Twenty-five candles on the motorcycle cake for BMW's K series
The Staff of Clutch and Chrome
July 9th 2008
This is the
year for anniversaries and celebrations in the motorcycle
world, with BMW planning its own festivities.
It was 25
years ago in 1983 when
BMW introduced the ground-breaking
new line of water-cooled 4-cylinder motorcycles called
simply the "K." There is much history around the K bikes, as
they became known as the new flagship BMW motorcycle range
with powerful engines mated to modern styling. The K bikes
soon became the new host machines for BMW's most
cutting-edge technology and the most powerful power plants.
BMW Motorrad
USA and
BMW Motorcycle Owners of America will be celebrating
the 25th anniversary of the legendary BMW K bikes at the
36th Annual BMW MOA's
National Rally. K bikes will be the
focus through out the rally and on Saturday, July 19th
they'll be specially celebrated with a concours style
showing and judging, awards, a history of the K bikes
seminar and special 25th anniversary memorabilia.
BMW's 1988 K
100 RS
Click to Enlarge
The ABS (Antilock Braking System) for example, was first
introduced on a K 100 RS in 1988 model year (MY). The ESA
(Electronic Suspension Adjustment) was introduced on the K
1200 S in 2005 MY. BMW launched their first 100hp power
plant with the wind-tunnel refined K1 and continuing with
this tradition they used the K line to release their very
first 130hp engine on the truly unique K 1200 RS in 1997 for
1998 MY. BMW's current most powerful motorcycle engine runs
another K bike, the 167hp, inline-4 four, K 1200 S.
For more
historic information and a look back into the K's
twenty-five year history, enthusiasts can visit a
website honoring the
motorcycle.
For riders
interested in entering their K motorcycles in the different
contests at the BMW MOA National Rally in Gillette, WY., the
categories are as follows;
- All K
1100, K 100 and K 75 models
- K 1200
RS and 1st Gen K 1200 GT
- K 1200
S, K 1200 R, K 1200 R Sport and the new K 1200 GT
- All K
1200 LT
- All K1
- Best of
Show
Other highlights of the
rally are the seminars which include topics such as;
- "My Dog Ate My Bike" & Other Wild Tales from the World of Motorcycle Insurance
- The Perils, Pitfalls, Promises and Payoffs of Professional Tours
- Heated Clothing - The Myths & the Facts
- The Best Place on Earth to Ride Motorcycles (Win a Free Tour of New Zealand)
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