BMW Pricing, New Harley Ad

By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com

BMW Motorrad is finally out with prices on its new 2012 K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL touring models. The base MSRP on the GT is $20,900, while the base on the GTL is $23,200. That includes a Xenon headlight with dynamic leveling, heated seat and heated grips, cruise control, ABS and power adjustable windshield. An additional destination charge is $495. Premium packages for the six-cylinder bikes will boost the price to $24,540 and $25,845, respectively. Both new K bikes are available for pre-order through Feb. 28.

Harley-Davidson, meanwhile, is out with a new ad touting its H-D1 factory customization program and you can see it here. While the best part is the bike – a 2011 Sportster 1200 Custom – the spot is mediocre at best. It shows people and other vehicles trapped in cages, while the rider who appears at the end of the commercial is enjoying his freedom on a motorcycle. I suppose that trapped feeling is something we can all relate to, but the spot really doesn’t sell the Harley brand that well and the mention of the H-D1 program at the tail end creates kind of a “Huh?” moment. As I mentioned, the best part is the bike. Just wish there was more of it to see.