BMW didn't try to do it. They did it. Shiftcam is superior to VVT, even if the option is to choose between two cams rather than a fully variable system, which would be the best. However, the fully variable system would require a taller top, so the engine would become too wide. Perhaps some day we will see the Koenigsegg system also on bikes, unless the engines are shot down by the environmental crap.
Harleys engine is able to produce 122 Nm with their VVT, whereas the same cc BMW deliver 143. Ducate 1260 : 129 Nm, and KTM with + 50cc 140Nm. The lower HP from the BMW is caused by the limitation you get from a twin boxer that will loose torque at higher RPM due to pumping in the crankcase by the pistions connected to a 180 degree crank.
As for telelever vs fork, BMW selected to go for a regular fork on the LC R /RS due to the engine being water-cooled. The telelever requires extra room, and there was simply not space available for the radiator. On the GS/GSA the radiators are lifted up to each side, making the bike top-wide. This look was not desired for these bikes.
As for telelever on the S1000: Inline four makes it hard to combine. The K models went for the Hossak fork, but this makes the wheelbase longer. Not the best for a racing-bike.
Same goes for the smaller F-models with parallel twin. Telelever is out, and the Hossak solution would simply offer too short spring-travel. The F900XR and R would of course benefit from the Hossak solution, but this would call for a totally different frame. Doable, but silly, as, lets face it, regular forks works just fine for most riders as well...
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Compared the GS-ADV or GS with sports-suspension has only 95 mm's...
