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Offline junglie

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Newbie with K1300GT
« on: July 17, 2020, 10:47:54 pm »
Hello everybody.

My first BMW bike and only got it today so please excuse lack of photos!

2009, blue, 28k and standard.

I need to get it out for some good miles to understand it but they do have a following so must be good.

First impressions - legs more tucked up than I thought and more buffeting than expected but would a larger screen help?  Power is there and it feels well built.

Looking forward to getting lots of advice and hopefully returning the favours.

Dan
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Offline black-k1

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Re: Newbie with K1300GT
« Reply #1 on: July 18, 2020, 08:38:19 am »
Hello Dan and welcome. I'm glad to hear the bike has now arrived and look forward to hearing what you think of it once you have a few more miles under your belt.
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Offline Matt

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Re: Newbie with K1300GT
« Reply #2 on: July 18, 2020, 10:09:40 am »
Welcome to the party pal!

I look forward to some tastefully framed photos :p. I haven't seen a blue GT in a while!

As for buffeting, could be the lid too, are you looking for an opportunity to waste money? I say this as I stare at a rather brightly coloured Arai and keep telling myself no! Screens probably cheaper but I've no experience with the GT, though if it can take one of those adjustable lip things then they are pretty fun. I have one on the GS and fiddle with it - probably to great psychological effect - frequently.
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Offline Phmode

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Re: Newbie with K1300GT
« Reply #3 on: July 18, 2020, 10:28:33 am »
Hi Dan and welcome to the madhouse that is EuroKClub!

I think the ergonomics on the BMs are the one thing that causes divisions. Long or short legs, tall or short body, long or short arms. Oh the joys of non-adjustable rider positions although you do have adjustable seat height which us S riders don't.

This road test highlights your points very well...

https://ridermagazine.com/2009/04/28/2009-bmw-k-1300-gt-road-test/

...and a section on ergonomics is pilfered from it here...

"Ergonomics are a key feature of a bike like this, which might interface with a rider all day, every day for weeks. The K 1300 GT has a sportier seating position than some, with comparatively high, rearset footpegs and a handlebar that adjusts up and down 1.6 inches but that is already pretty sporty in the highest position. With the adjustable seat in the lower of two positions I can just comfortably reach the ground with both ends of my 29-inch inseam. I often found myself sliding forward into the tank due to the rearset pegs, and ducking my helmet slightly to get out of the noisy windblast, even with the electric windscreen at the top of its 4-inch range. Riders with taller torsos like mine should opt for the taller screen. The rider’s seat itself is much improved this year but still far from all-day comfortable, though the nicely padded passenger seat and generous grab handles in back will keep your copilot happy far longer."
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Offline raesewell

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Re: Newbie with K1300GT
« Reply #4 on: July 18, 2020, 12:31:04 pm »
The MRA Xcreen (clamp on) works well and has the advantage of being able to direct air to the chest area in hot weather.
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Offline flatfour

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Re: Newbie with K1300GT
« Reply #5 on: July 18, 2020, 01:12:08 pm »
Mine has the official BMW High Windscreen (fitted from new as an option) and at 6'1 I don't suffer from turbulence behind the screen, although my wife, when she rides with me, does prefer the screen to be on its highest position to eliminate it for her.

Solo, I usually ride with the screen a couple of inches below full height, as I like some windblast to keep cool and prefer not to look through the screen, although optically it is quite good.
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Offline corkboy

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Re: Newbie with K1300GT
« Reply #6 on: July 18, 2020, 01:54:39 pm »
Hi Junglie, and welcome.

I've a k1200GT, which has the same ergonomics. I'm also 6' for reference.

Firstly, the bike has a lot of adjustments. The Screen, the handlebars, and the seat.

The Seat. It has two positions. I prefer the higher position as it is more sitting "on" the bike rather than "in".  At the lower position it reminds me of my old K1100LT.  A very "touring" position.

The Handlebars. Experiment with these. They have 5 positions.  Most people (from a survey I remember), use the middle position. I do as well. it puts just enough weight on my wrists.

The Screen. I have a ZTek screen, which was on the bike when I bought it.  I can't say what the original screen is like, but there doesn't seem to be much difference in height (I got the original with the bike as well).
I adjust the screen depending on what I'm doing. Around town in the Summer, I have it down. Out of town I put it up.

I still get a bit of buffeting, it isn't an LT. But I don't find it too intrusive. The helmet might be a factor, as already said.  I have a Shubert C3 pro.  Earplugs are a given.

So I'd suggest experimenting a bit before opening the wallet.

Also,  check with your pillion if you carry one.  My wife is very comfortable at 110km. Above that and she gets too much buffeting. so 110 it is. And I always put on the backbox when she's on. She finds it easier to handle the 150HP on tap.

It certainly isn't as cossetting as an LT, but then, it is a much sportier bike. 

I don't like looking through a screen, so even though I could get a higher screen, I am happy as is. After all, It is a motorbike.

On saying that,  i am tempted by Rae's suggestion of a MRA Xcreen. It's a BMW disease. Bring My Wallet.
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Offline junglie

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Re: Newbie with K1300GT
« Reply #7 on: July 18, 2020, 02:33:51 pm »
Corkboy,

Thank you for the reply and really useful as I am 6’ and have a C3 helmet so a useful comparison!

I have seen a few used screens on eBay etc so might try one of the bigger ones without having to fork out too much.
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Offline corkboy

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Re: Newbie with K1300GT
« Reply #8 on: July 18, 2020, 04:26:46 pm »
No problem,
and I forgot to add, BMWs can be a bit different, but, if you're like me, you will be amazed by the wave of power which is delivered in such a refined fashon. I've had a few BMW's mainly Ks, one R80GS (but the less said about that the better).  They all seem to have a common heritage. Even on the new wedge engined K, it felt like it shared DNA with my old K100RS.

They're a fabulous bike, and not too bad for most servicing and maintenance tasks. There's a massive amount of knowlege on the forums about them, so don't ever be afraid to ask.
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Offline Bruno

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Re: Newbie with K1300GT
« Reply #9 on: July 18, 2020, 05:12:18 pm »
Welcome Dan.  Like Matt I look forward to the photos.  Enjoy.
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Offline junglie

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Re: Newbie with K1300GT
« Reply #10 on: July 18, 2020, 05:26:28 pm »
I have always had Hondas including Blackbird (awesome) and Varadero (comfy) but new to BMW.

Feels more agricultural but well screwed together and you can see the lineage.

Only ridden it for 40 mins so I can’t even begin to judge!

I will see what height the seat is at, look for a bigger screen and see where we go.

Can you lower the pegs?
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Offline corkboy

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Re: Newbie with K1300GT
« Reply #11 on: July 18, 2020, 09:58:12 pm »
Not as starndard.  I think there are aftermarket peg lowering kits available.  Haven't needed them though.

A google should find them.
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Offline raesewell

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Re: Newbie with K1300GT
« Reply #12 on: July 18, 2020, 10:03:41 pm »
« Last Edit: July 18, 2020, 10:06:33 pm by raesewell »
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Offline junglie

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Re: Newbie with K1300GT
« Reply #13 on: July 19, 2020, 11:21:34 am »
I have found a ZTechnik Vstream windscreen (Z2452) which looks about 1 1/2” taller and about 4” wider by the looks of it.

It is second hand, but nearly new, and up for £80.

Any thoughts on this screen from those who have used them?

Lots of other options but not sure what is good or not!

Thank you.
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Offline junglie

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Re: Newbie with K1300GT
« Reply #14 on: July 22, 2020, 05:29:50 pm »
Screen fitted.

It is slightly bigger than the old screen but also shaped differently, so hopefully that will help.

I’ve also put the seat into the high position which will make it easier on my long legs!
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