In focusing on how great its cars are, it’s easy to overlook the fact that BMW is the leader when it comes to motorcycles. In fact, the German company has been churning out two-wheelers for a century now, and to celebrate the same, it recently introduced the R 18 and the R NineT 100 Years Edition. The two limited-run special edition bikes have now been launched in India at ₹25.90 lakh and ₹24 lakh (ex-showroom, India) respectively.
At the above prices, the 100 year editions of both the motorcycles are Rs 5 to 6 lakh more expensive than their respective base versions – the standard R 18 costs Rs 19.90 lakh, while the base R NineT costs Rs 19 lakh. That’s because the special editions come loaded with a number of optional extras, including parts from the option 719 catalogue. There is extensive use of chrome on both machines as it was the aesthetic of the motorcycle industry when BMW first started making bikes in the 1920s.
On the R Ninety, chrome parts like the fork tubes, air intakes and Option 719 Classic Black Anodised rims are paired with black components. The milled cylinder head cover, front engine cover, seat holders and oil filler plug options are from the 719 Billet Pack Shadow Collection, while the adjustable hand levers, pegs, expansion tank cover and bar-end mirrors are from the Billet Pack Shadow II Collection. , Also standard are an adaptive cornering headlight, heated grips, cruise control and Riding Modes Pro.
The R 18 100 Years Edition sports a similar chrome and black appearance, and one of its more distinctive elements is the two-tone black and oxblood red, embossed with a diamond pattern. It comes with a chrome Akrapovic exhaust system along with perforated tailpipe covers shaped like the BMW logo.
Both special editions are limited to just 1,923 units globally (the year BMW started making the motorcycle).
BMW will soon bring the second generation M2 to India
BMW is preparing to introduce the second generation M2 (G87) in India, the price of which will be announced in May. Booking of new BMW M2 can also start soon.
As far as dimensions are concerned, the new M2 is 219mm shorter than the M4 – 4,575mm bumper to bumper – but 114mm longer than the previous generation M2. The new BMW M2 features an aggressive body kit, which includes a stylish and functional rear spoiler, a low-slung GT-style rear diffuser, quad-exhaust and a unique front end with frameless horizontal kidney grilles and wide-set headlights . On the inside, the new BMW M2 gets a curved display for the infotainment and instrumentation with M-specific graphics.
As far as structural upgrades go, there are unique stiffening braces for the front struts and a bespoke aluminum sub-frame, reinforced C-pillar and track-centred, M-specific adaptive suspension and steering calibration. Stopping power, meanwhile, is provided by huge 380mm front and 370mm rear discs, gripped by six- and single-piston calipers respectively, and painted blue as standard.
The second generation BMW M2 will come to India as a “standard” M2 and will not get the Hardcore Competition Edition, which was the only variant available on the previous generation car here. The new BMW M2 competition based on the second generation car is yet to be launched globally. The latest-gen BMW M2 that’s on its way here is being built in Mexico, and will be sold as a full import in our market. It is the last pure-combustion model from BMW’s M division as all BMW M cars and SUVs released after the M2 will receive an electrified powertrain.
The M2 BMW R6 comes with a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that is good for 460hp and 550Nm of torque. An 8-speed Steptronic transmission will be available as standard, with a 6-speed manual transmission available as an option, even for buyers in India.
Five exterior paint shade options will be available on the M2 in India, including Alpine White, Brooklyn Grey, Black Sapphire, Toronto Red and Zandvoort Blue. For the interior, customers will be able to choose between Black or Cognac shades, while BMW M Sport seats will be standard with aluminum highlights on the dashboard.
Standard equipment on the India-bound BMW M2 includes Comfort Access system, power seats with memory function, M seat belts, adaptive LED headlamps with high beam assist, Harman Kardon sound system, BMW Connected package, wireless charging, M with Shadowline trim Will be included. Extended material and stunning silver finish M Lite 19-inch alloy wheels (930M) at the front and 20-inch at the rear.
Optional equipment includes remote engine start, adaptive cruise control, BMW driving assistant, M carbon roof, M compound brakes with red high gloss finish, all-black alloy wheels, M branded puddle lamps, M carbon-fibre bucket seats, full leather Merino. Upholstery included. and M carbon-fibre trim on the interior. BMW will also offer these options as dedicated packages – the M Sport Pro package or the M Driver’s package.
As mentioned above, the new BMW M2 will go on sale in India in May this year, and bookings are expected to start soon. The M2 is expected to be priced around ₹1 crore (ex-showroom).