BMW K1300 - Advice welcome!
Discussion
I had an accident a couple of weeks back (an off duty officer decided to pull a u-turn without looking!) and it looks like my 8 month old GS is being written off.
I fancy something a bit different, the GS is hugely capable but I just feel like a change. I do a lot of miles but I'm no good at maintenance so I'm sticking with shaft drive BM's. I think I've got it down to either the K1300S or K1300R just trying to make my mind up which will suit me best. I think I'll end getting the R as it's harder to achieve warp speed with that tiny screen so I've got more chance of keeping my license.
Does anyone have any experience of these two bikes? I'll need some luggage but not sure how much you can get in the pods? Also I'm really interested in how many miles people are getting from a tank? BMW are not keen to commit to a figure - my commute is 100 miles so it's important I'm not stopping too often!
And finally orange or white?!
Cheers
Guy
I fancy something a bit different, the GS is hugely capable but I just feel like a change. I do a lot of miles but I'm no good at maintenance so I'm sticking with shaft drive BM's. I think I've got it down to either the K1300S or K1300R just trying to make my mind up which will suit me best. I think I'll end getting the R as it's harder to achieve warp speed with that tiny screen so I've got more chance of keeping my license.
Does anyone have any experience of these two bikes? I'll need some luggage but not sure how much you can get in the pods? Also I'm really interested in how many miles people are getting from a tank? BMW are not keen to commit to a figure - my commute is 100 miles so it's important I'm not stopping too often!
And finally orange or white?!
Cheers
Guy
I have a K1200S that I use for commuting (100 miles a day) and bought for the same sort of reasons as you mention.
Performance wise, it is enormously capable but I don’t find that I am significantly quicker than I was when I was riding the Honda Firestorm I had before. It’s a very relaxed bike and will pull 6th gear from about 35mph upwards which makes restraint quite easy. I ride most of the time below 6000rpm but it’s nice to know that on those occasions when a little bit more get up and go is required, it’s available!
I have the BMW ‘sports’ panniers (which I only fit occasionally) and they are reasonably small when not expanded. If you expand them then they will hold a practical amount but do look a bit ‘Heath Robinson’ to me. I find the proper BMW tank bag (or a Baglux bag) is a better bet for many situations.
I used to get a pretty consistent 45mpg out of mine before the last service. That meant a tank range of about 195 to 200 miles with sensible fill ups at about 175 to 180 miles. At the last service they loaded the latest engine map and my consumption is now 50mpg! I fill up every other day at about 198 miles and there is (according to the computer) still about 15 to 20 miles left in the tank. I do have a K&N type filter and carbon can on mine which does make it better as when I went to France with a group of friends earlier this year, the other K1200S on the trip with the standard filter and can was pretty consistently using about 10% more fuel than mine.
As regards colours …. you’re on your own on that one. I’m not keen on either the orange or the white!
Performance wise, it is enormously capable but I don’t find that I am significantly quicker than I was when I was riding the Honda Firestorm I had before. It’s a very relaxed bike and will pull 6th gear from about 35mph upwards which makes restraint quite easy. I ride most of the time below 6000rpm but it’s nice to know that on those occasions when a little bit more get up and go is required, it’s available!
I have the BMW ‘sports’ panniers (which I only fit occasionally) and they are reasonably small when not expanded. If you expand them then they will hold a practical amount but do look a bit ‘Heath Robinson’ to me. I find the proper BMW tank bag (or a Baglux bag) is a better bet for many situations.
I used to get a pretty consistent 45mpg out of mine before the last service. That meant a tank range of about 195 to 200 miles with sensible fill ups at about 175 to 180 miles. At the last service they loaded the latest engine map and my consumption is now 50mpg! I fill up every other day at about 198 miles and there is (according to the computer) still about 15 to 20 miles left in the tank. I do have a K&N type filter and carbon can on mine which does make it better as when I went to France with a group of friends earlier this year, the other K1200S on the trip with the standard filter and can was pretty consistently using about 10% more fuel than mine.
As regards colours …. you’re on your own on that one. I’m not keen on either the orange or the white!
That's excellent advice - thanks!
Take your point on the luggage, I'll look into the tank bag as those pods don't look like they will hold much. I've very interested in the Akro can and the aftermarket filter is a sensible idea too. I'm relieved to hear you're getting around 200 miles out of a tank - very similar to my GS.
I just need to spec it now, decisions decisions... the BMW options list is expensive but it's those toys that make the bikes all the more fun!
Take your point on the luggage, I'll look into the tank bag as those pods don't look like they will hold much. I've very interested in the Akro can and the aftermarket filter is a sensible idea too. I'm relieved to hear you're getting around 200 miles out of a tank - very similar to my GS.
I just need to spec it now, decisions decisions... the BMW options list is expensive but it's those toys that make the bikes all the more fun!
May be of interest.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
If it were me, I wouldn’t worry about the quick shifter – I thought it was OK but not worth the money.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
If it were me, I wouldn’t worry about the quick shifter – I thought it was OK but not worth the money.
I have a k1300s with every option bar the digital dash on it. It is an awesome machine.
Comfort wise it is great, I can do 200 miles non-stop without any problems and that is normally about the limit of the tank. Handling wise it is great, it isnt sportsbike sharp but it steers and holds its line really well and because of the long wheelbase the faster you go the more secure it feels, which is pretty dangerous!!
Acceleration is in the uber-catagory, it is stupidly fast, in fact I think bike mag tested one against and GSX1000 and it beat it, certainly it is more than quick enough for me. Allied wit that I really rate the quick shift and I would certainly say that if you are going to get one make sure the bike has it. It works really well, the only time it wobbles is if you have no throttle on, and I can honestly say the goingup the box I never use the clutch. Coming down you need to, it is a toy but a really good one.
Mine doesnt have any luggage on it but you can easily fit the sports panieers and a rack and bag on the back quite neatly. All in it is a great bike and it will certainly do me for a while yet, it is expensive - thats its real downside - but if that isnt an issue you should go for it!
Oh... The white one (metallic grey in BMW-land) are the quickest!!!!
Comfort wise it is great, I can do 200 miles non-stop without any problems and that is normally about the limit of the tank. Handling wise it is great, it isnt sportsbike sharp but it steers and holds its line really well and because of the long wheelbase the faster you go the more secure it feels, which is pretty dangerous!!
Acceleration is in the uber-catagory, it is stupidly fast, in fact I think bike mag tested one against and GSX1000 and it beat it, certainly it is more than quick enough for me. Allied wit that I really rate the quick shift and I would certainly say that if you are going to get one make sure the bike has it. It works really well, the only time it wobbles is if you have no throttle on, and I can honestly say the goingup the box I never use the clutch. Coming down you need to, it is a toy but a really good one.
Mine doesnt have any luggage on it but you can easily fit the sports panieers and a rack and bag on the back quite neatly. All in it is a great bike and it will certainly do me for a while yet, it is expensive - thats its real downside - but if that isnt an issue you should go for it!
Oh... The white one (metallic grey in BMW-land) are the quickest!!!!
My mate has a K1300S and its left him stranded twice due to component failure. 1st was the kill switch due to overheating of the components on the bars because of the heated grips (no permanent fix yet and others reporting the same failure )and hes had to have a new gearbox aswell ( workshop blamed the quickshifter)He's BMW through and through but he's not a happy bunny at the moment because he's got no faith in the bike. Seeing as it cost him £13k+ I think thats a pretty piss poor.
There have been some issues with some of the bar switches, but they seem to be linked to the first ones built.
All I can say is that I have done just over 6000 miles in six months through all kinds of weather and have had no problems at all. Its the same with any new vehicle, either 2 wheeled or 4, there will be some issues - I had a new mini once and it was a nightmare! Its really rubbish when it happens to you but it isnt the experience of everybody. I still think BMWs are the best all round bikes you can buy!
All I can say is that I have done just over 6000 miles in six months through all kinds of weather and have had no problems at all. Its the same with any new vehicle, either 2 wheeled or 4, there will be some issues - I had a new mini once and it was a nightmare! Its really rubbish when it happens to you but it isnt the experience of everybody. I still think BMWs are the best all round bikes you can buy!
I have a K1200S ..... great bike the panniers do work and expand, it took me to Austrian alps for 2 weeks no probs....
I think black-k1 and I would recommend the abs, it has saved us both, I have never had it kick in unless it was required ( saw a test bmw abs V Honda fireblade abs the bmw won by lots of metres )
I think black-k1 and I would recommend the abs, it has saved us both, I have never had it kick in unless it was required ( saw a test bmw abs V Honda fireblade abs the bmw won by lots of metres )
Don't own either I'm afraid, but if you want to know which one to get, go for the R.
I mean, just look at it:
You can imagine it giving other bikes a glassing for 'looking at it funny'. Only the bazooka end can spoils it a bit, but I'm sure there are aftermarket solutions.
This is on my list if I move up to a litre naked (along with a Speed Trip and Tuono Factory), although with a respray in Trumpet Atomic Green (heresy, I know!)
I mean, just look at it:
You can imagine it giving other bikes a glassing for 'looking at it funny'. Only the bazooka end can spoils it a bit, but I'm sure there are aftermarket solutions.
This is on my list if I move up to a litre naked (along with a Speed Trip and Tuono Factory), although with a respray in Trumpet Atomic Green (heresy, I know!)
Its funny, when I tested (and bought) the S, I also tested the R. Before the test rides I had no doubt at all that I would be buying the R not the S. But the R has a very odd riding position, the bars just are not, in my opinion, that comfy and I didnt like it at all. The engine etc was just as great but I didnt get on with it. As a result I very nearly didnt take out the S, but got on it and within a minute I was sold.
V odd!!!
V odd!!!
I've ridden a K1300R briefly and I liked it. I'm thinking of getting one when I find a job again. (Damn recession. 
)
I can't add much, but the official BMW insurance is pretty cheap, and the R came out something like 2/3 of the price of the S. It's also about a grand cheaper, and looks far cooler.
In terms of colours, I'd be tempted by the dark grey on the R. Though I do like orange on the S.
)I can't add much, but the official BMW insurance is pretty cheap, and the R came out something like 2/3 of the price of the S. It's also about a grand cheaper, and looks far cooler.
In terms of colours, I'd be tempted by the dark grey on the R. Though I do like orange on the S.
Thanks for the comments peoples...
I am sold on beemers, I know they're pricey but (touch wood) I've haven't had too many bad experiences from my last two plus the dealers are conveniently located and I've always been well looked after.
I rode an S for two days while my GS was being serviced and I loved it. But I think the R probably suits be better as aside from the motorway part of my commute (where the S is perfect), I am wriggling through traffic into central London and at the end I have to go over some very bumpy country lanes etc. I know the S can do it I just think the R is better suited as the position is a little more upright and the steering is lighter plus it's got less fairing so I'll be able to squeeze through more gaps in town. I haven't spent much time on the R though so I look forward to a proper test.
As for options, I shall probably get most of them as usual... despite not liking the cost I am a fan. I expected to dislike the quick shifter but actually really enjoyed it, perhaps because i'm lazy? Bloody expensive toy though!
Still undecided on colour...
I am sold on beemers, I know they're pricey but (touch wood) I've haven't had too many bad experiences from my last two plus the dealers are conveniently located and I've always been well looked after.
I rode an S for two days while my GS was being serviced and I loved it. But I think the R probably suits be better as aside from the motorway part of my commute (where the S is perfect), I am wriggling through traffic into central London and at the end I have to go over some very bumpy country lanes etc. I know the S can do it I just think the R is better suited as the position is a little more upright and the steering is lighter plus it's got less fairing so I'll be able to squeeze through more gaps in town. I haven't spent much time on the R though so I look forward to a proper test.
As for options, I shall probably get most of them as usual... despite not liking the cost I am a fan. I expected to dislike the quick shifter but actually really enjoyed it, perhaps because i'm lazy? Bloody expensive toy though!
Still undecided on colour...
Just had a thought - how about a K1300R Sport?
The K1200R Sport was a sort of middle ground between the R and S, half-faired and not as mental-looking. I don't know if BMW will do a 1300 version, but this bloke in Germany got RS panels put on his new 1300R.
Apparently he ordered a 1200RS with ABS - the one the dealer got didn't have it, and couldn't source an alternative, so they got a 1300R and built him the first (maybe only?) K1300 R Sport!
http://www.k1300r-sport.de
The K1200R Sport was a sort of middle ground between the R and S, half-faired and not as mental-looking. I don't know if BMW will do a 1300 version, but this bloke in Germany got RS panels put on his new 1300R.
Apparently he ordered a 1200RS with ABS - the one the dealer got didn't have it, and couldn't source an alternative, so they got a 1300R and built him the first (maybe only?) K1300 R Sport!
http://www.k1300r-sport.de
Brightlingsea said:
Will the BMW panniers fit the k1300r and the 1300 s I.le. Are they the same fittings for both models
Yes.Worth checking out www.eurokclub.bike if you want more model specific details.
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