Persbericht: BMW Motorrad presents a purist naked high performance roadster based on the K 1200 S

On the occasion of the INTERMOT motor show, BMW Motorrad is announcing the
expansion of the K series with transversely installed four-cylinder in-line
engine. The company is presenting a purist, completely unfaired high
performance roadster. It was developed on the technical basis of the K 1200 S
sports bike presented in July. As the head of BMW Motorrad, Dr Herbert Diess
announced at the press conference, this new model with the designation K 1200 R
is definitely only planned for the second half of 2005. However, the
development of the new motorcycle has already progressed very far and is in its
last stage. Dr Diess went on to say that with the presentation of this
roadster, BMW Motorrad is continuing to emphasize the announced orientation
towards greater sportiness of the brand. The new K model will not be shown
during the motor show's public days. At the motor show BMW Motorrad is focusing
its full attention on the K 1200 S high performance sports bike presented in
July which is celebrating its public world premiere at the INTERMOT.

The K 1200 R roadster is a high performance riding machine featuring all the
positive characteristics, riding safety and technical elements of the K 1200 S.
The drive unit and the chassis have been taken over from the K 1200 S with
adaptations being made in detail. A high-level of riding fun and outstanding
riding safety are guaranteed. In the dynamics and agility disciplines, the K
1200 R exceeds even the high level of the K 1200 S already certified by the
specialist press. The front BMW Duolever suspension angle is slightly steeper
and the castor is slightly shorter. This promises to further increase the
already outstanding handling compared to the K 1200 S.

As far as the engine is concerned only the air routing has been adapted.
Maximum performance will be minimally lower than in the K 1200 S but above 118
kW (160 bhp). The torque curve is almost identical with that of the K 1200 S in
most engine speed ranges. Gearbox spacing is also the same, only the rear axle
ratio is a bit shorter which has a further positive effect on acceleration.
In many disciplines riding performance exceeds the standard in the class of
naked bikes by far and is on a level with the K 1200 S.

New features are the body sections in the fuel tank and rear area as well as
the distinctive front dual headlamps with its matt chrome surface colouring.
Only a small windshield covers the front section above the headlamp. In spite
of its small size it provides the rider with a surprisingly good wind
protection.

Compared to the K 1200 S the seat bench is similar in shape yet slightly
narrower in the front section. This supports an especially active, forward
oriented seating position and improves ground reachability for small riders
even further. The steering bridge was also newly shaped so that the rider sits
in a slightly more upright position. The instruments are also different from
the K 1200 S. The arrangement of speedometer and rev counter is also new and
features newly designed white dials with black figures.

In the version shown, the motorcycle mainly corresponds to the future
production model. Further equipment features and colour variants will be
announced at the launch of the series. Currently the price has not been
finalised.

Summary of specifications.
Rated output : over 118 kW (> 160 bhp)
Maximum torque: approx. 125 Nm
DIN empty weight (road ready):less than 240 kg
Dry weight (without operating materials, without ABS): less than 220 kg
Fuel tank: 19 l
Performance: as for K 1200 S
Top speed : over 200 km/h