An R1 rival from BMW

BMW’s new focus on building high-performance sports machines is getting sharper still – with plans for a bike to rival the likes of Yamaha’s R1.

The triple-cylindered bike will effectively use three-quarters of the four-cylinder engine used in the powerful new K1200S – with a longer stroke to increase capacity from 900cc to around 1000.

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The full story, including BMW’s plans to join in MotoGP, is revealed in this week’s MCN – on sale from August 5, 2004.

The R1-rival will benefit from the Hossack-style Duolever front end suspension found on the K1200S, too.

BMW’s Marcus Braunsperger, said: “We want to create a more dynamic image for BMW and have looked at this sort of bike. Sports bikes are part of the future plans for BMW.”