The German manufacturers are all set to make the pulses of Indian consumers go racing – with the launch of their K 1300 R super-bike. The power of the engine has been pumped up, the looks have been touched up, and overall this version of the bike looks and feels a lot better than the predecessor. All that should, however, not matter to the Indian buyer, who will anyway get a taste of a beamer super-bike for the 1st time here.
BUILD & LOOKS:
The overall looks really get your attention, as you would expect from any super-bike. But, the thing that BMW has really excelled in, is the muscle power it seems to have added in the looks compartment of this particular R version. The K1300R rolls on a 1mm longer wheelbase than its predecessor due to the lower mounting point of the revised Duolever front end. It helps in saving 1kg of unsprung weight, but it transforms the wheel of the front end. Overall, it’s very well built, but it’s certainly not the prettiest. Just bold and raw muscle power.
ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE:
With an upgraded engine producing 173bhp @ 9,250rpm you would expect this bike to be a beast on the road. And that’s exactly what it feels like, most times. The only question is, would an Indian buyer find enough good roads here to enjoy this power-house of a bike? BMW have done a cracking job of integrating great features from other bikes in the BMW range into this new machine. The quirky quick shifter first experienced on the HP2 Sport has found its way onto the accessory list for the K1300R and the S. It works in the same way, allowing the rider to change gear without full throttle or shutting off; just applying a little pressure to the lever is enough. The system worked best if you made the change deliberate but unhurried - not always easy to do at full throttle.
CONCLUSION:
Even though you have to love and appreciate the engineering and quality that BMW has integrated in this bike, you are left wondering if it is worth your dough for Indian roads. If money is not an object, then it should not even matter. If it is, then you would be well advised to look for other options.
PROs: Excellent handling even at high speeds, Raw power for extra thrill, Awesome road presence
CONs: Fuel consumption
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Engine: Liquid cooled, 16 valve, inline four, 1,293cc
- Power: 173bhp @ 9,250rpm
- Torque: 103 ft.lb @ 8,250rpm
- Front suspension: BMW Duolever
- Rear suspension: BMW Paralever
- Front brake: 320mm discs, four piston calipers
- Rear brake: Single 265mm disc, two piston caliper
- Dry weight: 217kg
- Seat height: 820mm
- Fuel capacity: 19 Litres
- Top speed: 165mph
- Colours: Silk metallic, Lava Orange and Light Grey Metallic
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