The new BMW R1300RT has landed in Australia, and it's promising to redefine what we expect from a touring motorcycle. Combining the sublime comfort and weather protection of the beloved R1250RT with the punchy new 1,300cc boxer engine from the R1300GS range, this could be the ultimate evolution of BMW's touring formula. We're getting our hands on one for a proper long-distance test come October – because a bike like this deserves more than just Sunday morning pie runs to truly understand what it's capable of.
The wait is over. BMW Motorrad Australia has officially launched the new R1300RT, and if I thought the R1250RT was the pinnacle of touring perfection, I reckon I might have to think again. This isn't just an update, it looks like a complete reimagining of what a touring motorcycle can be.
Having spent considerable time with both the R1250RT (which I still maintain is one of the finest touring machines ever built) and the R1300GS with its revolutionary new powerplant, the R1300RT represents the best of both worlds on paper. Take everything that made the R1250RT brilliant, that sublime comfort, the weather protection that creates your own "sphere of serenity," and the effortless long-distance capability, then add the punchy new 1,300cc boxer engine from the GS range.
The numbers tell the story: 149HP at 7,750rpm and a hefty 149Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. It's the same engine that had me grinning like an idiot on the R1300GS, now wrapped in a package designed for serious mile-munching. We're talking 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds, not that you'll need it, but it's nice to know it's there when that overtaking opportunity presents itself.
Now, I'll be honest, I haven't thrown a leg over the new RT yet. But here's the thing: we're working with BMW Australia to get one for a proper few weeks of testing come October. What's the hold-up? Well, I'm heading overseas for a few weeks, and frankly, this bike deserves more than a couple of Sunday morning pie runs to really get to know it. A machine like this needs a serious long weekend adventure, like the one I have planned with the lads in mid-October to truly understand what it's capable of.
BMW hasn't just thrown more power at the RT formula though. The visual design has been completely refreshed with what they're calling "visual levity" - a lighter, more dynamic aesthetic that actually makes this substantial bike look less imposing. Available in Alpine White 3,
Black Storm Metallic,
Racing Blue Metallic,
and the striking Blue Ridge Mountain Metallic Option 719 variant, there's a flavour for every taste.
As you'd expect from BMW, the tech package is comprehensive: Full Integral ABS Pro, Dynamic ESA, heated grips, cruise control, and that brilliant 10.25-inch TFT display with connectivity. The Headlight Pro and Riding Assistant systems are standard, along with integral pannier cases and a luggage rack. It's everything you need for serious touring, right out of the box.
Starting at $43,020 ride-away here in Sydney (pricing varies by state), the R1300RT positions itself as serious value in the premium touring segment. When you consider what you're getting as standard equipment, it's actually quite reasonable for a machine of this caliber.
Look, I'll be honest – I'm genuinely excited to get my hands on this thing. If you're the type who dreams of epic road trips where comfort matters as much as the destination, then you and I are probably thinking the same thing right now. Whether it lives up to the hype? Well, I guess I will find out in October.
Sometimes, evolution gets it absolutely right. I have a sneaky suspicion that this could be one of those times.
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