BMW K1300S vs. BMW K1200S
Discussion
As some of you know, I was lent the latest ‘all singing, all dancing’ K1300S by my local BMW dealer while my K1200S was in getting some work done on it. I thought I’d pass on my thoughts on the differences between the 2 bikes.
The 13 was instantly familiar as you would expect. The seating position etc. felt exactly the same as the 12 although the change of switchgear layout did mean I had to think about where the switches were. I liked the old BMW ‘3 switch for indicators’ layout so found this to be a move backwards though having the headlight flasher switch on the front for use by the left hand forefinger is a big improvement.
The engine on the 13 was noticeably smoother although the 12 is not in any way rough. In fact, with ear plugs in, the 13 is so smooth at tick over there were a couple of times I actually though it had stalled! I didn’t notice any real difference in power or torque but as I ‘under use’ the output of the 12 then that is hardly surprising.
The gearbox is quite a lot better on the 13, being slicker and quicker. The quick-shifter was great once I stopped my automatic impulse to shut the throttle when changing gear. For normal road use (ie not flat out) the up changes were smooth and consistent though only equal to a good clutchless up shift on the 12. When really going for it the quick-sifter made up changes much faster and much smoother on the 13 than on the 12.
The suspension was an improvement over the 12. The 13 felt slightly smaller (though it isn’t) and was quicker to steer and easier to flick from side to side. (It’s still a big bike so it’s not in true sports bike territory but it’s pretty nimble for a sports tourer.) The slightly ‘vague’ feeling that I have from the front end of the 12 was gone and at no time did I feel that I didn’t know what the front of the 13 was doing.
The brakes were just as ‘stonking’ on the 13 as they are on the 12. No real difference.
In summary, the 13 is a definite improvement over the 12 though the 12 is still a very impressive capable bike. The improvements are mostly minor changes to several different bits of the bike rather than a single big change in one area.
When it comes to spending my own money, (and if I were I would be looking to buy second hand) the 13 would definitely be a possibility but if there was a big price difference between a 13 and a 12 of a similar age/mileage/spec. then I would probably buy the 12 and save the money. The 13 is better, but not significantly so!
The 13 was instantly familiar as you would expect. The seating position etc. felt exactly the same as the 12 although the change of switchgear layout did mean I had to think about where the switches were. I liked the old BMW ‘3 switch for indicators’ layout so found this to be a move backwards though having the headlight flasher switch on the front for use by the left hand forefinger is a big improvement.
The engine on the 13 was noticeably smoother although the 12 is not in any way rough. In fact, with ear plugs in, the 13 is so smooth at tick over there were a couple of times I actually though it had stalled! I didn’t notice any real difference in power or torque but as I ‘under use’ the output of the 12 then that is hardly surprising.
The gearbox is quite a lot better on the 13, being slicker and quicker. The quick-shifter was great once I stopped my automatic impulse to shut the throttle when changing gear. For normal road use (ie not flat out) the up changes were smooth and consistent though only equal to a good clutchless up shift on the 12. When really going for it the quick-sifter made up changes much faster and much smoother on the 13 than on the 12.
The suspension was an improvement over the 12. The 13 felt slightly smaller (though it isn’t) and was quicker to steer and easier to flick from side to side. (It’s still a big bike so it’s not in true sports bike territory but it’s pretty nimble for a sports tourer.) The slightly ‘vague’ feeling that I have from the front end of the 12 was gone and at no time did I feel that I didn’t know what the front of the 13 was doing.
The brakes were just as ‘stonking’ on the 13 as they are on the 12. No real difference.
In summary, the 13 is a definite improvement over the 12 though the 12 is still a very impressive capable bike. The improvements are mostly minor changes to several different bits of the bike rather than a single big change in one area.
When it comes to spending my own money, (and if I were I would be looking to buy second hand) the 13 would definitely be a possibility but if there was a big price difference between a 13 and a 12 of a similar age/mileage/spec. then I would probably buy the 12 and save the money. The 13 is better, but not significantly so!
Thanks for the review.
You mentioned in another thread that you're thinking of getting either an RC8 or K1300S later this year. Is the K looking more attractive having had an extended test ride?
I'm a fan of the K1300R, but it's expensive once you add all the toys, and the IT job market is currently stuffed...
You mentioned in another thread that you're thinking of getting either an RC8 or K1300S later this year. Is the K looking more attractive having had an extended test ride?
I'm a fan of the K1300R, but it's expensive once you add all the toys, and the IT job market is currently stuffed...
black-k1 said:
although the change of switchgear layout did mean I had to think about where the switches were. I liked the old BMW ‘3 switch for indicators’ layout so found this to be a move backwards
Have they gone over to the single switch like every other manufacturer uses or done something different again? i really didn't like the right indicator switch on the GS I tried but I guess you get used to it eventually.Graemsay said:
Thanks for the review.
You mentioned in another thread that you're thinking of getting either an RC8 or K1300S later this year. Is the K looking more attractive having had an extended test ride?
I'm a fan of the K1300R, but it's expensive once you add all the toys, and the IT job market is currently stuffed...
Yes, the K1300S is looking more like an attractive option. The RC8 is great, and I really would love one, but it’s not hugely practical for the use I make of my bike. (Big mile commutes, occasional passenger carrying and a small amount of Euro touring). It is only the cost, especially with all the gismos (and I’d want ABS, ESA and grips as a minimum) that puts me off the K1300S.You mentioned in another thread that you're thinking of getting either an RC8 or K1300S later this year. Is the K looking more attractive having had an extended test ride?
I'm a fan of the K1300R, but it's expensive once you add all the toys, and the IT job market is currently stuffed...
I know exactly what you mean about the IT jobs market. If my contracts continue through to the end of this year then I may give a K1300S serious thought!
RizzoTheRat said:
black-k1 said:
although the change of switchgear layout did mean I had to think about where the switches were. I liked the old BMW ‘3 switch for indicators’ layout so found this to be a move backwards
Have they gone over to the single switch like every other manufacturer uses or done something different again? i really didn't like the right indicator switch on the GS I tried but I guess you get used to it eventually.I agree about the BMWs being do anything bikes. I don't own a car, so I need a bike that's semi practical.
The IT contract market is dead. Apparently it's the third worst sector to be in during this recession (building and architecture are the bottom two). I've been job hunting for six months, and nothing is moving.
The IT contract market is dead. Apparently it's the third worst sector to be in during this recession (building and architecture are the bottom two). I've been job hunting for six months, and nothing is moving.
I own a 1300S, done about 2000 odd miles on it so far.
Its a splendid bike, K1's review is pretty spot on and day to day its brilliant. The quick shift is great, I thought it would be a gimmick, but one that would be really useful when the bike is punted, so I opted for it - along with just about everything else. In use its much more than a gimmick as it really works, I wouldnt be without it now.
Everything else about it is great, suspension is good - comfy when needed but can be made sporty-ish via the ESA; the acceleration is pretty eye watering, it is very quick but the quicker it gets the more stable it gets.
All in all a really good bike, make sure its white though (metallic grey according to BMW); easily the best colour!!!
Its a splendid bike, K1's review is pretty spot on and day to day its brilliant. The quick shift is great, I thought it would be a gimmick, but one that would be really useful when the bike is punted, so I opted for it - along with just about everything else. In use its much more than a gimmick as it really works, I wouldnt be without it now.
Everything else about it is great, suspension is good - comfy when needed but can be made sporty-ish via the ESA; the acceleration is pretty eye watering, it is very quick but the quicker it gets the more stable it gets.
All in all a really good bike, make sure its white though (metallic grey according to BMW); easily the best colour!!!
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