BMW K1 (1988 - 1993)

The BMW K1 was one of the boldest motorcycles BMW had ever put into production. Unveiled at the end of the 1980s, it wrapped the company’s longitudinal four-cylinder K-series engineering in dramatic wind-tunnel bodywork, giving BMW a futuristic sports-tourer at a time when the brand was better known for boxer twins and conservative touring machines.

Beyond its polarising looks, the K1 introduced important technology into BMW’s motorcycle line. BMW described it as the world’s first motorcycle with digital engine electronics, and the model also used advanced aerodynamics, Paralever shaft-drive thinking and a four-valve cylinder head to show that the company was prepared to reinvent itself for the modern performance era.