Menus
- Seductive bestial of 173 horses … in full version
- Discovery
- In the saddle
- In the city
- Motorway and expressways
- Departmental
- Part-cycle
- Braking
- Comfort / Duo
- Consumption
- Conclusion
Seductive bestial of 173 horses … in full version
The aggressiveness was hardly, far from it, the prerogative of the German manufacturer … before 2004. Because from then on, the Bavarian firm does not cease surprising, as well in design as in technology with two or four cylinders. With its sharp lines and performance, the K 1200 R had marked the spirits and laid the foundations of the nasty roadster in the range of Beyond the Rhine.
Arms race requires, the 2009 model swells by 136 cm3 and further increases its sportiness but above all improves its daily enjoyment, even making you forget the calamitous restraint of its predecessor.
Discovery
At first glance, some will find its purely Germanic style, and elegance is certainly not its primary quality. Far from the aestheticism of a Japanese samurai, BMW preferred the idea of ostentatious force to generate its Road Berserker. Because it is indeed a warrior on two wheels who faces us, imposing, long and of a respectable build. However, he is still a lean athlete. His mask with asymmetrical optics takes place between two large angular scoops. These frame a large and high reservoir or come to die the lines, cut with an ax, of the sides..
One-piece, the saddle offers a complex but attractive structure, placed on a discreet rear buckle. Ergonomically efficient grab handles and a nicely contoured LED taillight adorn this hull. This supports massive passenger footrest plate with dynamic design, unfortunately blocked by an ugly reinforcement attached to the frame. The latter, perimeter in cast aluminum appears surprisingly horizontal.
This is because the German four-cylinder it supports is tilted sharply forward (55 °), optimizing center of gravity positioning and overall agility. The block, also load-bearing for maximum rigidity, is hardly modified, except in displacement (modified air filter and redesigned intake pipes), gaining 10 horsepower. Thus, 173 good big nags pawing at 9,250 rpm in the steel stud, outside France of course…
This powerful cavalry remains under the optional control of numbers of somewhat barbaric acronyms: ESA, ASC and ABS. The first mentions the piloted suspensions with multiple settings. The second relates to traction control and the last, more famous, manages braking. This is an integral type: operating the lever on the handlebars also operates the rear. Two radial 4-piston calipers thus attack 320mm discs at the front while a 2-piston clamp bites a 265mm disc at the rear.
As usual, the transmission is via shaft and universal joint via the elegant single-sided arm supporting such an attractive rim with multiple spokes. The directional gear retains its technological duolever fork, with superimposed double wishbones and shrouds, whose arms are dressed in a tortured-style fairing.
Note also the presence of a steering damper, hidden in the fork well, as well as a new exhaust incorporating a piloted valve. This reduces the volume of the silencer for greater flow at low speeds. Our test model features an optional Akrapovic adaptable element, in titanium, as well as a nose screen and a large carbon shoe. This runs to the rear wheel, adding extra sportiness and finish. Lastly, the selector was mounted on a bearing to increase the speed of the selection and eliminate the jerks of transmission..
In the saddle
The K 1300 R, like a good BMW, tactfully welcomes its driver, betraying its false airs of brute. The seat is particularly soft, long and, although quite high (800 mm) allows good support on the ground, the Bavarian athlete having a particularly slim waist. On the other hand, the body is tilted on the sober and perforated plate of the handlebars and its handles, the toe clips are moved back and placed high … the rest of course, but of the warrior.
Thus positioned and on high by a spider with slightly conspicuous tubes, the speedometer unit is not too far from the eye. Composed of a tachometer and tachometer with a white background with blue hands and an LCD screen, its readability is just correct. The too fine graduations of the analog instruments compete with the hydraulic hoses partially obscuring the digital window. The fuel and engine temperature gauge, gear indicator light, and odometer or partial are displayed. In the center, scroll by pressing the info button on the left stalk, clock, speed and average consumption, tire pressure (DRC) and exterior temperature. These indications come from the on-board computer option.
Another control allows you to activate or deactivate ABS and anti-slip (ASC) and to configure the piloted suspensions in three modes and three levels. Respectively Normal, Sport or Comfort and pilot alone, with suitcases or in duo.
In terms of ergonomics, we regret the abandonment of the turn signal devices, specific to the propeller brand, for a standard element placed too high and far from the thumb. Likewise, the slender and vertical crutch slams when raised and is more reminiscent of a frail transalpine appendage than a Teutonic support adapted to the size of our racing panzer. The particularly prominent right-hand clutch housing requires some attention when maneuvering. The general aesthetic of the four-cylinder could be more attractive, especially on the left side where a thick hose protrudes. Finally, the pilot footrest plates have a very basic appearance..
However, the finish does not suffer from other notable flaws. The adjustment and fixing of the elements is excellent, the electric harness invisible and the rear view easily adjustable.
In the city
The starter gives off a short burst, awakening the big-hearted roadster. Lively and deep pulsations escape, the signature of a sporting temperament. The K takes off with surprising smoothness. The reports are linked and the bloc shows a welcome flexibility. From then on, evolving in sixth in the city, at 1,500 laps, would become almost a habit. Especially since the Germanic selection regularly employs the relative softness of Goethe’s language. More generally, we will stay in three, also avoiding jerks still present during the go-around on the first two reports. We then take full advantage of the pleasing availability of the German four-cylinder..
The 243 kg of the K 1300 R vanished from the first turns of the wheels, the roadster is at ease in traffic but less during U-turns. Its turning radius (6.40 meters anyway), and its wheelbase do not make it a city gymnastics champion.
In urban areas, the pressure on the wrists is quickly noticeable. The countless slowdowns quickly strain those joints, especially as the brake attack, at reduced speed, is a bit sharp. A good reason to test the acceleration between each stop and relieve the pressure before. The engine responds with force and without downtime, catapulting a crew ready to do battle with anyone who dares to steal first place at the next fire. On the basis of sport-GT, the combat K 1300 is however convincing in a more restricted daily life. But to discover all the resources, let’s give it a suitable maneuvering field.
Motorway and expressways
Her streamlined sister has made it her favorite haunt. Devoid of any deflector, the limits of the R will be yours. And incidentally that of the country where you will evolve. Purring to the legal franchouillard, at 5,000 laps, it only takes a few moments for the German to exceed 200 km / h and 8,000 revolutions / min. And the naked sportswoman still has some under the injector with a red zone at 11,000 … plenty of enough to caesarize your cervical … and your license.
To avoid fatal compression, the bridle comes to your "aid" past the speed of double hecto km / h, then moderating the thrust. But the castration is rather well done, combining mechanical and electronic hold. Clearly, your big block puts on a condom while retaining the sensations … And this time it works, far from the fiasco of the 1200 models. To be convinced, send the troop of mechanical Valkyries to the countryside.
Departmental
If the gregarious momentum loses its luster at the top of the lap count, the available horses are sharpened and surge to the Hussard on the plain. It’s time for havoc. And it’s good. The barbaric temperament emerges fully from the block, especially after 8,000 laps. The smooth four-cylinder is even angry, accompanied by the popping of the ignition cut-offs of the optional shifter. The reports go up on the fly and all together allow you to fully appreciate an extraordinary part of the cycle.
The duolever allows the most muscular entries in curves, stalling the machine on the desired trajectory. Hyper stiff, the machine’s behavior in curves is flawless, provided you have chosen sport damping. Support on the handlebars, pressure on the toe clips, the mount follows the slightest command. Surprisingly lively despite a large column angle (29.6 °), the K 1300 R is a pleasure to take, even in the tight ferrule. Less easy than lower sporty engines, it nonetheless remains formidably efficient … while maintaining excellent comfort. Indeed, the German flies over the coating regardless of its quality, always thanks to its specific geometry.
So much reason to exploit the 11.8 daNm of torque at 8,000 rpm, much to the chagrin of the rear casing. The assembly of Metzeler Sportech M3, put to the test, transmits the engine force to the ground and sticks the roadster to the asphalt. Any escape would in any case be quickly curbed by the anti-skating, with the implementation still a little dry.
Braking follows this mechanical efficiency under the control of ABS. However, the attack from the front calipers seems a bit straightforward, but the significant power is then still manageable. In addition, the partial coupling sits the bike down and the rear element provides a good feeling when cornering..
At a more bucolic pace, we (re) discover our driving genes, less protection. And again, the smoothness and availability of its engine, its ease of leaping into towers at the slightest request, enhance the trips. We then stroll serenely on the slipper suspension mode, the wind pressure also reducing the pressure on the wrists.
Part-cycle
One of the strengths of the K 1300 R is undoubtedly the excellence of its geometry. Unperturbed, balanced, the K 1300 R plays on the most improbable surfaces. The more athletic will find the controlled damping still a bit flexible, especially when used on the track. The narrowness of the machine is a joy to wiggle and play its intuitive cycle part. With the usual reserves all the same. The machine is heavy and long and will not stand, on this terrain, the comparison with the hypersports of the segment.
Braking
Powerful and enduring, the coupled system also allows good control of decelerations. The bite of the front calipers can be surprising at first, in town or with less favorable conditions. With habit helping, surprises and jolts are rarer.
Comfort / Duo
A sporty roadster, the K 1300 R is not extreme. While sporty, the general ergonomics remain suitable for long journeys, even as a duo. The passenger thus has comfortable grab handles, a comfortable seat and footrests not too high. When choosing, the S model will still be more suitable for travel. To solve the dilemma, say Mr BMW, you are remaking us a half-faired R Sport?
Consumption
With an average 6.5 liters per 100 km and a 19-liter can, stages of nearly 300 km are possible, as long as the rhythm is modulated at the controls of this chrono assault machine. Here too, modified electronics give good results despite a significant increase in displacement..
Conclusion
Germanic version of the villainous roadster, the K 1300 R imposes its mark even more intensely on this hyper-competitive segment. Its now softer injection and controlled clamping give it a real interest in our hexagon. Its powerful breath and deceptive docility, however, reserve it for an experienced audience. The Bavarian achieves the feat of reconciling sport and comfort. A key advantage in view of its opponents, moderated by a price always placed at the top of the grid. If the entry level asks for € 14,400, less than 10% of sales are concerned by the purchase of the basic version. Thus, our test model claims more than € 19,000. Safety pack (RDC tire pressure indicator, full ABS + ASC II) at € 1,410, Pack R3 (heated grips, ABS, on-board computer, led turn signals) at € 1,165, Shifter at € 360, carbon parts (jumper) wind, long shoe,) and Akra silencer at 690 € strike the note copiously.
The first major challenger, the British 1050 Speed Triple ABS, with its legendary three-cylinder engine that is not very phlegmatic, is asking for € 12,290. Another European, the exuberant Aprilia Tuono V4 aprc requires € 14,999 and remains very close in terms of electronic equipment. But forget the very notion of saddle or duo … In the same vein, the Ducati Streetfighter S, priced at € 19,390, also combines exceptional pieces and volcanic character … solo. Less demanding, the MV Agusta 1078 Brutale RR negotiated at € 18,490 will appeal to lovers of more Latin design. Finally, on the Oriental side, the whimsical Kawasaki Z1000 ABS is affordable as a single person, at € 12,099. More accommodating, the Honda CB1000R ABS is also the least expensive, at € 10,590.
The BMW remains the most expensive. But not necessarily the most expensive … the nuance is subtle but Ô how important. Thus, the German, even at the base, only has a gimbal and a triangulated front axle, giving its cycle part an unmistakable advantage. As for the resale cost, it leans in favor of the German representative. If you are in doubt, dare to challenge its contrasting character. The K 1300 R seduces over the miles and its apparent warrior bestiality hides a conquering homogeneous companion.
Strong points
- Cycle part
- Motor character
- Manufacturing quality and finishes
- Exhaust sound
Weak points
- Price still a bit high
- List of options
- ABS not supplied as standard
The K 1300 R data sheet
The opinions in the opinions and tests for the K 1300 R
Competitors: Aprilia Tuono, BMW R1200R, Ducati 1100 Monster, Honda CB 1300, Kawasaki Z 1000, Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport V8, Suzuki
Bandit 1200, Suzuki GSX 1400, Yamaha Fazer 1000, Yamaha XJR 1300
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