BMW K1300S

Another demo ride.

I couldn’t get out on the S1000RR but managed a good run on the K1300S. It was very cold at Cooper Motorrad in Tunbridge Wells when we picked up the bikes (Jim was on an R1200RT). We headed off for Canterbury across the downs where it snowed heavily, dodging the slush in the road and warily eying the 3″ of snow on the parked cars.

This bike is supposedly BMWs “Sports Tourer” aimed at those riders who want an across-the-frame multi that isn’t fully loaded with fairing and panniers etc (a la K1300GT). The bike offers 175bhp and is hugely reassuring with excellent road-holding and handling. The digital gear indicator is useful – even then I kept fishing for a 7th gear.

The biggest drawback for me (especially yesterday) was the lack of heated grips. After only 15 minutes I was wishing for my nice warm Sprint…

Numb fingers notwithstanding, I put 100 miles on the bike in my allotted 2 hours and thoroughly enjoyed it.  42mpg (according to the computer does not bode well with a tank of a mere 19 litres though. That’s 140 miles to “reserve” – not enough!

The electronic suspension was fun – especially in those conditions. I left it in “Normal” on the way out and tried “Comfort” on the way back. Didn’t bother with “Sport”

The Ultimate Riding Machine?   Maybe.

Would I buy one?  No thanks.

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