Vintage BMW motorcycles are elegant and beautiful pieces of artwork, no matter what type of riding you’re into. If you’ve been examining vintage BMW’s and haven’t had the perfect chance to get one; your time is now.
This 1965 BMW R660/2 is a refinished bike with paint so perfect it might trick you into thinking it just rolled off the dealership lot. Ozzie’s BMW dealership in Chico California did the restoration job in 2012, and the bike has seen limited miles since then (50). It comes with the same bill of sale and title that was originally gathered when the bike was purchased from Ozzie’s BMW dated 2013. The motorcycle currently sits at 25,000 miles displayed by the odometer, but the exact mileage will remain a mystery.
This R660/2 comes with the original 596cc opposed-twin engine (producing 30 vintage horses when new) with a four-speed gearbox. The paint has been redone in a gloss black with white pinstriping, and the two-up seat has been reupholstered in matching black leather with white accenting around the edges.
Don’t worry about rolling around on 50+-year-old tires, new period-correct Metzeler tires have been mounted to the wire-spoke 18-inch rims to keep the authenticity of this classic motorcycle as true-to-form as possible.
This piece of modern history currently sits at a comfortable price of $7500, despite the auction on bringatrailer.com only having 2 days remaining to bid. If you’re looking for a low-priced classic BMW for date nights with the wifey, this very well may be the bike for you.
If It Doesn’t Look Weird, It’s Probably Not Futuristic
The House of Monaco is taking more steps towards completion, with the BMW Definition CE 04 in its final design stages after it was unveiled in its standard version. We currently don’t have any technical specifications available to gloss over, but the pictures are interesting, to say the least.
Have you ever seen iRobot? This looks like something you’d spot in the background of the film. The new CE 04 is the perfect blend of futurism and modern technology. This unit is more of a showcase of the technical and visual potential of the House, and I’m not qualified to say if this vehicle could ever see the halogen-lit production lines anywhere in the near future.
The Concept Link was originally teased in 2017, and this actual prototype has managed to keep the visual elements virtually the same despite having drivable features and real technology incorporated into it. This version sees the same flat batteries incorporated in the sub-floor that the concept teased, so it’s great to see some of the technological concepts being explored and realized into actual practices.
On the visual side, this scooter has been decorated in a livery containing a Mineral White Metallic base colour with orange and flat grey accents. Many of the mechanical components were left in the open for some sort of visual juxtaposition and the front headlight assembly features two LED lower eyelids in addition to the main beams.
I’m the biggest Formula 1 nerd I have ever met. Say what you will about tobacco advertising in motorsport, it still produced some of the greatest and most-legendary racing liveries the world has ever seen. There is no comparison. Tobacco advertising made cars, motorcycles, racing jackets, pitlane teams look cooler than ever. I said it, kill me.
Who was the king of tobacco-based advertising in motorsport? You already know the answer to this question, because it’s been unanimously decided already: MARLBORO. How could a brand speak such volume with such simple liveries? I have no idea, but I like to pretend the amazing looking cars gave famous racer, Ayrton Sena, a competitive edge.
Roland Sands took a 2008 BMW R 1200 GS and completely transformed it into this beautifully vintage-styled off-road masterpiece. Sands took the front end off an R NineT and retrofitted it with forks from an Africa Twin with Ohlins cartridges to maximize the motorcycles off-road abilities.
The gas tank was borrowed from an R80, and set up to run the robust fuel injection system found in the 1200 GS’s engine. A skid plate, fork guards, crash bars, LED lamps, and an Akrapovic exhaust was also added to complete the look and provide more functionality to the bike, making it a dangerous off-road weapon.
Now that you’re more informed on the bike itself, It’s time to discuss the amazing merchandise collection RSD brought us to celebrate the build. The merch kit comes with an ash trey, shirt, string bag, hat, lighter, and photo of the RSD Dakar GS for a price of $160 (only 150 packages are available – don’t miss out). None of these items are sold separately, so you’re stuck buying the entire package. That’s not a huge deal though, these trinkets and apparel items are wicked cool and feature a confident nod to the Marlboro Dakar racing heritage through its design. I’ll be buying one; race you there.
As expected, BMW is adding to its range of R 18 cruisers with the first being a tourer called the Classic, to tackle the popular Harley-Davidson Road King.
Like that American highway icon, the Classic has a removable clear windshield and leather saddlebags so you can convert from a tourer to a cruiser in seconds.
While the R 18 released a couple of months ago has a solo saddle, this comes with a removable pillion seat.
The Classic also has a 16-inch wheel for sharper steering, an additional LED headlight and electronic cruise control for highway touring.
Everything else seems to be the same as the R 18 including frame, electronics, suspension and 1802cc Boxer engine with 67kW (91hp) of power and 150Nm of torque.
Of course, those big Boxer heads are the biggest difference to the Road King.
They dictate mid-mounted footpegs that some have criticised as creating an uncomfortable “knees in the breeze” riding position instead of a more relaxed position of the Road King and many other cruisers.
BMW Motorrad says their “philosophy” with the footrests behind the cylinders is “not only typical of BMW, it also enables a relaxed and active riding position for optimum vehicle control”.
I would dispute that.
BMW will offer First Edition models in the R 18 and R 18 Classic in some markets with their classic paintwork in black with white double pinstripes. Other highlights include numerous chrome surfaces, a seat badge and a “First Edition” chrome clasp on the side covers.
I suspect there will be other R 18 variants to follow from a stripped-down dragster to a full-dresser with fairings, hard panniers and maybe even a top box.
Something I always respected about Ducati’s Scrambler lineup was the sheer amount of variations they provided us with: Cafe Racer, Desert Sled, and Full Throttle to name a few. It looks like BMW is gearing up for a napalm war with the Ducati clan by revealing their new amazing and highly customizable R nineT lie-up with four new variations from the factory for 2021.
The editions include the Urban G/S, the Scrambler, the Pure, and of course the standard for you suit-and-tie boring guys. All of the editions are still built on the R nineT platform featuring a flat-twin engine producing 109 horsepower @ 7.25k rpm and 85.9 lb-ft of torque @ 6k rpm.
The 2021 model doesn’t just bring visual changes though, due to Euro 5-compliance we lost 1 whole horsepower from the 110 of last year, but BMW said they remedied that huge loss of power (funny, right?) with new power curves due to the tune and new engine configuration which should produce far more power between 4000 and 6000 rpm.
USB charging sockets, LED headlights and indicators, shock preload adjustment, ABS Pro, Dynamic Brake Control, new instrument cluster, and a rain riding mode to use in addition to the standard mode.
Just days after Ducati announced it would introduce adaptive cruise control to its Multistrada V4, BMW has expectedly followed suit with the new RT.
Adaptive cruise control, or as BMW calls it “active cruise control” has been available in many cars for several years and keeps your vehicle a nominated distance behind the vehicle in front.
In the BMW it also holds the bike at a set speed when going downhill which is handy as many cops set up radar “traps” at the bottom of hills, even though they shouldn’t by law.
Ducati, BMW and KTM have been working with Bosch for several years on the tech and we expect KTM will be next with the handy safety feature.
We also expect BMW will roll it out across their K, R and possibly F ranges in coming months, especially in their popular adventure touring models.
But first it comes in the cops’ favourite bike, the RT, which also gets a mild cosmetic update, better designed aerodynamic fairing, as well as some features that are now standard and some extra options.
Standard features now consist of ABC Pro (combined braking), traction control and a new “Eco” riding mode to save you some dollars on fuel.
Riding Modes Pro with riding mode preselection and engine drag torque control will also be offered as options.
The RT now comes with LED headlights with the turning light function that helps you see round bends at night.
There is also a new 10.25” TFT colour screen with integrated navigation and optional phone connectivity and Audio System 2.0. It arrives in a choice of white, blue and bronze in three style variants: “Elegance”, “Sport” and “Option 719”.
The BMW WorldSBK Team is obviously on the cutting edge of motorcycle racing technology, but did you know the team also is on the cutting edge in terms of motorsports manufacturing?
The team is actually using 3D printing right at the trackside. According to a recent press release from BMW, the team has a 3D printer right at the racetrack. This enables fast and efficient production of new prototype components right at the circuit.
This opens up all sorts of possibilities. Obviously, more important parts that are high stress would need to be tested before use, but some smaller, less stressed parts and components don’t have to be tested before they can be put into use.
“This technology allows us to make improvements to the RR quickly and efficiently. The development of a WorldSBK bike is an ongoing process and it is often the minor details that make a motorbike better,” said BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc Bongers.
The 3D printers at the track do have limited capabilities. This means that for major adjustments, BMW will take what was created or learned at the track and then use them in its Additive Manufacturing Facility.
A while back we reported on the Tom Cruise stunt that he did while filming the latest installment of the Mission Impossible movies. This new sighting of Tom Cruise on the set of Mission Impossible 7 has him riding a BMW GS motorcycle while looking rather dapper.
RideApart shared an Instagram post from olga_avventura who was spending time in Rome and just happened to see Tom Cruise outside a window of the apartment filming scenes for the new movie.
In the video (included below) you can see Cruise walk over to a GS and get on the bike. In the video, you can see that he looks up at the Instagrammer and says hello and tells her to have a nice day.
The motorcycle he’s riding looks like it’s outfitted with police gear and paint job. You don’t see Cruise ride the bike, it’s more like he’s just positioning the motorcycle for the shot. There’s a film crew behind him up the narrow street.
With all of the motorcycles in the movie, I’ll have to be sure and watch it. This one is far less exciting than the massive jump he recently did, but it’s a good indicator that there will be.
BMW Motorrad is celebrating 40 years of its GS models with three new models, extra standard features and anniversary styling touches for its current line of GS models.
GS stands for Gelände/Straße in German which literally translates to “terrain/road”. But it is also referred to as “off-road/road sport” which means it will tackle all sorts of roads in a lively fashion.
Long before Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor made the GS name famous, BMW’s GS models were conquering the Dakar Rally and taking adventurous riders to remote parts of the world.
To celebrate 40 years of GS bikes, BMW is adding three new models: G 310 GS, R 1250 GS, and R 1250 GS Adventure. They arrive in Australia early in 2021.
BMW Motorrad Australia GM Andreas Lundgren says the new models include many optional features as standard “improving on already fantastic and highly capable bikes that have proven such a hit with Australian BMW Motorrad customers over many years”.
R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure include new BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as standard.
The 313cc engine now comes with “electronic throttle grip” (electromotive throttle controller) for more sensitive throttle response and automatic idle speed \to prevent newbies from stalling the engine.
It also features a self-boosting anti-hopping clutch to reduce engine drag torque and reduce rear-wheel lock-up when braking and gearing down. The clutch lever now has a softer pull and four-stage adjustment, along with the brake lever.
The new BMW G 310 GS comes with LED headlight and taillight.
It now has “rallye” styling with a red frame and Kyanit blue metallic tank.
The BMW G 310 GS “40 Years GS” edition features the famous historical black and yellow aint from the the R 100 GS.
G 310 GS features new LED headlight, updated styling, self-boosting anti-hopping clutch and adjustable hand lever in four stages for brake and clutch
R 1250 GS and R 1250 GSA:
These adventure tourers now come with Dynamic Traction Control and Integral ABS Pro as standard.
The new standard “Eco” riding mode encourages efficient riding, while Pro riding modes can be equipped as optional equipment ex-works.
Pro also features a dynamic engine brake control to avoid rear-wheel lock-up.
BMW Integral ABS Pro with cornering assistance is also fitted as standard on both models.
The additional expansion of the riding mode concept results in more new functions. For example, it adapts ABS control characteristics to the respective riding mode for maximum control.
The Hill Start Control ride-off assistant is standard equipment and enables convenient stopping and starting when riding uphill.
Hill Start Control Pro (HSC Pro), also standard on Australian specification models, improves starting performance in all riding conditions.
G 310 GS features new LED headlight, updated styling, self-boosting anti-hopping clutch and adjustable hand lever in four stages for brake and clutch
Both models get new full-LED adaptive headlights, cruising light and function-integrated turn indicator bulbs. The optional “adaptive headlight” package allows the low-beam headlight of the standard full-LED headlight to turn into the curve depending on the inclined position. In future, the welcome light (“Welcome” function), the “Good bye” function and the “Follow me home” function for orientation will be available as optional equipment.
With the optional cruising light equipment, the two front turn indicator bulbs can be permanently dimmed simultaneously. In the case of the multifunctional rear indicator lamps, the standard rear LED flashing turn indicators are replaced by LED flashing turn indicators, which can emit yellow flashing light and red brake light or rear light simultaneously.
Vehicle voltage and USB sockets are now standard as well as seat heating for rider and pillion.
Options include 30mm bar risers, various rider seat heights and footrests.
The R 1250 GS and R 1250 GSA arrive in a dynamic basic colour and two triple black and Rallye style variants.
R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure include new BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as standard.
Zach from Revzilla takes us on a 35-minute ride to give his thoughts on the new and beautiful BMW R 18.
Personally, I find this new bike one of the most beautiful and classically styled cruiser bikes in recent years. Unfortunately, as I learned today, sometimes you must trade comfort and ergonomics for style.
Being an 1800cc cruiser, it’s obvious that you will be riding a bike catered towards going in a straight line for long distances but I got worried after Zach mentioned the awkward seating position due to the low nature of the motorcycle. Albeit, we’re both tall dudes but if you’ve ever sat on a Harley-Davidson you will understand the importance of comfort in a motorcycle suited for cruising.
The peg scraping. Oh my lord. I cringed every time this bike went into any form of a mellow corner. This thing couldn’t turn without scraping if its life depended on it. I can’t stress this enough; BMW made a major tradeoff to take lowered styling to the nth degree as the suspension has lower travel and as a result gives the motorcycle quite a bumpy ride as noted in the video.
There are still some great features to note stemming from the mechanical components of the motorcycle though. BMW has made high-quality motorcycles for a very long time now, and it really shows in the overall performance of the engine and clutch.
Zach puts it perfectly in his own words, “The problem with the R 18 in my mind, is Harley-Davidson is leaning on all that heritage and history that they have of building bikes like that – building big cruisers – and I guess I just don’t see it with the R 18. It feels like a beautiful well-engineered homage to a heritage that doesn’t exist and I guess I don’t know why it’s a thing, even though I think its well-executed and rides nicely…”
