Proper Sports Tourers and the K1300S

Proper Sports Tourers and the K1300S

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bass gt3

Original Poster:

10,186 posts

232 months

Monday 29th September 2014
quotequote all
So having used the KTM 1190 up and around darkest Africa, my mind is wandering to something new and less knobbly. Something to cover larger distances, exclusively on black top, with the Mrs aboard. This last requirement has come about as she loves going pillion, ( great rider see wink ) and being able to take her on brekky runs and keep up with the sports bikes. Tried a pillion seat on the RSV4 and we made it a solid 377 yards before i was instructed to turn around and take her home!!!
The KTM is ok, but not sure i really love it that much to forge a long term relationship especially as it needs all the settings to be off to be properly quick, which seems a bit at odds with the basic concept.
But for some reason, i find myself drawn inexorably to the very Tuetonic k1300S. I have always like the bige barge and i think it calls to some of the Germanic blood coursing through my veins. Anyhoo, i find myself scouring the usual places and some very nice examples have popped up. Anything to look out for on these??

But rather than just concentrate on the big kraut, what else is there? 2 up. Luggage. Comfy. FAST!



Edited by bass gt3 on Monday 29th September 09:40

Jazoli

9,086 posts

249 months

Monday 29th September 2014
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ZZR1400? plenty quick enough, or a VFR1200? pan European? That'll tick the comfy box, pin sharp handling isn't really an issue 2 up with luggage.

bass gt3

Original Poster:

10,186 posts

232 months

Monday 29th September 2014
quotequote all
Jazoli said:
ZZR1400? plenty quick enough, or a VFR1200? pan European? That'll tick the comfy box, pin sharp handling isn't really an issue 2 up with luggage.
Forgot about the VFR. I did take a test ride one a while back and was very impressed. Could be a contender. Seems low mileage examples can be had for around 6-7k including full Honda luggage.


black-k1

11,889 posts

228 months

Monday 29th September 2014
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As you may have gathered from my posts, I love my K1300S and I think it’s the best “do everything” motorcycle you can get. When I bought it 18 months ago, I looked at both the VFR1200 and the ZZR1400. I ruled the VFR out on account of its looks (totally subjective) and the fact that I expected a sports tourer to easily manage 150 miles between fill ups.

The ZZR was a close second but lost out on the basis that it didn’t have EAS. While ESA seems like a gimmick, the ability to change the suspension set up at the press of a button, while on the move, to suit changing road conditions very quickly becomes an essential.

The K1300S is not without issue and suffers from the same problems that most modern BMWs suffer from of excellent build quality but less than good component quality. In particular, the switch gear that is being replaced at the moment is a problem that BMW should just not have.

As regards riding, it’s not the fastest but is still “bloody fast”. It handles really well for a big bike and can keep sports bikes in view on anything other than the track. I find it VERY comfortable having done a number of 600+ mile, 12+ hour days. It returns a genuine 48 – 52mpg at fast road speeds (95 – 100 mph on motorways) and carries its integrated luggage well. Pillions also get a comfortable deal and I’ve had not complaints from the back seat of mine.

It’s surprisingly good for commuting (without panniers) and will fit through gaps that are smaller than you would expect. It also has a reasonable low seat height (for a bike with touring pretentions) which makes low speed handling a lot easier than you would think.

If you want to “eat miles” on a mixture of (tarmac) roads and yet still have fun then there really isn’t a better option.




Edited by black-k1 on Monday 29th September 11:06

bass gt3

Original Poster:

10,186 posts

232 months

Monday 29th September 2014
quotequote all
black-k1 said:
As you may have gathered from my posts, I love my K1300S and I think it’s the best “do everything” motorcycle you can get. When I bought it 18 months ago, I looked at both the VFR1200 and the ZZR1400. I ruled the VFR out on account of its looks (totally subjective) and the fact that I expected a sports tourer to easily manage 150 miles between fill ups.

The ZZR was a close second but lost out on the basis that it didn’t have EAS. While ESA seems like a gimmick, the ability to change the suspension set up at the press of a button, while on the move, to suit changing road conditions very quickly becomes an essential.

The K1300S is not without issue and suffers from the same problems that most modern BMWs suffer from of excellent build quality but less than good component quality. In particular, the switch gear that is being replaced at the moment is a problem that BMW should just not have.

As regards riding, it’s not the fastest but is still “bloody fast”. It handles really well for a big bike and can keep sports bikes in view on anything other than the track. I find it VERY comfortable having done a number of 600+ mile, 12+ hour days. It returns a genuine 48 – 52mpg at fast road speeds (95 – 100 mph on motorways) and carries its integrated luggage well. Pillions also get a comfortable deal and I’ve had not complaints from the back seat of mine.

It’s surprisingly good for commuting (without panniers) and will fit through gaps that are smaller than you would expect. It also has a reasonable low seat height (for a bike with touring pretentions) which makes low speed handling a lot easier than you would think.

If you want to “eat miles” on a mixture of (tarmac) roads and yet still have fun then there really isn’t a better option.




Edited by black-k1 on Monday 29th September 11:06
I know you are somewhat evangelical about your bike, but i can sort of see why.
Regarding the Honda, i have no issues with the looks or styling, but the range is a problem. Coming from the KTM where 250 miles between fill ups was possible, doing sub 150 seems a bit poor. Given that this bike wouldn't be hooning around the wilderness like the KTM was, and so petrol stations abound in SA , having to fill up the Honda so often seems at oddgic of the bike.
As for other bikes, the ZZR isn't readily available here so finding a decent second hand one is a real problem, same for the Pan- Euro. Although i'm not sure i'mm quite ready for a full dress tourer anyway. Same applies to the k133 GT's that are for sale. Bit to land barge for my tastes.
So everytime i look, the big beemer keeps making a compelling case for itself, especially as there are dealers all over the place here. They sold lots here so there's a good selection, although i am partial to the Burnt Orange and pukka BMW pannier sets can be picked up for 250 quid including mounting gubbins.
Hmmm, might need to grow a beard....................

TimmyWimmyWoo

4,305 posts

180 months

Monday 29th September 2014
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You know your spanners, Mr Bass – get a Blackbird and supercharge it.

DuraAce

4,240 posts

159 months

Monday 29th September 2014
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I'm happy with my K13. 20k+ miles done on mine across Europe and a few track days. Can't think of anything to replace it with.

Yes I'd love the S1000RR for track days but I no way could I ride around Europe on one!

annsxman

295 posts

241 months

Monday 29th September 2014
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Well you've nailed the 3 bikes which will do the job.

I've a K1300S and had a K1200S for 6 years before that.

You say the ZZR1400 is out because it's not available where you live. Pity as apparently it's a very good bike.

Honda's range is poor and it's heavy.

K1300 is the lightest of the 3. 170/180 is a very achievable range even riding reasonably hard. 200/210 on a motorway if you cruise at 85ish.

Bike is all day comfortable although some owners fit bar risers. I suspect some of these are of the overweight and unfit variety who don't have enough core strength to stop them leaning on the bars.

ESA is IMHO worth having. Also GSA (quick shifter) is excellent.

Baryonyx

17,990 posts

158 months

Monday 29th September 2014
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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.

Tall_Paul

1,915 posts

226 months

Monday 29th September 2014
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They sound bloody lovely with the quickshifter and akra pipe too, hearing one bang up through the gears with a little pop on each change is awesome cool

outnumbered

4,067 posts

233 months

Monday 29th September 2014
quotequote all
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.


black-k1

11,889 posts

228 months

Monday 29th September 2014
quotequote all
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.
You can get both a double bubble and a screen with an adjustable lip.


http://www.bykebitz.co.uk/motorcycle-screens/mra-m...

terry tibbs

2,188 posts

220 months

Monday 29th September 2014
quotequote all
bass gt3 said:
But rather than just concentrate on the big kraut, what else is there? 2 up. Luggage. Comfy. FAST!



Edited by bass gt3 on Monday 29th September 09:40
z1000 sx 2014 onwards
integrated givi luggage, i get 160/180 per tank full, st seat so needs swapping for a sergeant seat but otherwise, as fast as you want

i did consider a k1300 but the extras for the panniers etc took it way out of my budget

bass gt3

Original Poster:

10,186 posts

232 months

Monday 29th September 2014
quotequote all
terry tibbs said:
z1000 sx 2014 onwards
integrated givi luggage, i get 160/180 per tank full, st seat so needs swapping for a sergeant seat but otherwise, as fast as you want

i did consider a k1300 but the extras for the panniers etc took it way out of my budget
why the 2014 onwards??

Lee540

1,586 posts

143 months

Monday 29th September 2014
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I like my Gen. 2 Hayabusa.

Comfy, reasonably quick and returns about 190-200 miles from a full tank, reports of them doing more so depends how you ride.

Wedg1e

26,760 posts

264 months

Monday 29th September 2014
quotequote all
Jazoli said:
ZZR1400? plenty quick enough, or a VFR1200? pan European? That'll tick the comfy box, pin sharp handling isn't really an issue 2 up with luggage.
In that company a Pan Euro isn't fast... actually, in most company it isn't fast - though mine was still faster than all the traffic crawling over the A66 yesterday whistle

ZesPak

24,421 posts

195 months

Monday 29th September 2014
quotequote all
I was in a similar boat 2,5 years ago.
I was split between the K1300S and the VFR1200F. (I wanted a shaft drive which ruled out the Busa and ZZR1400)
Test rode both (managed to have both at home at one point biggrin) and for me (a regular rider coming from a 600) they both felt very composed and balistic in terms of speed.
Though, in terms of fit & finish, paint and switchgear, the honda felt... on another level. I know there are a lot of K1300S owners here, but as good as a bike it is, in terms of perceived quality it's not a patch on the honda from my perspective.
Looks are subjective but me and the OH were completely sold on the VFR in black.

On top of that, over here the Honda came with 3 years unlimited miles warranty which the BMW didn't, which shows confidence in honda's own competence.

On meets, there's always a couple of interested people and a couple of pictures taken despite it being completely stock.

I've done about 30k miles now, and it feels like new.
I couldn't wish for anything else. My only complaint would be that it's a bit too much. All these bikes are, double the NSL in sub 10 secs and you can always feel it's there, it's very tempting and I'm very glad to still have my license after two years of riding on it (I ruined it now didn't I frown).

Like I said, I can't imagine anyone getting a K1300S and being disappointed, but you owe it to yourself to look into the VFR1200F as well.

bass gt3

Original Poster:

10,186 posts

232 months

Monday 29th September 2014
quotequote all
ZesPak said:
I was in a similar boat 2,5 years ago.
I was split between the K1300S and the VFR1200F. (I wanted a shaft drive which ruled out the Busa and ZZR1400)
Test rode both (managed to have both at home at one point biggrin) and for me (a regular rider coming from a 600) they both felt very composed and balistic in terms of speed.
Though, in terms of fit & finish, paint and switchgear, the honda felt... on another level. I know there are a lot of K1300S owners here, but as good as a bike it is, in terms of perceived quality it's not a patch on the honda from my perspective.
Looks are subjective but me and the OH were completely sold on the VFR in black.

On top of that, over here the Honda came with 3 years unlimited miles warranty which the BMW didn't, which shows confidence in honda's own competence.

On meets, there's always a couple of interested people and a couple of pictures taken despite it being completely stock.

I've done about 30k miles now, and it feels like new.
I couldn't wish for anything else. My only complaint would be that it's a bit too much. All these bikes are, double the NSL in sub 10 secs and you can always feel it's there, it's very tempting and I'm very glad to still have my license after two years of riding on it (I ruined it now didn't I frown).

Like I said, I can't imagine anyone getting a K1300S and being disappointed, but you owe it to yourself to look into the VFR1200F as well.
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?


terry tibbs

2,188 posts

220 months

Monday 29th September 2014
quotequote all
bass gt3 said:
terry tibbs said:
z1000 sx 2014 onwards
integrated givi luggage, i get 160/180 per tank full, st seat so needs swapping for a sergeant seat but otherwise, as fast as you want

i did consider a k1300 but the extras for the panniers etc took it way out of my budget
why the 2014 onwards??
because the panniers click into the grab handles rather than a frame so when on or off the bike looks a lot neater

<2014 bikes did not have this + some minor upgrades

bass gt3

Original Poster:

10,186 posts

232 months

Monday 29th September 2014
quotequote all
terry tibbs said:
bass gt3 said:
terry tibbs said:
z1000 sx 2014 onwards
integrated givi luggage, i get 160/180 per tank full, st seat so needs swapping for a sergeant seat but otherwise, as fast as you want

i did consider a k1300 but the extras for the panniers etc took it way out of my budget
why the 2014 onwards??
because the panniers click into the grab handles rather than a frame so when on or off the bike looks a lot neater

<2014 bikes did not have this + some minor upgrades
Thanks for that, i'll have a look