3,693
edits
(Created page with "The BMW K series is BMW's series of inline-fours.") |
|||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
The [[BMW]] K series is BMW's series of [[inline-four]]s. | The [[BMW]] K series is BMW's series of [[inline-four]]s. | ||
==History== | |||
[[Image:K100.jpg|thumb|350px|1984 BMW K100]] | |||
Back in 1983, when many motorcycle manufacturers still placed their bets on | |||
inline engines with air cooling, liquid-cooled four-cylinder power units marked | |||
the highest level of technology in motorcycle construction. But instead of | |||
resorting to the usual engine layouts, [[BMW|BMW]] engineers Josef Fritzenwenger | |||
and Stefan Pachernegg succeeded in developing a brand-new future-oriented | |||
technical concept subsequently enhanced all the way to regular production | |||
quality. | |||
In the process they maintained the longitudinal position of the crankshaft | |||
typical up to that time of BMW motorcycles with a direct flow of power from | |||
the gearbox through the drive shaft to the rear wheel, referred to under | |||
the official term as the BMW Compact Drive System. A brand-new approach, | |||
on the other hand, was the introduction of liquid cooling. | |||
Displacing 987cc, the straight-four power unit is fitted in longitudinal, flat | |||
configuration. The crankshaft is on the right-hand side seen in the direction | |||
of travel, while the cylinder head with the two overhead camshaft is on the left. | |||
Liquid cooling comes for the first time on this new BMW, ensuring not only | |||
supreme thermal stability, but also, through efficient soundproofing, a very low | |||
level of mechanical noise. | |||
Two other innovations likewise characterised the new engine: First, electronic | |||
fuel injection supplying fuel to the combustion chambers. Second, the | |||
layout of the engine as a load-bearing element fully integrated in the light and | |||
torsionally stiff tubular steel spaceframe. | |||
This principle sets the foundation for the BMW K-Series motorcycles. So | |||
regardless of whether they are Sports Machines, Tourers or Naked Bikes – | |||
the K-Series proves to be extremely innovative and versatile in technical terms | |||
and virtually every other respect. To this day, the concept of the straight-four | |||
fitted lengthwise remains within the BMW Motorrad model range in the guise | |||
of the K 1200 LT Luxury Tourer. | |||
Ongoing development of the K-Series also provides important momentum | |||
for a brand-new technical approach. In 2004, for example, the first | |||
BMW K Series with its four-cylinder engine fitted crosswise sees the light | |||
of day – the K 1200 S as the most powerful and fastest BMW of all times. | |||
== The Inline-Engine BMW == | |||
Just how much development margin and what a great potential this new | |||
concept offers in the K-Series is subsequently borne out not only by the | |||
new K 1200 R High-Performance Roadster based on the new sports model, | |||
but also by the K 1200 GT High Performance Tourer. Increasing engine size on these models and introducing new, innovative | |||
solutions, BMW Motorrad is now opening up another, definitely equally | |||
successful chapter in the history of the Company’s K models. | |||
== K 100 (1983–1990) == | |||
The K 100 launched in 1983 – exactly six decades after the launch of the very | |||
first BMW motorcycle with its Boxer engine – is BMW’s first production model | |||
with a four-cylinder power unit. But instead of following the usual Japanese | |||
concept with the straight-four engine fitted crosswise, BMW once again takes | |||
a new and unusual approach: Featuring liquid-cooling and not air-cooling | |||
like most other production motorcycles, the four-cylinder power unit is fitted | |||
flat in longitudinal direction as a load-bearing element in the tubular steel | |||
spaceframe, with the transmission of power from the gearbox to the rear | |||
wheel remaining in a technology so typical and well-proven at BMW: through | |||
a drive shaft. | |||
The K 100 is one of the first production motorcycles in the world to feature | |||
fuel injection (Bosch LE-Jetronic) supplying the fuel/air mixture to the 987cc | |||
four-cylinder with two valve-operated cup tappets per cylinder. | |||
Two other innovations in the production of BMW series machines are the | |||
two overhead camshafts as well as the Monolever single-swing arm on these | |||
dynamic 1000-cc models. | |||
BMW’s first-ever four-cylinder is upgraded in 1987, a free-standing headlight | |||
taking the place of the former headlight/instrument unit, a black-painted | |||
engine and painted rims as well as a dynamically style fuel tank/seat | |||
combination marking the most important differences. | |||
As before, engine output is 90 hp at 8,000 rpm. | |||
== K 100 RS (1983–1989) == | |||
[[Image:1983-k100rs.jpg|thumb|350px|1985 BMW K100RS]] | |||
Introducing the K 100 RS, BMW adds a sports model to the existing range | |||
with the same engine and suspension technology, but now featuring a | |||
carefully designed aerodynamic fairing. The handlebar fitted lower down | |||
provides a more sporting seat position, the fairing carefully developed in the | |||
wind tunnel, together with its adjustable wind deflector and the direction | |||
indicators integrated in the rear mirrors, combining a sporting look for high | |||
speeds with all the grand touring comfort so typical of a BMW. | |||
== The Two-Valve Models as of 1983 == | |||
For a long time the K 100 RS remains the ideal synthesis of sportiness | |||
and touring comfort and, with a production run of more than 34,000 units, | |||
becomes the best-selling model in the fi rst generation of the K-Series. | |||
BMW offers the K 100 RS as well as the other four-cylinder models in the | |||
K-Series as of 1988 with ABS as a special feature, thus taking on the leading | |||
role in introducing this technology in the motorcycle world. | |||
== K 100 RT (1984–1989) == | |||
[[Image:K100RT.jpg|thumb|350px|BMW K100RT]] | |||
In 1984 BMW Motorrad launches the ultimate Grand Touring Machine, the | |||
K 100 RT based on the K 100 RS. Featuring the same engine and suspension | |||
technology as the RS, this new model combines a sporting and dynamic | |||
style of riding with perfect protection from wind and weather on long | |||
distances provided by the higher and wider full fairing. The comfortable | |||
seating position enjoyed by both the rider and pillion as well as a wide range | |||
of BMW options and special equipment comprising, for example, baggage | |||
cases, a tank rucksack or heated handles, quickly make the K 100 RT the | |||
benchmark in its segment. | |||
== K 100 LT (1986–1991) == | |||
[[Image:K100LT.jpg|thumb|350px|BMW K100LT]] | |||
In 1986 BMW launches a luxury version of the successful K 100 RT, the new | |||
K 100 LT. The response to this Grand Touring machine also featuring a | |||
generously upholstered comfort seat, a radio, topcase and special paintwork | |||
is so overwhelming that the K 100 LT soon outsells the K 100 RT “basic” | |||
model in the market. | |||
The new machine leaves virtually nothing to be desired in terms of comfort | |||
and features, making this Luxury Tourer the role model for a whole new | |||
generation of extravagant touring machines. | |||
== K 75 C/K 75 (1985 – 1996) == | |||
[[Image:K75C.jpg|thumb|350px|BMW K75C]] | |||
Two years after the launch of the K-Series with its four-cylinder power unit, | |||
BMW broadens the new product line through the introduction of the K 75 C | |||
with a straight-three engine. While the suspension and running gear is based | |||
almost entirely on the innovative technology of the large four-cylinder, | |||
the 740cc power unit is a brand-new construction nevertheless following the | |||
basic layout of the four-cylinder very closely indeed. | |||
Again fitted lengthwise and in flat arrangement as a load-bearing element | |||
in the spaceframe, this liquid-cooled three-cylinder with 67 millimetres/2.63“ | |||
cylinder bore and 70 millimetres/2.76“ stroke comes with the same basic | |||
specfications as the larger K 100. | |||
The drive shaft positioned beneath the crankshaft gives the three-cylinder | |||
particular smoothness and refinement also thanks to the balance weights | |||
used on the shaft. Developing maximum output of 75 hp on total weight with | |||
a full tank of 227 kg/501 lb, the K 75 C stands out above all as a particularly | |||
agile motorcycle for country roads, without requiring the rider to give up the | |||
grand touring comfort so typical of a BMW. | |||
Just one year after the launch of the K 75, the customer is given the choice | |||
of a new alternative, the K 75 C with its cockpit fairing fitted firmly to the | |||
handlebar. Now the headlight and instruments are now longer integrated in | |||
the cockpit fairing, but rather stand out freely on the machine, with the rear | |||
drum brake in combination with the 18-inch rear wheel being replaced as of | |||
1990 by a disc brake and a 17-inch rear wheel. | |||
The engine finished in black and the dynamically designed fuel tank/seat | |||
combination serve to further upgrade the K 75. Accounting for approximately | |||
28,000 units, the two “basic” versions of the K 75 become the most | |||
successful representatives of their model series. | |||
== K 75 S (1985–1995) == | |||
[[Image:K75S.jpg|thumb|350px|BMW K75S]] | |||
Introducing the K 75 S, BMW adds a sporting sister model to the K 75 C. | |||
While the suspension and drivetrain are based on the innovative technology | |||
of the K 75 C, the slender semi-shell bearing fitted firmly to the frame clearly | |||
reveals the sporting character of the motorcycle right from the beginning. | |||
The K 75 S therefore also comes with a firmer spring/damper set-up featuring | |||
shorter spring travel and a 17-inch rear wheel with a disc brake instead of | |||
the full-hub drum brake on the basic model. | |||
The K 75 S Special launched in 1986 boasts an engine spoiler introduced | |||
as a standard feature in 1988. | |||
As of 1990 the K 75 S, like all other three-cylinders, is likewise available | |||
with ABS. And starting in the 1991 model year, three-spoke light-alloy wheels | |||
take the place of the eight-spoke cast wheels used so far. | |||
== K 75 RT (1989–1996) == | |||
[[Image:K75RT.jpg|thumb|350px|BMW K75RT]] | |||
In 1989 BMW carries over the successful concept of the K 100 RT to the | |||
three-cylinder model series, thus creating the K 75 RT. On this new model the | |||
sophisticated aerodynamic full fairing offers outstanding protection from wind | |||
and weather on long distances, while the wide range of optional extras and | |||
special equipment so typical of BMW leaves nothing to be desired also on the | |||
Tourer with its three-cylinder power unit. | |||
On 18 March 1991 a K 75 RT comes off the production lines at BMW as | |||
the one-millionth model built by BMW Motorrad. | |||
Introducing two special models, the K 75 RT Ultima and the K 75 Ultima, | |||
each in special paintwork, with ABS, a catalytic converter and case holders, | |||
BMW finally ceases production of the three-cylinder model series in summer | |||
1996 after a total production volume of the K 75 amounting to 68, 011 units. | |||
== K1 (1988–1993) == | |||
[[Image:1988-K1.jpg|thumb|350px|1988 BMW K1]] | |||
In 1988 the K1 sets another milestone in the history of the BMW K-Series. | |||
Apart from its brand-new design and aerodynamics concept remaining unique | |||
in the motorcycle world to this day, the K1 is BMW’s first production motorcycle | |||
with four-valve technology, small valve angles, and extremely advanced | |||
design of the combustion chambers. | |||
The greater cylinder charge achieved in this way is reflected by the extra | |||
power of the engine, the K1 developing maximum output of 100 hp at | |||
8000 rpm – more than any other BMW before. | |||
Featuring new Bosch Motronic fuel injection, 17-inch wheels and ABS, the | |||
K1 also sets new highlights in technology, one example being the Paralever | |||
double-joint rear wheel swing arm introduced a year before on the R 100 GS | |||
and effectively preventing drive forces from the drive shaft and any undesired | |||
effects of this kind on the rear-wheel suspension. | |||
The K1 is also the world’s first production machine to feature a fully-controlled | |||
three-way catalytic converter, making a significant contribution to | |||
environmental protection and subsequently introduced step-by-step on | |||
all BMW motorcycles as of 1991. Production of the K1 ends in 1993 with the special Ultima model. | |||
== K 100 RS (1989–1992) == | |||
The innovative four-valve technology introduced on the K1 with its engine | |||
output of 100 hp makes its way back into the market in 1989 in the highly | |||
successful K 100 RS. While the combination of the fuel tank and seat as well | |||
as the fairing with direction indicators integrated in the rear-view mirrors | |||
corresponds to the former model, the new K 100 RS, like the K1, benefits | |||
form new 17-inch wheels, larger brakes, and the Paralever single-swing arm | |||
at the rear. | |||
== K 1100 LT (1991–1999) == | |||
In 1991 BMW presents yet another milestone in the history of the K-Series | |||
through the introduction of the K 1100 LT, the first BMW to displace | |||
more than 1,000 cc: an increase in cylinder bore from 67 to 70.5 millimetres | |||
(2.63 to 2.78”) gives the engine 105 cc more capacity, the upgraded K | |||
== The First-Generation Four-Valve Models == | |||
four-cylinder developing maximum output of 100 hp from 1,092cc at an | |||
engine speed of only 7,500 rpm. | |||
A factor far more important on the road than the increase in maximum output | |||
by 10 hp over the former model is the significant increase in torque. Offering | |||
a lot more traction and pulling power, the K 1100 LT is even more superior | |||
on the road and for a long time represents the topmost level in the Luxury | |||
Tourer market. This is also borne out clearly by the fundamentally upgraded | |||
suspension with its Paralever single-swing arm effectively keeping out | |||
any undesired disturbance from the drivetrain and thus ensuring even greater | |||
comfort and riding smoothness. | |||
Another important feature offered by the K 1100 LT for the first time is the | |||
electrically adjustable windshield. Newly developed cases and a special | |||
topcase, fi nally, round off the well-conceived range of touring features again | |||
so typical of BMW. | |||
Launching the K 1100 LT Highline in 1997, BMW Motorrad introduces | |||
a special model highlighting the luxurious claim of this supreme Tourer by | |||
sophisticated chrome components and equally outstanding special paintwork. | |||
K 1100 RS (1992–1996). | |||
Just one year after introduction of the large four-cylinder in the K 1100 LT, | |||
the same 100hp power unit is featured in the LT’s sporting sister model, the | |||
K 1100 RS. The newly designed fairing with its lower section encompassing | |||
the engine ensures even better aerodynamic qualities and once | |||
again optimises the protection of wind and weather so typical of BMW. | |||
A new Marzocchi telescopic fork as well as the firmer suspension set-up | |||
gives this sporting all-rounder even greater dynamic qualities. | |||
A particularly sophisticated special model, the K 1100 RS with its polished | |||
immersion tube, black-painted tank and upper fairing, as well as distinctive | |||
elements fi nished in silver such as the cooling air intake, the lower section of | |||
the fairing and the rear fairing, give this special model a very particular touch. | |||
== K 1200 RS (1996–2005) == | |||
The K 1200 RS launched in autumn 1996 takes yet another step in terms of | |||
engine size and driving dynamics. A new crankshaft now offering 75 instead | |||
of 70 millimetres (2.95 instead of 2.75”) stroke increases engine capacity | |||
by exactly 79 cc to 1,171 cc, with power up from 100 to 130 hp at 8750 rpm. | |||
The new six-speed gearbox ensures even more dynamic performance and the | |||
brand-new suspension clearly refl ects the sporting style of this new top-end | |||
model. | |||
For the first time the K 1200 RS features a light-alloy bridge frame integrating | |||
the four-cylinder power unit no longer as a load-bearing element, but rather as | |||
a detached unit not conveying any vibration to the machine. | |||
The K 1200 RS is the fi rst model in the K-Series to feature the unique frontwheel | |||
Telelever originally introduced on the R 1100 RS in 1993. Individual | |||
ergonomic preferences, fi nally, are taken into account by the option to adjust | |||
the handlebar, the windshield, the footrests and the seat (for height). | |||
== K 1200 LT (1998–2008) == | |||
Two years after the introduction of the K 1200 RS, BMW presents a particularly | |||
luxurious Tourer in the guise of the K 1200 LT, leaving all conventional | |||
standards and models far behind. Based on the suspension and engine technology | |||
of the K 1200 RS, the K 1200 LT also features a new light-alloy bridge | |||
frame as well as an increase in capacity to 1,171 cc. | |||
Offering maximum output of 98 hp at just 6,750 rpm and peak torque of | |||
115 Newton-metres (85 lb-ft) at a low 4,750 rpm, the K 1200 LT is designed | |||
less for peak performance than rather for supreme torque and pulling power. | |||
Hence, it only needs a five-speed gearbox for superior touring in genuine | |||
style. | |||
Apart from the full fairing offering perfect protection from wind and weather, | |||
as well as cases integrated in the overall design and layout of the machine and | |||
a topcase offering a total capacity of 120 litres, the K 1200 LT, with its HiFi | |||
player, on-board computer, cruise control, heated handles and optionally | |||
heated seat offers touring comfort of a standard never seen before. | |||
This wide range of equipment explains the sign fi cant overall weight of 378 kg | |||
or 833 lb, which BMW also takes into account by adding a reverse gear for | |||
practical manoeuvring activated electrically by the starter motor. | |||
The K 1200 LT is further upgraded in the 2004 model year, now benefiting | |||
from an even more powerful engine with 116 hp and 120 Newton-metres | |||
(88 lb-ft) maximum torque, an electrohydraulically activated main stand and | |||
a rear spring element with travel-dependent damping. | |||
To this day, the K 1200 Lt comes right at the top of this market segment. | |||
== K 1200 GT (2002–2005) == | |||
The K 1200 GT makes its debut in 2002 as an enhanced variant of the | |||
K 1200 RS giving even greater emphasis to touring comfort. Boasting 130 hp | |||
maximum output, featuring a higher windshield and handlebar, optimised | |||
seating comfort and a case system fitted as standard, the K 1200 GT is even | |||
more of a genuine Gran Turismo, redefi ning the synthesis of sporting riding | |||
dynamics and supreme touring comfort in BMW’s usual style and quality. The | |||
outstanding aerodynamic benefits offered by the full fairing ensure not only | |||
optimum protection from wind and weather, but also, in conjunction with a | |||
powerful engine, guarantee high average speeds on long distances. | |||
== K 1200 S (2004–2008) == | |||
The K 1200 S makes its entry into the market in 2004 as a radically new and | |||
highly innovative Sports Machine standing out as a unique model within the | |||
K-family. With its brand-new straight-four now fitted crosswise and displacing | |||
1,157 cc, the K 1200 S has no predecessor and no role model in the history of | |||
BMW Motorrad, but is rather brand-new in every respect. | |||
The technical highlights of this 167-hp Sports Machine are the very sloped | |||
angle of the cylinder bank tilted 55o to the front to provide a low centre of | |||
gravity as well as innovative suspension technology with the BMW EVO Paralever | |||
and the BMW Duolever at the front. On the BMW Duolever, the square | |||
set-up of arms consisting of two longitudinal arms pivoting within the frame | |||
guides the wheel bearings and thus allows appropriate wheel travel. | |||
The K 1200 S combines supreme riding precision and agility with a standard | |||
of engine power and riding performance that leaves nothing to be desired. | |||
As an option BMW even offers ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) on | |||
the K 1200 S for the first time in series production, electronically controlled | |||
suspension operated at the touch of a button. This allows the rider to adjust | |||
the suspension and damping individually to his personal style and the load | |||
the machine is carrying. | |||
== K 1200 R (2004–2008) == | |||
Launching the high-performance K 1200 R Roadster, BMW enters the | |||
segment of high-power Naked Bikes for the first time in 2004. Based on the | |||
K 1200 S, the new K 1200 R benefi ts from the straight-four engine with | |||
dry sump lubrication as well as innovative suspension technology with the | |||
BMW Duolever at the front and the BMW EVO Paralever at the rear. | |||
Developing 163 hp at 10,250 rpm, the K 1200 R is almost as powerful as the | |||
sports model with its special fairing, immediately moving to the top in the | |||
Naked Bikes segment. | |||
The new Roadster also bears out its superior performance through the special | |||
look of this new machine. Special body elements around the tank and rear end | |||
as well as the striking dual headlight with its surface finished in matt chrome | |||
== The Second-Generation of Four-Cylinders == | |||
Only a small windshield covers the front area above the | |||
headlight, but still offers efficient protection from the wind rushing by despite | |||
its small size. Fitted with racing tyres, carbon trim and other motorsport components, | |||
the K 1200 R hits the headlines in the BMW Motorrad Power Cup held on | |||
the occasion of the MotoGP races in 2005. | |||
== K 1200 GT (2006–2008) == | |||
Following the success of its predecessor of the same name, the K 1200 GT | |||
opens up new dimension in riding dynamics and long-distance touring in | |||
2006, combining maximum agility and dynamics in an overall package equally | |||
well suited for superior touring. To reach this objective the development | |||
engineers at BMW Motorrad carry over the trendsetting suspension and | |||
engine technology of the K 1200 S into this new Sports Tourer, the innovative | |||
wheel guidance components – the Duolever and the EVO Paralever at the | |||
rear – making a significant contribution to the very dynamic riding qualities of | |||
the K 1200 GT. | |||
The new machine is powered by BMW Motorrad’s ultra-modern straight-four | |||
power unit fitted crosswise in the machine and developing 152 hp in the | |||
GT version, setting the benchmark in the Tourer segment at the time. Indeed, | |||
no other manufacturer in the market emphasises dynamic performance | |||
more than BMW with the new K 1200 GT. | |||
A comparison with the former model also reveals the most signifi cant | |||
improvements offered by the new machine: the new K 1200 GT is more | |||
powerful (output + 17%), develops more torque (+ 11%), offers a longer | |||
theoretical range (+ 17%) and, at the same time, is lighter (– 6%), but is | |||
nevertheless able to carry a higher load (+ 19%). | |||
== K 1200 R Sport (2007–2008) == | |||
With its semi-fairing bolted firmly on to the frame, the headlight unit carried | |||
over from the R 1200 S and its handlebar detached to prevent the transmission | |||
of vibrations, the K 1200 R Sport from BMW Motorrad is positioned | |||
between the naked K 1200 R and the fully-fairing K 1200 S. | |||
In the style of a genuine Naked Bike, the K 1200 R Sport offers a free view of | |||
the impressive suspension and engine components. And at the same time the | |||
range of practical use provided by the new machine is much larger than | |||
before, significantly better wind protection allowing the rider to cover longer | |||
distances at a high speed, while the upright seating position and the wide | |||
handlebar guarantee maximum agility on sporting country roads and tours. |
edits