You can't understand a Beemer until you are about 250 miles into your journey. They are not the prettiest things in the world or the fastest. But they are a good all around motorcycle that is reliable.
The reason a couple have graced my garage are the fact that they are great bikes to go and hit the highway with and at one point for 2 years it was my only transportation. Both saw north of 100K miles. I took it to Alaska and back and rode all over the midwest. I loved it. It was a touring bike that didn't shutter when a corner was presented. A nice corbin seat set helped a lot.
Someone down the street has one of these, an R1200S:
It's really a beautiful machine. I suppose in BMW rider fashion, he mounted a bicycle rack on the back.
Fun fact: If you read "Bimmer" as though it were written in German, it is pronounced "Beemer" 
if I can drive a car or ride a motorcycle that looks good while doing what I need it to, why would I pick one that doesn't?
Looks are subjective...the owner of that BMW may well feel his bike is more attractive.
Marginally related: A guy I know, a BMW rider, one said, "You know, I'd like to buy a Harley, but then I'd have to dress like an shiny happy person."
Big words, I thought , from a guy in the group that wears orange vests.
