ROAD NEWS
BMW R1300 RS UNVEILED
Despite the passing of nearly half a century, BMW’ s RS model shows no sign of fading away. In fact, the latest version is the sportiest RS ever. Blending all-day rideability with very sporty intention has long been considered the Holy Grail of successful sport / tourers and BMW has been super successful at just that. For 2025 the R1300 RS is a ground-up new model, with a new engine, electronic suite, frame and suspension. Only the RS badge remains the same – and the original ethos. Naturally, being a BMW tourer, you have options available, from screens, handlebars, seats etc as well as the optional maps and a range that goes from the new base model up to the dripping-with-goodness variant that has every item on the wish-list already in-situ. From the cockpit, the new shorty levers, intuitive dash and connectivity and slightly sportier ergonomics indicate BMW focusing the RS more towards the S-for-Sport than any previous model, and making the step from their touring RT more discernible. In fact, the new bike looks more like one of their S models than the previous boxer family, and for many, it will place them side by side on the list of options. No longer is there a demarcation that states that the Boxer engine is left to wait outside the door of the sportsbike club. On the road, the R1300 RS has plenty of power to satisfy the vast majority of riders and will offer a broad power delivery that anyone who has ridden a late model‘ Beemer’ understands. If you have yet to experience it for yourself, do yourself a favour and give one a go, it will rewrite any misconceptions you may have about the iconic flat twin
KIWI RIDER 19