BMW Motorrad's booth at Intermot 2016 offered center stage to two new R nineT variants of the Heritage model family, the Racer and the Pure. Along with Euro 4 compliance, BMW also revealed a series of upgrades for the four-cylinder S 1000 models, and for its flagship six-cylinder tourer K 1600 GT.
In the weeks leading to the Intermot show in Cologne, Germany, the usual speculation on anticipated new models unsurprisingly included a new mini adventure motorcycle from BMW, the G 310 GS. Recent spy pics captured the small adventure bike while testing in northern Italy, revealing a model almost ready for production – as published by the Italian magazine Motociclismo.
With BMW spreading to a new small-capacity market sector, as already evidenced by the G 310 R roadster, it would seem reasonable for the important premiere to take place on home soil. As it turned out, BMW holds some aces for the upcoming EICMA in Italy, while at Intermot two debuts and a series of model updates starred in its vast booth – we did miss the electric concept racer though.
With the whole range now Euro 4-compliant, the novelties concerned two new members of the BMW Motorrad Heritage world of experience, i.e. the R nineT gang. The eye-catcher of the two is without a doubt the Racer, which recreates a 1970s café racer aura with mostly cosmetic parts. Accordingly, the R nineT Pure elaborates on the styling of a timeless, bare-knuckled roadster.
BMW had some interesting news – which we will see in detail below – regarding the in-line four-cylinder S 1000 R, RR and XR, as well as the K 1600 GT six-cylinder tourer. No news have emerged concerning the R and F-series, or the scooter range, other than what has been released in the course of 2016.
R nineT Racer/Pure
As of 2017 the BMW Heritage range will include double the members it had until now, as two new versions will be added to the original R nineT roadster and Scrambler duet.
Both versions are developed around the familiar recipe that fuses the air-cooled 1,170 cc boxer engine – in its sole application since the R-family has moved on to the new liquid-cooled boxer – with a modular steel frame. This chassis consists of the main frame and a two-part subframe that allows the removal of the tail unit without sacrificing support for the seat.
The boxer pushes out 110 hp (81 kW) at 7,750 rpm and 116 Nm (85.6 lb-ft) at 6,000 rpm, serving out exactly the kind of low and mid-range performance that fits the sport classic bill at hand – as, in the stylish department, does the sly choice of conventional forks.
Very little specs are different between the two new models that share the same six-speed gearbox, suspension, brakes, 17-liter fuel tank and 17-inch cast wheels; spoke wheels are on the list of extras. There's one kilogram separating the two on the scales, as the Pure reads 219 kg (483 lb) and the Racer 220 kg (485 lb).
They're fitted as standard with ABS and can optionally receive the Automatic Stability Control (ASC). It goes without saying that a very long list of accessories is available to cater for every taste, tending both looks and performance.
BMW has just announced that both new bikes will be launched in March 2017, and released the pricing for the German market: €12,300 (US$13,600) for the R nineT Pure and €13,300 ($14,700) for the Racer.
S 1000 RR/R/XR
The four-cylinder end of BMW's motorcycle range is arguably up to par with whatever the competition can throw at it, so its three models will venture into 2017 as they were in principal. Nevertheless, BMW did present some offerings to freshen up its most powerful motorcycles, with the naked S 1000 R benefiting the most.
The R has been around since 2013 and continues righteously to be a top contestant in its class. For 2017 the naked Beemer's 999 cc powerplant gets a 5-hp boost, bringing the tally up to 165 hp (121 kW) at 11,000 rpm. We also note a reduction to the bike's mass by 2 kg (4.4 lb) for a total wet weight of 205 kg (451.9 lb).
BMW also throws in a titanium HP exhaust can, straight from the extras list into the standard equipment of the 2017 S 1000 R. Comfort shall be served courtesy of new handlebars, claimed to be vibration-free.
Three new colors for 2017 include the Catalano Grey solid option, as well as the Racing Red/Blackstorm and BMW Motorsport (blue, white, red) combos.
Finally, there are several new additions to the ex-works equipment for the R, including ABS Pro, HP quickshifter and lightweight HP wheels.
In similar fashion, the S 1000 XR sport adventurer benefits from the same power boost as the R, climbing also to the same 165-hp horsepower peak.
Refinements in its frame structure translate to an increased payload by 10 kg (22 lb), up to 444 kg (978.8 lb). The XR also gets new handlebars for less vibrations and a new Ocean Blue color variant.
As for the S 1000 RR superbike, BMW left the engine of the beast untouched and simply added the traction control in the standard equipment list. Apparently 199 hp (146 kW) at 13,500 rpm and 113 Nm (83.3 lb-ft) at 10,500 rpm for 208 kg (458.6 lb) are still enough in the superbike class - that can also be formally called the 200-hp club.
As of 2017 the customer can order their RR with either a single seat or with the passenger package free of charge. A new grey/black variant is added to the available colors, while the existing red/white and BMW Motorsport versions will also get as standard red striping on their wheels.
So far BMW hasn't disclosed if (or how much) these updates will reflect on the retail price tags.
K 1600 GT
BMW's flagship model with its in-line six-cylinder 1,645 cc engine is nothing less than a signature Bavarian long distance touring motorcycle, with a potent powerplant delivering 160 hp (118 kW) at 7,750 rpm, and a 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) mountain of torque at just 5,250 rpm.
None of the above performance figures will change for 2017, as BMW opted to improve on the bike's aerodynamic protection with newly designed deflectors, and enhance its arsenal with the Dynamic ESA system as standard. The electronic suspension system uses two different preset maps for the suspension's damping settings; Road and Dynamic. The rider can then make further adjustments to the preload, selecting among presets the appropriate value to match the bike's payload.
Also, the list of extras for the K 1600 GT will now include the Intelligent Emergency Call system, a reverse gear assist and a two-way quickshifter (up and downshift).
Three new colors – red, black and black/blue combo – sum up the process of refreshing the 2017 K 1600 GT. In Germany the new tourer will retail for €21,900 ($24,200).
Source: BMW