Bmw K1200s

BMW is entering the World Superbike Championship in 2009.

While the BMW 325is parts machine has long been involved in "car" motorsport, and has also participated on "biking" events like the Dakar and Paris, its recent entry into the Le Mans 24 hour race was the first time in 5 years BMW has its own team of roadworks races.

For many years, ran the BMW Boxer Cup championship for the machines and R1100 for PowerCup K1200R. It has also provided significant sponsorship for the MotoGP championship.

The motorsport activities have stimulated echoed in its range of production models. The K1200S, K1200R and the new R1200S indicative of a new sports face a vehicle manufacturer whose products were once considered the two wheeled equivalent to a pair of slippers.

BMW is not only the road race. In fact, his prototype 450cc enduro marked a greater involvement in off-road competition. In addition, BMW has signed an agreement last week to acquire the Husqvarna brand completely from the previous owner Claudio Castiglioni. The results are a ready-made (and race) range of off-road machines and bicycles to keep the Husqvarna brand, instead of BMW badge.

Reports indicate that the decision to enter WSB might come after a brainstorming behind the scenes with the concept of a MotoGP championship but based on production is probably a more appropriate niche "for the brand. Racing in WSB will boost the marketing of its more road bikes.

Back in 1992, BMW has developed a boxer twin superbike to take on the Ducati in WSB conquering. Called the R1, the BMW prototype used a brand new 1000cc, DOHC, liquid cooled boxer twin, with around 160bhp. There is no more fit today's standards, but back then it was enough competition.

In the further development of the motorcycle, BWM decided the design would not be competitive enough to ensure the success necessary to make the investment profitable and sustained the idea of race.

Now the company is back. His latest project, using a four-cylinder engine, guarantees to be truly competitive. Inside the factory is the new codename 190/190, which is 190bhp at the crankshaft and a weight of 190 kg wet in the road being completed. If it hits the race versions should have no problem reaching the required 210 hp to be competitive in WSB, and the cup to the minimum weight limit of 162 kg for the series.

BMW has not officially commented on the project, but an insider told reporters he would make an announcement about his plans before the race season. The insider also hinted that there would be a huge surprise to any of the shows most bikes this year, suggesting a prototype of the new machine might work.
BMW will be racing in 2009. Nevertheless, showing a prototype will allow him the luxury of testing relatively publicly for a year on tracks used by the WSB series without trying to hide the bike. In addition, the production versions of 190/190 could go on sale before its race debut.