New BMW R 1300 RT Breaks Cover
BMW Motorrad has unveiled the all-new R 1300 RT, a fully re-engineered touring motorcycle that promises to redefine long-distance travel on two wheels. With a focus on weight reduction, dynamic handling, and rider-centric technology, the R 1300 RT aims to offer long distance touring comfort for customers. The R 1300 RT made its global debut alongside the R 1300 RS, which means BMW is now focussing on long distance touring machines. We can expect the R 1300 RT to be launched in India in the coming months.
Design & Ergonomics
The R 1300 RT gets a lightweight and dynamic design, featuring optimised ergonomics that offer both spirited riding and confident touring. The new bodywork integrates a sleek wind and weather protection concept, with side trims designed to flow seamlessly into the overall silhouette. A high windshield, available as optional equipment, offers better protection from the wind and long-haul comfort. BMW is offering the R 1300 RT in four variants - the Basic, Triple Black, Impulse, and the Option 719 Camargue.
Powertrain & Performance
The R 1300 RT makes use of BMW's potent boxer twin, delivering 145 hp at 7,750 rpm and 149 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. The engine is mated to an optional Automated Shift Assistant (ASA), offering both manual and fully automated clutch-less shifting-an innovation aimed at reducing fatigue on long rides and in traffic. Standard electronics include three riding modes for different terrains, while the Riding Modes Pro package unlocks more advanced settings like 'Dynamic' and 'Dynamic Pro'. The standard engine drag torque control (MSR) enhances stability during downshifting or abrupt deceleration.
Chassis & Suspension
A completely new chassis underpins the R 1300 RT, featuring a steel sheet main frame with a lightweight aluminium tube lattice rear section. Evo Telelever and Paralever systems ensure precise steering and stable rear-wheel control. In terms of suspension, the R 1300 RT comes standard with Dynamic ESA, while the optional Dynamic Chassis Adaption (DCA) system dynamically adjusts damping, spring rate, and load compensation, offering two riding positions that maximise both comfort and handling.
Braking & Safety
BMW equips the R 1300 RT with a high-performance brake system paired with BMW Motorrad ABS Pro, ensuring confident braking even while leaned over. The motorcycle also gets new wheels which are 1.4 kg lighter and contribute to improved agility and handling response. The standard full LED headlamp can be upgraded to Headlight Pro with adaptive lighting, including adaptive light modes for increased visibility in all conditions.
Tech & Touring Features
Optional features like Riding Assistant introduce next-level rider aids including Active Cruise Control (ACC), Front Collision Warning (FCW), Rear End Collision Warning (RECW), and Lane Change Warning (SWW)-safety tech typically reserved for premium automobiles. Touring credentials are further bolstered with electrified luggage options that include cases and top-cases integrated with the motorcycle's systems, as well as audio pro, a premium sound system, and the comfort passenger package.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
Billion-dollar battery plant pauses construction amid electric vehicle and tariff uncertainty
A Japanese company has halted construction on a $1.6 billion factory in South Carolina to help make batteries for electric BMWs, citing "policy and market uncertainty." While Automotive Energy Supply Corp. didn't specify what those problems are, South Carolina's Republican governor said the company is dealing with the potential loss of federal tax breaks for electric vehicle buyers and incentives for EV businesses as well as tariff uncertainties from President Donald Trump's administration. "What we're doing is urging caution - let things play out because all of the these changes are taking place," Gov. Henry McMaster said. AESC announced the suspension in construction of its plant in Florence on Thursday, "Due to policy and market uncertainty, we are pausing construction at our South Carolina facility at this time," the company's statement said. AESC promised to restart construction, although it didn't say when, and vowed to meet its commitment to hire 1,600 workers and invest $1.6 billion. The company said it has already invested $1 billion in the Florence plant. The battery maker based in Japan also has facilities in China, the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Germany. In the U.S., AESC has a plant in Tennessee and is building one in Kentucky. The statement didn't mention any changes with other plants. The South Carolina plant is supposed to sell battery cells to BMW, which is building its own battery assembly site near its giant auto plant in Greer. BMW said the construction pause by AESC doesn't change its plans to open its plant in 2026. AESC has already rolled back its South Carolina plans. They announced a second factory on the Florence site, but then said earlier this year that their first plant should be able to handle BMW's demand. That prompted South Carolina officials to withdraw $111 million in help they planned to provide. The company is still getting $135 million in grants from the South Carolina Department of Commerce and $121 million in bonds and the agency said a construction pause won't prompt them to claw back that offer. South Carolina is investing heavily in electric vehicles. Volkswagen-owned Scout Motors plans to invest $2 billion and hire 4,000 people for a plant to build its new electric SUVs scheduled to open in 2027. The state has for decades made big bets on foreign manufacturers like BMW, Michelin and Samsung that have paid off with an economic boom this century, but there is uneasiness that Trump's flirtation with high tariffs might stagger or even ruin those important partnerships. McMaster told people to relax as state and business leaders are talking to Trump's administration and things will work out. "I think the goal of the president and the administration is to have robust economic growth and prosperity and there is no doubt there has to be changes made in our international trade posture and President Trump is addressing that," McMaster told reporters Thursday.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
TVS Motor working on new 450 cc motorcycle platform, shared with BMW and Norton
TVS has confirmed that the 450 platform and technology will be shared with BMW and Norton Check Offers TVS Motor Company is looking to diversify its premium motorcycle product range and will soon bring a new lineup of motorcycles powered by the 450 cc engine. TVS Motor's current Managing Director and soon-to-be Chairman, Sudarshan Venu, confirmed the development in a recent interview with CNBC TV-18. The top boss revealed that the technology and platform sharing will extend between BMW, TVS, and Norton. The 450 cc parallel-twin motor was first showcased on the BMW F 450 GS concept at EICMA 2024, and could soon spawn TVS and Norton products. New 450 cc TVS Motorcycles Coming Soon The upcoming 450 cc twin-cylinder engine is said to be jointly developed by TVS and BMW Motorrad, much like the 310 cc platform that powers the TVS Apache RR 310. Both brands also collaborated on a new EV platform. The new 450 platform is likely to be made in India and will power the production version of the BMW F 450 GS, set to arrive globally later this year. The BMW F 450 GS Concept was first showcased at EICMA 2024 drawing power from a 450 cc parallel-twin motor, which has been co-developed with TVS Meanwhile, the upcoming TVS 450 could be a full-faired motorcycle under the Apache name as the brand's new flagship, possibly called the TVS Apache RR 450. That said, there's no word yet on what the upcoming 450 cc TVS will be. The Indian two-wheeler giant will be moving to the twin-cylinder league, as a result, moving up not the power, performance, and price ladder. The upcoming TVS 450 cc bike will rival the made-in-India Aprilia RS 457 and Tuono 457 in the segment. Plans For Norton Motorcycles TVS previously confirmed plans to bring the Norton brand to India, the British premium motorcycle maker it acquired, towards the end of the year. The company is likely to first introduce the Norton V4SV to the market, followed by four other offerings in the first half of 2026. Sales will begin across the UK, India, and other parts of Europe. Production for the Norton bikes will start at 10,000 units per month in the first phase. The same 450 cc parallel-twin motor could power the future Norton offerings, which will help the brand position itself differently. Sudarshan Venu also hinted at different dealerships for Norton and premium TVS products, which should offer a more refined purchase experience to customers. Notably, Hero MotoCorp has implemented something similar with the Premia showrooms, bringing its premium bikes, Vida, and the Harley-Davidson X440 under one roof. Honda already does the same via the Big Wing dealerships. TVS is also developing a new range of motorcycles with the 300 cc RT-XD4 engine that will reportedly power an adventure tourer and supermoto Upcoming EV launches In the EV space, TVS plans to introduce an electric bike at a later date, while a new electric scooter is also said to be in the works. Moreover, the brand will launch an improved version of the iQube later this year. Not just new 450s, but TVS is also working on a new 300 cc range. The TVS Apache RTX 300 was showcased as a concept at the Auto Expo this year. The brand also has a new adventure tourer in the works, which could use the same RT-XD4 powertrain, showcased in December last year. The motor will belt out around 35 bhp and 28.5 Nm of peak torque, and could power more motorcycles going forward. Check out Upcoming Bikes In India. First Published Date: 06 Jun 2025, 17:31 PM IST
The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Luxury meets the wild: A weekend escape with the BMW X7 to Marchula Estate
Not every road trip is about chasing thrill. Some are about finding a pause — a chance to disconnect from the pace of city life and settle into a slower rhythm. This was one such drive. A getaway that starts with the journey We left Delhi around midnight, making the most of clear roads and cooler temperatures. The destination — Marchula — lies roughly 270 kilometres away, tucked deep into the lesser-explored edges of the Jim Corbett region. Unlike popular hill stations that crowd up quickly over weekends, Marchula offers something different. It is quiet, less commercial, and more rooted in its natural landscape. Our route took us past Moradabad and Kashipur before we began climbing onto the hills. The BMW X7 xDrive40d handled the change in terrain without any drama. Under the hood, its 3.0-litre inline-six diesel engine delivers 340 hp and 700 Nm of torque. But the power delivery is smooth and refined — it never feels aggressive. Cruising on the highway was quick and easy, but what really stood out was how composed the X7 felt once the road narrowed and the surface began to break up. Thanks to the adaptive air suspension and BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, even the uneven mountain stretches felt manageable. The cabin remained quiet throughout, isolating us from road imperfections and keeping fatigue at bay — something you appreciate even more on a long, overnight journey. Arriving in Marchula By morning, we were deep in the forested hills of Uttarakhand. A short river crossing just before Marchula gave us a final reminder of the X7's off-road credibility. Raised suspension, hill descent control, and ample torque helped us through the shallow water crossing without fuss. It is a reminder that despite its luxury leanings, the X7 is more than capable when the terrain changes. Marchula itself is not a place you stumble upon — you come here deliberately. Set on the banks of the Ramganga River, it is a peaceful village surrounded by dense jungle, with very limited development. There are no shopping streets, no cafés, and no crowds. What you get instead is uninterrupted greenery, fresh air, and a real sense of stillness. A stay that matches the mood Our base for the weekend was Marchula Estate, a six-key sustainable retreat that blends seamlessly into the forest. Run by Mansi and Mustafa, the estate offers a low-impact, thoughtful approach to hospitality. It is not about bells and whistles, but about living lightly and creating a space where Nature leads the experience. There are three stand-alone cottages on the hillside — Amaltas, Gulmohar and Deodar — along with three rooms in the main house. Each has a unique aesthetic, built using upcycled wood, natural stone, and local materials. Solar power runs the essentials, and the water is filtered and served in reusable glass bottles. The estate grows its own herbs, composts waste, and encourages guests to adopt a slower pace. Conversations with Mansi and Mustafa revealed that this was not just a business idea. It was a life choice. Tired of the city, they decided to build something more meaningful — not just for themselves, but for their guests and the environment they inhabit. A different kind of weekend There is not much to do at Marchula — and that is exactly the point. Mornings start with mist rising off the river and the occasional call of a barking deer. Afternoons are for long walks along the Ramganga, or sitting with a book while the sunlight filters through the thick canopy. Mobile signal is patchy, and you will not find Wi-Fi. In a setting like this, the BMW X7 stood out for its versatility. Large and luxurious, yes, but also quietly capable. It did not look out of place even in this wild setting. When we did use it to explore nearby villages or take a short drive up into the forest roads, it handled everything with ease — from loose gravel to tight turns. Heading home As we packed up on Sunday afternoon, there was a sense of calm that had replaced the noise we had carried from the city. The X7 was loaded with bags and a weekend's worth of stillness, and the drive back felt shorter somehow — smoother and quieter, both on the road and in our heads. The X7 remained impressive throughout. It delivered what you expect from a flagship luxury SUV — power, comfort and advanced tech — but what really stood out was how well it adapted to every part of the journey. Whether it was the expressway, mountain climbs, or river crossings, the SUV did not miss a beat. Final thoughts If you are looking for a weekend getaway that is offbeat, peaceful and rooted in nature, Marchula should be on your radar. It is far enough to feel like an escape, yet reachable within a half-day's drive from Delhi. And if you are lucky enough to do it in something like the BMW X7, the journey itself becomes part of the reward. Together, Marchula Estate and the X7 delivered a rare combination — comfort and connection. Not just to a place, but to the idea of slowing down. Something most of us could use a little more of. Motorscribes, in association with The Hindu, brings you the latest in cars and bikes. Follow them on Instagram on @motorscribes.
