The previous telephone-pole-size...
The previous telephone-pole-size muffler is gone, replaced by a shorter and more stylish stainless steel unit with an integral catalyzer to help keep emissions in check. Ground clearance is more than adequate.
The instrument panel has also...
The instrument panel has also been redesigned, thankfully with a much larger tachometer and white-faced speedometer. On-board computer LCD display can show numerous functions and readouts. Fuel reserve "miles remaining" readout was impressively accurate.
The hydraulically-actuated clutch now features a larger slave cylinder for easier lever effort, with new friction plates, springs, and stronger spring plate to handle the increased torque. Gearbox action was also attended to, with a revised pivot point for the shifter, shifter rod now running in ball bearings, and new 3-contact-point shift forks (versus the older two-point) for easier shifting, and undercut gear engagement dogs with greater engagement surface for more positive gearchanges. The driveshaft now features a two-stage damper system; the first stage handles small torque changes with a spring-loaded friction disc, while bigger load variations are handled by polyurethane bushings encased in the rubber damper portion of the driveshaft system.
Our K1300S was equipped with...
Our K1300S was equipped with both the ESA II (Electronic Suspension Adjust) and the ASC (Anti-Spin Control). The ABS and ASC can be turned off. And wait—are we hallucinating? Is that a single-button turn signal actuator on a BMW? Praise the Lord!
The BMW ABS system is now standard with the K1300S, and it can be shut off if desired. It has also thankfully jettisoned the servo-assist system used with the K1200S that made modulation and feedback poor at slower speeds. A no-cost option is a 1.1-inch-lower seat that drops the seat height to 31.1 inches, allowing more riders to fit the K1300S (this is an option that will be available through much of the BMW range for '09).
The BMW's front fairing and...
The BMW's front fairing and windscreen provide good wind protection, and mirrors provide a decent rear view with little vibration fuzziness. Headlight is one of the best we've used on a sportbike, providing a wide swath of light ahead.
One last change to the K1300S that will also soon be standard issue with all BMWs: after decades of saying "we'll do it our way," BMW will now be joining the rest of the world (other than the lone exception of Harley-Davidson) in adopting the single-button turn signal actuator. Hallelujah!