75th Anniversary BMW Motorcycles - 1998

BMW Australia introduced four new limited edition motorcycles to mark the 75th anniversary of BMW motorcycle manufacture in 1998.

Each of the Anniversary Edition machines is based on existing "R" Series models, creating an historical link to the original R 32 flat-twin "boxer" model, which started the company's two-wheel success story in 1923.

The 75th Anniversary models stand out from their regular counterparts by their special colour schemes, body lines and stylish "75 anniversary" decals. They are also equipped with a wider range of fittings and equipment as standard.

All purchasers received a handsome Edition Folder, containing a certificate identifying the bike as a genuine 75th Anniversary edition model, ensuring its authenticity as a collectors' item. They also got an album covering the history of BMW motorcycles with room for personal pictures of their own bike, a special leather key case and a "75 Years of BMW Motorcycles" lapel pin. 

All Anniversary Edition motorcycles will were enrolled automatically for BMW's unique Motorcycle Roadside Service, announced earlier this year. Free to all new and Approved Used BMW motorcycle buyers, this 24 hour a day, 365 day a year service provides roadside help anywhere in Australia.

On-the-spot technical assistance, alternative transport, onward travel, accommodation, legal and medical advice, vehicle recovery, car rental and even home assistance are all covered under the programme, which is also available to all other BMW motorcycle owners for $55 a year.

The BMW 75th Anniversary models are:

R 1100 R "75"
Finished in Night Black non-metallic, with white double lines along the tank and side panels, a black seat and its distinctive black, silver and red "75" decal, the R 1100 R Anniversary model provides the strongest visual styling link to the original shaft-drive R 32 of 1923.

However, like all models in the new R 259 boxer series introduced in 1992, the 75th Anniversary R 1100 R is a thoroughly modern machine, featuring ABS braking, heated handlebar grips and pannier holders as standard.  Cross-spoke wheels are optionally available as an alternative to the model's standard light-alloy wheels.

The R 1100 R "75" was priced at $17,750.

R 1100 GS "75"
The 75th Anniversary R 1100 GS makes a bolder statement with its Marrakech Red non-metallic paintwork with striking Alpine white tank striping, black lines along the body separation panels and black seat. 

As with the R 1100 R "75", standard equipment includes ABS, heated handlebar grips and pannier holders, while the enlarged model designation incorporates a "75" decal in black, silver and red.

The R 1100 GS "75" was priced at $18,750.

R 1100 RS "75"
With its distinctive full fairing with fork covers and eye-catching twin-tone Marrakech Red and Arctic Silver paintwork with black seat, the sporting R 1100 RS is even more the "stand-out" machine of the new boxer range in 75th Anniversary form.

ABS, heated handlebar grips, panniers and special "75" decals complete the picture for a price of $21,950 (in 1998).

R 1100 RT "75"
Topping the 75th Anniversary range is the striking R 1100 RT "75", which is finished in arctic silver, with its seat and knee pads in Classic Red or Black, depending on buyer choice.

This popular long-distance touring model is also equipped in Anniversary form with heated handle bar grips and a built-in radio/cassette player and was priced at $23,750.

Announcing the Anniversary Edition models, BMW's National Motorcycle Manager, Olaf Breukers, said the new motorcycles would be in high demand amongst two-wheel enthusiasts.

"With their distinctive styling, additional equipment and very clear heritage lines back to the original BMW R32 of 1923, these machines will be sought after as collectors' models," he said.

"As they represent a modern interpretation of that R 32 model, they provide a unique opportunity for people to own a special piece of BMW history." Mr Breukers said the additional models would add further "sparkle" to BMW's motorcycle programme, which has already got off to a flying start in 1998 with the announcement of the BMW Motorcycle Roadside Service and approved Used Warranty programmes in January.

"It all adds up to more 'sheer riding pleasure' in 1998," he said.

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