Malaysian Motor Works

BMW, for sure everyone will expect classical quality and excellence performance from the high-end brand. Yes, BMW has excellent product line in the market such as the 'bad-boy' supersports S1000RR HP4 and the most popular enduro R 1200 GS.

The German’s motorcycle division began their two wheels production since 1923. At that time, they produce boxer engines into their first model, R32. These days, BMW Motorrad still works with their heritage machine on several models as well as other engine configurations to meet the market needs.

I had the opportunity to have a road test session with BMW naked street bike - K1300R. Actually here in Malaysia, K1300R is rarely to be seen on the road. In terms of overall design, this machine has strong character despites of a brutal appearance. Looking to the headlight, sometimes, it looks like a science fiction motorcycle.

After the keys handed over, I turned on K1300R inline four-cylinder engine. The standard sound just amazed me and how if it gets Akrapovic full exhaust system, I just imagine how sweet it is. Sitting on the bike, the handlebar is quite comfortable though the fuel tank is relatively large.

I had to be careful while twisting the 173 horsepower machine’s throttle. This 243 kg remained stable even get squeezed aggressively. The rear suspension system built to keep the front wheel in its direction and not lifted easily.

Apart from its bodywork, I would like to give a positive opinion regarding the engineering masterpiece. Throughout the riding experience, K1300R is one of the easiest bikes to launch. The acceleration is silky smooth combined with 6-speed gearing. For me, the power is too much to be handled, but I scared enough to fall in love with the torque delivered.

Across the highway, I do not struggling to reach 150 km/h over and I still remain comfortable on the bike. Of course, this bike can change you coordinates at any time once you twist the throttle. After won with the winds pressure exceeding 240 km/h, I change the K1300R riding mode from Sport to Normal. It is equipped with the latest electronic technology: the integration of ABS and active suspension system - ESA II which makes it as one of the safest motorcycles on the road.

You can set either in Sport mode, Comfort mode and Normal mode. There is only a small difference between Normal and Comfort mode. Bt the way, the most obvious I can feel is between Sport and Comfort mode: the level of hardness of the suspension system. In the Sport mode option, I can feel every bump on road surface, perhaps it is less comfortable, but however, it has the advantage during cornering.

Overall, I'm quite excited with the power delivered and smooth engine performance at all revving ranges. But don’t forget, is still to be competing by Japanese machines line up such as Kawasaki Z1000 2014, Suzuki B- King and the latest Austrian KTM SuperDuke R instead of exclusive BMW’s emblem.