Impressions of the K1300S

In general an evolution of the K1200S. However, the 1300 is much more than a revised model.



The bike is slightly narrower and fully fueled 6kg heavier. Engine capacity has been increased with 136cc to 1293cc with 140nm torque at 8250 rpm and the horse power with the BMW Akrapovic slip-on is 180bhp......pretty impressive figures. The 1300 also has a revised gearbox and a new stage 2 driveshaft for smoother shifting – all round more refined feeling.

a few more subtle items form part of the package:

- different body work;
- reworked front end (dual over & handle bars) to make it lighter;
- new look dials;
- different exhaust;
- a rear tyre which is now 190/55 x 17 (from 50 to 55)

and some not so subtle additions:

- single side switch gear;
- different buttons altogether in different positions.



What actually prompted me to do this write-up is 1 OE item (optional extra but assembled in the factory) and 1 OA item (optional accessory but retrofitted to the bike)

I’ll try and contain myself here although it’s somewhat difficult………after all I’m coming from an absolute unbelievable bike in the K1200S and I’m suppose to be used to anything BMW has to offer in the sport segment…… how can it be possible to improve on an already outstanding package?

Take my word for it, they did and a big leap it is. The key are in two acronyms:

ESA II & QS

to quote the BMW marketing document on ESA II– the OE item (Electronic Suspension Adjustment):

……..the “technically-not-interested” can just skip this quote……..

“ESA II now offers the ability to adjust the spring preload, damping, and spring rate. Just as with the original ESA, the rider makes the adjustment to the bike while stationary and with the engine running. The new feature is that the system not only adjusts the preload but also an automatic and simultaneous adjustment of preload, spring rate, and damping. The technical solution is achieved by means of a plastic element (Elastogran) which absorbs forces in combination with a conventional coil spring on compression. The lateral expansion of this element on compression is limited, depending on the setting, by means of a sheath operated by an actuator . This is equivalent to the effect of a more powerful spring. The lowering of the rear of the bike on compression (such as with a passenger or luggage) is almost entirely prevented. ESA I has three levels of damping: Normal, Sport, and Comfort. ESA II retains these settings but with the press of a button, not only does damping change but the spring rate changes to match. This means that for every damping level the appropriate spring rate is available as well. Compared to ESA I, the damping settings of Normal, Sport, and Comfort are further apart in ESA II due to the new technology. As a result the different settings can be more clearly felt by the rider. For example, Sport is now more aggressive and precise than before and Comfort is more relaxed with a smoother ride.”



In practise it’s really phenomenal and allows the bike to perform Superbike-like handling characteristics in sport mode.


again from the BMW marketing document on the QS – the OA item (Quick Shifter):

“The shift assistant enables the rider to make fast, racing-style upshifts without closing the throttle and disengaging the clutch. The sensor for the shift assistant connects to the engine's electronic control unit. The integral software ensures that power to the drivetrain is interrupted for only an extremely short time. The technical implementation retards the ignition angle and suppresses injection when the
rider moves the shift lever for an upshift.”



only a few sentences on the QS and all I can say to this is……..WOW, an indescribable WOW. The containing part is very much applicable here………I’m not even going to try and express myself. I have been on really neat bikes before, fast ones, ones with slipper clutches and the likes………..but this, I have never experienced before and used in combination with…….



is to put it mildly, taking biking to the next level

Being the first bike in the country to be fitted with one, it was a lengthy process which stretched over 4 working days. In essence, the VIN number of the bike needs to be logged in Germany after which they supply an enabling code for the software to be installed. Huge thumbs-up to Lenny for his relentless perusal to get it up and running. Many hours with only a document in 35 languages stating “The QS must be installed by an accredited BMW agent” to work with. This man is in a league of his own.

from me to Lenny – thank you so much…….it was worth all your efforts (and more)



TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS!!! – this bike has oodles of it and it’s not only gimmicks

I think I’m impressed…….big time

I take that this means you like your new bike?

fair to say



also the reason why I only saw your Sunday morning sms very late in the day

ps. waar is "klein" Chris......moet tog nie weer die DS so lank inniegraage laat staan nie

nee jong, hy is maar weer stil - sommer weer stilletjies weggeraak.

For a seasoned campaigner like you to be so impressed with a bike, it must be something truly special. Can you imagine what they will need to come up with if they make an all new model?

I can second the sentiments regarding Lenny. My bike has not had to go in much but when it has, he has been stellar in his service. I hope Bavarian know what they have in him, and compensate him accordingly!!

M

Dit is impressive, never heard of anybody saying anything bad about the k1200, amazing that they have improved the 1300 that much!

I saw the K1300S for the first time when I visited "Bavaria East" on their opening day yesterday.

It looks an awesome bike, in KTM orange nogal....

The first thing I noticed was the different "nose" or "front-end", I am not sure if I like it or not. But all in all - I LIKE the bike !!!!!

Hope you have MANY MANY happy miles with the new one!!

Congrats again !!!

ps. waar is "klein" Chris......moet tog nie weer die DS so lank inniegraage laat staan nie [/quote]

Ek is nog hier “Over worked and under paid”

I meant to say “overweight and under paid”
Miss you guys...

Wow is all I can say.

Excellent (bike & post ) !

Glad your faith in early-ordering was not misplaced, the lava-orange is wicked, but still a few years in my future, likely it will be unavailable by the time I can buy

Will need to look for a test drive to experience the quick-shifter ...

Kwaai! She looks wickedly angry It seems that you, Lenny and your bank manager are taking the pimp-my-ride to a whole new level!

Perhaps we can dice some time

Do yourselves a favour and make a plan to listen to the quick-shifter in action ..

Very curious about that QS, tried to explain to my wife how it works (or rather how I think it works)

Just got the blank look...

Joe wrote:Do yourselves a favour and make a plan to listen to the quick-shifter in action ..

ping, ping GSing.......maybe he can help out with a few adjectives

dakardrix wrote:Very curious about that QS, tried to explain to my wife how it works (or rather how I think it works)

that's very easy to explain.......just tell here it's B E.....V A N G E! .....tell here I said a different word

Very nice bike !
Wishing you many happy k's !
I saw it in Orange at Auto Alpina on Sat.

This pic just doesn't do justice to the colour !

When I'm big, I'll get one !

ok to complete the colour line-up, here is the 3rd colour



so it's the Multi-Colour on page 1 of this post, the Lawa Orange in the post above and this Light Grey

you be the judge...........

Nee MadnohB, ek mag nie sulke taal hier gebruik nie!!!

[quoteThe bike is slightly narrower and fully fueled 6kg heavier. Engine capacity has been increased with 136cc to 1293cc with 140nm torque at 8250 rpm and the horse power with the BMW Akrapovic slip-on is 180bhp......pretty impressive figures. The 1300 also has a revised gearbox and a new stage 2 driveshaft for smoother shifting – all round more refined feeling.

.....

I think I’m impressed…….big time[/quote]

I really enjoy somebody writing that knows what he is talking about. You have convinced me, but my finance minister is still not happy.

O by the way, my minister of finance has done her first ever ride on a bike! At the age of 56 she decided to learn how ride a bike! I am really impressed with her. As soon as she can ride as far as the BMW Academy, I will enlist her for some training courses.

Topic split..
See: Member matters: Another Lady Rider.

Please continue here with K1300S Impressions.

I like the orange one… shouldn’t there be some stripes on the front… or is that an extra?

nope, that is how the Lawa Orange looks like.


of skeer jy nou gek?

No, it just looks like it’s missing something; I still like it… for making a statement, if you need a bike to do that for you.

Last night at the club night the new K1300GT started talking to me... very silently!...

If you add striped to the very pretty Lava Orange it will look like a Ford Focus ... Saw an orange one earlier this wees in George Storar, VERY nice .