BMW Motorrad rules in world's biggest market: K1200 R voted USA Motorcycle of the Year

The most powerful and aggressively styled production street bike in the
world - the BMW K1200 R - has been voted 'Motorcycle of the Year' by
the top US publication, Motorcyclist - just two months after the bike's
official launch in the US. Editors of Motorcyclist magazine agonised
over a shortlist of 12 different models, including competitors from
Italy and Japan, before finally concluding which bike had had the most
profound impact on motorcycling in 2005. Equipped with the same
powerful four-cylinder engine as BMW's K1200 S superbike and combined
with outstanding innovations such as the BMW Duolever suspension and
optional Electronic Suspension Adjustment, press reports all over the
world have regarded the 120 kW K1200 R as a leader in its class. Now,
the naked roadster has been rewarded with its first prestigious award.
"Give BMW credit for doing what Japan wouldn't or couldn't do: bolt
serious horsepower into a big, comfortable naked bike. This German
translation leaves its contemporaries looking relatively underdressed
when it comes to technological accoutrements," said Motorcyclist
magazine. The magazine added: "After re-inventing the heart and
soul of its motorcycle line-up in little more than a year, BMW clearly
isn't afraid of thinking outside the box. In fact, we're pretty sure it
scrapped the box entirely." As well as securing the ultimate
honour, BMW Motorrad's top-selling R1200 GS and R1200 RT also won the
awards for Best Adventure and Best Touring Bike respectively.
Currently the best-selling bike overall in SA, BMW's R1200 GS is no
stranger to success. Last year it was awarded a Gold accolade in the
Industrial Design Society of America's International Design Excellence
Awards, as well as winning the Best Trailie award at the UK's
prestigious Motor Cycle News Awards. Launched at the beginning of 2005,
BMW's new generation R1200 RT has gone on to top the touring sales
charts thanks to its outstanding ride comfort and 'active touring'
capabilities. Motorcyclist said: "It balanced the comfort and
accoutrements that make 1,000 mile days possible with unexpectedly
athletic handling. There's a heated seat, electronically adjustable
suspension and even a sensor that checks the oil while you ride. What
more could the dedicated motorcycle touring enthusiast conceivably
want?" Customers can call BMW's information line: 0800 777 155 or
visit www.bmw-motorrad.co.za for more information.