MOTO4FUN

Exactly 25 years after the launch of the groundbreaking K bikes, BMW has unveiled the newest generation of this line of powerful inline-four machines. The new K bikes sport a larger displacement, now with 1,293 cc, and an array of new enhancements and features. The 2009 K 1300 S, the most powerful street legal BMW, now offers 175 hp and the torque has been bumped by 7.5 ft-lb to a very impressive 103 ft-lb at 8250 rpm.

“We have sold almost 65,000 four-cylinder motorcycles in the past four years,” said Hendrik von Kuenheim, the President of BMW Motorrad at the K1300’s press launch at INTERMOT in Germany. “Now the time has come to give this attractive model series a new and powerful impulse. I use the term ‘new’ K Series on purpose because we have conducted profound changes both with regards to the technology and visual appearance. Our aim was to significantly improve the three models in terms of performance, handling, dynamics, visual appeal and quality.”

New for 2009 are three K1300 models. The K 1300 S with 175 hp, the K 1300 R with 173 hp and the K 1300 GT with 160 hp. The new K bikes feature updated transmission and clutch assembly, plus smoother engine performance and new switchgear.

Von Kuenheim continues: “By raising capacity to 1300 cc, our engineers have not only increased output but also torque on all three models. At the same time the driveline was intensively revised from air/fuel mixture formation right through to the exhaust system. In this way we have been able to optimize partial load behavior as well as throttle response. Now the clutch can be operated with even less effort and with greater refinement. Shifting has been improved tangibly due to constructional changes to the gearbox and drive.
BMW is introducing new options for the 2009 as well. The popular Electronic Suspension Adjustment that first appeared on the 2005 K 1200 S has now been updated with even more on-the-fly adjustability and it’s called ESA II. Also new is the quick-shifter option, a racing-style gear shift assistant, borrowed from BMW’s race-ready HP2 Sport. Automatic Stability Control (ASC) is also offered as an option on the new K bikes.

“Both the K 1300 S and also the R will also have the shift assistant - familiar from the HP2 Sport - available as an option for the first time,” von Kuenheim emphasized. “We have also advanced the chassis. The new lower longitudinal strut is now made of aluminum and is thus considerably lighter. This makes the front wheel guidance response even more sensitive. The result of this comprehensive development work is superior handling, improved rideability and lower fuel consumption. The electronically adjustable suspension – called ESA in short – was launched as a world first on the K 1200 S. Now we are presenting the new, well-proven ESA II as an option for the K Series. Apart from the suspension and damping this unique system also allows the spring rate to be adjusted at the press of a button. The K Series model revision also heralds a new and innovative generation of switches and controls.”

As Mr. von Kuenheim suggested the new line of K bikes also introduce BMW’s brand new switchgear. For the first time BMW is furnishing all their K bikes with the familiar universal-style switches and controls.
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K Bike Highlights
K 1300 S and K 1300 R
Even more dynamic, particularly at lower and medium engine speeds, thanks to the increase in engine capacity.
Engine output 175/173 hp (K 1300 S/R) at 9,250 rpm, maximum torque 103 ft-lb at 8, 250 rpm.
Optimized exhaust system with a new rear-end muffler and electronic flap control as well as a fully controlled three-way catalyst.
Even greater riding precision combined with maximum riding stability ensured by the optimized Duolever front wheel suspension with a newly designed longitudinal arm at the bottom.
Supreme handling ensured by optimized suspension geometry, optimum mass distribution and a perfectly balanced overall concept.
Second-generation ESA II electronically adjustable suspension and ASC anti-spin control as an option.
New, innovative generation of control switches with optimized ergonomics.
Optimized, maintenance-free shaft drive with a new two-stage drive shaft.
HP Gearshift Assistant for shifting up without the slightest interruption of power and traction available as an option.

K 1300 GT
Even more traction and pulling force, particularly at low and medium engine speeds, through the increase in engine capacity.
Engine output 160 hp at 9,000 rpm, peak torque of 99 ft-lb at 8,000 rpm.
Significant increase in torque from 3,500 rpm.
Fulfillment of the strictest environmental standards through newly set-up Digital Motor Electronics.
Optimization of the emission system through rear mufflers modified inside and a fully-controlled three-way catalytic converter.
Desmodromic operation of the gas lever function for even better and more precise gas dosage.
Optimized, maintenance-free shaft drive with a new, two-stage drive shaft.
Even greater driving precision and optimized response combined with maximum riding stability ensured by the optimized Duolever front-wheel suspension complete with a newly designed lower longitudinal arm.
Second-generation ESA II Electronically Adjustable Suspension and ASC Automatic Stability Control as an option.
New, innovative generation of switches and controls with optimized ergonomics.
Integral ABS (semi-integral) featured as standard for a high level of active safety.

For YouTube videos on the new K 1300 S, K 1300 R and K 1300 GT please visit BMW Motorrad USA’s YouTube channel: www.YouTube.com/BMWMotorradUSA.

*K 1300 S and K 1300 GT are expected in the US dealerships in early 2009. The K 1300 R’s availability is yet to be determined.