Every year, Motorcyclist editors evaluate all of the newly introduced motorcycle models and select one that they believe has had the most profound impact on motorcycling. "Give BMW credit for doing what Japan wouldn't or couldn't do," said Motorcyclist editors about the K 1200 R, "bolt serious horsepower into a big, comfortable naked bike. This German translation of the naked ideal serves up more motorcycle, leaving its contemporaries looking relatively underdressed when it comes to technological accoutrements."

They pointed out, "as racing technology shrinks the modern sportbike, the BMW is unashamedly big - big enough to accommodate full-sized humans tired of being stuffed into fetal riding positions."

With 163 horsepower and pavement-scorching torque, the BMW K 1200 R is the most powerful naked bike ever to roll off a motorcycle assembly line. From its revolutionary Duolever suspension and Electronic Suspension Adjustment to its partially-integral ABS, the K 1200 R offers a potent combination of technology and muscle.

In summarizing what makes BMW's K 1200 R their pick for 2005 Motorcycle of the Year, Motorcyclist editors concluded, "After reinventing the heart and soul of its motorcycle line-up in little more than a year, BMW clearly isn't afraid of thinking outside the box. In fact, we're pretty sure it scrapped the box entirely. Here's an 82-year-old company that doesn't think like one. It's clearly going after?buyers who want everything - power, comfort, technology and attitude - in one package. No concessions. No apologies. No kidding."

Since its introduction in early 2004, the versatile R 1200 GS - winner of Motorcyclist's Adventure category - has won consistent praise from motorcycle enthusiasts and the motorcycling press for its exceptional performance both on and off-road. In addition to being named Motorcycle of the Year in 2004 by editors of Motorcyclist, International Bike of Year by industry editors, and selected as one of Cycle World's top ten motorcycles for 2004, the GS also earned an International Design Excellence "Gold" Award by the Industrial Design Society of America.

Capturing Motorcyclist's Touring category, the BMW R 1200 RT combines the potent torque of the BMW Boxer engine with the sophisticated design and smooth ride of a premium-touring machine. The RT has traditionally been the mainstay of BMW's model line. BMW Motorrad has again reinvented the new R 1200 R creating a mix of excitement and ergnomics making the RT equally capable of nimbly leaning into a Rocky Mountain pass or gliding gracefully over a grey slash of Montana highway.