KIM’S WORK PAVED THE WAY
In mid-1973, BMW approached Dieter Konig with the idea of using the 680cc Konig flat-four cylinder engine in a BMW frame. A machine was built and tested at the Avis circuit, impressing the BMW executives with its performance. The Bmw-konig 680 hybrid was then put on the factory dyno, but the powerful Konig engine instantly blew the rear tyre apart. At the time a standard BMW 750 boxer would heat the tyre up to a dangerously high-temperature point in five minutes, and the 900 version in one minute. BMW walked away from the idea. Newcombe had planned to produce up-rated Konig bikes for 1974 based on his successful 1973 machine. Superior disc brakes would replace the outdated drum units. Weight was to be reduced significantly as the large brass radiator was very heavy. From a portly 138.6kg, the 1974 Konig was to be reduced to just 114kg by a number of technologies including magnesium wheels, an alloy radiator, alloy disc brakes, and electroncoated cylinders. Newcombe’s development efforts paved the way for another sector of motorcycling. Rolf Steinhausen and Josef Huber scored three victories on their ‘by now’ more reliable Busch/konig outfit to win the 1975 world sidecar championship. Along with other teams, Konig powered ‘chairs’ won six of the seven rounds to also take second and fourth in the title chase. Steinhausen retained his world title for 1976 and Konig equipped sidecars again dominated three-wheeled racing.