New 2009 BMW K 1300 S, K 1300 R and K 1300 GT

Exactly 25 years after the launch of the groundbreaking K bikes, BMW has unveiled the newest generation of this line of powerful inline-four machines. The new K bikes sport a larger displacement, now with 1,293 cc, and an array of new enhancements and features. The 2009 K 1300 S, the most powerful street legal BMW, now offers 175 hp and the torque has been bumped by 7.5 ft-lb to a very impressive 103 ft-lb at 8250 rpm.

“We have sold almost 65,000 four-cylinder motorcycles in the past four years,” said Hendrik von Kuenheim, the President of BMW Motorrad at the K1300’s press launch at INTERMOT in Germany. “Now the time has come to give this attractive model series a new and powerful impulse. I use the term ‘new’ K Series on purpose because we have conducted profound changes both with regards to the technology and visual appearance. Our aim was to significantly improve the three models in terms of performance, handling, dynamics, visual appeal and quality.”

New for 2009 are three K1300 models. The K 1300 S with 175 hp, the K 1300 R with 173 hp and the K 1300 GT with 160 hp. The new K bikes feature updated transmission and clutch assembly, plus smoother engine performance and new switchgear.

Von Kuenheim continues: “By raising capacity to 1300 cc, our engineers have not only increased output but also torque on all three models. At the same time the driveline was intensively revised from air/fuel mixture formation right through to the exhaust system. In this way we have been able to optimize partial load behavior as well as throttle response. Now the clutch can be operated with even less effort and with greater refinement. Shifting has been improved tangibly due to constructional changes to the gearbox and drive.
BMW is introducing new options for the 2009 as well. The popular Electronic Suspension Adjustment that first appeared on the 2005 K 1200 S has now been updated with even more on-the-fly adjustability and it’s called ESA II. Also new is the quick-shifter option, a racing-style gear shift assistant, borrowed from BMW’s race-ready HP2 Sport. Automatic Stability Control (ASC) is also offered as an option on the new K bikes.

“Both the K 1300 S and also the R will also have the shift assistant - familiar from the HP2 Sport - available as an option for the first time,” von Kuenheim emphasized. “We have also advanced the chassis. The new lower longitudinal strut is now made of aluminum and is thus considerably lighter. This makes the front wheel guidance response even more sensitive. The result of this comprehensive development work is superior handling, improved rideability and lower fuel consumption. The electronically adjustable suspension – called ESA in short – was launched as a world first on the K 1200 S. Now we are presenting the new, well-proven ESA II as an option for the K Series. Apart from the suspension and damping this unique system also allows the spring rate to be adjusted at the press of a button. The K Series model revision also heralds a new and innovative generation of switches and controls.”

As Mr. von Kuenheim suggested the new line of K bikes also introduce BMW’s brand new switchgear. For the first time BMW is furnishing all their K bikes with the familiar universal-style switches and controls.
”

K Bike Highlights
K 1300 S and K 1300 R
Even more dynamic, particularly at lower and medium engine speeds, thanks to the increase in engine capacity.
Engine output 175/173 hp (K 1300 S/R) at 9,250 rpm, maximum torque 103 ft-lb at 8, 250 rpm.
Optimized exhaust system with a new rear-end muffler and electronic flap control as well as a fully controlled three-way catalyst.
Even greater riding precision combined with maximum riding stability ensured by the optimized Duolever front wheel suspension with a newly designed longitudinal arm at the bottom.
Supreme handling ensured by optimized suspension geometry, optimum mass distribution and a perfectly balanced overall concept.
Second-generation ESA II electronically adjustable suspension and ASC anti-spin control as an option.
New, innovative generation of control switches with optimized ergonomics.
Optimized, maintenance-free shaft drive with a new two-stage drive shaft.
HP Gearshift Assistant for shifting up without the slightest interruption of power and traction available as an option.

K 1300 GT
Even more traction and pulling force, particularly at low and medium engine speeds, through the increase in engine capacity.
Engine output 160 hp at 9,000 rpm, peak torque of 99 ft-lb at 8,000 rpm.
Significant increase in torque from 3,500 rpm.
Fulfillment of the strictest environmental standards through newly set-up Digital Motor Electronics.
Optimization of the emission system through rear mufflers modified inside and a fully-controlled three-way catalytic converter.
Desmodromic operation of the gas lever function for even better and more precise gas dosage.
Optimized, maintenance-free shaft drive with a new, two-stage drive shaft.
Even greater driving precision and optimized response combined with maximum riding stability ensured by the optimized Duolever front-wheel suspension complete with a newly designed lower longitudinal arm.
Second-generation ESA II Electronically Adjustable Suspension and ASC Automatic Stability Control as an option.
New, innovative generation of switches and controls with optimized ergonomics.
Integral ABS (semi-integral) featured as standard for a high level of active safety.

For YouTube videos on the new K 1300 S, K 1300 R and K 1300 GT please visit BMW Motorrad USA’s YouTube channel: www.YouTube.com/BMWMotorradUSA.

*K 1300 S and K 1300 GT are expected in the US dealerships in early 2009. The K 1300 R’s availability is yet to be determined.

2009 BMW MOTORCYCLE S 1000 RR

BW Special Report - Edited by webBikeWorld Staff

April 17, 2008 - BMW today released the official photos of the 2009 BMW S 1000 RR race bike. This motorcycle hasn't been a very well kept secret, and the motorcycle shown here will be the basis for the motorcycle BMW will campaign in World Superbike racing.

The photos of the S 1000 RR were released during a speech by Hendrik von Kuenheim, who has just become the General Director of BMW Motorrad after having served as the President of BMW Spain.

During his welcoming speech, Mr. von Kuenheim officially confirmed the rumors: BMW will race in World Superbike. Here's an excerpt from his speech:

"As you may expect of BMW Motorrad, the design of our BMW Supersports will be absolutely unique and very different. While it will of course reflect the usual design language in the segment, it will at the same time offer a strong and powerful message from the BMW brand.

Now let me briefly give you the status of our entry into the Superbike World Championship: Today I can confirm that our preparations are proceeding according to plan in every respect: In compliance with the rules of the Series, the new motorcycle will be available to customers in 2009 and we will build 1,000 production models by the end of next year.

We are implementing our racing activities in close cooperation with our partner Alpha-Racing, a specialist very experienced in motorsport. Located near Munich, Alpha-Racing have already started work in a special production hall specifically for this purpose.

The process of building up the team is proceeding at full swing and we have already filled the key positions. The team is a combination of specialists from BMW and members of the Alpha-Technik racing crew, as well as further specialists from professional Superbike racing.

Choosing the development and test riders for our racing machine, we are currently operating in a revolving system to gain as much experience as possible. The selection of test riders ranges from experienced riders still active today all the way to young “top guns”.

In the upcoming weeks and months we will systematically start production of the racing machine in its individual power and performance stages, testing the new model as we go along."

"We naturally realize that the established teams have many years of experience. But we wish to take up this challenge in particular and have put together a highly motivated team precisely for this purpose, a team which will prove the performance of our new motorcycle in professional racing.

Naturally, we will have to go through a certain process of learning – which is precisely why we have set ourselves realistic targets for the time being: In our first year in the Superbike World Championship we seek to bring home several places in the Top 10 and to consistently close the gap to the top teams.

In year 2 we plan to catch up with the top teams and to win our first places on the podium. And our medium-term objective, obviously, is to win the World Championship!"

"You have been speculating a lot on the designation of our new model. So let us put an end to this speculation today. BMW Motorrad’s first Supersports will be the “S 1000 RR”.


In choosing the name and designation of BMW’s new Supersports, we're consistently following our nomenclature at BMW Motorrad. In this name, the “S“ stands for Supersports, marking a new class of motorcycles from BMW. The “1000” designates the size of the engine, and the “RR” naturally stands for the model itself."

"Dear Motorcycle Friends, many motorcycle magazines have published photos of a racing prototype which we have tested on several racing tracks. Today we would like to show you this racing prototype, offering you an initial impression of the package and the technology. But when you see the motorcycle in a minute, please note that neither the design nor the impression of quality are the same as on the production model following at a later point."

Thanks Mr. von Kuenheim! And now, here are the photos of the 2009 BMW S 1000 RR!

1993 BMW K1 With EZS Sidecar by David Hough

1993 BMW K1 With EZS Sidecar
Built by David Hough
Offered For Sale by the BMW MOA Foundation

Pristine Silk Blue BMW K1/EZS Sidecar conversion built by noted sidecar enthusiast and safety-writer David Hough. 48, 200 miles, complete sub-frame conversion, leading-link front fork, EZS alloy wheels and rims using 15-inch sports-car radial tires, convertible top and flat tonneau cover. Steering geometry optimized for sidecar handling. Motorcycle features custom adjustable windshield with electronics shelf and 12-volt power, relocated handlebars, footpeg lowering kit, relocated radiator-filler for ease of maintenance, and much more.

Sidecar features custom rear-rack and vintage Craven top-box, and dual rear-brake pedals for coordinated braking. ‘Car has adjustable ride-height controls, and several nice custom options. The original K1 seat-cowl/back-rest assembly, with passenger grab-handles, is available.

Rig is located in the St. Louis area at BMW MOA Foundation headquarters, and is available for inspection. Asking price $16,900.

Sale proceeds will be used to fund Projects and Programs of the BMW MOA Foundation, such as Camp G.E.A.R.S., the Experienced RiderCourse, the Seasoned Rider workshops, and more. For more information about the Foundation, go to http://www.bmwmoafoundation.org

The New From BMW Motorcycle

The 2008 BMW Motorrad GS line includes three new models with the new from the dirt up F 800 GS and the upgraded R 1200 GS and GS Adventure. All models will be at the IMS shows this winter, beginning with the San Mateo show, and in dealerships next spring, but you can read about now.

2008 F 800 GS

In 1980, BMW Motorrad invented the adventure motorcycle category with the advent of the trailblazing R 80 GS, which won the grueling Paris-Dakar year after year. And now, over twenty-five years later, BMW Motorrad has created yet another revolutionary dual-purpose motorcycle that provides unprecedented levels of desert-devouring, roost-throwing performance: the amazing 2008 F 800 GS.

Fulfilling a need for a pure off-road oriented motorcycle that still has all the power, handling and reliability required for long-distance adventure touring as well as on-street handling, the F 800 GS is perfectly positioned as a middleweight dual-purpose enduro. Featuring an asymmetrical double headlight, its look is sleek, trim and 100% aggressive. With a compact 85-horsepower parallel twin engine, lightweight steel trellis frame and double-sided swingarm, not to mention a chain drive and longer front and rear suspension travel, there has never been a BMW dual-purpose machine offering such a unique blend of power, comfort and off-road muscle.

Torque is generous at 61 lb/ft, and with a six-speed gear box, switchable ABS, 42-degree turning radius, 400-watt alternator, wide foot rests and 4.2-gallon gas tank located under the seat for a low center of gravity, the F 800 GS has all the technology of a touring bike, while still possessing the optimum power-to-weight characteristics of a high-performance enduro. With a dry weight of just 392 lbs, the F 800 GS is lightweight and agile enough for precise handling, making it ideal for screaming around on the twisties or tearing through the dirt.

In the never-ending quest to exceed our own exacting standards, BMW Motorrad has once again reached an entire new level of engineering excellence with the F 800 GS, an adventure-hungry motorcycle that is destined to be a classic.


2008 R 1200 GS

Since its debut in 2004, the R 1200 GS has earned award after award, including Cycle World's Best Open Class Street Bike and the International Journalist's Panel "Best Bike in the World." And for 2008, this go-anywhere motorcycle that's equally at home in the dirt or on the street, gets several enhancements. The result of this dynamic upgrade is a dual-purpose motorcycle that offers everything the serious motorcyclist demands. And more.

The 2008 R 1200 GS is marked by a bold, rugged appearance. Stainless steel knee covers drape each side of the gas tank area, while technical surfaces like the slide tubes and cylinder head covers have been redesigned to include sporty new features. A new aluminum handlebar which can be mounted in two positions offers increased ergonomics, making its seated (or standing while off-road) position even more comfortable. Increased seat foam thickness also increases rideability.

But eye-catching style is only the beginning of the enhancements. Additional grunt is also part of the package, as the 2008 R 1200 GS offers 5% more power, topping out at a substantial 105 bhp with a maximum engine speed of 8,000 RPM, which creates an even wider range of power. Revised transmission ratios also mean quicker acceleration, better low-speed traction and increased revs.

In addition to being a stunningly agile street bike, the R 1200 GS is also a supremely capable adventure tourer, and to make reaching those faraway places even more doable, for the first time ever, BMW Motorrad is offering an off-road version of its famous ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) technology. Optional Enduro ESA is designed to meet the unique needs of adventure touring, and offers several options for whatever riding condition occurs: solo rider, rider with luggage and passenger. Three damper settings, Sport, Normal and Comfort give the rider the option of customizing both front and rear suspensions to his or her specifications. There is also an off-road mode that adjusts the front and rear preload and increases ground clearance for when rougher situations arise.

Featuring more power, rugged styling and advanced technology, the 2008 R 1200 GS sets the standard for the entire adventure bike category and will be a force to be reckoned with both on the road and off.


2008 R 1200 GS Adventure

When it comes to continent-crossing ability, the kind of epic riding that takes you to faraway places that others can only imagine, nothing comes close to reaching the ability of the rugged, totally unstoppable R 1200 GS Adventure. And for 2008, the R 1200 GS Adventure offers a number of significant new features that make it even more adept at riding to the ends of the earth.

In addition to new design elements including two-part, two-color hand protectors, the new 2008 R 1200 GS Adventure benefits from an additional 5% increase in power, raising its engine output to 105 bhp. A taller windshield, adjustable seat, extra wide foot pegs and optional ABS make long days in the saddle both comfortable and enjoyable. Add a generous 8.7-gallon fuel tank and covering immense areas of territory becomes easier and more worry-free than ever before.

The most significant new technological development found on the R 1200 GS Adventure is optional Enduro ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment). This feature gives the rider the ability to customize the motorcycle to his or her exact preferences. No matter what type of condition should arise—and where this bike travels to, just about anything can occur—Enduro ESA lets the rider adjust both front and rear suspension to accommodate it. Settings include Sport, Normal and Comfort, and there is even an off-road mode that adjusts the front and rear preload and increases ground clearance for those inevitable sections of bumpy terrain that occur while touring through the vast unknown.

For those ambitious riders whose passion involves getting off the beaten path and discovering wild, untamed places miles away from the typical, the 2008 R 1200 GS Adventure, with its numerous enhancements, globe-conquering ability and increased power, is the only real choice.

Gordon Crockard, Glen Kearney Join BMW Xplor Race Team

BMW Motorrad USA and BMW XPLOR are pleased to welcome off-road riders Gordon Crockard and Glen Kearney to the BMW XPLOR Race Team. The riders will pilot BMW’s all-new sports enduro – the G 450 X – in the XC1 Class in the 2008 Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Racing Series.

BMW’s XPLOR Race Team is led by Scott Summers, a pioneer of professional off-road racing, who recently joined BMW for the 2008, 2009 and 2010 seasons, after racing very successfully for American Honda for nearly two decades.

“The 2008 season holds a lot of challenges for me as a professional racer,” observed Crockard. “I will be learning an entirely new style of racing, on a brand new motorcycle. In the past months, I've been able to spend time with Scott Summers riding the new BMW 450 bike and I'm confident in both the motorcycle and Scott's ability to help me make the transition a success. As a competitor, I've always enjoyed challenges and never been afraid of hard work. I know how important physical conditioning, mental strength and proper equipment is to succeed in off-road racing. I know that Scott Summers and the entire team will support me 100%, and along with my new BMW motorcycle, I know I'll have one of the best programs in the paddock in ‘08 and the rest will be up to me.”

“I'm looking forward to working with Scott on a professional level; we have been friends for a number of years now and get along great,” added Kearney. “I'm looking forward to racing the new BMW and making the transition from 2 stroke back to 4 stroke machines where I feel comfortable and aboard which I had some of my best success in Australia before leaving for the US. The BMW I feel will help make this transition an easy one because it is designed to be so user friendly.”

“We are very excited to welcome Gordon and Glen to our race team. They are tremendous competitors, and will definitely make BMW a formidable contender in the GNCC race series,” said Arturo Pineiro, head of BMW Motorrad USA.

“Scott Summers has played a significant role in making the GNCC what it is today – the most competitive cross country class in the world. Now, with the addition of these accomplished riders, BMW XPLOR Race Team is certain to energize the 2008 GNCC series, and make us even more competitive,” added Dirk Biehler, Manager of Marketing at BMW Motorrad USA.

BMW Motorrad’s sports enduro prototype made its first U.S. appearance at the GNCC (Grand National Cross Country) race in Crawfordsville, Indiana October 27-28. Former motocross world champion Simo Kirssi – the lone BMW entrant – unfortunately, crashed 30 minutes into the 3-hour race on Sunday, October 28. The talented Finn rode the sports enduro to its first-ever victory in the final round of the 2007 European Cross Country Championship, held in Schefflenz, Germany, October 6-7.

“I could not be more excited about being given the opportunity to introduce the new BMW 450 off-road motorcycle into competition in North America,” commented Scott Summers. “I also take the responsibility of BMW North America’s first entry into national championship off-road racing very seriously. I know that a great deal of the commercial sales success of the bike in the coming years will be determined by my team’s results on the track. When looking at potential racers for my team, I focused on looking for true professionals who would be just as serious about the success of the program as I was. Results are what matters the most in any form of competition and GNCC racing is the highest form of off-road motorcycle racing in the world in my view. I truly believe Glenn and Gordon will bring a lot of different skill sets and experiences to the team. I feel the combination of these two riders and the new BMW 450 will be a recipe for success during the 2008 GNCC Series.”

The AMA/ATVA-sanctioned Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series is America's premier off-road racing series. For more information about the Grand National Cross Country Series, visit www.gnccracing.com.

XPLOR (www.bmwXPLOR.com) is a cutting-edge community and web-based initiative created exclusively for BMW motorcycle owners. The ultimate online resource covering everything to do with BMW motorcycles – from tech tips to featured rides to owner galleries and event updates – XPLOR offers a wide range of user-generated content, provided by BMW riders and enthusiasts, and is an invaluable resource for everyone who owns a BMW motorcycle. XPLOR is free and open to new and current BMW owners, who register with their VIN numbers.

Information about Scott Summers or Summers racing can be obtained by contacting OMS Sports LLC 714-538-1803 and asking for Sharon Richards.

BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 82 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:
www.bmwgroupna.com
www.bmwusa.com
www.bmwmotorcycles.com
www.miniusa.com
www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

Journalist note: Information about the BMW Group and its products is available to journalists on-line at the BMW Group PressClub at www.press.bmwgroup.com. Broadcast quality video footage is available via The NewsMarket at www.thenewsmarket.com.

BMW Motorrad gets ready for the G 450 X

Although the exciting new G 450 X is not expected to be launched until mid-2008, BMW Motorrad dealerships are already preparing for this new model introduction especially in the USA, where sales are expected to be particularly strong. A nationwide training program has already commenced to equip dealerships with the necessary skills and product knowledge to help sell this exciting new bike in large quantities.