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2012 BMW K 1300 R Overview
For 2012, BMW offers the K 1300 R as a sport motorcycle with 1298 cc on tap. The 2012 BMW K 1300 R is built around a Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 13.0:1. Out on the road, the K 1300 R delivers 127 kW @ 9250 rpm of peak power and 140 Nm @ 8250 rpm of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 265.8 km/h. In everyday use, the 2012 K 1300 R tips the scales at 243 kg, carries a 19 L fuel tank, offers a seat height of 820 mm/ 32.3 in. and spans a 1585 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 40.3 kg heavier than the average sport motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2012 BMW K 1300 R spec sheet below.
2012 K 1300 R - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: Peak output on the K 1300 R is 127 kW @ 9250 rpm and 140 Nm @ 8250 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
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Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
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Large fuel range: With a 19 L tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
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Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: A 820 mm/ 32.3 in. seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Cooling system servicing
With Liquid cooled, thermal management is largely automatic, but the coolant has a service life of its own - replace it on the manufacturer's interval to protect the water passages and thermostat.
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling on the K 1300 R comes from fuel injection. Cold starts and throttle response stay consistent across altitude and temperature, the main practical edge over a carbureted equivalent.
Brake disc and pad wear
2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipers up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by BMW Motorrad Duolever; central spring strut, Paralever; central spring strut with lever system up front and Cast aluminium single swing arm with BMW Motorrad, spring pre-tension with infinite hydraulic adjustment at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Shaft final drive on the K 1300 R removes chain and belt maintenance entirely - the trade-off is a little extra unsprung weight and periodic gear-oil changes.
Frame & chassis check
The Bridge frame, aluminium, load-bearing engine chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.
Handling the weight at a standstill
The K 1300 R's 243 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.
K 1300 R - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2012 BMW K 1300 R should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept K 1300 R settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a K 1300 R's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Fuel system care
Injector systems like the K 1300 R's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.
2012 BMW K 1300 R - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 BMW K 1300 R have?
The 2012 BMW K 1300 R uses a Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine with 1298 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.
What is the top speed of the 2012 BMW K 1300 R?
The 2012 BMW K 1300 R has a factory-quoted top speed of 265.8 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2012 BMW K 1300 R weigh?
The 2012 BMW K 1300 R weighs 243 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2012 BMW K 1300 R make?
The 2012 BMW K 1300 R produces 127 kW @ 9250 rpm of power and 140 Nm @ 8250 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2012 BMW K 1300 R?
The 2012 BMW K 1300 R has a 19 L fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 316-380 km between stops.
Is the 2012 BMW K 1300 R suitable for shorter riders?
The 2012 BMW K 1300 R has a seat height of 820 mm/ 32.3 in.. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2012 BMW K 1300 R have?
The 2012 BMW K 1300 R uses 2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipers at the front and Single ∅265mm disc, 2 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2012 BMW K 1300 R use?
The 2012 BMW K 1300 R runs 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2012 BMW K 1300 R have?
The 2012 BMW K 1300 R is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
127 kW / 173 hp @ 9250 rpm
Torque
140 Nm / 14.3 kgf-m / 103 lb-ft @ 8250 rpm
Top Speed
265.8 km/h / 165.2 mph
Fuel Capacity
19 L / 5.0 US gal
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Full 2012 BMW K 1300 R Specifications
Year
2012
Make Model
BMW K 1300 R
Seat Height
820 mm/ 32.3 in. (low seat 790 mm / 31.1 in)
Wheelbase
1585 mm / 62.4"
Height
(excl. mirrors) 1095 mm / 43.1"
Length
2228 mm / 87.7"
Width
(incl. morrors) 856 mm / 33.7"
Dry Weight
217 kg / 478 lbs
Fuel Capacity
19 L / 5.0 US gal
Wet Weight
243 kg / 536 lbs
Displacement
1298 cc / 79.2 cu in.
Engine Detail
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke
80 x 64.3 mm / 3.15 x 2.53"
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooled
Exhaust management
Fully controlled three-way catalyst
Fuel Consumption
6.2 L/100 km 16.1 km/l / 37.9 US mpg
Fuel Induction
Electronic fuel injection, Digital Motor Electronics with integrated knock control (BMS-K)
Lubrication
Wet sump
Starter
Electric
Battery Capacity
12V / 14AH, maintenance free
Clutch
Multiple-plate clutch in oil bath, hydraulically operated
Final Drive
Shaft
Gear Ratios
1st 2.398 / 2nd 1.871 / 3rd 1.525 / 4th 1.296 / 5th 1.143 / 6th 1.015:1
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
Frame Type
Bridge frame, aluminium, load-bearing engine
Suspension - Front
BMW Motorrad Duolever; central spring strut, Paralever; central spring strut with lever system
Suspension - Rear
Cast aluminium single swing arm with BMW Motorrad, spring pre-tension with infinite hydraulic adjustment
Steering Head Angle
60.4º
Trail
104.4 mm / 4.1"
Wheel Travel - Front
115 mm / 4.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
135 mm / 5.3"
Alternator
Three-phase alternator, 580W
Brakes - Front
2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single ∅265mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Rims - Front
3.50 x 17"
Rims - Rear
5.50 x 17"
Tyres - Front
120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear
180/55 ZR17
Wheels
Cast aluminium
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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