BMW releases new roadster with latest version of big Boxer engine
We’ve been waiting for this for a while. BMW released the R1300 GS more than a year ago, and though we’ve also seen the GS Adventure version, the rest of the big boxer range – the R roadster and RS sport-tourer have been stuck on the old R1250 platform.
Until now, because BMW has just launched the new R1300 R – and it’s a pretty impressive piece of kit. It’s got the same power as the GS – a solid 145bhp – thanks to the ShiftCam-equipped water-cooled flat twin motor with four-valve DOHC heads, 13.3:1 compression ratio, 106.5x73mm bore and stroke, shaft drive, six-speed gearbox and ride-by-wire throttle.
The R1300 R can also be ordered with the new BMW ASA automatic gearshift setup, which has robotic actuators for the gear and clutch mechanisms, and a smart ECU giving a full-auto transmission function, with manual overrides.
The chassis is based around the modern fabricated sheet steel semi-monocoque layout that BMW has pioneered lately, but with a cast aluminium rear subframe, and some interesting suspension options.
The front end uses a beefy 47mm upside-down fork, with the usual Paralever EVO rear monoshock system, but the optional semi-active suspension adds a variable spring rate to the fork – a first for a production bike – as well as the usual damping adjustments.
The wheels are new, with a cast aluminium hollow-spoke design saving a total of 1.4kg in rotating unsprung mass, and you get the BMW Integral ABS Pro setup as standard, with dual four-piston radial brake calipers. BMW’s also offering a Sport brake system, with titanium-finish calipers and stronger stopping performance.
Despite the lighter wheels, the new R1300 R is a bit chunky though: kerb mass is a solid 239kg ready to ride, which is a bit on the high side for a naked roadster. Fuel capacity is 17 litres in an aluminium tank, and the riding position is sportier than before, with the rider more over the front end, flatter handlebars, and slightly more rear-set footpegs.
It’s a 2025 BMW, so the new R1300 R has loads of electronic kit, and masses of optional accessories. There’s electronic semi-active suspension options, active cruise control, LED Headlight Pro cornering lights, heated grips and seat, and Bluetooth link, all controlled by the 6.5” TFT LCD dashboard.
There’s also new hard luggage options, with central electric locking, internal lights and USB-C power sockets. Rider aids include cornering ABS and traction control, rider power modes, up/down quickshifter, engine brake control and there’s the option for the sportier ‘Pro’ Dynamic and Dynamic Pro riding modes to be fitted as well.
The new R1300 will be on sale for July, priced from £13,200 (standard), £15,500 (SE model) and £16,255 (SE with ASA auto gearbox). More info: www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk
2025 BMW R1300 R Tech Highlights
The highlights of the new BMW R 1300 R:
- Dynamic, sporty design.
- Sporty ergonomics and equipment for both dynamic riding fun and touring comfort.
- Four model variants: basic version, Exclusive, Performance and Option 719 Kilauea.
- 2-cylinder boxer engine with 107 kW(145hp)@7,750rpm and 149Nm@6,500rpm.
- A range of seat variants ensures an optimum seat height, while a newly developed luggage system with electrified cases and a clever tank bag makes the bike ideal for comfortable touring and holiday trips.
- Three riding modes are included as standard, allowing the bike to adapt ideally to any road conditions.
- Riding Modes Pro with the additional modes “Dynamic” and “Dynamic Pro”, along with riding mode pre-selection as optional equipment ex works.
- Engine drag torque control (MSR) as standard.
- Automated shift assistant (ASA) with fully automated clutch operation and manual or automated shifting for an enhanced motorcycling experience as optional equipment.
- Completely newly developed chassis with sheet metal main frame made of steel and aluminium rear frame.
- New upside-down telescopic fork and revised EVO Paralever rear suspension for even greater handling precision.
- New electronic Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA) as optional equipment ex works, with dynamic adjustment of the damping and spring rate, and also load compensation. The world’s first series production motorcycle telescopic fork with adjustable spring rate.
- New wheels more than 1.4 kg lighter.
- High-performance brake system in conjunction with BMW Motorrad ABS Pro for safe braking, even in banking position.
- Standard full LED headlight in dynamic octagonal design and state-of-the-art LED lighting throughout. Headlight Pro with adaptive turning light as optional equipment ex works.
- Riding Assistant with Active Cruise Control (ACC) and Front Collision Warning (FCW) for safe and comfortable motorcycling as optional equipment ex works.
- For the first time, navigation preparation now features electric unlocking for maximum operating comfort as optional equipment ex works.
- Extensive range of optional equipment and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.
R1300 R model variants
Basic version
- Snapper Rocks metallic colour
- Upside-down fork, black.
- Stainless steel exhaust system
- Seat insert, unpainted.
- Passenger seat with embossed graphic.
Exclusive variant.
- Racing blue metallic colour
- Seat insert, painted.
- Passenger seat with embossed graphic.
- Engine spoiler.
- Design option rear silencer, dark chrome-plated.
- Sport silencer (as optional equipment).
- Manifold, dark chrome-plated.
- Manifold, chrome-plated (as optional equipment)
Performance model
- Light white uni colour.
- Upside-down telescopic fork, gold (sport suspension). • Red spring in the suspension strut.
- Dynamic package.
- Seat insert, painted.
- DTC-Shift + Sport-Screen 2 & 3.
- Milled and short sport handlebars.
- Milled and adjustable footrests.
- Central fuel tank cover with colour applications.
- Rider’s seat with high-quality material combination.
- Sport passenger seat.
- Sport seat, high.
- Sport seat (as optional equipment).
- Rider’s seat, low (as optional equipment).
- Handlebar end mirrors.
- Sport suspension.
- Engine spoiler.
- Sport tyres.
- Design option wheels.
- Design option rear silencer, dark chrome-plated.
- Sport silencer (as optional equipment).
- Manifold, dark chrome-plated.
- Manifold, chrome-plated (as optional equipment).
Option 719 Kilauea variant.
- Blackstorm metallic colour.
- Upside-down telescopic fork, black.
- Seat insert, painted.
- Passenger seat with embossed graphic.
- Option 719 badge.
- Option 719 Milled Parts Package Shadow.
- Option 719 Wheel Sport.
- Design option rear silencer, dark chrome-plated.
- Sport silencer (as optional equipment).
- Manifold, dark chrome-plated.
- Manifold, chrome-plated (as optional equipment).
- Handlebar end mirrors.
Special equipment packages
- Comfort Package: seat heating, heated grips, RDC, preparation luggage system.
- Dynamic Package: DSA suspension, Shift Assistant Pro, Driving Modes Pro, sport brake
- Innovation Package: Headlight Pro, Riding Assistant.
