BMW's 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 also a sportbike offering unique agility as well as high output. Its power to weight ratio is said to be on the level with the competition and almost 50 percent better than the K 1200 RS.

K 1200 S is powered by a transversely mounted 1157-cc four-cylinder inline engine with integrated transmission and is unique among sportbikes due to its overall concept in conjunction with the lightweight-construction shaft drive.

An extreme forward tilt of the cylinder bank (55°) 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 width achieved by a series of special design features. Engine width at the crankshaft level is approximately the same as for 600-cc engines. This not only allows for very deep engine installation and maximum lean angle, it also gives the bike a narrow and sporty silhouette.

The engine can rev up into the five-digit regions and output exceeds 160 hp. Environmental compatibility is safeguarded by a closed-loop three-way catalytic converter and digital engine electronics, which have been standard features on all BMW motorcycles for years. 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.

K 1200 S is also highly innovative on the suspension side. A revolutionary front suspension using two parallel links without a telescopic fork 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 equipped with a partially integral version of BMW’s Integral ABS. In conjunction with the EVO brakes, this system ensures maximum deceleration and the shortest of braking distances in all road conditions.

BMW's K 1200 S will be presented to the international public in September of this year at the INTERMOT motor show in Munich. It will be launched onto the market soon after. The price has not yet been set. All familiar models of the K family, the K 1200 RS, the K 1200 GT and the K 1200 LT will remain part of the model range beyond 2004.