New BMW Sport Touring Motorcycle Spied Testing In Europe

BMW is working on a new sport touring motorcycle and it has been spotted testing somewhere in Europe. The motorcycle in the spyshots looks quite similar to BMW's 9Cento concept, which was showcased earlier at the 2018 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. From the photos, it looks as if the new bike uses the same 853 cc parallel-twin engine, which does duty on the BMW F 750 GS and the BMW F 850 GS. The look and design of the bike leans towards the BMW S 1000 XR. Expect it to slot between the S1000 XR and the BMW F 750 GS when launched. This motorcycle could be more of a road-biased model, like the S 1000 XR rather than the off-road centric F 850 GS. It is also possible for the new bike to be named, BMW F 850 GT. There is no word on engine specifications but expect the new BMW sport tourer to get more power than the 94 bhp that the F 850 GS offers.

(The bike has borrowed some design cues from the 9Cento concept)

"It doesn't always have to be about 'bolder, bigger, brighter' nowadays. This concept bike focuses on achieving a sense of balance," says Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design BMW Motorrad. "We've created a bike that combines the appropriate power with reliable sports touring properties and above all lots of riding fun, so it's an attractive overall package. It brings together the best of the sports, adventure and touring segments to produce an exciting concept - in a class which has not seen this kind of model from BMW before. The BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento is our interpretation of a modern all-rounder for the new mid-range segment," explains Heinrich.

(The BMW 9Cento Concept was showcased earlier this year at Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este)

The new bike gets a new windscreen, which will make touring easier and also gets the new full-colour instrument console which is on offer on other BMW motorcycles. Expect the new bike to also have the full range of electronics such as cruise control, traction control, ABS, cornering ABS, quick-shifter and others. Expect the new bike to have more accessible seat height, less travel suspension and smaller 17-inch wheels.

Photo Credit: Motorcyclenews.com