R1200R???

[big papa]

Not sure if someone posted this already. Saw this on Motorcycle-USA website...

Moving back to the main market, watch out later this year for the launch of the new naked R1200R, which will finalize the move from the now ageing 1150cc-powered range. The new model will have an identical engine to the R1200GS with 100 bhp on tap. The bike is likely to use the Telelever fork and the latest single-sided Paralever shaft-drive system from existing models, but it will be a lot lighter. The styling will also make the bike look more dynamic and probably be along the lines of a Buell in terms of compactness. Expect to see the bike at the Cologne show latest, but an earlier launch could be on the cards.

Sounds like a major styling change?

[Ed K]

Thanks Big...

Bummer, was hoping for more like R1200S power...or at least R1200ST range...rather than GS...

[R4R&R]

Funny they were comparing it to the Buell. I would love to have a Buell, but not to replace the R. I like them both for what they are, and wouldn't want something in-between. But I'm sure it will look better once seen.

[collyers]

100% guess-work. We'll see spy photos of test mules before we see the real style changes, just as we did the R1200S & RT. If BMW's timetables are similar, expect to see these by next month or April at the latest. Everything up 'til then is pure conjecture.

[Deans BMW]

I have been telling about this for months now. Don't forget that adding a full Remus, not just the can, to the R1200GS motor adds 8 RWHP with a smoother torque curve.

[berliner]

What I've read in the last issue of Motorrad,
their target customer is sticks more
to the classic naked bike but don't want a retro look.

So I hope they stick with the r1150r design and don't make it to sharp edged, like everbody els does.

[yjleesvrr]

Yes. Let's hope the Motorrad division learns from the lumps their automotive colleagues learned from the 7 series redesign a few years ago. Be innovative, but not shockingly so.

[leno]

Yes. Let's hope the Motorrad division learns from the lumps their automotive colleagues learned from the 7 series redesign a few years ago. Be innovative, but not shockingly so.

Lets just hope they guys with the pencils have got their glasses on this time round. Please please not all this folded paper stuff. I've got to be seen on it.

[collyers]

read this about that:

http://tinyurl.com/n8hrl

[jb44]

So I hope they stick with the r1150r design and don't make it to sharp edged, like everbody else does.

My sentiments exactly. Currently there is not one model of BMW motorcyles that would encourage me to part with any $$$.

Guess I'll be keeping the 1150R for quite some time.

jb

[FlyLow]

Yes. Let's hope the Motorrad division learns from the lumps their automotive colleagues learned from the 7 series redesign a few years ago. Be innovative, but not shockingly so.

As much as the Automotive press have been on the case of the "Chris Bangle" designs, it it interesting that BMW US automotive sales has risen 91% between 1999 and 2005 (info from "Automotive Design and Production" magazine Jan 2006). Hard to argue with these numbers!!

[yjleesvrr]

This may be true, but I suspect most of their sales growth has come from the 3 series sedan during these years. I bought one myself in the fall of '01. And BMW knew better than to make the new 3 overly Bangle-ized.

I can tell you this, I am looking to buy a sedan of the 5 series level next year. I was more enamored with the previous 5 series generation than the current one. Thus my eyes are wandering over to the Acura RL and the Lexus GS as possible alternatives. I know a fair number of people who have expressed similar sentiments.

[Pat]

If fate be kind to me, I hope to see myself back in the saddle of an 'R'......

Updated, lighter, more power, but with the styling cues of an ageless design now 6+ years old.
R1200RA, From afar, I hear it calling to me.
But if they go crazy with new angular facets rearing it's pseudo-modern head seen elsewhere, the Bavarian Sirens could lose me.

(If on the other hand, the F800 is affordable, narrow, and with a seat height befitting the short of inseam, I could be seduced by IT'S modern design.....)

[jimcameron]

Dean, and anybody else with top level insight, any idea when the R1200R will hit the States? My long term planning is hingeing on this event.

Ride On!

[DJ Downunder]

I was told that the new R1200R will be an 07 model and released late 06.

DJ

[Deans BMW]

I am guessing........................................about the time of of the R1200S release.

Remember that the platform of the R1200GS engine, tranny, and final drive unit will have been on the market for close to 3 years by the time of the R1200R release, by then a very well proven platform. To date, the 1200GS platform has been the most trouble free new platform in the motorcycle industry to date.

[gasman1]

about the sales figures of BMW cars...you mentioned the sales increase from 1999 to 2005. This comes almost entirely from adding the x5, x3, and mini which I think all are included in BMW sales. The bangle curse did lower some car sales.