This was on Motorrad…….As the fourth international speed trials at Utah's famed Bonneville Salt Flats approaches, BMW K Series enthusiast and self-confessed "speed freak" Andy Sills is looking forwards to the biggest challenge of his life. Two years ago, the 58-year-old set a world land speed record on a standard K 1200 S in the FIM 1000-1350cc stock, partially streamlined, naturally aspirated motorcycle class, where he reached an average speed of 173.57 mph (279.32 km/h) with a top speed of 176.789 mph (284.506 km/h) on the vast salt flats.Stage 1 is scheduled to run at Bonneville from 2-6 September and the K 1200 S will be turbo-charged, lowered three inches and re-geared using the existing modified gearbox and stock final drive.Stage 2, which will hopefully be ready for the final land speed event of the year in Bonneville from 3-6 October will see the addition of an all-new, specially developed transfer box/chain drive converter, which will interface between the stock final drive and the rear wheel. This will allow much taller top-end gearing by means of a rear wheel sprocket that will also add eight inches of overall length and wheelbase to the bike. Stage 3 will include all of the above but with the turbo and external engine modifications relocated for maximum aerodynamic efficiencies in conjunction with additional fairing modifications. The plan is for the Stage three development to be completed, tested and race ready by June of 2008 for preparation for a serious assault on the record at the BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials next year.
