Cw Q&a

CW Q&A

Hans Koudella

The new K1 assumes the flagship role for BMW motorcycles. Its performance and styling stretch toward the outer limits for the usually conservative German company. Because of the importance of the K1 to BMW, we talked with Hans Koudella, vice president of the BMW motorcycle group in the U.S., to get his thoughts on the new K1 and its place in America.

Q The K1 will be very expensive in America. Do you see difficulties because of the price?

A Not really. This is a very exclusive motorcycle. Only 2400 of them will be built, and 1400 of those will remain in Germany. You have to remember, we wanted a special motorcycle, one that was a BMW and more.

Q So you think it will be successful?

A in certain regions. America is really many countries, and I think riders in California especially, but also riders in New York and Texas, will appreciate the machine. Those regions are crucial. Also, we have discovered that many of our BMW car owners ride Japanese motorcycles. Now we have something

Q With all the attention given to the K!, can we expect to see I some of its technology filter back to the other K-bikes?

A Some things must be kept secret, mustn’t they? I can say that BMW is working on a series of models and concepts. We always try to meet the market’s demands, so I expect the position of BMW to be strengthened. I think our K-bikes and now the Kl prove BMW’s commitment to motorcycling.

CJ What about the Boxer-Twins?

A Well, I can tell you, we didn’t need a seventh-place finish at Daytona (in this year’s Pro Twins GP race) to convince us that we need to update our Twins. We already know what the European noise regulations will be in the near future and we know what we have to do. That doesn’t necessarily include liquid cooling. We are working on major improvements, but they are down the road.

QSo you see a good future for the K Bikes and the Boxers?

A Yes, it is the will of the BMW motorcycle group to stay in the business, and so our products cannot look old. It’s important that BMW stays a leader in the business and that have a commitment to both lines, have to look ahead and we are already working on that.