Fascination and Passion -- two of the common reactions to this latest edition to the BMW arsenal. The 1998 BMW K 1200 RS is more than just the latest in a long line of excellent sport-touring motorcycles, this one is really something special. It's a 1200cc inline four-cylinder engine thrust into a space-age frame that is the culmination of years of research by world-famous BMW.

A 1200cc BMW. This newly designed 4-cylinder 4-stroke engine sports 4 valves per cylinder, an 11.5:1 compression ratio, and 130 bhp @ 8,750rpm. In short, it's more power than any BMW ever made before. This isn't just another K-bike, this one is explosive. It is fast, newly designed, and vibrantly styled. It's bold, stunning, and powerful. It doesn't turn heads, it snaps necks. The K 1200 RS is truly amazing.

It's more than just power. It's the comforts and reliability that the world has come to expect from BMW. The windshield is adjustable, the footrests are adjustable, there is a two-position seat, and the new BMW paralever front suspension gives unbelievable stability at speed. It also sports a new BMW-invented dual catalytic converter that is more environmentally friendly than was previously imaginable.

Scroll down or choose one of the following items for more information on this BMW powerhouse:

View graphics Drivetrain Frame and Suspension Brakes

Wheels and Tires Dimensions Ergonomics Engine

Engine
Type	four stroke 4-cylinder in-line engine
Bore x stroke	70.5 mm x 75.0 mm
Displacement	1171 ccm
Horsepower	130 Bhp @ 8750 rpm
Torque	85 lb.-ft. @ 6750 rpm
Compression Ratio	11.5:1
Valves	4 per cylinder
Valve Actuation	DOHC, chain
Fuel Capacity	5.5 US gallons including 1 gal. reserve
Battery	12V 19 Ah
Cooling System	Water
Drivetrain
Clutch	single plate, dry, hydraulic actuation
Gear Ratios	primary-- 1.889 1st gear-- 2.045 2nd gear-- 1.600 3rd gear-- 1.267 4th gear-- 1.038 5th gear-- 0.900 6th gear-- 0.800
Final Drive	2.75:1 ratio
Frame and Suspension
Frame	Cast aluminum frame, engine with vibration isolation
Front Suspension	BMW Telelever with leading link support centrally in frame gas shock absorber
Rear Suspension	BMW Paralever with new swingarm and kenematic progression
Brakes
Front Brakes	two 4-piston, fixed calipers with floating disks
Rear Brake	2-piston, fixed caliper with rigid disk
Wheels and Tires
Wheels	alloy wheels with 5 double spoke design
Front Tire	120/70 -- ZR 17 tubeless
Rear Tire	170/60 -- ZR 17 tubeless
Dimensions
Seat Height @ curb weight	30.3" or 31.5" (two position seats)
Curb Weight w/fuel	628 lbs.
Maximum Load	1102 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating
Ergonomics
Front brake and clutch lever	4 positions
Windshield	2 position airflow adjustment
Seat	2 positions
Footrests and Shift Lever	2 positions
Handlebars	2 positions up/down, 3 positions fore/aft

Choose one of the following thumbnails to see the full size graphic:

Or view one of the following (courtesy of Motorrad, a German motorcycle magazine):

The cover of Motorrad
A page from Motorrad
Cockpit view from Motorrad
Front view from Motorrad