Kiwi Rider July Vol.1 2023 | Page 21

ROAD NEWS

ONE MILLIONTH BOXER GS ROLLS OFF THE LINE

Since pioneering the adventure segment way back in 1980 , the boxer-powered BMW GS has cemented itself as one of motorcycling ’ s undisputed icons . Now , 43 years on the 1,000,000th boxerpowered GS – a triple black R 1250 GS – has rolled off the line of the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin-Spandau a mere months before the next page in the GS story is revealed . Yes , the long-rumoured R 1300 GS finally has a release date with BMW Motorrad confirming the new model will debut on September 28 at the grand opening of the new BMW Motorrad Welt in Berlin . “ With the R 80 G / S and its unique combination of on-road and off-road suitability , everyday qualities and long-distance touring abilities , BMW Motorrad created the new motorcycle genre of touring enduros in 1980 ”, says the Head of BMW Motorrad , Dr . Markus Schramm . “ The BMW GS with boxer engine became an icon , which achieved global success in this segment . What is more : The BMW GS became a legend and at the same time an indispensable cornerstone in the BMW Motorrad model range . Its outstanding talents , such as dynamic riding performance , brawny off-road qualities , superior long-distance comfort and enormous robustness , have since been continuously developed by BMW Motorrad and transferred to other BMW Motorrad model series with great success . I am therefore very pleased that today , and especially in our “ 100 Years of BMW Motorrad ” anniversary year , we are able to contribute a major milestone to the corporate history of the BMW Group with the one millionth BMW GS motorbike with a boxer engine . I am equally pleased that the unique history of BMW Motorrad models with boxer engines will soon be supplemented by an exciting chapter with numerous innovations with the new R 1300 GS .”

KIWI RIDER 21