MOTORCYCLING ICONS FROM BYGONE TIMES
Krauser MKM 1000 4v 1981
The use of computers in frame design was still relatively new in the late 1970s, though after much experimentation a new space frame was developed that used 52 straight and 4 slightly bent chromium-molybdenum steel tubes requiring welds at 150 points.
This new frame, nicknamed the bird cage by period motorcycle journalists, weighed in at just 11.6 kilograms-6 kilograms less than the original BMW frame. A series of other changes were made when integrating the BMW parts, the engine sat slightly higher, the front forks were an inch and a half lower, rake and trail were increased, custom rear sets were developed as well as a metal fuel tank that is hidden under the elegant one piece tank cover. seat, rear cowling. A matching aerodynamic fairing was developed for use on the autobahns and a wider swing arm allowed the fitment of a wider rear wheel with subsequently wider rear rubber
Though the Krauser MKM 1000 was a beautifully designed motorcycle with excellent handling and characteristic German reliability, it was astonishingly expensive for the time at $14,000. This limited the sales somewhat, with approximately 237 being built between 1980 and 1982