Intermot 2016: BMW to preview G 310 GS and Pure/Racer RnineT
The Intermot show in Cologne is the first of the two big European motorcycles shows and it starts tomorrow. The European bikemakers usually make a big splash. The rumour has it that BMW is spreading its 2017 goodies as well as concepts across the two shows â€" Intermot and next month, EICMA, in Milan.
BMW Motorrad has not officially commented on what it is bringing, but the rumour mills suggest a whole slew of models updated for 2017, many will get more than just Euro-IV engines.
Strong rumours of the GS 310 R have swirled for long, but a recent photograph published by Motociclismo gives credence to the rumour. Many are expecting this motorcycle to be on the show stand at Cologne (the press conference is at 1800 local time, which translates to about midnight IST). We believe this motorcycle exists and could be shown as a preview to a production model that will arrive towards the end of the 2017, about nine months after the first of the platform cousins, the G 310 R, has arrived in India (and other markets), and sales and production have become stable. However, we believe that the G 310 GS will not be displayed at Intermot. It will be the BMW showstopper in Milan.
To quickly round the rumours up, the Motociclismo shots show a neat motorcycle visually similar to, but sharper looking than the F700 and 800 GS. Given the price point, the motorcycle will aim for though, expect basic, well-tuned long-travel suspension, rather than anything fancier. The weeGS will be a soft-roader by design or as the Europeans like to call it, a tour-enduro. Given the balanced tune of the engine, we expect BMW to play more with gearing â€" probably just the final drive ratios â€" than perform any serious re-tuning for the weeGS.
BMW Motorrad India is expected to formally make an announcement this month revealing more about its plans for India, in product as well as distribution terms. However, sales of the BMW G 310 R, the motorcycle that comes from the TVS-BMW venture, is not expected till January 2017, to be followed shortly the TVS derivative, the Akula 310.
BMW's Diavel rival?Strong rumours circle a complete new motorcycle from BMW that will take on the Ducati Diavel. A feet-forward style power cruiser with serious cornering capability and street cred.
BMW Pure/Racer RnineTThe retro-styled RnineT has been a surprise for BMW as well as all the other motorcycle makers. It has developed a passionate following, and BMW has been creating models based on the basic RnineT starting with the Scrambler. At Intermot, BMW is expected to reveal one of two concepts, either the Pure or the Racer, the next variant of the Scrambler. The other version is being saved for the Milan show.
OVERDRIVE will be live from the show floor at Intermot 2016. Stay tuned to our Twitter, Facebook, Instagram feeds as well as the website for updates live and exclusive.