At INTERMOT on September 17, 2004 BMW Motorrad announced the expansion of the K series with a transversely installed four cylinder in line engine which was developed on the technical basis of the K1200S sports bike presented in July.
The K1200R is planned to be available for the second half of 2005 and the development of the new motorcycle has reached its last stage. BMW Motorrad's continuing emphasis is towards greater sportiness of the brand. The new K model will not be shown during the shows public days.
At the show BMW is focusing its full attention on the K1200S high performance sports bike presented in July which is celebrating its public world premiere at the INTERMOT.
The K1200R roadster is a high performance riding machine featuring all the positive characteristics, riding safety and technical elements of the K1200S. The drive unit and the chassis are from the K1200S with adaptations. Guaranteed is a high-level of riding fun and outstanding riding safety. The K1200R exceeds even the high level of the K1200S in dynamics and agility. The front BMW Duolever suspension angle is slightly steeper and the castor is slightly shorter which will increase the already outstanding handling on the K1200S.
Maximum engine performance will be slightly lower than in the K1200S but above 160 bhp. The torque curve is nearly identical to the K1200S in most engine speed ranges. Gearbox spacing is the same and only the rear axle ratio of is a bit shorter which would give a positive effect on acceleration. The riding performance exceeds the standard in the class of naked bikes by far and is on a level with the K1200S.
Compared to the K1200S the seat is similar in shape yet slightly narrower in the front section. This supports an especially active, forward oriented seating position and improves ground reach for small riders. The steering bridge is newly shaped so that the rider sits in a slightly more upright position. The instruments are different from the K1200S.
Further equipment features and color variants will be announced at the launch of the series. Currently the price has not been finalized.
Summary of specifications:
Rated output: > 160 bhpMaximum torque: approx . 125 Nm
DIN empty weight (road ready): less than 520 lbs
Dry weight (without operating materials, without ABS): less than 484 lbs
Fuel tank: 5 gallons
Performance: as for K 1200 S
Top speed: over 124 mp
