Motorcycle specifications BMW1000 K1 1992 K-really!

it's fair to say that the K 1 is a revolution for the BMW brand. A visual shock sprinkled with an astonishing evolution in road performance. If the Munich-based brand can boast a rich past in speed records, it's due to an era between the Great Wars. Since then, BM has forged an image of comfort, safety and reliability that sets new standards in the motorcycle world. But BM is no stranger to sport. When it comes to cars, the M3 knows how to make powder talk. And what if I told you that a guy from Motorsport GMBH took a closer look at the mechanics of the K1?

compared with the other K-series models, the power unit has increased to 100 hp, but is also distinguished by a marked increase in torque, now in excess of 10 mkg. The Bavarian 4-cylinder also gained 8 new valves, while the crankshaft lost 1.3 kg. The volumetric ratio increased from 10.2 to 11:1, some moving parts were lightened and the injection electronics were state-of-the-art. It's not the mill, however, but certainly the design of the K1 that has mobilized the most brainpower. Extensive aerodynamic research combined with singular styling choices result in a motorcycle without equal or precedent. The BM is sure to get noticed. Lines that are both imposing and tailored, a mixture of Star Trek and TGV; an incredibly wrap-around front fender, colors... mmhhhrrgg... "special". The blue is elegant, the red sporty, but the touches of yellow sprinkled all over are reminiscent of Father Fougasse's combine harvester. And then there's the microwave oven door, sorry, the headlight that breaks up the K1's typical speed line. Love it or hate it, but this sports car will leave no one indifferent.
Let's not forget the chassis, which is as serious as the machine itself. The tubular frame retains the design of the K series, but the tubes are larger. Wide rims and new brakes reinforced by ABS (standard) add a real plus to the bike's handling and safety.
In keeping with BMW tradition, rear-wheel drive is still by universal joint, with the adoption of the new Paralever system introduced a year ago on the R 100 GS trail bike. The principle: a second joint virtually eliminates the torque effects typical of this type of transmission. And on the road, motorcycle chic or motorcycle shock?

when you pick up this 259 kg motorcycle, you have no idea how easy it is to use. With its generous size, the beast is surprisingly welcoming on the road. Leaning forward a little, comfortable but with your legs bent a little too far, you start up the 16-valve engine, whose sound is no different from that of the other K models. A few short steps and you're won over by the K1's smoothness and driveability. Gone are the 3 quintals. Its lively front end, smooth controls and supple mill give the machine wings. There's no risk of being overwhelmed by power, as the 4-cylinder lacks torque below 4,000 rpm. Anyway, we're not going to spend the day flirting with Renault Super 5s and Citroën BXs. And what's more, we've got a BM shaped like an airplane between our paws, so let's go for it!
Faced with the lack of torque at low revs, we waited until mid-range to open the throttle wide. The boiler still vibrates a little, especially around 5000 rpm, and begins its climb towards the red zone. It lacks a little liveliness when revving up, then delivers a hell of a lot of power between 6,000 and 9,500 rpm. In terms of pick-up, the K1 holds its own against a good number of Japanese models. Cruising at speed, a generous flick of the right wrist and the behemoth will have a chat with the 260 speedometer. It goes, but your vertebrae don't work...
Because here's where it gets tricky, and where it shouldn't. "Wind tunnel studies, aerodynamics, air penetration, gna gna gna..." Maybe so, but it gets noisy in the helmet from 140 to the hour. Then, to go faster, there's no choice but to hide your head in the bubble. BMW wanted the rider to feel the sensation of speed very early on, so as not to encourage very high-speed riding. This is astonishing for a machine that has been so carefully crafted, especially as the rest of the body is well protected. However, it's not all bad news, far from it, especially as the German sports car's aerodynamics make it very stable both at high speed and in curves. The rear end reacts a little more slowly than the front, but the K1 is still a safe ride. A word of caution on a busy freeway or when cruising down south: the large mudguard and vast fairing make it sensitive to wind and trucks. Autonomy is substantial and allows you to reach much warmer roads.
It's in the twisties that the Teutonic is at its best. In its correct rev range, the drivetrain allows you to leap from bend to bend, and the steering lightly swallows up every curve. It's not a supersport front end, but it feels like one. Normally, with this type of steering, you can steer from a little to a lot. Fortunately, BM has wisely installed a steering damper, hidden in the fork head. Don't forget your gearbox manual. When you're driving a sport bike, make sure you shift all the gears if you don't want to find yourself "between 2 gears". Otherwise, the gearbox is good, but still lacks the efficiency and speed of a jap'.

While the machine is superb to ride through the twists and turns of our beautiful country, it prefers to wind up rather than ride too hard. Take advantage of the front braking, but not during the bend; a 281 kg beast that lifts itself in the bend when the right-hand lever is pressed a little, is not recommended.

And you'll have plenty of opportunities to use the brakes, especially as the BM's are so tasty. It's become really powerful, progressive and pleasant. What's more, Mister ABS takes care of everything.

the BMW K1 is truly surprising. Comfort and protection have nothing to do with the usual German standards. It's truly a sports bike that's up against the likes of the Honda CBR 1000 and Kawasaki Tomcat. Forget the luggage and discover BM riding. The engine and chassis are strong, the design surprising, but not for everyone. You don't have to be a connoisseur to appreciate good things, but this is one of them.

M.B - Internet photos