25 April 2025

BMW R 1300 R’s big boxer beauty

Whilst it may not be the most surprising news, BMW’s decision to bestow its 1300 boxer motor on its R roadster is nonetheless welcome.

Not only does it come with that added poke but, as Paul Browne reports, it also looks the business.

 

BMWs boxer twin engine has, for many years powered a selection of bikes across the German manufacturer’s range.

One of them is the single ‘R’.

While a particularly wonderful and understated bike, the roadster has always lived in the shadow of its much better selling GS and RT siblings.  Now, though, BMW have promoted it to the new(ish)1300cc boxer engine.

On spec

It’s not just the engine that’s of note however.

That riding assistant thing that BMW have been using for the last few years is part of the R 1300 R’s electronics package, as is sports suspension.

The good stuff like the adaptive headlight which looks into the corners for you is another, along with the Dual Clutch Transmission – DCT – gear shift.

Indeed an awful lot of the technology previously only seen on the bigger and more expensive boxer-engined bikes in the range is now sitting in the new ‘R’ as standard.

While you can fit luggage and taller screens, this isn’t a tourer. It’s the visually lighter, sportier and easy to use child in the family.

Clever and cool

Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA) helps handle changing road surfaces, whilst the shift assistant is basically a quick shifter. All of this is part of the Intelligent Riding Assistant optional package.

The usual choice of rider modes is available and it also looks a lot better than previous models. I really like the cooler-than-cool variable footrests system. More commonly known as a set of rearsets, they can be adjusted to fit the rider perfectly.

Comfort zone

There is, of course, an optional BMW comfort pack. Heated grips are one thing, but ticking the heated seat box must surely be all the confirmation that you need to leave the showroom and get back into your car!

The thing is, though, this is the first ‘R’ that I reckon will appeal to the broader BMW rider.

The R 1300 R also looks really good, with a pack of ‘Option 719’ bits bringing levers and reservoir covers adding a whole lot more kudos.

The standard dark exhaust end can looks quite cool in that, while it separates into two, it comes back together at the end, rather like your parents after their first divorce.

However, the optional extra Akrapovič is the one that it was made to wear.

The handlebar mirrors will ensure that you’ll still be welcome at the Distinguished Gentlemens’ Ride.

Black is the new black

The black frame, black drive shaft, black engine,  black wheels, black handlebars and a number of other black details help the bike to achieve what I’d like to believe that black does for me. It hides a lot of the bike mass.

There are four colours available including the ‘Sport’ one. I really like the “Snapper Rocks Blue” one. The body work accents the bike’s simplicity, and it’s promise of performance.

But it’s the use of the newer air and liquid engine which sees the R 1300 R shine.

The twin puts out 149 Nm of torque and a 145 bhp and thanks to the cooling system it’ll contribute less to the imminent demise of life as we know it on this planet.

See your local BMW Motorrad dealer to book a test ride.

BMW R 1300 R insurance? Call our specialist motorcycle insurance team on 0818 945 950.

 

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