2009-2011 BMW K1300GT
£5250-£7500 158bhp 155mph (est) 288kg (kerb) 1293cc inline four
“Don’t look at it, just ride it”
Ignore the fact it looks like Kryten’s forehead and focus on the two things that make the K1300GT so toweringly accomplished. First, it meets or exceeds every possible expectation of a fully fledged mile-muncher: it’s flawlessly comfortable, bursting with go-further goodies, and never happier than banging out a couple of hundred miles before breakfast. And second, on top of all of that, it still handles and blasts around with the frisky spirit of an overgrown sportsbike. It’s alive and engaging, not just a two-wheeled transportation device.
And tell me Si, how’s your 1400GTR’S cruise control? Or its adjustable seat and handlebar heights? Or its optional heated seats? Or its electronically adjustable suspension, to instantly swap between optimum solo and two-up settings? That’s right: the Kawasaki has none of this. Instead, you’ll just sit there, suffering your scrunched-up knee angle, short screen and drunken low-speed waddling, awaiting the blessed relief of a fuel stop. Which will at least come quickly, as the 1400GTR is both thirstier and carries less fuel than the K1300GT.
Okay, so the BMW’S micro-switchgear will pack up every once in a while, the engine feels a bit gravelly at times and the exhaust note sounds like a car, but this is both a more complete tourer and a more willing sportster than the Kawasaki.