El Toro
Innocent Bystander
For the older guys for whom the ergonomics of the S1000RR or R1 don't work, I suggest a look at the K1300S. I have been playing musical bikes at my house the last month or so, and did some trading. I had a 2007 K1200Rsport, and this bike was my all time favorite ... I traded it earlier this Spring, but in the most recent trading activity, a 2010 K1300S with all the options was acquired. I finished breaking in the Rocket III Touring, and I am now working on the break in for the K1300S.
I really liked the K1200Rsport, but the K1300S takes the refinement to a new level. Those pesky Bavarians figured out things that I did not even think of as issues, and fixed them. I think this is going to be the new all time favorite.
Back to the original issue though.... I thought long and hard about an S1000RR as part of the trading whirlwind. A fully equipped S1000RR and a fully equipped K1300S have similar price tags. Both have similarly priced special liveries that can be ordered.
The S1000RR is probably 100 pounds lighter, it has a conventional suspension, a chain drive, and a highly developed motor (at least for something that is going to carry a warranty).
The K1300S has more room in the cockpit, a more comfortable seat and wind screen, a BMW proprietary style suspension, and a bigger, albeit less highly developed motor. But the motor is bigger, and has more torque at usable speeds. The torque curve is very flat. And you can add expandable sport panniers if you like to give the bike extra versatility as, perhaps, the very sportiest of the sport touring style motorcycles.
In riding the K1300S on daily break in loops (twisties up and down the Cumberland Plateau for an hour or two), I have been surprised at how much more comfortable this bike is compared to my 2007 K1200Rsport. The seat and the general cockpit position are working really well for me (I'm 59 and pretty heavy). If you want something up there in the 175 hp range, with modest weight (about 100 pounds lighter than the FJR), and tricks like electronic shift assist, traction control, electronic suspension adjustment, etc., and if you're not suited to the S1000RR ergonomics, take a look at the K1300S.
I honestly think that if the K1300S had arrived here before the Rocket III Touring, I might not have been looking for the Rocket III Touring. FWIW, this is the first time since I was young that I've got two bikes that are genuinely comfortable to ride without having to buy an aftermarket seat.
I really liked the K1200Rsport, but the K1300S takes the refinement to a new level. Those pesky Bavarians figured out things that I did not even think of as issues, and fixed them. I think this is going to be the new all time favorite.
Back to the original issue though.... I thought long and hard about an S1000RR as part of the trading whirlwind. A fully equipped S1000RR and a fully equipped K1300S have similar price tags. Both have similarly priced special liveries that can be ordered.
The S1000RR is probably 100 pounds lighter, it has a conventional suspension, a chain drive, and a highly developed motor (at least for something that is going to carry a warranty).
The K1300S has more room in the cockpit, a more comfortable seat and wind screen, a BMW proprietary style suspension, and a bigger, albeit less highly developed motor. But the motor is bigger, and has more torque at usable speeds. The torque curve is very flat. And you can add expandable sport panniers if you like to give the bike extra versatility as, perhaps, the very sportiest of the sport touring style motorcycles.
In riding the K1300S on daily break in loops (twisties up and down the Cumberland Plateau for an hour or two), I have been surprised at how much more comfortable this bike is compared to my 2007 K1200Rsport. The seat and the general cockpit position are working really well for me (I'm 59 and pretty heavy). If you want something up there in the 175 hp range, with modest weight (about 100 pounds lighter than the FJR), and tricks like electronic shift assist, traction control, electronic suspension adjustment, etc., and if you're not suited to the S1000RR ergonomics, take a look at the K1300S.
I honestly think that if the K1300S had arrived here before the Rocket III Touring, I might not have been looking for the Rocket III Touring. FWIW, this is the first time since I was young that I've got two bikes that are genuinely comfortable to ride without having to buy an aftermarket seat.
