BMW Motorrad will unveil four new models at the EICMA show in Milan next month after revealing two new R nineT models, the K 1600 B bagger and Vision Next 100 concept bike in the past few weeks.
It’s a busy time for BMW Motorrad. They have also announced a massive dealership network in India in 2017 and recently opened their new €10.5m factory in Manaus, Brazil. It is the first 100% BMW Group-owned motorcycle production site outside Germany.
While actual new models have not yet been named, BMW Motorrad hints at what they could unveil at the EICMA motorcycle show from November 8, 2016.
“Here, another BMW motorcycle from the Heritage world of experience will see its world premiere,” their official release says. “The family of classic yet modern motorcycles featuring the distinctive air-cooled flat-twin boxer engine will then number a total of five fascinating models.
“And the lead model in this world of experience, the R nineT, also has several technical and visual modifications in store at the EICMA.”
Could they mean a bobber version of the R nineT like Triumph’s gorgeous new 1200cc Bonneville Bobber?
It also follows the unveiling of the latest Roland Sands Designs custom, the BMW R nineT Classic bobber.
BMW Motorrad also says they will have two more world premieres from the “Adventure world of experience”.
There has been a lot of talk about a G 310 GS version, so that could be one. We’re not sure what the other is. Maybe it’s an even more enduro-based 1200 to combat Ducati’s Multistrada Enduro.
“Meanwhile world premiere number four features a luxurious touring motorcycle,” BMW hints.
The K 1600 range was recently updated with rear electronic reverse gear and the K 1600 B bagger was unveiled in the US. So we’re not quite sure what else they could be releasing.
BMW Motorrad also promises to show a “wide selection of customising parts for the Heritage world of experience”.
BMW Motorrad global expansion
The Bavarian manufacturer is planning a global expansion by opening new dealerships in India, South America and the USA.
Board member Peter Schwarzenbauer recently hinted that they would unveil more models to “suit these markets”.
That will include more tourers for the USA plus smaller bikes for the emerging markets.
“The motorcycle market in the 125 to 500cc displacement range offers an excellent basis for our growth plans,” Peter says.
“With the recent launch of the BMW G 310 R we have taken a first important step in this direction. As a real BMW in the under 500cc segment, it opens up completely new market potential for us.”
So, will future BMW motorcycles come from Brazil and India, rather than the Spandau factory?
No one is saying, but the new Brazil factory will make a comprehensive range of BMWs. They include the F 700 GS, F 800 GS, F 800 GS Adventure, F 800 R, R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure, S 1000 R, S 1000 RR and S 1000 XR.
Initial capacity is 10,000 motorcycles a year.
BMW Motorrad president Stephan Schaller says they are expanding their motorcycle production globally “to achieve sustainable business growth”.
However, the factory will initially satisfy local market demand.
Meanwhile, the German motorcycle manufacturer is setting up a network of dealerships in India. They will offer most of their high-end products from the company’s Berlin plant. Some will also come from their plant in Thailand.
The range of bikes for India includes the G 310 R, S 1000 R, S 1000 RR, S 1000 XR, F 700 GS, F 800 GS, F 800 R, R 1200 G, R 1200 GS Adventure, R Nine T and K 1600 GTL.
The G 310 R has been developed in association with Indian company TVS Motor and is built at the TVS plant in Hosur for the world market.