First Review of the R1300RS

[Grumpy Goat]

Although by a moto-journalist and not an owner, it is nonetheless informative. The most gorgeous RS yet, I think.

[BobAin'tStoppin']

They say the new model is more sporty/dedicated, but the riding position looks more relaxed in this video.

[Oldrider51]

It is a good looking bike, but he doesn't say how it is different from the R1200/R1250 in the suspension and wheels. Yes it has the TFT screen and more electronics if you want that and the upgraded engine/transmission, but is that enough to get rid of my 16 R1200, not for me.

[Grumpy Goat]

It is a good looking bike, but he doesn't say how it is different from the R1200/R1250 in the suspension and wheels. Yes it has the TFT screen and more electronics if you want that and the upgraded engine/transmission, but is that enough to get rid of my 16 R1200, not for me.

Yes, it is more like a first ride review targeted more for the person unfamiliar with the RS, and not a thorough comparison review for those who already have the bike. I don't have the wherewithal to upgrade an expensive bike to the latest iteration based on subtle differences. I tend to buy a whole different bike for a truly different experience so I would likely keep my 2016 if I am to stay with an RS (especially now that they have acknowledged their driveshaft screwup).

[Motorhead1977]

I appreciate the summary as when playing it through my smartphone the audio quality was so poor I shut the video down. At some point I'll get the time to watch it on my desktop computer.

[Grumpy Goat]

I appreciate the summary as when playing it through my smartphone the audio quality was so poor I shut the video down. At some point I'll get the time to watch it on my desktop computer.

It sounds much nicer on proper speakers or good earphones.

[Lee]

I appreciate the summary as when playing it through my smartphone the audio quality was so poor I shut the video down. At some point I'll get the time to watch it on my desktop computer.

I watched it a couple days ago on my desktop with good speakers.
Hard to hear the first few minutes because of wind noise.
I would wait for a better review.

[mojoguzzi]

I note the tank ring is different, so my SW-Motech tank bag (https://sw-motech.us/en-us/p/40525722172....024.10000) won't work. Probably have to get a new topcase, too. And the luggage is smaller than my 2020. Hmmm.

[runnerhiker]

Thanks Wayne, my 2020 is set up just the way I want it so I am just going to wait and see. I have ridden the R1300GS and I must admit that the engine and transmission have been improved. But they have also decreased the convenience of buttons on the handlebars by moving some things to the menu selections - I don't like that.

I had a 2019 S1000XR and now I have a 2024 model. That's a Gen 1 to a Gen 2 XR. In that evolution, every change they made was an improvement and nothing was a step back for my preferences. THAT's the kind of change I am willing to pay for. The R1300RS doesn't quite get there.

[Grumpy Goat]

Thanks Wayne, my 2020 is set up just the way I want it so I am just going to wait and see.  I have ridden the R1300GS and I must admit that the engine and transmission have been improved.  But they have also decreased the convenience of buttons on the handlebars by moving some things to the menu selections - I don't like that.

I had a 2019 S1000XR and now I have a 2024 model.  That's a Gen 1 to a Gen 2 XR.  In that evolution, every change they made was an improvement and nothing was a step back for my preferences.  THAT's the kind of change I am willing to pay for.  The R1300RS doesn't quite get there.

I hear you 100% Ron, especially about moving certain button functions onto the menu. I also agree with you about the change from the Gen 1 to the Gen 2 XR. I have an RS because the Gen 1 XR failed to make the cut due to various reasons (mostly the vibrations at cruising speed and a seat that cupped my butt).

Since owning my Tiger I now have a new must-have which puts BMW out of the running for now ... backlit buttons. Not that I ride much in the night ... it's more the principle of the thing especially at the price point that these bikes command. Even some Chinese bikes have backlit buttons ... it is not hard. Disappointed that the new 1300s, for all their technology advancements, do not have this and it suggests that BMW is still not listening.

[mojoguzzi]

Since owning my Tiger I now have a new must-have which puts BMW out of the running for now ... backlit buttons. Not that I ride much in the night ... it's more the principle of the thing especially at the price point that these bikes command. Even some Chinese bikes have backlit buttons ... it is not hard. Disappointed that the new 1300s, for all their technology advancements, do not have this and it suggests that BMW is still not listening.

Completely agree. Backlighting on buttons is a huge ergonomic safety feature.

[Lee]

Here's another review of the RS with the Performance package.
The 4 way adjustable pegs look good. The K1300S HP and Motorsport had that option.

The reviewer said you can add bags but the BMW configuration page will not let you add bags to the Performance package.
I don't know if that's a early problem with the BMW site or the Performance package doesn't have the electronics for the light, charging port and auto lock.

When I watched his review of the RT he did not like it as well as his personal R1250RT.

https://youtu.be/HORhntmWvQ8

[Lee]

On another review I'm watching now the salesman said you can not add side cases or top box to the Performance Package bike (white bike)

[Lee]

Review of the Performance Package with the automatic.

https://youtu.be/Bki_1xpQ5HY

[Grumpy Goat]

On another review I'm watching now the salesman said you can not add side cases or top box to the Performance Package bike (white bike)

I saw that also. Under Optional Equipment it says "Electrified luggage system (central locking system, light, charging function)" which probably suggests more mounting paraphernalia than a sporty "sport bike" would allow hence it is not offered on the Performance Package.

Looking at the US website I now see that it now states a top speed (149 mph) instead of "over 124 mph" as it used to say before ...

As for colours - I like the Performance Package colour best but since it cannot accommodate panniers I would go for the Triple Black. Don't like the Blue variants and the decals of the Option 719 are not to my taste.

In the review I saw a black chrome muffler and headers are also offered - very nice.

   

   

[Lee]

On another review I'm watching now the salesman said you can not add side cases or top box to the Performance Package bike (white bike)

 Under Optional Equipment it says "Electrified luggage system (central locking system, light, charging function)" which probably suggests more mounting paraphernalia than a sporty "sport bike" would allow hence it is not offered on the Performance Package.

To me the R1300RS is a Sport Touring bike and Sport Touring bikes should have the option of hard luggage.
I would be fine with the more sport riding position as it sounds similar to the K1300S we had and both of us were good with that for 600 mile days.
I think all the colors have the same riding position but I think the adjustable foot pegs are standard on the performance package and optional on the other colors. .
I think all the 2025 R1300 bikes now have electrified luggage.
I would not get much use out of that.
We rarely lock our bags.
We always use bag liners so our liner would block the light.

[Grumpy Goat]

To me the R1300RS is a Sport Touring bike and Sport Touring bikes should have the option of hard luggage.

Totally agree. Even though it is on the “Sport” category on the website, even the Performance model is a sporty sport tourer, and should have the option to add panniers.

[Atgani]

Just had a test ride today and found it underwhelming compared with my R1250RS. I didn't find it particularly refined due to quite a bit of buffeting from the screen which should be fixable as I have done on my 1250 also loud whining from the new gearbox (straight cut gears) . I also found the quick shifter quite industrial in its operation ...clunky. The quick shifter in the 1250 has become quite smooth with the miles and is much better than it used to be and to be honest is better than the 1300.

What else, mirrors are poor in comparison and you definitely feel a little further forward on the bike but didn't really feel any worse than my 1250 on the wrists.

I think there is something wrong with the configurator as you can specify panniers and all the hardware for the performance model R1300R and therefore can specify the safety radar electronics . I reported this to the salesman who seemed uninterested.

[Grumpy Goat]

Just had a test ride today and found it underwhelming compared with my R1250RS.
...

Thanks for the feedback. 

I expected that the first review on this forum would be from Europe since the bikes have not made it here yet (I don't think). I expected the wind buffeting with the stock screen to be no better than the previous generation and you have confirmed that. I am surprised that you thought the gearbox was no better than the R1250, although I could tell that the quickshifter on all the 1300s was still "less than smooth". Aside from the looks, this bike appears to be an evolutionary rather than revolutionary change.

[TriangleRider]

Devolution in some areas, such as weight and fuel capacity.