Motorcycle fans flocked to Milan, Italy, in November for the 67th EICMA show, and despite the absence of several key manufacturers due to the current economic crisis, BMW Motorrad was determined to show that it continues to innovate and thrill in equal measures by presenting its most ambitious product line-up ever to more than half a million visitors to the biggest motorcycle show in Europe.

 

As expected, BMW Motorrad offered visitors to its 1,200 square metres stand a mix of style, innovation and technology - as well as 35 of its latest machines. Among the many star attractions was the Concept 6, which was unveiled on and was for many a totally unexpected and welcome surprise. This innovative and fascinating model brings together all the usual characteristics of a BMW motorbike, but with an impressively compact six-cylinder engine which is clearly visible from all angles, as well as being partially covered by an aerodynamic faring. Expect lots of smooth power and huge amounts of torque, as well as surprisingly good fuel-efficiency, in whichever six-cylinder models this engine appears.

As the iconic GS brand approaches its 30th anniversary, show-goers were delighted to see updated 2010 models of the best-selling R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure variants. For many, the current GS machines would be difficult to improve upon, but BMW Motorrad has looked at every area, and provided significantly better acceleration, torque and pulling power than before, as well as a host of other improvements.

For lovers of fully-dressed touring Boxers, the legendary RT continues to outperform all its challengers with its long-distance capability, ergonomic efficiency, outstanding comfort and fantastic weather protection. However, the best has just become even better, with significantly improved torque, traction, pulling force, and acceleration in the 2010 version, as well as a new fairing design, redesigned cockpit, BMW Motorrad part-integral ABS featured as standard, and ESA II Electronic Suspension Adjustment with damping, spring base and now also spring rate adjustable at the touch of a button.

For many, the real star of the EICMA show was the BMW S1000RR superbike, which drew more visitors to the BMW Motorrad exhibition stand than any other machine. It really was a case of 'welcome to Planet Power' and the S1000RR was the machine that everyone - from young to old - wanted to sit on, take pictures of, or have their picture taken next to. From the 193 hp series production models to the full factory machines that achieved no less than 17 top ten finishes in their first full year of World Superbike participation, there was plenty of Supersport action to experience, including the Alpha Racing team's S1000RR that had taken Belgian rider Werner Daemen to two race wins, four podiums and third place overall in the 2009 IDM German Superbike Championship.