Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Sources within BMW have confirmed that the next generation K-series motorcycle is currently under development with an anticipated launch for the 2005 model year, but said that the bike will not be a Hayabusa-challenging, 175-mph Superbike, as some European websites are reporting.

“It’s basically in the design and prototype stages right now. That’s why lot of what you see on the Internet is just speculation and doctored up photos, etc. with really no solid technical information on them yet at this point,” said our source. The new K-bike will definitely not be a “Hayabusa-killer [or a] supersport bike…It still will be considered more of a sport-oriented, sport-touring-type bike.”

Even though the new K-series platform will have more power and improved suspension over the current K models, it won’t be much more expensive than current BMWs. But it also “won’t compete in the $12,000 bracket,” says our source.

Details on the new K-series models should begin to come out in the second half of 2004.