Bmw R 1300 Rt, the road test: even more comfort, but sporty character

The large 10.25-inch digital display can be divided into two parts: from here, for example, you can follow the navigation set on your mobile phone (to be stored in a ventilated compartment with USB socket, which in our opinion could still be improved in terms of location and capacity).

Comfort is therefore guaranteed (and the list of optional extras would still be long), but the real novelty of the Rt, as we said, is to be found in its increased sporting character: an element that is characterising the entire 1300 boxer range after its debut on the Gs a year and a half ago.

You can already guess it at first glance, observing the work done by the designers to give a grittier character to the fairing, now more angular (but joined with soft lines) and less massive. And one could imagine this, knowing by now the qualities of the Munich-based manufacturer's completely revamped twin-cylinder engine, endowed with an elongation unknown to its predecessors and capable of delivering 145 horsepower at 7,750 rpm, with a maximum torque of 149 Nm at 6,500 rpm. 

Further confirmation comes when one looks at the work done on the chassis (combined with electronics): from the 'evo' generation of the telelever-paralever damping system, the stiffer chassis and Dsa active suspension, to the new weight distribution, with the gearbox shifted under the engine, which lowers the centre of gravity for the benefit of stability and agility, already promoted on the Gs..

Added to these new features is the Dynamic Chassis Adaption (Dca). Basically it is the possibility of changing set-up depending on the riding mode: "One characterised by a more open steering head angle and chassis geometry designed to maximise stability and ride fluidity," explain BMW, "the other with stiffer damping settings, greater spring stiffness and higher ground clearance. That is, the bike rises 3 cm at the rear while loading the front end more in Dynamic riding mode (the others are Road, Eco, Rain, and the customisable Dynamic Pro).

The result can be felt when the curves start to come in fast: thebike is agile, nimble and safe on the front end in spite of its 181 kg.  

The automatic transmission responds well to stresses in 'manual' mode and is also quite supportive in automatic mode, although in some situations we didn't like some of the shifts that were too early in the more driven sections, at least for our riding style. But for a touring bike, the Asa, often ridden in a more 'relaxed' manner, is an option that we think it would be absurd to give up.

The excellent work of the automatic adaptive suspension softens the roughness of the asphalt without making the bike lose directionality: again a great advantage to give more confidence when riding given the Rt's size.

The riding position is less 'sitting' than before, although it remains quite 'upright' (the soul is still that of a mileage grinder) and obviously not loaded on the wrists. Vibrations are practically absent, bearing in mind that we are still talking about a 1300 cc twin-cylinder engine.

The saddle (available from 78 to 86 cm and adjustable) is rather soft in the taller version and narrows at the front, linking up with a fuel tank (24 litres for a declared consumption of 4.9 l/100 km) that is less constricting on the knees than in the past: a solution that gives taller riders more freedom and helps manoeuvring from a standstill.

We didn't test it on the motorway, but all indications are that the Rt doesn't disappoint on one of its chosen terrains: front and rear radar with adaptive cruise and anti-collision system, automatic transmission (with a slightly longer gear ratio than on the Gs) and considerable aerodynamic protection should allow even greater peace of mind on long transfers. At BMW they guarantee that the adaptive headlamp function is also much improved.

"With the new Bmw R 1300 Rt, we have taken the iconic touring bike from Bmw Motorrad to a whole new level. It is lighter in design, more accessible and more dynamic than ever before. With its completely revamped engine, chassis and aerodynamics, it offers a riding experience that meets the highest standards in this segment in terms of dynamics, comfort and touring ability," summarised Harald Spagl, project manager of the Rt.

The price of the Rt starts at 24,300 euros, but with BMW packages and the long list of accessories it is easy to go well over 30,000 euros.