BMW rolled into the Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, CA with five impressive motorcycles. They aren’t all strictly 2015s, but you will be able to get all five in 2015. Don’t pass on a chance to see these BMWs.
1. 2016 BMW S 1000 XR: This was a use we didn’t see for BMWs latest inline-4 — a street-only adventure style motorcycle. With the GS brand strong, BMW has taken one of the most aggressive superbikes in the world and morphed it into what may be the ultimate 160 horsepower sport-tourer. Fully upright with wide bars and an angular three-quarters fairing, the new 2016 BMW S 1000 XR demands your attention. Hop on and see what you think.
2. 2015 BMW R 1200 RS: The 2015 BMW R 1200 RS is BMW’s latest foray in aggressive sport touring, this time with the 125 horsepower waterboxer motor. The seating position is sportier than you might expect, with fairly low bars and a decent reach forward — this is not your father’s RT. It’s a striking motorcycle in person, especially in the Lupin Blue Metallic paint scheme.
3. 2015 BMW R 1200 R: BMW has updated its classic naked roadster, giving it the 125 horsepower waterboxer motor and fully contemporary styling. Gone is the odd Telelever front suspension, replaced by traditional forks. Instantly comfortable and impressive in Cordoba Blue, it’s a bike worth seeing.
4. 2015 BMW S 1000 RR: With the HP4 gone for 2015, the S 1000 RR regains its position as BMW’s superbike flagship. It’s not visually much different than the 2014 — you may notice the exhaust — but it gets many invisible updates that impress. That motor pumps out an additional six horsepower, and BWM has shaved almost nine pounds off an already-light bike. You won’t see the new electronics, but they’re there!
5. Roland Sands Design BMW R nineT: Roland Sands’ bikes are all over the IMS. He has a custom Indian and custom KTM on display, but our favorite riding bike might be this lightly modded BMW R nineT. It’s certainly easy on the eyes, as it doesn’t change the look so much that the original bike disappears into a haze of modification.
Photography by Don Williams
