Racing and racing success have been inseparably linked to BMW motorcycles for the last 84 years. They have been a vital part of the brand from the very first day, bringing it world fame and making a crucial contribution to the outstanding reputation of the BMW series production motorcycles.

2008 BMW Sports Boxer

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2008 BMW Sports Boxer
  • Horsepower: 130 HP
  • Torque: @ 9500 RPM
  • Transmission: 6-speed
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Three years after the end of the BoxerCup, a BMW Motorrad factory team returns to solo racing on April 21st 2007 with a sports flat-twin “boxer” machine. At the legendary 24-Hour Race of Le Mans, a specially prepared sports boxer will carry forward the brand’s racing tradition. The aim of this involvement is not only to satisfy the enthusiasm of racing fans, but also to demonstrate the sporting quality of the brand and of the BMW boxer.


In the 2007 season, the Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport will enter a total of four European 24-hour races. Three of these races - those held in Le Mans, Oschersleben and Magny Cours - form part of the “QMMF Endurance World Championship 2007”. Here, the sports boxer on the technical basis of the BMW R 1200 S will participate in the “Open Class” due to the currently valid FIM regulations.


April 21st/22nd, Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, Le Mans, France

The opening race of the QMMF Endurance World Championship 2007 will be held at the Le Mans Bugatti Circuit in the south of Le Mans, France. The track is one of the most famous in the world due to the legendary 24-hour races which are held there.


In 2007, the “24 heures moto” celebrates its 30th anniversary, so large numbers of spectators are expected to come to the 4.3 kilometer race track. With a capacity of 100,000, the spectator facilities guarantee an excellent view of the race. This traditional event has much of the character of a popular festival and will feature a range of live concerts. The starting shot will be sounded at 3 pm for the “Le Mans start” which takes its name from this track.


July 7th/8th, Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain

“24 hores frigo del motociclismo 2007” – this is the official title of the 24-hour race held at the Circuit de Catalunya, opened in 1991. The circuit is located in Montmeló, to the north of Barcelona and is 4.6 kilometers in length.


August 11th/12th, Motorsport Arena, Oschersleben, Germany

For many motor racing fans, this race will be the highlight of the “10th German Speedweek”. The 3.7 kilometer track near Magdeburg promises an impressive atmosphere with its typical arena-like character.


September 15th/16th, Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, France

The very name “Bol d’Or” is enough to make fans of endurance racing wax lyrical. Once again this year, the final of the endurance championships will attract some 100,000 spectators to the 4.4 kilometer circuit south of Nevers.


The final production version of the Sport Boxer will be officially unveiled at the Paris Motorcycle Show in September.


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The fascination of long-distance racing

The sports boxer based on the BMW R 1200 S.


The technical basis for the endurance motorcycle is provided by the sports flat-twin “boxer” BMW R 1200 S, launched in May 2006. In spite of numerous modifications for endurance racing, the motorcycle remains true to its roots:  the chassis concept with the BMW Motorrad EVO Telelever and Paralever, the well proven shaft drive and the characteristic BMW Motorrad lines demonstrate at a glance that this motorcycle is ‘Made in Germany’.


The most striking feature remains the flat-twin “boxer” engine – something which has become rare in motorcycle racing nowadays. In spite of limitations to peak output inherent in the concept and disadvantages in terms of aerodynamics due to the cylinder arrangement, BMW Motorrad has deliberately decided to use this tradition-steeped engine type for its endurance racing bike.


In order to achieve the higher engine speeds necessary for use in racing, however, the cylinder head has been redesigned. A modified valve operating system activates the enlarged intake and outlet valves. Other changes include the altered inlet and outlet channels ducts, new forged pistons and adapted connecting rods. A new titanium exhaust system helps provide an optimum torque curve. As usual, the engine management system is taken care of by the BMW Motorrad BMS-K, though here it has a revised characteristic map for racing purposes.


As a result of these modifications, engine output has been increased to well over 130 bhp. The engine speed limit is around 9500 rpm.


All the important information is displayed to the rider on the new freely programable racing dashboard. This instrument panel can be connected to a lap timer for example and if required can generate a visual flash to indicate to the rider to shift gears.


Other typical racing functions of this bike are a gearshift assistant (rider can upshift without the use of the clutch), the speed limiter function for the pit lane and the crash sensor (shuts off the engine in the event of a crash).


In order to reduce the time spent in the pits as much as possible, a quick-change facility was mounted on the front wheel as is typical in endurance racing. For this purpose, the distance between the inner and outer fork tubes has been enlarged. Together with the combination of standard single-sided swing arm and a central wheel nut from Formula 1 on the rear wheel, this means that the new forged wheels can be changed quickly.


As far as the chassis is concerned, the bike is fitted with an Öhlins sports chassis adapted to racing requirements, new aluminum fork stabilizers and an adjustable steering damper.


The front brake is a new twin disc brake with radially bolted four-piston fixed calipers. Radial armatures round off the racing package here too.


All trim parts have been optimized for the aerodynamic and ergonomic needs of Supersports use and made entirely of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. The light alloy rear frame of the series production model has been replaced by a light, self-supporting carbon rear. During the race a new front trim section made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic is mounted in the daytime. To see and be seen at night a second front section is mounted featuring one halogen and one xenon headlamp, as well as new LED rear light. A machine-cut aluminium footrest with carbon heel protection enables the reverse gearshift typical of racing. Protection is provided by cylinder protection covers made of carbon with exchangeable scuff pads.


A larger fuel tank is necessary for long distance use with a capacity of 23 liters and a fast filling valve.  In spite of the additional volume of 6 liters, the racing bike still weighs an impressive 51 lbs. less than the series production machine.


During training sessions and test runs the motorcycle appeared in black only, but in Le Mans it will be presented in the characteristic BMW Motorrad motor racing colors.


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SPECS


Engine

Capacity,cd: 1170

Bore x stroke,mm: 101/73

Output,kW/bhp: >96/ /130

Max. torque,rpm: approx.  9,500

Type: Flat twin

No. of cylinders: 2

Compression ratio: 12.5:1

Valves per cylinder: 4

Ø Intake/outlet,mm: 39/33

Throttle valve diameter,mm: 52

Carburetion: BMS-K


Electrical system

Headlamps,W: 1 x H, 1 x Xenon

Starter,kW: 1.1


Power transmission/gearbox

Clutch: Single dry plate clutch,  Ø 180 mm

Gearbox: Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox

Primary ratio: 1.824            

Gear ratio steps:

  • I: 2.277
  • II: 1.583
  • III: 1.259
  • IV: 1.033
  • V: 0.903
  • VI: 0.805

Rear wheel drive: Shaft drive

Transmission ratio: 2.75


Chassis

Frame type: Main and front frame made of steel tubing, rear section omitted, partially self-supporting powertrain

Front wheel location/suspension: BMW Telelever with Öhlins suspension strut

Rear wheel location/suspension: BMW Paralever with Öhlins suspension strut

Spring travel, front/rear,mm: 110/120

Castor,mm: 87

Wheelbase,mm: 1 487

Steering head angle,°: 66

Brakes:

  • front: Twin disc brake Ø 305 mm, 4-piston fixed caliper, radial bolting
  • rear: Single disc brake Ø 265 mm

Wheels: Forged wheels

  • front: 3.50 x 17
  • rear: 6.00 x 17

Tyres:

  • front: 120/70 ZR 17
  • rear: 190/55 ZR 17


Dimensions and weights

Racing weight with full tank,kg: 195

Tank capacity,l: 23