BMW K1300GT
Sat, 21/08/2010 - 15:22
I think I've found my dream/ideal bike... The BMW K1300GT. After checking out the specs over the last few days and reading everything I could find about it, I had the chance to briefly sit on one this morning, an hour before the dealership officially opened (when the general manager was kind enough to let me in... they were preparing for some kind of bike event at their shop).
He wasn't 100% certain (the salesmen weren't there yet) but he believed that it had the standard seat and while I wasn't able to get my feet completely flat on the ground, I was wearing relatively thin shoes and not my riding boots and I am sure that with boots I would be quite comfortable. And if indeed it was the regular seat, with the shorter seat option there would be no question.
The bike was gorgeous! Unfortunately he only gave me a couple of minutes before kicking me out but what I saw I really liked. I have no idea what options were on the bike or if any others would be easily available.
Does anyone have an idea of whether or not this will be replaced by the rumoured K1600GT or if this model will remain?
What scares me quite a bit is the multiple comments I've read about rather poor reliability. I'd hate to get such a bike and then find myself stranded somewhere. Of course anything could break down, but at least from what I've read, the BMW has far from the reliability of say, Honda.
There seems little doubt about the touring qualities of this bike but in terms of being nimble in city traffic, would it be much less so than my current Honda CBF600?
Thanks in advance for any comments...
Eldor
Tue, 24/08/2010 - 08:59
#2
Re: BMW K1300GT
The expectation is that the K1600GT will be unveiled at Intermot in Cologne (or Köln for German readers) in about five or six weeks time. If you're looking at a K1300GT then I'd suggest waiting to see what that bike is like.
It might be worth taking a look at the R1200RT as an alternative to the K. It's 30 kg lighter, and there are lower seat options available for it. Fuel economy is better, though it's not as fast.
Tue, 24/08/2010 - 10:49
#3
Re: BMW K1300GT
Afraid I can't really answer any of your specific questions. I had the loan of a K1300GT for the weekend. Also found it nimble once it was moving, just when parking and pushing it the weight really was a pain. Cases and top box seemed to be really good quality and they detach in seconds. The BMW tank bag fits on with velcro straps and click-fit fasteners. It was great on mountain passes and on the motorway with the electric screen at its highest position wind protection seemed very good. I've a 32 inch inside leg and was able to get both feet flat on the ground. What I did notice was I hit my shins on the fairing a few times.
Tue, 24/08/2010 - 22:19
#4
Re: BMW K1300GT
The expectation is that the K1600GT will be unveiled at Intermot in Cologne (or Köln for German readers) in about five or six weeks time. If you're looking at a K1300GT then I'd suggest waiting to see what that bike is like.
It might be worth taking a look at the R1200RT as an alternative to the K. It's 30 kg lighter, and there are lower seat options available for it. Fuel economy is better, though it's not as fast.
It's always a gamble... But I'm as sure as I can be that a 1600cc bike is going to simply be too much for me. Even the K1300GT is pushing it. And besides my not really liking the R1200RT, that bike would actually cost me more than what I'm getting.
And by waiting (since I really want the K1300GT) I run the risk of not being able to get one later. There are currently a very few loaded 2010 GTs that could be obtained (from other dealers) but it seems there are only two of the 2011 Special (or Exclusive) Edition models around. Once the 1600 is formally announced it might be next to impossible to get a 1300.
And of course then there's the fact that here in Montreal there really isn't a whole heck of a lot left of our season, and what there is, as the cold weather arrives, would be a lot more pleasant on a K1300GT than on my Honda CBF600.
But it's funny though... The Montreal Police use the R1200RT.
Tue, 24/08/2010 - 22:22
#5
Re: BMW K1300GT
Any suggestions on where to look for low seat alternatives (to the BMW offering)? Since I would have to buy a low seat and not get it for free, I really should check out other options.
Tue, 24/08/2010 - 23:16
#6
Re: BMW K1300GT
BMW UK keeps a fair stock of bikes in crates at its depot, and can supply a bike in a fairly standard configuration within a matter of days. It's likely that BMW Canada has a similar arrangement, and I haven't seen anything to suggest that the K1300GT is a strictly limited edition, so my guess is that you could probably get one pretty quickly if they sold out locally.
My suggestion would be to test ride the K1300GT, K1300S, R1200RT, VFR1200 and Multistrada to find out which you like the best.
In terms of being "too much" the BMW Ks are surprisingly civilised, and I found the K1300R easier to control than the Honda CB500 I learnt on.
I'd personally see what sort of deal I could cut with the dealer for a low seat. You might even be able to get them to throw one in.
Wed, 25/08/2010 - 09:03
#7
Re: BMW K1300GT
Eldor: Go with the dealer who treats you like a customer, makes it easy to do buisiness for you, arrogance to customers is the first step you take when your margins are fat and you think it is because of your buisiness accumen and nothing to do with a customer. I have a dealer like you describe nearby and they gouge big time at service/repair time so I travel 180 miles to get 5% discount on new and the most helpfull service backup I have experianced ( they were trained by the Oldest Dealer in Montreal ).
Ask for the low seat as part of the deal - I always get my first extra thrown in and offer to pay cost on the rest fitted free.
Secondly, take the saving offered by the Oldest Dealer and spend it on accessories or camera gear ( enjoyed your pics on the website ).
The inner bags are good quality and have little loss in volume - the top box bag is huge and can be overloaded easily.Remember the inner bags stay clean so you do when you carry them into your lodge.
Alarm, in my opinion, a complete waste of money - gets in the way, another battery drain, ignored by everybody ( when did you last alert the Police on hearing an alarm ) and thieves simply pick your bike up, they will be in gangs of four, with alarm at 150db and put the bike in a white van with doors closed and alarm inaudible.
Now go get the agile GT1300 for a discount!
Wed, 25/08/2010 - 10:56
#8
Re: BMW K1300GT
I agree with Roundincircles, go to a dealer that treats you like a customer - if you can't do your own servicing (I can't) then you need to find someone you can trust. I ignore the local Honda guys & travel 150 miles return each service (Honda).
Alarm also waste of money for all the reasons RIC listed. FWIW I think BMW will make the 6 cylinder bike very manageable, weight low down & torquey. They may be making this year's ultimate sportsbike but they will not have lost sight of what makes a good tourer (grand GT, not so grand GT or what not).
Wed, 25/08/2010 - 20:42
#9
Re: BMW K1300GT
Graeme, roundincircles and dogfm... Thanks much for your comments.
I've decided to buy the bike from the more welcoming dealer and was going to make the deal today, but the salesman is off today. That means I have one more day to come to my senses.
Ok, I won't bother with the alarm. And I really think I will be very happy with the K13GT... Yes the 1600 will be cooler but that bike will be more (of everything) than I'm ready for at this stage of my riding. That doesn't of course mean that I couldn't revisit this again in a year or two. I'm sure there will still be good value in the K13GT.
And I am getting a bit of a discount and I will push for a bit more. In 24 hours I will probably have made the deal.
Thanks...
Thu, 26/08/2010 - 08:32
#10
Re: BMW K1300GT
Eldor
I hope you and the K13GT have a very happy future together and that you crack the record of ownership of 6 weeks! Most BMW owners of my ken remain bonded for life.
Let us know how you get on and when you have your first waaaahay! moment.
Rocca has posted an excellent solution for carrying additional luggage on 'a new helmet' thread, which you may find useful.
Thu, 26/08/2010 - 16:45
#11
Re: BMW K1300GT
Eldor,
You may already OWN the K13GT by now. If so, congrats! Hopefully, you will enjoy it as much as I have.
It is well made, can easily do 260+ miles on a tank, comes with large panniers, has great weather protection - for those of us who ride all year, in any weather. Not to mention a MONSTER engine. It may be down a few hp on the K13S, but you will never notice the difference. Different cams and gearing actually make it more responsive in everyday riding.
Yes, it is a heavy beast, but the adjustable suspension (and torque) allow it to keep up with most anything on the road - really depends on the rider's capabilities.
Is it perfect? Hell no. Nothing is. It comes down to individual priorities and preferences. Enjoy.
Thu, 26/08/2010 - 19:36
#12
Re: BMW K1300GT
Eldor, good luck with the big BMW.
Incidentally, I can sympathise with the "Must have it now" feeling. Your bike's uglier brother is currently saying, "Buy me!"
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2010/august...
Thu, 26/08/2010 - 19:54
#13
Re: BMW K1300GT
Graeme, you're biased since BMW took its styling cues from your knitted image (not the kisses obviously).
Seriously tho', the R is amazing. Sublime handling and silly torque just about 'tamed' by naked riding style. It's the only Beemer that's set my pulse racing, my trousers quivering and an unhesitating lunge for my wallet. (Un)fortunately, there was nothing in it at the time!
I had a Kevin moment on a demo day. They had to prise me (tantrums and early burger) off the bike!
Looks like a tempting offer......
Thu, 26/08/2010 - 21:43
#14
Re: BMW K1300GT
Well folks, having a day to "come to my senses" did not seem to help any.
I did the deal today and will pick up my new 2011 BMW K1300GT Special Edition tomorrow afternoon at 3 pm. And the dealer has ordered a low seat for me which he'll sell me at cost.
The weather forecast for the next few days is perfect, only I have to work on Saturday (with Sunday and Monday off).
I'll be reporting in when/if I actually get off the bike before winter.
Cheers!
Thu, 26/08/2010 - 21:49
#15
Re: BMW K1300GT
Eldor : Your no different from the rest of us; the heart rules the head! Well done and I am certain you will not be dissapointed.
Thu, 26/08/2010 - 21:55
#16
Re: BMW K1300GT
Silvercub, unfortunately the BMW K1300R isn't available in pink crochet. For some reason the Germans don't get it, despite some truly hideous attempts at colour schemes and graphics in the past.
That might explain why they tend to stick to fifteen shades of grey these days.
Eldor, have fun! I'm sure you will. :)
I really like the big K series bikes, even if my tastes run to those with less plastic on them. Were Kevin Ash here, he'd be telling you that the GT is the pick of the bunch.
Thu, 26/08/2010 - 22:30
#17
Re: BMW K1300GT
I have a K13GT special edition (UK - fully loaded).
It is a big chunky bike - but surprisingly fast and agile. I have even had it on a track and it can take on litre sports bikes quite happily, though is limited by ground clearance in the end.
I have put 22,000 miles on mine in a year - and enjoyed all of them. I just wish it looked a bit more sporty!
Enjoy yours.
Fri, 27/08/2010 - 09:32
#18
Re: BMW K1300GT
Well folks, having a day to "come to my senses" did not seem to help any.
Well done Eldor and best of luck with the bike. I also think you did the correct thing going for the friendly dealer. I have always gone that route and have not only had great support but also made some great friends through it.
As one of the long term members on here, having been in at the start, I also thank you for igniting a thread that is something other than the Multistrada, as it was all getting a bit tedious. This is coming from a dyed in the wool and commited Ducati man too.
Tue, 31/08/2010 - 19:09
#19
Re: BMW K1300GT
Well folks, after getting the bike late Friday afternoon (and working on Saturday) I've now got over 800 kms on the bike. I love it!
I'm just not fully comfortable on it when stopped because I cannot flat foot it... the dealer has the low seat on order for me and I hope it comes in soon. But once in motion, well, it's wonderful. I'm amazed at how versatile the bike seems to be, really sporty on a twisty road yet fully comfortable on the highway.
I've already got my first service booked!
One thing the dealer (and the manual) haven't been able to answer for me is how the turn signals work... Sometimes they seem to turn off by themselves and other times they don't. The dealer told me that they're on a timer but I don't believe this is the case because sometimes as I said, they stay on. I suspect that if there is some sort of auto-cancellation feature, it is related to the lean of the bike, but even that doesn't seem to me to be consistent. Does anyone know?
It's also a wee bit annoying that BMW has got us so locked in to buying approved accessories only from them... even the accessory power outlet by the driver's left foot is not a standard cigarette lighter plug. And the plug they sell is of course over-priced and it's surprising that there isn't a 90 degree version of that plug... it sticks way out and I'm sure it would get kicked.
But those gripes are really minor (and if that's all I have to gripe about, the bike is pretty incredible).
My bike was delivered to me with the handlebars at their highest position and I found that my wrists were getting tired much too quickly. I've now lowered them, and it's much better. (But with the lower seat, it might not be as comfortable... I'll just have to wait and see.)
I was also surprised at how much the bike is affected by cross winds. But then again, I think it was a really windy day and I had no way to compare how another bike would have behaved in those conditions.
I was on the bike for 8 hours (only getting off a few times to take photos, drink some water or grab a sandwich) and it was really great.
Here are some photos from my Sunday ride...
Tue, 31/08/2010 - 20:28
#20
Re: BMW K1300GT
Eldor
The indicators are related to distance travelled. That is if they are the same as the ones on my 1200RT (2008 model).
Congrats on the purchase. It's a cracking looking bike you have there I must say.
Tue, 31/08/2010 - 20:50
#21
Re: BMW K1300GT
Eldor
The indicators are related to distance travelled.
Distance related? I don't think that's the case on my K1300GT... I've gone MILES without the darned thing turning off when I've forgotten to do it myself. And other times it turns off shortly after a corner. I couldn't find any consistent behaviour with this, which was why I checked the manual and then asked my dealer.
Surely there must be a definitive answer available somewhere, and I'm disappointed that my BMW dealer wasn't able to get it for me.
I think I'd be happy to know there is NO auto-cancellation feature and I'd just learn to always do it myself (unless I forget).
Tue, 31/08/2010 - 21:45
#22
Re: BMW K1300GT
Indicator cancellation is both distance and time related. It has nothing to do with lean angle.
The parameters can be set by a dealer or anyone with a GS-911.
Ex factory the parameters are usually set to the maximum. Your dealer (or GS-911 operative) can turn them off so that all indication activation has manual cancellation. I prefer this as I do training rides and sometimes need to leave the indicators on to give a clear signal to the bike in front.
Tue, 31/08/2010 - 23:17
#23
Re: BMW K1300GT
Nice pics Eldor and nice bike; congratulations. Given you like it so much so soon, once you've grown into it and really got to know it, I expect you will find it phenomenal. Happy riding.
Wed, 01/09/2010 - 16:17
#24
Re: BMW K1300GT
Indicator cancellation is both distance and time related. It has nothing to do with lean angle.
The parameters can be set by a dealer or anyone with a GS-911.
Thanks very much!
Something doesn't seem right on my bike with the indicator cancellation... There are times when they cancel and times that they just stay on. Yesterday on the highway I left them on for over 5 minutes while doing 110 kph and they did not cancel. (I was a little embarrassed to do this but there wasn't much traffic.)
I'll have the dealer look at this during the first service.
Cheers!
Mon, 06/09/2010 - 15:43
#25
Dropped the bike!
Sad... so sad. After only 9 days with my new dream 2011 K1300GT, I dropped it and damaged the entire left side.
I was trying to make a slow U-turn on a curve on a rural country road with farmer's fields as far as I could see. I'd just passed a beautiful view of a field with dramatic cloud formations and wanted to go back to photograph it. No traffic, no people as far as I could see.
The curve was banked and I was on the low inside part of the curve. I stopped way over on the right (we drive on the right here) and started my U-turn up the banking and back. I got to the top of the banking and at a really slow speed, dropped the bike over onto the left side. I just couldn't hold it up. And the shoulder of the road was full of gravel and everything on the left (including the left side of the front fairing) is scratched.
Why did this happen? Two reasons that I suspect. 1) (And this is probably the biggest) My inexperience with big heavy bikes. I guess that if I could have given it a burst of throttle I could have come out of the turn intact, and; 2) The fact that I haven't received the lower seat yet and with this seat I cannot flat-foot it, even on flat and level ground. Here the road was quite banked, making it an even greater reach for my left foot to the ground and by the time my foot reached the ground the bike was already leaning over too much to stop the fall. SIGH
And then I found I couldn't raise the bike! Geez, this thing is heavy! Is it just brute force or is there any kind of technique to raising a dropped bike? Heck, for that matter, I haven't even managed to get the bike onto the center stand yet. I am not the strongest guy in the world, but I can't believe I'm that weak. It took more than half an hour before someone came driving by who was kind enough to stop and help me raise the bike. Boy did I feel dumb!
I guess it's going to be real expensive to replace all the damaged panels, including the lid of the side pannier. Some of the scratches are deep enough to show the black plastic under the grey top color but many are just showing white. Is there anything (buffing, some kind of paint/chemical) that could help with this?
Mon, 06/09/2010 - 16:03
#26
Re: BMW K1300GT
Bad luck
Take it to a paint shop to have the panels re-painted. Doesn't look too bad but is well beyond "buffing".
Order a new badge.
To pick up the bike, stand with your back to it and grip the handlebar and seat handle, brace your legs apart, keep your back straight and vertical, and slowly walk backwards.
You will find clips on you tube of small ladies picking up heavy cruisers with this technique. It is quite easy once you know how and does not require a great deal of strength.
Practice your slow riding on a level car park. Gassing it up when it starts to topple is almost invariably the right solution. Balance the bike on clutch and rear brake. Keep off the front brake.
Mon, 06/09/2010 - 16:03
#27
Re: BMW K1300GT
Bad luck
Take it to a paint shop to have the panels re-painted. Doesn't look too bad but is well beyond "buffing".
Order a new badge.
To pick up the bike, stand with your back to it and grip the handlebar and seat handle, brace your legs apart, keep your back straight and vertical, and slowly walk backwards.
You will find clips on you tube of small ladies picking up heavy cruisers with this technique. It is quite easy once you know how and does not require a great deal of strength.
Practice your slow riding on a level car park. Gassing it up when it starts to topple is almost invariably the right solution. Balance the bike on clutch and rear brake. Keep off the front brake.
Mon, 06/09/2010 - 16:48
#28
Re: BMW K1300GT
Ver sorry to hear that. Glad to hear you'd no injuries. A similar thing happened to me about 3 weeks ago on the GT that I had rented for the weekend. Had stopped at a busy junction and casually turned round a bit to hear my wifes directions better. Not sure how I managed it but bike suddenly started to tip over and there was no way I could hold it. I think it was just a momentary lapse of concentration and me being careless. Wife was not impressed. There was a lot of traffic too so I didn't half feel like a right idiot. My leg hurt and I'd a limp for about two weeks afterwards. Nothing serious, just a pulled muscle I think. That weekend turned out to be a lot more expensive than planned though.
The bike looked similar to yours afterwards, the cases seemed to have taken most of the fall.
If it had been my own bike I personally wouldn't have bothered getting it fixed. From what I understand its the sort of thing that can happen now and again at the beginning so I'd just put it down to normal wear and tear and not look into getting it repaired for at least year or so when I'd got more experience with the bike and I'd be less likely to drop it.
Mon, 06/09/2010 - 20:53
#29
Re: BMW K1300GT
You will find clips on you tube of small ladies picking up heavy cruisers with this technique. It is quite easy once you know how and does not require a great deal of strength.
Thanks! I don't often check out Youtube and wouldn't have thought of it to learn how to pick up a dropped bike, but I just checked it out and there are LOTS of interesting clips about bikes (and how to pick them up). No wonder I couldn't pick mine up... I was trying by facing the bike instead of by having my back towards it.
I'll be more careful next time, and hopefully my lower seat will arrive soon, and I'll try to give a bit more throttle to get out of such a situation. But if it happens again, now that I know the technique, chances are good that I'll be able to pick the bike up again.
Now if I could only figure out how to get the bike onto the center stand...
Cheers!
Mon, 06/09/2010 - 20:56
#30
Re: BMW K1300GT
If it had been my own bike I personally wouldn't have bothered getting it fixed. From what I understand its the sort of thing that can happen now and again at the beginning so I'd just put it down to normal wear and tear and not look into getting it repaired for at least year or so when I'd got more experience with the bike and I'd be less likely to drop it.
Too bad you got hurt. I was lucky not to, but then again I was just about stopped when it happened. Too bad it wasn't on some nice soft grass instead of on gravel.
Now, a day later, I am thinking of not getting it fixed (or the panels replaced) right away. I think you're right... I should get some more experience first as chances are it might happen again.
Cheers!
I'm answering some of my own questions here, and asking new ones...
Today I visited the only two BMW dealers in Montreal, and one let me take the K1300GT for a test ride. WOW! I was really impressed, and once in motion I found it extremely nimble and confidence-inspiring.
Both dealers had the 2011 K1300GT in stock... Yes, that's not a typo - 2011 model year. That is how the Special Edition is being sold in Canada. A 2010 model, with the exact same options would cost me about $2,500 (Cdn) MORE than the 2011 Special Edition, so it's really a no-brainer which one to get (unless someone really wanted one of the other colors).
Both bikes had the standard seat, adjusted in the lowest position and I could almost flat foot it, but not quite. In spite of what I understood from the BMW web site, if I want a lower seat, I would have to BUY it (it is not free). And the price is over $400 Canadian!
Which brings me to my first question. Since I have to pay for a lower seat, is there another seat (non-BMW) that I should consider? The bike is heavy and I would have to get used to it, but I'm afraid that with a passenger I would not find it comfortable/safe enough with the standard seat.
My second question is about the alarm system. Neither bike has it but apparently it (the BMW one) could be fitted. The cost would be about $600. Is it worth it? One dealer told me BMWs are never stolen (never???) because no one would be able to start them without the key but I find that hard to believe. I haven't checked insurance costs yet but I'm sure for the BMW it would be a lot.
My only real disappointment about the bike was in the amount of plastic around the gas tank... It would mean my magnetic tank bag could not be used. And I've just managed to get the perfect tank bag, properly fitted with padding and dividers that lets me take some of my camera gear along. (The panniers and top box would be for clothing, computer and other travel necessities.) Speaking of panniers, I was surprised that the BMW ones are a litre smaller than the Honda ones. But the top box is huge! Does anyone know if adding the removable liners significantly reduces storage space? Are they worth getting?
One dealer claims to be the largest BMW bike dealer in Canada (and I think he said in the top 20 in the world), has courtesy bikes (subject to availability) for when you need service, but a rather snotty/superior attitude (the salesman though was very nice). They want about $1500 more than the other dealer, who is less convenient for me, claims to be the oldest BMW dealer in Canada, doesn't have courtesy bikes (but will rent me one for half the regular rental price) but has a much more pleasant attitude. (And is the dealer who let me try the bike.). Deciding who to buy from won't be easy.
Thanks very much for any help with all this.
Now I've got to post some ads to try to sell my six-week old 2010 Honda CBF600 with Honda panniers and top box and only 2100kms. Sigh