BMW K1200 S SUPERBIKE PRODUCTION STARTS
01 June 2004 - BMW Motorrad GB

On 1 June, production of BMW’s new K1200 S high performance superbike started at the BMW motorcycle plant in Berlin. However, the motorcycles currently manufactured will not go to customers but will be used for internal purposes including training and to perfect all processes to ensure the highest level of quality when the new model is officially launched in September.

The K1200 S is a new concept sports bike from BMW Motorrad and the second machine (after the R1200 GS launched in March) to reflect the new design philosophy of creating new motorcycles with more power, lighter in weight and with increased agility.

The sporting potential of the K1200 S can be easily seen from its technical specification. The 4-cylinder, in-line 1157cc capacity engine generates an output of 123kW (167 bhp) at 10,250 rpm. A highest torque figure of 130Nm is achieved at 8,250 rpm. In addition, more than 70 per cent of maximum torque is available from just 3,000 rpm. However, the overriding target for the engine developers was to achieve sports-type characteristics that would ensure rideable and fully controllable performance for the road.

The valves of the dual-camshaft engine are operated by light and rigid cam followers. With a bore/stroke ratio of 59 x 79mm, the engine is a short-stroke unit. Two balancing shafts in the horizontally-divided cylinder crankcase are made of light alloy – to ensure a distribution of masses and low-vibration running.

To achieve a flat design for the crankcase, the K1200 S has been fitted with dry sump lubrication. This permits an extremely low siting of the engine (there is no oil sump) and with the cylinder bank angled forwards to 55 degrees has helped to establish the machine’s low centre of gravity.

What is unique, for a production bike in this class, is the “cassette transmission” construction of the integrated 6-speed gearbox.

Suspension and chassis technical highlights are the Duolever and electronically adjustable suspension. The Duolever resembles a link square made up of two virtually parallel longitudinal links which are mounted in the frame so they can swivel and permit a precise up-and-down movement of the front wheel. This is mounted in an extremely rigid component, the so-called wheel carrier – a light component cast from high-strength aluminium alloy which is connected to the longitudinal links via two ball joints and performs the steering action. In turn, a longitudinal link connected to the central spring strut is responsible for suspension and damping. The benefits of this system are extremely high rigidity, combined with low weight, and an ideal wheel and lift curve.

With the ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) option, yet another BMW innovation enters production. The spring preload and damping can be electronically adjusted at the press of a button which is conveniently sited on the handlebars.

This machine’s electrics are also extremely advanced. A whole series of functions is facilitated by the so-called CAN bus technology, which is simpler than conventional wiring systems and offers full diagnostics capability.

Together with a catalytic converter, sports Integral ABS and maintenance-free shaft drive, the K1200 S represents a unique addition to the sports motorcycling market.

The K1200 S will be available from BMW Motorrad dealers soon after the public premiere at the INTERMOT motorshow in mid September. The first machines to arrive in the UK will be the two multi-colour variants of indigo blue metallic/alpine white, and sun yellow/white aluminium metallic/dark graphite metallic. Two single-colour paint finishes (indigo blue metallic and granite grey metallic) will be available at a later stage.

www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk

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