BMW R 1300 R Appears!

As promised, BMW has launched its new R 1300 R naked bike today, with the company’s latest-generation boxer twin as its powerplant. And as we expected, it takes the company’s flat twin roadster in a more sporty direction.

Revised R-series muscle

The previous R 1250 R put out 136 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and 105 pound-feet of torque at 6,250 rpm. The new 1300 makes 145 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and 110 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 rpm. Redline is at 9,000 rpm. The new engine (which debuted in the R 1300 GS) is totally liquid-cooled, instead of just having liquid-cooled heads like the old 1250 twin. A Shiftcam variable valve timing system is standard on the 1300, just as it was on the 1300.

As with the GS, BMW’s new Automated Shift Assistant will be optional on this bike. Rain, Road and Eco ride modes come baked in; there’s also MSR Engine Drag Torque Control, which controls your engine braking feedback. The whole engine is designed to be more compact and lighter than the previous 1250 as well; the liquid cooling system helps here, as there’s less physical mass needed than there is with an air-cooled design.

The six-speed gearbox ends in shaft drive, with larger U-joints that are designed to with a decreased angle to reduce rotational stresses in the drivetrain.

Sharper handling

With a 4.5-gallon tank, this bike is made for the real world, not one of those Skinny Minny Miller naked bikes that the Euros specialize in. Christof Lischka, BMW’s Head of Development BMW Motorrad drove this point home in the PR:

With the new BMW R 1300 R, we’ve taken our dynamic roadster with boxer engine to a whole new level. 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.

Alexander Buckan, BMW’s Head of Design, echoed that part about the sporty appeal of the new machine:

The new BMW R 1300 R has been defined to be much sportier than its predecessor. Not only in terms of its increased engine and chassis performance, but also instantly visible in its design. Aggressive and dynamic, the new R 1300 R makes its intentions clear: dynamic riding on winding country roads. Accordingly, the ergonomics have also been designed to be significantly more active and front-wheel-oriented.

To that end, the R model’s chassis was completely redesigned, starting with a main frame section made of sheet steel, similar to the GS. The rear frame is now die-cast aluminum, not tube steel, and the new geometry significantly stiffens the bike’s chassis, making for more precise and stable handling.

: Photo: BMW

: Photo: BMW

: Photo: BMW

: Photo: BMW

There’s no weird, anti-dive front end; BMW put a USD telescopic fork up front, with 5.5 inches of travel and 47mm tubes. In back, they went with an EVO Paralever II design, with 5.1 inches of travel. BMW says this makes a much stiffer connection to the rest of the chassis, and comes with a quick-release axle for easier maintenance. As well, “the swing arm bearing is now arranged off-axis to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft joint.”

Lighter 17-inch aluminum cast wheels front and rear help handling as well, dropping 3 pounds. Wheel sizes are 3.5 x 17 front and 6.0 x 17 rear, with 120/70 ZR 17 and 190/55 ZR 17 tires as standard.

: Photo: BMW

: Photo: BMW

: Photo: BMW

: Photo: BMW

Should you want improved handling on the stock R model, BMW will offer a new electro-tweakable Dynamic Suspension Adjustment option, allowing riders to adjust the spring rates to their own liking, or allow the computer to do so for them on-the-fly, to match the terrain they’re riding over. BMW says it is the first production bike to offer this for a USD fork.

This option is tied to the riding mode that the pilot selects, but the rider can also tweak the settings through the bike’s electronic dash. As well, note that this option can be used to help lift the bike onto the centerstand (an optional add-on).

Whether solo, with a passenger or with luggage – DSA ensures an even higher level of riding safety, performance and comfort. With DSA, the rider benefits from more refined handling. DSA also significantly simplifies usability due to even more integration with the different riding modes. The riding modes can be individualized by means of click-setting in the vehicle settings menu, offering a wealth of options for customizing the new R 1300 R to suit personal preferences. DSA also includes a “prop-up aid” function, making it easier to raise the bike onto the optionally available center stand.

Buyers can also opt for the R 1300 R Style Performance, a sportier version of the R (what is it with BMW’s awkward names for its sub-models?). The DSA suspension is tweaked on this model, with longer fork and shock to allow more ground clearance and better lean angles, and comes with firmer damping to boot. This also means a slightly taller seat height (about half an inch).

The brakes rely on 310 mm discs up front (with radial-mount four-piston fixed calipers) and a single 285 mm disc in back, with two-piston floating caliper. In back, there’s a single 285 mm disc and two-piston floating caliper. BMW’s Fully Integral ABS Pro system comes standard, offering linked braking that is also lean angle sensitive. BMW notes that “in the Fully Integral ABS Pro settings, it is possible to lock the rear wheel via the foot brake lever.” Good news for hoons and other irresponsible riders! Not that we’re saying that’s a bad thing, mind you.

Photo: BMW

The bike also comes with a newfangled “smart braking” system that chops the throttle when you’re emergency braking:

As a back-up system to Fully Integral ABS Pro, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) offers increased safety when braking in difficult situations – by preventing unintentional throttle application. By means of intervention in the engine control unit, the drive torque is reduced during braking, making full use of the braking power at the rear wheel. This keeps the motorcycle stable and shortens the braking distance.

This has been available on cars for a while, and is just starting to trickle down to the world of motorcycles.

Pay extra for the Style Performance sub-model, and not only will your buddies ruthlessly mock you for your bike’s weird name, but you will get upgraded braking performance as well, matching your upgraded suspension. So many things in life are a trade-off.

Other features

The R model comes with an octagonal LED headlight (pay extra, and you can get a leaning-sensitive Headlight Pro). All other lights are also LED. A 6.5-inch TFT dash comes standard; the rider shifts between options and screens with the Multi-Controller, which can also be used to control the music playback and answer/reject calls if you have your helmet comm connected to the screen. Of course, you can also use it to interface with navigation function on the TFT.

Photo: BMW

A 12V socket is standard equipment along with a 5V USB-C charging port that allows 2,400 mA quick-charging.

Euro customers get built-in automatic emergency calling as standard, notifying 911 (or the local equivalent) of a crash.

Pay extra, and you can get BMW’s Riding Assistant included. This package includes Active Cruise Control (BMW’s name for its adaptive cruise control system) as well as Frontal Collision Warning, which can help you avoid crashes not just by alerting the rider, but by auto-applying the brakes:

Frontal Collision Warning (FCW) with brake intervention is designed to provide protection from collisions and help reduce the severity of accidents. Frontal Collision Warning uses the ACC radar system to provide protection from frontal collisions. The rider assistance system can warn of potential collisions with other vehicles, or cyclists and preconditions the brakes.

And if you’ve ever been unhappy with your bike’s GPS cradle, BMW hears your cries and offers… GPS Prep. This is an electronic locking system for a satnav or a smartphone. There’s no key needed to open this cradle mount; it’s all done with electrons.