It’s no wonder BMW increased road bike sales last year by 37.9% to 2152 and is continuing that trend this year with new models in new niches such as the S 1000 XR.
The sports-adventure model, based on the S 1000 R in-line four superbike, will start from $22,190 plus on-road costs when it arrives in July 2015.
BMW Motorrad Australia has also announced that the R 1200 RS model returns next month from $22,950 plus on-road costs.
While many BMW fans will welcome the return of the RS, most attention will be on the XR which is in the new and fast-growing sports-adventure niche against the Ducati Multistrada 1200 and KTM 1290 Super Advenure.
KTM 1290 Super AdventureThese bikes appeal to ageing riders who have outgrown sportsbikes, but still want plenty of power plus a bit more comfort, touring capabilities and plusher suspension for a comfortable ride on our broken roads.
MV Agusta is also expected to enter this market with a four-cylinder version of the new Stradale 800.
BMW already has the water-cooled boxer-engined R 1200 GS, but it’s more of a dirt-road adventurer.
The XR, unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan in November, is the fourth version of the inline four model after the S 1000 RR, HP4 and S 1000 R.
The BMW is powered by the same inline four as the other models but with 118kW of power and 112Nm of torque as in the S 1000 R. It comes “standard” with traction and stability controls, two rider modes, heated grips, hand protectors and centre stand.
BMW S 1000 XRThe S 1000 XR is available in Racing Red and Light White and there are two option packages available.
The Dynamic Package features ABS Pro which senses lean angles, dynamic traction control with riding mode pro, gear shift assist pro, cruise control and white LED indicators.
The Touring Package has dynamic electronic suspension adjustment, preparation for BMW navigation device, luggage grid and pannier holders.
Other options include LED daytime riding light, low seat and suspension lowering kit.
BMW R 1000 RSMeanwhile, the BMW R 1200 RS continues a long-standing tradition that stretches back to 1976, but the new RS now comes with a water-cooled engine for extra power and fuel economy.
It arrives in Lupin Blue Metallic and an Exclusive model in Granite Grey Metallic Matt with a host of standard features including integral ABS, dynamic traction control with riding mode pro, dynamic electronic suspension adjustment, cruise control, LED daytime riding light, chrome exhaust, tyre pressure control, on board computer, white LED indicators and heated grips.
The R 1200 RS Exclusive adds an engine spoiler, gold anodised brake callipers and a glass-beaded stainless steel tank centre cover.
Factory options include gear shift assist pro, keyless ride, and seat variants (sport and low) as well as a touring package which consists of on-board computer pro, preparation for BMW navigation device, centre stand, luggage grid and pannier holders.