More power: the new 1300cc boxer engine
At the heart of the new R 1300 R is the two-cylinder boxer engine with a displacement of exactly 1,300 cm³, familiar from the R 1300 GS. The unit delivers 145 hp (107 kW) at 7,750 rpm and provides a whopping 149 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. This means that the new engine outperforms the previous 1,254 cc boxer of the R 1250 R (136 hp, 143 Nm) in all areas. The ShiftCam variable valve control system remains on board and is intended to ensure greater efficiency and power range.
The necessary cooling is provided by a combination of air and water cooling. Despite the sporty orientation, the top speed of the naked bike remains at an impressive 240 km/h – a value that is rare in this class.
New chassis, new design
Visually, the new R 1300 R initially remains familiar – at least the front and rear sections are very reminiscent of its predecessor. In the middle section, however, the R 1300 R is much slimmer with a more compact engine. The integration of the water cooler in front of the engine also suggested that the classic telelever would once again be dispensed with. Instead, a conventional upside-down fork is used as before.
At the rear, the tried and tested single-sided swingarm with Paralever system is retained. What is new, however, is the frame structure: instead of a tubular frame construction, it now consists of sheet steel profiles with a bolted-on aluminum rear end.
Technical data at a glance
According to initial leaked information, the new BMW R 1300 R has a ready-to-ride weight of 239 kg (526 lbs) – including the 17-liter tank (90% full). This means that it remains within the familiar weight corridor despite the more powerful engine. The permissible total weight is 460 kg (1,014 lbs).
Further key data:
- Wheelbase: 1,511 mm
- Caster: 127 mm
- Steering head angle: 62.5 degrees
- Suspension travel: front 140 mm / rear 130 mm
- Seat height: 810 mm (5 seat options)
- Rear wheel size: 190/55 ZR 17 (previously 180/55 ZR 17)
The wider rear tire underlines the sporty aspirations of the new edition.
Modern equipment and new technology
BMW also relies on the latest technology features for the R 1300 R. The basic equipment includes a full-color TFT display with smartphone integration and a keyless entry system (“Keyless Ride”). The new automatic transmission ASA (Automated Shift Assistant), which has already been introduced on the R 1300 GS, will be available as an option. It enables both a semi-automatic clutch and fully automatic gear selection.
Assistance systems such as the rear radar with blind spot warning are apparently not included in the rather puristically designed R 1300 R. Instead, sporty options such as special sports suspension, sports brakes and handlebar end mirrors are planned. BMW has dispensed with a kickstand and integrated luggage rack for this model.
Market launch and price
The new R 1300 R will be produced from April 2025, with deliveries in Europe and North America scheduled to start in the summer. Other markets, including Asia, are to follow. In India, the market launch could take place during the festive season – albeit at an expectedly high price level.
Pricing has not yet been officially announced, but based on the entry-level price of the R 1250 R (15,490 euros or approx. 16,700 US dollars), the new R 1300 R is likely to start at around 16,000 euros (approx. 17,300 US dollars) – significantly higher depending on the equipment.
Outlook: Further 1300 models in the pipeline
Following the presentation of the R 1300 R, further offshoots are also set to follow: the sportier R 1300 RS with half-shell and the luxurious R 1300 RT touring machine with full fairing. Both have already been spotted as test vehicles and are also expected to be officially presented in the near future.
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