Why am I lusting over the K1300R?

[2006FJR]

Why is it when I think about a bike that I want does this K1300R keep popping into my head. I love the quirky looks and lines on the bike and I want it so bad. Why?

[miles]

Sorry, you can't have one.

[2006FJR]

Maybe that is why I want one so bad!  

[miles]

As an owner of a K12R, I like the looks of the new one but wish they hadn't painted the intakes- it unbalances the look too much.  I think that they did that better on the 12.

[2006FJR]

I would likely get it in the black which might hide it a little better. I really hope this bike comes to the states.

[miles]

Normally I don't like all black bikes, but that looks badass.  I wonder how he's lighting up the rear tire (since the bike has linked brakes)?

[Orson]

people have been killed trying to sport tour without a fairing  

[Baz]

As an owner of a K12R, I like the looks of the new one but wish they hadn't painted the intakes- it unbalances the look too much.  I think that they did that better on the 12.

My God, you are sounding like a V-Max owner.

[2006FJR]

people have been killed trying to sport tour without a fairing  

I have a fully farkled sports touring bike now that I have no plans of selling. The K1300R would be my girl on the side who would do all of the things that the other one won't...

[denydog]

Why is it when I think about a bike that I want does this K1300R keep popping into my head. I love the quirky looks and lines on the bike and I want it so bad. Why?

Because you own an FJR, an AE no less, and a Vespa?

I think you answered your own question here

The K1300R ... would do all of the things that the other one won't...

[2006FJR]

Because you own an FJR, an AE no less, and a Vespa?
 

I think you answered your own question here

 

It is always the pussys that talk shit. I hope we meet someday so you can tell me in person asshole.

[WBill]

It's a very good looking bike, but not for me.  Not to mention the whole Beemer thing out in the hinterlands.  If I had room for two or more bikes, maybe.  I want one I can count on.  

But, you  know, everyone should have THE bike that turns him or her right ON!  So, go for it.  Ummm!  WBill.

[2006FJR]

It's a very good looking bike, but not for me.  Not to mention the whole Beemer thing out in the hinterlands.  If I had room for two or more bikes, maybe.  I want one I can count on.  

But, you  know, everyone should have THE bike that turns him or her right ON!  So, go for it.  Ummm!  WBill.

Thanks Bill. I was watching the movie Bangkok Dangerous with my wife last night and when they showed the bike I forgot just how much I liked it. Having a naked bike with that much power and it's quirky looks just seems like a fun second bike for me. Having a Supermoto bike has also appealed to me but I think I am going to pick up another bike before the end of the year and I want it to be a fun bike.

[DaleFranks]

I dunno.  I can't get into the naked bike deal.  And if I could, I don't think the R would be the one I'd go for.  When I look at it, I get a creepy, Terminator vibe.

On the other hand, I'm the guy who's trying to figure out whether I want to trade in the FJR AE for an R1200RT, or keep the FJR, and buy a Buell 1125R as a second bike.  So I'm probably not the guy who should be criticizing others about choosing an oddly-styled bike...  

[atypical1]

I love Miles' K12R and it was on my short list of bikes. In fact Miles and I tested the bikes together right before we bought them. I loved the bike but didn't like the motor as much as I liked my current bike. But I still look at with envious eyes whenever I see it.

james

[2006FJR]

I love Miles' K12R and it was on my short list of bikes. In fact Miles and I tested the bikes together right before we bought them. I loved the bike but didn't like the motor as much as I liked my current bike. But I still look at with envious eyes whenever I see it.

james

Can you comment on the handling or power and what was it about the motor you did not like? I should PM miles and ask him a few questions... Thanks.

[atypical1]

It handles well. Much, much better than the K12S does which is probably a mix of handlebars and the geometry.

The motor felt rough to me. Rough isn't the right word maybe but possibly it's that it didn't seem as refined as my bike. I was really close to buying the bike but I wanted the sportiness of my current bike instead. They are really great bikes though and I've ridden it both on the track and the street.

PM Miles and ask him his thoughts.

james

[skater69]

You should drive one.  Every 4 cyl BMW bike I've ridden was a let down.  Snatchy fuel injection...unrefined power delivery....couldn't wait to hop back on my Blackbird.  I'd rather have a 1200GS than that bike anyday.

[denydog]

It is always the pussys that talk shit. I hope we meet someday so you can tell me in person asshole.

I was basically agreeing with you when I said "I think you answered your own question here", because the R is very different from what you own now.


BTW-  I thought your original reply was more rational, before you edited it and decided to go with the asshole thing.

[Bry]

I like my K1300R, more refined than the 12... in pretty much every respect.
The quickshifts a blast...
The motor fuelling is smoother. I just hate the indicator setup, the paddles were a breeze, I got some un-learning to do...
 

[2006FJR]

Killer looking helmet too Bry. That looks like a taller looking windscreen than the stock on I have seen in the photos. Great looking bike man!

[miles]

That windscreen is the "Sport" screen, and virtually all of them come with it rather than the shorty "Stock" screen.

[Bry]

Killer looking helmet too Bry. That looks like a taller looking windscreen than the stock on I have seen in the photos. Great looking bike man!

Thanx, the Helmets a KBC FFR Envy... noisier than the BMW one, but nice.

Like Miles said it's the standard sports screen, works a treat.

[staedtler]

The motor felt rough to me. Rough isn't the right word maybe but possibly it's that it didn't seem as refined as my bike.  They are really great bikes though and I've ridden it both on the track and the street.



james

it is rough for sure... right around the 5-6k mark... it handles ok. personally it feels letargic when it comes to tight stuff, and is not that comfy on long slabbing rides either. it's a compromise bike, it does ok overall but personally i find myself craving a real sportbike on a canyon...and a real tourer getting there and back...oh well.
one thing's for sure... it is a freaking ballistic bomber interceptor!... totally mental roll ons at upper speeds... bad bad behaviour enducer    if you can count to 5mississippi you can pass whatever is in front...no matter how much of it is there...
jail bate all the way.  

[2006FJR]

it is rough for sure... right around the 5-6k mark... it handles ok. personally it feels letargic when it comes to tight stuff, and is not that comfy on long slabbing rides either. it's a compromise bike, it does ok overall but personally i find myself craving a real sportbike on a canyon...and a real tourer getting there and back...oh well.
one thing's for sure... it is a freaking ballistic bomber interceptor!... totally mental roll ons at upper speeds... bad bad behaviour enducer    if you can count to 5mississippi you can pass whatever is in front...no matter how much of it is there...
jail bate all the way.  

Would you buy it again and if not what would you have bought? I think when you said is was a compromise bike you summed it up.

[miles]

Would you buy it again and if not what would you have bought? I think when you said is was a compromise bike you summed it up.

I would buy it again.

[staedtler]

Would you buy it again and if not what would you have bought?

i don't know... i do know one thing, everyone should try a hyperbike at least once in their life. it's pretty cool... unfortunately, after the honeymoon is over, the only way to enjoy it involves breaking the law...
to make a long story short, the whole package can't handle the powerplant...too bad though.
i tell u what the ideal bike is:
it looks like a truck pulling an enclosed trailer with a GS, R1, Hypermotard and a Goldwing...


next, i'll go 180 and get an R6, ...( i can't wait to do a 500mi day on it...just to brag 'bout it )  nurse!

[bubba zanetti]

Why is it when I think about a bike that I want does this K1300R keep popping into my head. I love the quirky looks and lines on the bike and I want it so bad. Why?

Because you have an unhealthy obsession with Locutus of Borg ?


I kid .... I really like the bike too.  

[j1mmyj4m]

I love the looks, but the fueling on the K1200R I test rode was the most out of synced bike I've ever ridden.  I hope it was just that bike.

[atypical1]

The fueling on Miles' bike isn't like that. When we were up at the Fernley racetrack I rode the K12R, my bike, and a 2009 Gixxer thou all back to back and the K bike didn't stand out for having poor fueling. I believe that his bike has had some changes to the mapping though. And that was my experience at a track which is obviously different than out in town or even the canyons.

james

[GilaMonster]

IMHO, either you like the new K motor (12&13) or you don't.  It's a horsepower motor rather than a torque motor like the R bikes and flying bricks.  I had an '03 K12RS and an '04 K12GT before my current '06 K12S.  The bricks I had featured strong broad rpm pull that was very predictable.  My K12S feels like it has an extremely light flywheel.  It accelerates and decelerates right now when you change the throttle position.  Some people like that and some don't.  I like the fact that it is very responsive to input, but you need to pay attention, or it can be unforgiving.

[denydog]

one thing's for sure... it is a freaking ballistic bomber interceptor!...

   This is the engraving on my K1200R Sport's Pazzo clutch lever.

[staedtler]

oh, that is soo cool....where did you got that! did you machine it urself?... i need to get me some!

how's this?... ;

brake lever - millennium        clutch lever - falcon

or if your really nerdy;

brake lever - twelve-parsec          clutch lever -  Kessel Run


i'm such a geek

[denydog]

oh, that is soo cool....where did you got that!

Got them at Pashnit  They took a picture and are using it on the webpage, the guy thought it was a cool logo.  Custom engraving is only available on the left lever, it already has "PAZZO" engraved on the right.  They do come in a bunch of color combinations, short or long.

Pazzo's aren't cheap, but they're one of the best.

[Aviator]

Back to topic.
Have had naked bikes all of 30 some years and got beaten up by wind and got tired. Finally got the K12S and found what it is to ride behind those awesome fairings. BIG HUGE diff. Would never go back to a naked bike. After the novelty wears out, it is painful to ride long trips. Again, age is a factor in this as well. My sugesstion would be the K13S. Ride both and tell me what you really feel.

[Bry]

Back to topic.
Have had naked bikes all of 30 some years and got beaten up by wind and got tired. Finally got the K12S and found what it is to ride behind those awesome fairings. BIG HUGE diff. Would never go back to a naked bike. After the novelty wears out, it is painful to ride long trips. Again, age is a factor in this as well. My sugesstion would be the K13S. Ride both and tell me what you really feel.

The 13S is nice, but hard on the wrists, the 13R's much more natural.. mind you I had a 12GS between the 12R and the 13R, guess my idea of comfort is skewed...  

[Aviator]

The 13S is nice, but hard on the wrists, the 13R's much more natural.. mind you I had a 12GS between the 12R and the 13R, guess my idea of comfort is skewed...  

I have helibars on my S. Much better for me, but most riders prefer the original.

[Oilhed]

Am I the only one who preferred the silver frame/motor & black bike from the first year?

[miles]

Am I the only one who preferred the silver frame/motor & black bike from the first year?

Nope.  That was what I got- I like the contrast.

[OVD]

I'm absolutely in love with my K12R. I would buy it again any day. Should K13R come the stateside - I'll buy it. To me, its the best bike out there by far, practically no competition.

For the skeptics out there: I sport-tour (with more emphasis on the "sport" part) quite regularly. Of course, had to aftermarket the ergos quite a bit (heli bars, secdem windscreen, Pazo levers, Verholen foot pegs, Givi trunk, center stand) but it sport-tours like a dream.

More over, I'll be taking the beast to the track: the windscreen switches back to the original sports screen in 1.5 minutes, center stand, mirrors and head lights are allowed for my level, the Heli bars do not prevent racing riding statue should you need it, etc.

Its the best thing humanity ever produced during it's course of evolution I gather the K13R is even better (at least it looks even better to my taste)...

[denydog]

I keep telling you guys, the K1200R Sport is the best of all.  Mechanically identical to the K1200R.  Ergos, gearing, the same.  Just has the added protection and good looks of the half fairing.  I also really like the contrast of the black engine/frame with the white aluminum bodywork.

It is the best of the BMW K bikes, and the ideal sport touring machine.  Unfortunately I was the only person in the whole of North America in 2007 that thought so, and remain on a lonely island today.  

[miles]

I keep telling you guys, the K1200R Sport is the best of all.  Mechanically identical to the K1200R.  Ergos, gearing, the same.  Just has the added protection and good looks of the half fairing.  I also really like the contrast of the black engine/frame with the white aluminum bodywork.

It is the best of the BMW K bikes, and the ideal sport touring machine.  Unfortunately I was the only person in the whole of North America in 2007 that thought so, and remain on a lonely island today.  

I'd agree with you, but with one caveat:  It'd look better naked.

[Lawn Dart]

I'd agree with you, but with one caveat:  It'd look better naked.

Amen.

[denydog]

Like I said, a lonely island.  

[staedtler]