2026 R1300RS Initial (short) Review

[crf59]

   
Hi folks,

Made the transition from an F900GS to an R1300RS ASA (big change). Wanted a sport tourer and that's exactly what the 1300RS is - good and bad.

For info, I got the Option 719 which is mostly cosmetic, but it also has radar cruise, etc.

First ride had me reaching for the clutch lever constantly but I am getting comfortable without it now. Shifts are very mechanical feeling (which I like) and very efficient on the power. In Road mode I find it can be a bit lazy to downshift and doesn't want to downshift to 1st until at a dead stop. In Dynamic mode it's much more aggressive. I will likely use Dynamic for stop and go stuff and Road for cruising. 

So far (at only 350 miles):

Likes: 
- GREAT engine. Much more power than the several oil heads I have ridden. Pulls like a locomotive everywhere.
- Superb fit and finish
- Very low CG compared to the GS bikes and virtually every other bike I ever owned
- Great tech (though I do wonder about long term reliability of all the electrons running around).
- Corners like a MotoGP bike and feels very stable

Dislikes (some minor):
- Lots of buffeting at the high windscreen setting and lots of wind blast at the low setting. I am 5'10", so not tall. I have already ordered a Wunderlich screen
- Pegs, though more relaxed than the BMW sport bikes, are still pretty high. Being an older guy I will have to get used to that. I may get some low pegs from Wunderlich
- More forward lean than I would like, but not extreme by any stretch. Could go with 20mm handlebar risers, but likely not necessary

More as I ride it more. Headed to Skyline Drive next week (I am fortunate that I am only 45 min from the north entrance).

Chuck

[Grumpy Goat]

Very nice, and appreciate the short writeup. That is very similar to the bike I demo rode.

[crf59]

Very nice review and pretty much my impressions. My only deviation from you is on the windscreen. I was spoiled with the GS (had a tall touring screen on it), but I can easily fix that. I can't wait to get out on some twisty roads next week.

[Grumpy Goat]

Very nice review and pretty much my impressions. My only deviation from you is on the windscreen. I was spoiled with the GS (had a tall touring screen on it), but I can easily fix that. I can't wait to get out on some twisty roads next week.

You probably already know but there is wind noise, and there is buffeting (worse) and then there is smooth (quieter) air flow, and the RS has always had a noisy windscreen, and I switched out mine for a different one that is less noisy but has no buffeting. Got a barn-door Givi and it never made it past the test ride. Sold it after that (and after sitting in the box for a few years!). My S1000R had the sweetest air flow and quietest as far as wind noise was concerned ... and it had no windscreen ...  but I can't see doing long distance with it. The Tiger has a great windscreen - maybe like the GS. One has to see how the wind flows for each individual torso as our needs and tolerance all differ. Ear Peace makes good ear plugs also.

But you don't want buffeting!

[Paughco]

Looks like there are two different windscreens on the R1300RS. I tried to find them on the MAX BMW parts microfiche site, but they haven't updated it to the R1300s yet. Here's what I got from a Google search:

The BMW R 1300 RS comes factory-equipped or optioned with two main factory windshield variants designed to suit different riding priorities:
1. The Standard Sport Windscreen

• Focus: Aesthetics and dynamic riding.
  
• Characteristics: This is a lower, shorter screen that comes standard on variants like the base model or the sports-oriented packages. It emphasizes a aggressive silhouette and directs clean, unbuffeted airflow toward the rider's upper chest and helmet.
  

2. The High / Touring Windscreen

• Focus: Long-distance comfort and weather protection.
  
• Characteristics: Often included with touring-focused setups like the Racing Blue trim or available as a factory upgrade, this windscreen is significantly taller and optimized in BMW's wind tunnel. It dramatically cuts down wind pressure on the head and shoulders, reducing rider fatigue over highway distances.
  

I'm figuring that with the shorter screen the rider will get laminar flow around the helmet. It'll get better the faster you go.

If I had to give up my '22 R1250RS for a new R1300RS, I'd probably go for the blue version with all the electronics except for the ASA. I would insist that it be equipped with the lower, standard sport windscreen. 

Seeya
 ATB

[DRC]

From experience (at 5'9") I've found the 1200RS screen to be a little better than the 1300RS performance screen. I ride with the screen in the down position. My personal preference is to keep any buffeting below the helmet height. It may be that the wider screen and different profile on the 1200RS provides better wind protection. The 1300RS is certainly more of a racing style profile as you can see in the photo.

On my F700GS, which has a small screen, I went for a larger aftermarket. Not a huge difference is size, maybe 2 1/2 inches taller. The buffeting was unbearable, at 80 kph I felt like a bobblehead toy as the wind hit mid-visor. Removed after a fairly short trial.