[Test Ride Reviews] K1300R, strongest naked in BMW history, which has been improved to details

18/11/2016
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When K1200 came to market, I was very surprised at its different sized headlights like the GS, its ominous design like an alien’s skull, and the like. I was impressed with how adventurously the BMW had developed such a rugged motorcycle. However, K1200 was born again as K1300R. K1300R has improved its appearance and its runs to get wilder.

As the highest power engine in BMW increased its displacement, the 1300cc engine has been installed to K1300R. It is sport tourer K1300S that shares the same frame and basic engine layout as K1300R. K1300S is the strongest and fastest sport model of BMW, boasting 173 horsepower that is 2 horsepower lower than K1300S. Against the S, K1300R has set the reduction ratio that places importance on acceleration to deliver a wild acceleration. This R belongs to the “urban” group in BMW, an aggressive group that enjoys the full extent of its power and handling. This R looks like the boss in the group. Obviously it is a naughty brat and maverick. I like things like this.

In fact, the ability to dash of this motorcycle is extraordinary fast. It seems as fast as Japanese-made motorcycles that compete with each other for the strongest and fastest place. The engine reaches its power band between 6500 rpm and 10000 rpm. It basically delivers torque across the entire rev range. If you don’t care about extra power when it comes to the crunch, you won’t need to stick to the power band. Big torque is emerging from anywhere. There are slightly many mechanical sounds, but there are few vibrations. The response is calm. It is easy to handle anyway. (Reported by: Keiichiro Miyazaki)

The unique body design is different from any others. A new small meter visor is installed as standard to expect some windbreak effect. Three colors are offered: light grey metallic, orange metallic, and silk metallic.
The torque that is as big as 14kg-m brings very comfortable high way cruises. The original duolever suspension and paralever rear suspension provide smooth rides.
The water-cooled in-line four cylinder engine whose displacement increased to 1293cc delivers the maximum power of 173PS/9250rpm and the maximum torque of 14.3kg-m/8250rpm. It reaches 100km/h in just 2.8 seconds.
The previous models had a turn signal on the grip of each side respectively. For K1300S, the turn signal is installed on the left. It has become easy to handle even for riders who ride BMW for the first time.
The integral ABS included as standard in HIGH LINE and PREMIUM LINE is a revolutionary system. Gripping the front brake lever makes the front and rear brakes work; using only the brake pedal makes only the rear brake work.

ASC and Gear Shift Assist come as options: ASC is a system that electrically controls wheelspin; Gear Shift Assist skips the clutch operation in upshifting. The both systems suddenly start, so it took a while to grab the sense. Once you get used to the systems, it is nice and is likely to be able to roughly open throttle fully or shift gears. Regarding Gear Shift Assist, an engine stop at a moment left a jaggy sense at first.

Because K1300S is a fairly long motorcycle, it is as stable as touring motorcycles during acceleration or high speed driving. This is like a K1300GT that became lighter with taking off the gorgeous cowl. This stability will surely be useful for touring. The center of gravity is rather low and the steering is unexpectedly light. You might think this length is not suitable for turning a corner, but surprisingly you can draw a line as intended. The front duolever suspension works without an unpleasant feeling and the shaft has very few tendencies. I can not say the vehicle turns flexibly, but it is easy to make a turn.

K1300R is a BMW with great individuality that is wrapping its splendid and aggressive vehicle performance in the equivalent wild appearance. As may be expected of BMW, it has made K1300R a muscle motorcycle that is astonishingly easy to handle and that anybody can deal with. (Reported by Keiichiro Miyazaki)

The white-based meter panel that looks sportier that before. The liquid crystal panel displays: odometer, twin trip odometer, fuel consumption meter, clock and others.
The rear shock offers three kinds of rides: normal, comfort, and sport. A new spring has been installed and its damper has been updated.
Because the front part of the seat and the end of the tank are slim, I feel the road closer than the actual seat height when I sit on the seat. The low center of gravity makes it possible to support the machine easily and provides a better accessible riding position than it looks. The seat has a range of seating positions and how much you lean forward depends on where you sit. This vehicle has an aggressive riding position that rather heavily leans forward. (Rider’s size: Height/176cm, Weight/68kg, Inseam/86cm)
[K1300S] A mega cruiser that has installed a full cowl on the body of K1300R. Active Line: 2,017,000 Yen, High Line 2,248,000 Yen, Premium Line 2,426,500 Yen.
[K1300GT] A tourer model that has installed a large cowl to improve the windbreak performance. High Line 2,460,000 Yen, Premium Line 2,638,500 Yen.