Why BMW’s New Twin-Cylinder Naked Is Hard To Recommend

With 2026 reveals already in full swing, BMW is doing its part. The brand has just revealed the R 1300 R as a replacement for the R 1250 R, armed with an array of upgrades. However, there’s a problem with why we can’t recommend the new naked bike. What is it? Find out below.

The New R 1300 R Is Simply Too Expensive And Sits In A Weird Place In The BMW Lineup

Getting right to it, the R 1300 R has a sizable price hike over the R 1250 R. In the US, the price starts at $16,595, which makes it $1,250 pricier than the outgoing bike. That means the base price is more than BMW’s two other nakeds: the R 12 nineT and the S 1000 R. Then, there’s the story of equipment.

The base R 1300 R is simply not loaded enough to beat the S 1000 R. And if you add some optional extras (even any other color than Snapper Blue), the price can quickly climb to almost $20,000. A few extra features here and there, and you’re looking at a price dangerously close to the base MSRP of the BMW M 1000 R. Yes, the flagship 200-HP naked by BMW! At that price, a simple naked roadster simply doesn’t make sense when you can get something a lot fancier.

The BMW R 1300 R Has 145 HP And 110 LB-FT From Its Boxer Engine

With the elephant in the room addressed, let’s focus on what you get for the money. Over the R 1250 R, the biggest change here is the engine. The 1,254cc boxer mill is replaced by the new 1,300cc flat-twin boxer from the R 1300 GS. The engine, with its high compression ratio (13.3:1), ShiftCam, and part liquid-cooling, promises 145 horsepower and 110 pound-feet. The latter is one of the highest in the liter-class naked segment, even more than the bonkers KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo.

Like the engine, the underpinnings are a step-up. A new pressed sheet metal chassis is the main element, joined by a cast aluminum subframe. A set of 47 mm upside-down forks and a paralever rear suspension are also present, both ready for the optional electronic adjustment module. A closer look also reveals new 17-inch wheels, said to be 3.1 pounds lighter than before. The entire bike weighs 527 pounds. With a low seat height (30.9 inches), the package appears quite accessible for all.