2011 BMW K1300S | Price $19,974 (As Tested)
Dyno
Despite carrying its most convincing muscle toward the top of the curve, the K-bike is quite cooperative down low. What you can’t see is its perplexing inability to build revs in any particular hurry, regardless of where it’s spinning.
Tech Spec
Engine type: l-c inline-four >
Valve train: DOHC, 16v
Displacement: 1293cc
Bore x stroke: 80.0 x 64.2mm
Compression: 13.0:1
Fuel system: EFI
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Transmission: 6-speed
Frame: Aluminum twin-spar with single-sided swingarm
Front suspension: Duolever with ESA II
Rear suspension: Paralever with ESA II
Front brake: Dual Brembo four-piston calipers, 320mm discs with part-integral ABS
Rear brake: Brembo two-piston caliper, 265mm disc with part-integral ABS
Front tire: 120/70ZR-17 Metzeler Sportec M3
Rear tire: 190/55ZR-17 Metzeler Sportec M3
Rake/trail: 29.6/4.1 in.
Seat height: 32.3 in.
Wheelbase: 62.4 in.
Fuel capacity: 5.0 gal.
Weight (tank full/empty): 569/539 lbs.
Measured horsepower: 146.9 bhp @ 9250 rpm
Measured torque: 89.6 lb.-ft. @ 8000 rpm
Corrected -mile: 10.62 sec. @ 133.03 mph
Top-gear roll-on 60-80 mph: 2.71 sec.
Fuel mileage (high/low/avg.): 43/35/39 mpg
Colors: Blue/white/black, red/black
Availability: Now
Warranty: 36 mo., 36,000 mi.
Contact:
BMW of North America
P.O. Box 1227
Westwood, NJ 07575
800.831.1117
www.bmwmotorcycles.com
Ergos
Bolting its handlebar further away from the saddle makes the BMW harder to manage for short people. Pegs are a full inch farther away from the seat than on the VFR, making long-legged riders very happy.
2011 Honda VFR1200F | Price $17,999 (As Tested)
Dyno
The magic V-4 puts power and torque right where you want them from the bottom all the way up to 10,000 rpm, though it never feels as fast as it is until shortly after those curves cross at 5250.
Tech Spec
Engine type: l-c 76-deg. V-4
Valve train: SOHC, 16v
Displacement: 1237cc
Bore x stroke: 81.0 x 60.0mm
Compression: 12.0:1
Fuel system: EFI
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate slipper
Transmission: 6-speed
Frame: Aluminum twin-spar
Front suspension: 43mm Showa fork with adjustable spring preload
Rear suspension: Showa shock with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping
Front brake: Dual Nissin six-piston calipers, 320mm discs with ABS/CBS
Rear brake: Nissin two-piston caliper, 267mm disc with ABS/CBS
Front tire: 120/70ZR-17 Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart
Rear tire: 190/55ZR-17 Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart
Rake/trail: 25.5/4.0 in.
Seat height: 32.1 in.
Wheelbase: 60.8 in.
Fuel capacity: 4.9 gal.
Weight (tank full/empty): 594/565 lbs.
Measured horsepower: 142.1 bhp @ 10,000 rpm
Measured torque: 81.4 lb.-ft. @ 8750 rpm
Corrected -mile: 10.23 sec. @ 136.82 mph
Top-gear roll-on 60-80 mph: 3.14 sec.
Fuel mileage (high/low/avg.): 47/31/40 mpg
Colors: Red
Availability: Now
Warranty: 12 mo., unlimited mi.
Contact:
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
P.O. Box 2200
Torrance, CA 90509
866.784.1870
www.powersports.honda.com
Ergos
The VFR offers nearly 3 inches less legroom in its comfortably sporty ergonomic equation than Honda’s iconic ST1300 sport-tourer. Otherwise, the more conventionally positioned V-4 makes it roomier than its 727-lb. distant cousin.