BMW K1300S (2009 - 2016) Review

For me, the perfect riding position with some weight taken off one's bum by slight tension in the calf muscles and weight taken off the wrists at anything over 60 mph by the windblast. Superb and clever brakes. No dive under braking either - the whole chassis just squats a little.

Ricardo have smoothed off the rough edges of the old K1200S (I also ran a K1200S) to produce a gem of an engine. I've never ridden a better engine, nor heard a finer sounding one. This thing apparently produces more torque at 4,000 rpm than the S1000 produces at any revs. And that's just where you need it when you're climbing a pass in the Picos de Europa with a full tank and a curvy senorita on pillion.

Pretty good build quality overall but paint flaking around filler cap and on final drive casing. Same careless BMW attitude on my old 1997 K1200RS with cheap painted fasteners rusting - at this price point, stainless steel should be fitted. Nasty cheap switchgear but that's across the entire BMW range. But bodywork, panel fit and quality are as good as it gets.

Most of the servicing can be done by anyone with a bit of experience and a decent tool kit. I don't have the confidence to tackle valve clearances, but word is that they very rarely need adjustment, even after big revs and big miles.

Beautifully equipped - most buyers from new really up-spec their Beemers but the Motorsport came with all the toys as standard. And they're not gimmicks - all are useful in the real world. I use a BMW 50 litre Softbag when touring - it slips over the see-through rack and is more than big enough for toothbrush, grundies, T-shirts and a few dozen bars of Lindt chocolate.

With electronically adjustable suspension that can be tuned whilst on the move ensures that the rider can dial in the perfect suspension settings for any condition. Having said that generally keep mine in comfort mode until the going gets quick and select sport mode. Aliens can ride until the tank drains so it's good for a 2 hour fast motorway run or a two-and-a-half hour fast Aroad cruise.

The bike delivers immense power and torque low down above 1000 RPM things get interesting as the speed and the stability of the bike increases.

Reliability is BMW rock solid as long as it's serviced regularly and has Ecu upgrades/reboot at service. This cures the erratic tickover sometimes suffered by this model. The bike has stood up to 10 years worth of ownership with some slight corrosion but this is easily managed by using acf-50.

Fuel consumption average of around 48 mpg used in all types of condition is good for such a highly capable motorcycle.

The bike was fitted standard with heated grips, electronic suspension, and BMW luggage. The luggage is speedily detached in a very simple manner and is lockable to the bike. The standard quick up shifter makes for easier views at speed or even when touring. Just a shame it doesn't have an auto blipper and down shifter.

Very comfortable and stable at high cruising speeds. 150 miles without a break easily possible.

The power is available from low rpm and picks up quickly in any gear. No real need to rev past 7k revs to make rapid progress.. Engine sounds great too. The torque is always there when you need it.

I replaced shaft drive as the paint was peeling.( This turned out to be very expensive and I wouldn't recommend ).. Side stand switch just replaced. Overheating issues still a problem.

The performance is sensational, as is the fuel consumption. I would recommend the quick fit panniers. it came with Metzeler MEZ3 tyres fitted, which were fine and gave good grip and mileage. I've just replaced with BT016 Pro's which also seem to be giving decent grip and mileage.

Most happy on the open road especially the twisties but will do the Motorway easily enough to crunch the miles if needed. It's also friendly enough to be able to commute two up.

Enough has already been said about the lump, definite improvement over the K12s

Not used enough by the previous owner to be worried by it.

Nearly £16k new, paid less than half price for virtually new bike.

Typical BMW, all the toys came on this one and do the job, ABS is a must with this.

Phenominal brakes both front and rear.

Stonker of an Engine, even at insane speeds it feels like it is just waking up!

Drive shaft and engine paint typical K1300 woes but liveable and doesnt effect the bike at all.

Do my own spannering, bit daunting to work on if inexperienced but DIY Home mechanic after watching a few well documented Videos will be able to do most jobs.

Mine came with everything on it and i do enjoy and use the xtras.

ESA Suspension can be dialed in to suit and yes it does make a difference with gear on the back. Don't do multi-hour rides but is comfortable and firm with standard seat. I do a fair bit of Road Cycling so I think the comfort level is luxe by comparison...Butt others may feel differently ;-)

This engine is really something else. I test Ferraris, Porsches and you-name-it for my work and each engine has its own characteristics but this 4 cylinder in-line does everything so well. It can purr and be smooth down low and it simply roars into another beast when the engine mass air flow volume curves upward. Right through the range it is spot on. The engineers at Ricardo Engineering certainly got it right with this powertrain. The perfect blend of torque and endless horsepower. Very impressed.

As a mechanic I do all the servicing and after 36,000 km there have been no reliability issues. The engine oil and filter gets changed at 5000km and use MOTUL over Castrol as the engine has significantly less harmonic vibration and the transmission is both quieter especially on the overrun and slips through the gears with so much more silkiness.

Self-serviced. 25-30,000km per year. Easy to work on - Well engineered.

I think my favourite feature is the GSA Gear Shift Assistant. It was a bit notchy and haphazard with the Castrol oil but since using the MOTUL it is a joy to use. A joy that has yet to wear off. The oil bath clutch action and performance is very good too. The spring-back mirrors are a feature that I really like when filtering in heavy traffic and were one of the many features that helped me choose this bike over others. Fitted a MadStad windshield which has been superb and the GPS NAV unit can be perfectly mounted to the metal insert they provide. Also fitted AC Schnitzer bars and adjustable levers and this has made the bike more dialed for quicker and more responsive city work.

Fantastic brakes, ride quality is excellent although even on 'Comfort' setting on the ESA if you are on a rough surfaced road it can be a bit jittery - but that is the same for any bike really. 'Normal' mode is the one I use most, 'Sport' mode is a bit hard for road use. All day comfort but still a sporty riding position. 2 up with a pillion and luggage this bike could blast across entire continents with ease. 200 mile range and you feel fresh as a daisy once you need to stop to fuel up. I preferred the standard height seat but a lowered one is available. Helibars help with wrist comfort too. Handling surprises sports bike riders in the bends, despite its size and bulk, it can hustle, but this ain't no Panigale.

Ridiculously fast, sublime engine. Power everywhere from a standstill. It's quite a linear delivery but oh so turbine smooth. Makes a nice snarl as the revs climb and as said earlier, put an Akra can on it and grin like an idiot. This thing is warp factor 9 quick. With a skilled rider onboard, very little on two or four wheels will stay with a well ridden K13 from A to B.

Typical Teutonic build quality. I've only owned mine since March 2021 so can't really comment on long term reliability but it has a good reputation. Very well bolted together, majority of fasteners are star/torx type. Lava Orange paint is lush. Paint on the final drive shaft is poor, this seems to affect a lot of K13's. Mine is bubbling underneath and looks rather unattractive. I shall be rectifying this in the winter season by rubbing it down and repainting. Radiators can clog up on UK roads due to crud being flung up from the road surface, blocking the fins and causing the bike to run a bit hot and the fan to kick in regularly at the slightest whiff of slow traffic. You can clean the fins and backflush them with a hose but eventually you will need a new rad at around £800 fitted.

Used examples are utterly stonking value for money. This is a lot of bike for the cash. Choose a well specced version and try and get as many options added to it from new rather than settle for a lower spec bike. Good on fuel, regularly tells me its doing over 40 mpg. Servicing reasonable if you want it done right. Doesn't really seem to eat rear tyres despite the bhp.

Mine came fully specced with everything. ESA and Quickshifter are probably my favourite parts. Look for used examples with ESA, ASC, ABS and heated grips. Some models were missing these but buy one with the extras or you are missing out. The ESA is great and the suspension can be adjusted 'on the fly' whilst moving. Quickshifter a 'must have' IMHO, it makes the 175bhp a complete hoot to use. Oh and I added a BMW Akrapovic titanium end can, the sound is amazing, popping and banging on the upshifts makes for a massive grin factor. Some bikes don't come with the BMW panniers/soft cases which although are quite small are cleverly designed and a nice bonus on a used example.Michelin PR5's work well and are a popular choice.

The bike usually needs feeding before we do average 180 per tank.

the build quality is typically German, none have serious corrosion considering all are used all year round.

Keep away from the Conti's, they are next to useless in the wet, I prefer Pilot Road 4/5. The rear rack is a welcome addition albeit a bit pricey. Also the Akra exhaust is fun in the Swiss twisties!

Loads of power and buttery smooth perfect for town twisty roads and motorway miles

The bike loves the open road and sweeping bends and only takes a little bit more effort on the tighter bends. The seat , for me isn't as comfortable as it looks but an airhawk cushion sorted that and you only need to stop for fuel, around 200 miles.

Unlike my previous ZZR 1100 it will pull from walking pace to top end in any gear with no complaints from the drive train

Bigger service due this year so more expensive. I don't think BMW dealer prices are much more than other manufacturers and although owners complain about prices for parts I've seen the same part for a Honda two hundred pounds more. The main difference coming from a Japanese bike is the lack of places for spares especially for the K series.

As an older bike the equipment level is less than newer models but I quite like that. A decent set of tyres when the factory fitted ones wore out improved things greatly. Sport panniers are enough for a few days away but if like me you include everything just in case, then the tail bag is a must.

Awesome brakes.

It just pulls, hard. Then you're already well above illegal. Then change into 3rd and do it again.

50k miles now and still going strong.

When bits wear out they are expensive but definitely still worth it.

ABS, Traction, Quick Shift, heated grips and tyre pressure monitor. Never felt the need for the electronic suspension.

Best on long European riding I can do a full tank of fuel between stops about 160 miles

This is the bikes best attribute it's a rocket ship.

The paint finnish is not that of a Honda or Triumph. The wheels get marked every time the tires are changed. I have had no issues with anything else it has proved to be a very well put together bike.

I do all mý own work I bought a reader for the bike so I can fault find and reset any warning lights and service intervals etc. It's easy to work on once you have got all the plastic off.

Mine is the anniversary addition and is well kitted out. Newer bike's have more kit but I am very happy with this one

Hmm for comfort I would say 5, but if you want a bike with feedback and involvement choose something with a conventional fork. Brakes are good.

Strong enough - not ZZR strong, but quick enough. On the HP the quick shifter if superb and makes the bike feel way quicker. It’s not meant to be an out and out missile like the Japanese bikes.

The crown rings can fail in the shaft drive and hossacks front end requires a regular, expensive service. Most K1200 issues are resolved, motor is strong and reliable. Got me back and forth along the M4 at speed for a year and never really let me down.

Insurance is good as they’re not crashed and suit a sensible riding style. But servicing and maintenance is expensive.

Everything you need, I found ESA a bit perplexing, but with the 2D clocks this bike is amazing. Heated grips etc all good.

I’ve read other reviews and totally disagree regarding handling, it goes around corners like it’s on rails and feels very well balanced and planted compared to a lot of the litre sports bikes I’ve had in the past. It’s big, comfortable, loads of power which is non aggressive compared to other sports bikes, it’s a pleasure to ride. I purchased it yesterday and clocked up 470 miles on it from Newcastle to South Wales, I liked it that much I took took to the mountains instead of going home the quick way, I then woke up this morning aching a little bit couldn’t resist taking it back up to the beakons for round 2 and clocked up another 150 miles today. I really want to pull a sickie this week and play all week, I’m like a kid with a new toy and it’s by far the best bike I’ve ever owned out of 35 bikes.

175hp, nothing else needs to be said

It lookes amazingly well made and quality looks second to none. I’ve only just bought the bike but I think it’s going to be fine after all it’s German.

I don’t care how much it costs it’s worth every penny

All excellent

Absolute belter

Best sports touring bike

They could do better with oil consumption

Excellent brand covers with recalls on any issues

For what it deliverers it’s acceptable

All that needed are there for the riders pleasure

Brembo Brakes, shaft drive, Akro slip on can and whilst it wasn't a track day bike... regularly didn't get dropped by some of the Sportsbike owners in our bike club whilst out on the road. The Duo-lever suspension really does soak up a lot and then there's the wind on power... just tons of it.

It just keeps going and going

I had one issue with the shaft drive, it had a small vibration after it's 6000 mile service, which BMW in Peterborough rectified for free and gave the bike a complementary check over. In 18,000 that was really it. Started first time every time and always delivered. No expensive bills, paintwork looked as good as the day I bought it and unlike my Versys it shared the garage with - there have been no issues with panniers or the centre stand.

Not as much as I thought, okay it's a BMW and you are paying for that badge but in comparison to my Kwak and my previous Yamaha's and Honda's the costs weren't too bad. Most importantly it needs less attention, the parts are pricey and I would highly recommend the extended warranty scheme to keep things in check. However, when checking costs and not even factoring in inflation - only my TDM900 cost less to run and maintain - and it wasn't a nice as this thing.

Integrated heated grips: cooking and nuclear. They're great, the panniers are a little small but well made unlike some other BMW efforts I'd read about. Honestly no complaints, HP pegs were extremely useful.

Sublime. So easy to ride fast or slow. Handling is sure footed and happy with it in the twisted. It's best on flowing and sweeping roads at a reasonable pace. Brakes are very strong and very comfortable for all day riding with the usual fuel and comfort stops.

So smooth and endless power. Engine does sound a bit weedy at standstill for a 1300.

Had final drive replaced after only 5 months due to corrosion. Otherwise no issues.

Annual service due in 3 months. MPG is 48 over 3500 miles of mostly Sunday morning blasts and a couple of trips to Europe. Best range from a tank has been 195 miles. Happy so far.

Always checking the Info button for range and tyre pressures. Quick shifter is great fun. Panniers and soft top bag fitted which do the job (plus take an extra 40 litre hold-all across the panniers for a weeks trip). Running Angel GTs which are perfect in all conditions.

Mine has ESA

More ability than me!

Other than a blown bulb had not a single propblem

Very comfortable with a slight forward sporty riding position. Not done any long runs but compared to 600s it's like an arm chair. Definitely a great sports tourer.

Power is so smooth - effortless to ride fast or slow. Don't notice any vibrations. Acceleration is simply stunning.

Everything exudes quality - new from Oct 15, mostly dry use and garaged so not expecting corrosion. The HP foot pegs are a work of art.

Dealer was due to fit luggage rack at the service but as BMW sent the wrong part they covered the cost.

Love the quick shifter - works really well when accelerating. Don't bother with it at lower revs / speeds. Will change tyres to Angel GTs.

Exceptional stability and braking performance. No problem demolishing 500 miles in a day (if your mates can keep up). 200 mile fuel range is fair too.

Ballistic performance when needed but also relaxing and easy to ride. Only niggle is clutch judder in stop/start traffic which is a known issue on this model.

Too new for any significant faults to emerge. PDI quality wasn't great and Akrapovic exhaust heat shield was faulty (replaced under warranty). Clutch judders in stop/start traffic, as it did on my last K1300S.

Initial 600 mile check should be included on a bike of this price. Always have to negotiate service price but generally competitive.

At this price, cruise control and Pro gear shift assist (up and down) should be available. Gear shift assist (up only) is brilliant though.

Realistically its 150 miles between fuel stops which is frustrating compared to say a VFR where i was getting close to 250. There's a slight resonant vibe at around 4K (80-90mph) which obviously is irrelevant in the UK... Its happiest rolling on from around 60 in 4th... that's a bit of a wheeze! It has a way of making things in front of you get very big very quickly! The brakes, particularly the ABS are phenomenal. You either like or hate the front end, me i think its brilliant but it takes a couple of days riding to get used to it.

Sadly there is no 6 out of 5! Mine has the Akro exhaust and i run a Booster plug to smooth out the very low rev around town delivery. In this format its probably very close to the 200 bhp of the current crop of 1000cc sports bike but the delivery is very different in that it just comes on so linearly. Maybe its boring for that but with this much go on tap I'm liking boring!

BMW build quality...

The 6000 mile service interval is a bit a bind, but that's common to all Beemers and even Honda aren't so very different. I cover 18,000 miles a year so that's a lot of loan bike days.

The ESA and Traction Control are brilliant. The ABS is essential. GSA is ok but slightly irrelevant the gearbox is good enough for clutchless up and down if you get the revs right anyway. Stock Metzelers are ok but I'd say she prefers the PR4's.

Fantastic ride, made all the better with ESAII, read about some people having brake fade, not seen anything like it myself and will of course push hard again in the Alps this September to see if anything happens...

AWSOME, had blackbirds and big Zeds but this thing just fly's, find it hard to get to the stop as even on partial throttle it goes forward at some pronominal speed, but in the interest of fairness, to my other bikes, I will keep trying...

I have had no issues on my 19k miles and find the bike cleans up great even after long Europe trips. Just well built.

Ok as its a BMW bike and needs that BMW stamp costs for running are not cheap, but the resale value is always great so spend a little more each year to keep the final price good.

I was lucky to get all my chosen options on the bike so have no issues, I like to ride without external influences (Radio's Sat Nav, etc.) so do not need to have them on a bike (yet that is).

Comfortably ride between fuel stops and could go on. Same for pillions but do not ride two up very often. Braking is stunning. Whilst it sits on motorways at ridiculous speeds very comfortably it feels much happier when on fast flowing A roads. Can feel a bit heavy when going round the Alpine hairpins.

Can be a bit vibey at 4500rpm which is around 70-75 in 6th which is frustrating but as previously mentioned there are limits to this engine I fear I will never explore.

The swing arm final drive seems to corrode (did the same on my K1300GT) and this is despite keeping it garaged. Other than this has been very reliable - I do about 12k a year.

I have yet to have a service that cost me less than £300. I can make a set of Road Pilot 3's or 4's last about 10k with a mixture of daily commute up the M3 to London or several longer trips a year.

Quick shifter is now an essential piece of my life - tried the R1200RS and whilst this shifts up and down the K felt much smoother. Used both Road Pilot's 3 and 4 - both are exceptional all weather/use tyres for this bike.