BMW Motorrad Launch New Bikes
Stars of the Milan EICMA Show
S 1000 RR.
The design brief was simply to reduce the S 1000 RR’s weight by 10kg and to take a second off the average lap time on track. This is not so straightforward when you consider that the ‘old’ RR was still class leading in terms of power and weight along with outright rideability.
Everything has been changed, but the starting point was the ShiftCam variable valve timing engine. The headline figure stands at 207bhp but the way it produces it is where the new RR wins with a broad spread of usable torque; over 100Nm is available from 4,500 up to 14,500rpm. A new chassis was developed with an underslung swingarm and 45mm diameter forks controlled by next generation DDC (dynamic damping control) and DTC (dynamic traction control).
The widely acclaimed TFT colour screen from the GS is present but with sports and race specific layout and information. Track enthusiasts will appreciate the ability to simplify the information to predominantly engine speed and lap timer whilst for road use everything you need is beautifully clear. Further nods to track use is here in the configurable 6-axis DTC system that can be individually setup in Race Pro modes 1-3. In other words, 3 user definable modes where you can define traction, wheelie control, throttle and engine braking to the specific track and conditions. Cool stuff.
Most noticeable of course are the stunning looks of this bike. Every angle withstands close scrutiny and whilst the decision to move away from the asymmetrical headlamps will polarise fans of the previous incarnation, this is to our eyes at least, a thing of beauty.
Two colours are available with Racing Red and an M model in BMW Motorsport colours. The M has carbon rims, lightweight battery, race seat unit and M chassis kit. Also available is a raft of M accessories.
R 1250 GS ADVENTURE.
Hot on the heels of the R 1250 GS is the new Adventure. In fact, with an anticipated launch date set for 1st December 2018, it is much hotter on the heels than many will have anticipated!
The Adventure has for years been our favourite bike for doing literally everything, every day, and nothing looks to be changing our view with the new 1250. If you haven’t tried the ShiftCam engine yet, you really owe it to yourself to find out how nice it is to use. More power of course, but smooth and torquey with perfect fuelling from standstill to full attack.
Styling has changed most notably with the addition of metal side cheeks, adding to the bombproof looks we associate with the Adventure.
C 400 GT.
The mid-sized scooter market is showing strong growth as people choose to ditch their cars in favour of a more efficient and cost effective solution (dare we say more fun too?). BMW’s entry into this market is compelling with the C 400 X already scooping the MCN ‘Best Scooter’ in the 2018 awards recently. This GT variant follows the path of its larger sibling, the C 650 GT by being roomier and with more protection.
A 34bhp engine is driven through a CVT transmission making this a very accessible machine for those new to biking. Pricing is anticipated to be very competitive and we can’t wait to get one as a demonstrator and hit the town!
F 850 GS ADVENTURE.
Pictures of the new F 850 GS Adventure don’t quite do it justice. From the rider’s perspective the fuel tank’s broad proportions feel more akin to it’s R 1250 GS big brother, as does the improved protection offered by the screen. The most striking element is the metallic looking side panels which add to the presence of this machine.
The engine of the F 850 GS Adventure is brilliant with 95bhp available, but with real character that makes it an exciting bike to ride. With a 21 inch front wheel for running over rough terrain and a 23 litre fuel tank mounted upfront matched to an exciting chassis and class leading electronics this has got to take the fight to Triumph with their Tiger 800. If you’re shopping for a serious adventure motorbike then this should be put on the top of your list to try out.
R 1250 R.
The R 1200 R has always been the secret gem in the BMW line up with superb handling and road manners with a punchy boxer engine. The R 1250 R will put this model in the limelight where it deserves to be. The ShiftCam engine suits the bike brilliantly and the revised good looks and TFT display make this a stylish and dynamic bike to ride.
R 1250 RS.
Of this trio of updated boxer engine bikes, the R 1250 RS is probably the most visually changed with a new front end and headlamp unit with LED array as standard. Fans of the R 1200 RS will be looking at this with interest as it takes an already massively fun and capable machine to new levels. The clear TFT display is a joy to use and has all the connectivity features that we have enjoyed on the GS (music/phone/navigation) but with a different look to match the sporting nature of the RS.
We hope that you’ll agree that this is a very strong showing from BMW Motorrad with some facinating machinery that shows off their strength in design and engineering. All new BMW’s get a standard 3 year manufacturer’s warranty to underline their commitment to providing the very best motorcycles in the market.
If you are interested in finding out more on pricing and availability then please contact us on customer.service@bahnstormer.co.uk or by telephone.
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