BMW The Ultimate Riding Machine

What is the definition of a true Gran Turismo touring machine? Over the years a number of manufacturers have added the ‘GT’ suffix to the designation of selected models but few, if any of them have been truly deserving of the Gran Turismo tag.

We are all different in our motorcycling needs; while some want the dual-sport functionality of a big GS or the unsurpassed power and razor-sharp handling of an S 1000 RR, others want to travel long distances and arrive in style, with similar levels of comfort to a premium car – but with the undoubted joy that only two-wheels can bring. A high-end touring machine, for these riders, comes with certain prerequisites – all of which can be found on a motorcycle like the BMW K 1300 GT.

A Gran Turismo machine must be able to cruise effortlessly and continuously at high speeds for hundreds of kilometres. It has to be equipped with a surplus of power and be luxurious and relaxing on long rides. As a high-performance machine designed to carry two people and luggage in perfect comfort, it still needs to deliver sports bike handling when required, yet still be safe in all situations. By the end of a long journey, its rider should not be tired and sore, but should be left wanting more…

It is a comprehensive list of requirements that few motorcycles can claim to satisfy, but the BMW K 1300 GT can tick all of the above boxes. The latest K 1300 GT Exclusive Edition, however, is setting new standards in the class with its long list of impressive specifications that will raise the bar even further in the luxury touring segment.

It doesn’t seem that long ago that the K 1200 RS sports tourer – launched in 1997 – broke the mould of the K Series BMW bikes and exceeded the factory’s 100 hp power limit by a massive 30 horses. Fast forward to the present day and the K 1300 GT’s 160 hp four-cylinder engine is considerably more powerful to allow for extremely high-speed cruising (where appropriate) and has impressive roll-on acceleration, yet it is also geared for economy, so that long stretches in the saddle can be covered without having to frequently stop for refuelling.
 
Electronic cruise control takes the strain away from holding the throttle open constantly during long stretches of Autoroute riding, while the on-board computer also feeds the rider with lots of information such as how far the motorcycle can travel before the next fuel stop, and what the average fuel consumption is. On cold days, when the outside temperature display reading is lower than desired, the rider can take advantage of heated grips and seat heating to stay in the saddle longer, while a Xenon headlamp provides optimum visibility for night riding.

There are other characteristics a motorcycle has to display to truly earn the ‘Gran Turismo’ tag, and these include benchmark road holding, outstanding rider ergonomics, unsurpassed aerodynamics, engine tractability and a sensational braking system.

With the K 1300 GT Exclusive Edition, riders can choose the suspension setting to suit the road conditions, the load on the machine and even their mood, all at the touch of a button. The ESA II (Electronic Suspension Adjustment II) system allows them to adjust suspension settings such as preload and damping with no need to carry any special tools or stop the machine for manual adjustment. Road surfaces and conditions change constantly, and BMW believes that the rider of a GT machine should be able to enjoy the whole ride, whether solo, two-up, with or without luggage.

Naturally, a GT-designated machine should be packed full of useful technology, and as well as the advanced ABS braking system that helps riders slow down in full control, BMW’s ‘active safety’ thinking continues with an Automatic Stability Control (ASC) system that helps keep riders safe when accelerating. Now commonplace on MotoGP and factory World Superbike machines, traction control helps racers to open the throttle earlier, safe in the knowledge that the rear tyre won’t spin and cause them to crash, as the grip is being monitored and controlled by computer.

With the K 1300 GT Exclusive Edition, the principle is the same, although focussed in the interests of rider safety on the roads, rather than fast lap times! By electronically adjusting power to the rear wheel, this system helps riders on road surfaces with varying grip, and in the wet (where there are sudden changes in grip levels) keeping them safe and allowing them to enjoy the ride – whatever the conditions. Tyre pressure monitors alert owners to any sudden change in pressure, such as a puncture.

With a wind-tunnel developed aerodynamic fairing, adjustable screen and colour-coded panniers as standard, the GT will allow its rider to pack more than just the essentials and ride long distances in complete comfort, cocooned behind a screen that offers unbeatable protection from whatever weather conditions may be encountered. Raise the screen fully to sit comfortably protected from the wind noise; lower it slightly in damp conditions so that the airflow clears rain directly from the helmet visor; or lower it completely in warm conditions to take advantage of a cooling breeze.

The K 1300 GT Exclusive is designed to make an immediate impression, but in a subtle way, which will undoubtedly appeal to the kind of rider that this formidable machine will attract. Those who want to go the ‘extra mile’ will also benefit from the addition of a large 49-litre top-case (with built-in backrest, common-key lock barrel and lid finished in body colour) to accompany the panniers.

If you’re thinking of a machine to take you further than you thought possible on two wheels, then the K 1300 GT Exclusive Edition is just a short trip away, at your local BMW Motorrad dealer.