BMW discusses future product with Aprilla

[Tim Cullis]

I've stuck this BMW release here as it sounds of more interest to thumper owners. Despite being a couple of weeks old, I've not seen it reported.

Tim
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17.02.2005

BMW motorcycle leads co-operation discussions with Aprilia SpA.

Munich. BMW motorcycle and the Aprilia SpA, Noale, hold conversations across a renewed co-operation on the motorcycle sector.

Aprilia built the first generation of the very successful single cylinder model BMW F 650 for BMW motorcycle from 1993 to end of 1999, before the manufacturing of the successor was tranferred to BMW's Berlin factory.

The current discussions refer to conceivable development and production achievements. They concern a future and additional product offer in segments new for BMW motorcycle. The models of the existing single cylinder series (F-series) are not affected of these considerations.

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[Tim Cullis]

BMW T800

This might be what they were discussing...

The new BMW T 800, will be a sport motorcycle, based upon a new 2 cylinder parallel twin engine and around 80 to 85 bhp. Other features are conventional forks, aluminium frame, single sided swing arm, belt drive, 2 in 1 exhaust, tank under the seat - all similar to the F 650 series.

BMW plans to offer a T 800 R with a full fairing and a T 800 S with half fairing. Wet weight is supposed to be below 400 lb. Prototypes have been seen in Germany. Available in 2006.

The other alternative is the K600: http://www.forum-auto.com/sqlforum/section24/sujet272021.htm

Tim

 

[LivNorway]

Great!

If they make a hole in front of the seat, like they did on the CS Scarver; I'm falling in love! heart

Liv.

 

[Tim Cullis]

The word is that in addition to the semifared F800S and naked F800R versions, there will be an enduro F800GS version. Would this mark the end of the F650GS?

Tim

 

[Caveman]

450 Twin

BMW also bought the rights to the Aprila 450 V Twin they were developing. Mainly due I think to the impending change in regs for the Paris Dakar, so expect homologation versions of those within the next 12 months.

Caveman

 

[Tim Cullis]

Interesting sounding engine: http://www.maxmoto.co.uk/aprilia_45_v2.shtml