So, I’m now 1400 miles in, fully run in, and enjoying the bike in the way it was intended. The prime use so far has been my commute from home to central London (75 miles each way) so the bike gets a daily run along country roads, A roads of all types, motorway and city.
Performance remains stunning. An occasional full throttle, full revs blast through the gears has me grinning from ear to ear. The K1300S is fast but this really is in a different league. The shorter wheelbase allows for a bit more front wheel lift and the traction control is excellent at managing that in a controlled and predictable fashion. Unlike the BMW system that simply cuts all power and dumps you back onto the tarmac with a thump.
Fuel consumption is almost exactly the same as the K1300S so that gives between 47 and 51mpg depending on how much fun I’ve been having. By default, I fill the bike with Tesco Momentum 99RON fuel. On one occasion, Tesco’s had run out of fuel and I had to fill with Esso 97RON. The difference in smoothness, especially in town, was noticeable. It wasn’t bad but it was noticeable that I needed more revs in the low range and the in-town off-on throttle changes were not as smooth.
In town, it’s excellent. While not actually any lighter, it feels lighter and has a much better turning circle than the K1300S. Balance is excellent and the slow speed pick-up to go for gaps etc. is brilliant. Also, the heated grips are in BMW league.
The front brake has now bedded in and is almost as good as the K1300S. The rear definitely feels like an optional extra not fitted. It’s rubbish, even struggling to hold the bike on slight inclines while waiting at red lights.
The other disappointment has been the seat. It is not in the same league as the BMW seat. After 90mins/75 miles, my bum has just about had enough. I really wouldn’t want to use it for a long, big mile day without my AirHawk. As it happens, a seat became available on eBay at a reasonable price so I bought that and currently have it with a local upholsterer who does bike seats, getting a gel pad fitted. I hope that will solve the problem although the AirHawk is there just in case.
So, all in all, I’m still extremely happy with the bike. It still is, in my opinion, one of only a small number of models that deliver a sports bike capable of two up, hard luggage, touring. Exactly where I felt the K1300s (and the K1200S, original K100RS, R100RS an R90S) were aimed. It’s not perfect, although nothing is, but it delivers fun, performance and capability in huge dollops and in a great package.
It’s still very early days yet but my feelings are that both component and build quality are at least as good as BMW, if not better
If you are looking for a replacement for your K1300S (or K1200S) and want a sports bike with touring capabilities rather than a touring bike with sports capabilities (FJR etc.) I’d definitely recommend getting a decent ride on one. While expensive, I don’t think the price is far off what a new K1300S would cost were such a beast available.
I'm loving mine!