S675 - a new CBR beater from BMW

[SHIVA]

MCN UK in their May 7th issue has annouced BMW's plans for a new S series, 675cc motorcycle to compete with the Japanese 600 class. This bike could possibly be a triple similar to Triumph's 675.

[Eka]

Hmm. couple black strips over yellow and there is angry bee.
I like it. Should i wait for HP-version?

[SHIVA]

you should get the S1000 in 2010...

[caratz]

BMW copycatting everyone now. Great....

[SHIVA]

Kevin Ash from MCN in the same issue says BMW wants to be like their car division and I think they should. They should compete directly with the Japanese, except in a slightly more upscale, a similar ratio as BMW cars and Honda cars. I think that makes sense. Ash thinks they may out pace Kawa in 10 years, I'm not sure about that. S

[Bong]

I think it's exciting times for BMW fans! Nice to see them branching out with new offerings....just hope the new bikes don't look too much like the Japanese versions.

[caratz]

I think it's exciting times for BMW fans! Nice to see them branching out with new offerings....just hope the new bikes don't look too much like the Japanese versions.

You state what I have been saying. These bikes WILL resemble Jap bikes. NOTHING innovative about them. The same stereotype mold. What can they change ? How can they be different ? No possible way.

BMW is going to lose its essence. I predict that they are going to fail in these segments. They will not be able to keep up with the big two, Honda and Yamaha. These two will always be able to trump BMW who is treading on their domain.

[SHIVA]

I love these discussions! it shows the passion that we hold for the brand and sailing in uncharted territories...

[Eka]

If they put holders for panniers, i will buy. Next sport touring...

[SHIVA]

wait for S675ST with luggage and cup holder that will remain balanced even in a wheelie or a stoppie...

[Jamie]

Think it’s Über cool

Exactly this innovative progressive thinking that lured me to the brand with the inline 4 - to compete with the Japs K1200S. Somewhat of an anomaly I know as I bought the GS first but it was meant to be an interim measure because the K12 was recalled and it was only after the interest was sparked by the K12. I would venture by saying, no K12 no GS.

Be it as it may, I think Honda with it’s new Fireblade just demonstrated it is possible to create a unique character in a superbike world where they all look more or less the same.

What I’m trying to say is I think BM has realized it’s not all together bad to be a follower sometimes……let others do (and pay for) the ground work, then take the blue print and add your own flavor to it. Can think of a few (very expensive) exercises where BM got burnt by being a leader with some models that never came of the ground.

In order for them to survive, they have to attract buyers from a previously untapped market and I think they fought long and hard to shed the so called “old man’s bike” image……..so I say bring it on……..it’s exciting times

[caratz]

I gather I'm the one and only being in dissent. That's typical for me.
Nevertheless, I'll continue saying that BMW shouldn't be a generalist.

[Eka]

Well, i just ordered new boxer monday. Maybe i'm backward, or boxers are just fascinating me.

From that image i ment S1000RR. I'm more into torque than lot of power in high revs.

[SHIVA]

Here's the scan of the article on the new S675 in MCN...

http://bmwsuperbikes.com/675triple-MCN.pdf

[caratz]

Well, i just ordered new boxer monday. Maybe i'm backward, or boxers are just fascinating me.

From that image i ment S1000RR. I'm more into torque than lot of power in high revs.

Which one did you order Eka ?

[Eka]

HP2 Sport

[SHIVA]

I am jealous...

[Eka]

I'm collecting those HP's.
Next is HP4 RR - or something like that ....

[caratz]

I'm seriously starting to think about ditching the GT in favor of a GS....

[SHIVA]

And CDP ditched the GS in favor of a GT, there is balance in the universe after all...

[Jamie]

Me too.....wel not really, had both but used the K by far the most, to the point that I eventually sold the GS. Nice bike though.....maybe that was my problem, it was nice and not wow

I'm seriously starting to think about ditching the GT in favor of a GS....

Out of interest, why do considering that?

[SHIVA]

before caratz jump in, some think BMW is the GS. 100,000 units as of 2007 on the R1200GS/GS-ADV only. It has become the only BMW (outside of the F800) where it's unanimously loved and admired in the whole world. It's being called the 'world bike' or the best bike in the world routinely, even by the British Press who normally get a kick out of bashing Beemers.

I was at a local hang out last night, CDP was there too, it was raining, which means only BMW's showed up (95%). However I was on the only K bike as there were about a dozen GS's lined up. My K crashed the GS party...

Personally, I love the GS-ADV, I just wish it was a bit more splitting-lanes-in-the-real-tight-spots friendlier... S

[Jamie]

Granted and if I can only have one bike which I have to keep for 10 years, it will most probably be a GS. At our national BMW gathering last week, I would say GS’s outnumbered all others combined by 7 to 1.

Personally – :

- it’s far too common
- not really a mud and dust lover
- far too much love for my bikes to trash it every time I take it off road

done the majority of my GS riding on road, therefore no real use for a good but mild bike. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the GS but I was in love (still am) with the K and it was simply a waist to let the bike stand for week after week.

Although agreeing almost always that it was a good ride, the grin factor after a ride was missing


..........and we are seriously hijacking this topic ........sorry

[SHIVA]

I am having a blast on the '08 K12S. I am simply loving it. No question, to keep 1 bike, the K would be IT... S

[caratz]

Me too.....wel not really, had both but used the K by far the most, to the point that I eventually sold the GS. Nice bike though.....maybe that was my problem, it was nice and not wow

I'm seriously starting to think about ditching the GT in favor of a GS....

Out of interest, why do considering that?

The GT is really heavy. My achilles tendon that got hurt two years ago beacause of that very same reason, would require an operation which would not necessarily guarantee no reocurrence. Three months of immobilization. I can't afford them.

After riding in Normandy, and having had to ask for the help of my friend Jeff to put it on its centerstand to top it up while the side cases were loaded, I started thinking about it. All because BMW is not capable of putting a longer lever on the centerstand. The tendon is still painful and swollen now, more then a week after I have returned.

On a GS I can sit on the bike, and push it off its centerstand while sitting. I can put it on its centerstand without problems. Apart of that, I can havet he pegs lowered without losing ground clearance, gaining comfort at the knees.

I'm going to finish this season on the GT and see what's on offer. I foresee no more long distance trips on the bike, so I can do with something lighter, for day rides. I would consider a Katoom Superduke but won't ride them for personal reasons on which I won't elaborate here. Why doesn't BMW come up with a Supermotard with ABS, Tele or Multilever lighter then the K 1200 R ?

I WANT ABS, so the Megamoto and HP 2 don't come into count.