BMW K1300S, road test

Many like the baddest sister better, the S1000RR which competes with Japanese bikes for the role of the fastest super sports bike on the market and in the SBK world championship. However, the purists of the propeller company know well that the real sports car, the one that represents 100% BMW style, is not it, but the K1300S, heir to a lineage of sportswomen more “domesticated” ed able to travel long distances with a reasonable level of comfort, perhaps with some stowed luggage of the bags that can optionally be mounted.

Aesthetics and finishes:

rating:  

Long like few other sports cars, but graceful and with top quality

The aesthetics of the K1300S certainly do not leave you indifferent. It is not a "trivial" motorbike, with its generous dimensions, a wheelbase of 1.585 mm (they are over 15 cm more than the S1000RR), and some concepts typical of the BMW planet, but much less than that of a sports motorcycle. Let's talk, for example, about rear cardan shaft, the side bag kit offered in the price list, but also a comfortable handlebar and riding position, or the anterior Duolever. The complete fairing is also now out of the ordinary, as it protects a lot even without having to "slide" into the fairing at medium-high speeds. What is surprising, and what makes us appreciate it a lot even without being "purist" and extremist admirers of the propeller company, are theelegance and refinement, having a attention to detail and rare quality, not common even on motorcycles with more demanding price lists. The sample tested was equipped with some options which, together with the price, also increased its aesthetic pleasure, which stimulates the mind of every enthusiast, as well as putting it decidedly at the center of attention of passers-by. In addition to the color dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the K series, there were decidedly beautiful details, such as the adjustable and billet footrests, branded HP and the Akrapovic exhaust. Some details remain that make it an icon of a slightly retro type of motorcycle. We are referring to the large front headlight, the fairing and the instruments, with a look that decidedly and deliberately recalls BMW motorcycles of the past, especially in the night version.

Engine and performance:

rating:  

Lots of power and torque, but always easy to manage

Precisely the color reminds us that the K series reached its 30th anniversary in 2013. At its debut, in 1983, it made history with a longitudinal 4-cylinder engine, placed in a "sole" position. With the K1200, in 2004, BMW took a decisive step towards a more conventional solution, but for this reason it was always mistreated by the German company, which did not want to align itself with the Japanese competition. Thus was born the first motorcycle with a 4 in line facing forward, which some contested as a loss of identity, but which allowed it to make a leap in terms of handling and performance, thanks also to 163 horsepower. In 2009 the displacement then reached its current one, with a power of 175 horsepower at 9.250 rpm. To amaze, in an era in which motorcycles of all kinds are proliferating with powers once within the reach of only those for competition, it's the ease with which they can be managed, with an always smooth delivery. Thanks to the electronic management of the engine, in addition to the length of the levers involved, without playing with the clutch the K1300S hardly lifts the front wheel. The power values ​​e torque of 140 Nm at 8.250 rpm, make it very drivable at any speed, with a full-bodied thrust right from the lows. This is confirmed by the fact that, by removing the traction control, the rear slides easily when exiting corners, but always in a sweet and progressive way. The technique is of an absolute level, we find the dry sump lubrication and a removable 6-speed gearbox, decidedly very racing details, flanked by a shaft final transmission, a particular feature of long-distance sports tourers. As an option, present in the sample under test, there is also space for the electronic gearbox. Allows you to shift up with wide open throttle and, obviously, without using the clutch. A device located on the gear shift control "cuts" the gas a fraction of a second before engaging the upper gear, to the full advantage of speed during gear changes and the fun of doing them without closing the accelerator, perhaps around 5-6 thousand rpm , a regime at which shifting is accompanied by a very pleasant pop of release. The gearbox is excellent, with gear insertion always smooth but precise and correct ratios. The Akrapovic exhaust, also an optional present on the motorbike tested, gives it, together with the large 10 liter airbox placed in the fake tank in front of the rider, a decidedly pleasant sound, although never exaggerated or out of place. The K1300S always remains an elegant "lady"., not a rude super sports car….

We carried out a bench test with the BMW K1300S, the first, hopefully of a long series. Thanks to theDesmolupo workshop from Milan, Ducati Service for several years now, but also specialized in the care of BMW models. From the test we were able to detect maximum power and torque values ​​substantially identical to those declared by the company, with small deviations only for the delivery speeds, with 174,3 horsepower at 9.800 rpm and 14 mkg at 7.300 rpm. We remind you that bench tests are useful, as well as for checks of this type, for refinement operations in customizing your motorbike, especially when, for use on the track, you intervene on the mapping and ratios.

Video of the BMW K1300S bench test by Desmolupo

Ride and handling:

rating:  

Maneuverable beyond all expectations, given its exaggerated length, stable like few others

We said it previously, with the transition to the forward-facing engine, which is also very inclined, the masses of the K have become much more centralized, with a driveability and handling far better than its sole engined ancestors. Its propensity, it is quite evident, is for fast, long-range tourism. The K1300S is a motorcycle with which you can travel, comfortably, but with an engine and chassis always available, which allow you to have a lot of fun when you decide to get serious. However, it also manages to amaze on tight bends and in city traffic, where it certainly isn't awkward, unlike older BMW K series. The complicated solution of the front suspension, with the now famous articulated quadrilateral, with relative joints, connecting rods and central shock absorber, forms the Duolever, combined with the rear Paralever, which uses the aluminum arm of the cardan, pivoted with progressive and adjustable linkages. Present one electronic suspension adjustment, ESA II, which allows you to choose the calibration with a button on the handlebar, between 3 settings, Comfort, Normal and Sport, but also to "communicate" the presence of the passenger and/or luggage to the system. The brakes are up to performance, with excellent results even at very high speeds, thanks to the two 320 mm discs at the front, in addition to the 265 at the rear, combined with 4-piston calipers (2 for the rear), and an advanced anti-lock system. L'Evo Integral ABS it is in fact a solution of assisted and integrated braking, in which, unlike the competition, it is the front that controls a piston at the rear, and not vice versa. The 10-spoke HP rims fit a classic 120-70 at the front, and an adequate 190-55 at the rear. The gift, announced by the features and size of the K1300S, which reaches the threshold of 250 kg in running order, and the stability, total and surprising in some extreme situations. Even at German autobahn speeds, with changes in trajectory or braking at the limit, it is impossible to put it into crisis. Having it dismantled or unpacked is practically impossible.

Price and consumption:

rating:  

17.900 euros are not a small amount but adequate for a top product

Excluding the refined HP4, the price list of the K1300S is the highest of the BMW models. It costs 100 euros more than the S1000RR. However, price isn't everything. We don't think those who choose a motorbike like the BMW K1300S pay too much attention to this aspect. It represents the top in its category, as well as having essentially no rivals, being more unique than rare in its characteristics, aesthetics and techniques. If you think about it, the list price is almost lower than expected, even if, with the addition of some options, it is easy to make it rise significantly. The only "K series 30 year version" package, mounted on the sample under test, which includes, in addition to the dedicated color, ESA II, ASC, electro-assisted gearbox, on-board computer, heated grips and RDC for tire pressure control , costs a whopping €2.269. The list price includes the first service and BMW declares more than honest consumption, in the order of 5,3 liters per 100 km at motorway speed. In our test we were able to see how, if we get carried away, consumption can rise compared to this value. Volume and performance, on the other hand, are high.

PROS AND CONS

We like it:
Enormous but manageable power combined with great comfort and a very original look

We do not like it:
Not everyone likes the fact that it is so long, ASC BMW is always too "rough" in its intervention

BMW K1300S: the Motorionline Report Card

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