BMW K1300R (2009-2015) - Review & Buying Guide

When the K1200R appeared in 2005, many questioned the logic behind BMW making a high-performance naked bike. After all, who really needed 167bhp in a bike with no fairing! But this totally missed the point of the K-Series R model. Long and heavy, the K-R has always been a classy, stable, roadster rather than a sprightly performance naked and its power delivery is all focused towards low-end grunt and easy roll-on drive. In its second generation, which saw the inline four’s capacity increased to 1298cc from 1157cc, the K1300R added more tech and enhanced drive to this already very sophisticated machine. Never a huge seller, the K1300R is an appealing bike for anyone who likes the instant drive you get from a big-capacity motor but prefers more upright bars to clip-ons and a quirky naked bike look. Don’t think of it as a super naked, think of it as a very powerful do-it-all that happens to be lacking a full-fairing.

BMW K1300R (2009-2015) - Price

Costing £12,215 in 2009, the K1300R was an expensive model, even more so when you started to tick the optional extras as this price tag very quickly started to escalate! Nowadays, however, you can’t help but see them as very good value for money. You can pick up a high-mileage example for as little as £4500, which is probably best avoided, but if you are happy to part with around £6000 you can get a real beauty. The R’s lack of fairing tends to see mileages lower than those on the S with around 20,000 about normal for a used model. Obviously the extras list effects the price tag but in general, armed with £6000 you can get a K1300R that you will be more than happy to open your garage door and see there waiting for you.

BMW K1300R (2009-2015)- Engine & Performance

Obviously when you are talking about the K1300R its inline four engine is the centre of attention. At the time BMW claimed its 173bhp (up 10bhp on the K1200R) made it the most powerful naked bike on the market and with 103ftlb of torque backing it up (an increase of 9.6ftlb) there is no denying it is brimming with stomp. In fact, BMW say it makes 10% more torque than the K1200R from 2000rpm to 8000rpm, which is just where road riders need it. Interestingly, BMW also lowered the K1300R’s final drive when compared to the K1200R, a nod to the fact that riders don’t want top-end speed on a naked bike!

A power-house of an engine, the inline four is a silky smooth unit that owners adore due to its flexible nature. At any revs it picks up and pulls and although some complain about a small tingle at higher revs when cruising (fitting heavier bar end weights helps damp it out, the bars were redesigned on the K1300R and are damped), in general it is very hard to fault in terms of its performance. But what about its reliability?

Unlike the K1200 models, the K1300s are much more reliable. One of the common complaints is the fact the paint flakes off the swingarm and hub area but in terms of mechanical issues, there are none of the cam chain tensioner worries as on the older bike and less grumbles about clutch wear or duff switchgear. When buying used, check the radiator for corrosion and damage (if the fans kick in quickly, be wary as that shows it isn’t working efficiently) as it is costly to replace (around £450 just for the radiator, plus fitting) and also be aware of its 18,000-mile valve clearance check, which is around £800 as access is a bit awkward and involves removing the radiator. A few bikes have suffered from fuel pump faults (there was a recall in some countries) and there was a switchgear recall in 2009 in the UK (the kill switch could be tripped by a short circuit) but that was the only official recall during its lifespan. As on any shaft drive bike, always check for leaks from the hub or any sounds of a grumbling bearing but generally, that’s about it. The K1300R introduced an optional  quickshifter (up only), if one is fitted to the bike just check the gearbox is good as they can cause premature wear but otherwise generally the K1300R’s mechanicals are solid. Just watch out for a seized exhaust valve, something that was introduced on the K1300R to boost its low-end performance.

BMW K1300R (2009-2015) - Handling & Suspension (inc. Weight)

Make no mistake, the K1300R is a roadster and not a super naked and its long wheelbase and fairly relaxed geometry are set for stability at speed rather than full-on agility. However that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed in bends and through fast and smooth corners the R is great fun and extremely stable. While ESA II was an optional extra, the majority of owners ticked this box and if it is all working properly, it is a good system to have. ESA II alters the damping at both ends (the Duolever runs a shock remember) and also allows the shock’s preload to be set electronically. It’s not semi-active but a push of a button makes it pleasingly firm for sporty riding or softer for cruising. Naturally, as on all ESA systems, you need to be very wary of it working correctly as BMW won’t rebuild the shocks (some aftermarket companies can) and that means new units at around £1000 each if they fail. That said, refurbished used items are about £250 on online auction sites which is pretty acceptable. On a used bike also give the brake fluid an inspection for clarity (it should be changed every two years, braided lines are standard so they can be ignored) as you really don’t want to be faced with a faulty ABS pump and also watch out for play in the Duolever system. Feel for a gentle weave at low speed (around 30mph) as this is a sign that the ball joints need replacing, which will set you back about £400 and is a job best left to a professional. You can also put the bike on its centre stand (if it has one, it was an optional extra!) and give the front end a good wiggle. Oddly, BMW did sell HP forged ‘sports wheels’ for the K1300R, which are wider on the rear with a 6.0in rim running a 190/55 tyre – very few bikes have these fitted and they are a bit pointless.

BMW K1300R (2009-2015) - Comfort & Economy

Considering the K1300R lacks a fairing it still makes for a good tourer. A screen helps deflect some wind (most bikes have one fitted) and as long as you keep the speed down it’s all very relaxed. Even for a pillion, especially with the optional extra comfort pillion seat fitted. Add heated grips, a screen, panniers and ESA II and you can certainly class the K1300R as a sports tourer – which makes it so odd that so few cover big miles.

In terms of economy, BMW claimed figures of between 56mpg and 49mpg were achievable but owners say you need to expect about 46mpg in general riding conditions with 50mpg if you take it very easy. Even at 46mpg, that sill gives you a range of about 200 miles until empty, which is enough on a naked bike.

BMW K1300R (2009-2015)- Equipment

As you would expect, here’s where it gets confusing.... Technically the K1300R was sold with ABS as an optional extra, however nearly every UK bike has the system fitted. Other popular options that are worth having include heated grips, ESA II (both ends), the HP Gearshift Assistant (quickshifter, up only), ASC (traction control) and a sports screen. A few riders opt for the lower seat option (790mm) or the comfort seat (there is also one for the pillion) but in general, that’s where it ends and very few bike have anything other than official BMW extras fitted. Lots of K1300Rs come with luggage, which are often the BMW sports cases but aftermarket hard panniers are also pretty common. A fair few bikes have loud pipes fitted, which is a matter of personal taste – Akrapovic was the official BMW supplier and is the better silencer. Some owners fit an aftermarket clutch slave cylinder to reduce the lever’s action’s effort slightly but in general, that’s the end of any major mods.

BMW K1300R (2009-2015)- Rivals

Potential buyers of the K1300R tend to either be after a big-capacity naked bike that is good for pillions and also covering miles on, which opens the doors to some very tempting alternatives...

Suzuki B-King (2008-2012) | Approx Price: £6000-£9000

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Power/Torque

181bhp / 108lb-ft

Weight

235kg

Honda X-11 (1999-2002) | Approx Price: £1500-£3500

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Power/Torque

134bhp / 85.6lb-ft

Weight

222kg

Yamaha MT-01 | Approx Price: £4500-£7000

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Power/Torque

90bhp / 110lb-ft

Weight

265kg

BMW K1300R (2009-2015) - Verdict

The BMW K1300R is a classy roadster that has a stomping engine and a fairly good reliability record. If you are tempted by a K-Series model, the K1300 is a better buy than the K1200 as it has many of the older bike’s reliability gremlins ironed out. Should you opt for the naked R over the faired S? That’s a tougher question but the R has more kerb appeal while not detracting too much from the S’s practical side. Fit a screen and you can certainly tour on one and it’s also a blast on B-roads. And at £6000 for a decent example, you are getting a lot of performance for your money. A heck of a lot of performance...

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BMW K1300R (2009-2015) - Technical Specification

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