2026 R1300RS

[Grumpy Goat]

The white one is definitely the one to get. The new grey version is not appealing to me this time around.

[Ray]

Blue bike with rear rack....

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[Ray]

So #Ray what was the pricing on these 1300 RS beauties?

Included shots of the sticker pricing. Realize the sticker for the blue bike needs a few pixels. Additional view provided.
I'm guessing, with luggage and a few extras, and maybe some tractive suspension, we're quickly into the $30,000 range. 

[Grumpy Goat]

Included shots of the sticker pricing. Realize the sticker for the blue bike needs a few pixels. Additional view provided.
I'm guessing, with luggage and a few extras, and maybe some tractive suspension, we're quickly into the $30,000 range. 

Yeah, the downside of using Tapatalk to easily upload the photos ...OK for photos of subjects other than those needing detail, like text. If you want, you can email me the original and I can fix / upload.

Definitely the RS can easily shoot up in price to $30k after adding the various options. Still a great bike but too pricey for me, especially compared to the competition.

[Ray]

Definitely the RS can easily shoot up in price to $30k after adding the various options. Still a great bike but too pricey for me, especially compared to the competition. 

Yeah - especially if you already have a reliable version in the 2016 model.

Let's see - 2026 R1300 RS or 2016 R1200RS with Tractive suspension and new tires.., for 10% of the price of the new bike....

That said, I still need to get back to the dealership this week and get the new sheet steel frame on the road to see what it feels like in some bumpy turns, though of course the stock suspension - as good as it is with re-engineered fork and rear subframe - might limit any direct comparison with my 2023 and my recollection of the 2016.

[Liteitup]

new sheet steel frame

what does this mean?

[TriangleRider]

Those opaque signal lights make it looks like the bike has cataracts. Other than that, it's a great looking bike. Hopefully they will fix the luggage issue with the performance model.

[Grumpy Goat]

Those opaque signal lights make it looks like the bike has cataracts.  Other than that, it's a great looking bike.  Hopefully they will fix the luggage issue with the performance model.

I agree. I guess there will be lots of aftermarket "upgrades" on these crappy lenses. No idea what got into BMW with those.

[Eck]

I was at the dealership today, and re-examined the new RS and RT. BMW clearly went with a “slimmer” look for both bikes; I think perhaps a bit too much for the RS. I began my motorcycling “career” with an R100RS back in the 80’s. The RS of “yore” was an effective year-round sport tourer, with the fairing protecting the hands - a much appreciated feature in the pre-heated grips era!

As much as I like my R1250RS, I do miss the ever-so-slight additional protection of the old fairing.

The R1300RS looks like it leans more to the R1300R than to a sport tourer.

[Motorhead1977]

"As much as I like my R1250RS, I do miss the ever-so-slight additional protection of the old fairing." Install a set of hand guards. It's just the trick.

[Eck]

"As much as I like my R1250RS, I do miss the ever-so-slight additional protection of the old fairing." Install a set of hand guards. It's just the trick.

While I appreciate the suggestion, I have no desire to be hanging any “GS Wannabe” bits on my RS.

[Grumpy Goat]

While I appreciate the suggestion, I have no desire to be hanging any “GS Wannabe” bits on my RS.

Hehehe ... I never did like handguards on the RS ... No matter how functional ...

[Duccrazydave]

Several winters ago, I gave the hand guards a go. Had to move the mirrors forward a bit due to interference at full lock. Ultimately I took them off and decided to go with heated gloves. Then gave myself a "wimpy" low temp riding limit of no less than 35F.

[Grumpy Goat]

Several winters ago, I gave the hand guards a go. Had to move the mirrors forward a bit due to interference at full lock. Ultimately I took them off and decided to go with heated gloves. Then gave myself a "wimpy" low temp riding limit of no less than 35F.

I think that was a wise move. At temperatures below that there is too much risk of ice especially if riding in the dark. 

As for the hands ... heated grips are nice but heated gloves are better as they warm more completely. Handguards are best for bush and such, in my opinion, as opposed to cold wind deflection.

[trudd]

I've got some Wunderlich wind deflectors for winter riding.

https://www.wunderlich.de/en/wunderlich-...-20521-006

They work well at motorway/highway speeds and don't have the restrictions of handguards like having to move the mirrors or lift the bars.

[DRC]

A few thoughts on the R1300RS Performance.

I'm coming off a R1200RS (2015 with ESA) so keep in mind I'm jumping a generation ahead rather than from a 1250RS. The seating appears just a smidge taller but narrower through the middle, so no real +/- to report in that respect, just a little different (I'm 5'10). The stretch to the bars is not significantly different for me either. My riding is more sport than touring so the comfort factor is pretty good. I haven't played around with the foot peg positions as it feels pretty good on the factory setting. 

Clutch all the way in feels a little weird as the lever feels a little short in length by half an inch, a bit picky but an observation compared to the 1200RS (and any other bike I've owned). The brake lever was fine. She is near new so the snick into first is a little tight and I've got to say the burble and volume from the exhaust was surprisingly good from the stock exhaust. I've got a AC Schnitzer (Remus) slip on on the 1200RS and I don't think I would be missing that note on the 1300RS. 

Get underway and the torque is very impressive! One of the things I love about the 1200RS is that revving much above 5000 rpm is pretty much superfluous, the 1300RS really hauls down low. Vibes and smoothness seems to have been improved and the R1300RS has a better fueling and throttle response to the 1200RS when dealing with the traffic drudgery. The quick shift is not something I really use but like the 1200 is not really that useful below 70 kph. The up shift just feels rough and clunky. On the Performance model the foot pegs and brake/gear levers look a treat, purposeful yet gorgeous execution. For touring and longer haul duties I could see a case for rubber insert pegs. 

Out on the open road (I live in the Adelaide Hills) and I'm enjoying the 1300 through the twisties. I'm not pushing too hard as the tyres need some bedding in, its cool and there are some damp patches in the shade. Given the size of his bike I am very happy with the handling in tighter sections, once the road opens up this is a very reassuring and stable platform. I've been running in ROAD mode and did play around with DYNAMIC for a while. Definitely firmer and more dialed in but in the real world on our poor roads (I'm sure everyone complains about their road quality and taxes...) the ROAD mode is a more sensible option for keeping your vertebrae running along intended alignment. Compliant and controlled is a good summary. There is a little vibration in the left mirror but running in may smooth things out.

The new fairing screen was a concern compared with the 1200 and looks (from the cockpit) more like a race replica than a sports tourer. On the road the protection is actually not bad, I tend to ride with the screen in the low position to avoid buffeting. The ride was very quiet at highways speeds (110 kph) although I wear ear plugs and use a Shoei GT-2 Air which is a quiet brain bucket. 

The TFT is all new to me and a bit of a challenge. The 1200 was pretty easy to get along with to adjust most things via bar buttons. Operating menus on the fly is a little more challenging. When the 'look for fuel' warning came on I adjusted about half a dozen things by accident before I could get the warning off (using 75% of the screen real estate). I'll get used to it and I will put that down to operator error that could be mitigated by reading the manual. 

Having three rather than two heated grip settings is an improvement and welcomed. The little things... The heated seat is a total gimmick and the first bike I have owned with one. Blood will be spilled if you try and take it away from me. 

Radar cruise control works fine and is a welcome addition. That said if I'm on a country road and need radar cruise control I'm not having fun.

Styling is a personal thing. I love the 1200RS for its almost Occams Razor pure engineering approach (bitch to work on though). The 1300 is prettier and more organic in concept. It is one of the most attractive designs from the front to the seat I have seen in years. From the seat back onward I'm less in love with the sub frame, though the tail section is a big improvement on the 1200RS. The pillion grab rails were designed by someone going through a messy seven figure divorce looking for an easy solution. 

Why is the (keyless) key a big monstrous scarab beetle? If the increase in key size between the R1200RS and R1300RS matched the engine capacity increase I'd be the proud owner of a new R2000RS. It is not a comfortable fit in the pocket when riding. 

It's still early days with the 1300 but I'm pleased with the new filly in the stable. 


   

[Grumpy Goat]

Beautiful bike and excellent review .... thanks for the feedback.

Wished I had it for longer than I did during the demo ride. The road surface in that picture looks terrible ... chip seal like there is in rural Texas. I hate it ... grater for the tires.