Test ride of S1000RR - now love my K1300S all the more

[johncrosby]

Whilst at a rest stop I met a guy riding an orange K1300S last week. He came up to me wanting to know if I'd be interested in some of his bits and pieces off his bike. I wasn't but was intrigued as to why he was selling a 6 month old bike. His advice to me was - do not test ride the S1000RR, as you will never see your K1300S in the same light and it will make you want the RR. Well that was a red rag to a bull for me. I hate being told not to do stuff to the constant frustration of my wife!

To cut to the chase, after trying the S1000RR yesterday, he was partly right. It certainly made me see my K1300S in a new light.

The first thing I noticed was how thin and light the RR is. I just flicked it between my thighs, it felt rather like a toy. Yes light weight is a triumph of engineering and hats off to BMW for an awesome power to weight ratio, but low weight can also be a disadvantage. It was more susceptible to cross winds and other undesirable third party vehicle aero effects - passing trucks, caravans, mini vans, range rovers etc...And you sure do end up passing a lot of everything with this bike.

On the plus side I wont repeat what everyone knows - the RR is a true sporting missile, incredible rush and buzz to ride. I really enjoyed my 4 hours on it. Getting back on my bike was though a relief.

Suddenly a weighty solid feel, with that wonderful aero silhouette. The bars more comfortable, the clutch and biting point sharper than the RR. The suspension more adjustable for real world roads thanks to ESA. And the noise - the 1300S and R are to my ears better sounding engines, less high pitched and screamy, especially with the Akra.

Ok so does the RR win on performance - I'm not sure. I can't think of any overtaking manoeuvre I did on real roads that I couldn't safely and comfortably perform on my KS. Yes the RR steers tighter, I had more confidence on the RR than on the KS - was leaning more and faster transitions from left to right, but its much slower around town, on roundabouts, a very poor turning circle in comparison (probably good for a sports bike though). And let's be honest, the K1300 is pretty insanely fast - certainly for non track work anyway.

I loved my ride home, loved the comfort and practicality of my KS and didn't regret not riding home on the RR. I fell in love again for all the right reasons and actually appreciated the wonderful bike that that this gentleman's express train really is.

John

[SHIVA]

there is really no doubt that the RR and the K13S have their distinctive place in motorcycle segments. The K13S with 103 lb-ft is a torque monster and is faster in 0-60 and basically pulls harder in low to mid RPM. the RR shines in light weight and power at the top end.

Now matter how powerful the Superbikes get, the Hypersport class is certainly here to stay!

[Mirage_ZA]

Nice post but I don't think comparisons like this are relevant. For a simple reason - you can but don't want to tour on SRR and you can but don't really want to take KS on the track. Bikes have different purpose and we should just leave it there.
Fun factor wise, SRR wins hands down.

[johncrosby]

Fun factor wise, SRR wins hands down.

I have to take strong exception to this last statement. Biking presents a whole spectrum of fun factors, not just top end grunt. Touring presents huge pleasure for those of us who like to wander off the beaten track. Carrying a precious pillion to an event on a bike presents me massive fun factor. Doing 500 miles in a day at massive speed without any real fatigue gives me a huge smile. Hearing the 1300 roar from 4k rpm makes me smile. Packing a week's luggage on a bike like the K-S is very amusing for some of us.

All in all I can't agree that fun on a bike is just defined by throwing a bike around in the curves at screaming high RPM. From the look of those I've seen on the S1000RR it looks rather embarrassingly like a penis extension for the 40+ crowd. They'll do an hour on their bike before their limbs or the fuel tank forces a stop, then they'll bask in the fact that their bike has the highest power to weight etc...

I always smile when asking these sports bike guys how many miles they run. Invariably they only do a few thousand a year. It's mostly posing and showing off in very short bursts. If that's your thing fine, but please don't dare to think your limited local trips are the last word in fun on a bike. I dare to say most K-S riders put in more miles, in more interesting locations meeting a greater variety of people than all but the most extreme S-RR riders. And good luck getting a pretty blonde or brunette onto the back of your S-RR.

John

[Mirage_ZA]

Biking is also long beard, dirty clothes and greasy hair. So is pizza delivery on scooters.

For what it's worth, I have done 47000km in 2 years on my K1200S and around 12000km on my (ex) K7 GSXR1000. I also kept K1200GT shortly (no fun at all) and Ducati 1098 (due to pending neck surgery had to sell) and made couple of thousand kilometers on them too, so I know pretty well about riding in the country, solo or with pillion. Furthermore, I have ridden R1200GS (more fun than K1200GT in my view), VFR1200 Honda (nice, but just that, nice bike) and finally I have ordered Ducati Multistrada 1200 and keeping my K12S. I did an hour of road riding on S1000RR and few laps on the track - I know very well what I am talking (writing) about.

We have different perception of what "fun" is - doing 500km in a day is more "fun" on K-GT than K-S if I follow your drift of being super comfortable, being able to carry pillion and luggage and have great wind protection.

Given a choice between S1000RR and any K bike for "fun" ride, I would always take SRR. You would probably go for K. That's why BMW makes both models. Performance wise - KS/R bikes are fantastic but SRR is just so much more.

Roundabouts - not enough steering lock on SRR ? Slow speeds you push it down, motocross style and it goes tighter, high speeds you pull it down and that's it.

For me, penis size is something that matters to whoever you go to bed with - has nothing to do with motorbikes. On this topic we can have a little banter but please leave SRR alone, it is on FANTASTIC machine.

[GeeBee]

Gosh, I wish I had my vuvuzela to support this lively discussion guys
Bottomline. There is no such thing as a common definition for fun. We all typically know what is best for us and what we like most. And what is most fun for us today, might not be tomorrow.
Keep your penises in your pants, gentlemen, and let's just respect each other's opinion.

[Mirage_ZA]

Amen.

[Bernardo]

....good luck getting a pretty blonde or brunette onto the back of your S-RR....

May be we can extract the best part of the discussion.... In any bike!!

moto-tanga4-peq.jpg (54.1 KiB) Viewed 5853 times

[sundog]

haha, Bernado, you always manage to calm things down by attaching some humorous adage or image.
A moderator in the truest sense of the word !

[Bernardo]

[johncrosby]

Mirage please could you explain

"Roundabouts - not enough steering lock on SRR ? Slow speeds you push it down, motocross style and it goes tighter, high speeds you pull it down and that's it."

Joking aside I'm interested in knowing what push it down and pull it down means. Do you mean counterweighting at low speed? I'm still talking about countersteering speed on roundabouts - even I can go above 8mph on a curve!

Thanks for your vigourous reply - made me smile. I have to say I did have a whole lot too much fun on my day with the S-RR. Kind of a guilty pleasure for me - as riding safely and responsibly is a big thing with me, as I've only been riding for 2 years, but have done over 50k miles in that time on a whole variety of bikes and through many different countries. Riding fast (I mean stupid scare yourself shi$less fast) just hasn't been part of my biking fun so far. Even on a 1198 Duc I just couldn't get beyond the lack of refinement/practicality to ride it hard. Up until the S-RR I found sports bikes exhausting to ride fast. Point to point I could ride a K1300GT faster than a K1300S, but I got the S anyway, because for me it's not all about speed. Looks, exhaust sound, and great aero protection at high speed were the killer features for me of the K-S. The other practical stuff were just plus points.

Agree with you - the S-RR must be an amazing bike if it can be ridden fast (see my definition of fast above) by a safety conscious "newbie" who loved every minute of it. Problem was I started to feel invincible on the S-RR. I filmed my ride and watched me doing a 9 car overtake on a UK country lane - that's not something I would even attempt let alone survive on any other machine. I'm nearing 40 and don't think I'm mature enough for the S-RR. Hats off to all of you who are.

And Bernardo - another great photo (You look like you've been getting quite a bit of sun in Argentina )

[Mirage_ZA]

I am 42 so you still have few years to learn how to get mad

Roundabouts...idea is to get on the side of the tyre, then bike turns much faster - countersteering does exactly that - drops te bike so it can turn. If I understood you right, you were running out of steering lock....all you have to do is push it down, keeping your body up (so you don't drop it) to get more on the side of the tyre and presto...bike turns sharper.

[Bernardo]

haha, Bernardo, you always manage to calm things down by attaching some humorous adage or image.

we the Argentines are in a good mood, this tribute to the soccer world cups explain this, acapella, without musical instruments...

[johncrosby]

Bernardo - when you see this you'll understand why Engerland was destined to fail.

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?desktop_ur ... IXuE&gl=US

[Bernardo]

Hi John, I can see some videos but I don't know what you like to show me...

[johncrosby]

Just how terrible Engerland are as singers and how they still are talking about Maradona's hand of god goal - my other team France didn't do too well either .

Argentina or Holland for me now!!!!

John

[Bernardo]

Argentina or Holland for me now!!!!

Oh yes!, but will see what happens tomorrow with germany.

But our girls are ready to encourage our team....

COLALESS-DE-ARGENTINA.jpg (29.38 KiB) Viewed 5670 times

[Mach Schnell]

These are certainly two great bikes, and as has been pointed out, they serve different markets. I thought long and hard about the S1000RR, but in the end, my goals were better met by the K1300S. I can see why someone would make the other decision though. I am a big guy, and I don't do track days. The greater torque of the 1300 cc engine, coupled with the shaft drive and the more relaxed ergonomics, put me on the K1300S. I wish I were younger, lighter, and more agile..... but reality is reality.

[kerch57]

ok so a 39 year old opine and a 42year old opine. Well heres my 53 year old one. I have a 1200s and i ride it like i was 18. And thats mostly cause is powerful and handles great. And my 18 year old rain wants to put the SRR in slickmode and wheelie my ass off.

[Ed F K]

Argentina or Holland for me now!!!!

Oh yes!, but will see what happens tomorrow with germany.

But our girls are ready to encourage our team....

COLALESS-DE-ARGENTINA.jpg

Bikes? What bikes?

[johncrosby]

I went to the Goodwood Festival of Speed yesterday and I have to say the only bike in the BMW stand that was getting tons of attention was the S-RR in motorsport colours. But in the car park the only people who were coming with pillions (often female and 20 years younger than them - maybe a father daughter day out ?) were riding K bikes.

I unfortunately went alone, (my daughter is 6 and likes the idea of being on the bike but only if her teddy can ride in a sidecar ) K1300S and sidecar, mmm, no thanks! Anyhow I adored the twisty fast 60 mph legal limit country lanes to Goodwood. Would thoroughly recommend this event to anyone who likes cars and bikes and history of motorsport. Even the exotica on the roads going to the festival and in the car parks makes it worthwhile. It's also an event that knows how to welcome bikers. Helmet, bag and leathers concierge service, with changing and bathroom facilities when you arrive. And overtaking all the Ferarri and Astons along the way was great fun. I could not have wanted any other bike. K1300S for me!

[Bernardo]

.... (often female and 20 years younger than them - maybe a father daughter day out ?)...

On a S1R?, God bless the innocents...

[fixinbones]

I currently have a 2010 Multistrada1200s which I am really enjoying. Its got a great suspension, tons of power, 2 up capabilities, and a great riding position. My other bike is a 2008 Megamoto that I've had for 3 years. Since the MM has an upright riding position as well, Im thinking about getting rid of the MM to get something more sporty. My choices are either the K1300s or an S1000RR. If I could only have one bike then it would be the K1300s but since I will keep my MS1200 i'm also thinking about an S1000RR for something a bit more radical. I'm doing mostly rural back roads near my home, I don't do track days, and spend most of my time solo riding. I test rode the S1000RR and it was sooo easy to ride even with all its power. My concern for the S1000RR is the aggressive riding position along with my slightly cranky back and 35"inseam. I've seen bar risers for the S1000RR from Helibars which should make things a bit more comfy. I'm just up in the air about which one would be the best choice. One side says, S1000RR for a fun, once in a while ride, while the other side says K1300s, versatile, powerful and may supplant the MS1200s as my primary ride. Any advise appreciated given the MS1200s thats already in my stable.

[dqrkstone]

I currently have a 2010 Multistrada1200s which I am really enjoying. Its got a great suspension, tons of power, 2 up capabilities, and a great riding position. My other bike is a 2008 Megamoto that I've had for 3 years. Since the MM has an upright riding position as well, Im thinking about getting rid of the MM to get something more sporty. My choices are either the K1300s or an S1000RR. If I could only have one bike then it would be the K1300s but since I will keep my MS1200 i'm also thinking about an S1000RR for something a bit more radical. I'm doing mostly rural back roads near my home, I don't do track days, and spend most of my time solo riding. I test rode the S1000RR and it was sooo easy to ride even with all its power. My concern for the S1000RR is the aggressive riding position along with my slightly cranky back and 35"inseam. I've seen bar risers for the S1000RR from Helibars which should make things a bit more comfy. I'm just up in the air about which one would be the best choice. One side says, S1000RR for a fun, once in a while ride, while the other side says K1300s, versatile, powerful and may supplant the MS1200s as my primary ride. Any advise appreciated given the MS1200s thats already in my stable.

Go try an F800r; For me its a perfect twisties bike; super light, good power pickup until about 90mph, and wide'ish bars making it again super flickable. To me the Multistrada and the K would be too similar in that they are all-round bikes (albeit the K being a faster one). Do you really want two of them? I guarantee that one won't get ridden after a while

[Zilla]

I have to take strong exception to this last statement. Biking presents a whole spectrum of fun factors, not just top end grunt. Touring presents huge pleasure for those of us who like to wander off the beaten track. Carrying a precious pillion to an event on a bike presents me massive fun factor. Doing 500 miles in a day at massive speed without any real fatigue gives me a huge smile. Hearing the 1300 roar from 4k rpm makes me smile. Packing a week's luggage on a bike like the K-S is very amusing for some of us.

All in all I can't agree that fun on a bike is just defined by throwing a bike around in the curves at screaming high RPM. From the look of those I've seen on the S1000RR it looks rather embarrassingly like a penis extension for the 40+ crowd. They'll do an hour on their bike before their limbs or the fuel tank forces a stop,

I have to take strong exception to this statement. I've never even thought of the bike as a penis extension, perhaps you are judging others to be thinking the way you do.

I always smile when asking these sports bike guys how many miles they run. Invariably they only do a few thousand a year. It's mostly posing and showing off in very short bursts. If that's your thing fine, but please don't dare to think your limited local trips are the last word in fun on a bike. I dare to say most K-S riders put in more miles, in more interesting locations meeting a greater variety of people than all but the most extreme S-RR riders. And good luck getting a pretty blonde or brunette onto the back of your S-RR.

John

In 6 weeks owning this bike I have put over 2K miles on the clock (I use my car for work so only pleasure miles), that includes 500 miles in 2 days, (the majority of the 2nd day was spent watching the racing at Cadwell Park, and I meet lots of people who want to talk about the bike. I would take a bet it generates far more conversations than K-S.

And if the blonde or brunettes a$$ is to big for my bike they aren't pretty and I will leave you to pick up those fatties.