K1300GT (2009 - present) review
Anyone out there packed in smoking for a New Year’s resolution? I didn’t, but I can definitely recommend the K1300GT for those looking for something to do with their hands. I counted ten things that I could poke, push, pull and prod that didn’t involve the clutch or just hanging on. And that was on the lefthand-side alone. The GT version of BMW’s new K1300 platform will certainly keep you entertained if you get idle hands. And if you don’t, thankfully the engaging riding dynamics of the revised tourer will hold your interest.
Anyone out there packed in smoking for a New Year’s resolution? I didn’t, but I can definitely recommend the K1300GT for those looking for something to do with their hands. I counted ten things that I could poke, push, pull and prod that didn’t involve the clutch or just hanging on. And that was on the lefthand-side alone. The GT version of BMW’s new K1300 platform will certainly keep you entertained if you get idle hands. And if you don’t, thankfully the engaging riding dynamics of the revised tourer will hold your interest.
Ridden normally in pretty much every riding environment I found something to like. Filtering through the Spanish rush hour I enjoyed the improved torque spread of the new model over the outgoing 1200. A substantial 99ftlb at just 3500rpm provides plenty of shove, though quite what the traffic makes of it as you steamroller your way through is a different matter.
On more open stretches the glitch-free gearbox, smooth as silk shaft-drive and 160bhp made easy work of keeping my child-like attention span in check. And, like the other two new 1300s, the GT was more than happy to hitch up its panniers and get a wriggle on. Persistence and idiocy rewarded me with a (factory option) sat nav-verified 160mph. On a touring bike. Marvellous.
Once into the thick of the twisty stuff the GT seemed to give up sucking its stomach in and puffing its chest out and let itself down. Don’t get me wrong, two-up with a weekend’s worth of kit for two, this bike will shine. But, after belting along fast A-roads like it can, the GT puts you in a sporty riding frame of mind, which if you try and apply to more demanding roads will result in the rear twitching and the front slowly refusing to comply.
Anyone out there packed in smoking for a New Year’s resolution? I didn’t, but I can definitely recommend the K1300GT for those looking for something to do with their hands. I counted ten things that I could poke, push, pull and prod that didn’t involve the clutch or just hanging on. And that was on the lefthand-side alone. The GT version of BMW’s new K1300 platform will certainly keep you entertained if you get idle hands. And if you don’t, thankfully the engaging riding dynamics of the revised tourer will hold your interest.
Ridden normally in pretty much every riding environment I found something to like. Filtering through the Spanish rush hour I enjoyed the improved torque spread of the new model over the outgoing 1200. A substantial 99ftlb at just 3500rpm provides plenty of shove, though quite what the traffic makes of it as you steamroller your way through is a different matter.
On more open stretches the glitch-free gearbox, smooth as silk shaft-drive and 160bhp made easy work of keeping my child-like attention span in check. And, like the other two new 1300s, the GT was more than happy to hitch up its panniers and get a wriggle on. Persistence and idiocy rewarded me with a (factory option) sat nav-verified 160mph. On a touring bike. Marvellous.
Once into the thick of the twisty stuff the GT seemed to give up sucking its stomach in and puffing its chest out and let itself down. Don’t get me wrong, two-up with a weekend’s worth of kit for two, this bike will shine. But, after belting along fast A-roads like it can, the GT puts you in a sporty riding frame of mind, which if you try and apply to more demanding roads will result in the rear twitching and the front slowly refusing to comply.
Price: £12,240
Front suspension: BMW Duolever
Rear suspension: BMW Paralever
Front brake: 320mm discs, four-piston calipers
Rear brake: Single 294mm disc, two-piston caliper
Dry weight: 255kg
Seat height: 820mm
Fuel capacity: 24 litres
Top speed: 165mph
Colours: Metallic Red, Metallic Blue, Metallic Beige
Engine: Liquid-cooled, 16-valve, inline four, 1293cc
Power: 160bhp @ 9000rpm
Torque: 99ft.lb @ 8000rpm
