BMW's vertical challenge
It hasn't exactly been a well-kept secret, but it was still hard to believe that BMW really was building a mid-sized bike, with a vertical twin rather than its traditional boxer engine. Well, it's true -- here is the factory media releaseBMW Motorrad has launched six new bikes in the past two years and the new range has been an unprecedented success, achieving popularity and approval from consumers and experts respectively. In four segments of the overall market, BMW's lighter, more agile and powerful machines have quickly become established as the definitive choice and a desirable alternative to the conventional.
Having launched leading contenders in the superbike, enduro, touring and sports touring categories, BMW Motorrad has turned its attention to the highly competitive sports middleweight class. And, in true BMW tradition, the new contender has turned out to be something of a surprise package, revealing the first twin-cylinder, in-line engine in the history of BMW Motorrad.
Designated the F800 S, the new model will roll off the Berlin assembly lines in the first half of 2006. However, the machine's nomenclature gives no hint of the new middleweight entrant's break with BMW tradition. The F800 S has been designed around an 800cc parallel-twin engine, which has been produced in cooperation with Bombardier-Rotax GmbH and will be manufactured at the Austrian Rotax plant. It will be supplied to the Berlin line ready for assembly.
The four-valve unit has a high compression ratio of 12:1 and a combustion chamber based on that of the new K1200 S engine. With power output exceeding 80 bhp and strong torque characteristics, the result is effective low-emission combustion with fuel consumption well below the class average. Mass compensation for the crankshaft helps to eliminate unwanted vibrations but still retain the strong characteristics of the parallel-twin configuration. A closed-loop three-way catalytic converter and state-of-the-art digital engine electronics ensure advanced environmental compliance with minimal loss of efficiency.
More details will follow of a sophisticated new suspension system that is designed to achieve top class handling and legendary BMW road holding. Other classic BMW virtues such as safety (optional ABS), highest environmental compliance, an ergonomic riding position, and comfort - even for pillion passengers - aim to define new benchmarks in the middleweight class.
A compact drive unit with integrated six-speed transmission has been designed for a balanced engine performance. Power is transmitted by BMW Motorrad's easy-to-maintain and quiet toothed belt. Lighter than a drive shaft, the highly durable belt delivers superb performance, is long lasting, quiet in operation and maintenance free. It is also lightweight and a key contributor to the new bike's low overall dry weight of less than 190kg.
The world premiere of the F800 S will be at the international motorcycle show (EICMA) in Milan on 15 November 2005.
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