Quote:
Originally Posted by dohc97
This is the first time I've been to this site in almost 2 years. I used to have a 2007 R1200S. Sold it in January 2008 and bought a 2008 1098. Sold the 1098 almost a month ago and now rides a 2009 BMW K1300S. I had Helibars on my 1098 and it was still too extreme for my 52 year bones. The K1300S is the first I4 I have ridden and owned. Coming from a big v-twin, I thought all I4's only come alive when the tach reads past 6,000. Not the big K1300S; I can be in 6th gear doing 30, and it still pulls strongly without downshifting. The big K is also much, much more comfortable than my 1098. Riding position is more user friendly and the ESA suspension is just a lot better to me. I am sure that the 1098 is a better bike for the track. But on everyday roads, the big K is just fine for me. 175 hp and 103 ft/lbs of torque are pretty good numbers for a road bike.
ymmv:-)
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A couple of months back I tested a K1300S, I rode it for an hour on deserted country roads, it pulled like a train down low but man what a boring ride, no fire or excitement. Got back on the R12S and did the same road again and it was heaps more fun and felt faster, which is what sports riding is all about as far as I am concerned. The handling, weight, engine, sound and overall feel of the K1300S did not strike me as sporty, an Autobahn rocket it no doubt is but a sport bike it definitely is not. I found it quite comfortable and it had relatively good wind protection but as a tourer it’s no match for an R12RT. As an all round sports touring bike I would much rather have the Triumph Sprint ST that I test rode a week or so back, it was comfortable and fun.
If I was restricted to one bike it would be the Sprint ST.
I am fortunate in that I am not restricted to one bike and can have the 1098S for sports riding and the R12RT for more laid back motorcycling fun.
I am glad you are enjoying the K13S, it obviously fulfils your needs but unfortunately it did not work for me, just as the 1098 will not be appropriate for many.