BMW K 1300 GT
At first glance, it may seem that the price is the only obstacle for a mob of motorcyclists not to buy it. For everyone to ride a GT if it was just like a Honda CBF or a Yamaha Fazer, because it's a top-notch two-wheeler with lots of power and torque and tons of technologically advanced features that the competition doesn't have the spirit of yet. Can not hear.
Electronic suspension? It was announced for 2010 on the Ducati Multistrada, otherwise it's a topic. Rear wheel skid? The Kawasaki GTR has it, the Ducati 1198R has it too, but who else? However, the list of "sugars" with the abbreviations ESA and ASC does not end there - the GT also has ABS (standard), electrically adjustable windshield, trip computer, cruise control, heated grips. .
The list of accessories is probably one of the longest two-wheelers in the world.
This very flat four-cylinder engine is known from the previous generation, when it had a volume of 1.157 cubic meters. When the volume was increased, the power increased by eight "horsepower", and the number of revolutions at which it was reached fell by 500. And if any unit has a lot of power, then it is K.
At lower revs, smooth and quiet, above six thousandths, it is sharp and with a sound reminiscent of BMW M sports cars. Settling in, we turn on the gas and enjoy.
The transmission shifts obediently, only the jerk in first gear is (still) annoying. The driveline to the rear wheel is well established, but still not as “handling” as the chain drive, especially in city driving (weight is also included here) where a little more feeling in the right wrist is required. .
The switchable anti-skid system of the drive wheel ASC fulfills its function. You won't feel this in normal driving, but if you turn the throttle suddenly on smooth asphalt or wet roads, ignition and fuel injection will quickly stop.
The electronics rather roughly interfere with the operation of the engine and do not allow the driver to drive "across". Through the muffler, the engine begins to cough and resist, the power is reduced, but the goal is achieved - the bike does not slip! Considering the system is coming to motorsport and (they say) running a lot smoother and yet still efficient, we can probably expect improvements from bikes for everyday use as well.
Let's stop at another button on the steering wheel, the one that controls the suspension. The ESA system allows you to choose between three programs: Sport, Normal and Comfort, but you can also determine how loaded the motorcycle (driver, passenger, luggage) is, and thus turn rough roads into new asphalt or prevent excessive suspension swing when cornering the road wants styling.
Gasket with a touring bike? Don't be surprised, the GT can be very fast with a real grandpa behind the wheel, because excellent stability at high speeds is nothing new to it. Also, the position behind the (adjustable) steering wheel is such that it forces the driver into a sport-smelling position that not everyone will like. Personally, I'd rather have the handlebars an inch or two closer to my body, but hey, it's a matter of taste.
It is because of the driving position that the GT is not for everyone. You can "fall" after a few kilometers and sing praises to the Bavarians, but he may not "pull" you at all. However, it deserves respect because it is an extremely technological product and whoever respects it will eat up the price as well.
Face to face. ...
Marko Vovk: Considering this is a touring bike, it could be more comfortable. The driver's seat slides forward, which can be especially uncomfortable for a man. The handlebars are too low for the hiker and the pedals are too high. I was impressed with the engine torque, excellent brakes and wind protection, making the bike very tireless as we barely feel wind resistance when the glass is up.
How much does it cost in euros
Test car accessories:
Xenon headlights 363
ESA II 746
Heated seat 206
Heated handles 196
Tire pressure gauge 206
Cruise control 312
Trip computer 146
Raised windshield 60
Alarm 206
CSA 302
Technical information
Base model price: 18.250 EUR
Test car price: 20.998 EUR
engine: four-cylinder in-line, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 1.293 cc? , 4 valves per cylinder, two camshafts, dry sump.
Maximum power: 118 kW (160 KM) at 9.000/min.
Maximum torque: 135 Nm @ 8.000 rpm
Energy transfer: Transmission 6-speed, cardan shaft.
Frame: aluminum.
brakes: two coils ahead? 320mm, 4-piston caliper, rear disc? 294 mm, double piston cam.
Suspension: front dual arm, central shock, 115mm travel, aluminum rear swingarm, parallelepiped, 135mm travel, electronically adjustable ESA suspension.
Tires: 120/70-17, 180/55-17.
Seat height from ground: 820-840 mm (lower version for 800-820 mm).
Fuel tank: 24 l.
Wheelbase: 1.572 mm.
Weight: 255 (288 with liquids) kg.
Representative: BMW Slovenia, 01 5833 501, www.bmw-motorrad.si.
We praise and reproach
+ power and torque
+ wind protection
+ brakes
+ adjustable suspension
+ dashboard
– price
– too forward driving position
– rough operation of the ASC system
Matevž Gribar, photo: Marko Vovk, Ales Pavletic
