2016 BMW K1300s Motorsport motorcycle review

The Return of the Cruise Missile: A Review of the BMW K1300S Motorsport Limited Edition - the K1300s Swan-song.

After nearly a decade in production, some might say the BMW K1300S has had its time. It may not be the newest platform on the market, nor does it boast the latest cutting-edge technology.

However, being ahead of its time has its advantages. Even years after its initial release, the BMW K1300S Motorsport remains an impressive machine, offering features that many modern motorcycles still lack.

2016 BMW K1300s Motorsport

Not to mention, the BMW K1300S remains one of the most formidable motorcycles on the road today. Its horsepower still outclasses many modern rivals, but it’s the immense low-end torque that truly defines this machine—a real two-wheeled terminator. And much like the frighful T-600, it may be a discontinued model, but it’s still an absolute force to be reckoned with.

With a staggering 175 horsepower and 140 Nm of torque, the BMW K1300S never leaves you wanting more.

To put this into perspective, the K1300S generates as much torque at 4,000 rpm as the BMW S1000RR does at 11,000 rpm. For real-world riding, this makes a massive difference. The power comes on hard and fast, almost like a hammer strike. Most litre-class bikes can feel a bit lacking at lower revs, but not the K1300S. Its low-end grunt ensures you’re always in control and ready to unleash a surge of power whenever needed.

The result of all this low-end grunt is that riders can get away with being almost lazy with gear changes. Overtaking becomes effortless, and you might even forget to shift for an entire stretch of road. Of course, if you’re in the mood for some excitement, you can twist the throttle, unleash the beast, and let the quickshifter rip through the gears—but be prepared to hang on tight!

For a royal military-salute send-off, the big Bavarian bruiser came packed with all the premium features you could ask for. This review was crafted over a six-month period, allowing me to form a well-rounded and definitive view of the K1300S.

The ‘Motorsport’ bits 

The Motorsport edition takes the K1300S to the next level, offering even more for the loyal K fanbase. In addition to being a fully optioned K1300, it boasts a stunning BMW Motorsport color scheme that’s sure to turn heads, with a finish that’s simply second to none. The forged HP wheels not only add a striking visual appeal but also significantly reduce weight compared to the stock version, making them a major selling point.

The weight savings are immediately noticeable when you lean this big beast into a bend. While it doesn’t magically transform into a 600cc supersport, the once-portly K1300S now feels noticeably nimbler and far less intimidating in the corners. In fact, it’s one of the few bikes I’ve ridden that allowed me to confidently take it to the edge within just a week of getting on it.

Third on the list of added goodies is the legendary titanium-clad Akrapovic slip-on silencer. Co-branded with BMW, it comes with a classy laser-etched logo, replacing the usual tacky red-yellow stickers you often find on aftermarket hardware. While it might not be a dealbreaker for everyone, if you’ve got your eye on this bike, chances are you appreciate the finer details.

Other notable add-ons include the meticulously crafted adjustable HP rider and passenger footpegs, which, on their own, cost about as much as a small car. Not only do they look the part, but these pegs are also incredibly grippy, ensuring solid foot placement even during aggressive riding.

The BMW K1300s MotorsportNatural habitat 

This is a bike that truly comes alive in open spaces, whether you're letting loose a little—or a lot.

The K platform is incredibly versatile, seamlessly transitioning from comfortable two-up touring with luggage to confidently tearing through twisty roads solo. While its surprising nimbleness does a great job of masking its weight, it’s important to remember that this is still a 250kg machine on two wheels, and at times, you will feel that heft. For those familiar with the BMW K1300, it's clear that this is no small bike.

The bike pulls smoothly even at low RPMs, which makes it incredibly practical in the city. But when you do get the chance to open her up, it’s always a shock. The sheer force can literally rip your arms from your body and press your eyes into their sockets!

Riding the Motorsport

The BMW k1300s motorsport is a remarkable machine, but it’s also a serious bike. By that I mean it’s not something you want to go dicking-about on without knowing what you’re getting into. The size, weight and mind-bending power need to be respected. 

Akin to strapping into an f16 fighter jet, which you don’t do just for shits-and-giggles. Exciting, yes, but also frightening if you know what comes next.

Once you twist that throttle, you’ll find yourself passing bikes, cars, and other obstacles at warp speed—speed that could quickly land you in a tree you didn’t see coming.

Not that the k1300s is a hard bike to ride, but not flat-out easy either. Definitely recommended for experienced riders who know how to manage the weight and speed. 

It’s easy to see how a bike like the K1300S—designed and built in Germany—would feel right at home on the autobahns and smooth mountain roads. Unfortunately, our less-than-ideal roads here in and around Sydney don’t quite do it justice when it comes to speed and quality.

Handling 

The handling of the big Bavarian is both precise and stable. As a large machine, it does require some planning and effort to get the best out of it in the bends, but in the right hands, it’s a quick and agile ride—one you can comfortably handle all day long. Equipped with BMW's Duolever suspension up front, its approach to the road is markedly different from a traditional fork setup, offering a more refined and stable experience.

The suspension on the K1300S is incredibly stable and comfortable, effectively isolating you from much of the road harshness. A nice bonus is that the bike doesn’t dive during heavy braking, which provides extra control when coming to a hard stop. Some riders have described the sensation as a bit numb, claiming they don’t get enough feedback from the road. I can understand where they’re coming from, but like with any system, I believe it just takes some time to get used to.

The forged alloy wheels that come standard on this Motorsport edition do make a remarkable difference in its agility. Throwing the bike through a series of bends is far more comfortable than it should be on a quarter-tonne machine. On top of that, they look schmick! 

What’s not to like? 

For a top-specification motorcycle that is as well-built as this, it’s hard to pick faults. 

No motorcycle is going to be perfect for all circumstances, and the same goes for the K1300s Motorsport. 

Pushing this thing around in a parking sport or slow tight manoeuvring are not enjoyable with this beast. However, unless you are in bumper-to-bumper traffic, a city-run with moving traffic is no dilemma. 

The clutch action is a little heavy, and it pulses a bit as it catches. For around town, there are much better bikes.  Not the ideal partner for Bankok-style traffic, the K doesn’t revel in going slow. 

The moderately restricted steering lock make a u-turn and slow-speed manoeuvring a handful. 

As a design and concept, some areas of the bike are showing their age - for example, the digital dash part of the tacho looks like something pulled from a cold-war era submarine. Sort of cool though. 

 

What’s the Buzz? 

One irritation I’ve always had with the k1300 series of bikes is the buzzy clutch and various frequencies of vibrations depending on engine speed. This is especially apparent because some part of the rev range and throttle-positions are butter smooth. 

The first set of vibes comes in at 3-4k rpm when on the overrun, decelerating with engine braking - the clutch basket will buzz like crazy. The second set, which I don’t mind as much will come on about 7-8k rpm and then smooth out as you climb higher. The high range vibes are probably sufficient to remind you that you’re about to exit the stratosphere. 

Its a four-cylinder problem.

To be fair, though, this sort of vibration is inherent to 4 cylinder sportbikes across all categories. I tried the 2018 Honda CB1000r the other day and was surprised that even this honda s buzzed quite a bit around the 5-6k mark. 

On the flip-side, if the BMW k1300s were any smoother, getting into trouble would be even quicker than it already is. 

BMW K1300s Motorsport - Quickshifter 

The quick-shifter can be sensitive to the correct technique. Still smoother than some newer BMWs especially the Twin-cylinder models. As with most of these units, they are temperamental if not used the right way. 

You need to be on the gas relatively hard and be deliberate in your foot action. In short, it works fine if you use it as intended. 

Gadgets 

Today, contemporary bikes come out with a myriad of tech that just wasn’t seen only just a few years back. BMW always led the tech & feature list on motorcycles. 

For its day, being an ageing man-of-war, it was a burger with-the-lot as far as options went. Impressive even today. 6-speed gearbox + quick-shifter, Electronic suspension adjustment (front and rear end) 3 modes + pre-load selection. Add to that ABS brakes front and rear, traction control, heated grips, trip computer... 

A host of touring options available as well. 

Realistically the only thing I would add to this bike is cruise control. 

Closing thoughts 

Anytime there is a road trip or even a weekend ride that affords a decent distance, space and speed - the BMW k1300s is my weapon of choice. Fast, stable and comfortable.

Now discontinued, the BMW k1300 will roam the earth for many decades to come. Some parts of the bike are ageing (like the dash), but the k1300s is still an impressive hulking motorcycle with an absolute thug of an engine makes it an occasion every time I get on.  

Impressively engineered, wickedly fast and equally comfortable. There are not many bikes this big that look as cool -the Big K looks like a big supersport rather than a grey nomad touring mobile. 

It may not be the best bike for everyday use; it remains one of my all-time favourite motorcycles.

Tested and bought at Procycles, Hornsby. If you want one, or any other bike for that matter -  ask for Fernando. 

If you’re in the market for a BMW K1300s, you may also consider: 

Suzuki Hayabusa (slightly quicker, but nowhere near as refined or comfortable)

 

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