On the heels of BMW Motorrad reporting record global sales in 2011, BMW Motorrad USA posted a 7.4 percent growth in sales in 2011, nearly double the gain posted the previous year.

Sales were fueled by continued demand for BMW Motorrad USA’s best-selling model, the S 1000 RR Superbike, as well as for the popular core models R 1200 RT, R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure and the all-new six-cylinder K 1600 GTL and K 1600 GT.

BMW Motorrad’s K 1600 GT and GTL luxury tourers were named as the best motorcycles of 2011, beating tough contenders from some of the biggest brands in the business to take the top spot in the annual Supertest World Association award.

The Supertest World Association (SWA) is made up of 14 top international motoring magazines. The members used a ranking system to decide the winner, awarding three points to their first choice motorcycle, two to the second and one to the third. The K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL garnered the best scores overall.

Introduced in March 2011, BMW’s luxury tourer has already proved a huge hit, impressing riders and critics alike with class-leading handling and road-holding qualities, thanks to advanced suspension, excellent weight distribution and clever use of lightweight materials.

Interestingly, its 1600cc engine is lighter and smaller than the other bikes it was up against in the class – something achieved through the use of materials such as magnesium and aluminum. But its low weight and compact size for an inline ‘Six’, it’s just 560mm wide, doesn’t mean a compromise on power. It puts out 160hp at 7,500rpm, and has a maximum torque of 175Nm at 5,000rpm. The combination of impressive power delivery and a low center of gravity make it a dynamic and exciting machine to ride, apparently something those voting clearly appreciated.

As for the record number of motorcycles sold, the company credits their sales performance to improved market conditions, a broad, continually enhanced model lineup and a strong dealer network.

“BMW had successfully weathered the downturn in the motorcycle market in recent years,” commented Mac McMath, National Sales Manager, BMW Motorrad USA. “Now, with market conditions improving and the arrival of new and updated models, we are poised for continued success in 2012.”

For model year 2012, BMW Motorrad USA is offering the all-new dual-sport G 650 GS Sertão, model updates for the F 800 R naked bike and S 1000 RR superbike, the K 1300 S and K 1300 S HP Limited Edition and the Special Edition R 1200 GS Rally. All of these models are currently available at BMW retailers nationwide.