2027 BMW R 1300 RS First Look: Boxer-Powered Sport Touring Refined

The BMW R 1300 RS continues BMW Motorrad’s approach to sport touring, combining the company’s signature twin-cylinder boxer engine with a fully faired design and equipment intended for both everyday riding and long-distance travel. Positioned between the naked R 1300 R and the touring-focused R 1300 RT, the RS carries on the fine sport-touring tradition that it helped pioneer when BMW launched the first iteration way back in 1976.

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Following its extensive redesign for 2026, the R 1300 RS enters 2027 with its mechanical specifications largely unchanged. Instead, BMW has revised its equipment packaging while retaining the motorcycle’s 145-horsepower engine, electronically controlled suspension, and extensive rider aids. Pricing starts at $17,195, representing a $100 increase over the previous model year.

A Boxer With Plenty Of Punch

At the heart of the R 1300 RS is BMW’s 1,300cc air- and liquid-cooled boxer-twin engine, first introduced in the R 1300 GS. It produces 145 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and 110 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 rpm, matching the R 1300 R and R 1300 RT. The engine features dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, and a 13.3:1 compression ratio.

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Compared with the previous R 1250 RS, the larger engine delivers nine additional horsepower and five more pound-feet of torque, thanks to increased displacement and revised engine architecture. Power reaches the rear wheel through a six-speed transmission, wet slipper clutch, and enclosed shaft drive. An optional Automated Shift Assistant (ASA) handles clutch operation and gear changes automatically, giving riders another option beyond the conventional manual setup.

Touring Practicality In A Sporting Chassis

BMW

The R 1300 RS carries over the redesigned chassis introduced from the current generation, featuring a steel main frame, die-cast aluminum rear subframe, and revised single-sided swingarm. Redesigned cast-aluminum wheels save 3 pounds over the previous generation. Suspension consists of a 47mm inverted fork with 5.5 inches of travel and a rear shock offering 5.1 inches. Electronic damping adjustment and rear preload adjustment come standard, while an optional system adds adjustable spring rates.

Braking duties are handled by dual frontl four-piston radial calipers with 310mm discs and a 285mm rear disc, supported by fully integral cornering ABS. The bike rolls on 17-inch wheels with 120/70 front and 190/55 rear tires. Meanwhile, the standard seat height measures 31.1 inches, with a 59.72-inch wheelbase, 540-pound ready-to-ride weight, and 4.5-gallon fuel tank. These specifications reflect BMW’s goal of balancing sporty handling with long-distance touring capability.

Electronic Features Remain A Major Selling Point

BMW

Would-be owners will find an extensive collection of electronic rider aids, including traction control, engine drag torque control, three riding modes, cruise control, hill-start assistance, and electronic suspension adjustment. A 6.5-inch TFT display provides instrumentation and smartphone connectivity, while keyless ignition, LED lighting, a USB-C charging port, and an emergency calling function round out the standard equipment.

Optional equipment expands the motorcycle’s capabilities considerably. Buyers can specify additional riding modes, adjustable sport suspension, upgraded brakes, adaptive headlights, and radar-assisted adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning. Heated seats and grips, electronically locking luggage, and various windscreen options are also available for riders prioritizing touring duties.

Revised Packages For 2027

BMW

BMW retains four appearance packages for 2027, including Racing Blue Metallic at $2,445, Triple Black at $3,195, Performance Light White at $3,865, and Option 719 Brooklyn Grey Metallic at $4,695. The Performance version emphasizes sport riding with dedicated suspension settings, increased ground clearance, adjustable footrests, and sport-oriented equipment.

The most notable pricing change concerns the optional Excellence Package, which now costs $2,290, down from $2,850 previously. BMW has also incorporated this package into its available color and style configurations, giving customers another way to specify a more extensively equipped motorcycle.

A Sport Tourer That Strikes The Right Balance

Starting at $17,195, the R 1300 RS sits just $500 above the naked R 1300 R while undercutting the R 1300 RT by $5,550. Its closest alternatives include the Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX and Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+, although BMW distinguishes itself through its boxer-twin engine, shaft drive, and extensive electronic options.

The 2027 R 1300 RS is aimed at riders who want the power and technology of BMW’s flagship boxer platform without committing to a dedicated touring motorcycle. Its combination of full fairings, sporting chassis hardware, and optional touring equipment gives it a distinct position within the lineup. With the mechanical package carried over, the revised pricing and equipment choices are the main developments for 2027.

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Source: BMW Motorrad