BMW announce K1200R championship.

BMW has announced that a new one make championship, using the company's brand new K1200R 'power roadster', will act as a replacement for the popular Boxer Cup series at selected MotoGP events from next season.

"The new K1200R is the ideal motorcycle for a brand cup and will not only thrill the fans of the brand but above all also those of competitors,"stated Berthold Hauser, head of motor sports at BMW Mottrad.

"We want to show motorcycle riders who have been sceptical towards BMW up to now, that the new K concept holds great sports potential," he added.

The K1200R is the 'naked' version of the K1200S 'Superbike' (middle pic) and is powered by a high performance in-line four-cylinder engine. It also features the innovative wishbone type suspension system.

The roadster model of the new K series has been selected for the new championship 'since the technology of the bike is not hidden behind any faring but is there for all to see'.

"We believe that this unmistakable power roadster will be a special attraction on the circuit and will be of great interest to many professional and also young riders," said Hauser.

As is the case for the Boxer Cup (top pic), which concludes at the end of the 2004 season, the races will be conducted before the international backdrop of the MotoGP world championship. Currently seven races are planned, one of which will be held in the USA.

The final title of the K1200R cup and the precise regulations are still being finalised, but more details will be announced at the final Boxer Cup race, at the Valencia GP, this weekend.

In 2005, BMW will also continue to supply MotoGP with safety cars, but there will 'definitely' be no further motorcycle racing commitments: The long-standing decision that BMW will not take part in the motorcycle world championships still applies, although the German company's continued courting of MotoGP is a clear sign of their interest in the series.