
The new BMW R 1300 R will be added to the Aussie lineup later this year, starting at $22,200 +ORC.
According to BMW, the goal behind developing the new BMW R 1300 R was to achieve both a visual and technical enhancement of the dynamic roadster with boxer engine. As well as a more aggressive and sportier design, the R 1300 R will remain a versatile bike for everyday use and touring thanks to options such as seat heating, Riding Assistant, a windscreen and a variety of luggage choices.
“With the new BMW R 1300 R, we’ve taken our dynamic roadster with boxer engine to a whole new level,” says Christof Lischka, Head of Development for BMW Motorrad.
“Focused uncompromisingly on riding dynamics, it delivers a far sportier experience than its predecessor thanks to a completely redesigned engine and chassis while still retaining core BMW values such as touring capability and comfort.”
The basic version of the BMW R 1300 R will be priced from $22,200 +ORC and will be offered in Snapper Rocks Blue paint finish, with additional variants including the Exclusive in Racing Blue Metallic ($28,490 +ORC), the sport-focused Performance variant in Light White ($28,240 +ORC) and the premium Option 719 in Black Storm Metallic ($30,890 +ORC).
Compared to the previous model, the rider triangle on the new BMW R 1300 R has been designed to position the rider further forward over the front wheel thanks to slightly rear-set footrests and a flatter handlebar. This is claimed to result in improved feedback from the front end, especially during sporty riding, yet BMW says the seating position still allows for relaxed touring and cruising, even with a pillion.
The 1300cc boxer engine has a 106.5 x 73mm bore x stroke ratio (its predecessor was 102.5 to 76mm), the increase in capacity thanks to an enlarged cylinder bore and a new crankshaft with reduced stroke. Claimed peak output of 107kW (145hp) at 7750rpm is up by 7kW and claimed peak torque of 149Nm at 6500rpm is up by 6Nm, making this engine the most powerful serial production BMW boxer engine to date. Maximum engine speed is 9000rpm.
In standard trim, the new BMW R 1300 R has three riding modes; Rain and Road riding modes allow riding characteristics to be adapted to most road conditions, while the Eco riding mode makes use of the engine’s ShiftCam technology to maximise fuel range. Available Riding Modes Pro comprises Dynamic and Dynamic Pro modes.
Engine drag torque control (MSR) is standard while automated shift assistant (ASA) is available as an option.
The chassis of the new BMW R 1300 R has been completely redesigned with a new sheet metal main frame made of steel said to offer higher levels of stiffness than the predecessor model. The rear frame has also been redesigned; in place of the previous tubular steel construction, the new R 1300 R now has a rear frame made of die-cast aluminium.
In combination with a more compact drive unit, the new chassis design is claimed to achieve a concentration of mass towards the overall centre of gravity, which is reflected in handling benefits and more precise and stable braking. There’s a new 47mm upside-down telescopic fork and revised EVO Paralever rear suspension, while the 17-inch cast aluminium wheels are now 1.4kg lighter.
A new electronic Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA) now combines the dynamic adjustment of front and rear damping with a corresponding adjustment of the spring rate, dependent on the selected riding mode, riding condition and manoeuvres. BMW says this makes the new BMW R 1300 R the first series production motorcycle with an upside-down telescopic fork that allows adjustment of the spring rate.
The braking package consists of twin discs up front with radially mounted four-piston fixed calipers, and a single disc brake with two-piston floating caliper at the rear. Integral ABS Pro is standard. There is also an optional sport brake system on the entry variant as part of the Dynamic Package.
A new LED headlight features a distinctive light icon, and with the optional Adaptive Turning Light, the dipped beam of the standard full LED headlight is optimised for cornering, depending on lean angle, by activating additional LED elements.
The new BMW R 1300 R can also be equipped with Riding Assistant, which includes Active Cruise Control (ACC) and Front Collision Warning (FCW).
Australian pricing and specification:
R 1300 R: $22,200 +ORC (Snapper Rocks Blue)
- 1,300cc, 2-cylinder boxer engine with ShiftCam,13.3:1 compression, EU5+, 107kW (145hp) @ 7,750 rpm, 149Nm at 6,500 rpm, shaft drive, anti-hopping clutch
- Cast aluminium wheels
- Twin disk front brake
- Dynamic ESA
- ABS Pro
- Dynamic Brake Control
- Upside Down Fork
- Steering Stabiliser
- DTC
- BMW Motorrad Paralever
- Full integral ABS Pro
- Radial brake calliper front
- Electronic immobiliser
- LED taillight
- Dynamic Brake Light
- 12V socket
- Cruise Control
- LED indicator
- Daytime Riding Lights/Headlight
- Comfort turn indicator
- Multi-controller
- TFT screen
- Clutch/Handbrake adjustable
- Two separate seats
- Keyless ride
- Riding Modes
- Connectivity
- Hill Start Control
- Fuel Tank 17 litres
- Weight 239kg wet
- Seat height: 785-840mm
Option program
- Comfort Package (Seat Heating, Heated Grips, Tyre Pressure Control, Luggage System preparation) with Comfort Passenger Seat and Preparation for GPS Device: $1,315
- Dynamic Package (DSA, Gear Shift Assistant Pro, Riding Modes Pro (4), Sport Brake) with Design Option Silencer and Exhaust Manifold in Dark Chrome: $2,850
- Innovation Pack (Headlight Pro, Riding Assistant): $1,450
- Automated Shift Assistant: $1,380
- Sports Silencer: $1,250 (only with Dynamic Package)
- Anti-Theft Alarm System: $395
- M Lightweight Battery: $315
- Seat Low: No cost option
- Seat High: No cost option
R 1300 R Exclusive: $28,490 +ORC (Racing Blue Metallic)
Includes all elements from the R 1300 R but adds the following as standard:
- Comfort Package
- Dynamic Package
- Innovation Pack
- Style Exclusive (Design Option Silencer, Exhaust Manifold in Dark Chrome, Engine Spoiler)
- Comfort Passenger Seat
- Preparation for GPS device
Option program
- Automated Shift Assistant: $1,380
- Sports Silencer: $1,250 (only with Dynamic Package)
- Anti-Theft Alarm System: $395
- M Lightweight Battery: $315
- Seat Low: No cost option
- Seat High: No cost option
R 1300 R Performance: $28,240 +ORC (Light White)
- Replaces Style Exclusive package of R 1300 R Exclusive with
Style Performance (Design Option Silencer, Exhaust Manifold in Dark Chrome, Design Option Wheels, Seat Sport, Sport Passenger Seat, Handlebar End Mirrors, Sport Suspension, Engine Spoiler, Sport Tyres). - Preparation for GPS device
- Gold forks
Option program
- Innovation Pack: $1,450
- Automated Shift Assistant: $1,380
- Sports Silencer: $1,250 (only with Dynamic Package)
- Anti-Theft Alarm System: $395
- M Lightweight Battery: $315
- Seat Low: No cost option
- Seat High: No cost option
R 1300 R Option 719: $30,890 +ORC (Black Storm Metallic)
- Replaces Style Exclusive and Style Performance with Style Option 719 (Design Option Silencer, Exhaust Manifold in Dark Chrome, Handlebar End Mirrors, Option 719 Wheel Sport, Option 719 Billet Pack Shadow)
- Innovation Pack
- Preparation for GPS device
- Comfort Handlebars
Option program
- Automated Shift Assistant: $1,380
- Sports Silencer: $1,250 (only with Dynamic Package)
- Anti-Theft Alarm System: $395
- M Lightweight Battery: $315
- Seat Low: No cost option
- Seat High: No cost option