Proper Sports Tourers and the K1300S
Discussion
black-k1 said:
outnumbered said:
Baryonyx said:
A good friend of mine has recently returned from a big trip around Germany in his K1300S. He loves the bike, it seems to be a very competent mix of sporty performance and comfort.
Do they do a touring or bubble screen for the K13S ? I'm 6'4", and found I wasn't getting a lot of protection from the stock screen when I had a test ride - I'd be wanting something more effective on a bike that's billed as a sports tourer.
http://www.bykebitz.co.uk/motorcycle-screens/mra-m...
http://www.bikehps.com/acatalog/BMW_K1300S_2009_on...
bass gt3 said:
Thanks for that. I knew there was someone here with a decent amount of time on the VFR, couldn't remeber who!!
Lithe Honda has many like, but what is your REAL world mileage between fill ups? And do you have the post 2012 bike with the larger tank and other tweeks?
Ah yeah, I was thinking I forgot something!Lithe Honda has many like, but what is your REAL world mileage between fill ups? And do you have the post 2012 bike with the larger tank and other tweeks?
I've got the 2012 MY.
The "bigger tank" is a ridiculous statement Honda makes, IIRC think the difference is like 0.5 L
. I mainly got the newer model because I much preferred the LED rear lights and I did want traction control (AWR).The engine is a gem and a refreshing change from the IL4, the V4 lets off a distinctive roar that I'd recognise out of 100 bikes.
Though, MPG is supposedly less than than on the K1300S (didn't spend enough time on one to know my real world mpg). Real world I get just under 7L/100km, which would equate to 40mpg, if I feather it I can get about 55mpg out of it but I rarely do.
The two things I put "against" the Honda when I was comparing it to the BMW were MPG (from sites like fuelly the BMW averages about 3mpg more so hardly a decision changer
) and the fact that the BMW has more toys (like traction control) to modify, the VFR has a big on/off switch for the TC and that's about it .
ZesPak said:
Ah yeah, I was thinking I forgot something!
I've got the 2012 MY.
The "bigger tank" is a ridiculous statement Honda makes, IIRC think the difference is like 0.5 L. I mainly got the newer model because I much preferred the LED rear lights and I did want traction control (AWR).
The engine is a gem and a refreshing change from the IL4, the V4 lets off a distinctive roar that I'd recognise out of 100 bikes.
Though, MPG is supposedly less than than on the K1300S (didn't spend enough time on one to know my real world mpg). Real world I get just under 7L/100km, which would equate to 40mpg, if I feather it I can get about 55mpg out of it but I rarely do.
The two things I put "against" the Honda when I was comparing it to the BMW were MPG (from sites like fuelly the BMW averages about 3mpg more so hardly a decision changer) and the fact that the BMW has more toys (like traction control) to modify, the VFR has a big on/off switch for the TC and that's about it .
Cheers for that. So you're getting around 260kms per tank in real world riding??I've got the 2012 MY.
The "bigger tank" is a ridiculous statement Honda makes, IIRC think the difference is like 0.5 L
. I mainly got the newer model because I much preferred the LED rear lights and I did want traction control (AWR).The engine is a gem and a refreshing change from the IL4, the V4 lets off a distinctive roar that I'd recognise out of 100 bikes.
Though, MPG is supposedly less than than on the K1300S (didn't spend enough time on one to know my real world mpg). Real world I get just under 7L/100km, which would equate to 40mpg, if I feather it I can get about 55mpg out of it but I rarely do.
The two things I put "against" the Honda when I was comparing it to the BMW were MPG (from sites like fuelly the BMW averages about 3mpg more so hardly a decision changer
) and the fact that the BMW has more toys (like traction control) to modify, the VFR has a big on/off switch for the TC and that's about it .I quite like the look of the VFR1200, the sound of the V4 etc, but the range would be a deal breaker for me. Personally, I'd go with a ZZR1400 or a Hayabusa if I was buying in this segment, probably the ZZR, as I don't really see having to do a chain adjustment halfway round a Euro trip as a major hassle. If it had to be shaft drive, I'd take the BMW. It looks better than the Honda, it's got the riding modes option, better range etc, I just think it's a better sports touring option.
Here's my take. I picked up a K13S HP (a K13S with all the toys + lots of carbon) in March of this year. Since then, I've done 6.5k miles. I bought it to do a big Eurotrip with 3DP, ChipChap and a few others across the Pyrenees, France, the Alps, Dolomites, etc. I later did a trip to the B500 in Germany, the Ring, and general hooning around the Eifel mountains. I also used it with MrsSpareparts as pillion down to France.
The key word about the K13 is compromise. You need to set your expectations about what it can do, what it might do, what it should do, and simply what it can't do.
If you try and ride it like an agile superbike, you will be disappointed. I did this for much of the Eurotrip earlier this year (last year I did the trip on the same Pyrenean roads on my 1098R), and I came away frustrated that it simply wasn't hustling as I knew I could ride the same roads on the R. In my frustration, I forgot that I still finished everyday completely ache free, and still managed to cover 350 daily non-motorway miles fully loaded up without really thinking, whilst sipping SUL at an average of 50mpg despite using full bore acceleration out of every 2nd gear turn.
On my second trip to Germany, it suddenly all clicked together. On fast flowing A roads, where you can sight the bends ahead, mentally prep the turn, tilt, don't lift, power through... the Hossack front end and immense stability make the K13S SUPREME. The bike flows beautifully between bends as you -guide- it like a cruise missile along any given road. It is very obvious that BMW engineered the K13 on the roads through Germany... it is genuinely perfect there. From Nurburg to Baden-Baden in 2hrs flat including a fill up, outside lane of the Autobahn, and traffic always moves out of the way as you cruise through at 150mph, totally unruffled and unstressed. On a very wet Ring, it was the best 2 wheeled bike you could ask for... ABS, TC, ESA... it all added up to a Ring-Eater. I was surprised that amongst S1000RRs, Panigales, and other superbikes, it was the K13S that the local Germans kept looking at and admiring. Chatting to a few of them, they all said that it was the king of roadsportbikes in their eye. That took me by surprise.
At high Autobahn speeds, 175miles to a tank. At slightly reduced 100mph cruise, and you still hit 200miles out of 17.5L. That is immense given the 175hp engine that is perfectly gauged for fast road use. The brakes are superb. Stability over badly surfaced roads is excellent. ESA is not a gimmick - as Black-K1 says, it works really well. On a drag against 3DP's ZZR14, the ZZR14 is faster - but only above 150mph where top end power really makes it power shown. Lower down, the K13S is quicker out of the turns - probably gearing+engine mapping.
Things to do: Fit a 25 or 31mm dogbone riser. Drill the fuel filler neck to allow faster fillups at the petrol station (the last 2L takes FOREVER to fill up if you don't). Fit a Sargent seat if you ride with a pillion - it makes it more comfortable for both, and stops the pillion pushing into you. Fit the optional centrestand... not for cleaning the non-existent chain, but because it makes loading up the panniers much easier and keeps the bike footprint down... leant over with panniers on, the bike takes up quite a bit of space.
What I don't like. The throttle action could be quicker - I'm used to the QAT on my 1098R and don't like not being able to rotate to the throttle stop without having to reposition the hand. In fact, the throttle needs to be electronified so you can add cruise control. A useful feature when you can easily cruise at 150mph for 175miles straight. The seat is very comfortable, but only if you grip with your knees... I have Stompgrips on mine that help. Otherwise, the seat slopes too far forward and slams your gonads. I don't like the integrated sport panniers much... they don't really hold enough, even though they look pretty and integrate with the lines of the bike absolutely perfectly. The kickstand has too small a footprint. Be careful if the tarmac is soft or ground not quite solid. The Ricardo-engineered engine gets buzzy around 7k rpm, and if you hold this rev range for over 30mins, your hands can get affected.
All round, it took me quite a few miles to get used to the K13. Now I am, it is simply tremendous as a very fast road bike that can easily take a passenger. But I am considering the LC GS12 as a replacement... why? Because for touring with a pillion, I think the K13 still places both of you in a relatively sporty position that isn't really the point of leisurely 2-up touring, and it doesn't provide enough luggage capacity for 2 for anything more than a 'biker weekend'. It is a spectacularly well compromised bike that allows you to ride at 85% of what you would on a superbike, cover huge mileage at warp speed, and allow you to arrive ache free. It has the necessary toys for comfort, effortless brakes, and the suspension and chassis allows for stability no matter the road conditions. Imho, I think it could well be the ultimate Solo-tourer.
The key word about the K13 is compromise. You need to set your expectations about what it can do, what it might do, what it should do, and simply what it can't do.
If you try and ride it like an agile superbike, you will be disappointed. I did this for much of the Eurotrip earlier this year (last year I did the trip on the same Pyrenean roads on my 1098R), and I came away frustrated that it simply wasn't hustling as I knew I could ride the same roads on the R. In my frustration, I forgot that I still finished everyday completely ache free, and still managed to cover 350 daily non-motorway miles fully loaded up without really thinking, whilst sipping SUL at an average of 50mpg despite using full bore acceleration out of every 2nd gear turn.
On my second trip to Germany, it suddenly all clicked together. On fast flowing A roads, where you can sight the bends ahead, mentally prep the turn, tilt, don't lift, power through... the Hossack front end and immense stability make the K13S SUPREME. The bike flows beautifully between bends as you -guide- it like a cruise missile along any given road. It is very obvious that BMW engineered the K13 on the roads through Germany... it is genuinely perfect there. From Nurburg to Baden-Baden in 2hrs flat including a fill up, outside lane of the Autobahn, and traffic always moves out of the way as you cruise through at 150mph, totally unruffled and unstressed. On a very wet Ring, it was the best 2 wheeled bike you could ask for... ABS, TC, ESA... it all added up to a Ring-Eater. I was surprised that amongst S1000RRs, Panigales, and other superbikes, it was the K13S that the local Germans kept looking at and admiring. Chatting to a few of them, they all said that it was the king of roadsportbikes in their eye. That took me by surprise.
At high Autobahn speeds, 175miles to a tank. At slightly reduced 100mph cruise, and you still hit 200miles out of 17.5L. That is immense given the 175hp engine that is perfectly gauged for fast road use. The brakes are superb. Stability over badly surfaced roads is excellent. ESA is not a gimmick - as Black-K1 says, it works really well. On a drag against 3DP's ZZR14, the ZZR14 is faster - but only above 150mph where top end power really makes it power shown. Lower down, the K13S is quicker out of the turns - probably gearing+engine mapping.
Things to do: Fit a 25 or 31mm dogbone riser. Drill the fuel filler neck to allow faster fillups at the petrol station (the last 2L takes FOREVER to fill up if you don't). Fit a Sargent seat if you ride with a pillion - it makes it more comfortable for both, and stops the pillion pushing into you. Fit the optional centrestand... not for cleaning the non-existent chain, but because it makes loading up the panniers much easier and keeps the bike footprint down... leant over with panniers on, the bike takes up quite a bit of space.
What I don't like. The throttle action could be quicker - I'm used to the QAT on my 1098R and don't like not being able to rotate to the throttle stop without having to reposition the hand. In fact, the throttle needs to be electronified so you can add cruise control. A useful feature when you can easily cruise at 150mph for 175miles straight. The seat is very comfortable, but only if you grip with your knees... I have Stompgrips on mine that help. Otherwise, the seat slopes too far forward and slams your gonads. I don't like the integrated sport panniers much... they don't really hold enough, even though they look pretty and integrate with the lines of the bike absolutely perfectly. The kickstand has too small a footprint. Be careful if the tarmac is soft or ground not quite solid. The Ricardo-engineered engine gets buzzy around 7k rpm, and if you hold this rev range for over 30mins, your hands can get affected.
All round, it took me quite a few miles to get used to the K13. Now I am, it is simply tremendous as a very fast road bike that can easily take a passenger. But I am considering the LC GS12 as a replacement... why? Because for touring with a pillion, I think the K13 still places both of you in a relatively sporty position that isn't really the point of leisurely 2-up touring, and it doesn't provide enough luggage capacity for 2 for anything more than a 'biker weekend'. It is a spectacularly well compromised bike that allows you to ride at 85% of what you would on a superbike, cover huge mileage at warp speed, and allow you to arrive ache free. It has the necessary toys for comfort, effortless brakes, and the suspension and chassis allows for stability no matter the road conditions. Imho, I think it could well be the ultimate Solo-tourer.
Spareparts has nailed it and having had one for three years covering some 14k miles I agree with his summary too. On my last Euro trip I fitted ac-schnitzer bars. They looked s
t but it rode really well. It was far more comfortable because the seat angle is much better suited to sitting upright.
t but it rode really well. It was far more comfortable because the seat angle is much better suited to sitting upright.
spareparts said:
Here's my take. I picked up a K13S HP (a K13S with all the toys + lots of carbon) in March of this year. Since then, I've done 6.5k miles. I bought it to do a big Eurotrip with 3DP, ChipChap and a few others across the Pyrenees, France, the Alps, Dolomites, etc. I later did a trip to the B500 in Germany, the Ring, and general hooning around the Eifel mountains. I also used it with MrsSpareparts as pillion down to France.
The key word about the K13 is compromise. You need to set your expectations about what it can do, what it might do, what it should do, and simply what it can't do.
If you try and ride it like an agile superbike, you will be disappointed. I did this for much of the Eurotrip earlier this year (last year I did the trip on the same Pyrenean roads on my 1098R), and I came away frustrated that it simply wasn't hustling as I knew I could ride the same roads on the R. In my frustration, I forgot that I still finished everyday completely ache free, and still managed to cover 350 daily non-motorway miles fully loaded up without really thinking, whilst sipping SUL at an average of 50mpg despite using full bore acceleration out of every 2nd gear turn.
On my second trip to Germany, it suddenly all clicked together. On fast flowing A roads, where you can sight the bends ahead, mentally prep the turn, tilt, don't lift, power through... the Hossack front end and immense stability make the K13S SUPREME. The bike flows beautifully between bends as you -guide- it like a cruise missile along any given road. It is very obvious that BMW engineered the K13 on the roads through Germany... it is genuinely perfect there. From Nurburg to Baden-Baden in 2hrs flat including a fill up, outside lane of the Autobahn, and traffic always moves out of the way as you cruise through at 150mph, totally unruffled and unstressed. On a very wet Ring, it was the best 2 wheeled bike you could ask for... ABS, TC, ESA... it all added up to a Ring-Eater. I was surprised that amongst S1000RRs, Panigales, and other superbikes, it was the K13S that the local Germans kept looking at and admiring. Chatting to a few of them, they all said that it was the king of roadsportbikes in their eye. That took me by surprise.
At high Autobahn speeds, 175miles to a tank. At slightly reduced 100mph cruise, and you still hit 200miles out of 17.5L. That is immense given the 175hp engine that is perfectly gauged for fast road use. The brakes are superb. Stability over badly surfaced roads is excellent. ESA is not a gimmick - as Black-K1 says, it works really well. On a drag against 3DP's ZZR14, the ZZR14 is faster - but only above 150mph where top end power really makes it power shown. Lower down, the K13S is quicker out of the turns - probably gearing+engine mapping.
Things to do: Fit a 25 or 31mm dogbone riser. Drill the fuel filler neck to allow faster fillups at the petrol station (the last 2L takes FOREVER to fill up if you don't). Fit a Sargent seat if you ride with a pillion - it makes it more comfortable for both, and stops the pillion pushing into you. Fit the optional centrestand... not for cleaning the non-existent chain, but because it makes loading up the panniers much easier and keeps the bike footprint down... leant over with panniers on, the bike takes up quite a bit of space.
What I don't like. The throttle action could be quicker - I'm used to the QAT on my 1098R and don't like not being able to rotate to the throttle stop without having to reposition the hand. In fact, the throttle needs to be electronified so you can add cruise control. A useful feature when you can easily cruise at 150mph for 175miles straight. The seat is very comfortable, but only if you grip with your knees... I have Stompgrips on mine that help. Otherwise, the seat slopes too far forward and slams your gonads. I don't like the integrated sport panniers much... they don't really hold enough, even though they look pretty and integrate with the lines of the bike absolutely perfectly. The kickstand has too small a footprint. Be careful if the tarmac is soft or ground not quite solid. The Ricardo-engineered engine gets buzzy around 7k rpm, and if you hold this rev range for over 30mins, your hands can get affected.
All round, it took me quite a few miles to get used to the K13. Now I am, it is simply tremendous as a very fast road bike that can easily take a passenger. But I am considering the LC GS12 as a replacement... why? Because for touring with a pillion, I think the K13 still places both of you in a relatively sporty position that isn't really the point of leisurely 2-up touring, and it doesn't provide enough luggage capacity for 2 for anything more than a 'biker weekend'. It is a spectacularly well compromised bike that allows you to ride at 85% of what you would on a superbike, cover huge mileage at warp speed, and allow you to arrive ache free. It has the necessary toys for comfort, effortless brakes, and the suspension and chassis allows for stability no matter the road conditions. Imho, I think it could well be the ultimate Solo-tourer.
Ade,The key word about the K13 is compromise. You need to set your expectations about what it can do, what it might do, what it should do, and simply what it can't do.
If you try and ride it like an agile superbike, you will be disappointed. I did this for much of the Eurotrip earlier this year (last year I did the trip on the same Pyrenean roads on my 1098R), and I came away frustrated that it simply wasn't hustling as I knew I could ride the same roads on the R. In my frustration, I forgot that I still finished everyday completely ache free, and still managed to cover 350 daily non-motorway miles fully loaded up without really thinking, whilst sipping SUL at an average of 50mpg despite using full bore acceleration out of every 2nd gear turn.
On my second trip to Germany, it suddenly all clicked together. On fast flowing A roads, where you can sight the bends ahead, mentally prep the turn, tilt, don't lift, power through... the Hossack front end and immense stability make the K13S SUPREME. The bike flows beautifully between bends as you -guide- it like a cruise missile along any given road. It is very obvious that BMW engineered the K13 on the roads through Germany... it is genuinely perfect there. From Nurburg to Baden-Baden in 2hrs flat including a fill up, outside lane of the Autobahn, and traffic always moves out of the way as you cruise through at 150mph, totally unruffled and unstressed. On a very wet Ring, it was the best 2 wheeled bike you could ask for... ABS, TC, ESA... it all added up to a Ring-Eater. I was surprised that amongst S1000RRs, Panigales, and other superbikes, it was the K13S that the local Germans kept looking at and admiring. Chatting to a few of them, they all said that it was the king of roadsportbikes in their eye. That took me by surprise.
At high Autobahn speeds, 175miles to a tank. At slightly reduced 100mph cruise, and you still hit 200miles out of 17.5L. That is immense given the 175hp engine that is perfectly gauged for fast road use. The brakes are superb. Stability over badly surfaced roads is excellent. ESA is not a gimmick - as Black-K1 says, it works really well. On a drag against 3DP's ZZR14, the ZZR14 is faster - but only above 150mph where top end power really makes it power shown. Lower down, the K13S is quicker out of the turns - probably gearing+engine mapping.
Things to do: Fit a 25 or 31mm dogbone riser. Drill the fuel filler neck to allow faster fillups at the petrol station (the last 2L takes FOREVER to fill up if you don't). Fit a Sargent seat if you ride with a pillion - it makes it more comfortable for both, and stops the pillion pushing into you. Fit the optional centrestand... not for cleaning the non-existent chain, but because it makes loading up the panniers much easier and keeps the bike footprint down... leant over with panniers on, the bike takes up quite a bit of space.
What I don't like. The throttle action could be quicker - I'm used to the QAT on my 1098R and don't like not being able to rotate to the throttle stop without having to reposition the hand. In fact, the throttle needs to be electronified so you can add cruise control. A useful feature when you can easily cruise at 150mph for 175miles straight. The seat is very comfortable, but only if you grip with your knees... I have Stompgrips on mine that help. Otherwise, the seat slopes too far forward and slams your gonads. I don't like the integrated sport panniers much... they don't really hold enough, even though they look pretty and integrate with the lines of the bike absolutely perfectly. The kickstand has too small a footprint. Be careful if the tarmac is soft or ground not quite solid. The Ricardo-engineered engine gets buzzy around 7k rpm, and if you hold this rev range for over 30mins, your hands can get affected.
All round, it took me quite a few miles to get used to the K13. Now I am, it is simply tremendous as a very fast road bike that can easily take a passenger. But I am considering the LC GS12 as a replacement... why? Because for touring with a pillion, I think the K13 still places both of you in a relatively sporty position that isn't really the point of leisurely 2-up touring, and it doesn't provide enough luggage capacity for 2 for anything more than a 'biker weekend'. It is a spectacularly well compromised bike that allows you to ride at 85% of what you would on a superbike, cover huge mileage at warp speed, and allow you to arrive ache free. It has the necessary toys for comfort, effortless brakes, and the suspension and chassis allows for stability no matter the road conditions. Imho, I think it could well be the ultimate Solo-tourer.
Thats fantastic, thanks so much for taking the time.
But whats really interesting is your realisation that the GS might be the better tourer in most instances!! I have noticed the K series panniiers look small compared to the Trax itemsi'm used to on the KTM and maybe the sports biased pillion position isn't so good either...
Bugger me,i might be going around in circles here!! maybe i should hang with the KTM for a bit on decent tyres & roads and see how i feel. It's not lacking in the performance dept as cruising at 90/100 is easily achieved and maybe it's easier to fix some of the niggles than hoof the bike.
She's just been serviced and is in rude health, so maybe change for changes saake isn't the wisest choice...
bass gt3 said:
Ade,
Thats fantastic, thanks so much for taking the time.
But whats really interesting is your realisation that the GS might be the better tourer in most instances!! I have noticed the K series panniiers look small compared to the Trax itemsi'm used to on the KTM and maybe the sports biased pillion position isn't so good either...
Bugger me,i might be going around in circles here!! maybe i should hang with the KTM for a bit on decent tyres & roads and see how i feel. It's not lacking in the performance dept as cruising at 90/100 is easily achieved and maybe it's easier to fix some of the niggles than hoof the bike.
She's just been serviced and is in rude health, so maybe change for changes saake isn't the wisest choice...
No worries mate, that's what this place is for Thats fantastic, thanks so much for taking the time.
But whats really interesting is your realisation that the GS might be the better tourer in most instances!! I have noticed the K series panniiers look small compared to the Trax itemsi'm used to on the KTM and maybe the sports biased pillion position isn't so good either...
Bugger me,i might be going around in circles here!! maybe i should hang with the KTM for a bit on decent tyres & roads and see how i feel. It's not lacking in the performance dept as cruising at 90/100 is easily achieved and maybe it's easier to fix some of the niggles than hoof the bike.
She's just been serviced and is in rude health, so maybe change for changes saake isn't the wisest choice...
If you plan on taking the missus regularly, I wouldn't recommend the K. Would you really 'hoon' with her on the back? I recently took the new LC GSA12 out for the day with the missus on the back - she loved it. In fact, we both loved it because of the ability to ride distance in greater comfort, and with ample power at normal road speed and the ability to hear each other on the intercom. More than 130hp is irrelevant if taking a pillion. Between the GSA and the GS, I'd take the GS. It's a better handling bike than the GSA at low speed.I'm 1st in line at my local Motorrad for the new S1000XR. But I may pass as the photos show the bike to be small - too small to carry a pillion on long distance. I think it could take the K13S crown as 'ultimate solo tourer' as it will have more luggage options, plus the S1000R engine is plenty. For 2-up, however, I think the GS is the best option without going full dress tourer (RT12/K16).
spareparts said:
In fact, the throttle needs to be electronified so you can add cruise control.
Just nit-picking, but you can have 'electronic' cruise control on a cable throttle:http://www.motorcyclecruise.co.uk/
I have such a system on the Pan Euro and it works great.
bass gt3 said:
Ade,
Thats fantastic, thanks so much for taking the time.
But whats really interesting is your realisation that the GS might be the better tourer in most instances!!
Many people forget that BMW do not advertise or market the K13S as a tourer. The K13S is the non-track ROAD SPORTSBIKE in the BMW range. The RT12 and K16 are their dedicated tourers, and the GS marketed with the easy ability to tour 2-up. Makes sense really.Thats fantastic, thanks so much for taking the time.
But whats really interesting is your realisation that the GS might be the better tourer in most instances!!
spareparts said:
bass gt3 said:
Ade,
Thats fantastic, thanks so much for taking the time.
But whats really interesting is your realisation that the GS might be the better tourer in most instances!!
Many people forget that BMW do not advertise or market the K13S as a tourer. The K13S is the non-track ROAD SPORTSBIKE in the BMW range. The RT12 and K16 are their dedicated tourers, and the GS marketed with the easy ability to tour 2-up. Makes sense really.Thats fantastic, thanks so much for taking the time.
But whats really interesting is your realisation that the GS might be the better tourer in most instances!!
As Ade said, the K1300S is a compromise. It's the best tourer playing with the litre sports bikes. It's the best sports bike carrying luggage and a pillion amongst the tourers. It's the best motorway mile eater filtering with the scooters in town. Many bikes can do any one of those things better than the K1300S, but no bike can do all of them better.
Agreed for all of the above for both the VFR and the K1300S.
Two up riding is a bit of a compromise, I've done 300 miles in one go without any problems, but the misses starts complaining after about 100 miles. I don't have the top box with the back rest which also adds to that, but the fact is that you're not sitting completely upright. Don't get me wrong, they are good bikes, have decent pillion accommodations and the misses loves going out for a ride. Just not cross the country.
Also, as echoed above, adding 300lbs for rider & pillion and maybe another 50 or more in luggage doesn't phase the bike at all. The 600 started to moan under that weight.
I'm contemplating one of these, but I'm researching whether the glove box can be easily removed without any traces when the misses not there with me:
Two up riding is a bit of a compromise, I've done 300 miles in one go without any problems, but the misses starts complaining after about 100 miles. I don't have the top box with the back rest which also adds to that, but the fact is that you're not sitting completely upright. Don't get me wrong, they are good bikes, have decent pillion accommodations and the misses loves going out for a ride. Just not cross the country.
Also, as echoed above, adding 300lbs for rider & pillion and maybe another 50 or more in luggage doesn't phase the bike at all. The 600 started to moan under that weight.
I'm contemplating one of these, but I'm researching whether the glove box can be easily removed without any traces when the misses not there with me:
I had a K13S Sport for a few days during my S1000R debacle
It is a monster bike. The term "cruise missile" was invented for this bike. Heavy, yes, but with supreme grunt and stability. Very easy indeed to end up doing license shredding speeds in total comfort and without a care in the world.
I'd love one, but it would require respect simply because it is so easy and so comfortable to go so fast.
Its a pity it is overlooked in the BMW range -- its a bit old fashioned now, compared to the S1000R especially. The display is wierd (huge thing which shows little and in a badly laid out way, so you cant have severl things showing at once).
if they updated it a bit with the latest S1000R tech, I'd have one in a heartbeat.
It is a monster bike. The term "cruise missile" was invented for this bike. Heavy, yes, but with supreme grunt and stability. Very easy indeed to end up doing license shredding speeds in total comfort and without a care in the world.
I'd love one, but it would require respect simply because it is so easy and so comfortable to go so fast.
Its a pity it is overlooked in the BMW range -- its a bit old fashioned now, compared to the S1000R especially. The display is wierd (huge thing which shows little and in a badly laid out way, so you cant have severl things showing at once).
if they updated it a bit with the latest S1000R tech, I'd have one in a heartbeat.
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