[Tiz]

Hey, just joined the forum and purchased the r1300r (picking it up at the end of the month). Test rode one the other week and was genuinely impressed. I’m coming from a 1250GS and had a 1200GS before that.

The power and torque are genuinely more than anyone would need on the road, only gave around 60% throttle and it felt impressively quick. Very agile and the suspension was much more firm than I expected, even on road mode it feels very firm at speed.

Only complaints would be that the seat is not comfortable, didn’t notice at first but towards the end of the two hours, my ass was going numb. Also felt it on my wrists a bit. Last, the bike sounds nice on cold start but over 50mph, the wind noise completely drowned out the bike.

The agility of the bike is so impressive though. I ride my GS pretty hard on some winding mountain roads and it’s amazing but it felt so much better on the R, considering it’s about the same weight, it’s really impressive.

I’m a bit nervous leaving the GS, I have a feeling I might regret it but I only toured once and it felt overkill just to take it on spirited runs at weekends. I got the SE model with the sports breaks and akra. The blue looked great in person, still not a fan of the front - they do a good job of making the instrument cluster above the headlight look incredibly awkward but I like the headlight, the very angular look matches the angles on the bike well.

I can see why 1200R and 1250R owners who really like those aren’t keen on the new one. It’s much more aggressive - seems to be closer to a Superduke compared to the 1250R.

Happy to answer any questions on it

Cool, how's the seating position compared to the GS? Not only arms and wrists but also the legs angle. And... how tall are you if you don't mind me asking

 

[Arrrr1300]

Cool, how's the seating position compared to the GS? Not only arms and wrists but also the legs angle. And... how tall are you if you don't mind me asking

The seat itself is still fairly neutral but the bars are pretty low so it does tilt you forward a lot more - there’s much more weight on the wrists. The rear of the bike is higher than the front in dynamic mode to keep your weight on the front wheel.

Legs definitely bend a lot more compared to a GS but my legs fit comfortably within the cutout of the tank. I will say it’s a lot less comfortable though, I could feel it in my knees a wee bit by the end of the two hours.

However, I was impressed with how stuck to the bike I was. With the GS, I felt like mine could really do with some tank grips for more stability but the R1300R seemed to fit me really well. I’m 6’2” with longer legs and a shorter torso

 

[robertm]

When the images of the new R1300R showed up on the web, I personally thought it was butt ugly. Not sure why, maybe more photos and video, but that thing has really grown on me vs. my 2022 R1250R.

The new model looks way more sporty and modern to me. Not wild about the current color options. Would want the features of the "sport" model color, but not the white color scheme.

It is too bad BMW was incapable to shed some pounds, all while reducing fuel capacity. This was a missed opportunity to compete more favorably with Ducati Streetfigher and Aprilia Tuono.

I am 50+ in years, but I am certain BMW is def targeting "younger" or sport oriented riders with this new design language. I will def be looking to 2027 color schemes/ equip options to switch over to it from my 2022.

I do wonder if the straight cut gears actually sound better or worse, I suspect that is very subjective. But so far, reviews indicate butter smooth quick shifter now, which in my mind is a big plus. The 190 rear tire probably isnt needed, but again speaks to the sportier look.

Good luck to those of you who pull the trigger on one, looking forward to your first ride in sight.

 

[Arrrr1300]

When the images of the new R1300R showed up on the web, I personally thought it was butt ugly. Not sure why, maybe more photos and video, but that thing has really grown on me vs. my 2022 R1250R.

The new model looks way more sporty and modern to me. Not wild about the current color options. Would want the features of the "sport" model color, but not the white color scheme.

It is too bad BMW was incapable to shed some pounds, all while reducing fuel capacity. This was a missed opportunity to compete more favorably with Ducati Streetfigher and Aprilia Tuono.

I am 50+ in years, but I am certain BMW is def targeting "younger" or sport oriented riders with this new design language. I will def be looking to 2027 color schemes/ equip options to switch over to it from my 2022.

I do wonder if the straight cut gears actually sound better or worse, I suspect that is very subjective. But so far, reviews indicate butter smooth quick shifter now, which in my mind is a big plus. The 190 rear tire probably isnt needed, but again speaks to the sportier look.

Good luck to those of you who pull the trigger on one, looking forward to your first ride in sight.

It’s interesting the colours are tied to the options. I wanted the white but wasn’t willing to spend the extra £2k+ on the performance pack so I got the blue for the SE options.

The first time I saw one was in person and I do like how it looks. I don’t understand how it weighs so much though, it’s basically the same weight as the GS. It doesn’t feel heavy at speed though, only really felt it when pushing out of a space, it’s very agile on the roads

 

[Katshark]

Sat on the new R1300RS at the local dealer the other day. I liked the white colour sheme, but it's way too tall for me with its 'sports' suspension setup.

Decided to spend £740 on some BMW panniers for my 1250.

 

[keith1200rs]

Well, my test ride on the R1300R didn't happen. I requested the test ride when I booked the service a couple of months ago but the let someone else take it. There were no other 1300s available so I had an F900R. Small, and uncomfortable.

 

[RC65]

Man, that long, wide tank-top black sheath is really unsightly. Between its new "monobody" sharp-edged sportiness and design choices like that exaggerated sheath, this new look has really lost nearly all of the R's elegance.

 

[RC65]

Anyone know -- or have a decent speculation -- if the 1300's new slip-on can be retrofit on the 1250? I'm wondering if this is an alternative to to the aftermarket Akrapovic for those of us who still have the stock chrome cannon on their 1250.

 

[Chad66]

"Man, that long, wide tank-top black sheath is really unsightly. Between its new "monobody" sharp-edged sportiness and design choices like that exaggerated sheath, this new look has really lost nearly all of the R's elegance."
I'll agree, the whole side view of the bike is kind of screwed up. I'll take this engine and frame with the "Classic" model's styling. Like mine, lol.

 

[Panzermann]

You are all echoing the reviewer’s opinion that “this is not your granddad’s bike” like the 1250R is. 😅 Other (more mature) reviewers have said the same, albeit dad’s bike.

Look at the demographic of this forum compared with her generation and, as I have opined previously, it’s obvious the bike isn’t aimed at us. She was positively squirming with delight over the bike, and I fully expected her oohs and aahs to ‘reach a crescendo’ if you know what I mean. The way she went on about the bike’s shoulders … 😳

Personally I think it’s a great looking bike, although would have preferred it without the adaptive function of the new cruise control, with its concomitant radar face (for both function and form reasons).

For me, though, it’s lost its Swiss Army knife appeal - my top-case stays on almost permanently, as I’m always running errands with the bike. A topcase on the 1300R would look oddly out of place, I’d think (not that they ever look great on anything less than an RT). The abbreviated rear seat means I’d not easily be able to throw a bag of pool salt on the back. Not sure about pillion room/comfort. And the styling is likely to not bode well for adding farkles, other than from the BMW Motorrad Option $£€719 catalogue.

So hang on to your K27/53, those of you of the ‘older demographic’ - the new bike is for the Sunday morning crowd. The GS will eventually take the place of our ‘old school’ Roadsters as the tool for every occasion, I reckon.

 

[Arrrr1300]

You are all echoing the reviewer’s opinion that “this is not your granddad’s bike” like the 1250R is. 😅 Other (more mature) reviewers have said the same, albeit dad’s bike.

Look at the demographic of this forum compared with her generation and, as I have opined previously, it’s obvious the bike isn’t aimed at us. She was positively squirming with delight over the bike, and I fully expected her oohs and aahs to ‘reach a crescendo’ if you know what I mean. The way she went on about the bike’s shoulders … 😳

Personally I think it’s a great looking bike, although would have preferred it without the adaptive function of the new cruise control, with its concomitant radar face (for both function and form reasons).

For me, though, it’s lost its Swiss Army knife appeal - my top-case stays on almost permanently, as I’m always running errands with the bike. A topcase on the 1300R would look oddly out of place, I’d think (not that they ever look great on anything less than an RT). The abbreviated rear seat means I’d not easily be able to throw a bag of pool salt on the back. Not sure about pillion room/comfort. And the styling is likely to not bode well for adding farkles, other than from the BMW Motorrad Option $£€719 catalogue.

So hang on to your K27/53, those of you of the ‘older demographic’ - the new bike is for the Sunday morning crowd. The GS will eventually take the place of our ‘old school’ Roadsters as the tool for every occasion, I reckon.

It’s interesting you suggested the GS as the monthly price between the GS TE and the R1300R SE were the exact same. I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s the route a lot of people go, especially now that the GS has that lowering system for when you come to a stop.

Some things in the review that did not mirror my experience was the suspension. At speed, it’s rock solid and softens a bit when slowing down for a corner. Although, I am 90kg so I’m probably on the heavy side for who it’s set up for but definitely didn’t “glide” for the most part for me.

Last, the clutch is very heavy on it. Definitely a bit of a forearm workout. It feels more like a sports bike that’s usable daily vs an every day bike, if that makes sense.

Definitely worth a test ride though. I expected not to like it but my riding is spirited mountain roads mainly which the bike really suits and it did put a massive smile on my face

 

[keith1200rs]

Also, the R1300GS has lost weight, the R1300R hasn't, so the weights are almost equal.

 

[Arrrr1300]

Also, the R1300GS has lost weight, the R1300R hasn't, so the weights are almost equal.

I’ve asked the same question to a few people who said BMW have lied about the GS weight, apparently any that have been weighed is a lot more than the specified weight but not sure how true that is. It still confuses me, some reviews have said it’s 2kg heavier than the GS which I can’t wrap my head around. Smaller tank, no telelever fork
- the GS is genuinely impressive if it’s around the same. It definitely didn’t feel as heavy as a GS breaking and cornering

 

[Panzermann]

It’s interesting you suggested the GS as the monthly price between the GS TE and the R1300R SE were the exact same. I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s the route a lot of people go, especially now that the GS has that lowering system for when you come to a stop.

Some things in the review that did not mirror my experience was the suspension. At speed, it’s rock solid and softens a bit when slowing down for a corner. Although, I am 90kg so I’m probably on the heavy side for who it’s set up for but definitely didn’t “glide” for the most part for me.

Last, the clutch is very heavy on it. Definitely a bit of a forearm workout. It feels more like a sports bike that’s usable daily vs an every day bike, if that makes sense.

Definitely worth a test ride though. I expected not to like it but my riding is spirited mountain roads mainly which the bike really suits and it did put a massive smile on my face

I’m sure it would put a massive smile on my dial too, once behind the bars, Arrr1300. It’s just that I, and likely many 1200/1250 Roadster owners, find the K27/53 suits us from an overall ownership perspective.

If I was ~50 years younger, I’d likely accept the practicality compromises - heck, my daily runner back then was a bevel SS900 Ducati!

 

[Katshark]

The styling of the 13 is growing on me, especially the RS model. However, it's too tall and the same weight as my 1250, I don't need the extra power, so I'd be paying a lot more ££ just to get a different look.

Hopefully, at some point BMW will realise that boxer riders are older guys, that are only getting older. A 1000cc boxer weighing in at circa 210kg, with the rider triangle approximating the GS would be my wish.

I'd be surprised if the young 'uns will buy a sporty boxer. Too many better, cheaper sporty bikes.

 

[blitzer]

@Katshark I agree something around 100BHP and as close to 200Kg as possible would be perfect

 

[rxc]

Just sharing my thoughts, personally much preferring the looks AND sitting position of the 12xxR over the 1300R,
and my current favorite to have as an addition if I had the money would be this truly-naked beauty r 12 g/s, i.e. side+top cases are a must for me and hence cannot see it replacing my r1250r,
BUT - IT IS JUST SO PERFECT WITH <0% ON EXCESSIVE PLASTICS AND "DECORATION" AND +100% ON BMW IMMORTAL GENIUS AND MINIMALIST BOXER DESIGN.

 

[Panzermann]

Looks very much like the original GS’s but with much bigger jugs.

 

[JonTait]

@Katshark I agree something around 100BHP and as close to 200Kg as possible would be perfect

Isnt that the R9T?

 

[JonTait]

I ran through the configurator and it looks like there is no longer the option of having a top box on the R1300R which is a show stopper for me. I’m used to the convenience of storage and dont like panniers as they make it wider and catch the wind. RS still has the option but the R only gets panniers now?!?