BMW K1300R (2009 - on) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £1,000 |
| Power: | 173 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (32.3 in / 820 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (503 lbs / 228 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesIt may look largely the same as the outgoing model but the latest version of BMW’s naked K1300R has had a host of small changes that add up to a much better bike all-round. With a claimed 173bhp and some seriously clever optional electronically-adjustable suspension, traction control and a long list of options to choose from, BMW has built a bike that almost defies naked bike logic. And don’t forget the new K-series range now has proper indicators rather than the confusing triple switches of old.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe BMW K13000R is actually a little easier to chuck around than the faired BMW K1300S model thanks to wider, taller handlebars which give loads of leverage over the fairly substantial weight of the bike. Use of aluminium rather than steel on the Duolever front suspension has taken 1kg off the unsprung weight and this has added a bit of feel to the slightly numb handling feedback on the outgoing model. The ESA II system and ASC traction control are brilliant and well worth the cash.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe motor is the biggest single area of improvement over the previous model. Engineering development was handed over to the spanner magicians at Ricardo – the same firm that designed the gearbox for the 1000bhp Bugatti Veyron hypercar. This is the first time BMW has worked with Ricardo on one of its bikes. The result is a claimed 173bhp from an increased 1293cc four-cylinder motor that is much smoother with bundles of power and torque. It’s one of the best big-capacity motors on the road today combining lovely refinement with a racing engine snarl when pushed. And yes, it’s very, very, very fast. The only question is how long you can hang on.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueFew bikes shrug off winter better than a BMW motorcycle but it will still need regular attention to keep it looking shiny. The uprated shaft drive means less maintenance and expense than a chain. A few owners of the BMW K1200S previous model seemed to have suffered from vibration and quite high oil consumption but the new engine should stop that happening.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentAt £9500 for the stock model without ABS there is no getting away from the fact that the BMW K1300R is not a cheap bike…add in the essential ABS and ESA II and the price goes to £10,675. From there on in adding options obviously just adds more and more to the costs. ESA II must be on the list as it transforms the bike. BMW do a Dynamic Pack which puts ABS and ASC traction control together with a Tyre Pressure Control system for £1175 and saves £143. Find a BMW K1300R for sale.
Equipment
Spec up a BMW K1300R with all of the options BMW has to offer and it’s going to be an expensive machine. There are some must-haves though and the ESA II at £617 is one of them as it offers a great deal of adjustment and takes the guesswork out of suspension adjustment. ABS is another one. After that there are some lovely choices. Heated grips, hard luggage, Akrapovic exhaust, onboard computer and a quickshifter. There are also carbon bits, mini-indicators and crash bungs as standard on the R. Most are worth a look although we would give the quickshifter a miss as although it works just fine, it seems out of place on a bike like this. Compare and buy products for the BMW K1300R in the MCN Shop.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 1293cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled, twin-cam, 4v four-stroke inline four. Six gears |
| Frame type | Cast aluminium bridge frame |
| Fuel capacity | 19 litres |
| Seat height | 820mm |
| Bike weight | 228kg |
| Front suspension | Electronically adjustable with ESA |
| Rear suspension | Electronically adjustable with ESA |
| Front brake | 2 x 320 discs with 4-piston calipers |
| Rear brake | 265mm disc with two-piston caliper |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 190/55 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 34 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £93 |
| Annual service cost | £1,000 |
| New price | £12,125 |
| Used price | £5,000 - £7,500 |
| Insurance group |
17 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 173 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 103 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 155 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | 10.63 secs |
| Tank range | 170 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
K1300S introduced in 2009 to replace the K1200S introduced in 2004.
Owners' reviews for the BMW K1300R (2009 - on)
18 owners have reviewed their BMW K1300R (2009 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your BMW K1300R (2009 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £1,000 |
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.
Stopped on a dime, ASC saved my arse more than once, suspension just brilliant. Felt good on a short ride, but I also toured all over Swiss Alps when I lived there.
No issues ever.
It is hard to get more fun for your buck. I do not recall the exact cost of servicing, but it was not prohibitively expensive for what this bike is.
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.
I'm sure it has a NASA rating!
Very well built, good fit and finish.
Not too hard on the gas mileage, but I wish the tank held a couple of litres extra as I get about 380kms safely. A usual ride down under is about 400...
OEM panniers are very easy to remove and are cleverly designed to expand.
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!
Bike is at its best unladen on the highway and, of course, thru mountain passes and twisty sections. …hills/inclinations mean NOTHING! Usually i require a break every refuelling (depending upon the speed and level of intensity experienced), which is typically every 300-400 km. Most-noticeable are my arms and butt, due to the typical seating-position of a Sportbike. Also of note, is that my hands begin to go numb after a few hours straight. This could be due to unconsciously-tightly-gripping, or that i am now over 50 years of age? HAHA!
Delivers power and SUPER-torque THROUGHOUT the entire throttle-range.
In 6+ years of use and 44,100 km (~90% touring)(Across Canada & USA), NO rust NOR corrosion. NO breakdowns/failures.
This is approximate in Canadian$$$. It includes oil changes (EVERY 5K) and the yearly-share of tyres and warranty service.
SHIFT-ASSIST and enjoy the flexibility and ease of the ESA (Oooops, that's an option). …Heated grips and that there are 2 temperature settings, Low-fuel-warning, TPM (i use this as an Early-Warning-System ONLY), ABS (Has been beneficial several instances), Shaft drive, Duo lever front suspension is accommodating/responsive/positive-feeling, Have had Continental: (~10-12K front;~5-6K rear) ; Metzler: (~10K front; under 5K rear), and Michelin Pilot 3 (~13K front; ~8K rear) & Pilot 4 tyres (So Far have over 10K on Front & rear). Metzlers wore out quickest, but were best high-performance for their ability to schtick-well. Continentals were adequate and almost as good as the Metzlers, understandably-trading performance for longer-life. I am sold on the Michelins, ESPECIALLY the Pilot 4. I think they pretty-well-equal the Metzlers for performance and undoubtably-will vastly-outlive them in tread-life. Mind-you, my present riding-scenario consists of approximately 90% + touring. On my "Expeditions" i DO lock-up my kit and ROAR thru WHATEVER particular mountain pass/twisties/etc. that is proximal, or that of which was my destination-purpose.
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.
BMW K1300R - easier to chuck around than the S model
BMW K1300R - menacing stance
BMW K1300R - duolever frotn suspension is improved
BMW K1300R - wide and tall handlebars
BMW K1300R - bars give good leverage
BMW K1300R - orange
BMW K1300R - grey
BMW K1300R - white
BMW K1300R - bundles of power and torque
BMW K1300R - funky bmw styling
BMW K1300R - press shot
BMW K1300R - very, very fast
BMW K1300R - tons of extras available
BMW K1300R - 1293cc motor
BMW K1300R - logo
BMW K1300R - action shot
BMW K1300R - clocks
BMW K1300R - single-sided swingarm
BMW K1300R - shaft drive
BMW K1300R - action shot
BMW K1300R - front
BMW K1300R - rear
BMW K1300R - claimed 173bhp
BMW K1300R - luggage options
BMW K1300R - end can
BMW K1300R - top down
BMW K1300R - rear light cluster
BMW K1300R - rider-eye view
BMW K1300R - stripped down
BMW K1300R - front end
