BMW Introduces Three New Models

BMW plans to offer 20 motorcycle models in 2008, ranging from the 50hp G 450 X to the 167hp K 1200 S. BMW calls the lineup the most diverse the company has ever offered.

New models revealed at EICMA included the G 450X, F 800 GS and HP2 Sport.

G 450X
As a completely new model for BMW, the G 450 X represents a clean-sheet design. The BMW-designed single-cylinder engine incorporates fuel-injection, electric start, a crankshaft-mounted clutch, liquid-cooling and the DOHC head borrowed from the K 1200 S. A 30-degree cant to the cylinder provides a straight, downdraft intake with an overhead airbox; the fuel tank resides under the seat with a filler at the rear, and the exhaust includes a three-way catalytic converter for compliance with all current emission standards.

The bike puts out 50hp and has a wet weight of close to 265 lbs.

The G 450 X chassis includes a fully adjustable Ohlins rear shock, Marzocchi "upside-down" fork and Brembo disc brakes front and rear. The compact frame mates stainless steel tubing with stainless forgings and an aluminum subframe and swingarm. A unique hollow transmission output shaft places both the countershaft chain sprocket and the swingarm pivot on the same axis. This coaxial design reduces the chain's effect on suspension response, smoothes power delivery, minimizes chain wear, and provides a longer (by 30mm) swingarm for more travel and better traction.

F 800 GS
The 85hp parallel-twin-powered F 800 GS is slotted between the F 650 GS and the R 1200 GS Boxer-twin.

Aside from its 800cc displacement, the only items this new model shares with the original R 80 G/S are the cylinder count and the final two letters. This new F Series GS borrows the 85hp counter-balanced parallel-twin from the F 800 S and ST, swapping their belt final drive for an O-ring chain in its transition to adventure-touring duties. But engine aside, the newest GS shares little else with its smooth-tired siblings. An all-new tubular-steel frame carries the F 800 well above terra firma, suspended between lightweight, 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wire-spoke wheels. The suspension consists of an upside-down fork at the front, paired with an aluminum twin-spar swingarm at the rear. A single shock with adjustable preload and rebound damping controls the rear suspension. Brembo discs-two in front, one in the rear-handle stopping, and the optional two-channel ABS can be shut off for serious off-road riding.

HP2 Sport
Loosely based on the R 1200 S, the 130hp HP2 Sport is the most powerful Boxer-twin yet, and the first production DOHC Boxer in BMW history. It's also the most track-oriented production Boxer-twin ever to come from the firm.

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Aside from the powerful engine, the HP 2 is further designed for competition with a gear shift assistant that allows a rider to bang through the six-speed gearbox without using the clutch lever. It's decorated in carbon fiber bodywork, and has fully adjustable Ohlins shocks, Brembo four-pot calipers, and adjustable handlebars, footrests and Magura brake levers. Oh, and the instruments come directly from MotoGP — with digital readouts, lap timer and a tachometer with graphic rev display. Plan for 2008
BMW Motorrad delivered 82,779 motorcycles from January through September, up 4.3 percent from worldwide sales of 79,333 units during the same nine-month period in 2006.

BMW Motorrad has outlined three areas to be cornerstones for the company's continued growth in sales and profits: 1) a continuation of BMW's offensive in product development; 2) the development of a two-brand strategy as it pertains to the company's Husqvarna acquisition; and 3) an increase in profitability through the development of a broader global supplier system.

"Our goal is to sell more motorcycles to customers this year than last year," BMW Motorrad Director Herbert Diess said. "It's a big endeavor since breaking the barrier of 100,000 units sold in 2006. But we were well under way at the end of August, with the sale of 75,000 units accounting for 5 percent more motorcycle sales during the first eight months of this year than during the same eight-month period last year."

Diess made his comments prior to a reassignment within the company. As part of a "strategic realignment," the BMW Group created two new divisions in October. The first of the new divisions, Corporate and Brand Development, will be headed by former director of corporate planning, Dr. Friedrich Eichiner, and will be home to BMW Motorrad, Financial Services, Softlab, and any other new business units that are created. Diess now heads up the second new division, Purchasing and Supplier Network, primarily be responsible for lowering material costs.

Product Offensive
How will BMW Motorrad further its market share in the future? "Our goals are no doubt large, particularly considering the sales climate for motorcycles in Europe and North America," says Diess. "The model offensive we began in 2004 will continue. We plan to continue the product offensive we started in 2004 because we realize that it is the new product that will attract the new customers."

Husqvarna
Diess says the purchase of Husqvarna will allow the company to approach younger buyers and off-road and supermoto enthusiasts more quickly than it could have with the BMW brand. He also says Husqvarna's established worldwide sales network is another strong point for growth.

"If we want long-term gains, we have to diversify. We're confident Husqvarna has the potential to become a leading off-road brand. And, with this second brand, we now can grow in a segment that we previously were not in."

Profitability Through Purchasing
Since 2000, the Japanese Yen has lost value while the Euro has gained value. Diess says this exchange allows Japanese manufacturers to more easily optimize the value of their vehicles.

"What are we doing to combat that?" asks Diess. "First, we're improving the productivity of our suppliers and our plant in Berlin; second, we're looking for suppliers from around the world from which to purchase our parts and materials; and third, we are capitalizing on the technology and quality that differentiate the BMW brand from all of the others."

MotoGP
Peter Müller, head of research, development and production for BMW Motorrad, says the brand will enter World Super Bike competition in 2009 with a factory team.

BMW says further details — including motorcycle concept and team structure — have yet to be made available.