Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
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P116 RIDE REVIEW I 2026 BMW R 1300 RT VERDICT BMW has unquestionably im- proved the RT, and that's saying something, considering the previous model was already ex- cellent. In fact, even the previ- ous version still consumes the miles with ease. But somehow, BMW has refined and sharp- ened the RT with more power, more comfort for both rider and passenger, and more tech that actually matters. That's the key word here: usable. Frankly, I'd argue there's no real competition. The RT is in a different league. Take Kawa - saki's Ninja 1100SX SE. Sure, it's sportier, but it doesn't come close in terms of refinement or long-distance comfort. The RT leans more toward touring than sport, but without the bulk or heft of BMW's own K 1600 GT. In the past, there were a handful of big sport-tourers around, bikes like Yamaha's FJR1300, but they've mostly disappeared. And compared to the tech-packed RT, they feel prehistoric. For me, the RT stands alone. I'm not sure there's a better machine for serious long-distance touring, with just enough edge to make the twisty stuff fun. It's even more comfortable than BMW's iconic GS. But like many bikes that roll out of Munich, there's one big drawback: the price. The base model starts at $22,495. Our test bike, as spec'd, comes in at just over $31,000. If that still doesn't faze you and you want a mile-muncher par excellence, the RT is just the ticket. CN protection and very low wind noise. BMW has done lots of wind-tunnel simulations and even reduced the buffeting and the wind force behind the rider by adding a small scoop to the lower screen. On the older RT, or any large-screened bike, you get turbulence behind the rider, which pushes you forward and, in the rain, gives you a dry front but a soaking back. BMW has reduced this on the RT, mak - ing it much more civilized. The combination of the large elec- tronic screen and multiple wind deflectors makes cruising at speed almost turbulence-free. Set the Active Cruise Con- trol, keep an eye on the Lane Change Warning (SWW), select your favorite radio station (that'll be '90s rock in Germa- ny), and then sit back to enjoy a wonderfully smooth ride. We did two and a half hours solid in one stint, and it was effortless. With a 6.3-gallon fuel tank and a frugal engine easily returning 42 mpg or more at speed, 250 miles between stops is easy. That sounds crazy, but even three hours non- stop wouldn't be a problem. If you want to get to your destina- tion at speed, then the R 1300 RT is up for the challenge. Sadly, even though this was an extensive test, we didn't get to try the new adaptive headlights, and I couldn't find a pillion brave enough. I'd also like to try some different seats and luggage options. In a per- fect world, I would have ridden back to the UK from Germany, saving myself the pleasure of Ryanair. 2026 BMW R 1300 RT ($22,495) ENGINE 4-stroke, 4-cylinder Boxer VALVETRAIN DOHC DISPLACEMENT 1300cc BORE X STROKE 106.5 x 73mm COMPRESSION RATIO 13.3:1 COOLING SYSTEM Air/liquid MAX POWER (CLAIMED) 145 hp @ 7750 rpm MAX TORQUE (CLAIMED) 110 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm FUEL SYSTEM Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management system with throttle-by-wire EXHAUST 2-1 TRANSMISSION 6-speed shaft drive ELECTRONICS Ride Modes: Rain, Road, Eco CHASSIS Two-part frame consisting of main frame, bolted rear frame, and load-bearing engine FRONT SUSPENSION BMW Motorrad EVO- Telelever, handlebar tilting decoupled via flex element, central shock absorber REAR SUSPENSION BMW Motorrad EVO- Paralever, cast aluminum single-sided swingarm, continuous swingarm bearing axle, central suspension strut FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL 5.8 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL 6.2 in. FRONT BRAKE Dual 4-piston radial-mount calipers, 310mm discs w/ ABS REAR BRAKE 2-piston caliper, 285mm disc w/ ABS FRONT TIRE 120/70 ZR17 in. REAR TIRE 190/55 ZR17 in. RAKE 25.8° TRAIL 4.78 in. WHEELBASE 59 in. SEAT HEIGHT 32.2 / 33.8 in. FUEL CAPACITY 6.3 gal. WEIGHT (DRY, CLAIMED) 584 lbs. 2026 BMW R 1300 RT ($22,495)