The day I returned from the Holy Land (a.k.a. New Zealand) hubby picked me up at the airport.
Our usual route home would lead as past a certain motorcycle dealership, and it was in fact Roland (I was seriously jet-lagged at that time) that spotted the new BMW scooter as part of the brand annual demo days.
We were told that about 75% of the production will stay in Europe, while the rest of the world will have to fight over the leftovers...
The only chance to keep the name in the draw would be making a (refundable) deposit. And the spousal unit is seriously considering it.
Alas, the bike is not be available in Canada until Fall 2012. A funny way to introduce a new model towards end of the season. What were they thinking?
Sonja:
ReplyDeletewe drove by there on Sunday too, but we didn't stop. I don't do demo rides unless I am in the "out to buy" mode. Test riding for no reason is a waste of time.
If we had stopped, then we may have seen you.
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
My Flickr // My YouTube
It was around 3PM, and they were just preparing for the last demo ride that day. A test ride can never be a waste of time... there are always good reasons ;-)
DeleteSo what did he think? I have to be honest I like what I've read and seen so far and would love to test drive one. I really can't afford it (just keep repeating that Robert).
ReplyDeleteRobert, please see Roland's reply below.
DeleteSonja:
ReplyDeleteIt couldn't be a case of you subtly letting Roland have your way, could it? A BMW scooter at the end of this year, a BMW 1000RR for him next year?
Those scooters are seriously nice and instantly recognisable as a Beemer from some of the styling features. I had no idea that most of the production would stay in Europe (for the time being at least).
Ha, ha. Roland and a 1000RR? I don't think so. Much more likely, a convertible...
DeleteHi Robert! Being easily intimidated by big scooters (I recently sat on a Burgman Executive and did not feel comfortable at all) I thought that the BMW scooter felt pretty good. It appears to be much sportier and a bit smaller/shorter than the existing high end scooters. Definitely interesting!
ReplyDeleteI think getting on of the BMW scooters would be pretty cool. They seem to have gotten good write ups and could do pretty well on an extended trip. I think side bags are available for them.
ReplyDeleteThe touring aspect is certainly something that we would like to look into a bit further.
DeleteCool-looking. I've never even considered a scooter. I'm going to have to try one one of these days. Just to say I've done it. Though I can't imagine what it would feel like to sit on something almost almost chair-like to ride. I sort of like wrapping my legs around the bike and tucking into turns.
ReplyDeleteThe hubby will never consider a 'normal' motorcycle, so that is the closest to a touring bike he might ever get.
DeleteI for myself prefer the 'real thing'. But I love my Vespa when I am roaming around in town.
Pretty neat looking scooter (I like the color).
ReplyDeleteMaybe they are hoping that the riders will ride during the winter months. OR are just hoping for more deposits my teasing you with them now.
Roland looks good on it. I was surprised the leg position was forward that much. I bet it was comfy.
My guess is, that they will sell all they can in Europe, and throw the few scooters left on the other markets. At least with the deposit you might get the chance to at least test ride one... but no promises by the dealership.
DeleteIs kind of cool looking. Not sure i would have one though.
ReplyDeleteIt looks good on hubby, plus he would be able to keep up with me once I get my Street Triple... he he.
DeleteIt has great curb appeal. But spousal unit just doesn't look "comfortable" on it. The position is a little strange. He thinks it was good? Did he get to take it for a spin?
ReplyDeleteThis is as comfortable as my hubby gets on two wheels ;-). He liked the seating position, but he loves his Vespa more. The bike was only for showing, not for riding. Another weird marketing joke made by BMW.
DeleteI can't find any information on the bikes other then what is posted on BMW's website. But that's limited and there are no specs.
ReplyDeleteI have 3 things about the bike. 1.) it's from BMW and it looks sleek and comfortable. 2.) a 600cc bike is huge for a scooter. not to mention the added weight, and gas mileage it might be too big. The Burgman scooter gets what 30-40mpg? 3.) Price... the biggest factor of them all, we might be talking 7-8K USD or more. I might just take and buy a new car.
Now if it is priced reasonable, get's at least 60mpg or close to it then I want one. but otherwise the Piagio Beverly 500 is the next bike I'm looking out for! Just my 2 cents.
Steven, the price tag is probably in the low 10k already. As far as I know they have put in the reliable Rotax motor that you would find on the G650GS which is a plus, having said that I would not expect more than 45 mpg. But without a test ride it is hard to say if this is the real McCoy. So far the spousal unit of 6ft something is still very happy with his Vespa GTS250. And I am going to have a look at the Piaggio Beverly 500 now.
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