Tag Archives: bmw

BMW K1300S

Another demo ride.

I couldn’t get out on the S1000RR but managed a good run on the K1300S. It was very cold at Cooper Motorrad in Tunbridge Wells when we picked up the bikes (Jim was on an R1200RT). We headed off for Canterbury across the downs where it snowed heavily, dodging the slush in the road and warily eying the 3″ of snow on the parked cars.

This bike is supposedly BMWs “Sports Tourer” aimed at those riders who want an across-the-frame multi that isn’t fully loaded with fairing and panniers etc (a la K1300GT). The bike offers 175bhp and is hugely reassuring with excellent road-holding and handling. The digital gear indicator is useful – even then I kept fishing for a 7th gear.

The biggest drawback for me (especially yesterday) was the lack of heated grips. After only 15 minutes I was wishing for my nice warm Sprint…

Numb fingers notwithstanding, I put 100 miles on the bike in my allotted 2 hours and thoroughly enjoyed it. 42mpg (according to the computer does not bode well with a tank of a mere 19 litres though. That’s 140 miles to “reserve” – not enough!

The electronic suspension was fun – especially in those conditions. I left it in “Normal” on the way out and tried “Comfort” on the way back. Didn’t bother with “Sport”

The Ultimate Riding Machine? Maybe.

Would I buy one? No thanks.

BMW S1000RR

Whether you like BMWs or not, every red-blooded biker has been waiting for a chance to try the new uber-sportsbike from BMW.

Vines BMW had open day(s) to show off the new models (including the RR) – I went to Caterham with Jim. He got to sit on it, but no test ride (we didn’t book…)

We are both off to Coopers in Tunbridge Wells this week – maybe better luck there!

BMW K100RS Leaves Nirvana

2 Replies

Waved goodbye to the BMW this afternoon as Phil Millard of Acceleration Collection and Delivery Service arrived to take her to sunny Scotland. He’s a professional bike transporter and came recommended by Dave Hewitt (Biffta) on the vintage Honda site www.honda-sohc.co.uk. We had to take the luggage off (again) to fit the bike in the van; this will give the new owner some good practise at fitting and removing the luggage as there’s a definite knack to it.

Here’s Phil in his van with the bikes:

He can be contacted on www.AccelerationCADS.co.uk

BMW K100RS

I promised a picture with the luggage fitted: here it is.

Honestly, how difficult can it be to take a photograph of a bike like this? Answer: very difficult. Your average cheapo digital camera (like the one I have) can’t handle the white bodywork and black engine. This is the best of about 20 shots – this one was on auto but in the shade behind a barn. I tried all sorts of sun/shade/fixed aperture shots but this one was still the best. Any advice on how to do this (without spending zillions on SLR cameras) welcome.