BMW has officially taken the wraps off the new R 1300 R roadster in international markets. This latest addition to the Bavarian brand’s lineup shares its powerhouse boxer engine with the R 1300 GS adventure bike.
Key Highlights:
Shares engine with the BMW R 1300 GS
Weighs 239kg – 2kg heavier than the GS
Equipped with radar-based rider aids
The BMW R 1300 R replaces the R 1250 R and carries forward the iconic boxer engine, now upgraded for better performance. The 1,300cc twin-cylinder motor churns out 145hp at 7,750rpm and 149Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox and shaft drive, aided by a standard bi-directional quickshifter.
While the engine and main frame are borrowed from the R 1300 GS, the R 1300 R gets a unique subframe. Suspension duties are handled by an upside-down (USD) fork at the front and a Paralever EVO unit at the rear, both offering preload and damping adjustability as standard. Optional electronic suspension is available, but notably, the USD fork features adjustable spring rate — a world-first for a series production motorcycle, according to BMW.
Braking is managed by dual front discs with radially-mounted four-piston calipers and a single disc at the rear. Staying true to its roadster roots, the R 1300 R rides on 17-inch wheels front and rear. The seat height is a manageable 785mm, making it accessible for a wide range of riders.
Weighing in at 239kg, the R 1300 R matches the outgoing R 1250 R in weight, though it is 2kg heavier than the adventure-focused R 1300 GS — despite having a slightly smaller 17-litre fuel tank compared to the GS’s 19 litres.
On the electronics front, the R 1300 R comes packed with advanced rider aids. Standard features include traction control, engine brake control, adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning, and three ride modes — Eco, Rain, and Road. Opting for the Riding Package Pro adds two more modes: Dynamic and Dynamic Pro. The bike is available in four variants, each with its own distinctive colour scheme.
BMW is expected to launch the R 1300 R in India in the coming months. Once launched, it will be positioned below the R 1300 GS, which currently starts at ₹21.20 lakh (ex-showroom).
