Scoresheet
5
5
5
4
4
3
5
5
1
Ever heard of not buying the first model year? The 2009 BMW K1300 S and GT are having issues that directly effect reliability. The Starter switch will fail and the engine will not even turn over. The engine stalls after the clutch is pulled in during a decelleration. The engine will crank over and not start when the fuel level strip is faulty. Next year the fuel level will be monitored by a mecahnical float - imagine that.
Good news, this is a Luxury Superbike. The WOW and FUN Factor is way off the scale. Acceleration is fantastic, the brakes wahooo you down from triple digit speeds at an unbelieveable rate. Suspension is great and the ESC is a nice feature. Double up and you do not even know there is someone on the back. The step up for passenger mounting is very high.
The bike handles very well. Mountain roads call out for Moto GP lean angles. The S version must really be a hoot. I recommend being over 5’ 7” tall or you will be on your tippy toes even with the low seat option. The adjustable windshield is the feature I use the most.
I would NOT recommend a 2009. Too many issues. Read the message boards. Very bad karma going on right now with BMWNA and customers over the stalling issue. Give this bike a couple of years and this will be one of the few true Kings of the Road.