BMW Australia introduced four new limited edition motorcycles to mark the
75th anniversary of BMW motorcycle manufacture in 1998.
Each of the Anniversary Edition machines
is based on existing "R" Series models, creating an historical link to
the original R 32 flat-twin "boxer" model, which started the company's
two-wheel success story in 1923.
The 75th Anniversary models stand out from
their regular counterparts by their special colour schemes, body lines
and stylish "75 anniversary" decals. They are also equipped with a wider
range of fittings and equipment as standard.
All purchasers received a handsome Edition
Folder, containing a certificate identifying the bike as a genuine 75th
Anniversary edition model, ensuring its authenticity as a collectors' item.
They also got an album covering the history of BMW motorcycles with room
for personal pictures of their own bike, a special leather key case and
a "75 Years of BMW Motorcycles" lapel pin.
All Anniversary Edition motorcycles will
were enrolled automatically for BMW's unique Motorcycle Roadside Service,
announced earlier this year. Free to all new and Approved Used BMW motorcycle
buyers, this 24 hour a day, 365 day a year service provides roadside help
anywhere in Australia.
On-the-spot technical assistance, alternative
transport, onward travel, accommodation, legal and medical advice, vehicle
recovery, car rental and even home assistance are all covered under the
programme, which is also available to all other BMW motorcycle owners for
$55 a year.
The BMW 75th Anniversary models are:
R 1100 R "75"
Finished in Night Black non-metallic,
with white double lines along the tank and side panels, a black seat and
its distinctive black, silver and red "75" decal, the R 1100 R Anniversary
model provides the strongest visual styling link to the original shaft-drive
R 32 of 1923.
However, like all models in the new R 259
boxer series introduced in 1992, the 75th Anniversary R 1100 R is a thoroughly
modern machine, featuring ABS braking, heated handlebar grips and pannier
holders as standard. Cross-spoke wheels are optionally available
as an alternative to the model's standard light-alloy wheels.
The R 1100 R "75" was priced at $17,750.
R 1100 GS "75"
The 75th Anniversary R 1100 GS makes a
bolder statement with its Marrakech Red non-metallic paintwork with striking
Alpine white tank striping, black lines along the body separation panels
and black seat.
As with the R 1100 R "75", standard equipment
includes ABS, heated handlebar grips and pannier holders, while the enlarged
model designation incorporates a "75" decal in black, silver and red.
The R 1100 GS "75" was priced at $18,750.
R 1100 RS "75"
With its distinctive full fairing with
fork covers and eye-catching twin-tone Marrakech Red and Arctic Silver
paintwork with black seat, the sporting R 1100 RS is even more the "stand-out"
machine of the new boxer range in 75th Anniversary form.
ABS, heated handlebar grips, panniers and
special "75" decals complete the picture for a price of $21,950 (in 1998).
R 1100 RT "75"
Topping the 75th Anniversary range is
the striking R 1100 RT "75", which is finished in arctic silver, with its
seat and knee pads in Classic Red or Black, depending on buyer choice.
This popular long-distance touring model
is also equipped in Anniversary form with heated handle bar grips and a
built-in radio/cassette player and was priced at $23,750.
Announcing the Anniversary Edition models,
BMW's National Motorcycle Manager, Olaf Breukers, said the new motorcycles
would be in high demand amongst two-wheel enthusiasts.
"With their distinctive styling, additional
equipment and very clear heritage lines back to the original BMW R32 of
1923, these machines will be sought after as collectors' models," he said.
"As they represent a modern interpretation
of that R 32 model, they provide a unique opportunity for people to own
a special piece of BMW history." Mr Breukers said the additional models
would add further "sparkle" to BMW's motorcycle programme, which has already
got off to a flying start in 1998 with the announcement of the BMW Motorcycle
Roadside Service and approved Used Warranty programmes in January.
"It all adds up to more 'sheer riding pleasure'
in 1998," he said.
