Drop in to learn about special programs and incentives.

Drop in to learn about special programs and incentives.

Although more official information is forthcoming from BMW Motorrad USA, we have been told to expect delivery around the beginning of April with a roughly $17,400 price tag. This should be a well equipped bike with ABS II, adjustable screen, heated grips, AM/FM/CD and the ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) from the new K1200S.

This new RT sports the uprated Boxer engine and drivetrain from the R1200GS. Here are some preliminary specs:

We see no sign of the rumoured adjustable fairing side. We see horsepower gains and less weight. We'll see how much, soon. There is no question from the photo that this bike is very near production.

Finally, we are very curious as to what will become of the "RS" designations. Guesses range from an "M" chain-driven version of the K1200S, to a real race bike with 3-cylinders for MotoGP. Not for the Boxer Cup though, BMW has already designated the naked K1200R Roadster for that.

The K 1200 S was designed as a sport bike and is a completely separate motorcycle within the K family. It is radically new, featuring an unprecedented number of innovations. It is a high-precision sport bike offering unique agility as well as enormous output. Its power to weight ratio is on the level with the competition and almost 50 percent better than the K 1200 RS, thus leaving no wishes unfulfilled with regard to riding performance.

The K 1200 S is powered by a transversely mounted 1157-cc four-cylinder inline engine with integrated transmission and is unique among sport bikes due to its overall concept in conjunction with the lightweight construction shaft drive. The extreme forward tilt of the cylinder bank (55°) ensures a low center of gravity. In this way it was possible to achieve an ideal wheel load distribution of 50:50 percent in combination with the overall geometric layout. The engine has an extraordinarily narrow design achieved by a series of special design features. The engine width at the crankshaft level is approximately the same as for 600-cc engines. This not only allows for very deep engine installation and maximum lean angle, it also gives the bike a narrow and more sporty silhouette. The engine can rev up into the five-digit regions and output exceeds 160 hp (more than 117 kW). Environmental compatibility is safeguarded by a closed-loop three-way catalytic converter and digital engine electronics, which have been standard features on all BMW motorcycles for years. The engine of the K 1200 S is based on the latest generation as presented at the beginning of the year in the R 1200 GS. It also features integrated knock control and in this advanced four-cylinder engine, it represents the most sophisticated engine management system currently available for motorcycles.

The K 1200 S is also highly innovative on the suspension side. A revolutionary front wheel suspension using two parallel links without telescopic forks ensures extremely sensitive response together with excellent precision, outstanding overall rigidity and low weight. The electronically adjustable suspension also represents a world first in production motorcycle manufacturing. The new K 1200 S is of course also equipped with the unique BMW Motorrad Integral ABS in the partially integral version. In conjunction with the EVO brakes, this system ensures maximum deceleration and the shortest of braking distances in all road conditions.

The K1200 R will feature the high performance, transverse four-cylinder in-line engine from the K1200 S and make full use of all the S model's positive characteristics, riding safety and technical innovation. The drive unit and the chassis are the same as the K1200 S, with only minor modifications. At the front, the BMW Duolever suspension rake angle is slightly steeper and the castor is slightly shorter. This gives the K1200 R outstanding handling and road holding characteristics.

For the engine, only the routing of the air intake has been changed. Maximum performance will be slightly lower than that of the K1200 S but still above 118 kW (160 bhp) making the K1200 R the most powerful naked production bike available. The torque curve is almost identical to that of the K1200 S. Gearbox spacing is also the same but the rear axle ratio is a little shorter, which will have a positive effect on acceleration.

New features include 'muscular' styling of the fuel tank and rear end, and distinctive front dual-headlamps with matt chrome coloring. A small screen covers the front section above the headlamp. In spite of its small size, the K1200 R provides the rider with surprisingly good wind and weather protection.

Compared to the K1200 S, the seat is similar in shape but slightly narrower at the front. This encourages an active, forward riding position and improves comfort for shorter riders. The steering bridge is also shaped so that the rider sits in a slightly more upright position. New designs for the speedometer and rev counter feature white dials with black figures. Special equipment, color variants and pricing will be announced at a later date.

We understand these to be more performance (off-road?) focused and possibly lighter weight or more horsepower than the standard GS. Although they say it is not an 'Adventure' version, they may utilize similar type options.

Also of interest is the latest 'Tear-Off' from Motor Cyclist Magazine where Stefan Peirer (President of KTM) noted that "together with BMW, we are working on a concept which will see both our companies big twin-cylinder bikes competing together in a series we're calling Megamoto. It will be a mixture of supermoto and roadracing which we foresee taking place at major events like MotoGP or World Superbike, or even Formula 1 car races. The plans are still coming together, but the series will definately take place in 2006, with maybe a couple of introductory races in the second half of next year...it should be fun!" Maybe the HP targets this market too?!?!

Stay tuned!!!

BMW Motorrad USA has noted that their will be another 5 new models for 2006, 3 each for 2007 & 2008 and finally 1 each for 2009 and 2010.

We have also read in a prominent magazine that BMW is planning to go MotoGP racing as early as 2005. This is an artist rendition of a 3 cylinder design (chopped F1 engine) but will we see a change after the demise of the 3 cylinder Aprilia Cube effort?

We will send more information to you as we receive it from BMW. We have had plenty of interest in each of these models already and are taking deposits. If you have any questions or would like to reserve your next BMW, give us a call.

Have a safe and happy holiday season. Cliff & Crew :)