BMW
K1
BMW
K Series History
During the 1980's BMW were regarded by many
motorcyclist as a manufacturer of "conservative"
long distance expresses, perfect for traversing
Europe at high speed, but not the mount of choice
for a Sunday morning blast, that remained the
domain of the GSX-R and its like. However, the
unveiling of the K1 at the 1988 Cologne Show
challenged that perception.
The new model utilised the existing K100 four
cylinder engine, but added four valves per cylinder
and twin cams working directly on bucket tappets
together with a digital Motronic engine management
system to the mix. The result was 100bhp at
8,000rpm, the then voluntarily imposed bhp limit
for machines in Germany. In itself 100bhp was
impressive but it would not deliver the performance
required to elevate the machine to the "top
table". In order to achieve this BMW looked
to the models aerodynamics. BMW were aware that
the aerodynamic drag of a motorcycle represented
a ceiling that was hard to break, beyond a certain
point vast increase in power achieved little
in terms of increased performance unless the
air flow was "cleaned up" and conversely
better aerodynamics could offset lower brake
horsepower figures.
The large all enveloping from mudguard, seven
piece fairing and large tail unit that emerged
as a result of the quest for aerodynamic efficiency
not only endowed the machine with a striking
appearance but resulted in a drag coefficient
of 0.34 with the rider prone, at the time the
lowest figure for any production motorcycle
and one which, in combination with the 100bhp
available resulted in a top speed approaching
160mph and a 0 to 60 time of 3.3 seconds.
Brembo brakes, partnered by an ABS system,
Marzocchi forks measuring 41.7mm and a paralever
suspension system adapted from that employed
by the GS series machines ensured that the new
model handled with a precision not normally
associated with the marques products, whilst
practical touches, such as the integrated "panniers"
and pillion seat cover added to the motorcycles
appeal.
The result was undoubtedly the finest handling
and fastest BMW production motorcycle built,
and served to highlight BMW's technological
ability, however, the company's compliance with
the voluntary 100bhp limit combined with a dry
weight 234kg conspired against it. The result
was arguably the finest "sports tourer"
available, not an outright sports bike, which,
together with a high showroom price resulted
in only 6,600 being manufactured during the
models five year production life.
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