BMW K1300GT
This was not by design but I ended up saving the best for last as I took a variety of motorcycles for demo rides at the recent International Women & Motorcycling Conference. The honors, in my totally subjective assessment, go the the BMW K1300GT.
With "1300" in the name you know this is a large bike. Nevertheless, unlike other bikes I test rode, this one does not splay your legs out. I could easily plant both my feet flat on the ground, and I like that in a motorcycle. What's more, the seat is adjustable, so you can actually buy this bike and not feel forced to pay for a custom saddle just so you can be comfortable. This is definitely an idea other manufacturers need to pick up on. And the handlebars and windshield are adjustable, too.
Another feature that struck me as one of those blindingly obvious things that you wonder why you've never seen it before is the incorporation of the start button and kill switch into one unit. If the bike is not running, push the button to start it. If it is running, push the button to stop it. What a concept.
Of course the bike also has all the other gadgets and features you would expect on this sort of machine. ABS is standard. And a full range of other add-ons is available. With the exception, however, of any provision for highway pegs. I mentioned this in my discussion of the Yamaha FJR1300A. These are top-of-the-line touring bikes and I just can't see building something like this without any provision for highway pegs. You've got to shift your position from time to time if you're going to be riding all day.
The riding position is very comfortable and familiar for me. Steering is very light and easy, and the bike goes fast. Oh yeah, really fast. It's also smooth and quiet, as you would expect from a BMW.
Would I buy this bike? In a heartbeat, if I had the cash. AT $19,000 it's still a bit out of my price range, but nothing like the $36,000 Harley is asking for the Screamin' Eagle Ultra Classic I also test rode. The K1300GT is one sweet bike.
Related articles
Motorcycle demo rides: FJR 1300, Screaming Eagle Ultra Classic, K1300GT, and more
Demo ride on Yamaha FJR1300A
Demo ride on Kymco Exciting 500 and Venos 250
Demo riding the Harley-Davidson Screamin' Eagle Ultra Classic
Something completely different: Demo riding the Ducati 696 Monster
Demo riding the BMW K1300GT
Comments
Highway pegs.....? on a proper bike? this is a proper motorcycle, not something you'd find parked outside the Blue Oyster Bar!
Not sure what you mean by "a proper bike," but I stand by what I said: You've got to shift your position from time to time if you're going to be riding all day. I put highway pegs on my Concours and I love them. They make a huge difference.
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