BMW K 1300 S Motorsport 2015 — Specifications

When BMW decides to dress its big 1293 cc inline-four in racing colors, the result is something quite distinctive. The K 1300 S Motorsport is not a pure sportbike, make no mistake. It's a fast sport-tourer — very fast, even — wearing the livery of Munich's racing department. The outcome? A machine putting out 175 hp at 9,250 rpm and 137 Nm of torque at 8,250 rpm, all dressed up with a tinted windscreen and model-specific wheels. It's a far cry from an S 1000 RR, but it stays firmly in the realm of high-speed touring, where the speedometer flirts with 280 km/h without the rider feeling the slightest hint of instability.

The Motorsport treatment goes well beyond the paint job. BMW dipped into the HP catalog to fit its grand tourer with sport footpegs, a quickshifter for banging through the six-speed gearbox without touching the clutch, and above all an Akrapovic exhaust. The Slovenian system shaves over five kilos compared to the stock silencer and frees up a few extra horsepower. On a machine that already tips the scales at 249 kg wet, every kilo matters. The shaft drive, a hallmark of Bavarian GTs, remains in place. Not the lightest or sportiest choice, but a guarantee of reliability and low maintenance that speaks to high-mileage riders.

In 2015, the price rose from €19,950 to €20,730, but the bill has its justifications. BMW integrated ESA electronically adjustable suspension, ASC traction control, heated grips, tire pressure monitoring, and the onboard computer. Equipment that would have cost considerably more as separate options. The aluminum perimeter frame and the single-sided Paralever swingarm with its 135 mm of rear travel form a rigorous package, built to carve through fast bends with precision. The braking, handled by two 320 mm front discs clamped by four-piston calipers, proves equal to the machine's temperament.

Against the competition, the K 1300 S Motorsport plays in a rather empty field. The Kawasaki ZZR 1400 pushes harder but aims more for the straight line. The Ninja H2 inhabits an entirely different price bracket. That perhaps leaves the Honda VFR 1200 F, less powerful but more versatile. The BMW positions itself as the ultimate sport-GT for anyone who wants to ride fast, far, and with a touch of style. Its 820 mm seat height and 19-liter tank allow for long legs without contortion or overly frequent fuel stops.

Today, a used BMW K 1300 S Motorsport represents a compelling proposition for anyone seeking a characterful machine at a reasonable price. The inline-four remains one of the finest engines BMW Motorrad has ever produced — smooth down low, fierce up top, always ready to deliver. It's aimed at demanding touring riders, those who want serious grunt on tap without sacrificing comfort or electronic equipment. Not a track weapon, not a city bike, but a tarmac devourer that fully embraces its calling as a fast grand tourer.