In 1988, BMW took aerodynamic efficiency to its zenith with the K1, whose all-enveloping, downforce-producing bodywork was based on the “Racer” concept drawn by Karl-Heinz Abe in 1984. The impact-absorbing bodywork gave the K1 a drag coefficient of just 0.335 when a Cd of 0.4-0.5 was the norm. The K1 got BMW’s first motorcycle engine with a four-valve cylinder head, Bosch Digital Motor Electronics, and a closed-loop, three-way catalytic converter. The bike seen here was part of BMW of North America’s press fleet before it went on display at the BMW Manufacturing Zentrum.

For more pictures and information on this or any other vehicle in the Motorcycles exhibit, check out the exhibition book in our store!