2008 Milan Motorcycle Show: 2009 BMW F800R

BMW's middleweight parallel-Twins continue to grow. Not in displacement but in the number of variations in which they are offered. Last year at Milan, BMW introduced the F800GS, possibly the most attractive (and instantly successful) variation on the parallel-Twin theme. This year, the Bavarian bike-maker showed the F800R.

No tech specifications were released, but we know the R is based on the F800S/ST with its twin-spar frame and the inclined-cylinder version of the 87-horsepower parallel-Twin. Most obvious variation to the F800S/ST is the use of chain final drive instead of a belt, a surprising move from the men in Munich. With a claimed dry weight of 401 pounds, the F800R should be a versatile commuter and a good light-duty sport-tourer.