First 2012 BMWs revealed
R1200GS is unchanged despite rumoured replacement
BMW has revealed a range of new colours on its its technically unaltered 2012 models, and by their absence giving away a big hint about the bikes that will be changed for next year.
The machines going into 2012 without any technical alterations include the F800GS, dashing hopes that it might gain the Husqvarna Nuda's more powerful 900cc version of the Rotax-made parallel twin engine. A new version, the F800GS Trophy, joins the range though, with blue and white paint, a bash-plate and hand guards. The bigger R1200GS also continues in both its standard and Adventure forms, suggesting that the much-rumoured water-cooled GS is either a red herring, a bike that's still more than a year away or a machine that will go on sale alongside the older version rather than a direct replacement. New colours for the big GS include Lupin Blue and Titan Silver, while the Adventure version comes in Alpine White, Triple Black or Magma Red.
The R1200RT also makes a return for 2012, with three subdued colour options – Fluid Grey, Light Magnesium/Beige and Midnight Blue – while the firm's two faired sport-tourers, the F800ST and K1300S, are also unaltered except for new colours; blue/grey/black for the smaller bike and silver/black for the 1300. The K1300R is only appearing in Acid Green.
Running through the models that haven't appeared in 2012 form, the outstanding ones include three models that were new or heavily updated for 2011; the G650GS, K1600GT and GTL and the R1200R. None of those machines are expected to be altered. The S1000RR is also notable by its absence. While there's no chance of as replacement any time soon, the competitive nature of the class means that some small technical alterations could turn up for 2012. The twin-cylinder F650GS is also missing, hinting that it could be changed for next year.
However, BMW's main news for next year won't be altered or updated models but all-new machines, with two versions of its new scooter – believed to be a 700cc twin – already confirmed to make an appearance towards the end of the year.
