MOTORRAD interview with BMW boss Dr. This

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MOTORRAD interview with BMW boss Dr. This
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MOTORRAD interview with BMW boss Dr. This

MOTORRAD interview with BMW boss Dr. This
Unique technology

BMW motorcycle boss Dr. Herbert Diess answers questions from editor-in-chief Michael Pfeiffer about the new four-cylinder BMW. MOTORRAD already reported on their sensational technology in issues 21 and 22/2003.

Michael Pfeiffer

05/27/2004

Dr. Diess, the sparrows are already whistling from the rooftops, when will the new K-BMW come?
You won’t be surprised if I tell you that the launch will take place later this year.
Does that mean the end of the old K series??
Not at all. I am firmly convinced that the horizontal four-cylinder with a lengthways crankshaft is the right concept for a touring athlete like the K 1200 GT or for a touring bike like the K 1200 LT. We will continue to build both machines; we have only just revised the tourer model.
That’s right, and equipped with a remarkable electro-hydraulic main stand.
Yes. And now with 116 hp, a navigation system, adjustable pillion footboards and much better handling. But back to the new K. It will be the first real four-cylinder sports car from BMW and will therefore not replace any previous model.
Real athletes are really performing today…
We have this…
How much?
Enough. Much more than we had before, and that from 1170 cm3.
Real athletes are also really light…
The new K 1200 S will be easy too. That
Power-to-weight ratio will be 50 percent better than that of the R 1100 S..
K 1200 S?
Yes, the new four-cylinder BMW will be called the K 1200 S, like all four-cylinders, even if the crankshaft is now installed across the direction of travel. We thought about it for a long time, but we’re sticking to our system. The boxers are called R, and have been since
over 80 years, the single cylinders are called F.
But the new one doesn’t come up with a whole host of new technical solutions, so a new name
would be justified?
No, just look how often we’ve been there
should have renamed the boxer. But they
are right. We have built a lot of unique technology into the K 1200 S. For example the completely new front wheel guidance: It decouples the steering from the wheel forces and transfers the forces optimally into the frame structure. The result is an unmatched, precise steering feel, even when braking. Or the new engine, which tilts extremely forward below the main frame
is. We have the very slim cardan drive, the specially designed gearbox, and even an electronically controllable chassis.
What is the aim of BMW with this technology offensive??
We want to offer the K 1200 S drivers a new standard of agility and driving pleasure. Ride relaxed and still be very sporty, that is our goal. And you won’t be disappointed with the
move new K for the first time. The low center of gravity, the long wheelbase, the special geometry, all of this works splendidly. And the great thing is:
The machine remains easily controllable at all times, even with our next
improved ABS system.
Strong motorcycles in this performance class often have difficulties with
rising front wheels and handlebar flapping. What is BMW doing about it?
Our front suspension responds so perfectly that we don’t need a steering damper. The very low center of gravity hardly allows an involuntary rise of the front wheel.

Regarding the engine: Why is BMW now also bringing a transversely installed inline four-cylinder, as we know it from Japan?
Our four-cylinder is different. It is the narrowest in its class. If you carefully weigh up all the parameters for a sports motorcycle, performance, weight, overall length and so on, then you can hardly get past a cross-mounted quad. Why should we close ourselves to that??
One last question: when will the K 1200 S arrive and what will it cost??
In any case, it will be on display at the Intermot trade fair in Munich, we are still thinking about the price.
Dr. Diess, thank you for the interview.

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