Question for current 1300RS owners (and maybe others who have had test rides)

[AndyW]

I almost got carried away and pulled the trigger yesterday on a new showroom discounted Performance Spec in 'M' colour scheme but managed resist..... for the moment!

There's so many additional optional goodies and tech bits available, that I want to think on whether I would want on the bike I buy, to give some thought to but the big question is to ASA or not to ASA??
I have had 3 hours or so test ride on a non ASA.
Reading the reviews I can find on the performance / use of ASA it does appeal.

Anyone got experience of the ASA system?.... feedback / real life personal review please ;-)
Afterthought.... not even sure if ASA is available on the Performance spec bikes??

Any other comments on must have's / don't bother with optional extras etc appreciated

TIA

 

[grantmac]

My guess its down to wallet size and preference. I have a GSA with ASA and I do like it.
So do many others on here.....
Its a bit clunky and I dont use it much in ''D'' mode or full auto but I do like the manual.
I have a full spec adventure with the Adaptive height as well and some other extras and find it very nice to ride.
I am sure there will be some aong here shortly to crap all over the ideas and options....
Welcome to UKGSer......

 

[Katie]

I almost got carried away and pulled the trigger yesterday on a new showroom discounted Performance Spec in 'M' colour scheme but managed resist..... for the moment!

There's so many additional optional goodies and tech bits available, that I want to think on whether I would want on the bike I buy, to give some thought to but the big question is to ASA or not to ASA??
I have had 3 hours or so test ride on a non ASA.
Reading the reviews I can find on the performance / use of ASA it does appeal.

Anyone got experience of the ASA system?.... feedback / real life personal review please ;-)
Afterthought.... not even sure if ASA is available on the Performance spec bikes??

Any other comments on must have's / don't bother with optional extras etc appreciated

TIA

Can't answer to the ASA but I went with the triple black SE model to get all the bits (electrical widgets, GPS mount, luggage racks, cool downpipes etc.) to save the horrific cost of adding them later.

Wasn't interested in the Akra exhaust though as I think they sound cack

 

[squibb34]

Just wondering what bike are you coming from - your profile says multistrada?

I run an R1250RS - it's a more sporty ride than some might imagine, albeit not a full on superbike; the 1300 more so. Personally I can't get my head around the need for ASA on this type of machine; I can see it's merit with say a GS, an RT, or anything being used for commuting, but maybe that's just me.

My understanding is that you can have ASA on the performance edition, when you take the dynamic package option. Try the configurator when you have a moment.

 

[AndyW]

I need to update my profile! .... had the Multi 1200 2010 - 2013!
I bought a 2023 S1000XR about 12 months ago, in theory to replace my Superduke 1290R because of long term bike crash related issues getting worse with time/age (65). But despite multiple seat changes get chronic butt ache on the XR and can't sort the wind noise either (tried different screen, adon deflector, no screen). I am more particular than most because of bike crash related aches and pains etc and I've had tinnitus for a long time which 12/18 months back suddenly changed for the worse
I have a quality helmet (Shoei Neotec 3) and use custom ear protection.
I could cruise at 80 on the motorway on the 1290R with perfectly acceptable wind noise!

I've only had the benefit of 3 or so hours on the 1300RS and comfort wise it was a major improvement for me over the XR. Combination of the riding position (more body weight taken through arms so less through small of back and butt) and the seat ergonomics as well I guess. Wind noise was less than the XR, almost acceptable for me.... raising the screen was worse so I'm guessing a smaller screen (there's a smaller sport tinted screen on the Performance spec bike) will be better.
Who came up with the adjustable screen that you can't adjust whilst riding!??????

After the mistake of buying the XR (great bike just not for me) I want to get it right this time!!

 

[squibb34]

This was a recent thread covering the screens debate: -

Thread 'R1300 RS screens'

Jan 7, 2026

I'd like to start this and let it mature over the coming months years etc.

I have the Performance model and the screen is ok i think. You 100% need to wear earplugs, but in the high position wind isnt too bad. But recently i tucked down behind the screen more and found a silent turbulence free haven only a few inches lower! Now i know what it could be like.

I see options like WRS, Powerbronze. But also BMW list a Touring screen and also the Triple Black and 719 bikes appear to come with a different screen. Is that the touring? Or are there 3 BMW screens.

I don't want to ruin...

• Spartan
• Replies: 45
• Forum: R1300 RS

I'm not sure taking screen advice from the collective necessarily brings you closer to the ideal solution, as our individual expectations always differ.

 

[Spartan]

Welcome.

Ref the screen. If you push it at the very edge in the middle it goes up. The hinge isnt linear. It kinda going out and away then up. And to put it down. Just press the top. Trying to pull the screen up is awkward.

The only input I can give on ASA -
Is that what put me off is its a foot level. I had an NT1100 before so full auto. Press D. Go.

In ASA basically all its removing is the clutch lever. As the Quickshifter is so good the clutch is only for stopping and moving off. So its basically automatic. The gear change improved significantly after run in. At 5000km it became smooth. Positive clunk but no agricultural notch. The blipper on downshift is beautiful. Low revs it pops and bubbles. Higher revs its super smooth. My commute is on fast mountain roads and even playing with the bike at lean you can enter the corner trailing the brakes a bit and go back 2 gears and the bike is stable. Doesn't react at all. It blips harder so I'm sure its linked to the IMU for lean angle data also. Obviously it can jerk a little going past N to 2nd of the revs are too low. But I ride mine like an auto. Clutch to pull away. Then never use it again until stop.

 

[DING-DONG]

it can jerk a little going past N to 2nd of the revs are too low. But I ride mine like an auto. Clutch to pull away. Then never use it again until stop.

Personally I would never change from 1st - 2nd using the shifter, on a road bike the throw is too long and could potentially cause issues with false neutrals leading to damage to the box.

Race bike Road bike

 

[Bravo]

Personally I would never change from 1st - 2nd using the shifter, on a road bike the throw is too long and could potentially cause issues with false neutrals leading to damage to the box.

Race bike Road bike

Same here with my 1200,1st to 2nd clutch,2nd to 1st clutch.

 

[Spartan]

Personally I would never change from 1st - 2nd using the shifter, on a road bike the throw is too long and could potentially cause issues with false neutrals leading to damage to the box.

Race bike Road bike

Interesting points. Subjective really. This is what i deal with at work. Expected result vs actual.

On the race bikes the kill time was always set to 60ms. And never had a missed upshift even through 1-2nd.
On the RS and most road bikes. Kill time is longer but also it is longer still on 1st to 2nd. So the theory is- longer throw, then surmise it'll miss shifts. Makes sence.
But in practice. Over 5000km in 2 months. Not a single missed shift. No false neutrals, no issues at all. I do upshift at atleast 4000rpm as that is where a QS is designed to work- with reasonable turbine speeds( input/output shaft). By upshfting 1st to 2nd, cold gearbox, at say 2000rpm, yes the probability of a missed shift is higher in theory- but in practice i'm unsure if that would be the outcome.

These ideas are always worth discussing. As points like that make sence in theory and on paper. But in reality when tested the fear that exists to the proposed risk is, in reality, not there at all.

Same with breaking in/running in. I ran the bike in as spec. Limited revs, no constant speeds, varying loads and revs. Got to 800km, only 200km left until service. It just didn't feel ready. Gearbox still notchy, motor didn't feel ready especially in midrange. Took it a good run for the last 200km, riding it harder, using QS and blipper a bit more aggressively and taking revs up higher in lower gears. After that run it felt like a different bike. Then after service again, much smoother, gearbox is positive but butter smooth. Now at 6000km it feels great, midrange especially is strong and smooth.

One thing i have noticed and like alot. Is backshifting at lower revs, say in traffic from 3rd to 2nd at around 2-3000 rpm. I assume it opens the exhaust flap as the little pops and burbles it makes is nice. I dont notice that so much at higher revs. Also in Dynamic or Pro, even at lean on a tightening turn. Trying to test it and upset the bike it doesn't affect it at all really. I think the blipper is linked to the IMU as you can be at lean and kick it back 2 gears just to see what it'll do and it doesn't upset the chassis or line at all. Its absolutely beautiful, perfectly poised.

 

[EGR]

Recent total convert. I am a total throttle, clutch, left foot, silk and satin snob. Settled. Recent years, I'm old, my pleasure has become seriously diminished by screaming left hand/wrist pain.

ASA in M setting is no compromise. Full Stop. first to second to first my old body is marginally better. Till I get tired. Second and up - match me every time.