BMW unviels New K1300 Motorcycle at 2008 INTERMOT motorcycle show

BMW K1300S

COLOGNE : October 8, 2008 - The signiﬁcantly updated and upgraded successor to the BMW K 1200 S is proudly celebrating its world debut at the 2008 INTERMOT motorcycle show : the new K 1300, the most powerful and fastest BMW the world has ever seen.

As a milestone in the BMW Sports Encounter World and with engine output of 129 kW (175 hp) combined with overall weight of 254 kg (560 lb) including fuel, this truly supreme motorcycle offers the utmost in dynamic performance and sporting riding features.
Launching this new model, Europe’s largest and most successful motorcycle manufacturer is once again increasing its leadership in the topmost class of sporting high-performance machines.

Even more sporting and dynamic.

Conceived consistently as a sports machine, the K 1300 has not only maintained, but in many areas even enhanced the qualities of its predecessor. As a result, this new high-performer combines fascinating and innovative technology of the highest calibre with outstanding all-round qualities and safety. On the road this means even greater riding precision and agility, even more dynamic power and performance, and, at the same time, the superior safety and ease of control in all situations so typical of a BMW.

Like its predecessor, the K 1300 does not make any compromises, but rather brings together even more consistently than before all the virtues of the most dynamic motorcycle in the K-Series: sporting and dynamic performance combined with superior comfort, playful and easy handling in combination with absolute riding stability, supreme top performance in conjunction with perfect everyday riding qualities, an even more slender and sporting look with optimised protection from wind and weather, plus sophisticated ergonomics.

Taking up a great tradition of BMW Motorrad, the new K 1300 stands out through qualities typical of BMW such as a long service life, ease of maintenance, optimum emission management by means of a fully controlled three-way catalytic converter as well as maximum active safety when applying the brakes ensured through the most progressive brake system currently available in the market: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS featured as standard.

As in the past, BMW, through the K 1300, offers the only sports motorcycle in this segment with a maintenance-free drive shaft. Featuring innovative top-end technology, optimum riding qualities, an even more dynamic look and performance enhanced to an unprecedented standard, the K 1300 impressively renders the BMW Sports Encounter World, clearly maintaining BMW’s strong leadership in the upper sports segment.

Concept optimised in riding dynamics and technical features.

The main objective in developing the new K 1300 was to create an even more supreme motorcycle with enhanced riding qualities ensured by an even more powerful and harmonious torque curve and a higher standard of riding comfort. Increasing engine capacity to 1,293 cc while maintaining maximum engine speed of 11,000 rpm ultimately led to a signiﬁcant improvement of performance, power and torque.

In its fundamental qualities, the K 1300 is based on the proven drivetrain conﬁ guration and engine arrangement of its predecessor, using the existing advantage of a low centre of gravity made possible by the extreme angle of the cylinder bank tilted 55° to the front and allowing very low arrangement of the engine. At the same time the new K 1300 beneﬁ ts from the very slender engine block allowing a very low angle in bends for a truly sporting and dynamic style of riding.

In its suspension and running gear the new K 1300 – by far the lightest 1,300-cc model in this segment at 228 kg/503 lb dry weight – applies a successful concept combined with proven modules and components. One example in this context is the extra-low V-shaped radiator interacting with the wheel supports to provide an ideal conﬁguration of the frame above the cylinder head and, as a result, reducing the overall width of the machine. And with the frame proﬁles merging smoothly at the rear, the K 1300 enables the driver to hold his knees tightly together, ensuring optimum contact with the motorcycle under all conditions.

The active, dynamic and forward-looking seating position is tailored fully to the rider, but nevertheless allows a relaxed and comfortable style of motorcycling at all times. So while being unusually dynamic and sporting, the K 1300 is almost playful and certainly very safe in its behaviour, guaranteeing stress-free riding pleasure even in sporting style.

The upgraded front-wheel Duolever suspension makes a signiﬁcant contribution to the outstanding riding qualities of the K 1300. The newly developed, lower longitudinal arm now made of a forged aluminium alloy ensures an even more sensitive and transparent response, further enhancing the leadership of BMW Motorrad in the area of suspension technology.

The K 1300 is available with second-generation Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA II) as an option, a further development and improvement of the original ESA suspension introduced for the ﬁ rst time in series production on the K 1200 S.
Applying the most advanced CAN-bus technology, the progressive on-board network allows a wide range of functions and facilitates the diagnostic procedures usually required by intelligently connecting the machine’s electrical and electronic systems.

An overview of technical highlights :

Even more dynamic performance, particularly at lower and medium engine speeds, thanks to the increase in engine capacity.
Engine output 129 kW (175 hp) at 9,250 rpm, maximum torque 140 Newton-metres (103 lb-ft) at 8,250 rpm.
Increase in torque by more than 10 Newton-metres (7.4 lb-ft) all the way from 2,000–8,000 rpm.
Fulfilment of the strictest environmental standards through newly harmonised Digital Motor Electronics.
Optimised cylinder charge cycle for even better performance on less fuel.
Optimised exhaust system with a new rear muffler and electronically controlled flap management plus a fully controlled three-way catalytic converter.
Desmodromic operation improving the dosage of gas and engine power.
Optimised, maintenance-free shaft drive with a new, two-stage drive shaft.
Even greater riding precision combined with maximum riding stability ensured by optimised Duolever front wheel suspension with new set-up of the lower longitudinal arm.