BMW K1000S or MotoGP prototype? Interview with Dr. Diess of BMW Motorrad
In our recent interview with Dr. Herbert Diess, the Director of BMW Motorrad, he makes it very clear that BMW is not working on a MotoGP prototype. Picture of Dr. Diess courtesy of BMW. Other pictures are used for illustration purposes only. Here are some extracts from that interview: Dr. Diess on 800cc MotoGP prototype: There will definitely be no MotoGP prototype – that is MCN speculation without any basis in fact.And: BMW Motorrad is not developing any MotoGP prototypes. BMW further emphasises that the bike shown in various magazines on racetracks are purely a "technology bearer" to test new BMW features under extreme riding conditions.
Dr. Diess on BMW HP models: Q: Will you in the future launch High Power versions in all your model series? For instance, could we see a K1200S HP, R1200S HP, F800S HP and so on in the future? If not, what is the plan? A: We can imagine another HP model in the future. But initially we will be concentrating on the 2-cylinder flat twin. R&R comment: This hints at a R1200S HP as our illustration shows.
Dr. Diess on BMW F800R and F800GS: The R model: Yes, we’re looking into it. At the moment we don’t wish to say anything else about the engine and the design.R&R comment: This confirms there will be a F800R. The GS model: We can certainly imagine a F800 GS. The F 650 GS will still be in our sales range in 2007.
Dr. Diess on the K-series: At the moment the K series is complete. The K 1200 S currently remains the top model in terms of engine performance.R&R comment: This means that a K1200S HP4 Sport model is not ready for any imminent launch, however that BMW supersport you have seen being tested on the racetrack in Spain is just as likely to be a test bike of a future HP model based on the in-line four engine, or a brand new K1000S to compete with the litre bikes and WSB in the future. If any manufacturer has shown to be capable of putting groundbreaking technology in its road bikes it is BMW. Many bikes has been rumoured to get traction control in 2007 and 2008. The BMW being tested at the moment could well be such a roadbike. But the official line is that the bike is merely a "technology bearer". The full interview with the answers on the Aprilia RXV co-operation, the future of the GS and BMW in the world markets will be published at a later date. More as the story develops. Interview by Tor Sagen/CG's: HvW
