!!EXTRA!! K1300S beats 'Busa by a wide margin - Sport Rider

[Mirage_ZA]

Hi DR I'm not talking about dragging from lights or cracking the throttle open on the motorway,but about our typical 150 mile ride out on A B and C roads where speeds range from 30mph - 120 mph as MCN says at real world speeds the K13 is always in front of the busa.

I'm sorry but in those conditions liter bikes would kill K13S.

[SHIVA]

I am glad to read that your personal experiences support this article, but to be frank street racing, is not about the bike, it's about the rider, his skills and the size of his balls.

The magazine article has 500x more credibility that any experience you may have, because personal experiences in regard to street racing don't mean much.

only proper, clinical tests, against the stopwatch and on the track with professional, proven riders can provide solid info.

your anecdotes as interesting as they are, mean very little.

don't get me wrong, keep them coming. but the sport rider article is like an atomic bomb to your M80 anecdotal stories...

[SHIVA]

mirage, a pro rider on the K1300S can smoke every other bike on every road. street racing doesn't prove anything, because it's not about the bike. unless you're racing a 1000 against a 250. a pro rider on any sport bike will always have the advantage against normal street riders. hence street riding anecdotes, are nice to read but prove nothing...

what do I mean, I mean credible magazine articles really set the agenda, the rest is just showoff stories.

Bike mag claimed K1300S above R1 and Gixxer.
Sport Rider claimed K1300S the new all-out class king.

that's the end of the story.

[Mirage_ZA]

mirage, a pro rider on the K1300S can smoke every other bike on every road. street racing doesn't prove anything, because it's not about the bike. unless you're racing a 1000 against a 250. a pro rider on any sport bike will always have the advantage against normal street riders. hence street riding anecdotes, are nice to read but prove nothing...

what do I mean, I mean credible magazine articles really set the agenda, the rest is just showoff stories.

Bike mag claimed K1300S above R1 and Gixxer.
Sport Rider claimed K1300S the new all-out class king.

that's the end of the story.

With all due respect boss
I hear you and although it may not be that clear from my posts, just like you I am great supporter of the brand.
Post above was little confusing - comparing Busa with clipped wings (bike designed for top speeds, from lengthy wheel base, aerodynamics, long gearing) to, I date say top notch sports/tourer (K13S).

Regarding K13S outsmoking anything else on the road, in normal street rider hands - I don't think that this is bike for average rider. Is BMW M6 car for average driver ?

[SHIVA]

Regarding K13S outsmoking anything else on the road, in normal street rider hands

is that what I said? I said a pro rider can do that, average rider should only focus on not killing himself.

my statement has nothing to do with being a fan of any brand. nor is it about the K13S.

you give a 'Busa to a rider with very good skills and the K13 to a rider with average skills the 'Busa rider will kick the K's butt.

Now switch, give the K13 to the rider with good skill and the 'Busa to the rider with average skills, the K13 will smoke 'Busa's butt and leave him behind 5 car lengths.

it's not about the bike, when it comes to street racing! street racing is simply to generate some stories for our forum and or when at a bike night chatting with your buddies, but only official results from credible publications (Bike Mag is certainly that, so it Sport Rider) matter.

am I coming through loud and clear?

point overview:
1- my comment is not about the K13 nor the 'Busa, it's about the facts of street racing.
2- my comment is not about any one brand in particular, hence it doesn't matter which brand you happen to like.
3- bikes don't win street races, riders do.
4- the rider with good riding skills will always beat the rider with the average skill on somewhat comparable bikes, but in reality no matter the bike.
5- my comments are not about you!
6- Don't call me boss, I am not a mafia don. I am just a dude who likes bikes and is selective about what he rides.

[Eka]

I think KS is best available product for "average riders" with ABS, ASC, ESA etc...

That will help "average riders" save their ass in many situations, where you actually should not get involved in public streets. Shit happens anyway and it's nice to have technology to help "average riders" slow and poor handling corrected in worst f*ck ups.

I'm "average rider" and would have been happy to had ABS in my Megamoto breaking accident last time. That tunnel accident would not be any help from any technolical stuff, or either with that spanish ibex accident. Like megamoto accident i also dropped my Cruiser at breaking. There was heavy rain and i didn't saw through foggy visor those mud clods at corner after autumn plough. With Megamoto i either had unheavy breaking, but it was slippery asphalt joint and bump in different level in surface, which i didn't notice. These things are rare, but if it happens, then it's better to have superfast brains awake instead of you.

[Mirage_ZA]

I think KS is best available product for "average riders" with ABS, ASC, ESA etc...

That will help "average riders" save their ass in many situations, where you actually should not get involved in public streets. Shit happens anyway and it's nice to have technology to help "average riders" slow and poor handling corrected in worst f*ck ups.

I'm "average rider" and would have been happy to had ABS in my Megamoto breaking accident last time. That tunnel accident would not be any help from any technolical stuff, or either with that spanish ibex accident. Like megamoto accident i also dropped my Cruiser at breaking. There was heavy rain and i didn't saw through foggy visor those mud clods at corner after autumn plough. With Megamoto i either had unheavy breaking, but it was slippery asphalt joint and bump in different level in surface, which i didn't notice. These things are rare, but if it happens, then it's better to have superfast brains awake instead of you.

Eka,
175HP , 228kg, 290km/h projectile is not for average rider (IMHO).
I am all up for technology but BMW650GS is unlikely to get me in trouble like K12(3)S can.

[jw]

So, I guess everyone here considers themselves above average riders?

Wonder where all the below average riders hang out?

[motorbikez]

Hi DR I'm not talking about dragging from lights or cracking the throttle open on the motorway,but about our typical 150 mile ride out on A B and C roads where speeds range from 30mph - 120 mph as MCN says at real world speeds the K13 is always in front of the busa.

I'm sorry but in those conditions liter bikes would kill K13S.

You are entitled to your opinion mirage that is not my experience one of the guys I ride with has a gsxr 1000 K6 and he is a good rider and cannot stay with me on the roads I mentioned no doubt on the track he may be quicker because thats what the R1, gixxer, zX 10, etc except the blade are designed for.How many people regularly go on the track not many.

I see from your avatar you ride a K12S which is a cracking bike but it is not as good as the K13S as I said in a previous post I struggled to keep up with my friends busa on the same roads when I had the 12 now things a reversed as the 13 has everything power,torque, and pretty sharp handling for a big bike.

[Eka]

Eka,
175HP , 228kg, 290km/h projectile is not for average rider (IMHO).
I am all up for technology but BMW650GS is unlikely to get me in trouble like K12(3)S can.

Wise driver never get in troubles like good drivers do.. or something like that.

You are right, but i put average driver with at least experience like 50 - 100 000km at public roads. Before that it's more or less like learning. There is also time, when you think you know how to drive and while after that you know how bad driver you actually are.

From your avatar anyone can see, that you are not first time on bike. Young guys anyhow many times over estimate their capabilities. There KS would be dangerous, but mine opinion is, that it's well suitable for less experienced riders with all those safety equipments, if they just first do some practise braking and take some time with the bike. KS is anyhow better to drive in slow city traffick as mine much lighter and much less powerfully HP2 Sport.

Anyhow F650GS with ABS would be better option for a start for sure.

[motorbikez]

I am glad to read that your personal experiences support this article, but to be frank street racing, is not about the bike, it's about the rider, his skills

It is not street racing Shiva it is fast road riding over 120-160 miles of varying roads and you are right it is about the riders skills to a some extent but it also about being in harmony with your bike and the confidence it instills in you which makes you ride faster(if you want) and smoother and the K13S gives you plenty of confidence.

[SHIVA]

I asked Jay Leno how he thought of K12RS' handling. This was when he added the first BMW to his massive collection, an '02 or '03 'RS.

instead of giving me an answer, he said this:

A few years ago I saw a street race through the canyons with a famous dirtrack racer, he remembers him as being Jay Springsteen, and a bunch of guys on the latest Japanese sport bikes. Springsteen was on an old H-D 880. he said the Japanese bike riders couldn't not keep up with Springsteen. Leno said he was grinding metal as he was cutting through the corners like he was welding. and closed by saying: it's not about the bike, it's about the rider.

to be frank, back then in my '03 interview didn't get what he was saying. I thought he was just avoiding the question, now 6 years later and lots of miles under my belt and more experience being in the two-wheel industry, I understand what he was referring to.

a pro race, under controlled, track conditions with all pro racers is a very different situation than chasing each other fast on public roads. street racing is not about the bike, normally the best rider with the biggest balls wins. S

[Mirage_ZA]

Eka,
175HP , 228kg, 290km/h projectile is not for average rider (IMHO).
I am all up for technology but BMW650GS is unlikely to get me in trouble like K12(3)S can.

Wise driver never get in troubles like good drivers do.. or something like that.

You are right, but i put average driver with at least experience like 50 - 100 000km at public roads. Before that it's more or less like learning. There is also time, when you think you know how to drive and while after that you know how bad driver you actually are.

From your avatar anyone can see, that you are not first time on bike. Young guys anyhow many times over estimate their capabilities. There KS would be dangerous, but mine opinion is, that it's well suitable for less experienced riders with all those safety equipments, if they just first do some practise braking and take some time with the bike. KS is anyhow better to drive in slow city traffick as mine much lighter and much less powerfully HP2 Sport.

Anyhow F650GS with ABS would be better option for a start for sure.

Strange you say that Eka - on one of the trips (for local guys - Golden Gate/Clarens), one of the rides mentioned how he realised how much he can improve.
I had few times F800ST as a loaner, loved it. In fact, there are many machines out there that are great and that will apeall to different riders. It is irrelevant if K13S is Busa killer - it is also more expensive and some of them are stalling

[Mirage_ZA]

I asked Jay Leno how he thought of K12RS' handling. This was when he added the first BMW to his massive collection, an '02 or '03 'RS.

instead of giving me an answer, he said this:

A few years ago I saw a street race through the canyons with a famous dirtrack racer, he remembers him as being Jay Springsteen, and a bunch of guys on the latest Japanese sport bikes. Springsteen was on an old H-D 880. he said the Japanese bike riders couldn't not keep up with Springsteen. Leno said he was grinding metal as he was cutting through the corners like he was welding. and closed by saying: it's not about the bike, it's about the rider.

to be frank, back then in my '03 interview didn't get what he was saying. I thought he was just avoiding the question, now 6 years later and lots of miles under my belt and more experience being in the two-wheel industry, I understand what he was referring to.

a pro race, under controlled, track conditions with all pro racers is a very different situation than chasing each other fast on public roads. street racing is not about the bike, normally the best rider with the biggest balls wins. S

Hm....biggest in volume but LIGHTWEIGHT balls

[dqrkstone]

Hi DR I'm not talking about dragging from lights or cracking the throttle open on the motorway,but about our typical 150 mile ride out on A B and C roads where speeds range from 30mph - 120 mph as MCN says at real world speeds the K13 is always in front of the busa.

I'm sorry but in those conditions liter bikes would kill K13S.

Beg to differ also; And yes it has some to do with the rider - of course it does. But I know other good riders, who are good road riders, and they cannot loose me on their litre sports bikes (Gxr's, R1's and fireblades) and I'm usually pressurising them. Often, especially as the conditions worsen (rain, gravel on the road, thinner country roads) I loose them... The K13S inspires confidence in these circumstances where a litre bike just doesn't.

To me riding on a track is a different game altogether. You can be sure of the course (turns, dips, etc), you know there aren't vehicles coming the other way, you know the road surface is at the very least good, and you know whatever happens there is help available in very short order. Its a contained environment and a litre bike is built for this environment.

On the road its much more of a challenge, especially if you're a rider like me who enjoys going down single track lanes on my K13S at high speeds. You don't know what's round a corner (horses, tractors, cyclists, cars, trucks, walkers, etc), on any given day the road surface can change (mud, gravel, worn tarmac with no grip, etc), the vehicles coming the other way cannot be taken for granted in terms of their breaking capabilities, you cannot assume that help is nearby, and you cannot assume anything in relation to the "course" to memorise. In this type of environment - litre bikes do not inspire confidence the way the k13S does, and you have to be a better rider on them to keep up with the K13S imho.

[Bernardo]

......On the road its much more of a challenge, especially if you're a rider like me who enjoys going down single track lanes on my K13S at high speeds. You don't know what's round a corner (horses, tractors, cyclists, cars, trucks, walkers, etc), on any given day the road surface can change (mud, gravel, worn tarmac with no grip, etc), the vehicles coming the other way cannot be taken for granted in terms of their breaking capabilities, you cannot assume that help is nearby, and you cannot assume anything in relation to the "course" to memorise. In this type of environment .........

This was exactly my thought to buy La Gorda !. A extreme bike in the real world

[nemesis.ie]

+1

[Mirage_ZA]

Hi DR I'm not talking about dragging from lights or cracking the throttle open on the motorway,but about our typical 150 mile ride out on A B and C roads where speeds range from 30mph - 120 mph as MCN says at real world speeds the K13 is always in front of the busa.

I'm sorry but in those conditions liter bikes would kill K13S.

You are entitled to your opinion mirage that is not my experience one of the guys I ride with has a gsxr 1000 K6 and he is a good rider and cannot stay with me on the roads I mentioned no doubt on the track he may be quicker because thats what the R1, gixxer, zX 10, etc except the blade are designed for.How many people regularly go on the track not many.

I see from your avatar you ride a K12S which is a cracking bike but it is not as good as the K13S as I said in a previous post I struggled to keep up with my friends busa on the same roads when I had the 12 now things a reversed as the 13 has everything power,torque, and pretty sharp handling for a big bike.

I think Honda is very strong on the track too
Regarding K12 Vs. K13...on the road - I can keep up
Absolutely, K13 had just a tad more in almost every department - but all that advantage melts if you break half a second later into the corner and close your eyes

[jewilson]

They is really only one way to compare the two bikes and that is the 1/4 mile because the K1300S does everything else better. If anyway of us wanted and ugly looking Busa we would have purchased one. You can make a real big list of things that BMW does better than a Suzuki. Anyway we all know which is the better machine.

I have really never cared much for sport rider magazine they put out some real nonsense about the K1200s back in 05 and 06. In fact the only magazines that I have much faith in regarding bikes are the British rag they have it all over our American counter parts. But it good to know they SP stopped lying for one article.

It not the size of the dog in the fight but the fight in the dog.

Cheers

[jewilson]

You can not compare a K1300S to a liter super bike, that comparison is almost ridiculous because the super bike is designed for race purpose. There is no way you can put the 520lbs K1300S through a fast turn like you can 400lbs liter bike. The facts are that on most roads twisty roads a 600cc sport bike is just about as good as the liter bike. If you guys watched the Isle of Man race the 600cc where lapping only 5-6 seconds off in time from the liters bike on a 37 mile track and the liter bikes were high end bikes all the cool parts and the 600 were almost stock.

I sometimes ride in the hills in Arkansas with a fellow who use to be an AMA racer. The last time he brought this Kawasaki Versi and out ran a bunch of us on our liter bikes. So I completely agree with Shiva, it's about the rider not the bike.

Drag racing is all about the launch, getting it out of the gate. I'm no expert at it but the guys that are can take your bike and beat you buy 2 seconds. Its all about the rider.

While the K1300S is a wonderful bike it's was not designed to be a drag bike and it was not designed to be a road racer either. It was built to be one of the best over all bikes you can buy for hauling ass and putting down miles on a comfy machine. I love mine


Cheers

[Mirage_ZA]

You can not compare a K1300S to a liter super bike, that comparison is almost ridiculous because the super bike is designed for race purpose. There is no way you can put the 520lbs K1300S through a fast turn like you can 400lbs liter bike. The facts are that on most roads twisty roads a 600cc sport bike is just about as good as the liter bike.

Cheers

Finally someone with some sense in here
This is what I was trying to say all along.

[SHIVA]

well, I am glad it took Jim to clarify what you were meaning to say. However, I don't agree with Jim. nothing is going to stop you beating the Superbikes on backroads on the K13S. it can be done and our members do it every day. S

[Mirage_ZA]

well, I am glad it took Jim to clarify what you were meaning to say. However, I don't agree with Jim. nothing is going to stop you beating the Superbikes on backroads on the K13S. it can be done and our members do it every day. S

In that case I will come to SA Superbike weekend on my Ducati and kick some BMW @ss

[badger]

I love the K1300R, and S, and all K13's. What a bike. What an engine. I have never ever ridden on something like this smoothness/anywhere-ness type of bike. Without thought you can waste anything on the road - not just waste it, but annihilate it.

It is not an engine, but some sort of warp-speed drive!

I can scratch on it, tour on it, commute on it. Love it. I’m going to keep it for a long time I think.

But I could waste the K13 on an R1, fireblade, GSXR1, etc.. Easy.
Come on guys. Loving BMW is one thing, but BMW loving is something else altogether...

Before you flame me – I OWN one, and like I said I LOVE it. What a bike! But the difference in my mind comes down to comfort, energy, and all-day riding. With any of those things in the mix, the K1300 will beat anything out there. But a litre sportsbike will beat the K1300 any day, and pretty much any road. Those with 300 mile interstates need not apply.

[dqrkstone]

You can not compare a K1300S to a liter super bike, that comparison is almost ridiculous because the super bike is designed for race purpose. There is no way you can put the 520lbs K1300S through a fast turn like you can 400lbs liter bike. The facts are that on most roads twisty roads a 600cc sport bike is just about as good as the liter bike. If you guys watched the Isle of Man race the 600cc where lapping only 5-6 seconds off in time from the liters bike on a 37 mile track and the liter bikes were high end bikes all the cool parts and the 600 were almost stock. Cheers

Beg to differ, and every time I'm riding on the road against a litre sports bike on the road, thats exactly what I'm doing - comparing it (and its rider of course) to my k13s and I. Like I and others have said above, some riders are crap, and others are good - but I don't think I'm any better than some of the opponent riders and yet, I seem to be more confident on the K13S than they are on theirs, pushing where they're letting off (and where I would let off too if I were on their bike - poorer breaks, front ends that dip, rear wheels that slip from gravel on the road, etc).

Clearly the writer in the magazine is also comparing their k13s to a gsxr 1000 and a R1, and clearly in favour of the K13S; Additionally other readers of this forum are of a similar mind.

BTW - the TT is for all intensive purposes a track during race periods, it is not like the normal weekend rides, sun out, and everybody and their dog out on the road to enjoy the countryside, with newly washed out gravel also sharing road space from the previous nights rain, and tractors galore.

Nobody is seriously arguing that a k13s will outperform a sports bike on a track or in such a constricted / constrained environment... the context is road riding, real world conditions, usage in the real world, and the hairier it gets the more the litre bikes shrink and shrink fast (which is why the gap from litre bikes to 600's shorten perhaps?). I mean, cmon, how many litre bikes do you see on the road on a wet / damp / overcast day versus a sunny day with dry tarmac - surely this in itself has got to tell you something??? How many litre bikes do you ever see tearing around small a-roads, b-roads and single track roads at all??? But you see them lots and lots on nice quality A roads, where there are often "set routes" (usually from one cafe or bike meet place to another), where such riders can hone their skills on particular corners and "nail them", with the thought of relishing their experiences to their other litre buddies, - or at least in the uk this is the way it seems... - and this was the way I used to be on my gsxr...

And in real-world riding in the twisties, the hyabusa can't compete either with the K13S either, because the common complaint is that its brakes (and handling?) are seemingly so poor that even though the speed and acceleration is there, the resulting confidence isn't there that a K13 rider has at his / her command.

So I'll continue to stick with my opinion, that on the road, there is no more accomplished fast bike than the K13.