ZZR1400 Vs K1300S
Poll: ZZR1400 Vs K1300S
Total Members Polled: 96
Discussion
Looking at a new bike this spring and I have the short list down to 2. I have test ridden both and both do exactly what it says on the tin.
The K13S is slightly more comfortable but the ZZR handles slightly better (as much as a winters day test ride could show.) The K13S is has better options (I'd have pretty much all the options) and the hard luggage looks like it was meant for the bike (which it was) where the ZZR luggage is a definite after thought. The ZZR has a distinct price advantage.
The ZZR has more performance (which I'm unlikely to use too often) but it has more character.
The chain drive of the ZZR counts against it although I'd want to change the gearing which would be possible on the ZZR.
The ZZR colour scheme is definitely better than the K13S and Mrs K1 prefers the ZZR. (The junior K1s also prefer the ZZR as it gives better bragging rites in the playground.)
Out of these two (and I've looked at the alternatives and don't want them) which would you go for and why?
The K13S is slightly more comfortable but the ZZR handles slightly better (as much as a winters day test ride could show.) The K13S is has better options (I'd have pretty much all the options) and the hard luggage looks like it was meant for the bike (which it was) where the ZZR luggage is a definite after thought. The ZZR has a distinct price advantage.
The ZZR has more performance (which I'm unlikely to use too often) but it has more character.
The chain drive of the ZZR counts against it although I'd want to change the gearing which would be possible on the ZZR.
The ZZR colour scheme is definitely better than the K13S and Mrs K1 prefers the ZZR. (The junior K1s also prefer the ZZR as it gives better bragging rites in the playground.)
Out of these two (and I've looked at the alternatives and don't want them) which would you go for and why?
Edited by black-k1 on Sunday 17th March 17:45
I saw a black K1300S being ridden out of the dealership last week, and it looked pretty mean. Maybe it's because the usual 2 tone paint job for BMW had gone, but all shiny black was really rather special.
While I know that a lot of journalists hate it, I like the funny front end. I have a K1300R, as well as a GS, and the anti-dive nature of the front suspension gives me huge confidence braking into bends, even while cranked over (a bit).
I am sure that you can get one retro-fitted to the Kwack, but the speed shifter on the BMW as a factory fit item is excellent. You'll never miss it if you've never had one, but once tried, I'd always tick that box.
You won't find a top box for the K1300S in the BMW accessories book, as they say it upsets the handling at speed. There are plenty of aftermarket ones available, but I'd be careful regarding insurance claims in the event oif a spill should you fit one.
Performance wise, I find the K1300 has more than enough for me, especially ridden straight after the GS.
One final thought; I suspect that the BMW will hold it's value far, far better.
While I know that a lot of journalists hate it, I like the funny front end. I have a K1300R, as well as a GS, and the anti-dive nature of the front suspension gives me huge confidence braking into bends, even while cranked over (a bit).
I am sure that you can get one retro-fitted to the Kwack, but the speed shifter on the BMW as a factory fit item is excellent. You'll never miss it if you've never had one, but once tried, I'd always tick that box.
You won't find a top box for the K1300S in the BMW accessories book, as they say it upsets the handling at speed. There are plenty of aftermarket ones available, but I'd be careful regarding insurance claims in the event oif a spill should you fit one.
Performance wise, I find the K1300 has more than enough for me, especially ridden straight after the GS.
One final thought; I suspect that the BMW will hold it's value far, far better.
Both great bikes. BMW packed with gizmos. ZZR packed with character and 'fun' factor. Ultimately there is the GTR1400 if you want something more tourer oriented, but assuming the sports end of the sports tourer spectrum, the ZZR is spot on. The BMW walks the line between the ZZR and GTR really, but you pay through the nose for it.
I'd have the ZZR. I can't think of a better bike to hit Europe with if you want to enjoy the ride as much as the journey.
I'd have the ZZR. I can't think of a better bike to hit Europe with if you want to enjoy the ride as much as the journey.
Thanks both for your feedback
Top box not a problem, I hate them and won't be buying one. I like panniers and a tank bag, both of which are made to exactly fit the K13S
I was surprised to find that depreciation is pretty well matched between the two bikes. I was expecting the BMW to "win that round" but there's really not much in it.
Your sum up is pretty much where I have got to, heart says ZZR, head says K13S.
Mad Jock said:
I saw a black K1300S being ridden out of the dealership last week, and it looked pretty mean. Maybe it's because the usual 2 tone paint job for BMW had gone, but all shiny black was really rather special.
While I know that a lot of journalists hate it, I like the funny front end. I have a K1300R, as well as a GS, and the anti-dive nature of the front suspension gives me huge confidence braking into bends, even while cranked over (a bit).
I am sure that you can get one retro-fitted to the Kwack, but the speed shifter on the BMW as a factory fit item is excellent. You'll never miss it if you've never had one, but once tried, I'd always tick that box.
You won't find a top box for the K1300S in the BMW accessories book, as they say it upsets the handling at speed. There are plenty of aftermarket ones available, but I'd be careful regarding insurance claims in the event oif a spill should you fit one.
Performance wise, I find the K1300 has more than enough for me, especially ridden straight after the GS.
One final thought; I suspect that the BMW will hold it's value far, far better.
I agree that the K13S has more than enough performance. I would guess that I'll be lucky to get more than 1 or two opportunities per year (autobahn?) to use the extra performance. Likewise, I quite like the funny front end although there is definitely more "feel" from the front of the ZZR1400.While I know that a lot of journalists hate it, I like the funny front end. I have a K1300R, as well as a GS, and the anti-dive nature of the front suspension gives me huge confidence braking into bends, even while cranked over (a bit).
I am sure that you can get one retro-fitted to the Kwack, but the speed shifter on the BMW as a factory fit item is excellent. You'll never miss it if you've never had one, but once tried, I'd always tick that box.
You won't find a top box for the K1300S in the BMW accessories book, as they say it upsets the handling at speed. There are plenty of aftermarket ones available, but I'd be careful regarding insurance claims in the event oif a spill should you fit one.
Performance wise, I find the K1300 has more than enough for me, especially ridden straight after the GS.
One final thought; I suspect that the BMW will hold it's value far, far better.
Top box not a problem, I hate them and won't be buying one. I like panniers and a tank bag, both of which are made to exactly fit the K13S
I was surprised to find that depreciation is pretty well matched between the two bikes. I was expecting the BMW to "win that round" but there's really not much in it.
3DP said:
Both great bikes. BMW packed with gizmos. ZZR packed with character and 'fun' factor. Ultimately there is the GTR1400 if you want something more tourer oriented, but assuming the sports end of the sports tourer spectrum, the ZZR is spot on. The BMW walks the line between the ZZR and GTR really, but you pay through the nose for it.
I'd have the ZZR. I can't think of a better bike to hit Europe with if you want to enjoy the ride as much as the journey.
GTR is just a little too tourer for me so the ZZR is the only option. I'd have the ZZR. I can't think of a better bike to hit Europe with if you want to enjoy the ride as much as the journey.
Your sum up is pretty much where I have got to, heart says ZZR, head says K13S.
As a short term fling, I suspect the ZZR would be the pick. But as a longer term ownership proposition, I find Kwackers cheap in fit and finish with poorer detailing and design - despite their verve.
The BMW rewards with a higher quality finish, nicer dealership experience (at least from the Motorrad dealers near me), is less bulky for easier urban manouevres, and there is something a little... arrogant about it
For a supertourer, it's brilliant for conquering the road with superior suspension and the toys for all weathers. Love it in all black. K13S would be my pick over the long term.
The BMW rewards with a higher quality finish, nicer dealership experience (at least from the Motorrad dealers near me), is less bulky for easier urban manouevres, and there is something a little... arrogant about it
For a supertourer, it's brilliant for conquering the road with superior suspension and the toys for all weathers. Love it in all black. K13S would be my pick over the long term.spareparts said:
As a short term fling, I suspect the ZZR would be the pick. But as a longer term ownership proposition, I find Kwackers cheap in fit and finish with poorer detailing and design - despite their verve.
The BMW rewards with a higher quality finish, nicer dealership experience (at least from the Motorrad dealers near me), is less bulky for easier urban manouevres, and there is something a little... arrogant about it For a supertourer, it's brilliant for conquering the road with superior suspension and the toys for all weathers. Love it in all black. K13S would be my pick over the long term.
I have to say I disagree with most of that. I looked at both of these bikes with my father and he eventually bought the ZZR. Have a look at the cockpit of a K1300S. It's not in anyway cohesive. The big silver top yoke looks wrong, there are too many gaps and teh clocks don't even look to sit centrally. The ZZR's cockpit is the picture of refinement.The BMW rewards with a higher quality finish, nicer dealership experience (at least from the Motorrad dealers near me), is less bulky for easier urban manouevres, and there is something a little... arrogant about it
For a supertourer, it's brilliant for conquering the road with superior suspension and the toys for all weathers. Love it in all black. K13S would be my pick over the long term.The Kawasakis details and finish are excellent on the ZZR - a cut above their current sports bikes in my view and from what I've seen of recent BMW, they've definitely cut quality in my view, so the bikes probably meet somewhere in the middle.
The K13 trumps the options list and would make a better tourer, but it's not especially a bike you'd fall in love with over the ZZR.
The ZZR is surprisingly agile at low speed. I can't speak for the BM, but they are both big busses!
I can't speak for dealer experience, but the sort of arrogance that BMW tourers often inspire in their owners is not an aspirational personality trait in my book. Saying that, there is a smugness to riding a ZZR from knowing that should the mood take you, you have the fastest accelerating production bike on the planet. So smugness vs arrogance - take your pick
To me, the shaft drive and electronic suspension are the only real advantages.
I'm not sure whether the OP works on his own bikes, but I will say that the ZZR is a tricky beast to work on. It has the 'frame is the airbox' design (like Panigale), and the interlocking panels use a lot of different size and length bolts. It's not fantastic to work on, but other than that, I think both the BM and ZZR would give sterling service for years.
3DP said:
I have to say I disagree with most of that. I looked at both of these bikes with my father and he eventually bought the ZZR. Have a look at the cockpit of a K1300S. It's not in anyway cohesive. The big silver top yoke looks wrong, there are too many gaps and teh clocks don't even look to sit centrally. The ZZR's cockpit is the picture of refinement.
The Kawasakis details and finish are excellent on the ZZR - a cut above their current sports bikes in my view and from what I've seen of recent BMW, they've definitely cut quality in my view, so the bikes probably meet somewhere in the middle.
The K13 trumps the options list and would make a better tourer, but it's not especially a bike you'd fall in love with over the ZZR.
The ZZR is surprisingly agile at low speed. I can't speak for the BM, but they are both big busses!
I can't speak for dealer experience, but the sort of arrogance that BMW tourers often inspire in their owners is not an aspirational personality trait in my book. Saying that, there is a smugness to riding a ZZR from knowing that should the mood take you, you have the fastest accelerating production bike on the planet. So smugness vs arrogance - take your pick
To me, the shaft drive and electronic suspension are the only real advantages.
I'm not sure whether the OP works on his own bikes, but I will say that the ZZR is a tricky beast to work on. It has the 'frame is the airbox' design (like Panigale), and the interlocking panels use a lot of different size and length bolts. It's not fantastic to work on, but other than that, I think both the BM and ZZR would give sterling service for years.
That is really useful feedback. If the ZZR had ESA I would have the Kawasaki with no hesitation. Shaft drive would be useful but is not essential.The Kawasakis details and finish are excellent on the ZZR - a cut above their current sports bikes in my view and from what I've seen of recent BMW, they've definitely cut quality in my view, so the bikes probably meet somewhere in the middle.
The K13 trumps the options list and would make a better tourer, but it's not especially a bike you'd fall in love with over the ZZR.
The ZZR is surprisingly agile at low speed. I can't speak for the BM, but they are both big busses!
I can't speak for dealer experience, but the sort of arrogance that BMW tourers often inspire in their owners is not an aspirational personality trait in my book. Saying that, there is a smugness to riding a ZZR from knowing that should the mood take you, you have the fastest accelerating production bike on the planet. So smugness vs arrogance - take your pick
To me, the shaft drive and electronic suspension are the only real advantages.
I'm not sure whether the OP works on his own bikes, but I will say that the ZZR is a tricky beast to work on. It has the 'frame is the airbox' design (like Panigale), and the interlocking panels use a lot of different size and length bolts. It's not fantastic to work on, but other than that, I think both the BM and ZZR would give sterling service for years.
I don't do much work on my own bikes so I'm not too worried about that but I think smugness is better than arrogance.
3DP said:
So smugness vs arrogance - take your pick
To me, the shaft drive and electronic suspension are the only real advantages.
Yeah, smugness is the right phrase. Both offer on-demand warp drive and a 'get outta my way' smug smugness To me, the shaft drive and electronic suspension are the only real advantages.
Shaft and ESA are significant plus points imho for this kind of bike - the ESA is just so useful when switching from solo to 2-up/luggage.
podman said:
If I was spending that kind of ££ , id be test riding both and telling us which one you went for and why!
I have test ridden both. Both are very very good. ZZR1400 is a little more nimble at slow speeds (all relative I know) and a little more fun but K1300S is a little more comfortable and has ESA. I also think the K1300S may be slightly better on petrol. Both will do everything I want of them either well or very well. I will not be disappointed with either but can't quite decide which one I will actually buy. I just want to see if anyone comes up with a positive or negative for either bike that I haven't yet considered.3DP said:
The K13 trumps the options list and would make a better tourer, but it's not especially a bike you'd fall in love with over the ZZR.
In two years I've done almost 9000 miles on mine and it is without doubt a fantastic bike. But I have to agree, because it is so good it lacks character so for me, it's not an easy bike to fall in love with.
But would I swap it for a ZZR? If I did I know I'd regret it, especially if I had the new black one
Some have commented how they think the zzr's ungly and the k1300 isn't? I think its the opposite, the zzr looks meeaaan and the k1300 look out-dated (all IMO).
However the naked 1300, think is called the k1300R, is one good looking bike in an ugly wierd way, but if naked isnt what your after...
Either way OP, theyre both cracking bikes and im sure you'll enjoy either one of them a lot.
However the naked 1300, think is called the k1300R, is one good looking bike in an ugly wierd way, but if naked isnt what your after...
Either way OP, theyre both cracking bikes and im sure you'll enjoy either one of them a lot.
Andy XRV said:
3DP said:
The K13 trumps the options list and would make a better tourer, but it's not especially a bike you'd fall in love with over the ZZR.
In two years I've done almost 9000 miles on mine and it is without doubt a fantastic bike. But I have to agree, because it is so good it lacks character so for me, it's not an easy bike to fall in love with.
But would I swap it for a ZZR? If I did I know I'd regret it, especially if I had the new black one
TBH, I was trying to steer my dad towards the K1300S as he gets me to oil his chain and adjust it and he was 63 when he bought it, but he wasn't keen. He's over the moon with the 2010 ZZR he bought new after coming from 3 x Hayabusas. So much so, he's keeping it for another year which breaks his normal routine of trading it in at the 1st MoT.
Fuel consumption wise, he says it's better than his Hayabusas. No idea what the actual figures are or comparison to BM, but I can't imagine it'll be much different.
black-k1 said:
Looking at a new bike this spring and I have the short list down to 2. I have test ridden both and both do exactly what it says on the time.
The K13S is slightly more comfortable but the ZZR handles slightly better (as much as a winters day test ride could show.) The K13S is has better options (I'd have pretty much all the options) and the hard luggage looks like it was meant for the bike (which it was) where the ZZR luggage is a definite after thought. The ZZR has a distinct price advantage.
The ZZR has more performance (which I'm unlikely to use too often) but it has more character.
The chain drive of the ZZR counts against it although I'd want to change the gearing which would be possible on the ZZR.
The ZZR colour scheme is definitely better than the K13S and Mrs K1 prefers the ZZR. (The junior K1s also prefer the ZZR as it gives better bragging rites in the playground.)
Out of these two (and I've looked at the alternatives and don't want them) which would you go for and why?
My mate just changed to zzr1400 because had to many problems with k13s electrics, 3 starter switches in 2yearsThe K13S is slightly more comfortable but the ZZR handles slightly better (as much as a winters day test ride could show.) The K13S is has better options (I'd have pretty much all the options) and the hard luggage looks like it was meant for the bike (which it was) where the ZZR luggage is a definite after thought. The ZZR has a distinct price advantage.
The ZZR has more performance (which I'm unlikely to use too often) but it has more character.
The chain drive of the ZZR counts against it although I'd want to change the gearing which would be possible on the ZZR.
The ZZR colour scheme is definitely better than the K13S and Mrs K1 prefers the ZZR. (The junior K1s also prefer the ZZR as it gives better bragging rites in the playground.)
Out of these two (and I've looked at the alternatives and don't want them) which would you go for and why?
The BMW for me, if I saw zzr1400 on the road or at the local biker haunt, I'd think, nice bike... with the BMW if I saw it I'd think phwoaar, laarvley bike. All the extras make a big difference as well IMHO, ABS heated grips, good panniers on a BMW fit together nicely. The residuals as with most BMWs will be sickeningly good aswell, just look at K1200s prices.
They are both lovely bikes though, I imagine you would be happy with either.
They are both lovely bikes though, I imagine you would be happy with either.
OMG! What are you considering?! black-k1 on a Kawa (or anything other than a BMW)? That's like bread and chocolate, fish and oranges, apples and chips, it's just not right.
One of the main reasons why I went to a K13S, from a GSXR1000, was due to how I saw the K performing on the 2011 old gits trip and all of the reasoning I heard from the owners - you being one of the most convincing.
When I got back I tried a K13S and a ZZR14 (surprisingly) and while I loved the ZZR's looks, I went with the K as personally I found it to be a better "all rounder" and such an easy owner experience. To be honest I went with my head over my heart. No faffing about with oiling and tightening the chain, no suspension adjustment, a dealership that while "corporate" made me feel a bit better that most other bike dealers and most importantly to me a perception of buying a well made product (okay it was a decent price too).
The Kawa, while good, just seemed a bit run of the mill, a big bike with a big engine and shiney panels and an agressive front end look. I'd done that with the GSXR (ok not so big but did one thing very well - sport). The BMW has a bit of quirkyness, but in a good way. The quickshifter was ticked on the opions list as I had ticked most other things and thought why not. I'd never even used one before I picked the bike up. In hindsight it was the best thing on there, the ease in which you can hammer through the gears with the speed climbing faster than a monkey on acid, still scares the cr@p out of me. Yet it's still useful at low speeds, round town, to slip from 1st, to 2nd, to 3rd.
I do still like the ZZR, it just seems a bit straight forward, a good honest sport tourer, nothing controversial. I did find it a bit long, so you're reaching forward a bit too much. I think I would get bored with one quite quickly.
After nearly two years ownership and 14k miles I now love my K, my heart has followed my head with no regrets. I would like it to impress my kids more (like my GSXR did) but that's soon forgotten about when the suspension is set to sport and I'm utilising the quickshifter ;-)
Don't do it, BMW is black-k1 ;-)
One of the main reasons why I went to a K13S, from a GSXR1000, was due to how I saw the K performing on the 2011 old gits trip and all of the reasoning I heard from the owners - you being one of the most convincing.
When I got back I tried a K13S and a ZZR14 (surprisingly) and while I loved the ZZR's looks, I went with the K as personally I found it to be a better "all rounder" and such an easy owner experience. To be honest I went with my head over my heart. No faffing about with oiling and tightening the chain, no suspension adjustment, a dealership that while "corporate" made me feel a bit better that most other bike dealers and most importantly to me a perception of buying a well made product (okay it was a decent price too).
The Kawa, while good, just seemed a bit run of the mill, a big bike with a big engine and shiney panels and an agressive front end look. I'd done that with the GSXR (ok not so big but did one thing very well - sport). The BMW has a bit of quirkyness, but in a good way. The quickshifter was ticked on the opions list as I had ticked most other things and thought why not. I'd never even used one before I picked the bike up. In hindsight it was the best thing on there, the ease in which you can hammer through the gears with the speed climbing faster than a monkey on acid, still scares the cr@p out of me. Yet it's still useful at low speeds, round town, to slip from 1st, to 2nd, to 3rd.
I do still like the ZZR, it just seems a bit straight forward, a good honest sport tourer, nothing controversial. I did find it a bit long, so you're reaching forward a bit too much. I think I would get bored with one quite quickly.
After nearly two years ownership and 14k miles I now love my K, my heart has followed my head with no regrets. I would like it to impress my kids more (like my GSXR did) but that's soon forgotten about when the suspension is set to sport and I'm utilising the quickshifter ;-)
Don't do it, BMW is black-k1 ;-)
I would go for the ZZR – the finish is very good – it ticks all the boxes for a fast comfortable bike on a European trip which is the reason I bought one
have a look here at 10:50 in
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHYFy-GmYyQ
we were on the B500 in the black forest and it was perfect for that, in fact its as happy on the autobahn as it is on the hairpins
have a look here at 10:50 in
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHYFy-GmYyQ
we were on the B500 in the black forest and it was perfect for that, in fact its as happy on the autobahn as it is on the hairpins
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