K1200S into production

Technical spec

Engine: 1157cc, Bore/stroke 79/59mm, 167bhp@10,250rpm, Torque: 130Nm at engine speed 8250rpm. Four-cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC. Carburation/engine management: Digital engine electronics with integrated knock control (BMSK). Multi-disc wet clutch, Constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox, Shaft drive

Aluminium composite frame. Front wheel suspension:BMW Duolever, Rear wheel suspension: BMW Paralever. Travel front/rear 115/135mm. Castor 112mm, Wheelbase 1571mm Steering head angle 60.6 degrees.

Brakes, front EVO brake system,dual disc 320 mm. Rear: Single disc 265 mm. BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral) as standard

Wheels:Cast light alloy. Front 3.50 x 17 MTH 2. Rear 6.00 x 17 MTH 2. Tyres front: 120/70 ZR 17, rear 190/50 ZR 17

Dimensions and weights: Seat height 820 (790)mm. Weight according to DIN standard, fully fuelled, road ready 248kg.

BMW has started production of its new K1200S Hayabusa-beater and released full technical spec for the bike.

The bikes currently being built are 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,” says the firm.

There’s more on this in MCN, out Wednesday, June 9, but in a statement issued today, June 4, BMW says: “The 4-cylinder, in-line 1157cc capacity engine generates 167 bhp at 10,250 rpm. 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 K1200S will be available from BMW dealers soon after the public premiere at the Munich 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.