“At the moment, we don’t see any real demand for an electric motorcycle,” Flasch explained in an interview with US motorcycle magazine Common Tread. The decision to continue focusing on classic drive systems was the result of discussions with customers and dealers.
Focus on electric scooters and “single track mobility”
Although BMW does not currently see any prospects for classic electric motorcycles, the brand remains active in the electric scooter segment. According to BMW, it is particularly successful in the 11 kW (15 hp) and above scooter segment. Electric scooters and vehicles for urban mobility will therefore remain in the portfolio and, according to Flasch, will help to strengthen the company’s market position in this segment.
No motocross or enduro models planned
Despite its own involvement in off-road riding – for example, with the well-known GS Trophy – BMW has no plans to enter the motocross or enduro segment. Flasch cites a lack of demand as the reason for this: the brand’s customers prefer adventure bikes for occasional off-road use, but not uncompromising off-road motorcycles. Competitors such as Triumph and Ducati are taking a different approach here, but BMW sees no need for such an expansion in its own model range.
New sports bikes below the 1000cc class in the pipeline
In the interview, Flasch also hinted at future models in the sports bike segment. So far, BMW has only been represented in the 1000cc segment with models such as the S 1000 RR. When asked, Flasch confirmed that we can look forward to a new sports bike below 1000cc, but did not provide any details. However, according to Flasch, there are no plans for an inline four-cylinder engine for smaller displacement models. This suggests that a possible new model—such as a sports motorcycle with the familiar 895 cc parallel twin from the F 900 XR—could be conceivable.
Six-cylinder series remains an integral part
Flasch was also optimistic about the six-cylinder series. The K 1600 models (such as the K 1600 GT, GTL, and B) continue to have a stable and dedicated fan base. According to Flasch, this is reason enough to pay more attention to the six-cylinder in the future: “The inline six-cylinder… will have a bright future, if you ask me,” said Flasch.
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