2012 BMW K 1300 R vs 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 BMW K 1300 R 2012 BMW K 1300 R

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
127 kW / 173 hp @ 9250 rpm
Top Speed
265.8 km/h / 165.2 mph
Weight
243 kg / 536 lbs
2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1

Sport

Engine
Titanium intake valves
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
454.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2012-
Colours-Pearl White/Rapid Red, Pearl White/Candy Red, Raven black, Team Yamaha Blue/White
Make ModelBMW K 1300 R-
Warranty-1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-4.5 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-114 mm
Seat Height820 mm/ 32.3 in. (low seat 790 mm / 31.1 in)833 mm / 32.8 in.
Wheelbase1585 mm / 62.4"1,415 mm / 55.7 in.
Height(excl. mirrors) 1095 mm / 43.1"1,130 mm / 44.5 in.
Length2228 mm / 87.7"2,070 mm / 81.5 in.
Width(incl. morrors) 856 mm / 33.7"714 mm / 28.1 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight217 kg / 478 lbs-
Fuel Capacity19 L / 5.0 US gal18.17 litres / 4.80 gallons
Wet Weight243 kg / 536 lbs205.9 kg / 454.0 lbs
Performance
Top Speed265.8 km/h / 165.2 mph-
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)2.9 sec-
Max Power127 kW / 173 hp @ 9250 rpm-
Max Torque140 Nm / 14.3 kgf-m / 103 lb-ft @ 8250 rpm-
Standing Start 0-150 km/h4.9 sec-
Standing Start 0-200 km/h7.9 sec-
Standing Start ¼ Mile10.7 sec-
Engine
CO2-165.4 CO
Bore x Stroke (mm)-78.0 x 52.2 mm
Displacement (ci)-60.90 cubic inches
Fuel Control-DOHC
Engine Type-In-line four, four-stroke
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.1 x 2.1 inches
Displacement (cc)-998.00 cc
Displacement1298 cc / 79.2 cu in.-
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderTitanium intake valves
Fuel System-Injection. Fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-I
Bore x Stroke80 x 64.3 mm / 3.15 x 2.53"-
Compression Ratio13.0:112.7:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Exhaust managementFully controlled three-way catalyst-
Fuel Consumption6.2 L/100 km 16.1 km/l / 37.9 US mpg7.13 litres/100 km (14.0 km/l or 32.99 mpg)
Fuel InductionElectronic fuel injection, Digital Motor Electronics with integrated knock control (BMS-K)-
Ignition-TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12V / 14AH, maintenance free-
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiple-plate clutch in oil bath, hydraulically operatedSlipper-type back torque-limiting clutch
Final DriveShaftChain
Gear Ratios1st 2.398 / 2nd 1.871 / 3rd 1.525 / 4th 1.296 / 5th 1.143 / 6th 1.015:1-
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-#530 O-ring chain
Transmission / Drive6 Speed-
Chassis
Frame TypeBridge frame, aluminium, load-bearing engineHybrid steel and aluminum frame with a Controlled- Fill aluminum subframe and cast aluminum swingarm
Suspension - FrontBMW Motorrad Duolever; central spring strut, Paralever; central spring strut with lever system43mm inverted fork
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single swing arm with BMW Motorrad, spring pre-tension with infinite hydraulic adjustmentSingle shock w/piggyback reservoir
Rake-24.0°
Steering Head Angle60.4º-
Trail104.4 mm / 4.1"102 mm / 4.0 in.
Wheel Travel - Front115 mm / 4.5 in.119 mm / 4.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear135 mm / 5.3"102 mm / 4.0 in.
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase alternator, 580W-
Lighting system-Dual 30W Krypton multireflector Headlights and 3.9/0.5W LED Brake light
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-310 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.2 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-8.7 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-220 mm
Brakes - Front2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipersDouble disc
Brakes - RearSingle ∅265mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle disc
Rims - Front3.50 x 17"-
Rims - Rear5.50 x 17"-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR17190/55-ZR17
WheelsCast aluminium-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 BMW K 1300 R

The 2012 BMW K 1300 R edges out the 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 thanks to its liquid cooling and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 BMW K 1300 R - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More rear wheel travel: 135 mm vs 102 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2012 BMW K 1300 R vs 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 BMW K 1300 R and 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1?
The 2012 BMW K 1300 R uses Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 BMW K 1300 R or the 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1?
The 2012 BMW K 1300 R has the lower seat at 820 mm/ 32.3 in., making it more accessible. The 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 sits higher at 833 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2012 BMW K 1300 R or the 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 BMW K 1300 R has the edge in liquid cooling and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 offers a compelling alternative. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.