Test: BMW K 1300 S
Yes, there are motorcycles with more power, these are motorcycles that are about a kilometer per hour faster, but no one has the technology and electronic aids that make the ride safer and more enjoyable.
Of course, we are only talking about the class of sports bikes, that is, with armor and M-shaped handlebars, but without the racing ambitions that are otherwise typical of superbikes and supersport bikes. BMW is preparing an all-new S 1000 RR for track racing, a road version of the superbike racing they compete against in their premiere season at the World Championship and will officially hit the market at the end of the season. year.
This super-fast hiker is labeled K1300S, essentially the name is exactly the same as its predecessor, except that there is a three instead of two. So in an in-line four-cylinder engine with cylinders displaced forward, the volume is 100 cubic centimeters more.
To refresh your memory a little: With the previous K1200 S model, over four years ago, BMW announced that it was gearing up for new, younger and wider bikes. And then they managed to get into black for the first time. The motorcycle moved at almost 300 km / h, was reliable and stable, just like a BMW should be.
But he was not only a speed record hunter, but also excelled on country roads and winding mountain passes. This dynasty continues, only the new model is even better.
At first it seems a little large and bulky, but this sensation passes through a few meters. To make the wheels move, the BMW becomes incredibly light and pleasant to drive. However, the fact that this unit has even more torque becomes clear when you drive at a moderate pace on a winding country road and find that for speeds from 60 km / h onwards, you need nothing but sixth gear.
The flexibility of this engine is truly amazing; it is a class in itself and a benchmark for everyone else. 140 Nm of torque at just 8.250 rpm and 175 "horsepower" at 9.250 rpm just make them yourself.
But the charm of this test bike was not a test of flexibility and leisure, but of calm enjoyment, as we prefer to do when we have a passenger in the back and a pair of suitcases from a rich BMW accessory. This time it was about testing a novelty, which made us happy.
In addition to ABS, electronically controlled suspension and rear-wheel traction control, BMW is also introducing a "sequential" transmission. It does not require clutch compression or throttle closure to shift up. The switch electronics and computer interrupt the ignition for a fraction of a second and ensure optimum use of engine power and the least waste of time when shifting gears when the throttle is fully open.
It is not new to motorsport, as it has long been the base equipment of all the better-equipped racing bikes in the superbike and supersport class, and the GP two-stroke engines had such a switch before.
While driving, it is difficult to hide the excitement of the sound emanating from the unit during quick upshifts, when the engine breathes full lungs and is as noble as the roar of a racing car.
But the list of the benefits of this BMW is not over yet. In addition to all of the above equipment, the fantastic trip computer has a set of transparent sensors that, at the touch of a button, download all the necessary information: what is the temperature outside, what is the average consumption, the distance to the next gas station, the distance from the last gas station, daily odometer, driving time, in which gear there is a gearbox (otherwise usually a sixth, but still when this information comes in handy), and we could go on and on.
Then there's great ergonomics. I dare say that the bike will fit perfectly in the hands of both short and tall riders, and both of them can also adjust their position at the wheel. In fact, this bike has one of the most sophisticated ergonomic features.
The seat is poetry for the back and long trips, and in the back seat the lady will also ride very beautifully.
Many suitcases do not look very nice on such an athlete, but in the list of accessories we found a nice and useful "tank bag" and a couple of ready-made side suitcases to match the motorcycle. Heated arms, seats and cruise controls? Of course, because it's a BMW!
Comfort also provides good wind protection, which, despite the vertical position behind the steering wheel, directs the wind well, only above 200 km / h it is recommended to hide behind the armor, as this makes the motorcycle more precise.
Otherwise, the K 1300R is extremely stable at high speeds and allows higher than standard cruising speeds. More interestingly, it's not bulky in corners, not least with a 1.585mm wheelbase, and it's not that big either. You may not break the mountain climbing record with it - a 600cc supermoto. The CM or even the R 1200 GS will perform better there, but where the speeds are a bit higher, it again impresses with its high limits, exceptional precision and agility.
Apart from the extremely high price, we will not find anything on it that would be worth a negative rating. Even the consumption, which fluctuates between 5, 6 and 6 liters, is not so disturbing, not least because this is a large-capacity engine with great power, and a 2-liter fuel tank and four-liter reserve allow a range of up to 19 kilometers.
As for the price: basically BMW in Slovenia wanted 16.200 euros for it, but where there is a limit, we leave it up to you - the list is very long. This is a motorcycle for those who have money, and, believe me, they will not disappoint.
Face to face. ...
Matevj Hribar: Can you imagine what kind of moped the 600cc Diversion seemed to me when I got on it straight from a 1-liter Bavarian? Yes, all motorcycles with a displacement of less than a liter are mopeds with insufficient power compared to the test mogul.
Hats off for stability at high speeds (on the highway it's like on rails), for the torque and power of the four-cylinder engine (from 2.000 rpm, which pulls and more) and for the electronic transmission assistant, which allows you to instantly shift up without releasing the throttle ... The only criticism is: how do you explain to her in the back seat that there is nothing wrong with the transmission cracking loudly when you insert the first one?
PS: Ahh, no, not more than 300, especially. The K 1300 S is a high-tech insect killer!
Technical information
Base model price: 16.200 EUR
engine: four-cylinder in-line, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 1.293 cc? , electronic fuel injection.
Maximum power: 129 kW (175 KM) at 9.200/min.
Maximum torque: 140 Nm @ 8.200 rpm
Energy transfer: Transmission 6-speed, cardan shaft.
Frame: aluminum.
brakes: two coils ahead? 320mm, 4-piston calipers, rear disc? 265mm, single piston cam, built-in ABS.
Suspension: front BMW Motorrad Duolever; central spring seat, 115 mm travel, aluminum single-arm swingarm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, central spring seat with lever
system, infinitely variable hydraulic spring preload (via wheel with drive arms around the circumference), adjustable return damping, 135 mm travel, electronic ESA setting
Tires: 120/70-17, 190/55-17.
Seat height from ground: 820 mm or 790 in the lower version.
Fuel tank: 19 l + 4 l stock.
Wheelbase: 1.585 mm.
Weight: 254 kg (228 kg dry weight).
Representative: BMW Group Slovenia, www.bmw-motorrad.si.
We praise and reproach
+ cumulative low speed responsiveness, power, flexibility
+ gearbox
+ excellent ergonomics
+ comfort for both one and two passengers
+ wind protection
+ brakes
+ rich list of accessories
+ stability and controllability
+ workmanship
– price
Petr Kavčič, photo: Aleš Pavletič
