I find his comments about the front brake being linked to the rear interesting. BMW’s press release information (below) makes no mention of this.

I suspect he’s feeling the effect of different engine braking settings in Road Mode compared to Dynamic, along with the action of Dynamic Brake Control (shutting the throttle fully).

High-performance braking system with Integral ABS Pro as standard. Sport brake as optional equipment ex works.

The new R 1300 R comes as standard with a twin disc brake featuring two radially mounted four-piston fixed callipers at the front and a single disc brake with two-piston floating calliper at the rear in conjunction with BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro. Here, the handbrake lever activates the front and rear brakes simultaneously.

Integral ABS Pro is optimised for the respective purpose by means of an additional set-up that depends on the riding mode. In the Integral ABS Pro settings it is possible to lock the rear wheel via the foot brake lever.

As a back-up system to Integral ABS Pro, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) offers increased safety when braking – also in difficult situations – by preventing unintentional throttle application. By means of intervention in the engine control, the drive torque is reduced during braking, making full use of the braking power at the rear wheel. This keeps the motorcycle stable and shortens the braking distance.

Thanks to the standard dynamic brake light, traffic to the rear is alerted to even more effectively to the fact that the motorcycle is being braked.

The new BMW R 1300 R can be fitted with the sport brake system as optional equipment ex works. In addition to a sportier look with titanium-coloured brake callipers, it offers a slight increase in braking performance.

 

I find his comments about the front brake being linked to the rear interesting. BMW’s press release information (below) makes no mention of this.

I was also surprises to see that mentioned when watching the R1300RT review.

 

I agree, with my bike I was always a bit hesitant on small, slow roundabouts as it seemed to want to "fall into" the corner, not sure if to do with Telelever of 17" front radials, both of which were new to me at the time and so adopted the counter balance (dirt bike) method & happy days!

 

The video shows off the design of the bike better than BMW's official release video, it looks fantastic, don't think I will be able to resist one in the future when there are used examples on the market.

 

The video shows off the design of the bike better than BMW's official release video, it looks fantastic

When looking at the BMW released pictures I thought the area at the front of the tank and radiator looked too fat.
It looked good in this video.

 

I suspect he’s feeling the effect of different engine braking settings in Road Mode compared to Dynamic, along with the action of Dynamic Brake Control (shutting the throttle fully).

Dunno. He is an experienced road tester and racer. I'd have thought he could feel the difference between the two.

Talking of which, taking the R1250R and making it more sporty as the R1300R is probably always going to be a plus for a rider like Adam Child.

Got to say it looks better in the video than it did in the awful launch shots. I do still find it looks weird at the front as if they grafted the forks and light cluster on from the wrong bike.

I’m a little concerned when he mentions higher pegs and sportier bars. What I like about my R1250R is the comfort.
I’d have to see it in the flesh, and then ride it myself.

But as for buying. £13.2K on the road is not unreasonable, but by the time as I have specced it up it ends up at £16.7K which is getting a bit rich. Which is because I’ve had to purchase Seat heating, luggage prep, gear assist pro, riding mode pro and sports brake to get the other things I really want. That’s a lot of stuff I’ve no interest in and will never use. So until they change the configurator its unlikely I’ll purchase one.

Also will it take a topbox? There’s no top box rack showing on the conigurator, but on the R1300RS configurator there is both a luggage rack and a topcase carrier.

 

Also will it take a topbox? There’s no top box rack showing on the conigurator, but on the R1300RS configurator there is both a luggage rack and a topcase carrier.

Apparently the standard version of the RS has the topcase carrier and the rear collision radar (looks a lot like the GS), the performance edition neither of the two.
The test embargo is going to lift in July according to this video.

 

I thought it was kind of odd that he did the above video review for Bike World...then did essentially the same review for another YouTube channel (below). Probably not unheard of, I suppose, but I don't know that I've run into this type of redundant, cross-channel reviewer-for-hire thing before...usually there's at least some semblance of exclusivity to these things.

 

Yeah it's a bit sad. I assume 1000ps just paid him a bit to do it because they were there at the same press ride and couldn't be bothered to translate their own video. I'm surprised other videos aren't out yet, i wonder if they invited all of the motorcycle press gang, or if relative to the GS the R/T is seen as a more niche affair.

 

There it is again, right up front, ‘This is not your Dad’s 1250’. Just what BMW Motorrad wanted journos to say. No pipe and slippers on the accessory list.

 

Child has raced bikes so I take anything he says with a pinch of salt. The 1250 is a good bike, is the 1300 better? He was riding the spec'd up sporty version, too. No mention of fuel consumption, a big plus on the 1250. The 1300 has a smaller tank, so is it a day out thrasher or can it be used to tour?

 

Any bike can be use to tour. I owned a TL 1000R Suzuki when I was 40 years old that I road to Melbourne from Adelaide in Australia a distance of 750km and we did it in one day. I couldn't do it today at 65 too old. But yes, I am with you about is it a better tourer than the R1250R, and also who is the bike focus at? If the world sales on motorcycles has anything to do with it clearly stating that the younger generations are not buying bikes who has BMW focus the sale of the new R1300R at? Higher pegs for a start has me turning away as I'm finding my new R1250R uncomfortable after and hour and half riding at present. I've already put barbacks on it and only had the bike from new 3 months ago.

 

No mention of fuel consumption, a big plus on the 1250. The 1300 has a smaller tank, so is it a day out thrasher or can it be used to tour?

So the R1250R has an 18 litre tank, co2 rating is 110g/km with fuel consumption rated at 4.75l per 100km
The R1300R has a 17 lite tank, co2 rating is 110g/km, with fuel consumption slightly higher at 4.8l per 100km

He was riding the spec'd up sporty version, too.

Yeah the base model is a reasonable £13,200 though that’s in the hideous ‘Snapper Rocks Blue’
But if you select the nice sporty pain job, you also have to take the horrible bar end mirrors, Chrome silencer, content performance (no idea), sport seat high, sport passenger (with naff red inserts), engine spoiler, sports suspension, dark chrome header pipe, Design wheels with naff red pin stripe and quick wear sports tyres.

Then you still need to add in the essential (in the UK) heated grips. So that’ll be £18,480 Sir.😬

‘This is not your Dad’s 1250’.

Or do you mean Grandad, which brings me to – do we have a centre stand and have they got the side stand length right?

 

Oh, another thing. I don’t see any ‘keyless ride’ option. So, have BMW finally ditched it, or have they decided, for some unfathomable reason, to make it standard equipment.

 

I expect the latter, Gareth - no key-only option.

 

From the UK website:

"Standard equipment

Keyless Ride"

 

I expect the latter, Gareth - no key-only option.

From the UK website:

"Standard equipment

Keyless Ride"

Oh dear. Disappointing.

 

Only to you...

 

I think you’ll find there are quite a few of us who prefer a normal key.



When I specced up my 1250R I had to fight very hard with my dealer to go for the keyed option. He virtually insisted I go keyless. The more I read on here about the issues with fob batteries etc, the happier I am with the choice I made.



I was really looking forward to ‘upgrading’ to the R1300R - but I’m not sure now that I will. That’s not just down to the keyless thing of course, but that is one minor factor.

Yes, I got the hard sell on keyless as well. The salesman gave up after I told him that if it was standard equipment, but there was also an option for a couple of hundred quid to ditch it, I’d wouldn't hesitate to tick that box.

Yes, keyless ignition threads are one of the most popular on this forum, that and the fact that an emergency key is issued with the bike just in case tells me all I need to know.

No its not a deal braker, but nor is it a positive selling point.

I’m interested to see the bike, and maybe take it out for a spin. But as things stand, even if I really really like it, the way BMW Motorrad UK have set up the configurator is probably going to hold me back. I think that is unfortunate, they’ve set it up to maximise profit, but one wonders if it may hold back sales a little.

 

I haven't an issue with keyless. I am less impressed by fully linked brakes. Had them on my 2021 R1250RT and it was tricky trail braking with confidence that you were in control. We will see when (if) I get a test ride at the end of July.

 

tricky trail braking with confidence

I assume you mean trailing the rear brake into a corner rather than the more commonly understood technique of trailing off main braking effort (front brake) into the apex.

 

As usual, I remain at odds with the keyless ignition issue. I get the battery risk, but for me the greater risk is forgetting to remove the key at stops and leaving the key in the ignition. I don’t do it with my car but I seem to have a real issue with bikes, for some odd reason…probably all the gear I’m removing that creates a distraction at the time. So the keyless system has been a great bonus for me.

I just bought a ‘25 Triumph Street Triple R that has a keyed ignition, so alternating between keyless and keyed is, yikes, now going to require some extra focused attention at stops whenever I ride the Triumph.

 

I'm the other way round here in Australia. For a very long time now, maybe 30 years, our ADR rules (Australian design rules) came in the back door and had all bike lights turn on automatically, when started, no choice. They did this as they mentioned they were trying to make it compulsory to have your light on and the motorcycling community went nuts and held rally after rally and won so ADR came in the back door. Since then, the key was the only way of turning the light off as they removed the light switch to only high beam use, as it was always on so when I pulled up from riding my routine was, stop switch button, then turning the key off and removing it. The key is the only way of turning the light off. Still the same way today with keyed bikes. Now with the keyless ignition, I'm learning to press the button after turning the bike off with the start button, as one can easily walk away without pressing the keyless button off.

 

As usual, I remain at odds with the keyless ignition issue. I get the battery risk, but for me the greater risk is forgetting to remove the key at stops and leaving the key in the ignition. I don’t do it with my car but I seem to have a real issue with bikes, for some odd reason…probably all the gear I’m removing that creates a distraction at the time. So the keyless system has been a great bonus for me.

I did that once many years ago. I parked up at work and left my key in the ignition all day. Fortunately, the bike was still sitting there when I came out after work.

Ever since then I park up, and when I switch the bike off I remove the key, place it in my jacket pocket and zip up the pocket. I do not switch the bike off without removing the key and placing it in my pocket. If you do that, treating the four actions as one that cannot be separated you’ll never (famous last words) ever have that problem again.

I just bought a ‘25 Triumph Street Triple R that has a keyed ignition

That’s good to hear there are still bikes available with simple keys. Key operated ignition is also more secure, and you often pay less to insure key operated vehicles. Vehicle theft has risen significantly thanks to keyless ignition.

 

I did that once many years ago. I parked up at work and left my key in the ignition all day. Fortunately, the bike was still sitting there when I came out after work.

I have a friend who always leaves the key in his BMW.
He also likes to stop at bars while on the bike.
Some people are just lucky.

 

I see new GS911 functionality allows you to enable/disable keys on certain models. That’s not good for security! 😳

“Owners of BMW motorcycles models using any of these three controllers, XSLZ, XSLZ03, or XSLZ04, will now be able to view, enable and disable their motorcycle keys.”

 

Scrolling social media and as this came into view, at first glance I thought it was the 1300 Roadster. 😅

 

Just saw a reel on FB. Apparently these have a bit of intense vibration in the seat according to the lady rider that posted the reel...

 

... who had a huge smile on her face and is filing for divorce...

 

Whenever I hear discussions about the existence of linked braking, I am confused because I know little abut linked braking generally. For the brakes to be linked, that means they have to be assisted right? If that is the case is it not made obvious by the presence of servos somewhere, like next to the levers?

 

To know for sure if the front brake is applied when using the rear brake, have someone sit on the bike or use a front wheel stand. Spin the front wheel, then press the back brake lever.
I just tried it on my wife's bike. When I press the rear lever I can freely spin the front wheel.
Also tried it with the ignition on.
This is on a 2022 R1250RS.

 

On the 1200/1250LC, @rico, the linkage is achieved by the ABS control unit applying measured pressure to the rear brake lines when the front lever is squeezed. The level of pressure is determined by the riding dynamics of the moment, the result being pretty much optimum braking for the circumstances - better than most of us mere mortals can achieve. You can observe this with your LC by wheeling the bike with key on but engine off - as you apply the front brake lever, you will hear the ABS pump activate.

This makes for a very neutral stance for the bike when trail braking as the bike is leaned further into a curve, easing off front brake lever pressure as the bike leans further. Normally a bike will tend to stand up somewhat if the front brake is applied in a turn, and conversely a little rear brake will tend to pull the bike in tighter.

Rather than completing all braking before a curve, trail braking with the front brake lever is a useful skill for racers, track riders and brisk road riders as it loads up the front tyre creating more grip and sharpens steering geometry with the weight transfer, allowing faster speeds through a curve. It’s also useful for everyday riding because the front suspension is already compressed and if you find you do need to brake due to road/traffic conditions, there’s no sudden weight transfer and geometry change that could affect traction and stability. Note that rear braking doesn’t create as great a weight transfer compared to front (hence more fork compression with the latter) but then it is less effective and more prone to lockup (and sliding out if you use it too hard in a curve).

Getting back to the thread (😅) in the case of the new 1300 platform, the front brakes are also linked to the rear lever, which as far as I know is a first for BMW bikes. The tester found that in Road riding mode, this linking was markedly noticeable and didn’t suit his riding style - noting that he is a racer, so is more likely to want to control braking balance more than perhaps the average rider. It would also limit the rider’s ability to tighten the bike’s line in a curve by rear brake lever application.

 

Getting back to the thread (😅) in the case of the new 1300 platform, the front brakes are also linked to the rear lever, which as far as I know is a first for BMW bikes.

I don't think the K bikes ever had that setup, but I think the R bikes had it for a year or two.

 

From 2021 the R1250RT had fully linked brakes (both levers). I'm not sure if they were prior to 2021.

 

Take it with a grain of salt (like everything I say …) but ChatGPT advises:

Model	Front Brake Linked to Foot?	Brake System Type
R 1150 RT	✅ Yes	Fully Integral ABS
K 1200 LT	✅ Yes	Fully Integral ABS
R 1200 RT (2005-06)	✅ Yes	Fully Integral ABS
R 1200 RT (2014+)	❌ No	Partially Integral
K 1600 GT	❌ No	Partially Integral
G 310 GS / R	❌ No	Independent ABS
R nineT	❌ No (unless ABS Pro setup)	Varies

I specifically asked about 2021+ R1250RT and got a confident ❌.
🤷🏻‍♂️

 

I specifically asked about 2021+ R1250RT and got a confident ❌

I know the 2021 R1250RT was fully linked as I had one. I also know my 2001 K1200RS was only partially linked. I don't know about the early RTs but it seems ChatGPT isn't to be trusted.

 

I forgot about the LT.
Found this info on a LT forum.
99 -01 did NOT have linked or integrated brakes.
02-04 all have integrated brakes

BTW I've found AI is not very accurate.