Aggressive. Adrenaline pure. Even when
standing still. And even more so as soon as it gets going. What happens at this
moment is among the special moments in the life of a biker: a rocket-like start.
Thanks to its geometry, this projectile zooms
into orbit like no other. Perfect for the quarter mile. But also for everyday
use. And bends. It does not only supremely tap into 173 bhp and 140 Nm and
produce a sound from its new hexagonal tube with catalytic converter and exhaust
valve that gives you goose pimples. But also because all this goes hand in hand
with fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels which even a “sensible” bike
would be proud. After all, BMW stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke.
The very finest technology, ergonomics from the
people who invented it and a style which is simply unforgettable. And you can
hardly believe that despite all this emotional appeal, it is one of the safest
motorcycles with the best levels of everyday suitability: ABS and ESA II as
optional extras, for example.
And even the accessories bowl you over: racers
order the automatic shift function which allows them to burn through the gears,
as well as the MotoGP-style 2D dashboard – just so that the lap times are
official. And if you want to load it up there are even luggage solutions, too.
But even they cannot change the fact that this is the coolest power in town.
Contact your dealer if you have any questions or concerns about test driving
this bike!
The BMW K 1300 R: power has a face.
Boasting a 127 kW (173 hp) engine and tipping the
scales at 243 kg including fuel, the extravagant power roadster K 1300 R is one
of the most powerful vehicles on this segment for even the highest demands for
riding dynamics.
The exclusive paintwork on the special model K 1300 R underscores the muscular
face and the sporty, lean tail of this athletic naked bike. At the same time,
the combination of mat metallic Ostra grey and metallic Sapphire black
emphasises the uncompromising masculinity of this beefy roadster. The lettering
in Sun yellow presents a play of harmony.
The special model also features a high quality carbon engine spoiler in support
of its dynamic riding claims.
2012 BMW K1300R Model Highlights
The highlights of the special model K 1300 R:
• special paintwork in mat metallic Ostra grey
and Sapphire black metallic
• lettering with Sun yellow
• carbon engine spoiler
BMW K1300R vs Buell 1125CR
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...
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