The History of BMW Motorcycles
1980 to 1990
The 1980s. Already excelling in competitive
racing BMWs reputation in cross country racing built over the course of
the 80's. The company itself had focused the majority of its efforts in
two distinct directions. The first was the Gelandestrasse series of
boxers, developed to support the burgeoning cross-country racing effort.
And in its most drastic departure from tradition BMW introduced its K
Series in 1983, an answer to a recent tide of Japanese competition.
1980. Intended for use on the K-Series, which
was under development at the time, single swinging arm suspension (or
Monolever) first appeared on the R80G/S ('Gelandestrasse' or 'Road and
Street' motorcycle) twin. This much-anticipated light off-road machine ran
an 800cc engine that could muster 50BHP of power at 6500rpm. Though it
handled differently off-road than on, it performed admirably in test
circuits. Offered in a white with an orange seat and blue with a black,
other manufacturers would knock-off motorcycles that looked similar but
didn't hold up in off-road situations. BMW also displayed the Futuro
concept bike, and high-tech, almost Sci-Fi prediction of the motorcycles
of the future.
1981. The R80G/S, driven by Hubert Auriol, wins
the grueling Paris-Dakar rally solidifying its reputation as a serious
cross-country machine. It is the first of 4 Paris-Dakar victories for BMW.
Though the demand for motorcycles is generally falling at this time, an
earlier restructuring by BMW minimizes the strain put on the company and
it continues to manufacture under stable conditions. At the end of the
year, BMW announces its intention to produce water cooled four cylinder
motorcycles. For many, this begs the obvious question, "What will happen
to the twin?"
1982. BMW sets aside substantial funds in a plan
to double motorcycle production by 1985. Though the strategy proved over
ambitious with only 37,104 of the intended 60,000 motorcycles actually
being manufactured, the investment in infrastructure combined with rumors
about the water-cooled fours creates a great deal of anticipation for the
coming year. Simultaneously, and unwilling to abandon the boxer, BMW
produces a pure road version of the R80G/S called an R80RT.
1983. For the first time since 1923 BMW makes a
drastic departure from the twin by introducing the K 100. It is the first
of the water-cooled K-series machines and quickly earns the knickname
"flying brick." Developed by Joseph Frizenwenger who took a longitudinally
mounted in-line engine and turned it horizontally, the K 100 musters 90
bhp at 8,000 rpm and reaches a top speed of 132mph. It is the first
production motorcycle with electric ignition and fuel injection. A racing
version of the four-cylinder K 100, called the K 100 RS, is also rolled
out. Not to be eclipsed by the new machine, the twin claims another
Paris-Dakar victory under the skilled maneuvering of Hubert Auriol.
1984. Hubert Auriol continues to rack up
Paris-Dakar victories, this time accompanied by teammate Gaston Rakier. A
touring version of the K Series is released (K 100 RT) and BMW announces
plans to continue the manufacture of both 4-cylinder and flat-twin engines
in a ratio of 60%-40% respectively. The year's new Boxers are all equipped
with a lightweight clutch and lower-powered engine giving them a
characteristic pleasant, smooth ride.
1985. BMWs designs its only three-cylinder
motorcycle to date, the K 75 C. Using 50% common parts with its older
brother the K 100, it has excellent fuel economy (57 miles per gallon),
more nimble handling and considerable power (75 bhp at 8,500 rpm) reaching
a top speed of 124 mph.
1986. The addition of a sports fairing and other
minor modifications turns the K 75 C into the K 75 S - BMW's only
three-cylinder sports motorcycle. Boxer innovation keeps pace with the
re-launch of the limited edition R 100 RS now with monolever rear
suspension and a 60 bhp engine. Though produced as a limited edition
machine, it goes on to become very popular. BMW is now offering
motorcycles in 48, 50, 60, 70 and 90BHP options.
1987. The R 100 RT is re-launched this year with
monolever rear suspension and a smaller 60 bhp engine (the original was 70
bhp). BMW's double-jointed single-sided swing arm Paralever system makes
its debut this year. And again, BMW continues to produce for both the
twins and K-Series by offering the 1000-cc K 100 LT luxury cruiser a 580
lb. behemoth generating 90 bhp at 8,000 rpm.
1988. Known as the "biggest dirt bike in the
world" and weighing in at a healthy 463 lbs., the R 100 G/S goes into
production this year. Utilizing a stronger frame with longer forks, BMW
touted the numerous modifications on this model by claiming you can "count
the number of unchanged components on one hand." The R 80 G/S also goes
into production with an optional Paris-Dakar version complete with larger
fuel tank. Continuing to veer away from its traditional aesthetics, the
new motorcycles were offered in classic black and also yellow. BMW is the
first company to make machines with electronic/hydraulic ABS, considered
motorcycling's safety aid of the decade.
1989. Designed the year before, BMW puts the
futuristic K1, their fastest road-going machine, into production. Overseen
by the head of design at the time, Martin Probst, the avant-garde
motorcycle comes complete with the first-ever digital engine electronics
system. With a 1000 cc, four-cylinder engine it can generate a massive
power output of 100 bhp at 8,000 rpm and is clocked at 143 mph. The K1
alienates some BMW traditionalists with its flashy bright red finish and
yellow graphics, but it garners numerous headlines throughout the year
flying in the face of the conventional perception of BMW.
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