BMW S1000RR

BMW Motorrad’s S 1000 RR has won The International Bike of The Year award 2010-2011!

If you’re not applauding and wondering how this happened? Let me explain. Along with the BMW R 1200 GS there was another exotic bike standing in line and reeling in the interest of the audience - the BMW S 1000 RR.

In 2009, BMW rolled out 1000 models to satisfy the homologation requirements of World Superbike. The S 1000 R proved its superbike abilities and ventured into commercial sales in 2010.

The BMW S 1000 RR pumps 149bhp using a 999 CC inline-4 engine redlined at 14,200 rpm. This beauty is BMW’s thunderbolt because it can hit top speed of 305kmph easily and surge from 0-100 in just 3.1 seconds!

The BMW S 1000 RR presents the very latest in racing power. With an aluminium bridge, radial brakes, a super sporty tail-up nose-down design, hot colours and the ultimate combination of electronic rider assistance systems: the first genuine racing ABS, whose features include a front-wheel-only mode, dynamic traction control (DTC) which permits varying degrees of slip, depending on the lean angle. Never before was it so easy to keep so much power under control.

The S 1000 RR represents a milestone in electronic rider safety: ultra-lightweight ABS (2.5kg), which can be used in conjunction with the extremely efficient DTC (available as an optional extra), can be switched off at any time. It also features radially mounted Brembo brake calipers. The front design of this beauty is intelligently positioned to optimize air-flow around rider and ensures stability at top speed.

Impressed aren’t you? Go ahead - you can give the bike a standing ovation now.

BMW R 1200 GS

Well, here is another breed of automotive, the Exotic Bikes. This BMW R 1200 GS was displayed at the BMW Motorrad stall at the recent Auto Show in Bengaluru. The BMW GS series offers dual purpose off-road/on-road and has been in production since 1980. The GS refers to either Gelände/Straße (German: off-road/road) or Gelände Sport.

GS motorcycles can be distinguished from other BMW models by their longer travel suspension, an upright riding position, and larger front wheels – typically 19 to 21 inch. The BMW GS1200 is the face of the modern motorcycles that is suitable for long distance travel, as a universal tool - on a local run, for daily journey to work or weekend trips. It was initially launched in 2004 as R1150GS, which was replaced by BMW R 1200 GS.

 

The BMW R 1200 GS features a air/oil-cooled flat twin ('Boxer') 4-stroke, 1,170 cc engine, and produces a power of 110 hp (82KW) at 7,750 rpm. As standard it is equipped with electronic engine management, ABS braking and twin spark plugs.

The R1200GS is BMW Motorrad’s best-selling model and has been developed in line with the industry standard. In 2007, the bike was popularised by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman, who used the Adventure model for a trip from John o' Groats in Scotland to Cape Agulhas in South Africa. The trip was documented in a book and as a television series - Long Way Down.

BMW GS1200 will be the best bike to choose if you are thinking of a motorcycle for daily usage and long drives. It sets you back by Rs. 20, 00,000 (India), which is worth when you completely make use of the package and features.