I suspect the success of the 2026 R1300 R will depend almost entirely on how well BMW has read the room. What I mean by that is BMW seldom, especially these days, screws up the technical bits. Oh, there’s still an occasional driveshaft failure and that “wonder wheel” infotainment system controller can be diabolical, but it almost never sets a foot wrong in the engineering of its engines, chassis and suspension. The question, then, as to whether the new R sells like hot cakes is whether the upgrades for 2026 are what owners really want.
Specifically, I’m thinking of its new, more aggressive riding position. Along with the new freer-revving, 1300-cc Boxer twin, novel pressed steel frame and some truly ingenious suspension upgrades, the R sees its handlebar lower and…