BMW has already unveiled most of their new machines at Intermot, but they’re teasing a few machines at EICMA, including a new Husqvarna concept.
First up – BMW may have added liquid cooling to their BMW R 1200 GS for 2013, but they’re not abandoning their classic air-cooled boxer engines (with roots all the way back in the 1920s!). They indicated they’ll be building an air-cooled boxer in 2013 – but that’s about all we know. Here’s what their press release says:
‘The new, distinctive motorcycle to come out next year will express the genes of 90 years of BMW Motorrad, combined with emotional styling and innovative technology to create a new, multifaceted vehicle concept.”
So much for the legendary Teutonic straight-to-the-point terseness.
BMW subsidiary Husqvarna was showing off their TE449 rally bike (built in conjunction with Speedbrain). Husky is trying their best to unseat KTM in the Dakar rally, and this is the bike they’re using.
They’re working hard towards that end, fitting trick parts (USD WP 52 mm forks up front, WP Trax rear suspension, Michelin Desert Race tires, carbon Kevlar fairing and skid plate) and hiring the best riders they can get. Trouble is, they’re also in competition with Honda in that department now.
Husqvarna also showed off the latest version of their Baja concept bike, first seen back in January.
It seems this machine is aimed at actually making it to market. As such, it’s seen some practical changes since we last saw it; the number plate is gone, replaced by a headlight.
It still has USD forks up front. The machine has Brembo brakes, 19-inch wheel in front and 17-inch wheel in back, 652 cc BMW motor, steel tube frame, twin mufflers, and some old-school enduro styling.There’s no adventure-bike beak on this machine.
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I like the Baja 650, I think I REALLY like the Baja 650. I’ve been having nostalgia cramps for the old DT series Yamahas. In 1980 my first bike was a DT100. At the time I figures the world would perfect if I only had a DT175. The Baja looks like an updated DT175.