K1300S
BMW Motorrad has been producing motorcycles since 1923, when it produced its first motorcycle – the R32. But before you work on your K 1300 S, double check to see if you have a BMW K 1300 S service manual.
Style is subjective, but the sharp lines and angular fuel tank of the K 1300 S do draw you in. The sculpted windshield and the integrated front turn signals in the mirrors create smooth lines and an aesthetically pleasing look.
The white face speedometer and large analog tachometer are easy to read. The other items that you might come to expect on a dash are visible within the LCD, air/coolant temperature, the clock, and trip meters. Not only that, but you have readouts for fuel range, TPM (tire pressure monitoring), highest speed traveled, suspension and gear selection, heated grips, and a fuel gauge.
The fascinating thing about what BMW did with the K 1300 S is that all of the systems work seamlessly together with none of them dominating any of the others. Moreover, with a length of 86 in and a weight of 560 lbs (road ready), this latest K 1300 S is slightly more massive than the outgoing version by 14 lbs.
Now, usually I’d say that in order to ride a bike like this you’d have to be graced with some decent height but since BMW offers a low seat option that lowers your at-rest position by 1.1 in. (31.1 in. vs. 32.3 in.), you don’t need to be a six-plus footer. Those that fall short of that mark rejoice as you should be able to flat-foot the K 1300 S without a problem. Whichever height range you fall into, between the adjustable levers, high clip-ons and different seat options, the K 1300 S should fit your stature perfectly.
The bore and stroke was changed to 80 x 64.3 mm (up from 79 x 59 mm) so that the 1,293 cc liquid-cooled four-stroke in-line four-cylinder engine with four valves per cylinder, two overhead camshafts and dry-sump lubrication now produces 175 hp @ 9,250 rpm and 103 ft. lbs. @ 8,250 rpm. The compression ratio of 13:1 remains unchanged.
All that horsepower and torque is put to the ground via a constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with multiple-disc clutch mated to a shaft drive. There are many pros and cons regarding shaft, chain, and belt drive systems (many of which I’ve discussed before), but BMW’s shaft drive is as smooth as silk. However, making sure you have a BMW K1300S workshop manual may prove useful if you ever find yourself working on one.
