As soon as BMW unveiled its new flagship ‘go anywhere’ GS model in 1300cc guise – the famous ‘boxer’ engine raised from 1250ccs – it was just a matter of time until the engine was rolled out to other models in the Motorrad stable.
Fans of the R1250RS sports tourer didn’t have long to wait; that model too has now been given the 1300 treatment, with the engineers taking the opportunity to make it more sporty, more techy, than ever before.
A bike that could comfortably be ridden all day – and enjoyed on the twisties as much as it could be relied on for long motorway slogs – it won many hearts, so there was a lot at stake.
Visually, the new one looks recognisably similar, but it has yielded some of the ‘industrial chic’ of the 1250, with the frame (including those curious open-ended horizontal tubes) now sheet steel and covered up, the tank cowling extended to underneath the seat, the lines possibly a little more flowing, a tad more aggressive.
The new BMW R1300RS
BMW
Underneath the skin the changes are also subtle but significant, starting with that horizontally-opposed engine, now enlarged by 46ccs from 1254 to 1300ccs, with hp up from 136 at 7,750 to 145. Torque, too, has been increased, from an already respectable 143 NM at 6,250rpm to 149 at 6,500rpm. That means that a motorway-legal 70mph now pops up in the speedo at just 3,600rpm in top… way short of the 9,000rpm redline…
The fuel tank is slightly smaller than that of the 1250, carrying 17 litres compared to 18, although BMW points out that with the new machine’s improved economy, that shouldn’t matter too much. Other changes include a totally new transmission, new, lighter wheels and chunky (upside down) 47mm forks, while standard kit includes LED lights, a 6.5-inch colour TFT dash plus two power sockets as standard, a 12v port on the side and a USB-C socket in the cockpit.
BMW’s one Dynamic ESA electronically-adjustable suspension comes as standard, able to adjust the damping front and rear, and the new Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA) is optional, adding the ability to change the front and rear spring rates as well as the damping.
Unsurprisingly, for a BMW, the bike is laden with tech, giving it a luxury feel, especially if you go crazy on the spec list when ordering a new one. Radar-assisted cruise control is now available as an option, and the firm’s own ASA automatic transmission is included on the ‘Dynamic’ package. The Comfort package includes heated grips and seat, the Dynamic package includes DSA electronic suspension, a quick shifter or semi-pro suspension, extended riding modes and sports brakes, Innovation gives riders cornering lights and rear collision warning, while Touring adds central locking, a centre stand, luggage brackets and navigation prep.
Quality controls
BMW
So while the starting price of £13,700 looks pretty reasonable, most owners will soon be digging deep into their wallet for those alluring extras. As a BMW owner, there’s no need to go without anything really – expenditure allowing.
So what’s it like to ride? It feels slightly plusher on the road than the ‘old’ model, but more sporty too with a more forward-leaning position which – depending on age and fitness – puts more weight on the wrists, although it’s certainly good for that feeling of being ‘involved’ with the front wheel in the twisties. Some riders will opt for the ‘comfort’ bars instead, for a slightly more upright position, especially if touring’s their thing. Compared to the R1250RS, the new machine feels slightly more compact, slightly slimmer. It’s still heavy, at around 245kgs but fortunately the weight is mostly low down. Care is still needed padding round in gravel or mud at slippery, steep junctions and so on.
The 1300 motor is an absolute gem, pushing out prodigious amounts of power from low engine speeds but rewarding a fistful of revs too, to match the wonderful roadholding. It feels fast – very fast, and lithe. In town the bike is poised, surefooted and very good for filtering at low speed (even if I never could, quite, find the sweet spot for the mirrors, without an over-generous view of my elbows, something I didn’t have a problem with on the 1250).
New, lighter wheels
BMW
Out on the open road the newcomer leaps to life with the merest blip of the throttle, the gearbox working smoothly enough, especially when the quick shifter is pressed into use at higher speeds, in higher gears; it’s still best to use the clutch in first and second. Its handling is definitely on the sporty, involving side, but this bike makes for a superbly comfortable, long-legged tourer, too; rider and machine in perfect harmony. It sounds good (from the saddle), it has a palpable air of quality too, from the paint finish, to the feel of the handlebar controls, the look of the components, even the grips and the keyless fob.
Wind turbulence and noise is well suppressed thanks to the small, adjustable, screen, and the seat was comfortable enough for three hours, straight, on the move.
BMW have made a superb bike even better and, despite its slightly sportier aspirations, it’s still a bike for all seasons. One that owners will happily commute on during the week, ride for the sheer fun of it at weekends… and be planning long summer tours with which to stretch its legs too.
BMW R1300RS
Price: from £13,700
Engine: Boxer twin
Transmission: six-speed, optional semi-automatic
Claimed fuel consumption: 58.8 mpg
Claimed top speed: 153 mph
Tank size: 17 litres
Max range: 220 miles
Seat height: 790 – 815mm
Weight: 245 kgs
Bikers invited to take part in the annual Phoenix Toy Run for charity
A leading motorcycle training school has announced its annual Toy Run, a fun, festive fund-raising charity ride for bikers.
Riders – in festive fancy dress and on decorated motorcycles – will meet at two south London locations on Saturday December 13 and make their way to the beneficiary: Rutherford School in South Croydon.
Now in its second decade, the Phoenix Toy Run has become a cherished tradition in the biking community, bringing riders together for what the organisers, Phoenix Motorcycle Training, says is a day filled with ‘camaraderie, festive fun and meaningful giving’.
Each year, participants deliver gifts to Rutherford School, an independent specialist day school for students aged 19–25, with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).
As the only Toy Run in aid of Rutherford School each year, the event plays a vital role in supporting its students, dedicated staff, and families, helping to bring comfort and joy during the holiday season.
“We’re incredibly proud to continue this tradition and to support the wonderful community at Rutherford School,” said Ruth Jaffe, Event Organiser at Phoenix Motorcycle Training. Added Abbie Winter, co-organiser: “The Toy Run is about more than just gifts – it’s about connection, compassion, and making a difference where it truly matters”.
The Toy Run is open to all riders regardless of bike size or riding experience; anyone with a motorcycle and a valid CBT certificate is welcome to take part. The organisers say that the Toy Run is aimed at bringing Christmas cheer to the students at Rutherford School as well as cheering onlookers on the way, so all riders are encouraged to dress up in festive costumes and decorate their bikes. Prizes will be awarded for Best Bike, Best Rider, Best Rider and Pillion, along with other prizes. Riders are kindly asked, by the organisers, to bring with them gifts from Rutherford School’s Wish List.
“With the support of the Unity Support Riders, the Toy Run is set to be a safe, fun, and unforgettable event, ensuring that the students at Rutherford School receive the holiday joy they deserve,” said Mrs Jaffe.
There are two separate departure locations and timings: 10:30am at Phoenix Motorcycle Training Sidcup, Bexley Road Safety Centre, Baugh Road, Footscray, Sidcup, DA14 5ED, and 12pm at Phoenix Motorcycle Training Croydon, Tudor Academy, Castle Hill Ave, New Addington, Croydon CR0 0TF.
The finish line will be at 2pm at Rutherford School, 1A Melville Ave, South Croydon CR2 7HZ.
