BMW K1300R (2009 - 2015) Review

Version: Carbon

Year: 2012

After my 1200GS engine self-destructed about 11 years ago I looked for something ‘not a boxer’ and surprisingly rode home on a K1200GT. Loved the engine and handling but after a while not the bulk, so I traded that for a K1200R and then a K1300R. After a short spell with a Super Duke 1290R I’m now back with another K1300R and honestly struggle to think of anything else that does everything I want as well as this bike. Fantastic engine; great performance, stability and handling (for a long funny front end-er; you get used to it); comfortable for days; carries the proverbial kitchen sink with ease; super reliable; and an exclusive sight these days which we like. With the K1300R’s face some may say that’s a good thing but I love the brutal looks and ‘old school cool’ it exudes, and as one of the original super-naked bikes it was ahead of its time and certainly can’t be mistaken for anything else.

Buying experience: Bought from Shirlaws in Aberdeen, a hassle-free purchase that was transported down to me in the South West during the pandemic. The Carbon version of the bike very rarely comes up for sale so for me it was a ‘must have’ as I’d wanted one for years. Just 7000 on the clock and in excellent condition for £8K.

Version: Dynamic

Year: 2011

Annual servicing cost: £2,500

The power is amazing! Had a k1200r before this and the improvement is magnificent! I'm getting older now and need to ease up a tadge, but can't think what to replace it with!

Version: Dynamic

Year: 2011

Annual servicing cost: £250

Power, looks, handling, economy. Only let down by slight discomfort on very long journeys!

Year: 2010

Best allrounder.

Year: 2013

Amazing build quality, the only naked bike I really liked. 1300cc, oodles of power, really turns and breeze filtering traffic. Obviously fuel economy or kerb weight isn’t the reason you will buy this bike, but it’s so rare to find something in market and shaft driven, it will be a collectors item

Buying experience: Dealer

Version: Dynamic

Year: 2014

I had two K13Rs, covered some 16k miles. The last in Dynamic with Akra exhaust. The sweetest bike I have ever ridden, but also a true hooligan. We parted ways due to my knee problems. I miss it! Plus they are increasingly rare.

Year: 2015

A wolf in sheep clothing, one of their best bikes ever. I have the last of them so all optioned up, very good value.

Version: Silk Metallic Canadian Version(s)

Year: 2010

Annual servicing cost: £1,000

Absolutely NOTHING bad to say regarding: performance, reliability, durability, , functionality of components, handling, looks, aerodynamics, braking, comfort (as can be expected with a Sportbike), long-distance touring (with nightly-reststops), etc., etc. etc. Of particular are: Shift Assist-Shift Assist-Shift Assist!!!, ABS, ASC, Heated grips, POWERRRR!

Buying experience: Purchased from dealer at set/non-negotiable price. First Bike was Calgary, Alberta. Got $500 discount for ordering/deposit at the yearly Motorcycle Show. Wiped-out and bike totalled-off at end of 2010 by deer collision at lucky-13,00km. Purchased second/IDENTICAL bike, new, in Edmonton, Alberta in April/2011. Wanted "Silk Metallic" colour (2010 ONLY). EXACT SAME PRICE. This year Feb10, 2017; privately-purchased my THIRD 2010 K1300R from the Edmonton area. It is EXACTLY identical to my first 2 bikes! …with ONLY 7,40 km!!! It is my 'Backup bike' and resides as a pseudo-investment in my 'Museum', awaiting deployment when necessary. I have only seen few surface for sale around here and their rareness has increased vastly after this model's final year in 2014.

... for me. It's a really good 2-up tourer, it commutes, it handles well thanks to the suspension set-up, & it out-accelerates most sportsbikes. A good all-rounder, that for some reason has the exclusivity of a Lamborghini. Downsides are it's expensive, but still cheaper than most of its main competitors, it's heavy (but again, lighter than a V-Max or Hayabusa)... it's not very economical... but beats many comparable bikes... in other words, it's probably the best in its class.

Have had one of these for about a year now, have ridden it through two sets of tyres, in all conditions. Fast, decent range, good brakes, plenty of tech to help keep you alive, suspension is sporty and comfortable depending on the mood (assuming you have the ESA).... About the only down side is it struggles a bit when the roads get really, really tight.

Now that you have all bought the K1300R like myself how about a unique designed bespoke centre paddock stand for it..........See link on you tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvfijNT5fX8 then, if interested contact me at paddockstands@aol.com

nice bike uncomfortable

well not really, but it certainly ticks all the boxes for me.. it handles, is fast, has a stunning engine, lots of toys and rare! let's be honest, we like that.. I just need a track day to square the circle.. Great bike so far.. did I say fast?

One year on! 7000 wonderful miles including annual visit to Isle of Man TT with Nidderdale on Tour. Had another good one to Ulster GP via Scotland and back through Ireland, Wales, England, to Gods own country Yorkshire! Just had my first annual service done at Allan Jefferies (great service they collected my bike, no riding through the salt and delivered it back good as new) new back tyre ready for this season can't wait, had this years fist ride, just a quickie through Nidderdale to Harrogate, looking forward to more sun and fun.

"Rapid" bikes magazine of australia quotes an experienced drag racer doing 9.7 second 1/4 miles on the K1300S......if this is so, then the K1300R might even do 9.5 second 1/4's...?? I rarely give mine full-gas on public streets..

great bike... power... power... i little expensive... but that the way it´s

Well, just had my first (1000 miles) service. really pleased with machine. AWESOME POWER. especially now engine is run in, able to use full power......If I had the balls to! Purchased the BMW rear rack and fitted it today.Blends in well with bikes styling but not overly practical, only wanted it for occasional wetsuit to strap on. Ordered the recommended Akropovich can today (£950 from George Whites) approx 3 days delivery. Blame MCN for that one after saying that the Akropovich on the K1300S in last weeks issue sounded intoxicating. Had to find out for myself! As for ride and handling, that also is addictive, finding myself watching weather by the hour looking for another excuse to take the beastie out. Wait a minute, whats that, looks like another break in the weather.....gotta go and get my gear on again!

What can i say that hasn't been said already. It looks good, rides good and sounds wonderful. I'm not sure if it's the type of helmet i wear (Shark flip front) but i reckon you can hear it better. Used it for work today in heavy rain, safe as houses i can tell you. Got a GSA as well but its taking a back seat at the moment as you would expect.

I have just bought a K1300R after spending a day test riding a K1200R and the 1300R. Be in no doubt that the new 1300R is a serious step forward compared to the 1200, although either bike would be a great owners proposition. The power of the K13 is just stunning, pulled away from some traffic in 4th doing 2000rpm and nearly got left behind, the surge of power takes your breath away. With the ESA the bike feels really well planted and loves turning into corners as much as crusing at well over the national speed limit (not me gov!). If you are thinking of buying the K1300R but are not sure, buy something else, I love the exclusivity of this bike, only a few hundred sold each year in the UK. Rarer and faster than all the lambos, astons etc. This for me is the ultimate muscle bike as it gives the complete offering - performance, comfort & looks. Finally, the growl when you get the engine spinning above 4000 rpm is the kind of noise that sends a little shiver down your spine, something akin to a messerschmitt from WW2. Awesome.

Not sure who your dealer is? Booked my 1st service on-line at Alan Jefferies £60 fantastic value. Over two thousand miles now, looking to replace rear tyre, liked Michelin on my R1’s, can’t decide pilot power 2CT or pilot road 2CT any suggestions you Beemer riders?

I took delivery 4th April, excellent bike. BMW know how to build bikes!. Thought the cost of first service is a little steep (£300+)Thought that would have been included in £12,200 worth of bike. Anyway weather not been kind for any major ride outs yet but first all round impressions are excellent bit of kit, Recommend you get down to local dealer and try one for yourself.........Gaurantee you will come back with big grin on your face!

got mine 1st march, fantastic weather fantastic bike, can't stop riding it. 1200 fun miles great bike. look forward to tt and wonderful isle of man.