2005 BMW K1200S
By now you have seen, read or heard about the new 2005 BMW K1200S. This is one of the sportiest BMWs possibly ever. When I was out at my local BMW dealer last weekend the new K1200S was finally on the lot. There was as buzz of local riders at the dealer checking out the new bike. Now I know what you're going to say, didn't you just post something about a new BMW. Well yes I did but that was the R 1200 ST and both of the bikes were on the lot that day.

Here are the links to the pictures I took of the new bike.
Image 1 | Image 2 | Image 3 | Image 4
Here is what BMW has to say about this new bike.
The K 1200 S was designed as a sport bike and is a completely separate motorcycle within the K family. It is radically new, featuring an unprecedented number of innovations. It is a high-precision sport bike offering unique agility as well as enormous output. Its power to weight ratio is on the level with the competition and almost 50 percent better than the K 1200 RS.
The K 1200 S is powered by a transversely mounted 1157-cc four-cylinder inline engine with integrated transmission and is unique among sport bikes due to its overall concept in conjunction with the lightweight construction shaft drive.
The extreme forward tilt of the cylinder bank ensures a low center of gravity. In this way it was possible to achieve an ideal wheel load distribution of 50:50 percent in combination with the overall geometric layout. The engine has an extraordinarily narrow design achieved by a series of special design features. The engine width at the crankshaft level is approximately the same as for 600-cc engines.
The engine of the K 1200 S is based on the latest generation as presented at the beginning of the year in the R 1200 GS. It also features integrated knock control and in this advanced four-cylinder engine, it represents the most sophisticated engine management system currently available for motorcycles.
The K 1200 S is also highly innovative on the suspension side. A revolutionary front wheel suspension using two parallel links--without telescopic forks--ensures extremely sensitive response together with excellent precision, outstanding overall rigidity and low weight. The electronically adjustable suspension also represents a world first in production motorcycle manufacturing.
The new K 1200 S is of course also equipped with the unique BMW Motorrad Integral ABS in the partially integral version. In conjunction with the EVO brakes, this system ensures maximum deceleration and the shortest of braking distances in all road conditions.
Here are some of the specs on the K1200S.
Engine - 1157cc, four cylinder, DOHC,16 valve
Horsepower - 167hp @ 10,250rpm

0 to 60 - 2.8 seconds
Torque - 96 ft-lb @ 8,250rpm
Gearbox - Six speed
Final Drive- Shaft
Front Brakes - Dual 320mm discs, Integral ABS
Rear Brake - Single 265mm disc, Integral ABS
Wet Weight - 248kg complete with all fluids and fuel
One of the most interesting options for the K1200S is the Electronic Suspension Adjustment or ESA for short. Sorry I don't have a picture of this on the Info Flat Screen. The ESA allows the rider to select 9 different suspension settings with the touch of a button. Sport Normal and Comfort can be selected for one-up two-up or two-up with luggage.
Do you want to know more? Head over to bmwk1200s.com. There is a bunch of great information and a number of good photos of the K1200S and the future K1200R, the naked variant of the S.
So what do you think of the new sportbike offering from BMW? Is it something you would consider?
2005 BMW K1200S Pricing
MSRP $15,750 without ABS (includes $350 destination)
MSRP $16,745 with ABS (includes $350 destination)
Options Pricing
$750 - Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA)
$200 - Heated Hand Grips
$210 - Anti Theft Alarm
Every K1200S in the inital allocations to the dealers will include ABS.
Update - See my post below for results of the UK's Motor Cycle News's report on the K1200S.