Extra-special Ks! BMW’s division of distance destroyers has something for everybody
BMW’s K-series (the K stands for Kraftrad, or wheel power) were Germany’s response to the ever-increasing performance offered by Japanese touring rivals.
The first Ks, the K100 and faired K100RS, were powered by an inline four motor that sat longitudinally in the frame. Narrow and with useful technology such as fuel-injection, twin cams and shaft drive, the K-series proved popular with BMW’s touring fraternity. The series has evolved over the years and later even used an inline six.
- Related: Touring kit buying guide
Read on for our expert guide to the best BMW K bikes!
MCN Recommended: 2004 – 2008 K1200R – £3000 – £5000
BMW’s power play puts the cat amongst the pigeons
Spec:
- Power: 160bhp
- Engine capacity: 1157cc
- Seat height: 820mm
- Kerb weight: 240kg
Released alongside the more powerful K1200S hyperbike, the K1200R is a roadster that at the time was the most powerful naked you could buy. Using the same chassis and engine as the S (with airbox mods reducing its power by 7bhp), the R has a slightly more aggressive riding position and only a small screen for weather protection. A solid-handling bike with a massive 96lb.ft of torque on tap, the R is actually a relaxed machine for cruising on and great for pillions.
K1200R used buying advice
- Both K1200 models used a new design of switchgear (debuted on the R1200GS), which was prone to water ingress. They often fail and replacing them is costly. Check that all of the buttons and switches work before you buy.
- The cam chain tensioner is very noisy on the K1200 and owners often swap them for the K1300’s unit to quieten them down.
- Be wary of any bike with a quickshifter. It was only an option on the K1300 and the K1200’s gearbox can suffer if an aftermarket quickshifter is fitted. Check all the gears are working correctly.
2010 – 2016 K1300S – £3500 – £8500
Bavaria’s somewhat sensible hyperbike was a fast tourer
Spec:
- Power: 175bhp
- Engine capacity: 1293cc
- Seat height: 820mm
- Kerb weight: 254kg
The K1300 (S, R and GT) added not only a bigger-capacity engine but also enhanced technology as well as ironing out a few of the previous generation’s niggles. With even more grunt and better handling than the 1200, the K1300S makes for a brilliant fast mile-muncher with creature comforts such as ESA II, a quickshifter and traction control as optional extras.
K1300S used buying advice
- The radiator attracts dirt and once it gets full of mud it can trap water, leading to it rotting through.
- The Duolever front end’s ball joints can wear, leading to a gentle weave at 30mph. Servicing the system costs about £500.
- The ABS needs its fluid changing and bleeding every two years. Failing to do this can lead to issues with the ABS module, which costs over £1500 to replace! Check the brake fluid is clear and look for any ABS error warnings.
2012 – 2016 K1600GT – £6000 – £11,000
Four cylinders not enough for you? How about six?
Spec:
- Power: 160bhp
- Engine capacity: 1649cc
- Seat height: 810mm
- Kerb weight: 319kg
BMW’s first inline-six, the K1600 arrived in 2012. A staggering feat of engineering, the K1600 models are big old beasts but once up to speed handle impressively, have amazing engines and come with a lot of modern technology such as power modes, DTC, adaptive headlights, ESA II and ABS. Price (approaching £20k once you added extras) put a lot of owners off but used bikes now make this wonderful full-dress tourer far more accessible.
K1600GT used buying advice
- The early K1600 has an annoying habit of overheating when stuck in traffic, something that is made worse by a dirty or blocked radiator.
- Check discs and pads for wear – front and rear. You are looking at about £400 for a set of front discs and about £200 for a rear disc.
- When pulling away, feel for any clunks in the shaft drive and inspect the area for oil leaks.
1998 – 2008 K1200LT – £2500 – £5000
Just sit back and enjoy the luxury ride
Spec:
- Power: 116bhp
- Engine capacity: 1171cc
- Seat height: 770mm
- Kerb weight:
The BMW K1200LT was an impressive machine that comes loaded with the kind of tech and comfort treats that makes ticking off the miles effortless. It’s great two-up, with spacious integral panniers. For a hefty bike it actually handles well. If you want to take a few weeks off to explore Europe, the LT is the perfect companion and, better still, it is reasonably priced in the used market.
K1200LT used buying advice
- The LT’s electronic screen can damage its mechanism, especially if activated when the bike is at high speed. New parts are tricky.
- The LT was upgraded in 2004 and gained a more powerful engine (116bhp/88.5lb.ft) as well as an electro-hydraulic main stand! Test the stand as they can fail due to the fact it has to lug 387kg of bike.
- Check for clutch slip as replacing it is over £800. The ABS is also a bit weak, so look for any ABS warnings as it is also very costly to replace.
2007 – 2009 K1200R Sport – £3000 – £5000
Half fairing adds a welcome bit of long-distance practicality
Spec:
- Power: 163bhp
- Engine capacity: 1157cc
- Seat height: 820mm
- Kerb weight: 214kg
The BMW K1200R Sport has a frame-mounted half-fairing that gives more weather protection than the naked R without the S model’s all-encompassing look. The rest of the bike is the same as the R, so you get a thumping 94lb.ft of torque, loads of options and a more relaxed seating position than the S. It’s a bit of an oddity but worth searching out as it is a really good bike that often slips under the radar.
K1200R Sport used buying advice
- If you plan on taking the bike touring, search out a model with the touring-targeted extras such as cruise control, panniers and heated grips already fitted. Retro fitting them always costs more.
- BMW released a selection of High Performance Parts (HP) for the Sport, which included rearsets and various carbon bolt-ons. Although they don’t really add to the bike’s value, genuine HP parts are always nice to see and plenty of first owners will have ticked the boxes.
