BMW K 1300 GT - Manual (Page 28)

BMW
Media
Information
10/2008
Page 28
fastening points, the optimum design and shape of the components is
calculated step-by-step. Indeed, even the looks of the motorcycle benefi t from
this method, with both the front and rear wheel looking light, fi ligree and
dynamic.
While similar in their looks, the wheels differ in their construction and method
of production: On the front wheel the brake discs are connected directly to
a stable wheel star without any carrier elements. These fi ve radial arms
extending out of the hub split up and support the wheel rim equally and
consistently by ten cast spokes. The fork arrangement is tangential, with
radial spokes giving the front wheel excellent radial stability and taking
up a high wheel load. At the same time the front wheel takes up the main
load exerted by high circumferential forces (when applying the brakes).
This special wheel design and confi guration ideal for taking up even heavy
loads helps to keep the spoke structure particularly stylish and even fi ligree in
its fi nish, serving not only to minimise weight, but also to create a particularly
light and even transparent look.
On the rear wheel the rim is likewise supported by ten spoke arms with similar
orientation. These spokes are not split up into individual sections, but rather
extend all the way to the wheel hub itself. The brake disc, in turn, is bolted on
to the wheel fl ange.
Dirty fi ngers and tedious groping around in checking tyre pressure is now a
thing of the past, since the tyre valve is integrated in one of the spokes at the
side, allowing convenient access in virtually all positions of the wheel.
Wheel dimensions are 3.5" x 17 at the front and 6.0" x 17 at the rear. While
on the new K 1300 S the front tyre, as on the former model, measures
120/70-ZR17, the rear tyre formerly measuring 190/50-ZR17 is now being
replaced by a 190/55-ZR17 tyre in the interest of even more harmonious
riding behaviour.
EVO brake system and BMW Motorrad Integral ABS both
featured as standard.
The K 1300 S features the EVO brake system already well-known from the
previous model and proven in the market everywhere, that is the same
superior system also featured in BMW Motorrad’s other Boxer and K-Series
models.