Motorcycling Blog

BMW Motorrad’s Exciting New Motorcycles For 2008

BMW Motorrad's Exciting New Motorcycles For 2008

Having recently added the new HP2 Sport to its expanding model line-up, BMW Motorrad further demonstrated its commitment to developing its ‘new design philosophy’ at the EIMCA Show in Milan, unveiling a further three brand new motorcycles and two up-rated models for 2008:

F 650 GS – an all-new version of the popular GS all-rounder
F 800 GS – a completely new middleweight adventure tourer with excellent off-road performance
G 450 X Sports Enduro – a brand new model for the competition enduro and sports off-road market
R 1200 GS – an updated version of BMW Motorrad’s best selling GS model
R 1200 GS Adventure – an improved model of the ultimate long-distance enduro
BMW’s industry-leading dedication to off-road sport and adventure riding – a genre it created and popularised more than two-and-a-half decades ago – has been further strengthened following the launch of these five new models.

With two completely new enduro models, the F 800 GS and F 650 GS, BMW Motorrad is not just expanding its range of products but also presenting a worthy successor to the successful single-cylinder F 650 GS.

F 650 GS
The F 650 GS, despite its familiar designation, is a completely new machine. Along with its bigger brother, the F 800 GS, it is powered by BMW’s sophisticated and highly praised 798cc parallel-twin engine, albeit in a softer state of tune, which provides plenty of power combined with excellent fuel economy. The bike’s low seat height and light controls make the F 650 GS an easy to handle all-rounder, perfectly suited to newcomers to motorcycling and ideal for everyday use.

F 800 GS
The all-new F 800 GS expands BMW Motorrad’s class leading traditions into the middleweight adventure sports category. The overall package combines balance, power and weight with excellent ground clearance and long suspension travel. The result is a machine with excellent off-road riding performance combined with touring capability.

G 450 X
Entering the competitive 450cc enduro market will be the brand new, no compromise, BMW G 450 X Sports Enduro. This machine will feature an innovative 450cc single cylinder engine and unique chassis design. Having been successfully tested in European and world competition throughout 2007, its entry into the 450cc Enduro market in the middle of next year will see BMW Motorrad continue its philosophy of launching class-leading machinery in competitive new market segments.

R 1200 GS and Adventure
There are also further improvements and developments to the all-terrain big boxer machines – the unchallenged choice of the world’s most adventurous overlanders, including Ewan MacGregor and Charley Boorman. The new version of the best selling R 1200 GS, and its Adventure variant, benefit from a more powerful engine with improved drive and traction. New for 2008, both models will be offered with the option of a new Enduro version of ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment).

The unique system offers R 1200 GS and Adventure owners the opportunity to tune their suspension for on or off-road use at the touch of a button.

Tony Jakeman, BMW Motorrad Marketing Manager, said: “With the launch of five exciting new models BMW Motorrad continues to broaden its appeal to a wider motorcycle audience. Eagerly anticipated models such as the F 650 GS and F 800 GS will not only attract new riders to BMW, but will also please existing Motorrad fans with their performance, handling and good looks.

“The up-rated versions of the best-selling R 1200 GS and Adventure, with our unique Electronic Suspension Adjustment system, will reinforce our leadership in the Adventure motorcycle sector. We are also excited to be entering even more diverse market segments with models such as the G 450 X, reinforcing our philosophy to launch class leading machinery into new motorcycle market sectors.”