BMW Phils. unveils K 1200 S motorcycle

[totalmotorcycle]

BMW Phils. unveils K 1200 S motorcycle
by ARIS R. ILAGAN





BMW Motorrad enthusiasts have two reasons to smile nowadays with the introduction of the K 1200 S sports motorcycle.


First, BMW Philippines considers it as its entry in the motorcycle "sports" category and second, the K 1200 S will be formally launched in the Philippines today, April 22, at the NBC Tent at The Fort even before other countries have had the chance to glimpse this racing machine.

Call it luck but this writer was among the three motoring journalists, along with rian Afuang of the Manila Times and Lester Dizon of Philippine Star, who were allowed to test the K 1200 S on the winding roads of Antipolo, Rizal last Tuesday.

Enjoying its performance and ride handling even on a short six-kilometer stretch, the experience was worth it.

Actually, the introduction of the K 1200 S sports machine was delayed for several months after BMW Philippines president Dr. Joerg Breuer sought for minor refinements on some of its parts. A group of BMW Motorrad dealers from the Philippines even took the four-cylinder, shaft driven K 1200 S for a spin at the Nurburgring race track and Autobahn in Germany in July last year.

Finally, the long wait for the K 1200 S is over.

Leonardo "Dec" Decampong, BMW Motorcycles manager, claimed that the strength of the K 1200 S comes from the re-designed crosswise-fitted, straight four power plant that produces 167 brake horse power at 10,250 rpm. Amazingly, the torque prowess of the K 1200 S is already available from a low of 3,000 rpm. Maximum torque rating is at 130 Nm at 8,250 rpm that you seldom need to down shift just to recover speed from sixth or fifth gear.

The K 1200 S engine’s center of gravity is lower as compared to that of the top-heavy BMW Boxer Cup 1000cc that is translated to better handling.

Weighing just 81.3 kilograms — including the clutch and the gearbox assembly — the K 1200 S engine is one of the lightest engines in the 1200cc class in the market.

Another pioneering technology of the BMW K 1200 S is the electronically controlled spring and damper adjustments that can be altered to the desired position by just pressing a button. It can be adjusted or preset to at least nine settings, including those requiring tandem riding, having extra cargo load or for its truest fighting form on circuit racing events.

The damper rating can also be electronically adjusted through the Central Electronic System (CES) for a choice of comfort, normal or sports riding mode.

Now equipped with a Duolever front-wheel suspension combined with the Paralever rear suspension made of high-strength cast aluminum alloy exclusively designed by BMW, the K 1200 S riding handling is very precise and directionally accurate which is essential for high performance motorcycles.

"BMW does not like dare devils. We always go for controlled power," Lito German, BMW Philippines corporate communications manager emphasized.

Even during my first encounter with K 1200 S, there was no hesitation for a speed trip on the winding roads of Antipolo. It behaved well in that brief familiarization run.

In case the urge for speed becomes uncontrollable, there is the huge EVO 320 mm double disk in front and 265 single-disc brake system at the rear with BMW Motorrad Integral ABS technology.

There is also an option for "partly integrated" brake system wherein the front and rear brakes are simultaneously activated when the rider pulls the handbrake level while the foot brake only activates the rear-wheel brakes.

Just like its brother R 1200 GS, the K 1200 S boasts of its Single-Wire System that offers a wide range of all-new system networking electrical and electronic components in a motorcycle. This system integrates all control units into a single wire to provide a common network in transmitting signals regardless of their function. Aside from resulting to reduction of weight with lessened wire harness, the SWS provides comprehensive diagnostic abilities on the K 1200 S engine status.

Unfortunately, there was only one K 1200 S available at that time and we had to return to AutoHaus in Libis, Quezon City riding on other BMW premium motorcycles like the equally stunning R 1200 and the F650 CS.

Think about this. BMW specs indicate that the K 1200 S can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 2.8 seconds. And let see if you have the guts to squeeze its throttle to full speed of 200 kph.

Despite its sports-like characteristics, the tank and seat K 1200 S were designed to provide the rider a comfortable position that allows optimum knee grip with less strain on wrists with handle bar position.

For R1,090,000 (mono-color), the K 1200 S definitely needs a dependable anti-theft security system with transponder against motorcycle thieves.

On the other hand, the multi-color variant that is equipped with ABS and Electronic Suspension Adjustment is priced at R1,131,000.

Both models go with a standard electronic immobilizer that is controlled via a transponder in the key to the ignition. The same security system can be found in every BMW car.