BMW’s S1000RR-based sports tourer spotted again

BMW’s new dual-purpose adventure touring motorcycle has been spied testing in Germany once again. Spotted near the company’s research and design facility in Munich, the motorcycle seems to be to be very close to production form. While earlier reports had suggested that this motorcycle will be christened S1000F, rumours suggest that BMW is considering naming the motorcycle either S1000XF or S1000XR. 

The motorcycle had minimum camouflage and gives us a clear idea of how the motorcycle will look like. The styling is expected to be heavily inspired by the S1000RR superbike, though it will lose asymmetric headlamp design. Powering the motorcycle will be a tuned version of the 999cc inline-four engine, which is expected to churn out somewhere around 160bhp. 

The new motorcycle will also get a longer suspension travel and high set handlebars to give it an upright riding position. The 17-inch alloy wheels indicate that it will target a touring audience rather than hard core off-road enthusiasts. The electronics package is expected to include traction control, ABS and riding modes.

Like car companies, two-wheeler manufacturers have started utilising their platforms and engines for more than one product. This not just helps them save development costs, but also production costs owing to the shared components. 

The BMW R1200GS is currently Europe's best-selling adventure-touring motorcycle and the arrival of a new contender in the segment won't necessarily affect the R1200GS's sales. While the R1200GS is a hardcore adventure motorcycle, this new model is more of a touring machine. The new model is expected to be priced around the GBP 13,000 (Rs 13.05 lakh) mark, and though it won’t have any direct rivals in the 1000cc class, it will rival the likes of Ducati Multistrada, Aprilia Caponord and the Triumph Tiger Explorer. 

Source: Visordown