Sportler or Big Boxer: A preview of BMW’s EICMA new models

BMW’s relationship with EICMA, Milan’s leading motorbike trade fair, has been something of a rollercoaster ride in recent years. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bavarian firm embarked on a ‘strategic reorientation of its communications’ and intended to focus more heavily on digital presentations from then on. Following the appointment of the current Motorcycle CEO, Markus Flasch, the company took a step back: despite digital presentations, trade fair appearances regained importance. The F450GS concept study celebrated its world premiere in Milan in 2024, with the production version following last year.

In 2026, too, the Bavarian manufacturer has important new models in store for the leading trade fair. Two of these were unveiled for the first time in recent weeks: the addition of the F450R to the entry-level range was the first to be announced. As with its adventure bike sister model, the heart of this naked bike is the 420 ccm in-line twin, which, with 48 PS and a kerb weight of 175 kg, pushes the limits of the A2 category. The frame and chassis components of the ‘R’ are also based on the small GS, although its styling takes its cue from its four-cylinder sister, the S1000R.

And the S1000RR is also getting a counterpart in the entry-level range: the F450RR incorporates styling cues from the four-cylinder sports bike. The Bavarian superbike itself is also set for a complete revamp and could be the third model to make its debut in Milan.

Wird bei TVS in Indien vom Band laufen: BMW F450R

Foto: BMW

The Bavarian manufacturer is set to unveil a flurry of new models in the coming months: from the F450R and RR to the S1000RR, from the slightly refreshed R1300GS – including the M flagship – right through to the muscle bike R20. The S1000RR and R20 are the furthest along in their development process, and the Bavarian manufacturer has recently been beating the drum for both.

Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW Motorrad, spoke in a video posted on the company’s social media channels in September about wanting to accelerate the final development of the R20 – he said the project was already well advanced. The stripped-back naked bike is recognisable by the most powerful version of the air-cooled ‘Big Boxer’ engine. The CEO also drew attention to the upcoming S1000RR himself in late summer when he turned up at a riding course organised by the German magazine ‘Motorrad’ with a pre-production model. In the run-up to the industry’s most important trade fair, this is an indication of an imminent world premiere. The Bavarian manufacturer will unveil its new models for the Milan show on 3 November at 11.30 am.