Sure there is, and far from becoming an endangered species, the lightweight enduro - a kind of motorcycle that embodies off-road capabilities alongside roadworthy manners tailored to please experienced and beginning riders alike - has become immensely popular around the world.

Between 1995 and 2003, BMW has sold more than 110,000 F 650s, with 32 percent of the latest versions going to female riders worldwide). What's more, some 21 percent of F 650 buyers were new riders. And now, for the 2005 model year, BMW's entry in the amazing category returns refined, refreshed and ready to do business. Crossing continents, crossing boundaries.

No motorcycle can do everything, but the BMW F 650 GS and the F 650 GS Dakar come close. Based on the fundamentally flexible ''enduro'' concept, the F 650 line has been carefully developed to meet a broad range of requirements, to enable cross-country travel in comfort as well as jaunts across town with consummate ease. For example, the Dakar, with dirt-spec tire sizes and long-travel suspension, can truly be taken off road (unlike many similarly concepted but differently equipped enduros on the market) and yet sacrifices nothing in terms of on-road civility.

Sure there is, and far from becoming an endangered species, the lightweight enduro - a kind of motorcycle that embodies off-road capabilities alongside roadworthy manners tailored to please experienced and beginning riders alike - has become immensely popular around the world.

Between 1995 and 2003, BMW has sold more than 110,000 F 650s, with 32 percent of the latest versions going to female riders worldwide). What's more, some 21 percent of F 650 buyers were new riders. And now, for the 2005 model year, BMW's entry in the amazing category returns refined, refreshed and ready to do business. Crossing continents, crossing boundaries.

No motorcycle can do everything, but the BMW F 650 GS and the F 650 GS Dakar come close. Based on the fundamentally flexible ''enduro'' concept, the F 650 line has been carefully developed to meet a broad range of requirements, to enable cross-country travel in comfort as well as jaunts across town with consummate ease.

Cycle World's "Best Sport-touring Bike for 2006" the K 1200 GT features the new BMW Duolever front suspension, optional ESA and a transversely-mounted in-line four-cylinder engine offering a whopping 152 bhp. It also has height-adjustable handlebars, a narrower design, and an adjustable saddle. Point it at the horizon and swallow huge chunks of highway mile after mile, because sport touring has never been this thrilling.

For years, serious riders who want both performance and long-distance touring abilities have chosen the BMW RT. And the latest version, the R 1200 RT, is no different. The new RT boasts optional Electronic Suspension Adjustment, giving you push-button fine-tuning for a wide range of roads, loads and moods. Cavernous storage, supreme ergonomics and optional accoutrements like heated grips, heated seats, a premium sound system and cruise control make the R 1200 RT so comfy, so easy to ride, that when you get away, you'll feel like you're getting away with something. The R 1200 RT is a fully outfitted touring bike with royal ergonomics, on-the-fly adjustable suspension and a long list of comfort features, plus it's a downright exciting performance motorcycle. Its 110 horsepower low-center-of-gravity Boxer engine pulls smoothly and pops thrillingly, and its advanced chassis creates nimble handling usually reserved for short rides and sore shoulders. Ride as far as you want and get there with all the performance you crave with the R 1200 RT.

Twenty-six pounds lighter than the R 1150 GS Adventure and boasting 100 bhp, the R 1200 GS Adventure sets an unreachable standard for a world-touring enduro. Add a taller windshield, adjustable seat, extra wide footpegs, rugged 8.7 gallon tank and engine guards, and optional ABS, and you get a bike that will take you to the ends of the earth. Too bad there are only seven continents.

Got dirt in your blood? Dreaming of whoops, ruts, sand washes and gnarly singletrack? Want an off-road bike that can slalom around tree roots, and rocks without getting hung up? Then the rippin' new G 650 X Challenge is your ride. Boasting a 53 bhp single-cylinder engine with plenty of pulling power, this is an enduro that's lightweight in terms of heft, but certainly not in its ability. With the same air damping rear suspension as the HP 2 Enduro you'll thrash over just about anything, even the tightest trails on that dual sport ride out in the woods. Front mudguards, an asymmetric headlight, a cast aluminum rear swing arm, and a lightweight wave design front brake disc complete the package. The new G 650 X Challenge - a single-cylinder enduro that can't wait to tear it up.