Discussion
Any one here own a K1300R? Can you comment on reliability/costs/issues?
I'm looking for a new commuter/do everything bike.. currently I am using a Bandit 1250S and was about to purchase a Z1000SX but spotted a K1300R and the extra power plus maintenance free shaft drive really appeals..
Cheers
I'm looking for a new commuter/do everything bike.. currently I am using a Bandit 1250S and was about to purchase a Z1000SX but spotted a K1300R and the extra power plus maintenance free shaft drive really appeals..
Cheers
I'm on my second K1300S as a long range commuter (150 miles per day.) They are superb bikes (both the R and the S) that can do everything well, offer all day comfort, blistering performance and reasonable economy. They're not without their issues though! Whatever happens, budget for a BMW extended warranty (about £300 per year but includes European recovery cover.)
The radiator lasts about 4 to 5 years then needs to be replaced. The switch gear (as per all BMWs of that age) has issues. Should already have been replaced but covered under the warranty. The front ball joints "die" at between 5000 and 80000 miles. You can't say which number it'll be closer to. The ESA (if fitted) used to be an issue at higher miles but can now be rebuilt by MCT in Stowmarket for costs similar rebuilds for standard shocks.
Don't listen to anyone who mentions poor running, brakes, or shaft issues. These were either K1200 issues or non-events. The only thing to remember is that the shaft UJs should be "sealed for life" and are not on the service schedule. A periodic "dollop" of grease around the bearings of the joints is all that's needed to ensure very long life.
That's about it (other than the usual wear and tear on bearings etc.). You may want to check out www.eurokclub.bike Lots of knowledge on there and they are very honest about issues and limitations. That said, many are on their second or 3rd K1?00S/R/GT
The radiator lasts about 4 to 5 years then needs to be replaced. The switch gear (as per all BMWs of that age) has issues. Should already have been replaced but covered under the warranty. The front ball joints "die" at between 5000 and 80000 miles. You can't say which number it'll be closer to. The ESA (if fitted) used to be an issue at higher miles but can now be rebuilt by MCT in Stowmarket for costs similar rebuilds for standard shocks.
Don't listen to anyone who mentions poor running, brakes, or shaft issues. These were either K1200 issues or non-events. The only thing to remember is that the shaft UJs should be "sealed for life" and are not on the service schedule. A periodic "dollop" of grease around the bearings of the joints is all that's needed to ensure very long life.
That's about it (other than the usual wear and tear on bearings etc.). You may want to check out www.eurokclub.bike Lots of knowledge on there and they are very honest about issues and limitations. That said, many are on their second or 3rd K1?00S/R/GT
black-k1 said:
I'm on my second K1300S as a long range commuter (150 miles per day.) They are superb bikes (both the R and the S) that can do everything well, offer all day comfort, blistering performance and reasonable economy. They're not without their issues though! Whatever happens, budget for a BMW extended warranty (about £300 per year but includes European recovery cover.)
The radiator lasts about 4 to 5 years then needs to be replaced. The switch gear (as per all BMWs of that age) has issues. Should already have been replaced but covered under the warranty. The front ball joints "die" at between 5000 and 80000 miles. You can't say which number it'll be closer to. The ESA (if fitted) used to be an issue at higher miles but can now be rebuilt by MCT in Stowmarket for costs similar rebuilds for standard shocks.
Don't listen to anyone who mentions poor running, brakes, or shaft issues. These were either K1200 issues or non-events. The only thing to remember is that the shaft UJs should be "sealed for life" and are not on the service schedule. A periodic "dollop" of grease around the bearings of the joints is all that's needed to ensure very long life.
That's about it (other than the usual wear and tear on bearings etc.). You may want to check out www.eurokclub.bike Lots of knowledge on there and they are very honest about issues and limitations. That said, many are on their second or 3rd K1?00S/R/GT
Thanks for the response.. it is really the R I like, it looks weird and interesting.. The S I guess it very similar to my HayabusaThe radiator lasts about 4 to 5 years then needs to be replaced. The switch gear (as per all BMWs of that age) has issues. Should already have been replaced but covered under the warranty. The front ball joints "die" at between 5000 and 80000 miles. You can't say which number it'll be closer to. The ESA (if fitted) used to be an issue at higher miles but can now be rebuilt by MCT in Stowmarket for costs similar rebuilds for standard shocks.
Don't listen to anyone who mentions poor running, brakes, or shaft issues. These were either K1200 issues or non-events. The only thing to remember is that the shaft UJs should be "sealed for life" and are not on the service schedule. A periodic "dollop" of grease around the bearings of the joints is all that's needed to ensure very long life.
That's about it (other than the usual wear and tear on bearings etc.). You may want to check out www.eurokclub.bike Lots of knowledge on there and they are very honest about issues and limitations. That said, many are on their second or 3rd K1?00S/R/GT
If you're buying from a BMW garage take a good look at the shaft drive where it meets the rear wheel. Both my k1300s bikes have bubbled up there where the paint just ends. My last bike, with insured warranty they weren't interested. With my new one, it was just over the 2 year mark but they accepted it was poop and replaced. Also the front forky bits too.
Actually go and look at a BMW showroom and every bike they say "clean isn't it," crouch down, notice the bubbling and say "yeah not quite you silly sausage!"
I love mine though, both the previous and this one. Naked one looks flipping awesome too.
Actually go and look at a BMW showroom and every bike they say "clean isn't it," crouch down, notice the bubbling and say "yeah not quite you silly sausage!"
I love mine though, both the previous and this one. Naked one looks flipping awesome too.
I've had one for nearly 2 years. Not had any issues, servicing is BMW priced, but apart from that nothing bad to report. K1300R is pretty rare in the UK, I actually tried a K1300S which as others have said is same bike with a tiny bit more power as it has larger air intake, a bit more weight too. eurokclub has alot of good info.
I really like it, it does everything I want pretty well. The only real negative is that it's a bit thirsty in stop/start traffic and can be a little snatchy on the throttle in town. I wish it had throttle modes so you could have a more relaxed city map.
I really like it, it does everything I want pretty well. The only real negative is that it's a bit thirsty in stop/start traffic and can be a little snatchy on the throttle in town. I wish it had throttle modes so you could have a more relaxed city map.
black-k1 said:
The only thing to remember is that the shaft UJs should be "sealed for life" and are not on the service schedule. A periodic "dollop" of grease around the bearings of the joints is all that's needed to ensure very long life.
Is that a big job? And does it require a BMW dealer or specialist?(I've always wanted an R as well and am looking at possibly buying one)
2ndclasscitizen said:
black-k1 said:
The only thing to remember is that the shaft UJs should be "sealed for life" and are not on the service schedule. A periodic "dollop" of grease around the bearings of the joints is all that's needed to ensure very long life.
Is that a big job? And does it require a BMW dealer or specialist?(I've always wanted an R as well and am looking at possibly buying one)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOY9TSBmFws
Not proving that easy to find a K1300R, I specifically wanted it to be inside the dealer network for the BMW warranty..
Started to search for S instead and viewing one this weekend locally.
Edit: I hadn't realised I could buy a BMW warranty direct from BMW for a bike not purchased from their approved used range. It was posted above but I didn't register it..
£380/annual for a 2010 K1300R with 30k on the clocks..
Started to search for S instead and viewing one this weekend locally.
Edit: I hadn't realised I could buy a BMW warranty direct from BMW for a bike not purchased from their approved used range. It was posted above but I didn't register it..
£380/annual for a 2010 K1300R with 30k on the clocks..
Edited by Lee540 on Thursday 15th March 16:08
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