2009 BMW K1300 GT
Introducing the new K 1300 GT, BMW
Motorrad is opening up new dimensions in the BMW
Touring Encounter World in terms of both riding
dynamics and grand touring qualities, enhancing
the Company’s worldwide leadership in the
Dynamic Tourer segment.
Offering even greater supremacy all
along the drivetrain, an even higher standard of
quality, an aerodynamic fairing enhanced to a new
level of perfection, and a wide range of special
equipment, the new K 1300 GT stands for Gran Turismo
of the highest caliber. It combines maximum agility
and sporting riding dynamics with the ideal package
for long tours. And with its engine output 118 kW
(160 hp), together with maximum torque of 135 Newtonmetres
(99 lb-ft), the new K 1300 GT also benefits from
the increase in engine size and stands out as one
of the most powerful motorcycles in its segment.
In typical BMW style, therefore, the new K 1300
GT meets the greatest demands in terms of riding
dynamics, comfort, safety, and equipment.
Even greater supremacy and dynamic
performance.
The new K 1300 GT is a High Performance
Tourer featuring the innovative and proven highlights
of the new K 1300 S in terms of performance, riding
safety and technology. The drivetrain and suspension
come largely from the K 1300 S, but have been adapted
in their specific features and details to all the
requirements of a dynamic tourer. The highlights
in developing the new K 1300 GT were enhanced riding
dynamics and even greater supremacy combined with
outstanding comfort and optimum qualities for all
kinds of motorcycle tours.
Identical in its basic features with
the power unit of the K 1300 S, the engine has been
modified ed in terms of air flow and guidance. This
increases maximum output over the K 1200 GT by 6
kW (8 hp) to a new record level of 118 kW (160 hp),
with even greater emphasis given to superior torque
for even better traction and pulling force at low
and medium engine speeds.
The K 1300 GT also sets the standard
in terms of comfort, riding safety and equipment,
not only through its excellent suspension and running
gear, but also through optionally available, electronically
adjustable ESA II
(Electronic Suspension Adjustment II) as well as
features such as electronic cruise control, an electrically
adjustable windshield, or seat heating controlled
individually for the rider and passenger.
Features and Technical Highlights.
An overview of technical highlights:
Increase for engine capacity for even greater traction
and enhanced performance.
Like the K 1300 S, the new K 1300 GT also benefit
from the significantly upgraded straight-four power
unit increased in capacity from 1,157 to 1,293 cc.
Maximum output is now 118 kW (160 hp) at 9,000 rpm,
with peak torque of 135 Newton-metres (99 lb-ft)
at 8,000 rpm. This equals an increase in power by
6 kW (8 hp) and an increase in torque by 5 Newton-metres
or 3.7 lb-ft.
While the former K 1200 GT did not develop its
maximum output until 9,500 rpm, the power unit of
the new K1300 GT offers its maximum power at 9,000
rpm, with more than 80 per cent of the engine’s
maximum torque available from just 3,500 rpm. Again
versus the K 1200 GT, the torque curve is significantly
better over a wide range from 3,500 – 10,000
rpm, following the objective to offer significantly
more traction and pulling force particularly at
low and medium engine speeds.
The torque curve remaining at a high ceiling over
a wide range of engine speed is indeed virtually
ideal for the K 1300 GT as a genuine Gran Turismo,
offering even more practical performance and supreme
power than its predecessor, which already set the
standard in this segment.
While all features optimised on the engine and
drivetrain of the new K-Series also benefit the
new K 1300 GT, the airbox has been specifically
adjusted to the different air requirements and flow
conditions within the engine, featuring an optimised
air filter and newly set-up intake funnels versus
the former model.
Rear muffler with new features and new interior
design.
The rear muffler newly designed and set-up inside
also contributes to the even “beefier”
torque curve and enhanced riding qualities of the
K 1300 GT, standing out clearly through its supreme
and powerful rumble. Contrary to the very sports-minded
K 1300 S and K 1300 R, the exhaust system on the
K 1300 GT with its substantial damper volume and
consistent use of stainless steel throughout does
not require an electronically controlled exhaust
butterfly.
Shift lever running in anti-friction bearings
for an even more precise gearshift.
The optimised anti-friction bearing on the gearshift
lever with a corresponding reduction in tolerance
in the transmission of power ensures an even more
precise and faster gearshift than ever before.
Optimised BMW Duolever for minimum unsprung masses.
While the new K 1300 GT is based on the particularly
stable suspension geometry of its predecessor, the
unsprung masses of the BMW Duolever have been reduced
even further through the introduction of a newly
designed lower longitudinal arm. Now made of forged
aluminium, the new Duolever gives the motorcycle
an even smoother and finer response.
Electronically adjustable ESA II suspension.
BMW’s new ESA II (Electronic Suspension
Adjustment II) suspension is also available on the
K 1300 GT as an option at extra cost.
This allows the rider, apart from the damping
on the two spring struts, to also adjust the spring
base (spring pre-tension) on the rear spring strut
as well as its spring rate and spring hardness smoothly
and conveniently at the touch of a button. Hence,
he is able to set the suspension most conveniently
and more precisely than ever before to his personal
wishes, taking particularly the load the motorcycle
is carrying into account (which is of particular
significance with the K 1300 GT) and offering a
new dimension of riding stability combined
with optimum response under all riding and load
conditions.
ESA II is the world’s first electronic suspension
control on the motorcycle offering such a wide range
of adjustment options.
EVO brake system complete with BMW Integral ABS.
The new K 1300 GT is equipped with BMW’s
proven EVO brake system also featured on the other
models in the K- and R-Series. Brake discs measuring
320 millimetres/12.6" in diameter up front
and 294 millimetres/11.6" in the rear guarantee
optimum deceleration also from high speeds and under
maximum load.
Featured as standard, BMW Motorrad Integral ABS
(semi-integral) not only fulfils the highest demands
in terms of safety, but also caters for the wishes
and preferences of the sports-minded rider through
its special set-up and configuration: BMW Motorrad
Integral ABS controls the front- and rear-wheels
brakes through the handbrake lever, while the footbrake
lever acts only on the rear-wheel brake.
Even more dynamic in design.
The unusually slender full-fairing with its dynamic
contours and excellent aerodynamic qualities has
been carried over from the former model and upgraded
in its looks for the new K 1300 GT.
The new fairing differs from the former unit at
the side through an opening in the side panel and
the logo support, giving the K 1300 GT a far more
dynamic appearance.
The inner surfaces of the fairing now fully painted
and no longer in the conventional grain touch convey
an even higher standard of quality and style. And
at the same time the inner surfaces are further
upgraded by the instrument panel now finished in
a matt, dark metallic colour.
Protectors integrated in the side sections reduce
the risk of damage in a fall or accident. Hence,
the machine is now well protected should it fall
over in an accident or when not properly parked.
New switch and control units.
The new K 1300 GT boasts a brand-new generation
of switches and manual controls. Using MID (Moulded
Interconnect Devices) technology, the new switch
and control units are far smaller and more compact,
while at the same time offering a higher standard
of functionality, clear design and optimum accessibility.
The switches for the electrical adjustable windshield,
the handle and seat heating as well as cruise control
are all integrated in the control units on the K
1300 GT.
Newly designed instruments.
Like the K 1300 S, the new K 1300 GT comes with
a newly designed speedometer and rev counter with
an even more dynamic layout on its scale.
These two units are supplemented in the digital
instrument cluster by the Info-Flatscreen, an information
display consistently providing all the information
the rider requires on data such as coolant temperature,
tank
capacity, the time of day, or the gear currently
in mesh.
When fitted with ESA II (Electronic Suspension
Adjustment II) as an option, the flatscreen provides
additional information on the current suspension
setting. Other data available on request are the
current mileage of the motorcycle, trip mileage
and – once the fuel level has dropped to reserve
– the remaining range. Any deficiencies or
defects, finally, are shown in the display by appropriate
signs and symbols.
Electrically adjustable windshield.
The new K 1300 GT comes with the electrically
adjustable windshield already featured and proven
on the former model, combining optimum protection
from wind and weather with minimum dimensions. Through
its aerodynamic design and configuration, the windshield
guides the wind rushing by round the rider, relieving
his head and upper body of wind pressure also at
high speeds.
A further important point is that the windshield
may be adjusted electrically over a range of 100
millimetres or almost 4 inches from the left handlebar
controls, thus consistently meeting the rider’s
requirements. A higher
windshield (+ 60 mm, almost 2.4") is available
as an optional extra, offering virtually every rider
perfect protection, regardless of his size and riding
position, simply by choosing the right windshield
and adjusting it accordingly.
Ergonomically designed seat.
To ensure maximum comfort and freedom of movement,
the seat, as on the former K 1200 GT, is designed
around the so-called step arch length of the rider
as the decisive criterion for seating quality. This
particular measurement is the distance between the
rider’s two feet on the ground – measured
across the inside of his legs – also taking
the shape and the width of the seat into account.
The seat is tapered significantly around the rider,
enabling him to comfortably place both feet on the
ground and bend his knees just as comfortably.
A further point is that seat height may be adjusted
as required to 820 or 840 millimetres (equal to
32.3 or 33.1"). And for the somewhat shorter
rider BMW Motorrad offers a lower seat as an optional
extra measuring 800 millimetres or 31.5" in
height (adjustable to 820 mm or 32.3”).
Both with a sporting style of riding and when
touring, the “ergonomic triangle” made
up of the footrests, the seat and the handlebar
guarantees maximum freedom of movement as well as
a relaxed style of riding without the slightest
fatigue. And last but certainly not least, the passenger
will also enjoy the high standard of seat comfort
so typical of a BMW.
Handlebar adjustable for height.
As on the K 1200 GT, the handlebar is adjustable
for height in four levels, covering a total range
of adjustment towards the rider’s body of
40 millimetres or almost 1.6", thus adapting
to all kinds of riders of different size and allowing
the rider to choose his ideal seating position at
all times.
The height of the handlebar is adjusted very conveniently
and easily through a mechanical thread-and-bolt
setting.
Optional extras and special equipment –
perfect customisation BMW-style.
The new K 1300 GT stands out as a genuine Gran
Turismo through its ideal combination of sporting
performance and touring comfort provided right from
the start even in standard trim. And to raise this
standard to an even higher level, BMW Motorrad offers
a wide range of optional extras and special
equipment optimising this Dynamic Tourer in every
respect.
These features will thrill both the demanding
Grand Touring rider looking for maximum comfort
on long distances and the technology enthusiast
in search of innovative technical features. The
wide range of functional options extends from an
on-board computer through a xenon headlight all
the way to the ESA II (Electronic Suspension Adjustment
II) suspension allowing the rider though simple
and optimum adjustment of the spring and dampers
to set the running gear to the rider’s current
requirements.
Optional extras come straight from the factory
and are fitted during production. Special equipment
is fitted by the BMW Motorcycle Dealer also subsequently
after the motorcycle has been delivered.
Optional extras:
The new K 1300 GT offers perfect harmony of touring
qualities and sporting riding dynamics – features
also reflected by the design of the K 1300 GT with
its flowing lines and clear, striking shapes and
surfaces. The lines tapering out towards the front
symbolise even more power and dynamics than before,
combined with sporting and slender all-round proportions.
The three main colours available for the body
are Red Apple Metallic, Royal Blue Metallic, and
Magnesium Beige Metallic, contrasting perfectly
with the drivetrain finished in Black and the suspension
components in
Asphalt Metallic.
While Red Apple Metallic in conjunction with dark
contrasting components on the spoiler and at the
rear appeals particularly to the sporting and ambitious
rider, the experienced touring rider will definitely
enjoy Royal Blue Metallic with White Aluminium contrasting
components as a puristic alternative.
A third variant offers an even higher level of
elegance and modern style: Magnesium Beige Metallic
contrasting with Dark Slate Metallic, matt.
Back in 1983, when many motorcycle manufacturers
still placed their bets on inline engines with air
cooling, liquid-cooled four-cylinder power units
marked the highest level of technology in motorcycle
construction. But instead of resorting to the usual
engine layouts, BMW engineers Josef Fritzenwenger
and Stefan Pachernegg succeeded in developing a
brand-new future-oriented technical concept subsequently
enhanced all the way to regular production quality.
In the process they maintained the longitudinal
position of the crankshaft typical up to that time
of BMW motorcycles with a direct flow of power from
the gearbox through the drive shaft to the rear
wheel, referred to under the official term as the
BMW Compact Drive System. A brand-new approach,
on the other hand, was the introduction of liquid
cooling.
Displacing 987 cc, the straight-four power unit
is fitted in longitudinal, flat configuration. The
crankshaft is on the right-hand side seen in the
direction of travel, while the cylinder head with
the two overhead camshaft is on the left.
Liquid cooling comes for the first time on this
new BMW, ensuring not only supreme thermal stability,
but also, through efficient soundproofing, a very
low level of mechanical noise.
Two other innovations likewise characterised the
new engine: First, electronic fuel injection supplying
fuel to the combustion chambers. Second, the layout
of the engine as a load-bearing element fully integrated
in the light and torsionally stiff tubular steel
spaceframe.
This principle sets the foundation for the BMW
K-Series motorcycles. So regardless of whether they
are Sports Machines, Tourers or Naked Bikes –
the K-Series proves to be extremely innovative and
versatile in technical terms and virtually every
other respect. To this day, the concept of the straight-four
fitted lengthwise remains within the BMW Motorrad
model range in the guise of the K 1200 LT Luxury
Tourer.
Ongoing development of the K-Series also provides
important momentum for a brand-new technical approach.
In 2004, for example, the first BMW K Series with
its four-cylinder engine fitted crosswise sees the
light of day – the K 1200 S as the most powerful
and fastest BMW of all times.
