It's appearing in the US this weekend - can't remember the race series, but it is reputedly the first appearance over there.

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Dave

Could this be it?

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Dave

You mean this one?



Looks like it's not dead after acquiring Husqvarna, looks like they still want to continue the development of EFI 450cc single offroader, maybe with some co-operation with Husqvarna now?

I found this in the web:

BMW G 450 X MAKES U.S. DEBUT AT GRAND NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY
RACE IN CRAWFORDSVILLE, INDIANA, OCTOBER 27-28

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – October 18, 2007… BMW Motorrad’s 450cc
sports enduro prototype – the BMW G 450 X – will make it first
U.S. appearance at the GNCC (Grand National Cross Country) race
in Crawfordsville, Indiana October 27-28. Former motocross
world champion Simo Kirssi – the lone BMW entrant -- will pilot
the G 450 X in the class of Pro Bikes in a 3-hour race from
1:00 to 4:00 pm on the 28th.

The talented Finn rode the G 450 X to its first-ever victory in
its most recent appearance in the final round of the 2007
European Cross Country Championship, held in Schefflenz,
Germany, October 6-7. The on-going development of the
production bike has been widely viewed by the public throughout
the off-road racing season in Europe, but the new enduro has
never made tire tracks on American soil.

The AMA/ATVA-sanctioned Can-Am Grand National Cross Country
Series is America's premier off-road racing series. The 13-
round race series stretches through the eastern U.S., beginning
with the season-opener in Florida in March and concludes with
the season-finale in Indiana in October.

Berti Hauser, head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, is hoping for
another cross country victory across the pond. “We’ve
demonstrated that our sports enduro concept not only works, but
is capable of winning races,” he reported. “Now, we have
raised the bar to aim for consistent top performance.”

For more information about the Grand National Cross Country
Series, visit Grand National Cross Country Racing Series -- America's Largest Off-Road Racing Series -- Racer Productions, Inc..


BTW, we've also heard rumours that Jimmy Lewis will race the
HP2 Enduro in the Veterans class, which if true will be a first
for a GNCC race, as well.


Special Announcement

At the end of the event BMW will be making a major announcement
that any BMW fan will want to know about!


Lane Swall
General Manager
Sierra Motorcycle Companies

Sierra BMW Motorcycle
Sierra Motorcycle Supply
1380 Kleppe Lane
Sparks, NV 89431

Yep, the very one Margus!
For now, BMW are keeping the faith with their own brand!

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Dave

A story doing the rounds on another forum is below; you could not invent this (unless you sat up all night or are a script writer!).

OPTIONS...

1.) The basic 800GS:
Very closely related to the current 650GS by way of suspension travel and range per tank. (~200miles).
The 90/10 ratio applies...Much better suited for the packed stuff out of the box, but handles the pavement like its big brother the 1200, solid...This version will go down in history as a great wannabe rally god looking bike -in commuter covering. Due in part to it’s having a seat that is actually designed by someone who cares about everyone's bottom end, yes gone will be the need to ply the “jewels” from the Faux tank!! Fuel consumption is down a little from the 650 to average out to ~58 MPG...better or worse dependent upon the user! BHP is around 72. Elec power output is up, never an issue running heated clothing, GPS, and add on lights. etc...
Stripped this would fall in the $8800.00 range.
Option package (heated grips/ABS/power outlet/center stand) $9300.00
Many colors available. More Hi Visibility colors come into use.

2.) The 800GS Dakar:
Adds another 2” of suspension and another 1.5 gal of fuel. Yes, a little more fuel...
Gone are the days of waving flags spewed across the tank...Some other conservative scheme is applied to ID the Dakar version other than by its height. Standard is a real Dakar windscreen, paw protectors, better pegs and engine guards...~$9500.00. Optioned out as mentioned above, add another $500. A cool $10,000.00 will get you a set of keys. One color scheme only.

3.) The HP800GS:
An all out monster. Lightened by bits and pieces that are forged. Compression is up, power output is up to 80 BHP and gearing is matched for the apparent usage. Suspension is better than the G650, -much better. Fully adjustable in every sense. No extras. No options. A true Enduro/ almost MX bike that will go anywhere at great velocities. Has the smaller fuel tank of the standard GS (for weight reduction). Paw protection, pegs, bar, risers, tires, chain guard...All the goodies you’d want for off road performance and thats all you’ll find on this version.
Knowing “someone” will complain about the range, getting the larger tank is something that must be done on ones own. You’ll need to order the Dakar tank and seat combo, and install yourself.
NOTE: The HP version seat will be designed by someone who stands on the pegs 90% of the time and could care less about a comfortable seat...You’ve been warned.
The suspension upgrade on this model alone drives the price up $2000.00. So no, you will not need to go and get a “better aftermarket suspension later”...This set up is awesome and can be sent back for rebuilds ----done (at) any BMW dealership around the world.
Add the “less costs more” theory- (for reference search LTW M3 to see the differences less makes in $$) and you will shell out in the neighborhood of $14500.00...
The Dakar tank and seat combo (if ordered with the bike) will run ~$750.00. Ordered separately, expect to pay almost $1100.00

4.) To pay respect and give some homage to the original...

Enter the Limited Edition.

800GSPD:

Paint scheme matched to the original 80 GSPD.
Huge tank. Yes a huge tank capable of letting you run well over 300 miles between gas and pee breaks.
Suspension of the Dakar model, but has more adjustability. Some bits and pieces of the HP show up on this model, helping to keep the weight down and performance up.
Elec power can run a set of lights so hot they’ll melt the corneas out of passing motorists at 50 yards. Plus handle anything you plug in, be it jump starting stranded 18 wheelers and RVs - and what not...
Lower compression ratio so as to have the ability to run ANY nasty fuel you happen to find and it still runs great. Gearing is suited more for a 50/50 planned usage. Tubeless wire tires...with a 21” on the front. .
All options of the Dakar plus center stand, heated grips, and a very easy to get to (but not accidentally) ON/OFF ABS switch. Plus this model comes standard with HID.
Price is the SAME as the HP, $14,500.00

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Dave

He did sit up all night and he did invent it - when this story first appeared on advrider it finished with the classic Henry's Cat punchline 'and then I woke up.' The last line's been chopped and the dream's been circulating ever since.

1 out of 10....

Suerte, Dan

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Que el cielo exista, aunque mi lugar sea el infierno...

Margus,

It is at the current show in the UK and available to buy from mid-2008.

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Dave

NEC show was a vast improvement on last year. I really liked the 800 gs. But the new Tenere ticked all the boxes and Yamaha Staff claim a sub 5k price so wait and see there. Another bike that impressed me was the new Kawasaki Ninja 250. Looks just like a full on sports bike but I jumped on and was most impressed by how comfortable it felt. It has much higher bars than a sports bike and the staff rekon on around 3k so it could be a great little bargain. Travel dri had a stand and I treated myself to a new towel Paramo and a spork.

Did anyone else notice how cheap the panniers and top box on the teneres were made. The top box was already broken and apperared to be made of some sort of compesite plastic. Take note if you are after a tenere spend your extra cash on some mules who also had a great stand at the show.

The luggage on the tenere was locked when I was there but it did look cheaply made and not too strong.

List price is around £4900 but there are loads of accessories that could easily raise this price!

Also seen there was this Triumph in moody black and much better exhausts (Arrow) than the usual Triumph scrambler offering:-

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Dave