The new 650s

[GS TRV]

Emm..it looks crap

 

[John Armstrong]

Emm..it looks crap

I'd guess you're not in the target audience then?

BTW I thought that we wouldn't be seeing the Bike till the 11th?

 

[AusSteve]

According to MCN and Raptors and Rockets sites, news on the new models might start trickling through from Intermot late today... As for BIKE releasing this, it would appear that some copies made it on the shelves a little early!

I'm keen to see more details as I'm planning to cross a continent or two in a couple of years time and after watching Ewan and Charlie struggle with the weight of their 1150 Adventures, I'm thinking the single or 800 twin might be the way to go. Will wait and see...

 

[(RIP) Proff]

EWWWWW

 

[snoopy]

It's an Aprillia!

 

[ROLLINSDAN]

It's an Aprillia!

So it has the Yamaha engine in it?!!!!

 

[mr moto]

they do look horrible, thank god the F800GS is coming along , and yes , for the last time ! the F800GS has been officialy confirmed by dr herbert diess, who just happens to be the man in charge of the BMW motorcycle division.

 

[Dave Hall]

I have to admit that I`ve seen nothing that would tempt me to chop in the 650GS

 

[AusSteve]

The weight loss is definitely welcome. However, the strength of the aluminium sub-frame for luggage carrying could be a concern and once again the monster exhaust is in the way! However, the article does say that BMW have lots of luggage and even pillion options, which suggests that maybe the sub-frame is ok.... eagerly awaiting details...

 

[dirtydog]

They look like kid's bikes, and cheap one's at that

Should be reliable then coming outta Italy...

 

[samwise]

So it has the Yamaha engine in it?!!!!

Nope - here's the text

Whoa... what's all this?
A very welcome and largely unexpected addition to the ranks of exciting new BMWs. Designed to provide an attractive way into the whole Beemer thing for younger riders, the trio of new bikes consists of the G650Xmoto Street Moto, the Xcountry Scrambler and Xchallenge Hard Enduro. All are based around an upgraded, 53bhpversionof the 652cc Rotax single-cylinder engine seen in the F650 GS (which remains in the range), in a new steel-tube frame with bolt-on alumunium subframe, lightweight cast swingarm and a fuel tank under the seat.

Claimed weights are low (144-148kg or 317-326lb) and all have chain drive, 45mm upside-down forks and normal brakes: no odd front suspension or belt drive here. Each has its own specific brakes, wheels and suspension set-up to suit the road, multi-purpose and off-road guises.

Why does it look familiar?
Ah... you think you recognise the Xmoto Street Moto? If you're thinking Aprilia Pegaso Strada, then well spotted - the new bikes were developed in cahoots with Aprilia, and will be knocked out by their factory in Italy. As well as a clear styling and colour links to the XT660-powered Strada, the Xmoto shares the same 17in cast wheels and Brembo four-pot front brake. The road bike has firmer damping and less suspension travel than the others, sharper geometry thanks to the smaller front rim, and a KTM Duke-style headlight cowl.

The naked Xcountry is designed to have the dual purpose look and ability of fifties and sixties scramblers, and differs by having 19in front and 17in rear wire wheels with semi-knobbly tyres, softer suspension with a rear ride-height adjuster and a two-pot front brake. And the start Xchallenge Hard Enduro is, as the name clearly suggests, a full-on trail bike with 21in and 18in wheels,long travel, softer forks with different spring rates, and hte fancy air rear shock used on the mighty HP2 enduro. It also wears flexible plastics to cope with spills, has lower overall gearing and a lightweight wave front disc.

Any optional extras?
We could fill the mag: there's everything from ABS and pillion footpegs to crash pads, luggage and Akrapovic exhausts.

 

[Mutley]

They look like kid's bikes, and cheap one's at that

Should be reliable then coming outta Italy...

I like them, particularly the off road one

 

[Stoney]

 

[dirtydog]

I like them, particularly the off road one

You would, cos they're girls bikes......

 

[ECM]

You mean this one?

(Thread started on the Dutch forum Max Kool who gets the credits for this scoop)

 

[rc mad]

ME no likey, not by a long way

guess i'l be keeping the dakar then, unless the 800gs is something really special

 

[ECM]

[edit]

Found I was a second or so too late for this "scoop"

 

[AusSteve]

Picture of the G 650 X Challenge

All,

First picture of the G 650 X Challenge just posted on Raptors and Rockets site here:

http://www.raptorsandrockets.com/Show/2006_Cologne_Intermot.htm

The site confirms five new models, with the Blog stating the 3 of them are singles, one is a four cylinder (the K1200R Sport I guess shown in RIDE) and the fifth is still to be revealed, but "apparently not based on the F800"!

Steve

 

[AusSteve]

MCN has just posted the list of contents for tomorrow's issue, which includes 'BMW off-roaders, The New G-Series' and 'BMW's half-faired K1200R Sport', but still no hint as to the fifth model (F800GS or otherwise).

Raptors and Rockets Blog says that BMW have placed an embargo on publishing info on the new bikes until 4-5pm today, so more should be revealed then.

 

[Stoney]

More pics here:

They look pretty good in these pics. EMAP mock-ups I ask you - everyone is a cynic!