BMW K1300S 9,500km Service Done

Is BMW paranoid about the K1300S running low on oil? The oil filler cap under the seat has a dipstick, a clear tube running from the oil tank with a sight level, the dash has a warning hazard light and the LED display also has a low-level warning.

If you run the BMW K1300S out of oil you serious need to search for medical assistance. And no, I haven't; it's used two liters in 9,500 kilometers – good considering the abuse.

I booked the BMW K1300S in for a service with one of the official Bangkok BMW Motorcycle dealers and went along to watch the technician do the deed. Computers were plugged in to check for malfunctions in anything from brake systems to bulbs by the BMW technician who was wearing latex surgical gloves.

The 9,000 to 9,500 kilometers is the usual oil/filter change and fluid checks. The BMW K1300S also got a foam insert in the front brake reservoir (apparently designed to prevent brake fluid foaming after a long time, high speed ride). The service takes half a day and the flat cost including a good amount of excellent coffee and cake was 5500 THB; new brake pads bumped it a bit more...

The BMW technician also fitted some tasty BMW aftermarket goodies: an Akrapovic end can looks good and sounds awesome, multi-adjustable HP alloy rearsets look good and somehow improve the electronic-assist gearshift action, and a rack makes room for more luggage.

I also had new Dunlop Qualifier II tires fitted, to replace the Pirelli Diablo Rossos which lasted 3,000 kilometers. The Dunlop were immediately better suited – lighter, more confident steering and better grip, wet or dry (and longer life).

The BMW K1300S is sensational – staggering performance, peerless road-holding, best brakes on two-wheels and bewildering levels of practicality.