By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Tourer
Honda NT1100 (MY2022) vs BMW R 1300 RT (MY2026)
Honda NT1100 vs BMW R 1300 RT: long days, loaded bags, one choice to make.
Climb off the Honda NT1100 onto the BMW R 1300 RT at highway pace, and the wind's the first thing that changes. The RT keeps the blast off you and your pillion.
So which one do you buy?
The NT1100 has the edge if…
Keeping running costs low
Slight edge: NT1100
Over a year of riding, the NT1100 noses ahead on running costs. A neglected example would wipe that out.
The R 1300 RT has the edge if…
Comfortable long-distance riding
Edges it: R 1300 RT
On a long day in the saddle, the R 1300 RT comes out a little ahead. The reason: more stability at speed and a smoother engine. Ride both before you decide.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
A touch ahead: R 1300 RT
On a twisty road, the R 1300 RT edges ahead. It's down to better suspension and harder acceleration. Not by enough to settle it alone.
Daily commuting & city riding
Inches ahead: R 1300 RT
Through rush hour, the R 1300 RT is a little easier to live with. Thank easier everyday riding for that.
What makes each one tick
NT1100
Long days don't grind you down on the NT1100: the wide, padded seat, upright bars and generous legroom keep the miles from piling up. On the Blue Ridge Parkway, the compliant suspension soaks up the pavement, and despite its size it's lighter on its feet than a traditional tourer. Even at the brake lever, it doesn't feel like 549 lb (249 kg) of touring bike. The seat's still kind at sundown.
R 1300 RT
There's broad torque in the R 1300 RT's ShiftCam boxer, and it's never short of pull. A roll of the throttle wakes a 110 lb-ft (149 Nm) shove that doesn't wait for revs. Behind the fairing and the electrically adjustable screen, the seat doesn't wear on rider or passenger through a long day. The passenger's backrest stays warm.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The NT1100 has the lower wet weight: 549 lb (249 kg) vs 615 lb (279 kg).
- The R 1300 RT makes more peak power: 145 hp (107 kW) vs 102 hp (75 kW).
- The R 1300 RT makes more peak torque: 110 lb-ft (149 Nm) vs 83 lb-ft (112 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Wrong job for both
Neither one is where you should learn. Get a season on something gentler first.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
NT1100
What owners say
Strengths
- Comprehensive standard feature set
R 1300 RT
What owners say
Strengths
- Class-leading touring comfort with comprehensive weather protection
Known problems to check before you buy
NT1100
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
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
Where the spec sheets split
| NT1100 | R 1300 RT | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 32.3 in (820 mm) | 32.2 in (818 mm) |
| Wet weight | 549 lb (249 kg) | 615 lb (279 kg) |
| NT1100 | R 1300 RT | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1084 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine | Parallel twin | Flat-twin (boxer) |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled | Air/liquid-cooled |
| Power | 102 hp (75 kW) | 145 hp (107 kW) |
| Torque | 83 lb-ft (112 Nm) | 110 lb-ft (149 Nm) |
| NT1100 | R 1300 RT | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 5.4 US gal (20.4 L) | 6.3 US gal (24 L) |
| NT1100 | R 1300 RT | |
|---|---|---|
| Final drive | Chain | Shaft |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) | Telelever |
| Rear tire | 180/55-17 | 190/55-17 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| NT1100 | R 1300 RT | |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Suspension | Not offered | Standard |
| Navigation | Not offered | Standard |
| Keyless System | Not offered | Standard |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) | Not offered | Standard |
| Electrically Adjustable Windscreen | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
