2026 BMW R1300R ... beautiful or ?? What might the RS look like?

[Grumpy Goat]

This bike was recently unveiled and not a word here. This is the close cousin to our own bike, the RS.

What do you think of the R's styling and what do you think it will mean for the RS? Personally, I think it's a big improvement on the previous model in terms of the lines of the bike. I love the swoopy lines especially on the rear half. And the small fairing in front gives it a chunkier stance and fills in the space behind the fork ... I like that look. Here are some photos showing the colours ... not a fan of the light blue.

   

   

   

   

   

[Motorhead1977]

I'm not a fan of the headlight. From the side it's a good look. Have to see it from many angles.

[Grumpy Goat]

I'm not a fan of the headlight. From the side it's a good look. Have to see it from many angles.

You must not like the insectoid look.   You must hate the KTM face. 

I have no problem with the headlight but it's the "forehead" (when the radar sensor is fitted) I have a problem with ... it's a vertically stacked arrangement with the back (facing front) of the dash on top. Maybe a small "flycatcher" windshield from above the radar sensor would have improved the look. If the effectiveness of the R1300GS's cross-shaped headlight is anything to go by, the headlight on the R would be pretty effective. This looks like it has the cornering lights. Wonder if the RD will retain double headlamps. 

   

[Motorhead1977]

GG you're correct. I have no love for the "insectoid" look.

[Lee]

I'm not a fan of the headlight. From the side it's a good look. Have to see it from many angles.

You can rotate the view on the BMW Motorrad site.
https://configurator.bmwmotorcycles.com/...UC/COLOURS

[Lee]

The bags are smaller. The current generation bags are 30 and 31 liters.

"For touring, the new BMW R 1300 R can be fitted with a newly developed case system and case holders from the BMW Motorrad Original Accessories range, or with preparation for the luggage system as part of the Comfort Package. The cases, which have a capacity of 26 and 29 litres respectively, are electrified and can be unlocked using the central locking system. They also both feature interior lighting, and the left-hand case includes a USB-C charging port.
The tank bag is also new and, for the first time, completely strapless. It attaches to the bike via a tank ring."

[mojoguzzi]

The bags are smaller. The current generation bags are 30 and 31 liters.

"For touring, the new BMW R 1300 R can be fitted with a newly developed case system and case holders from the BMW Motorrad Original Accessories range, or with preparation for the luggage system as part of the Comfort Package. The cases, which have a capacity of 26 and 29 litres respectively, are electrified and can be unlocked using the central locking system. They also both feature interior lighting, and the left-hand case includes a USB-C charging port.
The tank bag is also new and, for the first time, completely strapless. It attaches to the bike via a tank ring."

Uhh, yeah, that's no good. I'm space-constrained as is.

[Grumpy Goat]

The bags are smaller. The current generation bags are 30 and 31 liters.

"For touring, the new BMW R 1300 R can be fitted with a newly developed case system and case holders from the BMW Motorrad Original Accessories range, or with preparation for the luggage system as part of the Comfort Package. The cases, which have a capacity of 26 and 29 litres respectively, are electrified and can be unlocked using the central locking system. They also both feature interior lighting, and the left-hand case includes a USB-C charging port.
The tank bag is also new and, for the first time, completely strapless. It attaches to the bike via a tank ring."

I have to laugh at BMW, though. Seriously. Reduced size but ... they are electrified!! And the tank bag is now strapless and attaches to the tank via tank ring. Whoahhh ....

Backlit switchgear? That is actually now a thing for me ... on principle ...

Don't get me wrong ... I love the BMW motorcycles [themselves], but clearly BMW Motorrad are tone-deaf when it comes to features. They only design bikes for God-knows-who. 

At least it looks cool ... insectoid headlamp and sheepshead forehead aside.   The RS must also be a looker if the R is still similar from the "shoulders" back. It will have a windshield so the forehead won't be as pronounced.

[colirv]

The bags are smaller. The current generation bags are 30 and 31 liters.

"For touring, the new BMW R 1300 R can be fitted with a newly developed case system and case holders from the BMW Motorrad Original Accessories range, or with preparation for the luggage system as part of the Comfort Package. The cases, which have a capacity of 26 and 29 litres respectively, are electrified and can be unlocked using the central locking system. They also both feature interior lighting, and the left-hand case includes a USB-C charging port.
The tank bag is also new and, for the first time, completely strapless. It attaches to the bike via a tank ring."

I call that a step in the right direction, if the new bags are narrower. My wife and I currently tour using nice narrow 22 litre panniers (and a waterproof roll on the back), which means we can filter through European traffic jams of 10+ miles without problems.

[Lee]

 Reduced size but ... they are electrified!! 

We always use bag liners so the light inside the bag would not be any help for us.

[Lee]

I call that a step in the right direction, if the new bags are narrower. My wife and I currently tour using nice narrow 22 litre panniers (and a waterproof roll on the back), which means we can filter through European traffic jams of 10+ miles without problems.

I liked the narrow 17 liter bags on our K1300S bikes. They would expand but we never rode with them expanded.
I would carry a 25 liter bag on my rear seat.
Plenty of room for 3 week trips.
   

   

[Grumpy Goat]

I call that a step in the right direction, if the new bags are narrower. My wife and I currently tour using nice narrow 22 litre panniers (and a waterproof roll on the back), which means we can filter through European traffic jams of 10+ miles without problems.

Interesting. I did not think that filtering would be a design parameter for side luggage, but he if they make all sizes then there is a chance all would be satisfied.

Of course, I'm not saying that [these] bikes need space-optimized (read rectangular boxes) luggage of the largest dimensions, but for me the previous sizes (along with top box) were just adequate for me and wife for a weekend getaway. Anything smaller and she's not coming, and she is not one of these fancy women who bring anything other than clothes.

For an R lack of luggage is not an issue. Different story for the RS.

[Grumpy Goat]

I liked the narrow 17 liter bags on our K1300S bikes. They would expand but we never rode with them expanded.
I would carry a 25 liter bag on my rear seat.
Plenty of room for 3 week trips.

Easier with two bikes as opposed to 2 up. Then each can bring whatever they want since they are the one lugging it on their own bike.

[Lee]

For an R lack of luggage is not an issue.

Why do you say that? A lot of R1200/1250R bikes are used for touring.

[Grumpy Goat]

For an R lack of luggage is not an issue.

Why do you say that? A lot of R1200/1250R bikes are used for touring.

For me. I neither have an R nor will I ever get an R.