BMW riding high after success at MotorCycle News Awards

BMW Motorrad UK enjoyed further success at this year’s MotorCycle News (MCN) Awards, as Europe’s largest and most successful motorcycle manufacturer scooped two honours.  The K 1300 S was voted the Best Sports Tourer of 2009, while the F 800 GS conquered the Best Trailie category for the second year running.

The awards are widely considered to be the most prestigious for the motorcycle industry, recognising success in all areas of motorcycling.

The K 1300 S has set new benchmarks in the sports touring category. As the fastest motorcycle BMW Motorrad has ever produced, the K 1300 S combines a blistering, yet refined 175bhp engine with innovative chassis technology to offer perfect everyday, or long distance, riding qualities.

Class leading technical innovations, such as the optional second generation of BMW’s unique Electronic Suspension Adjustment and Gearshift Assistant, will also have contributed to the success of the K 1300 S in the Sports Tourer category.

The K 1300 S has proved a hit with buyers in 2009 so far, with a 70 per cent increase in sales over the predecessor K 1200 S model in 2008.

Meanwhile, the all-terrain F 800 GS has completely lived up to its illustrious GS (Gelande Strasse) heritage, all at a very affordable price. The F 800 GS has achieved remarkable sales since its launch and is the fourth best-selling Adventure Sport bike in the country (YTD) behind its boxer-twin 1200 brothers. Furthermore, it is the best seller in its mid-sized category.

Customers love the GS’s overall package as it combines an optimum balance of engine power and weight distribution, excellent ground clearance, long suspension travel, precise steering and sophisticated ergonomics. These characteristics endow the bike with superb off-road capabilities and excellent long-distance touring performance.

Since winning the MCN award for Best Trailie in 2008, the F 800 GS has gone from strength to strength. More than 500 F 800 GSs have been sold so far this year!

Adrian Roderick, General Manager for BMW Motorrad UK, said: “In terms of sales, 2008 was officially our most successful year ever, and 2009 has been another very strong year for BMW Motorrad in the UK.

“We have increased our market share once again in 2009, thanks largely to the success and popularity of our K-Series range. Given the current economic climate this is a fantastic achievement. These two awards are the perfect culmination to another outstanding year.

“Looking ahead, 2010 looks set to be one of our most exciting in recent years. Early press reports on the S 1000 RR – our first ever 100 per cent supersports bike – have been better than even we expected, and the bike’s 05 December launch in dealerships is one of the most eagerly anticipated in BMW’s history.

“With up-rated versions of the R 1200 RT, R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure, not to mention events to celebrate 30 years of the iconic GS, 2010 will be another busy year for BMW Motorrad. We just hope we’ll be celebrating more awards this time next year.”

BMW’s award winning K 1300 S and F 800 GS motorcycles are currently on display on the BMW Motorrad stand at the 2009 Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show, being staged at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre until Sunday 06 December.

The BMW Motorrad stand is situated in Hall 1 at the NEC.

For further information on BMW’s model range, Rider Equipment and Accessories please visit www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk.

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For further media information please contact:

Scott Grimsdall                    BMW Motorrad UK Press & PR

Tel:  0208 607 3916           Email:  scott.grimsdall@jardine-international.com

Tony Jakeman                     BMW Motorrad Marketing Manager

Tel: 01344 480 185            Email: tony.jakeman@bmw.co.uk

Press office fax:                  0208 607 3901

Media website:               www.press.bmwgroup.com