.
While the variety of BMW motorcycles may have diminished the importance of the RT model in recent years, the new R 1300 RT is anything but staid. With its dynamic handling capabilities and high-end features, it promises to breathe fresh life into the touring segment.
Riding in Style with New Tech Features
The R 1300 RT has always been synonymous with cutting-edge innovation. The latest iteration includes the new Dynamic Chassis Adaptation (DCA) system, which provides variable spring rate adjustment, two adjustable damping modes, and two riding modes, effectively transforming the bike into two distinct motorcycles: one comfort-oriented with increased suspension travel and one dynamic, offering a steeper rake angle for improved handling and increased lean angle.
Another technological breakthrough is the new adaptive lighting system. Equipped with up to 47 LEDs, the bike's lights automatically adjust to the current speed, providing optimal illumination of the road. At low speeds, the light is wide, while at high speeds, it penetrates further ahead to ensure your path is always clear.
The automated shift assistant (ASA) also makes its debut in the RT lineup, allowing for clutchless gear changes. Whether you prefer to switch gears manually or let the bike take care of it for you, the shift points are adjusted based on the selected riding mode. Despite the new technology, the RT remains relatively lightweight, tipping the scales at only 281 kg when fully fueled.
Power Meets Comfort - The Perfect Balance
The R 1300 RT's performance speaks for itself, all thanks to the variable valve control Shift Cam, which ensures the 1.3-liter engine is the most powerful and efficient yet seen in an RT. With impressive fuel efficiency and a range that can rival the strongest of pack animals, it's ready for epic journeys. The new DCA chassis impressed us during testing, offering an unprecedented balance between comfort and extreme dynamics.
When it comes to safety, the R 1300 RT doesn't compromise. With advanced radar-based assistance and warning systems, you can ride with confidence and peace of mind. The bike's seating position is designed with comfort in mind, offering an excellent riding position that sets a new standard within the touring segment. However, we did notice that the new, adjustable side cases can be less practical than their larger, bulkier predecessors.
Available in Base, Triple Black, Impulse, and Option 719 "Camargue" variants, the R 1300 RT offers a range of colors and features to suit your needs and style. With numerous optional extras available, you can tailor your bike to your preferences, although be prepared for the costs to start mounting quickly. Features like a heated backrest on the top case and two-stage heated handlebars can add another 10,000 euros to the bike's base price of around 23,000 euros.
[1] BMW Motorrad. (n.d.). BMW R 1300 RT. BMW Group. https://www.bmw-motorrad.com/int/en/bikes/R-models/R-1300-RT.html
[2] Ulf Böringer. (2023). BMW R 1300 RT - A Stylish yet Dynamic Touring Motorcycle from Berlin. Spiegel Online. https://www.spiegel.de/auto/motorrader/bmw-r-1300-rt-eine-sportliche-grande-tourer-aus-berlin-a-caebd102-2c50-4033-8e84-8b36aaa893b2
[3] BMW Motorrad. (2023). BMW R 1300 RT. Configurator. https://www.configurator.bmw-motorrad.com/en/uk/r-1300-rt?regionInCode=UK
[4] Ulf Böringer. (2023). BMW R 1300 RT - A Stylish yet Dynamic Touring Motorcycle from Berlin. Spiegel Online. https://www.spiegel.de/auto/motorrader/bmw-r-1300-rt-eine-sportliche-grande-tourer-aus-berlin-a-caebd102-2c50-4033-8e84-8b36aaa893b2
[5] Motorcycle.com. (n.d.). 2023 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure First Ride Review. Motorcycle.com. https://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/bmw/2023-bmw-r1300-gs-adventure-first-ride-review.html
- The BMW R 1300 RT, a premium motor vehicle principally designed for the transport of persons, reflects its owner's lifestyle with its combination of cutting-edge technology and general-news-worthy features, such as the new Dynamic Chassis Adaptation (DCA) system and adaptive lighting system.
- The sports segment intertwines with the lifestyle of BMW R 1300 RT owners, as demonstrated by its impressive performance, advanced safety features, and customization options, making it a desirable choice for those seeking an adrenaline-filled ride while maintaining a touch of sophistication on the road.
