BMW introduced this touring motorcycle as a completely new model for the 2026 model year, revealing it in April 2025 and putting it into market launch later that year. It continues BMW’s long-running RT touring tradition, but it is the first time the RT nameplate has appeared with the 1300 designation, replacing the earlier 1250-era version rather than carrying over a simple facelift. The new model was presented as a broader and more modern take on the RT concept, aimed at riders who want a long-distance tourer with a stronger emphasis on both comfort and more dynamic road use.
In BMW’s line, the RT family has long occupied the brand’s premium touring space, and this newest chapter was described as a ground-up update rather than an incremental refresh. Its debut marked a notable shift for the series, pairing the familiar full-dress touring format with BMW’s latest boxer platform and updated chassis and bodywork. BMW also developed an authority version alongside the civilian model, underscoring the platform’s role as a high-visibility global touring and fleet motorcycle.
As of now, this is a current production nameplate with no known earlier or separate production run under the same exact model name. The model’s history therefore begins in 2025, with the first model year commonly identified as 2026 for retail use.