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BMW Motorrad, a subsidiary of BMW, manufactures motorcycles. Originally an aircraft engine manufacturer at the turn of the last century and through World War I, BMW introduced the first motorcycle under its name, the R32, in 1923 and has since risen to prominence in the motorcycle industry.

Each of the last few years (2004, 2005, 2006) appear to be banner years for BMW. On 25 September 2004, BMW globally launched a radically redesigned K Series motorcycle, the K1200S, containing an all new in-line four-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine featuring 123 kW (165 hp).The K1200S was primarily designed as a Super Sport motorcycle, albeit larger and heavier than the closest Japanese competitors. Shortly after the launch of the K1200S, problems were discovered with the new power plant leading to a recall until the beginning of 2005 when corrective changes were put in place. Recently, a K1200S set a land speed record for production bikes in its class at the Bonneville Salt Flats, exceeding 174 mph (280 km/h).

In the years after the launch of K1200S, BMW has also launched the K1200R ***** roadster, and the K1200GT sports tourer, which started to appear in dealer showrooms in spring (March-June) 2006. All three new K-Series motorcycles are based on the new in-line four-cylinder engine, with slightly varying degrees of power.

In 2007 BMW added the K1200R Sport, a semi-faired sports touring version of the K1200R.

In 2004, bikes with the opposed-twin cylinder “boxer” engine were also revamped. The new boxer displacement is just under 1200 cc, and is affectionately referred to a “hexhead” because of the shape of the cylinder cover. The motor itself is more powerful, and all of the motorcycles that use it are lighter.

The first motorcycle to be launched with this updated engine was the R1200GS dual-purpose motorcycle. The R1200RT tourer and R1200ST sports tourer followed shortly behind. BMW then introduced the 175 kg 105 kW (141 hp) HP2 Enduro, and the 223 kg 100 hp (75 kW) R1200GS Adventure, each specifically targeting the off-road and adventure-touring motorcycle segment, respectively. In 2007 the HP2 Enduro was joined by the road-biased HP2 Megamoto fitted with smaller alloy wheels and street tyres.

Notably, the BMW R1200C, produced from 1997 to 2004, was BMW Motorcycles first entry into the Cruiser market.

In 2006, BMW launched the R1200S, which is rated at 90 kW (121 hp) at 8,250 rpm. April 2007, BMW announced its return to competitive road racing, entering a factory team with a “Sport Boxer” version of the R1200S to four 24-hour endurance races. A street version of the R1200S Sport Boxer is expected in 2008, rated at 144 hp (107 kW), and weighing 195 kg fully fuelled.

www.bmwmotorental.com

www.imtbike.com

Reference:

Wikipedia