A few thoughts on the R1300RS Performance.
I'm coming off a R1200RS (2015 with ESA) so keep in mind I'm jumping a generation ahead rather than from a 1250RS. The seating appears just a smidge taller but narrower through the middle, so no real +/- to report in that respect, just a little different (I'm 5'10). The stretch to the bars is not significantly different for me either. My riding is more sport than touring so the comfort factor is pretty good. I haven't played around with the foot peg positions as it feels pretty good on the factory setting.
Clutch all the way in feels a little weird as the lever feels a little short in length by half an inch, a bit picky but an observation compared to the 1200RS (and any other bike I've owned). The brake lever was fine. She is near new so the snick into first is a little tight and I've got to say the burble and volume from the exhaust was surprisingly good from the stock exhaust. I've got a AC Schnitzer (Remus) slip on on the 1200RS and I don't think I would be missing that note on the 1300RS.
Get underway and the torque is very impressive! One of the things I love about the 1200RS is that revving much above 5000 rpm is pretty much superfluous, the 1300RS really hauls down low. Vibes and smoothness seems to have been improved and the R1300RS has a better fueling and throttle response to the 1200RS when dealing with the traffic drudgery. The quick shift is not something I really use but like the 1200 is not really that useful below 70 kph. The up shift just feels rough and clunky. On the Performance model the foot pegs and brake/gear levers look a treat, purposeful yet gorgeous execution. For touring and longer haul duties I could see a case for rubber insert pegs.
Out on the open road (I live in the Adelaide Hills) and I'm enjoying the 1300 through the twisties. I'm not pushing too hard as the tyres need some bedding in, its cool and there are some damp patches in the shade. Given the size of his bike I am very happy with the handling in tighter sections, once the road opens up this is a very reassuring and stable platform. I've been running in ROAD mode and did play around with DYNAMIC for a while. Definitely firmer and more dialed in but in the real world on our poor roads (I'm sure everyone complains about their road quality and taxes...) the ROAD mode is a more sensible option for keeping your vertebrae running along intended alignment. Compliant and controlled is a good summary. There is a little vibration in the left mirror but running in may smooth things out.
The new fairing screen was a concern compared with the 1200 and looks (from the cockpit) more like a race replica than a sports tourer. On the road the protection is actually not bad, I tend to ride with the screen in the low position to avoid buffeting. The ride was very quiet at highways speeds (110 kph) although I wear ear plugs and use a Shoei GT-2 Air which is a quiet brain bucket.
The TFT is all new to me and a bit of a challenge. The 1200 was pretty easy to get along with to adjust most things via bar buttons. Operating menus on the fly is a little more challenging. When the 'look for fuel' warning came on I adjusted about half a dozen things by accident before I could get the warning off (using 75% of the screen real estate). I'll get used to it and I will put that down to operator error that could be mitigated by reading the manual.
Having three rather than two heated grip settings is an improvement and welcomed. The little things... The heated seat is a total gimmick and the first bike I have owned with one. Blood will be spilled if you try and take it away from me.
Radar cruise control works fine and is a welcome addition. That said if I'm on a country road and need radar cruise control I'm not having fun.
Styling is a personal thing. I love the 1200RS for its almost Occams Razor pure engineering approach (bitch to work on though). The 1300 is prettier and more organic in concept. It is one of the most attractive designs from the front to the seat I have seen in years. From the seat back onward I'm less in love with the sub frame, though the tail section is a big improvement on the 1200RS. The pillion grab rails were designed by someone going through a messy seven figure divorce looking for an easy solution.
Why is the (keyless) key a big monstrous scarab beetle? If the increase in key size between the R1200RS and R1300RS matched the engine capacity increase I'd be the proud owner of a new R2000RS. It is not a comfortable fit in the pocket when riding.
It's still early days with the 1300 but I'm pleased with the new filly in the stable.
I'm coming off a R1200RS (2015 with ESA) so keep in mind I'm jumping a generation ahead rather than from a 1250RS. The seating appears just a smidge taller but narrower through the middle, so no real +/- to report in that respect, just a little different (I'm 5'10). The stretch to the bars is not significantly different for me either. My riding is more sport than touring so the comfort factor is pretty good. I haven't played around with the foot peg positions as it feels pretty good on the factory setting.
Clutch all the way in feels a little weird as the lever feels a little short in length by half an inch, a bit picky but an observation compared to the 1200RS (and any other bike I've owned). The brake lever was fine. She is near new so the snick into first is a little tight and I've got to say the burble and volume from the exhaust was surprisingly good from the stock exhaust. I've got a AC Schnitzer (Remus) slip on on the 1200RS and I don't think I would be missing that note on the 1300RS.
Get underway and the torque is very impressive! One of the things I love about the 1200RS is that revving much above 5000 rpm is pretty much superfluous, the 1300RS really hauls down low. Vibes and smoothness seems to have been improved and the R1300RS has a better fueling and throttle response to the 1200RS when dealing with the traffic drudgery. The quick shift is not something I really use but like the 1200 is not really that useful below 70 kph. The up shift just feels rough and clunky. On the Performance model the foot pegs and brake/gear levers look a treat, purposeful yet gorgeous execution. For touring and longer haul duties I could see a case for rubber insert pegs.
Out on the open road (I live in the Adelaide Hills) and I'm enjoying the 1300 through the twisties. I'm not pushing too hard as the tyres need some bedding in, its cool and there are some damp patches in the shade. Given the size of his bike I am very happy with the handling in tighter sections, once the road opens up this is a very reassuring and stable platform. I've been running in ROAD mode and did play around with DYNAMIC for a while. Definitely firmer and more dialed in but in the real world on our poor roads (I'm sure everyone complains about their road quality and taxes...) the ROAD mode is a more sensible option for keeping your vertebrae running along intended alignment. Compliant and controlled is a good summary. There is a little vibration in the left mirror but running in may smooth things out.
The new fairing screen was a concern compared with the 1200 and looks (from the cockpit) more like a race replica than a sports tourer. On the road the protection is actually not bad, I tend to ride with the screen in the low position to avoid buffeting. The ride was very quiet at highways speeds (110 kph) although I wear ear plugs and use a Shoei GT-2 Air which is a quiet brain bucket.
The TFT is all new to me and a bit of a challenge. The 1200 was pretty easy to get along with to adjust most things via bar buttons. Operating menus on the fly is a little more challenging. When the 'look for fuel' warning came on I adjusted about half a dozen things by accident before I could get the warning off (using 75% of the screen real estate). I'll get used to it and I will put that down to operator error that could be mitigated by reading the manual.
Having three rather than two heated grip settings is an improvement and welcomed. The little things... The heated seat is a total gimmick and the first bike I have owned with one. Blood will be spilled if you try and take it away from me.
Radar cruise control works fine and is a welcome addition. That said if I'm on a country road and need radar cruise control I'm not having fun.
Styling is a personal thing. I love the 1200RS for its almost Occams Razor pure engineering approach (bitch to work on though). The 1300 is prettier and more organic in concept. It is one of the most attractive designs from the front to the seat I have seen in years. From the seat back onward I'm less in love with the sub frame, though the tail section is a big improvement on the 1200RS. The pillion grab rails were designed by someone going through a messy seven figure divorce looking for an easy solution.
Why is the (keyless) key a big monstrous scarab beetle? If the increase in key size between the R1200RS and R1300RS matched the engine capacity increase I'd be the proud owner of a new R2000RS. It is not a comfortable fit in the pocket when riding.
It's still early days with the 1300 but I'm pleased with the new filly in the stable.