3 suspension and running gear – BMW K 1300 GT User Manual

Page 20

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BMW

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Information

10/2008

Page 20

Innovative suspension technology with optimised suspension
geometry, springs and dampers.
The suspension geometry of the new K 1300 S has been upgraded in the
interest of even more neutral behaviour in bends and an even higher standard
of agility. This is achieved by modifying the wheel carrier in its production
process and by the use of a Duolever with a newly designed lower longitudinal
arm.

With the K 1200 S entering the market in 2004 as the world’s fi rst production
motorcycle to feature ESA Electronic Suspension Adjustment, the new
K 1300 S now goes a step further four years later: As before the springs and
dampers may be adjusted electronically at the touch of a button – but now the
spring rate may also be modifi ed by the rider.

The front wheel suspension again features the Duolever launched in 2004
as another world-fi rst achievement, the lower longitudinal arm formerly made
of forged steel being replaced on the K 1300 S by a new longitudinal arm
made of forged light alloy. This reduces unsprung masses by approximately
1 kg in the interest of an even more sensitive and transparent response and
steering behaviour of the Duolever kinematics.

The rear wheel suspension uses BMW Motorrad’s proven lightweight
Paralever, the modifi ed and now even fi rmer set-up of the rear spring strut
taking the sporting and dynamic character of the K 1300 S into account.
Together with the rider’s seating position, appropriate interaction of
the suspension and the position of the engine ensures not only a low overall
centre of gravity with ideal mass concentration on the new K 1300 S, but
also perfectly balanced, ideal wheel load distribution of 50:50.

As on the former model, the central load-bearing component is the main
frame in bridge confi guration. In this case the frame is a welded combination
of internal high-pressure moulded elements (IHM profi les) for the bent
profi le units at the side and extrusion-pressed profi les together with die-cast
components for the frame head and the lower section of the swing arm
bearings.

1.3 Suspension and Running Gear.

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