BMW R 1300 R (2026+) Maintenance Schedule and Service Info

This is the maintenance schedule and associated service intervals for the BMW R 1300 R 2026 release. The R 1300 R uses BMW’s latest 1,300cc air/liquid-cooled boxer engine platform, shared with other current-generation models including the R 1300 GS, R 1300 RS and R 1300 RT. The maintenance schedule for the BMW R 1300 R is therefore similar to that for its platform mates, as they all use the same core engine and driveline design.

Key technical features of the BMW R 1300 R include:

• 1,300cc air/liquid-cooled two-cylinder boxer engine with ShiftCam variable valve timing, double overhead camshafts, and four valves per cylinder.
• Bore x stroke: 106.5 mm x 73.0 mm.
• Compression ratio: 13.3:1.
• Claimed output: 143.5 hp at 7,750 rpm and 109.9 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm.
• Constant-mesh 6-speed transmission with shaft final drive.
• The transmission is now housed underneath the engine, reducing overall length and improving mass centralization.
• Main chassis is a steel sheet-metal frame with a cast aluminum subframe.
• 47mm inverted telescopic fork at the front; EVO Paralever single-sided swingarm at the rear.

Model variants include:

• Base BMW R 1300 R (Snapper Rocks Metallic)
• Exclusive (Racing Blue Metallic)
• Performance (Light White, sport suspension)
• Option 719 Kilauea (Black Storm Metallic, upgraded components)

This maintenance schedule applies to all 2026-onward BMW R 1300 R models. Service requirements are not affected by cosmetic options or electronic package upgrades, but may be impacted by regional variations and optional equipment.

This site has links for things like oil and spark plugs from which we earn a commission (which unfortunately nobody can save, not even us). If you appreciate this work, then please use those links. Thanks!

BMW R 1300 R 2026 Service Intervals

The basic service interval for the BMW R 1300 R is every 6,000 miles / 10,000 km or every 12 months, whichever comes first. At each interval, change the engine oil and filter, and review the schedule for any additional items due.

Valve clearance inspection is required every 12,000 miles / 20,000 km. This is considered a major service, as the 1,300 cc ShiftCam boxer twin has both intake and exhaust valve checks due to its variable valve timing system. Spark plugs and air filters are also inspected or replaced during this interval.

Basic Service Schedule

• First service: 300 – 750 miles / 500 – 1,200 km
• Standard Service: Every 6,000 miles / 10,000 km or 12 months
• Valve check: Every 12,000 miles / 20,000 km

General Notes on Serviceability for the BMW R 1300 R

• The R 1300 R uses BMW’s new 1,300cc air/liquid-cooled boxer twin with ShiftCam variable valve timing. Valve clearance inspections and adjustments require access to both cylinder heads but are generally straightforward, as both are mounted horizontally.
• Engine oil, final drive gear oil, and coolant are the main fluids to monitor. Use only lubricants and coolants that meet BMW Motorrad specifications. The engine uses a wet sump system with an easily accessible oil filter.
• The maintenance schedule includes periodic checks of the shaft drive system, front and rear suspension, and the electronically adjustable systems if equipped (such as Dynamic Suspension Adjustment and Automated Shift Assistant).
• Standard features such as Integral ABS Pro, Dynamic Traction Control, and tire pressure monitoring should be checked for software updates during service. Any warning messages on the TFT display should be investigated using BMW’s diagnostic tools.

Tip: Keep the radiator and oil cooler fins free of bugs and road debris to prevent overheating, especially on summer rides or long tours.

BMW R 1300 R 2026 Maintenance Schedule Tables

Below is the maintenance schedule for the BMW R 1300 R. The content here is the same as in the manual, though presented in a clearer, easier-to-read way.

The schedule is divided into three parts:

• First service (BMW Motorrad running-in check): Performed between 300 – 750 miles / 500 – 1,200 km.
• Standard service (BMW Motorrad Service): Performed every 6,000 miles / 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.
• Long-term service intervals: Tasks that come up less frequently, such as valve clearance checks and other major items.

First Service

The first service is usually carried out by the dealer under warranty. It should be completed between 300 – 750 miles / 500 – 1,000 km.

Note: Some of the below items, including those that need the BMW Motorrad diagnostic system or re-setting the service due date, require dealer-specific equipment. These are marked with a [D].

Standard Service

Do the following checks for the BMW R 1300 R every 6,000 miles / 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Note: Some of the below items, including those that need the BMW Motorrad diagnostic system or re-setting the service due date, require dealer-specific equipment. These are marked with a [D].

Long-Term Service Intervals

The following tasks are required less frequently, at longer intervals. While they are not part of regular or annual service, they are essential for long-term performance and reliability. Refer to the maintenance schedule table below for the recommended intervals.

Notes:

• Replace Cardan shaft at 48,000 miles / 80,000 km (omitted from table below for conciseness).
• At the end of the schedule, continue in the pattern shown, every 6,000 miles / 10,000 km or year.
• When both time and distance intervals are listed, follow whichever comes first.

BMW R 1300 R Tire Sizes and Pressures

The following are tire sizes and tire pressures for the BMW R 1300 R.

About the BMW R 1300 R

The BMW R 1300 R (2026) is the latest evolution of BMW’s roadster lineup, building on decades of boxer-powered tradition. If you’re familiar with the outgoing R 1250 R, the recipe might look familiar at first, but almost everything under the skin is new. The engine, chassis, electronics, and even the attitude have all been reworked.

Let’s start with the heart of the matter. The R 1300 R uses BMW’s most powerful boxer engine yet: a 1,300cc air/liquid-cooled twin pushing out 145 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and a beefy 149 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. That’s a solid bump from the previous 1250, with more muscle everywhere in the rev range. The ShiftCam variable valve timing system gives you strong low-end torque for city work, but the bike doesn’t run out of breath up top, even if you’re wringing it out on an autobahn. Thanks to the engine’s compact layout and the new gearbox, which now sits under the engine, weight is centralized and the bike feels more agile than its 239 kg fully fueled weight suggests.

Chassis-wise, BMW has moved to a sheet-metal main frame with a die-cast aluminum rear section, tightening up the whole package and keeping the mass low and central. Up front, you get a new 47 mm upside-down fork, and out back, the Evo Paralever swingarm keeps things smooth. The setup is lighter, and the entire rolling chassis is built for stability and easy changes of direction. Lighter wheels shave off 1.4 kg, helping with both acceleration and handling.

BMW has never been shy about loading tech into its bikes, and the R 1300 R is no exception. You get a 6.5-inch TFT display with all the connectivity and ride data you could want, three standard ride modes (Rain, Road, Eco), Dynamic Traction Control, Integral ABS Pro, and MSR engine drag torque control. Opt for the Performance or Dynamic packages, and you unlock extras like Dynamic Pro mode, electronically adjustable suspension (DSA), sport brakes, and even an automated shift assistant for clutchless riding. Safety tech isn’t forgotten. Active Cruise Control and Front Collision Warning are both available if you want a roadster equipped with radar.

Ergonomically, the new R 1300 R nudges the rider more forward and lower, with flatter bars and slightly rear-set pegs. It’s an active, sporty position, but BMW hasn’t forgotten about comfort: there are multiple seat heights, heated grips, seat heating, and luggage options for those long days in the saddle. The model lineup includes the base version (Snapper Rocks metallic), Exclusive (Racing Blue metallic), Performance (Lightwhite, with sport suspension and premium touches), and Option 719 Kilauea, which leans into BMW’s customization catalog.

Compared to the R 1250 R, the new bike is sharper in every way. The engine is punchier and smoother, the handling is lighter and more precise, and the electronics take another leap forward.

Maintenance is straightforward for a modern BMW: oil changes, valve checks, and the occasional final drive service. The new platform is designed for long service intervals and real-world durability, whether you’re commuting or clocking up big kilometers on tour.

The R 1300 R is BMW’s purest roadster yet. It’s more athletic, more connected, and more capable, while still staying true to the boxer tradition that has made the R series a benchmark for decades.

Reference — Screenshots from the Manual for the BMW R 1300 R

Below is a selection of screenshots of the maintenance schedule for the BMW R 1300 R 2026. You can download the complete manual from BMW’s website directly here.