SPIED! 2015 BMW S1000XR

Judging by these photos that we just received from a German spy photographer, it's clear to us that BMW is developing an adventure-touring machine based on the potent four-cylinder 999cc engine in the S1000RR. Just look at the bike, which we'll call the BMW S1000XR. With its windshield and long-travel suspension, this new BMW looks like it's aimed directly at the Ducati Multistrada. And judging by the fact that it already has badges, albeit covered with tape, we strongly suspect this BMW is a production model that will make its debut soon, perhaps at the Intermot show in Cologne, Germany, at the end of this month.

Some might say that BMW's boxer-powered R1200GS competes just fine with the Ducati Multistrada. Fair enough. But the BMW S1000XR is more like those new adventure-tourers, such as the Aprilia Caponord, soon-to-be-released KTM 1290 Super Adventure, and Multistrada, which are heavily biased toward tarmac duty and work great as upright everyday machines that can be used in all kinds of weather as commuters or long-distance haulers, aided by very advanced electronics.

What do you think: Would you like to see BMW build the S1000XR? Is it really needed? Is the R1200GS with its traditional boxer engine unable to effectively compete with the Multistrada, Caponord, and KTMs? Good questions, all. But only this we know for sure: BMW has a great engine on it hands, and perhaps with simple camshaft changes that alter the torque curve a bit, it can be integrated into an all-purpose adventure-tourer that spanks the competition.

Keep your eyes open.