11-29-2018, 11:28 AM
If this bike in the spy shots is based on the 9cento then I think that BMW might be onto something. Here is a nice video of the concept bike which shows a lot of the detail that may make it into the possible middleweight sport tourer.
"Middleweight" I think is going to be the operative word here because according to the BMW Press Release the concept is designed to be light and agile, which supports light, shorter distance touring where all one is bringing is a couple changes of clothes. The bike in the spy pictures has what appears to be our panniers instead of the ones on the concept bike so that much better supports carrying capacity that a long distance tourer may need and that is a good thing.
Whether or not it is a viable middleweight sport tourer for the North American market is yet to be seen. I think that it would be a better fit as a roadster than would put a heck of a lot of pressure on the little 310R, and I would not be surprised if that bike is killed off in NA in favour of this bike.
"Middleweight" I think is going to be the operative word here because according to the BMW Press Release the concept is designed to be light and agile, which supports light, shorter distance touring where all one is bringing is a couple changes of clothes. The bike in the spy pictures has what appears to be our panniers instead of the ones on the concept bike so that much better supports carrying capacity that a long distance tourer may need and that is a good thing.
Whether or not it is a viable middleweight sport tourer for the North American market is yet to be seen. I think that it would be a better fit as a roadster than would put a heck of a lot of pressure on the little 310R, and I would not be surprised if that bike is killed off in NA in favour of this bike.
Regards,
Grumpy Goat
2016 BMW R1200RS
2023 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro
Grumpy Goat
2016 BMW R1200RS
2023 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro