BMW R 1300 RS Preview: A Sportbike for Touring

We were excited when BMW announced the completely new 2026 R 1300 RT, considered the gold standard in sport touring motorcycles.  But then, in the same stroke, they introduced the new R 1300 RS.  And our senses became overloaded.  Sport touring enthusiasts now have two incredible BMW motorcycles to choose from and BMW is not making the choice easy.  Both are designed for sport touring – the RT offers top-notch long-distance comfort while the RS caters to thrill seeking at every turn.  BMW implicitly makes the point by listing the RT under Touring bikes and the RS under Sport.

Let’s take a closer look at what differentiates the new RS from the RT and why the RS is a true sportbike built for touring.  To learn more about the R 1300 RT, read BMW Announces 2026 R 1300 RT.

Distinctive Looks

The distinctive designs of the RS and RT equally shout BMW.  Both are visually anchored around the big 1300cc twin cylinder boxer engine with its unmistakable cylinder heads jutting out from each side.  But that’s where design parallels stop.  The RS fairings have a lighter visual appearance and distinct split front fairing giving the bike a leaner, less bulky look.  The windshield is set low accenting the angular aerodynamic frontend in contrast to the taller and rounder appearance of the RT. 

Both motorcycles employ a two-into-one stainless steel exhaust system, but the silencer on the RS angles up above the rear axle while the RT exhaust draws a straight line across the axle plane.  This is a clear nod from BMW to the RS’s more aggressive riding intent.

The RS and RT also share a similar “flyline”, BMW’s term for the bike’s top profile beginning above the front fairing and extending to the tail.  The front end body work on the RS takes a steeper rake toward the handlebars giving the bike a tucked look.  From the tank back however, both RS and RT follow virtually the same lines.  Any visual difference can be attributed to differences in fairing design and luggage systems.

The R 1300 RS draws heavily on BMW sport bike ethos leading few to realize that it is built on the same reengineered chassis as the RT and shares many of its advanced features. 

High Performance Standard

At the heart of the R 1300 RS lies the same redesigned, more potent, 1300cc twin-cylinder boxer engine found on other members of the updated boxer family.  This new power plant delivers 145 horsepower and 110lb-ft of torque.  Engine internals (e.g., compression and valves) are the same across models and likewise fueling and exhaust are consistent. 

With significantly increased power and torque compared to its predecessor, the boxer engine in the new BMW R 1300 RS is the ideal drive for an even more dynamic sports touring experience – whether on country roads or on extended trips, even with a passenger and plenty of luggage.” Achim Baier, Vehicle Concept Manager BMW R 1300 RS

Transmission and drive trains are nearly the same between the RS and RT.  Both utilize a 6-speed gearbox separated from the engine by a 10-disc wet-clutch with self-reinforcing anti-hopping mechanism.  Like the RT, the transmission on the RS was moved below the engine for better weight distribution and to improve drive shaft angle.  In fact, the entire RS power train now weighs 14.3 pounds less than the prior model. 

Transmission gear ratios, from 1^st gear to 6^th, are the same; however, the RS has a higher final drive ratio compared to the RT (2.909 vs 2.818).  As a result, the RS boasts slightly better acceleration – 0 to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds compared to 3.6 seconds for the RT.  In theory the taller final drive should allow the rider to take full advantage of the entire RPM band.

Employing wind-tunnel testing, BMW engineering gave the RS an aerodynamic profile that enables the big boxer engine to take it to a top speed of 152mph – making the RS the fastest boxer in the BMW lineup.

Sport vs Touring Handling

When it comes to sport touring the 2026 RS steps up in important ways.  Let’s start with riding position.  The triangle formed by the handlebars, footrests and seat of the new R 1300 RS, like the RT, now positions the rider further forward over the front wheel by setting the footrests backward slightly and using a flatter handlebar. The result is better frontend feedback and a greater sense of control, especially during sport riding.  All of that without unduly sacrificing touring comfort.

The chassis of the new BMW RS, again like the RT, has been completely redesigned. The centerpiece is a new sheet steel main frame which offers higher levels of stiffness than the predecessor model.  The rear frame was also completely redesigned.  In place of the previous tubular steel construction, the new R 1300 RS now has a rear frame made of die-cast aluminum offering excellent stiffness and low weight.  BMW claims the new chassis design results in a noticeable increase in riding precision and stability.

BMW used a new 47 mm upside-down telescopic fork with 5.5 inches of suspension travel on the redesigned RS rather than the EVO Telelever set-up found on the RT.  The redesigned rear suspension is built around the same Evo Paralever II, with its significantly stiffer connection to the frame and a continuous swinging arm quick-release axle.

Dynamic electronic suspension adjustment is standard equipment on the RS, but buyers can upgrade to optional Electronic Dynamic Suspension Adjustment.  Both dynamically adjust dampening and include adjustable rear preload, but DSA takes it a step further by making corresponding adjustments to the spring rate (stiffness) depending on ride mode.  The new RS, together with the newly announced R 1300 R, are the first production motorcycles with an upside-down telescopic fork that allows spring rate adjustment. 

To keep the many combinations of suspension settings from becoming a distraction on the road, BMW allows riders to create custom suspension adjustment presets for each ride mode.

Rider Aids

When it comes to rider aids, those features that enable the motorcycle to handle certain tasks on behalf of the rider, the RS and RT offer the same set of industry standard capabilities.  These range from ABS and TCS to pre-defined ride modes. 

The RS has three standard riding modes: RAIN, ROAD, and ECO.  However, many riders add DYNAMIC and DYNAMIC PRO modes included in the optional Riding Modes Pro package.  These extra modes are enhanced versions of what other manufacturers typically call “sport” mode.  Both dynamic modes dial-back the harshness of those rider aids that can become intrusive on the track.  Examples include Traction Control and Engine Drag Torque Control.  In Dynamic Pro mode, riders can fine-tune traction control to, as BMW puts it, “adjust the length of the black line when accelerating out of a corner.”

In addition to the Riding Modes Pro option, sport touring riders will take interest in the new Riding Assistant feature.  Riding Assistant adds a forward radar unit mounted on the center fairing that enables the cruise control system to maintain a set following distance in addition to a set speed.  Riding Assistant also provides a warning and automatically initiates braking when it detects a possible frontal collision.  Unfortunately the system lacks a rear-facing radar unit needed for blind spot warnings.

Two more rider aids bear mentioning – Shift Assist Pro and Automatic Shift Assistant.  These sound like they might do the same thing and in some ways they do.  Shift Assist Pro is an up/down quickshifter, while Automatic Shift Assistant (ASA) eliminates the need for a clutch altogether.  Neither is standard equipment, and as you might guess they are mutually exclusive.  ASA works in two modes.  In “D” mode, it makes gear changes with smooth torque interruption delivering efficient acceleration and ride stability.  When the road demands more direct control, the system can be switched to “M” mode giving the rider precise control of shift points using the familiar foot operated shift lever (in effect it works like a quick shifter).  Regardless of mode, clutching is not necessary; in fact, the clutch lever is removed when this option is selected.

Other aids, like ABS, are also enhanced in practical ways.  For example, the ABS system is complemented by Dynamic Brake Control designed to avoid unintended throttle input while braking.   

The Headlight Pro system is another example of an enhanced riding aid.  This system optimizes low beam angle in corners taking into account lean angle and activates additional LED elements to improve corner visibility.  Headlight Pro works when the following conditions are true: high or low beams are activated, the bike senses darkness, the rate of travel is greater than 6 mph, and the bike is leaning at 7 degrees or more.

Touring Comfort and Conveniences

The RS is a sportbike at heart but one with a not-so-well-hidden sport tourer identity.  While the base model includes essential features, it’s unlikely many will ride off with just that.  Instead, buyers will opt for one of three optional Style/Color variants and then add an Options Package on top of that. 

Color/style variants determine the bike’s aesthetics such as paint color and mechanical trim features like an engine spoiler, exhaust design, and so on.  Racing Blue is the base style/color variant.  It’s what you get if you order only the motorcycle and skip the options packages.  This is your $16,995 MSRP R 1300 RS.  But few will settle for that.  Instead, BMW entices buyers with three enhanced style/color offerings: Style Triple Black, Style Performance, and Style Option 719.  Only Style Performance adds meaningful performance parts to the base bike, e.g. a Sport Suspension.  The real extras are included with the Options Package.

BMW Options Packages are pre-defined collections of optional equipment tailored to fit a particular color/style variant.  When it comes to the R 1300 RS buyers who opt for either the Racing Blue, Style Triple Black, or Style Option 719 can choose to add the Excellence Options Package.  Among many highlights, this package includes Gear Shift Pro, Dynamic Suspension Adjustment, Riding Assistant, luggage mounts (but not the luggage) and a center stand.  For those focused on sport riding more than touring, be aware that the Excellence Options package designed for the Style Performance variant omits the luggage mounts but includes everything else.

For long-distance sport touring rides, the new BMW R 1300 RS can be fitted with a newly developed case system from the BMW Motorrad Original Accessories catalog or simply prepped for the luggage system to be added later. The cases have a capacity of 26 and 29 liters respectively. Both are electrified and can be unlocked using the central locking system. They also feature interior lighting, and the left-hand case includes a USB-C charging port. For those who need extra storage, a new optional 39 liter topcase with an internal USB-C port is available.

No need to ride in silence.  The RS includes a standard Connectivity Package visually anchored by a 6.5 inch full-color TFT instrument panel controlled by the now familiar BMW multi-controller.  The Connectivity Package supports smartphone and helmet connectivity via Bluetooth connection to the TFT screen.  With that the rider can easily make phone calls and control media playback. The BMW Motorrad Connected App is not required to use these functions, but is available to log routes and display other travel information and basic navigation for short trips.

And finally, like the RT, the RS is equipped with BMW Intelligent Emergency Call capability which can summon help in an emergency.  In the event of a crash, the system automatically sends rider location data to the BMW Emergency Call Center.  Riders can also manually request help using the SOS button on the handlebar.  Best of all, no subscription fee is required to use the system.

The one shortcoming we found on the RS is the rather small fuel tank capacity. At only 4.5 gallons, RS riders will find themselves making more frequent fuel stops compared to others on the new RT with its 6.3 gallon tank. 

Choose Your Trim

BMW offers the R 1300 RS in four color/style combinations, each featuring a distinct paint color and trim pieces. Regardless of color choice, every 2026 R 1300 RS includes the following standard equipment:

Standard Equipment
2-Cylinder air/liquid-cooled Boxer Engine with BMW ShiftCam, Anti-hopping wet clutch, 6-speed manual transmission, Cardan drive shaft, Cast aluminum wheels, twin disc front brake with 4-piston radial calipers, single-disk rear brake, Dynamic ESA, Fully Integral ABS Pro, Dynamic Brake Control, Upside Down Fork, Steering Stabilizer, DTC Dynamic Traction Control, BMW Motorrad Paralever, BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro, Electronic Immobilizer, LED headlight, LED tail light, LED turn indicators with Comfort turn function, 12v socket, USB-C port, DCC Dynamic cruise control with brake function, Multi Controller, Colored TFT screen, Clutch lever adjustable, Handbrake lever adjustable, Rider and passenger seats, Keyless Ride, Riding Modes, Connectivity, Hill Start Assist, Intelligent Emergency Call, Ultimate Care Break-In Service.

An abundant list of options and accessories is available for all color/styles, however the luggage grid and saddlebag mounts are not offered for the Style Performance:

• Gear Shift Assist Pro or Automatic Shift Assistant,
• Riding Modes Pro.
• DSA Dynamic Suspension Adjustment.
• Sport Brake.
• High Windshield.
• Riding Assistant.
• Comfort Passenger Seat.
• Seat Heating.
• Heated Grips.
• Tire Pressure Monitor.
• Headlight Pro.
• GPS Prep.
• Central Locking.
• Center Stand.
• Luggage Grid or Topcase Carrier.
• Saddlebag Mounts.
• Sport, Heated Rider’s Seat in High, Standard, or Low variants.
• Sport, Heated Passenger Seat.
• Heated Rider’s Seat in High or Low variants.
• Comfort, Heated Rider’s or Passenger Seat.
• Passenger Seat Cover.
• Side Cases, 26 / 29 liters, with internal LED lighting and USB-C power socket.
• Side Case Inner Bags.
• Top Case, 39 liters.
• Top Case Inner Bag.
• Tank Bag with strapless attachment system, expandable 5-8 liters

Spec Sheet: 2026 BMW R 1300 RS

** Engine **
Capacity		cc	1,300
Bore/stroke		mm	106.5 x 73.0
Output		hp	145 @ 7,750 rpm
Torque		ft-lbs.	110 @ 6,500 rpm
Type			Air/liquid-cooled two cylinder boxer motor with two overhead chain-driven camshafts, a counterbalance shaft BMW ShiftCam.
Compression			13.3:1
Fuel			Premium unleaded 95 RON
Valves per cylinder			4
Ø intake / exhaust valve dia.		mm	44.0 / 35.6
Ø throttle valve		mm	52
Engine control			BMS-O with throttle-by-wire
Emission control			Closed loop 3-way catalytic converter EU5+
** Electrical System **
Generator		W	650
Battery		V/Ah	12 / 10
Headlight			LED
Rear light			LED
Starter		W	900
** Transmission **
Clutch			Anti-hopping wet clutch, hydraulically operated
Gearbox			Constant-mesh 6-speed manual, cardan shaft drive
Transmission ratios		I	2.438
II			1.714
III			1.296
IV			1.059
V			0.906
VI			0.794
Primary ratio			1.479
Secondary ratio			2.909
** Chassis **
Frame construction type			Main frame with bolt on rear frame, load-bearing engine
Front wheel suspension			47 mm telescoping fork
Rear wheel suspension			Cast aluminum single-sided swingarm with BMW EVO Paralever, WAD shock
Spring travel, front/rear	inches		5.5 / 5.1
Wheel castor	inches		4.8
Wheelbase	inches		60
Steering head angle	degrees		28
Brakes, front			Twin 310 mm disks with 4-piston radially mounted floating brake calipers
Brakes, rear			Single 285 mm disk with 2-piston floating caliper
ABS			BMW Motorrad Fully Integral ABS Pro
Wheels			Aluminum cross-spoked wheels
Wheel size front  / rear	inches		3.50 x 17 / 6.00 x 17
Tire size front / rear			120/70 ZR17 / 180/55 ZR17
** Dimensions and Weights **
Total length	inches		84.2
Total width incl. bar end mirrors	inches		33.3
Seat height	inches		31.1 – 33.3
Ground clearance	inches
DIN unladen weight, road ready	lbs.		540
Permitted total weight	lbs.		1,014
Fuel tank capacity	gallons		4.5
** Performance Figures **
Acceleration 0-62 mph (100kph)	seconds		3.2
Top speed	mph		152 mph

The Playful One

Family resemblance is apparent among the R 1300 clan.  In many ways the R 1300 RS is the RT’s playful little brother. It brings sportbike attitude to the world of sport touring without sacrificing too much of what makes BMW sport touring motorcycles so exceptional. 

Of course, our analysis is based largely on the latest specifications from BMW. But we expect new RS and RT models to show up in dealer showrooms mid to late summer (if our sources hold true).  More to come.