BMW Motorrad has announced a decline in sales for Q2 2018.
The sharpest drop was in Germany, driving overall results down.
BMW plans to reveal 9 new models this year and they should turn the figures around.
As the results of the second-quarter sales start filtering through from manufacturers, BMW Motorrad is the latest to show a decline due to a soft world motorcycle market. It’s very a surprising news considering that they have been enjoying record sales for the last 7 years.
BMW reported a total of 51,117 motorcycles sold worldwide, compared to the 52,753 units sold during Q2 last year, marking a 3.1% decline. Correspondingly, it translates 5.8% decline in revenue (€658 million) and 6.8% drop in profits before tax (€174 million).
This also works out to a 1.6% decline by unit volume with only 86,975 motorcycles and scooters sold to customers. As such, revenue dropped by 10.1% (€1,182 million) and a 23.7% decrease in profit (€196 million).
With the European Union being BMW’s largest market, which accounts up to 60 % of their sales, the manufacturer’s sales was dragged down by that very market by 7.9%. This is the biggest contributor to the overall sales decline.
However, if analyzed by countries, their sales was down by 18.8% in their home country of Germany, followed by -5% in Italy and -4% in France. Fortunately, there were modest gains in other European countries such as Spain with a 1.3% increase.
One big surprise however, was BMW Motorrad’s gain in the United States, given the soft motorcycle market there these days. BMW Motorrad USA reported a 3.1% increase on the first six months of the year. The gain upswing was in no doubt due to BMW’s new models, including the BMW K 1600 Grand America and updated middleweight GS. And while the ultra-exotic and ultra-limited S 1000 RR HP4 Race doesn’t help with the bottom line, 14 have been confirmed to be sold in there.
BMW Motorrad plans to launch nine new models this year (although we don’t know how many of those will be introduced in Malaysia) and they’ll most probably turn the sales figures around for the 8th record-breaking year. Would you dare to bet otherwise?
The BMW R 1200 RT fits in between the sporty S 1000 XR and full-dress K 1600 tourers.
It is powered by the same 1170cc Boxer in the R 1200 GS.
Priced from RM 118,798.77 with 0% GST.
The BMW RT (Reise-Tourer or travel tourer) has had a long history, starting from the first R 100 RT in 1978 to this latest 2018 R 1200 RT. So, yes, it’s the RT’s 40th anniversary this year. By the way, the R 100 RT was the touring variant of the first fully-faired production motorcycle, the R 100 RS, which singlehandedly launched the sport-touring segment.
1978 BMW R 100 RT – courtesy of uniongaragenyc.com
The current lineage of the R 1200 RT, however, began in 2014 with the introduction of the wasser-head (liquid-cooled) Boxer; and instead of just stuffing the new engine into an old bike, BMW redesigned the RT wholesale (side-by-side with the new R 1200 GS). New seats, seating position, fairing, instrumentation, and frame were fitted or updated.
2014 BMW R 1200 RT
It was also at this time when BMW added options such as Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment), Shift Assist Pro (for both up- and downshifts), central locking system for the luggage and storage compartments, low and high seats cruise control, and keyless ignition (from 2015).
There were further updates to the R 1200 RT in 2017, albeit minor. BMW fitted a judder damper to the transmission’s output shaft, along with a revised selector drum actuator, transmission shafts and transmission shaft bearings (the R 1200 GS received these updates, too).
Other standard features include ABS Pro, heated grips and seats, ASC (Automatic Stability Control), Riding Modes (Road/Rain), Stepless Adjustable Power Windshield, On-board Computer Pro, height adjustable rider’s seat, LED signal lamps, LED taillamp, besides others.
Styling wise, there’s no mistaking the R 1200 RT for any other motorcycle. The large front section carries the large headlamp cluster which consists of the central low-beam flanked by a pair of massive high-beam projectors; who are themselves ringed by BMW’s signature LED halo-rings.
The rest of the body panels are sharp and consist of “panels” to deflect around the occupants. BMW routes the hot air from the split radiators through cleverly designed holes on each side away from the rider. Other smaller bodywork panels hide the rear parts of the engine and rear shock.
The handlebars are fixed in just the right position as you reach out for them. This is where the fun starts.
The 1170cc flat-twin fired up with that signature Boxer vroom and settled down to a drone with just a touch of vibration to let you know it’s alive. Give a blip and the Boxer vrooms, accompanied by a slight twitch to the right.
Pressing the INFO button scrolls through all the menus to setup the bike, including ESA preload (rider, rider with luggage, two-up), ESA damping settings (Soft, Normal, Hard), travel information (tyre pressure, fuel consumption, fuel range, etc.), audio, and many more. The rider uses the Multi Controller wheel to pick and confirm the sub-items.
The button next to it is for adjusting the windshield’s height. The windshield will lower itself automatically to its lowest position when you kill the engine and raises itself automatically to your last setting when the bike starts to roll. Lovely. The windshield provided a wonderfully turbulence-free zone around the torso and I could hear the stereo clearly at high speeds (depending on helmet).
For a peace of mind, I pressed the remote storage locking switch to lock the panniers and the storage compartments in front of the handlebars, regardless if I had left the panniers’ unlocked. An audible mechanical whirr and a symbol of a key on suitcase lit up in the instrument panel as confirmation. This is brilliant as in case you forgot to lock the storage.
First gear still engaged with the familiar clack. Slip out the light clutch lever and you’re under way on a stream of smooth, smooth torque. The bike pushed forward quickly but very, very smoothly and the new shifter mechanisms worked as the gearshift was light, smooth and noiseless. Coupled with the aerodynamics, you wouldn’t notice the acceleration until you glance down to find yourself riding at 130 km/h or beyond.
I was apprehensive at first when I approached cars on either side at the traffic lights, but I soon learned that there’s ample space to fit the wide front end through; and once the “head” got clear, the rest of the bike followed through. Plus, the RT has such an imposing presence that almost any vehicle gave space. Otherwise, I’d follow the vehicle for a short distance and use the engine’s torque to pass when the opportunity presented itself.
What’s the hurry, anyway?
I’ve got a great sound system to listen to and plenty of settings to entertain myself with. Additionally, everyone stared at me in admiration (read: awe), especially when the design looks this good and painted in this new Mars Red Metallic and Slate Metallic Matte scheme. They scanned the bike from the front to the rear, up and down and craned their necks to peek at the impressive instrument cluster.
Again, when it’s time to get going, the R 1200 RT got going without delay. Vrooom, and you’ve pulled clear even in top gear. We’ve rode the bike to its top speed which was beyond ahem, 200 km/h while sitting straight up! No turbulence, not headshake, no weaving. Amazing.
It was the handling which helped with urban riding. This is where the DNA of the R 1200 GS and R 1200 R shone through. The bike was light on its feet without feeling nervous, so you could confidently flick it around as you shoot into spaces in traffic, relying on the engine’s torque for a quick boost and the superb brakes to slow you down. The front brakes are linked to the rear’s ad the bike entire bike squats down when you clamp down hard on them, eliminating crazy wiggles and wobbles.
A soft tap on the handlebar was enough to change the bike’s direction, despite the “touring” 26.4o rake, 116 mm trail, 1485 mm wheelbase and 276 kg wet weight. It almost made no sense how well the R 1200 RT handled given its spec sheet figures. In fact, it was very much like riding a scooter. Make that a much better handling and braking, and stable scooter. I’ve never felt tired even after riding through the morning and evening rush hour traffic along Jalan Tun Razak.
No wonder many law-enforcement agencies around the world use the BMW R 1200 RT!
But there’s no mistaking the RT’s natural habitat. Out on Karak Highway, apart from the feedback in your hands and bum, you might as well think you’re riding in a BMW 7-Series. Sure, the Dynamic ESA returned hard kicks when hitting sharp bumps, but it performed well nonetheless. It gives you more time to admire the countryside as you ride relaxed – even at high speeds.
It wasn’t just about going straight either, for the RT could turn and burn, too. Of course, not as fast as a sportbike, but I could surely hang with most sport-tourers. The only way you could get it totally wrong is to bottle it up and panic. Have confidence in the front-end and you’d be rewarded with peg-scratching cornering everytime.
The R 1200 RT also performed remarkably well up Genting Highlands. The test bike was fitted with Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT sport-touring tyres and they gripped even over wet roads and loose dirt. A late-night ride up demonstrated the high-beam headlamps’ power in cutting a swath of light through the fog.
What’s a touring bike if it can’t carry luggage, right? Worry not. Those panniers could accommodate a full-faced helmet or a 15-inch Macbook Pro in a backpack each, while still leaving lots of room for everything else. Install BMW’s 49-litre top case and you could ride anywhere.
Lastly, a 25-litre tank could go as far as 500 km if you ride smoothly. Combined consumption through city congestion and spirited highway blasting lowered it into the lower 400’s. Still a good feat for a big motorcycle.
In conclusion, the BMW R 1200 RT is the luxury touring model which slots in between the sportier S 1000 XR sport-tourer and the K 1600 series full-dress tourers. I wouldn’t call it a compromise between the two extremes; rather, the RT has its own distinctive character as a long-distance runner which endears itself to you very quickly with its great comfort, performance, great looks, typical BMW quality and fuel economy.
Priced from RM 118,798.77 (with 0% GST), it is exactly cheap for a person such as me and am convinced beyond reasonable doubt that I would like to own one in a heartbeat if some kind soul decided to donate some money my way.
The BMW R 1200 GS uses the trademark BMW Telelever front suspension.
The system separates suspension forces from steering forces.
In doing so it provides superb manoeuvrability and comfort.
A newfound friend and I were chatting about bikes and more, of course but let’s keep it to bikes here since this is Bikes Republic and not the Sarawak Report.
He owns a 2016 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure, on which he had toured all the way to the Mae Hong Son loop and back a few times on it besides many other places.
2016 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure LC
Now, although I don’t own a GS, I’ve ridden one over quite some distance too. If you could recall the GIVI Golden Triangle Adventure in November last year, I had ridden a 2013 BMW R 1200 GS LC from KL to Pattaya and back, covering around 3200 km.
2013 BMW R 1200 GS LC
That trip firmly convinced me why BMW owners swear by it. It’s when you have to ride through treacherous conditions, or when your mind and body are exhausted, the R 1200 GS just keeps going. And going. And going.
A large part of that character is due to the bike’s Dynamic ESA /ESA II electronic suspension. It controls the damping electronically, removing bumps that would otherwise tire out the rider in a hurry.
2017 BMW R 1200 GS
However, as much as having a “smart” suspension, there’s no going around the Telelever’s basic setup at the front. The spring and damper are moved out of the fork tubes and placed at a separate location. The spring and fork tubes are then connected via an A-arm, also known as a wishbone to the frame. BMW did this to separate the damping forces from the steering. We wondered why the set up isn’t used in performance bikes. A little research revealed some interesting answers.
BMW R 1200 GS Telelever set up
The traditional telescopic forks, whether “normal” or upside-down, suspend and also steer the bike. Let’s take a look at the picture below.
The forks connect to the frame via the headstock and forms a triangle. This makes the headstock as the weakest point in this connection, yet the forks and frame transmit loads into it.
Motorcycle frame headstock. This belongs to a custom bike and is very simple
Imagine the forces pushing up into the headstock from the rear tyre when accelerating, and the forces pushing up the fork under heavy breaking. At the same time, consider the bike’s and rider’s weights squashing down from above. All these forces threaten to split the fork-frame triangle like Jean-Claude Van Damme right at the headstock. This is why the front fork and wheel assembly comes off in some heavy accidents.
While this is happening, the rider steers the bike using the exact same components that are transmitting the forces to the headstock, frame, etc. Yes, those very same forces that threaten to tear the forks off the frame.
BMW S 1000 RR frame
What that means is the forces you feel at the handlebar are the total, the sum, of all these forces acting in unison, plus the cornering forces such as camber thrust, weight, rolling drag torques, etc. That’s not necessarily a bad thing since that’s what riders call “front-end feedback.” The darker side, on the other hand, is when the rider lets off the throttle or applies the front brake abruptly in mid-corner, consequently transferring weight to the front and pushing the bike wide. That self-righting torque (the bike standing up) usually panics riders, causing them to think that they’ve run out of grip hence not forcing the bike back down to make the turn. This is why one overshoots a corner.
2016 BMW S 1000 RR
The Telelever and Duolever remove those forces from the steering; although the former still leaves some load through to the headstock and frame, while the latter completely isolates steering from suspension duties. The Telelever is the reason why the R 1200 GS is so easy to manoeuvre even extremely slow speeds, as exhibited by the tests in the GS Trophy. The Duolever system fitted to the K 1600 full-dress tourer line-up gives the bikes surprisingly light steering, despite their heft.
Duolever on K 1200
By if the Telelever is that good, why isn’t it used on performance bikes, much less in competition, say MotoGP? Part of the feedback is missing at full lean. It may be okay for road riding where speeds and tyre loads are much lower but not in racing where the rider needs to listen to the tyres.
BMW Motorrad Malaysia has released their official prices with 0% GST.
The reduction in prices will see prices being even more attractive than they already are.
The prices are basic selling prices with 0% GST but not on-the-road.
We had speculated earlier that BMW Motorrad Malaysia will revise the prices of their new motorcycles with the onset of 0% GST beginning 1st June 2018. We have just received the official prices from BMW Motorrad Malaysia.
Please refer to the price list below.
As expected, prices will be reduced across the board, but what is interesting to see are the popular models such as the G-, F-, R-, and S-Series models. The prices will be even more attractive than they are currently. However, if there are many other models to choose from BMW Motorrad’s extensive line-up.
For example, the C-Series “Urban Mobility” super-powered maxi scooters. At the heart of these “babies” are the 647cc, 2-cylinder engine which punches out 60 bhp of power and 63 Nm of torque, with a top speed of 180 km/h.
A little further up the scale and you’ll have the R nineT “Heritage” family, which consists of five variants to choose from, including the ultra-sexy R nineT Racer and the utilitarian R nineT Urban GS.
On top of it all (S 1000 RR HP4 Race notwithstanding) is the K-Series of full-dress luxo tourers, including the new K 1600 B (Bagger). Being tourers, they may be large but we’ve discovered the joy of riding them as they could be ridden like much smaller bikes. Trust us, we did it on the K 1600 GTL in the chaotic Penang rush hour traffic.
Adding to the price revision is the unwavering quality and reliability of these German bikes, plus the excellent level of aftersales service one would receive, synonymous with the premium brand of motorcycles.
All manufacturers are gearing up for setting GST to 0% from 1st June 2018.
These are the expected new prices of BMW motorcycles in Malaysia.
Time for a new BMW, perhaps?
BMW Motorrad Malaysia has revised the prices of BMW motorcycles in accordance with the Government’s directive to set the Goods & Services Tax (GST) to 0% beginning 1st June 2018, in the interim before reimplementation of Sales & Services Tax (SST).
While we have not received an official line from BMW Motorrad Malaysia, reduction in price is definitely on the cards for every manufacturer.
Please refer to the table below. Please note that the prices are speculative at the moment in view of the said reinstatement of the SST later. BMW Motorrad lists their prices previously as “on-the-road without insurance with 6% GST,” thus we arrived at those figures below by subtracting 6% off the current price.
The S 1000 RR HP4 Race notwithstanding, we see a reduction of between RM 1,614.00 (G 310 R) to RM 10,194.00 (K 1600 GTL) in reduction across the board. But perhaps more interesting are the R 1200 GS lineup which sees a drop in prices between RM 6,174 (R 1200 GS) to RM 7,194.00 (R 1200 GS Adventure TFT).
Is this the best time to buy a new BMW? Yes, it is.
Another interesting note: In an interview earlier today, Tun Abdul Daim bin Zainuddin mentioned that the government is targeting an annual revenue of RM 30 billion through SST, against the RM 42 billion collected in 2017 through 6% GST. Does this mean SST will not be set at 10% as expected?
BMW Motorrad recently announced that their Heritage R nineT family is now complete with five models.
This also means that there will be no more new additions to the R nineT line-up.
They also report a 7.2% worldwide sales increase for the first two months of 2018 with 18,627 unit sales.
The latest BMW Motorrad annual report has stated that their Heritage line which comprises of five different R nineT models is now ‘complete’. This also means that there will be no more retro additions in that particular family which already have the standard R nineT, R nineT Pure, R nineT Racer, R nineT Scrambler, and the R nineT Urban G/S. (more…)
BMW Motorrad Nightfuel 2018 kicked off at Putrajaya.
BMW Motorrad Malaysia showed off the latest riding gear, accessories for the R nineT and BMW motorcycles.
There were also lucky draws, live band performances and great food.
BMW Motorrad Malaysia’s ultimate lifestyle event – BMW Motorrad Nightfuel – is back for 2018, kicked off at the Putrajaya Recreational Airport on 7th April 2018.
The event has always served as a platform for BMW motorcycle owners as well as those of other brands, to enjoy themselves over great a great atmosphere, food and music. They are also where bikers get to catch up with their riding buddies.
BMW Motorrad Malaysia on the other hand, seeks provide BMW motorcycle owners and event as a reward for their faith in the brand. Besides that, BMW Motorrad Malaysia had always announced new BMW models or products during Nightfuel.
Close to 1000 motorcycle owners turned up for this edition, the bikes were parked two-deep on both sides and the middle of the runway.
Each attendee received a welcome pack, lucky-draw voucher and wristband for the wonderful food. The lucky draw was carried out throughout the evening, with the winners going home with some terrific prizes.
The Malaysian band 9 Lives kept the party mood going as they belted out hit after hit.
There was also a fashion show where the models showed off the latest BMW Motorrad branded riding equipment, including a one-piece racesuit. The crowd were also the first to view the BMW Motorrad Spezial range of customization options for the R nineT.
On display were the R 1200 GS Rallye, S 1000 XR, R nineT Urban G/S, S 1000 R, S 1000 RR, K 1600 B, R nineT Pure, R 1200 RT and the ultra-exclusive S 1000 RR HP4 Race encased in a Perspex err… case.
Attendees were welcomed to try on the bikes (except for the R 1200 RT and HP4 Race).
It was another great evening for everyone who attended. Bring on the next Nightfuel!
Millennium Welt and BMW Motorrad Malaysia have opened up the first ever BMW Motorrad dealership in Negeri Sembilan.
Located in Seremban, this is the 11th BMW Motorrad dealership here in Malaysia.
Fans from nearby areas can now view the latest BMW motorcycles without having to travel far.
The first ever BMW Motorrad dealership in Negeri Sembilan has begun operating today in Seremban. Launched by Millennium Welt and BMW Motorrad Malaysia, folks in the state and nearby areas won’t have to travel far and wide to view the latest BMW motorcycles. (more…)
It’s another record year for BMW Motorrad’s worldwide sales in 2017.
The increase is attributable to the introduction of new models.
The new line-up includes bikes for almost every segment, including smaller capacity bikes.
Another year, another worldwide sales record for BMW Motorrad; their seventh in a row.
The German marque delivered a total of 145,032 motorcycles in 2016. In 2017, they delivered a whopping 164,153 units, for a 13.2% increase.
On the home front, BMW Motorrad Malaysia had debuted a large number of motorcycles in 2017, including the new S 1000 RR, S 1000 R, R 1200 GS Rallye, K 1600 GT, K 1600 B, R nineT Urban GS and the two models of the lightweight family, the G 310 R and G 310 GS.
BMW motorcycle sales grew by 5% in 2017 in Malaysia.
According to the BMW Motorrad HQ’s press release, the growth was driven by none other than the GS lineup, plus the S-series. The G 310 lineup has not only done well in the intended Asian and South American markets but similarly in Europe where they are especially popular with new riders.
In fact, the biggest portion of the brand’s growth was in Europe, which contributed 15% over 2016. Out of that figure, France grew by 24.3%, Italy by 17.3%, and Spain up by 17.6%. However, the largest growth was still seen in Germany which contributed a 7.1% growth.
What does the future hold for BMW Motorrad? BMW Motorrad Head of Sales and Marketing, Timo Resch said, “We expect to see further growth in sales for our vehicles in 2018, too. We are looking forward to the positive impulses generated by the launch of the completely new F 750 GS and F 850 GS, as well as the much anticipated C 400 X mid-size scooter. Expanding our urban mobility product range is a key topic for the future of BMW Motorrad.”
KL Bike Week 2017 telah dianjurkan dengan jayanya pada hari Jumaat dan Sabtu yang lalu di TREC Kuala Lumpur.
Ribuan penunggang motosikal telah membanjiri tapak acara berkenaan bagi meraikan segala-galanya yang berkaitan dengan motosikal beserta dengan penyertaan daripada pelbagai perniagaan.
BMW Motorrad, Indian Motorcycles, dan The Gasket Alley juga turut serta dalam memperagakan barang dagangan terbaik mereka buat para pengunjung.
