There was a frenzy of activity this morning at the EICMA show in Milan. BMW were no exception with some significant model updates and some pretty stunning additions.

A new R 1200 GS was unveiled with the addition of two extra guises; the off road orientated Rally and the stylish Exclusive. Another GS launched was the entry level G 310 GS, which to our eyes looked terrific and if it comes in around the price of the G 310 R (circa £4,500 OTR) then all the better. We think it would work perfectly with the BMW Rookie to Rider scheme of getting people into biking with the minimum of up-front outlay.

From the ‘Heritage’ stable came the new R nineT Urban G/S, clearly showing a bloodline that is traceable directly back to the original R 80 G/S, and looking none the worse for it in our opinion.

Both the F 800 GT and the K 1600 GTL received some very stylish and functional updates. The K getting reverse, Shift Assist and Dynamic ESA amongst other things to make it surely the best luxury tourer on the market by some stretch.

The other highlight was a secret project that BMW Motorrad’s Motorsport division have been working; the HP4 Race. It shares much of its DNA with a World Super Bike machine having superlight carbon wheels, frame and fairing all being propelled by the top specification race RR engine that puts out a mighty 215bhp (put to good use recently by Michael Dunlop at the IOM TT). Ohlins suspension and WSBK electronics/wiring make this the most sporting BMW in their history, so even at the rumoured £60K it is a relative bargain so start saving!

2017 has just got very exciting.