BMW predicts a record year for motorcycle sales despite a 2.3% dip over the first six months.

The first half of 2012 saw BMW sell 59,189 units, down from the 60,580 units reported for the same period in 2011. The decrease is primarily because of a 13.2% drop in sales in June. BMW sold 10,271 units during the month, compared to 11,831 units in June 2011.

Excluding June, BMW’s January to May sales figures totaled 48,918 units, up from 48,749 sold over the first five months of 2012. BMW attributes the disappointing June sales to the economy in key southern European countries. Continue Reading »

The 2012 Husqvarna Nuda 900R made its public debut in Frankfurt, Germany, in the courtyard outside BMW’s display hall.

Displayed together with other Husqvarna models as well as motorcycles from parent company BMW. The display bikes were all anchored firmly to their stands and test rides were not available but I did get some seat time on the Nuda.

Hopping onto the Nuda 900R’s saddle, I immediately noticed the high seat, a result of Husqvarna’s off-road DNA. I stand six feet tall and had to stretch my toes to touch the ground.

A Husqvarna representative told me the display model was actually set higher than the 34.4 inches listed on the specs sheet, and a tweak to the Ohlins suspension would return it to that height. He also pointed out the Nuda’s narrow waist as a mitigating factor to the seat height.

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The Husqvarna Nuda 900R will make its public debut in near-series production form at the 2011 Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, also known as the Frankfurt Auto Show, Sept. 13 in Frankfurt, Germany.

Described by Husqvarna as a cross between a supermoto and a naked standard, the new Nuda 900R is the product of the partnership between Husqvarna and parent company BMW. Powered by BMW’s F800R parallel Twin motor adapted to a 900cc displacement, power output is said to be over 100hp while torque is said to be near 74 ft-lb. Husqvarna also claims linear power delivery at low revs.

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