BMW K1300S (2009 - present)

CARL PEARCE
Reviewed: 15 January 2013

Fast, comfortable, easy to ride and spacious.

This is a fast bike and probably not for novices, although it handles extremely well and out perform most bikes including big 1000cc sports bikes, the ABS and traction control work well and give good piece of mind, it's nimble and a very capable track machine and tourer, it'll take luggage and a pillion very easily, the ESA (electronic suspension adjustment) is also a must, it should do nearly 200 miles to a tank when touring, wind protection is also another plus for this awesome machine, mirrors once set correctly offer better than most rear visibility.

The K1300s isn't a cheap machine but if you have £10k + to spend on a new bike you wont be disappointed, personal preference I prefer the K1200s/r indicator switches, servicing isn't cheap but cheaper than Ducati, they seem to eat tyres probably due to the massive amounts of power, BMW has a stigma attached to them but boring this bike isn't, it's a bit on the heavy side but weight is all down low, big turning circle, build quality qis better than most but not perfect with bolt heads rusting quickly if left through winter, , lights once again BMW are less useful than a chocolate tea pot cheers

A very capable motorbike with lots of benefits over others in it's class, lots of power, good handling, good versatility for lots of situations, only let down by a few minors but certainly not a deal breaker, my advise is to get a good 2hrs+ test ride (and most BMW garages would allow this) and see how the K1300s fits.

Beckers878
Reviewed: 05 January 2013

Excellent Sports tourer

Great riding position, shaft drive, handling, power, good economy. BMW dealer back up.

Build quality issues, switch pack failures, servicing costs

I've owned my K1300S for over two and a half years and 18,000 miles. Whether doing 850 miles in a day on holiday or having a blast around your local lanes, its a brilliant, fun bike with all the power you need, and stable but responsive cornering. The riding position is just right, not totally upright but with a slight forward lean taking weight off spine and buttocks but not enough to make wrists ache. Despite the performance, once run in it will do 50mpg. It's a great bike to ride.

Unfortunately while it is good to ride, it lets itself down as an ownership proposition. I've had the swing arm replaced and several bolts due to corrosion, which has now returned (brake calliper bolts in particular look shabby) and if you ever ride in the dark much like I do (I work shifts) watch out for the switch pack faults. Mine has had a total of 6 new left hand switches because the full beam switch goes faulty after a few weeks use. It's a known problem. BMW are good at sorting it, and great at good will gestures etc. But it's still a complete pain. I know some people have had the same fault on the right hand switch affecting the kill switch leaving them stranded.

Overall though don't let it put you off. They are cracking bikes to ride. It would help if you live quite close to the dealers though as you might find you visit frequently. Service costs not cheap..

Andrew Ferguson
Reviewed: 21 June 2012

Stellar bike

Power, grace, looks, stability, technology, finish, quality, fun factor.

Handlebars too far forward for short guys. Fixable with aftermarket hardware. Wish BMW provided this option.

I can't imagine anyone dissing this bike. It is unquestionably a "super" bike. Power beyond anyone's "need." Extremely stable yet easily able to handle bendy curves. The technology at first seems overkill until you use it and then it's hard to imagine you'd ever go back (e.g. ABS, traction control, shift assist, tandem braking, auto suspension adjust, etc.). Are there better boy rockets? Yes. Are there better straight line tourers? Yes. Is there a better all around bike? No. It's simply amazing. 

tyzer
Reviewed: 15 June 2012

Very dissapointing felt like a tractor compared to my Z1000

Gear indicator, heated grips, comfy seat for my wife

terrible clutch/gearbox,noisy engine, poor brakes

I was expecting this bike to blow me away, what a let down.I need something more pillion friendly than my Z1000 but BMW K1300S needs to have more than just a comfy seat.Boring is a word that comes to mind !

GS1200-X5
Reviewed: 05 October 2011

wow

handling crisp power delibvery awesum! easy to ride

you will not be able to resist opening the throttle!watch your locence disapear!

fab bike and goes rapidly with smooth power takeup, not a sports bike fan but this was worth the ride