If the BMW K1300GT was a car it would be a BMW M5 Touring: comfortable yet very, very fast.
With 160bhp delivered through the back wheel, the K1300GT is a serious performer. The latest GT (Gran Turismo) gets more power and an extra 100ccs. The letter 'K' denotes the four-cylinder engine, so the GT is as smooth as silk next to an RT (R = BMW flat twin cylinder engine), and boy can it keep up with fast moving traffic.
The 135nm of torque means that you can ride this bike in sixth gear all day. It will also pull in top gear from ridiculously low speeds. If you are light with the throttle and a quick up shifter you can get excellent fuel consumption, too. I rode the bike in the UK a few weeks back and more recently in Norway, where I covered some serious mileage, and I'm still grinning.
The GT looks sleek and in no way a fat, accommodating tourer, but with panniers and a top box you could take the kitchen sink with you riding two up! Where the K1300GT really scores is in its handling. The bike features a stunning suspension set up that means the bike hardly dives at all under braking, but when you also take the optional ESA2 into account the bike truly can be all machines to all riders. ESA2 is electronic suspension adjustment which has three settings: 'Normal', 'Comfort' and 'Sport'. ASC (anti spin control) adds a further element of safety to the mix and inspires confident acceleration in wet conditions. The shaft driven bike soaks up miles effortlessly, and with heated grips, seat and an electrically adjustable screen, the rider and pillion travel in comfort.
For such an imposing bike the GT likes nothing more than leaning well over in fast turns and handles as well if not better than some sports bikes. The 1293cc engine is more flexible than the old 1157cc in the previous K1200GT with greater low down power despite gaining just 8bhp. Apart from the increase in cc, a new exhaust system and airflow tweaking are the main contributing factors to the bike's boosted performance.
On twisty mountain roads the GT simply gobbled up every climb and turn with confidence. Downhill through gorges and fjords the GT's front end 'Duolever' suspension gave just enough information as to the level of grip the front tyre had.
Rolling on the throttle out of hairpins on the GT gave me some of the best automotive fun I've had in years. When needed the brakes provided plenty of stopping power, and with integral linked ABS braking (front lever pulls front and back brake proportionately) and the independent rear brake on the foot lever, the rider has total control. If a corner tightens a little too quickly it is nice to be able to drag the back brake to set the suspension down while scrubbing off a little speed.
If you ever get a chance to ride in Western Norway jump at it as the roads and scenery are unbelievably good. I was in Norway with the Viking Run charity event in aid of Our Lady's Children's Hospital making a TV programme (for The Children's Medical & Research Foundation) and of all the motorbikes I've directed from (and there have been a few), the BMW K1300GT is quite simply my favourite.
The BMW K1300GT is a one stop shop motorcycle that can do almost anything you want effortlessly. I love it!
Michael Sheridan
