It seems like BMW Motorrad is working on a new model platform based on a new 1800cc Boxer engine.
However, rather than producing a teaser video, BMW contracted Yuichi Yoshizawa and Yoshikazu Ueda of Custom Works Zon to build a show bike called “R18” around the new engine. The build has already picked up multiple awards on the custom bike circuit.
The new engine is reputed to feature pushrod valve actuation and retaining air/oil-cooling. BMW Motorrad is mum apart from that information.
But what bike would they fit it into? BMW has every segment covered except for a true heritage-style cruiser. It would make sense because BMW could capitalize on the shrinking segment by introducing their iteration of the cruiser.
The manufacturer has already shown that they could utilize the older air/oil-cooled Boxer in the r nine T heritage platform. However, as the impending Euro5 regulations close down on emissions, the 1800cc displacement would make up for the lost power. Additionally, the large capacity would also bring BMW up to challenge heavyweight cruisers from Harley and Indian.
It’ll be interesting to see, whatever will come.
The 2019 BMW C 400 GT was introduced at EICMA 2018 as part of BMW Motorrad’s Urban Mobility range.
The C 400 GT is geared as a grand touring (hence “GT”) maxi scooter despite sharing the same platform as the popular C 400 X. The latter has won many awards as the best scooter in European countries, by the way.
Its 350cc, SOHC, four-valve engine produces 34 bhp at 7,500 RPM and 35 Nm of torque at 6,000 RPM. It is mated to a steel underbone frame of the X, but the suspension is revised. The GT has more bodywork and a larger screen for protection against the elements. The seat is also larger for long-range comfort.
It uses 43mm telescopic forks that are mated to a 15-inch front wheel. The rear is suspended by twin shocks with a 14-inch wheel. The C 400 GT uses two 265mm discs in front, gripped by two four-piston calipers. The rear brake is also a 265mm disc but handled by a single-piston caliper.
Touring capabilities include improved storage spaces, consisting of two glove boxes and a flex-case under the seat. Other standard features are all-around LED lighting, keyless ignition, two-channel ABS, steel-braided brake hoses and stability control.
Of course, BMW Motorrad offers plenty of options. Customers can choose between the analog/LCD or 6.5-inch full-colour TFT instrument panel. The latter option hooks up multimedia functions such as your smartphone, music and GPS.
Is Motorrad testing a BMW F 850 GT or XR middleweight sport-tourer? BMW Motorrad understands that they need a bike to fill the void of a more accessible middleweight sport-tourer in terms of performance, weight and especially price.
From the pictures, we can deduce that the new bike is equipped with new 853cc parallel-Twin which powers the F 850 GS and F 850 GS Adventure. The prototype bike has a sharp styling like that of the S 1000 XR sport-tourer.
You can also see large side cases (panniers) and top boxes fitted to them. So, could this be the future F 850 GT or F 850 XR to replace the current F 800 GT?
The spy shots also show a lowered seat height, complementary of the 17-inch road wheels and shorter, road-oriented suspension. The F 850 GS, on the other hand, wears a 21-inch wheel up front and longer suspension for off-road duties.
Another observation is the taller windscreen with a TFT screen below it. The new sport-tourer ought to feature traction control, cornering ABS, cruise control, quickshifter, Dynamic ESA and LED lighting should it follow the premium F 850 GS’s specs.
We’re guessing that BMW is gunning for the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer GT, but will the German manufacturer match the Japanese’s low price?
We shall see.
BMW Motorrad announces their return to the 2019 World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK).
BMW is the one manufacturer that’s glaringly missing from WorldSBK. Their last effort was with the GoldBet BMW team which was disbanded after 2013. Their riders were Marco Melandri and Leon Haslam.
The new team will be racing the recently-launched 2019 BMW S 1000 RR. The bikes will be developed and prepared by BMW’s factory in Munich together with the Shaun Muir Racing Team.
BMW Motorrad announced 2013 WorldSBK Champion Tom Sykes and European Superstock 1000 Champion Markus Reiterberger as their riders.
The championship should heat up next year with BMW’s re-entry with the new S 1000 RR. The new bike is new from ground up with emphasis on higher power and compactness. While the stock production 2019 S 1000 RR produces “only” 204 bhp compared to the new bike from Ducati, you can bet that the racing S 1000 RR will be up there among the top runners.
There is hope among racing fans that WorldSBK 2019 will see the end of four-time and current champion Jonathan Rea and Kawasaki’s domination of the series. A one-horse race is never a spectacle.
The 2019 BMW F 850 GS Adventure made its debut at EICMA 2018 as expected.
Its introduction is hot on the heels of the F 850 GS. BMW Motorrad now have four adventure motorcycles on offer.
The F 850 GS Adventure or just “F 850 GSA,” is the German brand’s assault on the middleweight adventure segment and takes off-road capability to a higher level.
Its engine is the same 853cc, parallel-Twin which also powers its F 850 GS sibling. It produces 95 bhp and 92 NM of torque. However, the GSA’s weight made a jump to 244kg wet and ready to ride. Much of that gain results from the 23-litre fuel tank.
Most riders would probably not complain as the fuel capacity allows for a range of 550km.
The GSA has a larger touring windscreen, adjustable gear shifter and brake lever.
Electronics include ABS and stability control as standard. Standard riding modes are “Road” and “Rain.” Customers may opt for the Riding Modes Pro option which adds “Dynamic,” “Enduro,” and “Enduro Pro” besides dynamic brake light and Dynamic Traction Control. BMW Motorrad also offers electronic suspension. LED headlight is standard.
The 2019 BMW F 850 GS Adventure will be equipped with the 6.5” TFT instrument display.
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