The optional Gear Shift Assistant (GSA, a $350 option) only adds to the provocation of speed as rifling through first to sixth can be made without letting off the throttle or using the clutch on upshifts. I was initially apprehensive about trying out the system as the idea of a clutchless shift gone wrong made me cringe like a visit to the dentist, but the system immediately demonstrated itself to be smooth and competent. The system is particularly useful (and entertaining) when getting up to speed to merge onto the highway.

The sure made the front end solid enough to take a pounding from bumps, energetic riding and braking. (Photo: BMW)

Shortly after my run-in with Smokey, dark ominous clouds began to approach and the sky opened up with a vengeance. It was then that I experienced the comfortable touring aspects of the bike. Even with the endless power and performance of the K1300S, it never felt erratic or out of control. In fact, I could easily spend a full day flogging it on the track or riding two up on a long weekend road trip because it is simply that versatile.

On several occasions over the course of my eventful cottage excursion where hard braking was needed, the ABS demonstrated itself to be shockingly good. While I likely wouldn’t have the cojones to test the Anti-Spin Control (ASC) on dry pavement, it actually came in handy while negotiating rain soaked streets, almost involuntarily I admit, which demonstrate the effectiveness and added safety of such systems .

The K1300S comes with many great features as standard equipment, such as the aforementioned set of electric and electronic wonders, and even more basic stuff, like dual mode grip warmers. With the sun beginning to set, the warm grips made the closing minutes of my ride considerably more comfortable and safer by keeping my wet hands warm and dextrous.

After my week was up with the updated 2009 Hayabusa a couple years ago, I drove straight to my masseuse to remove the knots in my shoulders and kink in my neck. As much as I enjoyed riding the bright orange ‘Busa, it wasn’t exactly comfortable for my six-foot-one frame for extended periods. Quite the opposite was true with the BMW as the first thing I wanted to do after getting off the bike at the end of a trip, was get right back on it and keep riding. Not only is the K1300S more versatile than the Hayabusa, but it is also lighter and more powerful. Tipping the scales at 254 kg, the big K is now both the lightest and most powerful heavyweight contenders in its class. It is not all good news however, as it isn’t exactly a fuel miser - not that anyone in the market to buy one would actually be dissuaded by this realization.

Where it belongs - a nice twisty road with second and third gear corners. (Photo: BMW)