2011 BMW K1300S Comparison Review Photo Gallery

2011 BMW K1300S Comparison review

See photos of the 2011 BMW K1300S in the 2011 BMW K1300S Comparison review photo gallery. Read more in the 2011 Road Sport Shootout.

The BMW K1300S is powered by the strongest engine in the comparison.

2011 Road Sport Shootout

The 2011 BMW K1300S Inline Four churns out class-leading horsepower (148 hp) and torque (89 lb-ft).

Getting a big handful of the dual 320mm disc four-piston caliper front brings virtually zero front-end dive thanks to the Duolever suspension.

BMW’s unique suspension components (the single-strut Duolever mated with the Paralever rear), deliver unique handling traits.

The stout Bavarian feels the heaviest, even if the scales say otherwise (the Honda is 18 pounds heavier).

While exhibiting unwavering stability upright or once committed in a turn, the K1300 is not as quick to react to steering inputs.

Some testers fancy the restrained growls of the K1300, but the Four does exhibit a mellower demeanor than all save the Suzuki.

Surprisingly, the BMW stumbles in overall comfort. The wide engine crowds riders’ feet at the right-side brake lever – a glaring ergonomic oversight.

BMW always features distinct styling, and we fancy the K-series look.

Our testers find the cockpit and switchgear attractive and functional, particularly the info button on the left handlebar.

On the street, our testing crew lauds the BMW’s engine performance.

The K1300S is the unique ride in this test. It’s the most powerful, the fastest and a capable, if unconventional, handler. It’s a near-perfect gentlemen’s sportbike.

At the drag strip the Beemer runs a quarter-mile at 10.24 @ 137.7 mph. It peels from 0-60 mph in 3.55 seconds.

Bus gets to work at Barona.

At 569 pounds fully fueled, the BMW is not the heaviest on paper, but it felt the heftiest handler with its long wheelbase, wide body and unconventional suspension components.