Bmw Ponders Its Next Hit Singles

BMW PONDERS ITS NEXT HIT SINGLES

IT IS ONLY LOGICAL THAT BMW is considering production of new Singles. Its F650 Funduro dual-purpose bike is a hot seller in Europe, and has piqued the interest of U.S. enthusiasts.

“There are two possibilities,” says Hans Sautter, a BMW spokesman in Germany. “The first is to make a more sporty roadbike, the second is a more purposeful off-roader.” The sportbike would get a lightweight frame and a hotted-up version of the dohc, four-valve, 650cc engine, which now produces 48 horse-power, according to BMW.

The dual-purpose model would feature long-travel suspension and extensive use of weight-reducing plastic.

BMW executives are convinced there is a market for the proposed models, which would make the upscale marque more accessible and attractive to younger riders.

“The F650 was a whole new experience for us,” Sautter says. “We produced a bike in revolutionary new ways and we were never quite sure if it would work. We are now happy that it is successful.

For BMW, this is the way to go.”

Sautter says new Singles could be approved as early as next year, and introduced in 1996.

For now, U.S. enthusiasts will apparently have to look across the ocean with envy. A BMW spokesman in the U.S. says there are no current plans to introduce Singles here, but that could change. BMW has displayed the Funduro at U.S. motorcycle shows, and consumer interest was substantial, adds the spokesman. “We told people the bike would be in the $6000-6500 range and reaction was positive,” he says. “There’s definite potential there.” -Robert Hough