Brand new BMWs for less than RM130k each
BMW Group Malaysia unveiled five new BMW Motorrad motorcycles for the Malaysian market at the Sepang International Circuit yesterday. Assuming centre stage was the BMW S 1000 RR superbike, flanked by the BMW R 1200 GS, BMW R 1200 GS Adventure, BMW R 1200 RT, and the BMW F800 R.
The motorcycles were unveiled in conjunction with the Planet Power event, where members of the media and public were given the opportunity to test ride the S1000 RR in half-lap runs around the Sepang circuit.
Speaking at the launch, BMW Group Malaysia MD Geoff Briscoe said, “In 2008, BMW sold 183 Motorrad units and this grew to 225 units in 2009 despite the challenges of the global economic situation. This is a testament to the success of the range in Malaysia despite it being a particularly niche market.”
“Every BMW Motorrad manufactured today is without compromise to premium quality and is an all encompassing representation of the BMW brand’s heritage, innovative design and industry leading technology,” added Briscoe.
Historically, BMW’s association with motorcycle development actually pre-dates its entry into the car business in 1927. Although the BMW brand is primarily associated with cars these days, their motorcycles continue to be held in high regard by enthusiasts. The company acquired Swedish firm Husqvarna Motorcycles in 2007 and continues to sell products of that brand under its own portfolio.
The S 1000 RR is the first BMW superbike officially sold in Malaysia. Powering it is a high-revving 999cc 16-valve inline-4 twin-cam engine. Redlining at 14,200rpm, it produces 193hp @ 13,000rpm and 112Nm @ 9,750rpm. The use of titanium valves and rocker arms endows this engine with its high-revving characteristic and a feather-light mass of 59.8kg.
The engine is run by a sophisticated software dubbed by BMW as the BMS-KP (BMW Engine Management with Anti-Knock Control). Safety features include a 4-mode Race ABS system, Dynamic Traction Control, and dual-front Brembo disc brakes with four-piston calipers.
“The BMW S 1000 RR epitomises the BMW Group’s advances in motorcycle development as it is a bike that incorporates the power, riding dynamics and safety features endemic throughout the BMW brand but has yet to be achieved in the motorcycle segment, until now” said Mr Fazli Shukor, Motorrad Manager of BMW Malaysia.
Also introduced at the event were the BMW R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure enduro bikes. Powering them is a 1,170cc 8-valve two-cylinder Boxer which features twin camshafts per cylinder is good for 110hp @ 7,750rpm and 120Nm @ 6,000rpm. This same engine also powers the road tourer version of the R 1200, the BMW R 1200 RT TU, also unveiled at the event.
Completing the quintet is the BMW F 800 R Chris Pfieffer urban bike. Powering this one is a 798cc 8-valve inline-2 engine rated to produce 87hp @ 8,000rpm and 86Nm @ 6,000rpm. Made famous by the legendary stunt biker, Chris Pfeiffer, the new BMW F 800 R closely resembles the stunt bike used by Chris, including the sports Akrapović® rear silencer and its lack of a cockpit fairing.
“The introduction of these five new BMW Motorrad models to Malaysia is another fulfilment in our ongoing promise to provide the market with the complete range of BMW products and to ensure that our customers are able to enjoy the complete premium experience” said Mr Briscoe.
According to BMW personnel, the S 1000 RR has generated huge interest building up to yesterday’s launch. Of the 55 units allocated to Malaysia, 40 has already been sold to confirmed buyers. Buyers looking to place their orders will have to wait for the shipment for the remaining units for this year’s allocation to reach Port Klang in August 2010.
On the road prices (incl Insurance) for the above mentioned bikes are as follows
– F 800 R Chris Pfieffer: RM87,560.00
– S 1000 RR: RM111,984.75
– R 1200 GS TU: RM118,347.50
– R 1200 GS Adventure TU: RM126,557.50
– R 1200 RT TU: RM131,688.75
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