BMW Motorrad is celebrating another successful year as two of its models have won 2016 MCN awards. The awards recognise outstanding achievements, innovations and products and the winners are chosen by a panel of expert riders and road testers.
BMW’s winners were:
• 2016 Best Adventure Sport – BMW S 1000 XR
• 2016 Best Tourer – BMW R 1200 RT
Best Adventure Sport: BMW S1000XR
The BMW S 1000 XR was launched in May 2015 and combines the supersports technology and four-cylinder engine from the S1000RR with the adventure bike comfort and practicality from the GS range. The XR became the best-selling model in MCN’s new Adventure Sport class.
MCN Awards judges said: “We waited years for BMW to give their S 1000 RR the sports adventure treatment and last year our prayers were answered. The S1000XR was as brilliant as we’d hoped and was an easy MCN award winner. This year, even with an onslaught from the Ducati Multistrada and new KTM Super Duke GT, it’s still top dog.
“This is an adventure bike for those who refuse to let go of their sportsbike fantasies, but still secretly, want a bit of comfort and practicality in their lives.”
Best tourer: BMW R1200RT
BMW Motorrad’s domination of the touring sector in the UK continues, with one in every two new touring motorcycles sold bearing the BMW roundel – and the R 1200 RT is largely the reason why. Relaunched in 2014 with the all-new liquid-cooled Boxer motor, the R1200RT won that year’s MCN award for Best Tourer, retained the trophy in 2015 and is now celebrating a third year as the UK’s best tourer.
The MCN judges aren’t the only ones to rate the R1200RT – 2016 is the sixth year the RT has been the nation’s best-selling touring motorcycle.
MCN Awards judges said: “The BMW is a bike that makes covering distances at speed, and any type of riding for that matter, completely effortless.
“It’s been a multiple MCN award winner since its inception and in this updated guise has been our top tourer for the past three years.
“Riding a motorcycle like this shouldn’t be especially easy, but the RT, with its rider modes, traction control, ABS and clever electronic suspension is one of the easiest bikes to ride at any pace. It’s hard to see how the RT will be beaten any time soon.”
Scott Grimsdall, BMW Motorrad’s National Marketing and PR Manager said: “This year we are delighted to have been presented with two prestigious MCN Awards. With two models taking top honours in their classes, it’s welcome recognition of the consistent quality, performance and capability of BMW motorcycles. 2017 is going to be another exciting year, as we have a large number of new and updated models for customers to enjoy.”