K1300R v K1300GT SE

[Davel]

Just a bit of advice please.

Foolishly and fancying a change again, I have sold my GS to a really nice guy in Whatford and so I'm searching for the next one.

I commute about 15 miles each way and apart from the odd day out, I generally tour with some mates for about a week each year.

I also do the odd business trip up to Scotland.

I've had a K1200GT SE before and loved it for the distance higher speed stuff, so am considering the newer K1300GT SE but, to be honest I have found the GS better on the B roads and local rides. It certainly was more flickable and I also liked the engine braking approaching bends etc.

However, I did test ride a K1200R last year and quite fancy the new K1300R. It's not as comfortable as either the GT or the GS but I think that the wife would batter me if I turned up with a new GS after selling the last one a week ago!

So who's got either the GT or the R please and how pleased are you with the new model?

All thoughts (and abuse) welcome!

 

[Deleted Member I]

Should have stuck with the GS!

How about the Ducati Multistrada?

 

[wheeledwidewebb]

I have got a K1300GT-SE, oh no I haven't I just changed back to a GSA.

The KGT is a fine bike and a missile but for me it was way too cramped, my knees got sore after an hour or so.

As a rider-only machine I found it fun and could chuck it around quite nicely, however, 2-up it became very heavy and the handling was much more questionable IMHO.

As SWMBO comes out on the back these days, the K just had to go.

 

[matlockscot]

I had a K1200R, great fun but over 85 for any prolonged period of time is tiring.

 

[Montydog]

KTM Smt would get my vote to liven that comute up

 

[Silver Rat]

Do the right thing, get a 1200RTSE and get the best of both worlds. Very comfy and great engine braking!

 

[Deleted Member I]

I have got a K1300GT-SE, oh no I haven't I just changed back to a GSA.

The KGT is a fine bike and a missile but for me it was way too cramped, my knees got sore after an hour or so.

As a rider-only machine I found it fun and could chuck it around quite nicely, however, 2-up it became very heavy and the handling was much more questionable IMHO.

As SWMBO comes out on the back these days, the K just had to go.

I am surprised that bike is less good at carry two people than a GSA for touring.

 

[wheeledwidewebb]

My GT was in for a new final drive unit and they lent me a new 2010 GSA for the week.

During this period SWMBO decided she would come out on the back for a run along the coast. Anyway it was fine and she said that she fancied some trips further afield.

Well I was looking forward to getting the K back, knowing that it should be superb as a two-up touring weapon - I was wrong. Suspension switched to 2-up tyre pressures spot-on, but the handling was alarming.

The bike would fall into slow-speed corners with an intentsity that would vary without too much rhyme or reason. It maybe a personal thing but I thought it was horrible.

Don't get me wrong though, on High-speed stuff, sweeping corners, the bikes mass is lost and the handling is neutral again.

As I say, maybe personal, but for me the GSA is a better all-round two-up machine, for motorway blasting and fast roads, the K is great, like being in a car when you're two-up on the motorway.

Silver-Rat is one of the people in the know, the RT1200 may have an image of grey beard about it but people who have them reckon they are the doo-dahs.

 

[sven]

I had a K1200S and simply fitted K1200R bars to replicate the riding position. It was a brilliant two-up bike (wider pillion seat than the R), but the panniers were too small and it was still a little two wristy for me.

I nearly bought a K1300S, but £7k to change a mint 2006 K12S for a slightly improved K13S seemed poor VFM and SWMBO enjoys exploring the backroads of the Dales and North Yorks Moors etc., so the GS seemed a better choice.

The lighter weight and lofty riding position really suit this type of riding, but I do miss the power of the K for overtaking when two-up, so I may have to buy a nice Blackbird to compiment it

 

[ricdunn]

If nothing else go test ride a K1300R with the quickshifter on... it's serious fun, too easy to ride very fast and has huge license losing ability

 

[Twotter]

...so I may have to buy a nice Blackbird to compiment it

Impeccable taste

 

[patzx12]

Hi D,
Your K1200GT has 27000 miles now as a 2nd bike, i still have a GS.
Its been to all corners of Europe, Fast and sorted, it was fitted with the 1300 clutch last year under warantee. its been perfect but back at the menders now, i think the starter clutch has gone pop.
Really love the bike it has a full system now.
I wouldnt even consider a K1300GT over it, i dont like the new switch gear and the plastic pots on the handlebars.
There is bugger all difference anyway and certainly not €11000 worth of improvments.

 

[Davel]

Hi Pat

Thanks for that.

The bike still looks good and I'll bet it sounds far better too.

Bloody hell - 27k miles. At least I ran it in for you!

Maybe I'll look for a low mileage 1200 then.

Cheers

Dave