From our intrepid reporters, Paul and Voni Glaves...

Cologne, Germany - October 15, 2006

BMW displayed the new R1200R at Intermot Cologne. Among the new features on this motorcycle is the ASC (Automatic Stability Control) system. Using combined logic circuits and the wheel sensors from the latest generation anti-lock brake system, the ASC system senses the rotation of both the front and rear wheels. BMW staff described the system: When the system senses rear wheel spin on acceleration it reduces the power to the rear wheel, first by altering the ignition timing, and eventually by cutting the fuel at the injectors.

ASC will be available on several models manufactured beginning in January 2007. The models which will have ASC available are: R1200R, R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure, R1200ST, R1200RT and K1200GT.

Cologne, Germany - October 14, 2006

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Off to the side, and almost overlooked amidst the excitement of the new G650X line of bikes at Intermot Cologne, BMW has also displayed the new, limited production, HP2 Megamoto. Set up with street tires, Marzocchi inverted forks, and an Ohlins rear strut, the HP2 Megamoto is oriented directly toward the supermoto market. Built for street use, a second front brake disk and caliper have been added. BMW claims a road ready weight of 440 pounds for the HP2 Megamoto.

Cologne, Germany - October 14, 2006

BMW showcased their entire 19 model 2007 lineup at Intermot this week. In their displays and literature they have divided the motorcycles into five groups: Sport, Tour, Urban, Enduro, and High Performance. Motorcycles were included in each of these groups as follows.

Show staff at Intermot were unable to provide details concerning when or if the new G650X bikes or the F800 bikes were destined for the United States market.

Cologne, Germany - October 11, 2006

Among the five new models unveiled by BMW at Intermot Cologne, the K1200R "Sport" broadens the line of the new K series and is positioned between the naked K1200R and the fully faired K1200S. BMW staff at Cologne advised us that the K1200R Sport is identical to the K1200R except for the addition of the fairing.

The K1200R Sport has an attractive and functional half fairing, positioning this model between the naked "R" and the more streamlined "S". enlarge: Medium | Large

Naked K1200R enlarge: Medium | Large

Cologne, Germany - October 13, 2006

BMW has a large presence at Intermot, Cologne. And, just as interesting are the many and varied companies which form the BMW aftermarket or are adapting BMW products. GG Quad (www.gg-technik.ch) is a Swiss company which has designed and is producing on-road four wheelers powered by BMW engines. The boxer powered machines using the R1150 motor are in production and a new "GG Quadster" using the in-line four cylinder motor from the new K series are on display and soon to begin production. GG Quad North America (www.GG-Quad-NorthAmerica.com) is the licenced importer of these Swiss machines. GG Quad is working hard to obtain the approvals necessary for on-road licensing for the Quads in the United States.

Ray Donaldson, Vice President and Technical Director of GG Quad North America with the R1150 powered quad. enlarge: Medium | Large

GG Quad is beginning production using the 167 horsepower engine from the K1200S. enlarge: Medium | Large

Cologne, Germany - October 11, 2006

BMW Motorrad unveiled five new models at Intermot Cologne, today. Two of the models are variants of existing platforms while three of the models are an entirely new platform.

Introduced as new models of existing lines were the K1200R "Sport" model and the R1200R. Also introduced were three models of the new G650X platform; the XMoto, XCountry, and XChallenge. The G650 line has a new power train jointly developed by BMW and Bombardier-Rotax. The XMoto is a street oriented "motard" style motorcycle while the XCountry and XChallenge are dual purpose motorcycles similar in orientation to the existing F650 line. The XCountry is generally a more street and road oriented dual purpose motorcycle while the XChallenge was shown equipped with knobby tires for its more dirt oriented focus.

More information will be provided as it becomes available, and a full wrapup of Intermot Cologne will be in the BMW Owners News.

G650 Series
G650 - Xchallenge enlarge image: Medium | Large		G650's enlarge image: Medium | Large
G650 - Xcountry enlarge image: Medium | Large		G650 - Xmoto enlarge image: Medium | Large
G650 Engine enlarge image: Medium | Large