BMW Series K, 25 years on the market!

On 19 September 1983 at La Napoule in the south of France, took place on the international press launch of the first BMW motorcycle to four cylinders: the K 100 the new line of motorcycles four-cylinder water-cooled called simply "K". The K series bikes soon became a symbol of technological revolution of BMW Motorrad. The Antilock Braking System (ABS) BMW was for the first time introduced on a K 100 RS in 1988. Also be added to this list of innovations, is the first cruise control for motorcycles, appeared on the K 1200 LT, along with the saddle of heated. In 2005, was introduced the Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) on the K 1200 S.

The "K Series" was launched on the market in 1983 with a single model, the Naked K 100. The BMW seemed radically new ultra modern for that time and was made only by a new concept of engine - a 987cc, flat-4 longitudinal, visible on her left side with the cylinder heads on the left the crankshaft on the right. It was nicknamed "The 4-cylinder sole" because of the appearance of the engine.

Over the years there have been many types of motorcycles K, each with a particular vehicle. The K 100 launched the eight valve four-cylinder with telescopic front forks. Soon after, there was the K 100 RS. Continuing with the expansion of the range, were also offered Touring models, the K 100 and K 100 RT LT.

BMW introduced in 1993 the front suspension Telelever Boxer engine, but to see it applied on K series must wait until 1997. The first K which mounted the Telelever was the K 1200 RS.

The year 2004 was historically important for BMW. This was the year when BMW Motorrad has introduced a new philosophy of product. The vision of BMW engineering is to produce motorcycles that not only remain faithful to guidelines that go to quality, reliability, engineering and advanced security, but also they become highly competitive in the areas of performance and design. With this new goal, combining weight - power became the new guideline of BMW Motorrad.

The BMW motorcycle, which usually were the heaviest in their respective categories are now the most read. For example, the new K 1200 S is the lightest in class "Hypersport" as the K 1200 GT is in motion tour. This new production of "Series K" has also launched a new front suspension, other than the trusted Telelever. BMW called this new system, BMW Motorrad "Duolever."

The K 1200 S was followed by the futuristic K 1200 R and K 1200 GT - un'agile and comfortable Gran Turismo. The K 1200 R Sport was introduced in 2007.

After 25 years the four-cylinder is no longer determined by single letter "K", but in April 2008 BMW Motorrad has launched another acronym for a motion performante represent "S" Series. BMW Motorrad it is next to enter the world of Superbike racing with its new series "S".