BMW loosing its way

9291150 · Post by **9291150** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 7:38 pm

I gotta say, with pictures of the new R1200S coming out, I'm becoming really concerned with BMW. On the heals of the butt ugly ST, I think BMW is going the wrong direction with their twins.

Has anyone seen the Paul Smart Ducati's? Now these Ducati's are a proper link of new technology coupled with classic Ducati styling. Old BMW twin's are beautiful, why not play on that rather than these freaky designs. Leave the alien styling to the K bikes! And please don't give me the "eye of the beholder" line, I think 99% of people who see the ST laugh!

Yeah, the new twins are slightly faster and lighter, but the twins never sold themselves on speed and agility, and they still can't.

Hmmm...just think of what an updated R90S would look like.

Post by **Pat** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 8:04 pm

It would look like an old bike..... "updated."

Post by **bmwdave52** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 8:18 pm

This seems to be an endless question asked through the ages.

Post by **mistercindy** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 8:33 pm

All in the eyes of the beholder, I guess. IMHO, the R1200ST is heckuva good looking bike.

THE RAT · Post by **THE RAT** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 8:53 pm

My thoughts exactly,9291150. I was always drawn to BMW's by their beautiful, flowing lines. The new RT and ST seem very clunky and out of balance as far as styling goes. The new GS looks the best of the new R bikes, but I'm not really a GS guy. The K1200R does somewhat appeal to me other than the fact it looks longer than a school bus. I find the K1200S to be attractive, yet horribly anonymously styled. Designed by commitee? Sure looks like it. Now, let the flaming begin!

Post by **gelbe Kulter** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 9:02 pm

No flames here. I have always thought BMWs were quirky looking, not truly beautiful in the sense that say a Ducati 900SS was, but not ugly - until the R1200CS. There was something that I liked about Beemers, but I knew they were not mainstream good looking. I guess I do not see that the new ones are any better or worse that those of the 80's and 90's.

Aren't the new RT and ST models selling pretty well? I thought they were.

soggybottom · Post by **soggybottom** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 9:02 pm

I like the new ST's, Guess I'm a wierdo

Post by **Gord** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 9:09 pm

gelbe Kulter wrote:...but not ugly - until the R1200CS.

Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. I always thought the R1200CS was quite attractive. And although I don't think the R1200ST and RT have the same flowing lines as say the R1150R, they are not overly offensive to me. They do look better in 3D than in pictures in my opinion. The bike that truly horrified me when I first saw it was the K1200R. But having seen it and sat on it (but no test ride

), I have really come to like it's distinctiveness.

Having said that, I love the blending of angles, tangents and curves on the 1150R. The newer bikes seem more a blending of angles and tangents and perhaps lacks some of the smooth curves of earlier Beemers. And that does take some getting used to.

Post by **boxermania** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 9:12 pm

Actually if you look at all the recent models side by side, the R1150R is the best looking bike of the bunch, the one with the most character and the one that you never get tired of looking at.......in Atlanta Blue of course

darthrider · Post by **darthrider** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 9:43 pm

Careful buying those bikes you never get tired of looking at...you might end up with one you keep 20 or 30 years.
And that's a good thing!

Post by **beekstersocal** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 9:48 pm

for sure ,everywhere i go i get compliments on my 04 TWIN SPARK ABS BLACK R [best color

] just another reason to have one.

Post by **Pat** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 1:02 am

Without a doubt, the R1150R is really quite stunning!

I'm communicating right now with a guy who wants to sell his '03 RT, in Blue, at a VERY competitive price....... with a Wunderlich LOW seat! I have always been in love with the lines of the '02-'04 RT's, so I couldn't help myself.... I had to open a line of communication with him.

I've always accepted BMW motorcycles to be a bit "Quirky", I would say though that ALL their models between '02 & '04 are absolutely beautiful! In the same breath, I might suggest that '05 mighta been a return to it's "Quirky" uniquness'.......

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 1:15 am

I tend to agree...maybe that's why this guy has a paper bag over bis head...and his new ST...btw...stands for 'Strange Thing'.

Even the mags have a warning saying...'Warning...Special ugly issue'...

DJ

Bry · Post by **Bry** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 2:04 am

Pfft... Ugly my ar*e.... just different!

Remember the hurrah when the 1150GS or 1100S came out?...

geez....

Bry

Post by **socalrob** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 2:14 am

I like the new ST. Figure I may buy one in a year or two.

I like the new RT better than the old RT.

I like the old RS better than the pics of the new RS.

I think the new KR is very cool. Bender bike.

I like the new GS better than the old GS.

I am neutral on the looks of the new KS, but I like if as being a bit more understated than the Hyabusa. From the riding position it looks/feels very nice.

To me, BMW seems to be at a peak in innovation, engineerins, & coolness. BWDIK.

camfarm · Post by **camfarm** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 2:41 am

For my money, the Ducs just don't cut it. I think alot of folks are hypnotized into believing that the styling and lines are beautiful when in fact they are not. Ugly Duc-kling!

leno · Post by **leno** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 4:08 am

From my perspective then Bmw are working very hard to stop me buying any of their bikes. I like the GS it's funky chunky like a tow truck which is a good look for off roader. But I liked the old one better. The RT is fine, I don't tour much and would find getting all that plastic through traffic a real show stopper. The ST is real dog, which is a pity because thats the sort of bike I need. The K are okay but more bike than I need, I would never be able to use the power. The old S I loved the looks but could never get on with the bike. The new one look like a strugle to make it differant. It might be better but no improvement on the looks. So that leaves the new R and where is that? No spy pictures, no mention. Come on Bmw don't let me down after all these years please make a bike I can be proud to ride.

9291150 · Post by **9291150** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 5:50 am

I mentioned Ducati earlier, but even other older brands like Triumph and Harley play old and new well.

Both Triumph and Harley sell new and improved "heritage" bikes like Bonnevilles or Softails, it is their foundation. Yet, they still try to reach new markets with bikes like the new Rocket or V-Rod (yes, the V-rod hasn't sold well in the states, but its a hit in Europe and opening eyes with non Harley types).

BMW is not making any attempt to link with their past, other than keeping the twin configuration. Brand identity drives consumer behaviors, and BMW is not capitalizing fully on their biggest asset.

Here's hoping they get the message, and give us a new clean and classic R1200R. and LEAVE THE BUCK RODGERS STYLING TO THE K's!

Post by **machew01** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 6:36 am

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

The most beautiful feature of my R1150R is the way it works. From what I can tell, the ST owners feel the same way about their bikes, if not more so.

mac

riceburner · Post by **riceburner** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 8:32 am

9291150 wrote:I gotta say, with pictures of the new R1200S coming out, I'm becoming really concerned with BMW. On the heals of the butt ugly ST, I think BMW is going the wrong direction with their twins.

Has anyone seen the Paul Smart Ducati's? Now these Ducati's are a proper link of new technology coupled with classic Ducati styling. Old BMW twin's are beautiful, why not play on that rather than these freaky designs. Leave the alien styling to the K bikes! And please don't give me the "eye of the beholder" line, I think 99% of people who see the ST laugh!

Yeah, the new twins are slightly faster and lighter, but the twins never sold themselves on speed and agility, and they still can't.

Hmmm...just think of what an updated R90S would look like.

do you REALLY think the new "Retro" ducatis look like the originals??? they're nothing like (I used to Ride a Pantah and know what the old 900SS looked like very well).

BMW have always been a little different - it's part of their charm.

BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

BMW loosing its way

BMW loosing its way

UGLY NEW BEEMERS

:(

Ducs

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