It's been long-rumored that BMW is considering a campaign in the Superbike racing world with a machine inspired by the bikes from Japan. In fact, test mules have been seen lapping racing circuits with Yamaha R6 bodywork, meaning that the chassis and engine are quite compact for this class. BMW has made liter-bikes before, but none have used the industry-standard chassis layout placing the four-cylinder engine transversely between the frame rails with chain-drive and upside-down forks. It will be interesting to see what engineering details BMW chooses to utilizes, because they never do anything exactly like everybody else. The bike should make 190 horsepower or more to do battle in Superbike racing if they want to be competitive. The above image was commissioned by Motociclismo and may be fairly accurate since we already know so much about what will be underneath the skin.

Like the Aprilia RSV-4, the BMW will give riders, racers and spectators a few interesting story-lines when World Superbike starts back up for the 2009 season.

[Source: Motociclismo via Hell for Leather Magazine]

BMW K1000R - coming to a dealership, and race track, near you? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

BMW has been known to come up with some interesting motorcycle designs, such as the Telelever, Duolever and Paralever suspension configurations. The above image, taken from a recent patent application, proves that the fertile engineering minds at BMW haven't stopped trying to improve the basic two-wheels-and-an-engine ethos of the motorcycle. Using a flexi-frame which pivots and hinges at most any conceivable location, the computer controlled chassis would be able to right itself even when the rider or outside influences would dictate a crash.

We don't have any real specifics to report on, but we'd imagine that some accelerometers and gyros must be in use here... or maybe a Wiimote or two?

Gallery: Uncrashable BMW Motorcycle

[Source: Motorcycle News]

An uncrashable motorcycle from BMW? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

click above image to view more pics of the BMW F800 GS

BMW has extended its GS range with the new F800 GS adventure-style bike... and it's about time! We've been hearing rumors about this particular machine since just after the original F 800 bikes were initially launched. Time will tell if this new smaller, gentler GS will be worth the wait, but initial impressions are favorable. Featuring an engine based on the parallel-twin from the F-Series is a good start, and the new trellis-style chassis, Marzocchi 45mm inverted fork with an attached 21-inch spoked rim keep the good news rolling.

If all of the above sounds good to you, we hope that propping yourself 34.6 inches above terra-firma doesn't give you vertigo, although you can get an inch lower with an optional seat. Regarding the questionable 'bird-that-just-got-knocked-in-the-head' look of that front end, well... that's BMW Motorrad for you. They've been giving their bikes that one-big, one-small eye quizzical face for a few years now and we're getting used to it. We could also get used to venturing off the beaten path whenever we feel like it, so we're genuinely pleased to see BMW offer this model for sale here in the States.

[Source: BMW]

Gallery: BMW F800 GS

Milan 2007: BMW finally unveils the F800 GS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.