k1  predecessor

The aerodynamic predecessor to the k1
is the BMW R100RS from 1975!

The development of the BMW R100RS, led by chief designer Hans A. Muth,
set a milestone in the history, as it was
the world’s first series motorcycle
to feature a full fairing integrated into the frame as standard

An aerodynamic revolution:
unlike its predecessor, the R90S, which
suffered from aerodynamic lift forces,
the R100RS’s fairing was optimised in the wind tunnel (incl. at Pininfarina)
It weighs just 9.5 kg and eliminated high-speed wobble, meaning that

the rider could only effectively utilise the engine’s full 70hp once

protected from the wind and weather!

The BMW compact drive system was patented on 1st February 1979!

It was first used in 1980 for the R80G/S
and then

the 2V K was launched in Q3/83 with the monolever

the 4V K was launched in Q3/88 with the paralever 

The progress of the k1  concept:
- 16 valves
- 1,3kg lighter crank shaft
- electronic control unit ECU/Motronic
- ABS
- Paralever
- progressive Marzocchi fork 41,7mm
- 2x 4 piston Brembo brake calipers
- 2x Brembo floating disks 305mm
  for the front brake
- controlled catalytic converter
- world class leading aerodynamic
  for series motorcycles and
- an extremly low center of mass!

Aerodynamics have a history at BMW motorcycles

The k1  was in part, developed to achieve a market share of the existing sports bikes segment dominated by Yamaha FZR1000, Honda CBR1000F, Kawasaki ZX-7, ZX-10, Suzuki GSX-R 1100, Bimota Dieci, Triumph Daytona 1000, etc.

What a quantum leap to the R100RS after 12 years of difference in development.

Excellent! Well done!