| SR RATINGS |
BMW
K1300S |
Suzuki
HAYABUSA |
| Fun to ride |
9.0 |
8.4 |
| Quality |
9.4 |
8.7 |
| Instruments and controls |
9.1 |
8.7 |
| Ergonomics |
9.0 |
8.4 |
| Chassis and handling |
8.8 |
8.3 |
| Suspension |
9.2 |
8.2 |
| Brakes |
8.8 |
8.3 |
| Transmission |
8.8 |
8.8 |
| Engine power |
9.5 |
9.0 |
| Engine-power delivery |
9.3 |
8.8 |
| Total |
90.9 |
85.6 |
Opinions
Troy Siahaan
On the surface, a test like this seems pretty simple: which bike goes faster? But there's more to it than that. Sure speed is important with these two bikes, but you can't forget about comfort, handling, and-most importantly-stopping from those speeds. I can't believe I'm saying this, since I've never been a fan of the K-bikes, but my nod goes to the BMW on all those fronts. I can't quite put my finger on it, but the K1300S is different. I think the subtle changes to the Duolever front suspension was all it took, because I could never trust the setup on the K1200S. The Hayabusa's time was destined to come eventually. I just never thought it would come at the hands of BMW.
Steve Mikolas
I'll admit I didn't understand why we were comparing these bikes at first as these two rippers are completely different platforms diverging to the same result: speed superiority. I kept an open mind anyway and came to the conclusion that both bikes matched up pretty damn well. As far as the BMW, I took issue with the masked feedback the K-13S provides. That said, I learned to love the in-line 4 engine and chassis (especially in sport mode), I just had to reset my brain every time we switched between the two. I still have a soft spot for the Suzuki as it's a purpose built machine that's equally as comfortable down a drag strip or in front of the local bike night, but the new K-bike covers almost all of the evaluation categories on my sheet and can match the big dogs everywhere except price.
Jim O'connor
Whether or not is was a conscious effort on the part of BMW to make a Busa-beater, it seems that this is exactly what they've done. Granted, the Hayabusa hasn't had a significant overhaul in a long time but if there was one motorcycle that exemplifies power and top speed, it's the Hayabusa.
Riding both motorcycles on the highway and in the mountains it was clear both motorcycles were longer and heavier than the bikes we're used to testing. However, both handled themselves well and while I'm not fan of additional electronics, the BMW's electronically adjustable suspension was just the trick for comfortable freeway riding and sporty canyon carving. The BMW buyer will pay dearly for those electronic brakes and suspension do-dads, but the alternative would be to buy a little "long-in-the-tooth" Hayabusa.