This isn’t, perhaps, the most awaited sportsbike
shootout ever. We doubt if too many BMW loyalists would ever leave their beloved
Bavarian machines and switch over to Buell, while fans of the all-American Buell
aren’t very likely to ever defect to the BMW camp. Still, Motociclismo recently
had the opportunity to pit the K1300R against the 1125CR, and here’s what they
have to say about how the two bikes stack up against each other:
The technology that’s gone into these two bikes is as unconventional as their
styling. The 176bhp K1300R uses shaft drive, the 146bhp 1125CR uses belt drive.
The BMW uses Duolever front suspension, which you won’t find on any other bike,
while the Buell’s perimeter disc braking system at the front wheel entails the
use of a single disc – unlike all other large-displacement sportsbikes, all of
which use twin disc set-ups at the front.
The BMW is the better bike for riding in the city, thanks to its anti-lock
brakes (ABS) and optional traction control – things which provide a lot of
reassurance during hard braking and acceleration. The riding position is pretty
comfortable too, though your shin will often hit the BMW’s engine casing on the
right hand side, when you put your feet down while coming to a complete stop.
Riding the Buell in the city gets tiring within a few kilometres – the high
footpegs, and the shape and the positioning of the handlebar sees to that. But
while it affects low speed comfort, the 1125CR’s sports-oriented riding position
is perfect for high speed cornering.
Another thing that goes against the Buell is its brakes, which work in a rather
abrupt fashion. Initially, the brakes don’t seem powerful enough at all and
then, when they suddenly bite, they can upset the bike somewhat.
Developed by Rotax, the Buell’s v-twin is one of the most pleasant twin-cylinder
engines current available in the market. Low-rpm torque delivery makes the bike
very rideable at low speeds and the linear power delivery means the bike picks
up speed smoothly and consistently.
The BMW’s four-cylinder engine is also much improved over its predecessor – it
feels significantly more powerful, the roughness has disappeared and power
delivery has been smoothened out very well. On the highway, the K1300R offers
better wind protection than the 1125CR and feels more planted, more stable,
while the Buell feels more nimble and responsive.
When it comes to high speed cornering, the Buell outshines the BMW. The K1300R
isn’t bad – in fact it’s quite good considering it’s size and weight – but the
Buell is in a different league. The Buell’s braking characteristics and
suspension set-up are just more conducive to letting the rider push harder in
the corners, and the bike is more supple and responsive in the bends than the
BMW.
So there you are – most of the important questions regarding the two bikes’
behaviour have been answered. But, somehow, we doubt if too many BMW or Buell
buyers were actually waiting for this shoot-out in order to decide which bike
they want. No, they've made up their minds already...
NOTE:
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to their articles being placed on Motorcycle Specs, it will be removed upon
request. Any correction or more info on these bikes will kindly be
appreciated.
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