BMW Motorcycles
Sure, BMW makes cars for wannabe Mercedes-Benz fans. But they also make bikes for those who won't settle for anything less than the best.
BMW F 650 GS
Though more well-known for their large bikes, BMW
competes well in the Enduro class, as well. Their 652cc F
650 GS is only one of many that give them the right to brag
about their models in the 250cc+ category.
Though it doesn't offer much for carrying passengers, the
lone rider will find it provides plenty of power and torque
around town or in a rally. Liquid-cooled and
single-cylindered the tight engine delivers plenty of both.
Unlike many single-cylinder engines, this baby has low
vibration at high rpm (revolutions per minute). That's
widely appreciated on the Paris-Dakar rally, where it takes
top honors. With a wheelbase of just over 58 inches (147cm)
and a seat height of 30 inches (76 inches), riders will find
it the perfect size for that kind of activity.
BMW K 1200R
In recent years a new category of motorcycle has come
into being: the naked bike. No, it isn't a stripped-down
off-road vehicle. At least, not any more. Today, these are
the muscle bikes that provide huge power with few frills.
Ducati introduced the first models over 10 years ago, but
BMW has really mastered the style. With 163hp and 94 ft-lb
(foot-pound) of torque, the K 1200R has no trouble taking
even a pair of riders on a power trip.
By definition, the naked bike lacks fairings and other
standard additions installed as much for looks as for
aerodynamic purposes. At low speeds wind resistance is a
very minor percentage of the total drag. And under about 30
mph/50 kph, fairings contribute only a small percentage to
eliminating wind resistance.
But these bikes are built for speed not looks. With a
16-valve, water-cooled, 1157cc engine, it delivers.
BMW K 1200 LT
Of course, BMW is justly famous for their large, beefy
bikes. The fully-decked K 1200 LT is a stellar example of
that tradition. With full swept-back windscreen,
ultra-comfortable driver and passenger seats (with a large
backrest), this baby is the ultimate touring machine.
It has somewhat less power (116hp) and torque (86 ft-lb)
than the R model, but all of it is smooth and quiet. The
bike looks great, sounds great and rides great.
The suspension is BMW's proprietary Telelever/Paralever
(front/rear) design that provides one of the most
comfortable road experiences of any large bike. And the
curved handlebars provide a perfect ergonomic fit for those
looking to make those long highway trips with less shoulder
fatigue.
So, if you're looking for one of the top 10 bike
manufacturers on the planet, BMW has something in their
lineup that is worth a long, hard look.