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Press Release
BMW's surprise revolution - the new BMW F800 S twin-cylinder.
BMW 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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