New smaller BMW in the works

[nhmaf]

A number of folks like the "little" bikes (<400cc) for lightness, nimbleness, simpleness...   It looks like BMW is looking into addressing this gap in their model range with a 300cc single:

http://supermotoo.blogspot.com/2015/01/new-bmw-300cc-roadster.html

What do you think?

[montmil]

The market for such bikes is there. With the panache of the existing BMW product line, it should attract attention from both new and returning riders if, and being BMW that's a mighty big IF, the bike can compete on price.

My recent visit to the Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Dallas allowed me to inspect several bikes in the $5000.00 price range -less taxes and dealer delivery/prep- from Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Hyosung, Royal-Enfield and KTM. Word on the street and spy photos suggest that Triumph will also soon offer a smaller displacement motorcycle to compete with those listed above. Thailand and India are popular manufacturing locations of these new offerings and continue to be major players in production.

Exciting times for the re-born motorcycle industry. I'm getting the itch already!

[Bob_Roller]

Like Monte has said, if BMW can keep the price competitive to other like motorcycles available from other manufacturers, they can make it work .
I also think it would be a good idea, to have some sort of promotion for a one day, free motorcycle riders course with the bike .

[Barry]

I like the simplicity and lightness of singles and owned a GN400 for 14 years.  Only 27HP but very light at 308lbs.  These days 27HP out
of 300cc should be possible and lets hope they keep the weight down.



 

[nhmaf]

I agree, and it could potentially be a fun bike given the technology available to BMW.   I think that they could leverage some of their engine development expertise in the K1300, SS1000, and 1600 engines to come up with something bulletproof, with a 4 valve head and EFI, 27-30HP and decent tractability should be possible.   They key will be to keep it price competitive and light, and simple enough for new owners to adopt basic maintenance of without having to go back to the shop for a $150 oil change every 3000 miles.

Somedays I also wish for a simple single, like the GB500 Honda or the ol 1979 Yamaha SR500 I lusted after as a teenager.    Yamaha has come back with an SR400 now that tends to pluck at my heart strings every now and then, but I think I'd have to give up one of my 3 bikes in the garage, and I cannot think of which I could possible trade away-perish the thought!

[montmil]

Somedays I also wish for a simple single, like the GB500 Honda or the ol 1979 Yamaha SR500 I lusted after as a teenager.    Yamaha has come back with an SR400 now that tends to pluck at my heart strings every now and then...

Mike, There was a Yamaha SR400, in a Liquid Graphite paint, at the IMS that had so many mid-60s/70s styling cues it took several minutes to spot all of 'em.

This little $5K, kick-start only bike will be a prime candidate for owner customization. I can see an easy transition to a lively street tracker or Brit-like cafe machine. Check these recent SR400 customs on Bike EXIF...
http://www.bikeexif.com/?s=SR400

[Tony Smith]

My recent visit to the Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Dallas allowed me to inspect several bikes in the $5000.00 price range -less taxes and dealer delivery/prep- from Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Hyosung, Royal-Enfield and KTM.  

Monty. I WISH!
The RE is $10,000 Pacific Pesos PLUS Dealer delivery/prep.

Even with our current parlous exchange rate, if they were $6,260 there would be one in my lock up right now! As you know, I am a fan!