The 2025 BMW R 1300 RT has been spied in testing. The clean-sheet design of the R 1300 GS means that the rest of BMW’s 1254cc boxer models are also due for imminent replacement, starting with the popular RT tourer.

Since the old RT is already the most expensive and high-tech bike in BMW’s boxer line-up the new one is certain to be packed with even more gadgets. Like the R 1300 GS it represents a clean break from the model that precedes it rather than being a gradual evolution.

Gone is the tubular steel trellis frame, replaced by a chassis that looks like it’s either shared with the new GS or very similar in its design and construction. That means it’s made from pressed sheet steel sections rather than tubes.

The suspension is also adopted from the R 1300 GS, with ‘EVO’ versions of the rear Paralever single-sided swingarm and the Telelever front fork; a set-up which takes elements of two previous versions to get their advantages while eliminating their downsides.

 

While the engine is likely to match the GS’s 107kW (143hp) and 149Nm, the covers over the double overhead camshafts and Shiftcam variable valve timing and lift system are redesigned. As on the GS, the new engine sits above the transmission, with the clutch at the front, rather than having the engine, clutch and transmission set in a line. It’s a solution that raises the cylinders slightly – improving ground clearance – while significantly shortening the engine/transmission unit.

The 2025 BMW R 1300 RT’s huge windscreen – a vast transparent panel that covers most of the front of the bike, albeit disguised by black wrap – is electrically adjustable. BMW has also been working on designs for moveable side panels, as revealed in patents, and the RT looks like it might be using those ideas. 

Above the headlight is a radar sensor to allow adaptive cruise control and crash-mitigation braking, and there’s also a rear radar mounted just above the numberplate. Inevitably, there’s a huge TFT screen, a pair of stereo speakers and while the panniers are likely to be standard equipment, we’d expect the topbox and its integrated pillion backrest to be an option.