03/10/2026
Today’s Road and Sport BMW Sunday Post continues with our part 2 story of the BMW K-Series motorcycles.
Last week we took in the K-Bikes from their beginning in 1983 up to 2003, and today – engine wise - we’ll add-in the word “Transverse” and move away from “Longitudinal” as we visit the 2004 and up models.
Much of this information comes from
bluestradatours .com - a-brief-history-of-the-bmw-k-series
In July 2004, the K-Series changed significantly. The K1200S was presented. It still featured a four-cylinder in-line engine and final shaft drive, but the new 1157 cc engine was mounted transversally – across the frame.
This sport tourer ushered in a completely new transverse K-series. The new engine had the cylinders inclined forward 55° from the vertical to keep the centre of gravity low, and delivered a hot 167 HP.
The arrangement required the presence of a second bevel gear at the gearbox outlet but allowed the cylinder bore to be increased to obtain an oversquare engine with sporting characteristics, and to adopt more efficient intake and exhaust flows essential to reach the required power.
The chassis was on a double beam and open cradle frame in light alloy, with the engine acting as the stressed member, and in a very uniquely BMW way featured a deeply revised Paralever rear suspension and a new double wishbone anti-dive front suspension called Duolever.
With a weight reduced to 248 kg – practically equal to that of the first K100RS – the 2004 K1200S could reach over 275 km/h, yet retained space and comfort for the rider.
The S was followed by the K1200R, and later by the 2005 152 HP K1200GT tourer, which despite having the same name as the previous K1200GT was improved in size, passenger and luggage space, comfort, and performance.
In late 2006, all transverse engine Ks were equipped with a new integral braking system without boosters. The elegant K1200R Sport was also introduced, based on the naked version but equipped with a slim and effective half-fairing.
At the end of 2008, a slight restyling and a name change marked the introduction of a new 1301 cc engine, with power increased to 175 HP for the K1300R and S and to 160 HP for the K1300GT.
2010 saw the birth of the K1600. Essentially based on the same mechanical layout as the K1300 but with a more elegant look, this bike boasts a sensational 1649 cc in-line six-cylinder engine with 160 HP, a strong 175 Nm of maximum torque, and new and extremely sophisticated riding control electronics derived from that of the S1000RR super sports bike.
The 1600s were available as a GT model, or GTL complete with top-box and more lavishly equipped.
In 2017, they were joined by the K1600B with a more slender, bagger-style line, and at the end of 2021, the K1600s underwent a particularly pronounced facelift, highlighted by the new LED front light unit.
The K1300R was taken off the list in 2015, in fact its replacement was the hyper-super-naked S1000R, while the sport tourer K1300S left the range in 2016.
Apart from the K1600 bikes, the time has passed for the K-Series and none remain in the range. The newest Boxer models have engines offering power, torque, and importantly globally legal emissions, while retaining the true heart of BMW Motorrad.
But we all have special riding memories of great days in the saddle with great friends… and for this Road and Sport writer several K-Series RS model BMWs are locked into some of those golden rides.
Have a great Sunday!
