Each of the last few years (2004, 2005, 2006) appear
to be a banner years for BMW. On September 25th
2004, BMW globally launched a radically redesigned
K Series motorcycle, the K1200S, containing an all
new in-line 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine featuring
167 bhp. The K1200S what 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 miles per hour
(280 km/h).
In
addition to the launch of K1200S, BMW has also
launched the K1200R naked roadster, and the K1200GT
sports tourer, which started to appear in dealer
showrooms in Spring 2006. All three new K-Series
motorcycles are based off of the new in-line 4
cylinder engine, all with slightly varying degrees
of horsepower.
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