The revolutionary BMW K1,...
The revolutionary BMW K1, with its wind-cheating, super aerodynamic bodywork.
The next big shift with the K motorcycles started with the 1988 model range as the very first production ABS was introduced on a K 100 RS. This shift was quickly followed by an updated and more powerful version of the K bike power plant. For the 1989 model year the new 'Flying Brick' sporting a 16-valve engine, now offered a cool 100 hp and appeared wrapped in racing plastics in an experimental - and very radical for its time - superbike called the K1.
The revolutionary BMW K1, with its wind-cheating, super aerodynamic bodywork, in many ways ushered in a new performance age for BMW. The 130 hp K 1200 RS and the 167 hp K 1200 S wouldn't have been possible without the K1 DNA. Today, the K1 is a favorite among collectors of modern BMWs.
Although BMW introduced the anti-dive Telelever front suspension in 1993 on the Boxer engines, it wasn't until 1997 that they were placed on K bikes. The first K that received the Telelever was the K 1200 RS. The popular, ultra smooth K 1200 RS (1998-2004) marked the first time BMW broke through the self-imposed 100 horsepower limit. The K 1200 RS with its sexy and curvy Italian inspired bodywork was a hit. As the first K bike to actually suspend the engine beneath an aluminum frame, instead of using it as a stress member, the K 12 RS is glass-smooth and is an extremely reliable and comfortable long-distance runner.
This successful engineering of a vibration-free, super smooth riding experience is one of the benchmarks of today's K 1200 LT luxury tourer. In the summer of 1999, I took my only demo ride on the new K 1200 RS and I was hooked. I loved the power, the styling, the ergonomics and especially the new ABS II. A few months later I picked one up with all the available options at that time. I like black bikes but the K 12 RS wasn't available in my favorite color, so I had the bike painted before I took delivery and nicknamed it 'Nandi' for the mythical bull that the Hindu god Lord Shiva rides upon. A few months later, in March 2000, I organized the first ever K 1200 RS rally in Connecticut.
Now, nine years and 64,000 miles later, my love affair with 'Nandi' is still continuing. Although I have the privilege of riding different bikes, every time I take Nandi out, whether for a commute in all kinds of weather or a joy ride, it brings a smile to my face. K bikes have been bringing smiles to many hardcore, committed riders for many years of course. The K 75, for example, with its smooth, highly reliable, counterbalanced engine, has run quite successfully in the Iron Butt Rally, and has also been the choice of global adventurers.
The year 2004 was a historically important one for BMW. This was the year that BMW introduced a new product philosophy. BMW's post 2004 engineering vision is to produce bikes that not only remain faithful to the brand's time-honored qualities of reliability, advanced engineering, premium components and safety, but also to become highly competitive in the areas of performance and aesthetics. With this new goal in mind, power-to-weight ratio has become the new mantra at BMW Motorrad.
Their fine machines that used to be the heaviest in their respective categories are now the lightest. For example, the new K 1200 S is the lightest in the 'Hypersport' class, as is the K 1200 GT among the multi-cylinder touring bikes. With this new philosophy in mind BMW changed its K series line up in 2004 by introducing the 1157cc, across-the-frame (transverse) mounted, liquid-cooled in-line four-cylinder power plant, putting out an impressive 167hp and 96 ft-lb of torque at 8,250rpm. This engine was mated to a new K 1200 S that was about 15 percent lighter and 30 percent more powerful than the generation it replaced.
This new production of K bikes also launched an alternative front suspension, different from the trusted Telelever. BMW called this new system 'Duolever' for a double wishbone, with an upright and steering linkage system that was originally designed by inventor Norman Hossack.
The K 1200 S was followed by a lighter and slightly quicker K 1200 R naked bike and the 152hp K 1200 GT - an agile and comfortable Gran Turismo. A half-faired K 1200 R Sport was also introduced in 2007.
After 25 years the multi-cylinder BMWs are no longer confined to the letter 'K'. In April 2008 BMW Motorrad launched another designation to represent an even faster line of BMW four-cylinder bikes and that mark is 'S'. BMW is planning to enter World Superbike racing with its new S series.
K bikes have developed quite a diehard following in the past quarter-century. I have thoroughly enjoyed riding them in the last decade. With their planted, straight-line high stability, all-day comfort and roomy ergonomics, smooth and powerful engines, ABS, shaft drive, great braking power, alternative front suspension and host of trick options, they'll remain a favorite among serious two-wheel enthusiasts with a taste for refinement. Happy Birthday, K bikes!