Other Bikes » Is the new R1300RT taking RS territory?

A review of the new R1300RT on Motorcycle Sport & Leisure for November 2025 is very complimentary. The reviewer states that the 1300RT is a much slimmer and less bulky than the previous RTs - a smaller fairing is described. I would like to see one myself, but it occurs to me that this new model might be moving into RS territory.

Personally, I have modified my R1200RS with just a bigger screen and the Wunderlich (GS?) handlebars. It usually has panniers attached and my big trips have been with a pillion passenger. But have I created the touring friendly bike that BMW now call the R1300RT?

I still this it's more "Goldwing" and less "sport-touring" even if slightly smaller.
Shame really the RS is quite unique in its positioning on the ST-Touring spectrum - which is prefect for me

Zitat von Valks im Beitrag #3

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I still this it's more "Goldwing" and less "sport-touring" even if slightly smaller.
Shame really the RS is quite unique in its positioning on the ST-Touring spectrum - which is prefect for me

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I haven't seen an RT on the showroom floor but the pictures I've seen of it, to me, it's but ugly. It favors the GS adventure, at least to my eye. I'm glad that I'm still very happy with my '18. The prices of the new bikes are really going up. I'm sure they're better but I think what I'm riding now is likely my last bike. I'm 65 and the bike has 34,000 miles on it. And it suites me perfectly.

I seen an R1300RT here in Denver. It seems to have been slimed down a little and seems like it would be comparable to the other big sport tourers, like the FJR and the 1400 kawasaki. And there is a sport tourer magazine that had the older RT as there top rated sport tourer, snubbing the RS ....
I seen a review by SRKCycles on the gold wing and they have made that bike far more sporty than most would think ... nimble and planted, with very good handling and it has apple car play ....
I had the RS serviced this september and the road 6 GT's are still looking good after around four or five thousand miles. just even wear .... Remember I only got 3000 out of the Z8's, although in full fairness the rear tire was still ok just a touch squared off ....

I don't think so, the RT is still it's own thing and the reviews I have seen are mostly "meh". The 1300GS, on the other hand, now weighs less than an RS, is better handling, and is a more adaptable platform. I see that bike taking more of the RS territory than the RT.

I don't think so either, too big even if slimmed down. BMW have clearly recognised that the current RS demographic is aging and if you are moving on from an RS it is unlikely to be for an even bigger and heavier bike. I think the GS is more the alternative to those not wanting a sportier RS, and something a bit more comfortable. When I change, I won't be going for either though, will want something a bit lighter.

Zitat von sunshine247 im Beitrag #1

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A review of the new R1300RT on Motorcycle Sport & Leisure for November 2025 is very complimentary. The reviewer states that the 1300RT is a much slimmer and less bulky than the previous RTs - a smaller fairing is described. I would like to see one myself, but it occurs to me that this new model might be moving into RS territory.

Personally, I have modified my R1200RS with just a bigger screen and the Wunderlich (GS?) handlebars. It usually has panniers attached and my big trips have been with a pillion passenger. But have I created the touring friendly bike that BMW now call the R1300RT?

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Dear lord, yes. When I test rode BMW and decided it would be either the R or RS, the RT…while very comfortable…was more weight than my existing bike and too top heavy for my taste. Frankly, I don’t think the RT should try to be the RS. What features does it have that the RS does not (or can not)? Touring? You can put aftermarket cases on with larger capacities than what is available from BMW. You can buy saddle pads or a better saddle for long rides.