BMW Motorrad's presence at Auto China 2026 is headlined by two large-displacement motorcycles built around the new 1,300cc liquid-cooled boxer engine that debuted in the R 1300 GS. For the 2026 model year, the 1300 boxer expands into the roadster and sport-tourer segments with the R 1300 R and the R 1300 RT, both confirmed for the Beijing show floor as BMW Motorrad continues its most aggressive Chinese market push in over a decade.
China has grown into one of BMW Motorrad's fastest expanding markets, with imports of large-displacement motorcycles doubling between 2022 and 2025. Domestic regulation has relaxed around urban motorcycle ownership in tier-one cities, and BMW Motorrad has established a dealership and support network that now rivals its European footprint. The 2026 Beijing appearance is the first time the full 1300 boxer lineup will be presented to Chinese buyers at a major public show.
🔧 The 1300cc Boxer, Shared Across Three Models
The R 1300 engine is a ground-up redesign of BMW's signature horizontally opposed twin. Displacement grew from 1,254cc on the outgoing R 1250 family to 1,300cc, with a revised cylinder-head architecture, counter-rotating balancer shaft, and a shift to fully liquid cooling. Peak output sits at 145 horsepower at 7,750 rpm in the R 1300 R roadster specification, up nine horsepower over the R 1250 R predecessor.
The same engine powers the R 1300 GS adventure bike that launched in 2024, the R 1300 R roadster debuting for 2026, and the R 1300 RT sport-tourer that completes the lineup. Common architecture across all three models simplifies parts supply and service training across BMW Motorrad's global dealer network, a non-trivial consideration as the company scales into emerging markets.
🏁 R 1300 R: The Naked Roadster Returns
The R 1300 R replaces the R 1250 R in BMW's roadster lineup and represents the most significant visual departure for the segment in over a decade. The new roadster abandons the half-faired front-end design of the outgoing car in favor of a more exposed headlamp cluster, a shorter tail section, and a posture that sits the rider more aggressively forward. Dry weight comes in at approximately 239 kilograms, roughly equivalent to the outgoing model despite the larger displacement.
Key technical updates include a new chassis with revised steering geometry for sharper turn-in, an upgraded suspension system with optional dynamic damping control, and BMW's latest riding mode software package. Riding modes now include configurable traction control and wheelie control settings, a functionality carryover from the M 1000 RR sport bike.
The R 1300 R is positioned as BMW Motorrad's mid-range flagship, priced competitively against the Ducati Streetfighter V2 and KTM 1290 Super Duke R in markets where all three compete.
🛣️ R 1300 RT: Sport-Touring Returns to the 1300 Platform
The R 1300 RT is the sport-tourer update that Chinese long-distance riders have been waiting for since the R 1250 RT platform reached its refresh limit. The RT retains the full fairing, saddlebags, and touring-focused ergonomics that have defined the line since the 1970s, but gains the 1300 boxer's improved torque curve, a larger fuel tank for extended range, and updated electronics consistent with the rest of the 1300 family.
BMW Motorrad's heated seat, adaptive cruise control, and Connected Ride navigation package are standard or available on the R 1300 RT, putting the sport-tourer on par with premium grand-touring motorcycles like the Honda Gold Wing and the Indian Pursuit.
The R 1300 RT is also the first BMW Motorrad to be fitted with the integrated rider headset as a factory option. Combined with the new infotainment display, the setup enables full hands-free phone, navigation, and music control without third-party bluetooth adapters.
⚡ Electric CE 04 as Part of the Stand
Although not a large-displacement bike, the updated CE 04 electric scooter is expected to share stand space with the R 1300 R and RT at Auto China 2026. The CE 04 received a model-year refresh with new paint, updated equipment packages, and a modest upgrade to charging speed. With China's urban motorcycle market tilting quickly toward electric for daily commuting, BMW Motorrad is treating the CE 04 as a secondary but strategically important volume product for Chinese tier-one cities.
Market Positioning
BMW Motorrad's 2026 Beijing appearance is positioned to consolidate its premium motorcycle share in China against a range of competitors that now includes Chinese domestic brands like CFMoto and QJMotor, Japanese imports from Honda and Yamaha, and European rivals Ducati, Triumph, and KTM. The 1300 boxer platform is BMW's argument that a heritage air-cooled twin design, modernized with contemporary technology, remains relevant in a motorcycle segment that is increasingly fragmenting between retro-style and fully electric offerings.
The R 1300 R and R 1300 RT will be displayed alongside the R 1300 GS adventure model during Auto China 2026 public days, April 24 through May 3.
