Last K-Series sportbike
End of an era
K1300S was BMW's final K-Series sportsbike. K-Series began in 1983 with the K100 (longitudinal four sport-tourer); transverse-four K1200S in 2004; K1300S in 2008. After 2016 BMW's K-Series is grand-tourer only (K1600). The 'K-Series sport' bike is permanently ended.
K1300S vs K1200S
Significantly better
K1300S is widely seen as the much better bike. 1293cc (up from 1157cc), 175bhp (up from 167bhp), 140Nm (up from 130Nm), refined fairings, ESA option, ABS standard, ASC traction control. Same chassis architecture but everything refined. K1300S used commands 50% premium over K1200S used — the differential is real.
Why it ended
S 1000 RR strategy
S 1000 RR launched 2009 with 199bhp, 199kg wet, race-rep ergonomics, twin-spar alloy frame. By 2016 the S 1000 RR had taken the BMW sportbike role completely — race-rep buyers chose the S, sport-tourer buyers chose K1600GT or R1200RT. K1300S had no buyer base left. Killed cleanly.
vs S 1000 RR (modern)
Different category
K1300S: 1293cc, 175bhp, 258kg wet, 820mm seat, sport-tourer ergos, shaft drive. S 1000 RR (2026): 999cc, 205bhp, 197kg wet, 815mm seat, race-rep ergos, chain drive. Smaller engine, more power, much lighter, sharper. Different category — riders who liked K1300S's sport-tourer comfort don't fit on S 1000 RR. Most moved to BMW S 1000 XR or R1300RT.
Real cost trajectory
Held value
£15,800 K1300S in 2016 (£20,500 today). Used market in 2026: £5-8k for clean low-mile. Held value relatively well because of K-Series engineering reputation. Pay attention to ESA electronic suspension reliability (the only major reliability concern). Service support strong at BMW dealers.
Rider aids count (2008 → 2026)
5 → 12+
K1300S had ABS, FI, ASC traction control, ESA electronic suspension option, ASC. 2026 S 1000 RR has cornering ABS Pro, traction control, slide control, anti-wheelie, 7 ride modes, launch control, M Quickshift Pro, 6.5-inch TFT, lap timer. Modern bike has more rider aids and IMU-based electronics.
Cheapest way in
£5k
A clean K1300S from 2010-2014. 175bhp transverse inline-four, Duolever front, shaft drive, that classic BMW K-Series sport-tourer character. Pay attention to fuel pump (relay), reg/rec, ESA suspension reliability. BMW dealer network strong for older bikes — parts and service well-supported.
