BMW at the New York Cycle World Int'l Motorcycle Show

Photography by Gregor Halenda

BMW's pavilion at the New York City Cycle World International Motorcycle Show was brightened by not just by a plethora of new models but by the smiling and jovial face of factory racer Nate Kern, who makes his home in New Jersey, not too far from the show. Nate's new weapon, the HP2 Sport, is BMW's version of a production racer, drew a lot of attention on the track and is getting even more attention as a limited-production streetbike.

Kern first rode the bike last April when he provided the design team with feedback on the then still-in-development bike. Engineers made minor adjustments to the Telelever front suspension, which effected huge improvements in the handling of the new bike. "It’s razor sharp,” claimed Kern. "It takes less than half the effort to turn than my old R1200S." As for the engine, Kern is optimistic about the upcoming Daytona 200, which he’s always dreamed of riding. "The Sport has the same torque as the old motor but spins up so much faster. We’ve revved it up to 9600 rpm with no problems." In testing, Kern never had the benefit of a draft but still saw speeds in the mid-160s. He thinks that with a draft, the new Boxer could get close to 170 mph, a massive step up for the opposed-Twin. Of course, all that go is only trouble without the means to slow it back down, and Kern was particularly thrilled with the anchors of the German racebike. "The brakes are absolutely violent," he beamed, "the best I’ve ever experienced."

While BMW is sporting up its lineup with the HP series, it’s the GS adventure-bike models that keep the cash registers ringing for the German firm. The much-anticipated F800GS parallel-Twin made its debut, and the off-road set welcomed the bike with open arms. Looking mean and lean, the 392-pound bike puts out 85 hp in a narrow package that splits the ground between the popular R1200GS Boxer Twin and the equally venerable F650GS Single. The F800GS looks the business, and fans of the marque were practically wearing out the seat for a chance to sit behind the bars. BMW is doubtlessly hoping for as much enthusiasm in its showrooms during the upcoming season.