BMW introduced the BMW K1 in 1988 with a full fairing and a distinctive streamlined design.
The K1 was based on BMW’s longitudinally mounted inline-four K-series engine, but its bodywork was far more radical than the company’s conventional touring motorcycles. The fairing enclosed much of the motorcycle and used integrated aerodynamic features intended to reduce drag and improve high-speed stability.
BMW equipped the K1 with a 987 cc liquid-cooled engine and shaft drive. Its unusual styling divided opinion, yet it became an important example of BMW experimenting with performance aerodynamics and a more sporting identity.
The K1 is often mistaken for the K100RS because both used four-cylinder K-series technology and substantial fairings. The K100RS preceded the K1 and had a more restrained design; the fully enclosed, sharply styled model introduced in 1988 was the K1.