BMW R 1300 R revealed ahead of India launch

The BMW R 1300 R has been unveiled overseas. It’s the Bavarian brand's latest roadster, powered by the same boxer engine found in the R 1300 GS.

1. BMW R 1300 R shares its engine with the R 1300 GS
2. At 239kg, it is 2 kilos heavier than the GS 
3. Gets radar-assisted rider aids

BMW R 1300 R revealed ahead of India launch

A roadster from BMW with engine from the R 1300 GS

The BMW R 1300 R, the successor to the R 1250 R, is a roadster that features the engine from the R 1300 GS. Here, too, this mill produces the same 145hp at 7,750rpm and 149Nm at 6,500rpm. This engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox assisted by a bi-directional quickshifter as standard, which sends power to a shaft final drive.

The main frame is also shared with the R 1300 GS, but the R 1300 R gets a new subframe. Suspending this frame is a USD fork and a paralever EVO unit with preload and damping adjustment as standard. 

Electronic suspension is part of the optional accessory catalogue, but one interesting thing is that the R 1300 R comes standard with an adjustable spring rate in its USD fork. BMW claims that it is the world’s first series production bike with this functionality.

Braking duties are handled by twin discs up front with radially mounted 4-piston calipers and a single disc at the rear. In typical roadster fashion, the R 1300 R runs on 17-inch wheels at both ends. The rider’s perch is set at a very accessible 785mm (standard). 

At 239kg, the R 1300 R weighs the same as its predecessor, the R 1250 R, but is 2 kilos heavier than the 1300 GS. This is despite the naked bike carrying 17 litres of fuel as compared to the ADV, which holds 19.

The BMW R 1300 R has a long list of electronic rider aids that include traction control, engine braking control, active cruise control with forward collision warning and three riding modes (Eco, Rain and Road) as standard. Additionally, the optional Riding Package Pro unlocks Dynamic and Dynamic Pro modes. The BMW R 1300 R is available in four variants with distinct colours.

We expect BMW to launch the R 1300 R in India in the coming months, and it will slot in below the R 1300 GS, prices for which start at Rs 21.20 lakh (ex-showroom, India).