By NastyNils· ·
Motorcycle comparison · Sport Tourer vs Tourer
BMW R 1300 RS (MY2026) vs R 1300 RT (MY2026)
BMW R 1300 RS vs R 1300 RT: long days, loaded bags, one choice to make.
Tip into a tight bend and the BMW R 1300 RS doesn't hesitate: its stiffer chassis tucks the bike in toward the apex. On the BMW R 1300 RT, that arc happens behind a fairing that's keeping wind and rain off you and your pillion. Back there, your pillion leans into a heated backrest.
So which one do you buy?
Buy the R 1300 RS if…
Daily commuting & city riding
Clear winner: R 1300 RS
The R 1300 RS earns its keep in weekday traffic better than the other one. For a daily commuter, it's the clear choice.
The R 1300 RS has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
A touch ahead: R 1300 RS
On a winding road, the R 1300 RS comes out a touch ahead. Put it down to a sportier chassis and more feel through the bars. You wouldn't bet much on a gap like that.
The R 1300 RT has the edge if…
Comfortable long-distance riding
Slight edge: R 1300 RT
For big miles, the R 1300 RT edges it. It's down to better wind protection and more range per tank.
What makes each one tick
R 1300 RS
With its mass held close to the middle, the R 1300 RS doesn't need more than a nudge of the bar to swing from side to side on a neutral line. Each bump on the Blue Ridge Parkway goes into the inverted fork and Paralever rear, and the seat doesn't take a beating. You'll still clock long days. The boxer clears a highway pass in one long pull.
R 1300 RT
The R 1300 RT's boxer pulls from low revs on a broad spread of torque. There's no hunting for revs. Corner entry runs through the Telelever front, which steers the bike's 615 lb (279 kg) into the turn. Its seat cushions the last hour of the ride.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The R 1300 RS has the lower seat: 31.1 in (790 mm) vs 32.2 in (818 mm).
- The R 1300 RS has the lower wet weight: 536 lb (243 kg) vs 615 lb (279 kg).
- The R 1300 RT has the larger fuel tank: 6.3 US gal (24 L) vs 4.5 US gal (17 L).
Which one for the way you ride
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Not their thing
Neither one is where you should learn. Get a season on something gentler first.
Nothing splits them on running costs. Ride both back to back and the decision usually makes itself.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
R 1300 RS
What owners say
Strengths
- More powerful boxer engine
- Sharper, sportier handling
R 1300 RT
What owners say
Strengths
- Class-leading touring comfort with comprehensive weather protection
Known problems to check before you buy
R 1300 RS
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
R 1300 RT
- Recall: Cardan shaft insufficient hardening may cause loss of drive Recall 25V672000 A small number of 2026 R 1300 RTs manufactured between April 23 and May 7, 2025 were built with a cardan shaft where the universal joint yoke was not sufficiently hardened. This can lead to spline slippage and sudden loss of propulsion, increasing crash risk. BMW is recalling the affected units for a free shaft replacement (NHTSA 25V672).
What they share
- Displacement
- 1300 cc
- Engine
- Flat-twin (boxer)
- Cooling
- Air/liquid-cooled
- Power
- 145 hp (107 kW)
- Torque
- 110 lb-ft (149 Nm)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Shaft
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 190/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| R 1300 RS | R 1300 RT | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.1 in (790 mm) | 32.2 in (818 mm) |
| Wet weight | 536 lb (243 kg) | 615 lb (279 kg) |
| R 1300 RS | R 1300 RT | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 US gal (17 L) | 6.3 US gal (24 L) |
| R 1300 RS | R 1300 RT | |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) | Telelever |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| R 1300 RS | R 1300 RT | |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Option | Standard |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) | Option | Standard |
| Heated Grips | Option | Standard |
| Adjustable Windscreen | Not offered | Standard |
| Electrically Adjustable Windscreen | Not offered | Standard |
| Luggage System | Option | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
