BMW is pleased to announce the latest BMW Motorrad models presented at the international motorcycle and accessory show (EICMA) in Milan, Italy:

World premiere of the all-new C600 Sport and C650GT maxi scooters
Model Year 2012 F800R model update
Model Year 2012 K1300S HP Limited Edition
Model Year 2012 R1200GS Rallye special model

2012 C 650 GT and C 600 Sport Scooters

2012 C 650 GT Scooter and C 600 Sport Scooter

1. Background
There have been drastic changes in the requirements for individual mobility concepts, specifically for urban mobility. Future challenges facing inner city traffic will be growing traffic volume, rising energy costs, and greater CO2 regulations.

The BMW Group has recognized these challenges and is developing solutions for the mobility needs of today and tomorrow. In this context, BMW Motorrad, as an integral part of the BMW Group, is expanding its business activities to include urban mobility.

Among its first offerings in this sector, BMW Motorrad will be presenting two premium vehicles in the maxi scooter segment. The BMW C 600 Sport and the BMW C 650 GT combine the outstanding riding properties of a motorcycle with the precise agility and conceptual comfort of a scooter for a new kind of dynamic riding experience.

2. Two Models for Sports and Touring
The differing characteristics of the concepts behind these two maxi scooters appeal to a wide target group: the C 600 Sport for riders with sporty ambitions and the C 650 GT for customers seeking greater comfort and touring ability.

Irrespective of their differing concepts, the C 600 Sport and the C 650 GT present the unique design language of BMW Motorrad, setting new standards in this category, as well. Modern and dynamic, they are the perfect examples of the BMW Motorrad design philosophy.

3. Built in Germany
Like all BMW motorcycles, the new maxi scooters will be built at the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin.

4. Engine and Transmission
The two-cylinder inline engine of the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT is an all-new development by BMW Motorrad with a displacement of 647 cc. In both models, its rated power output is 60 hp at 7,500 rpm, and its maximum torque of 49 ft/lb is available at 6,000 rpm. The power is transferred via a directly integrated CVT, or continuously variable transmission. The engine owes its low position and low center of gravity to its cylinder bank, which is inclined to the front through 70°. The characteristic sound and low vibration levels are the result of the 90° crank pin offset, 270° ignition spacing, and two balancer shafts driven by spur gears.

An electronic fuel injection system supplies the four valves under the two overhead camshafts. Oil is supplied from a dry sump with double oil pump, and an efficient cooling concept optimizes the thermal equilibrium in the two-cylinder engine. The exhaust system is made completely of stainless steel and complies with motorcycle specifications. Fitted with a closed loop catalytic converter and an oxygen sensor, the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT fulfill the future Euro-4 emission limits.

5. Suspension
One objective in the development of the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT was to combine directional stability at high speeds with agile handling in city traffic and clear feedback to the rider – just like a motorcycle.

Accordingly, the design of the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT suspension features a torsionally rigid hybrid interconnection of a tubular steel bridge frame and a diecast aluminum unit at the swing arm bearing. In addition, the two-cylinder inline engine functions as a bearing element, presenting a particularly rigid construction for stable and high precision response. Riding stability is enhanced by the bearing for the cast light-alloy single swing arm with coaxial center of rotation. Also, the suspension is designed to provide an engaging, comfortable ride. At the front, an upside down fork presents a generous diameter of 1.57 inches (40 mm). The rear end presents an angled spring strut on the left side. The spring travels are each 4.5 inches, as also commonly seen in street motorcycles. The tire widths and cross sections of the C 600 Sport and the C 650 GT are aligned to motorcycle dimensions.

6. Brakes
The new C 600 Sport and C 650 GT are fitted with a powerful braking system consisting of a two-rotor disc brake at the front and a single disc brake at the rear, each 10.6 inches (270 mm) in diameter. The standard BMW Motorrad ABS ensures maximum possible safety.

7. Instrument Cluster
The instrument cluster of the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT presents a large, easily readable LCD display with integrated engine speed readout and an analogue speedometer. The instrument cluster offers considerably more functions than usual in this vehicle class.

8. Expandable Storage
The FlexCase for the C 600 Sport is an innovative storage space concept. A flap in the rear section base under the seat enlarges the storage space when the motorcycle is parked. This can be used, for example, to hold two helmets.

2012 BMW F800R

The BMW F800R enjoys the status of a cool, torque-rich roadster and has been asserting its position as one of the most popular midrange models in the BMW Motorrad portfolio. This two cylinder model combines extremely dynamic riding properties with intuitive handling. The motorcycle offers outstanding riding pleasure while also exhibiting a high level of everyday practicality and (for this segment) above average commuting abilities. These characteristics give the F800R a flexibility that is unique in the mid size roadster segment.

The segment, though, is a fast lived one in which customers are always looking for the latest. For this reason, the F 800 R has received a model update offering a new, more muscular look, high quality details, and additional options now offered as standar d equipment. The F 800 R will again be setting the future trend in this hotly contested arena.

The 2012 F800R will be offered in the following colors:

Mineral Silver Metallic (new)
Magma Red / White Aluminium Metallic Matt (new)
Alpine White / Black Silk Shining (new)

The K1300S is the motorcycle of choice for demanding sports riders that want a motorcycle with the perfect blend of high power and performance with unique technology that only BMW can offer.
The K1300S engine is tuned to offer an immediate response with abundant horsepower and even stronger torque, all this packaged in a unique motorcycle. The BMW Duolever front suspension and Paralever rear suspension with a drive shaft solution, paired with sports riding ergonomics optimized for the long haul mean that the K 1300 S is at home both at the race track or covering long distances.

2012 BMW K1300S HP Limited Edition

Buyers of the K1300S appreciate the exclusivity offered by this motorcycle and the new HP package will raise the bar even higher. The HP parts give a new level of fit and finish that is aggressive, unique and premium, while still offering the same performance level that the K1300S is already well known for.

The model year 2012 K1300S HP will come equipped with the following high quality HP special parts:

Carbon Front Fender
Carbon air box cover
Carbon clutch cover
Carbon pillion seat cover
HP foot pegs for rider and pillion rider
Akrapovic® sports silencer
Paddock stand
Unique numbered plaque
Alpine White / Lupin Blue Metallic / Night Black finish

The K 1300 S HP will also add the following comfort, safety and performance options to the motorcycle:

Gear Shift Assistant
ESA II
Heated Grips
TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor)
On-Board Computer
ASC (Traction Control)

The MY12 K 1300 S will be offered in the following colors:

Magma Red / Sapphire Black Metallic (carry over)
Alpine White / Lupin Blue Metallic / Night Black (new, only with HP package)
Titan Silver Metallic / Sapphire Black Metallic (new)

R1200GS Rallye Special Model
The model year 2012 R1200GS Rallye will come equipped with the following special parts:

Alpine White with Red Frame
Hand protection in exclusive white
Front forks and engine in black
Cylinder head covers in granite grey metallic
Seat in black and off white with red seam
Front tank cover in white
Special Rallye decals

The Rallye special model will also add the following options to the motorcycle:

Chrome Exhaust
Enduro ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment)
Heated Grips
On-board Computer
Saddle Bag Mounts
Cross Spoke Wheels

2012 R1200GS Rallye

BMW K1600GT and K1600GTL Pricing Announced

K1600GT - Base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) $20,900

K1600GTL - Base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) $23,200

(Additional destination charge of $495 is not included in MSRP)

Both Base models come equipped with:

  • 1649cc in-line 6-cylinder engine, 160hp
  • Xenon headlight with dynamic leveling
  • Heated seat
  • Heated grips
  • Cruise control
  • Multifunction display, on-board computer and multi-controller
  • Integral ABS
  • Luggage rack
  • E-Gas throttle with three power modes
  • White LED turn signals
  • Power adjustable windshield

The Base Model K 1600 GTL also includes:

  • Bluetooth
  • Audio system with tuner, Sirius satellite radio with one-year complimentary subscription, iPod/USB integration, 3.5mm Aux input, GPS preparation
  • Top case in body color
  • Comfort backrest for top case
  • Comfort windshield
  • Comfort footrests
  • Chrome body kit

BMW K1600GTL

Happy new BMW K1600GTL Owners

These folks took delivery of the first BMW K1600GTL to arrive at Lone Star BMW. After their first ride they couldn't resist sending us a report on this remarkable new motorcycle (see below).

BMW K1600GTL - First Ride Report

The ride home was quite interesting. It was a longer trip than usual, as I was varying speeds/RPM on the engine a great deal to ensure a good break-in. Nonetheless, the motorcycle was everything that I'd hoped for, and it's performance as simply astounding. The handling of the motorcycle is beyond compare for it's class. Fact of the matter, perhaps for any class. The smoothness of this motorcycle is, in my experience (which is quite extensive), matchless. The handling on curves (after I got about 150 miles on the tires) is effortless. The cruising at high highway speeds is just about the quietest I've ever seen (it IS the quietest!!). I was traveling into a 20 MPH wind (right on the nose for most of the trip, with some of the trip into a severe near-90 degree crosswind), and the bike sliced through this wind like butter compared to all other touring bikes I've driven (which have been many). Even at 90 MPH, (don't tell on me!), the doggone thing gives the rider a confidence not felt on other machines (don't forget - it was a 20 MPH wind right into me!) I really can't say enough good things about the bike, but if prompted by BMW, I could probably suggest a few things they might consider in future models - precious few things come to mind at the moment (luggage rack/tie-down on the top case?). It would have been really nice to have a blue-tooth helmet to listen to the tunes, but I really enjoyed listening to the bike!

So as to not take up a great deal of time, and since I could probably go on and on and on about it, I'll just say this:

This is the world's premier touring bike. It has no equal, and I'd be more than happy to report the characteristics on a longer, two-up trip planned for next week. Of the thousands of bikes that will be in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, for the Blues-fest weekend, I can bet that I'll be asked a lot of questions about this wonderful machine. BMW is going to get a great deal of free, favorable advertising! And of course, I'll be mentioning the great service I got from Lone Star BMW in Austin, Texas.

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Racing the BMW S1000RR

Bill Guthrie on his BMW S1000RR

Lone Star BMW is sponsoring Austin's own Bill Guthrie as he races his BMW S1000RR Superbike. Bill won two races and came in third in another at the Central Motorcycle Racing Association event at Texas World Speedway in College Station on April 3 and 4, 2011. He finished first in the Superbike A Expert, first in the Formula 1 Expert, and third in the Superstock A Expert race.

We have a couple of nice action photos of Bill Guthrie on his BMW S1000RR here.

CMRA Texas World Speedway race results here.

RawHyde's Arizona
Adventure Rally

May 17 - 20, 2012