Keeping your motorcycle chain clean, lubricated and tensioned is a messy business, but now BMW has developed a special chain that never needs lubricating nor re-tensioning.
BMW has long been known for its maintenance-free shafts, but now they have extended that ability with their M Endurance chain in 525 pitch.
BMW Group Australia Nick Raman Product Communications Manager says the M Endurance chain is standard on the S 1000 RR Race and S 1000 RR M Sport from September 2020 production.
“It is also standard on the S 1000 XR Sport and available optionally on the S 1000 XR Tour from August 2020 production,” he says.
“The ex-factory price for the chain on the S 1000 XR Tour is $160, though we don’t have any information at this point on whether it will be available on other models.”
That’s not too bad considering chains cst between about $50 and $200 for a gold link model and these should last longer.
BMW Motorrad’s global release says “further models are being prepared for this feature”, so we expect the F and G models will get something similar.
However, it may also be suitable for non-BMW bikes.
Company spokesman Gerhard Lindner says: “I think you can put it on every bike with a 525er chain.”
So how does it work?
The M Endurance chain has a resident permanent lubricant filling between the rollers and pins, enclosed by X-rings, so they don’t require lubrication, nor re-tensioning.
BMW uses a new tetrahedrally amorphous carbon (ta-C) coating material for the rollers. It is also known as industrial diamond.
This coating is harder and more resistant than Diamond Like Carbon. The only thing tougher is pure diamond.
BMW says the ta-C industrial diamond coating “does not wear off” and “drastically” reduces the friction coefficient.
“Thanks to excellent dry lubrication properties and the elimination of wear, the tetrahedral amorphous carbon coated rollers of the M Endurance chain offer maintenance comfort equivalent to that of a shaft drive motorcycle,” BMW claims.
“This includes all the cleaning work that is unavoidable with a conventional chain due to splashed lubricant. Accordingly, the M Endurance chain also offers maximum environmental friendliness.”
Even though manufacturers and importers usually contact owners when a recall is issued, the bike may have been sold privately to a rider unknown to the company.
If you believe there is an endemic problem with your bike that should be recalled, contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502.
To check whether your motorcycle has been recalled, click on these sites:
It is a certain bet that BMW will introduce more variants of the R 18 – their first cruiser in 16 years since the R 1200 C – like this solo-seat custom model.
The R 18 First Edition, which features classic double pin striping paint and chrome will be available in limited numbers for $30,190.
The initial batch of R 18 First Editions allocated to Australia arriving this year will be fitted with “reverse assist”, bringing the price to $31,690.
Now they have unveiled the “Blechmann” which is the nickname of Austrian customiser Bernhard Naumann.
Bernhard changed little on the frame or the technology.
It features a sporty solo seat, a modified tank, Kellermann taillight, kidney-shaped headlight and a narrower, cleaner look to expose the massive 1802cc engine.
The custom also comes in classic BMW black with white pin-stripes to reflect the 1936 R 5, after which the R 18 is styled.
In total, the team around Blechmann worked 450 hours on his version of the BMW R 18.
“My work begins by removing parts of the original version until a white canvas remains,” he says.
“As the construction progresses, the design develops. I call this ‘rapid-prototyping-Blechmann-style’.”
Whether BMW Motorrad will produce a custom like this is debatable, but it shows they are searching for customer reaction to model variants.
Unlike the Roland Sands Dragster, customers won’t be able to personalise their own Blechmann. Whereas Roland has created two design collections of milled aluminium parts for the launch of the R 18 Cruiser: “Machined” and “2-Tone-Black”.
They include front and rear wheels in different dimensions from standard, plus speedometer housings, handlebar clamps, risers, handlebar grips, hand levers and mirrors as well as engine housing trim elements, filler caps, intake silencer covers and much more.
Bike fan, Hollywood actor and “Long Way” collaborator Ewan McGregor gets to keep most of his impressive collection of motorcycles in his divorce settlement with former wife Eve Mavrakis.
The pair were married for 22 years and even though Eve did not sign a prenuptial agreement, she gets to keep half of his assets up to 2017 when they split.
Eve joined Ewan for several days on his 2007 Long Way Down adventure in Africa with partner Charley Boorman.
Charley and Ewan work on a BMW in Long Way Down
While his marriage wth Eve soured, his friendship with Charley has persisted and last year they joined for their third Long Way instalment, Long Way Up.
It consists of riding electric Harley-Davidson LiveWire motorcycles from the bottom of South America to LA.
In the divorce settlement, Ewan will get to keep 30 vehicles from his extensive collection which also includes some cars as well as bikes. Eve gets five vehicles.
It is not known which bikes he will keep.
However, among his collection are the BMW R 11250 GS he rode around the world in 2004 for Long Way Round, the R 1200 GS from Long Way Down and the LiveWire from last year’s trip.
Ewan has had a long affection for Moto Guzzi as his father owned one.
A new BMW Motorrad patent for a carbon fibre swingarm brings the hi-tech, lightweight technology closer to mass production through a manufacturing process that makes it more affordable.
A new filing patent brings that technology closer to mass production.
Instead of a conventional swingarm pivot, the patent shows a flexible carbon fibre with the swingarm integrated into the chassis.
Carbon fibre and other lightweight materials are becoming more prevalent in motorcycle design with a wide range of benefits to handling, braking, acceleration, fuel economy and emissions.
The properties of carbon fibre that make it so attractive to motorcycle manufacturers is its light weight and high strength.
Carbon fibre and other lightweight materials are becoming more prevalent in motorcycle design with a wide range of benefits to handling, braking, acceleration, fuel economy and emissions.
The properties of carbon fibre that make it so attractive to motorcycle manufacturers is its light weight and high strength.
Carbon fibre construction has come a long way since it was first used in a motorcycle in 1994 in Cagiva’s C194 500cc two-stroke.
It featured a chassis made of carbon-fibre and alloy, but was short-lived.
The other famous early use of carbon fibre was in chassis of the Britten V1000, designed and hand-built by Kiwi John Britten.
Britten V1000
John, a brilliant, but dyslexic mechanical engineer, died of skin cancer in 1995 having hand-built only 10 V1000s.
Carbon fibre is today used extensively in motorsport and expensive automobiles and motorcycles such as the Ducati Desmosedici.
Carbon swingarm project
Carbon fibre is expensive because it is difficult to mass-produce.
However, manufacturing processes are improving, resulting in better quality finishes and cheaper products.
Joachim Starke, who is in charge of BMW’s lightweight composite fibres, says the HP4 RACE combined optimum technical qualities, uniform manufacturing quality and cost efficiency for the first time.
The HP4 RAE swingarm was made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic with CFP tape reinforcements using thermoplastic material.
BMW HP4 RACE swingarm
BMW believes it will be possible to establish a cost-efficient manufacturing process suitable for the large-scale production of such injection-mould components.
He says they developed a technology that allows precise configuration of component properties by using a variety of composite and metal inserts.
“This scalability means that a single tool can be used to produce a wide range of different components at cycle times of less than a minute,” he says.
“The maximum strength can be adjusted by means of additional CFP panels which can be thermoplastically joined.”
BMW also used welding robots in the process to reduce costs.
The HP4 RACE carbon fibre project forms the basis for the use of carbon fibre in serial production of BMW motorcycles and automobiles.
BMW HP4 RACE
Carbon technology explained
BMW project manager Elmar Jäger explains the technology:
We opted for chassis components under continuous load since the requirements involved are especially demanding. While car chassis parts are concealed, the visible motorcycle rear swinging arm was ideal for our project since the forces at work are immediately evident. Our production technique uses CFP in the form of high-strength endless fibres where this is required by the stress pattern, while an injection mould part with short CFP recycling fibres is used where the stress levels are not as high. In this way, we developed a cost-efficient design that can be scaled according to requirements by inserting endless fibres with varying levels of strength in the same tool.
BMW Motorrad returns to the cruiser category with the R 18, but will they soon add a Dragster version like this produced by renowned LA designer Roland Sands?
His custom job was made easier by the fact that the R 18 has an easily removable rear frame and a simple-to-dismantle painted parts set.
Roland Sands and his R 18 Dragster
Dragster parts
I think BMW will build a model like this because this is a fully BMW-sanctioned custom build by the same person who helped them design the R nineT.
And have a loom at that “R 18 Dragster” engine stamp. That looks like a production model to me!
If BMW doesn’t build a Dragster model, you may be able to customise your own.
Roland has also created two design collections of milled aluminium parts for the launch of the R 18 Cruiser: “Machined” and “2-Tone-Black”.
They include front and rear wheels in different dimensions from standard, plus speedometer housings, handlebar clamps, risers, handlebar grips, hand levers and mirrors as well as engine housing trim elements, filler caps, intake silencer covers and much more.
Roland also created custom parts for the R nineT.
These are expected to be available when the bike launches next month.
The R 18 First Edition, which features classic double pin striping paint and chrome will be available in limited numbers for $30,190.
R 18 reverse assist
The initial batch of R 18 First Editions allocated to Australia arriving this year will be fitted with “reverse assist”, bringing the price to $31,690.
At 345kg dry weight, it needs reverse assist!
We also reckon the riding position looks a little uncomfortable with the inability for forward controls because of the massive boxer heads.
It will come with a range of accessories including ape hanger bars, tractor saddle, racks and more.
Yes, thankfully it also includes pipes to replace that dreadfully massive standard exhaust!
The R 18 is styled after the 1936 R 5, including double white pinstriping.
The Bonhams auction consists of several highly sought-after examples, particularly pre-war models.
Each motorcycle in the collection is in running condition and is being offered without reserve.
R57
BMW produced the R57 for only a few years after BMW’s first motorcycle, the R32 in 1923.
The R57 isn’t just rare, it is also “superbly engineered, beautifully styled and a capable rider”, says Mathieu Guyot-Sionnest, Bonhams Head of US Motorcycles.
It is estimated to fetch up to $US70,000 (almost A100,000).
“This will be our third year in partnership with the most prestigious motorcycle museum in the world and the largest vintage motorcycle celebration,”he says.
“With thousands of international motoring aficionados gathered together for the weekend event, there’s just no better venue.”
Other “no reserve” examples in the collection include a 1933 R4, a 1938 R35 and a 1940 R12 with sidecar.
BMW R12
There is also a a 1957 R26 with sidecar that was the German army’s famed war workhorse and was built with BMW’s first hydraulically damped telescopic forks.
Now, more details are available that show it also has airbags, crushable zones front and back like a car, seat belts and aerodynamic winglets that automatically change angle according to speed.
I’ve got to ask … why?
The German company currently has five scooters: the C 650 GT, C 650 Sport, C 400 X and C 400 GT, plus the C Evolution electric scooter which has not yet been imported to Australia.
BMW C Evolution electric scooter
The new patent drawings show the detachable roof with rear storage area on the electric scooter, but it may also be adapted for the petrol-powered models.
It could even be retrofitted to current models.
Retrofit roof
This is not the first time BMW has thought about bringing back the scooter roof. In 2009, BMW’s first electric scooter was the roofed C1-E concept, powered by a Vectrix motor.
C1-E concept
C1 failure
The whole idea of a motorcycle or scooter is to experience freedom from the cage of cars.
Adding a roof to a motorcycle or scooter not only looks ridiculous, but also makes it heavier and more unwieldy to ride because of its high centre of gravity.
Old C1 scooters can still be seen in crowded European cities such as Paris, but it was a dismal flop around the rest of the civilised world.
C1
The idea was to attract car drivers to two wheels. In some countries, riders of the quirky BMW scooter were even allowed to go helmet-less!
Given the sales flop of the C1 which was only built from 2000 to 2002, you have to ask why BMW would consider its reintroduction?
Hopefully, the BMW patent doesn’t give safety nannies the idea that the introduction of a scooter with a protective cage and seatbelt is the answer to two-wheeled injuries and deaths.
BMW has announced the updates for its line-up of 2021 road motorcycles.
BMW Motorrad Australia says prices will be announced closer to their arrival early next year.
Highlights include availability of Black Storm Metallic for the S 1000 RR and the tri-colour BMW Motorsport livery for the S 1000 XR.
New Option 719 milled parts will also be available in several models.
Here is the unedited list of models and updates.
BMW R 1250 RS.
BMW R 1250 RS
Style Sport in Austin Yellow metallic now with new frame colour in matt black, Option 719 Stardust metallic removed
Changeover to EU-5
New optional equipment: Driving Modes Pro option now includes engine drag torque control
Extended optional equipment: Driving Modes Pro now includes Core Screen Sport
New optional equipment: Option 719 milled parts package Shadow with engine housing cover front and cylinder head covers anodised in black/silver
New optional equipment: Option 719 milled parts package Shadow II with hand levers, rider footrests and foot lever as well as expansion tank covers anodised in Black/Silver
New optional equipment: Option 719 milled parts packages Storm/Storm II with the same parts as in Option 719 milled parts packages Shadow/Shadow II
Option 719 HP milled parts package, HP milled parts package II and Option 719 seat have been removed
Sports silencer replaces previous HP rear silencer.
BMW R 1250 R.
Style Exclusive with new paint finish Mineral Grey metallic. Pollux metallic matt, Style Exclusive and Option 719 Stardust metallic have been removed
Style HP renamed Style Sport
Changeover to EU-5
New optional equipment: Driving Modes Pro option now includes engine drag torque control
Extended optional equipment: Driving Modes Pro now includes Core Screen Sport
New optional equipment: Option 719 milled parts package Shadow with engine housing cover front and cylinder head covers anodised in black/silver
New optional equipment: Option 719 milled parts package Shadow II with mirrors, hand levers, rider footrests and foot lever as well as expansion tank covers anodised in Black/Silver
New optional equipment: Option 719 milled parts packages Storm/Storm II with the same parts as in option 719 milled parts packages Shadow/Shadow II
Option 719 HP milled parts package, HP milled parts package II and option 719 seat have been removed
Sports silencer replaces previous HP rear silencer
M Lightweight battery replaces previous HP battery
BMW K 1600 GT.
BMW K 1600 GT
New paint finish Option 719 Mineral White metallic. Option 719 Stardust metallic and Option 719 Blueplanet metallic/Ivory have been removed
Frame and engine in black for all colour versions
Reversing aid and adaptive turning light are now standard
Tyre pressure control RDC and daylight running light are now standard
Changes to tour package content. Expanded to include LED auxiliary headlights and engine protection bars, reversing aid now standard
Safety package has been removed
BMW K 1600 GTL.
BMW K 1600 GT
New paint finishes Manhattan metallic, Style Elegance and Option 719 Mineral White metallic. Pollux metallic, Style Elegance and Option 719 Stardust metallic as well as Option 719 Blueplanet metallic/ivory have been removed
Reversing aid and adaptive turning light are now standard
Tyre pressure control RDC and daylight running light are now standard
BMW K 1600 GTL
Changes to comfort package content. Expanded to include engine protection bars
Safety package has been removed
BMW K 1600 B.
New paint finish Mars Red metallic; Imperial Blue metallic has been removed
Reversing aid and adaptive turning light are now standard
Tyre pressure control RDC and daylight running light are now standard
Engine protection bars and LED auxiliary headlights
Changes to touring package content. LED auxiliary headlights, audio system, engine protection bars, running boards
Changes to comfort package content. Shift Assistant Pro, keyless ride, central locking, alarm system. Additional LED headlight removed
Safety package has been removed
BMW K 1600 Grand America.
BMW K 1600 Grand America
New paint finish Mars Red metallic; Imperial Blue metallic has been removed
Reversing aid and adaptive turning light are now standard
Tyre pressure control RDC and daylight running light are now standard
Changes to comfort package content. Shift Assistant Pro, KR, central locking, alarm system. Additional LED headlight removed
Safety package has been removed
BMW S 1000 RR.
BMW S 1000 RR
New paint finish Black Storm Metallic
Changeover to EU-5
New optional equipment: Sports silencer*.
New optional equipment: M titanium exhaust system*.
New optional equipment: M milled parts package** (M clutch lever protector, M brake lever protector, M folding brake lever, M folding clutch lever, M engine protectors, M rider footrest system left/right)
New optional equipment: USB charging port
New optional equipment: M Endurance chain
BMW S 1000 XR.
BMW S 1000 XR
New: Style Sport with Light white non-metallic/Racing Blue Metallic/Racing Red, titanium sports silencer, M Endurance chain, Windshield Sport, additional Core Screen with Laptimer
Tank cover and card pocket in motorcycle colour
New optional equipment: Titanium sports silencer
Touring package with expanded content. USB charging port, new luggage rack with integrated holder for 30 l and 49 l top case.
Revised optional equipment: Luggage rack with integrated holder for 30 l and 49 l top case.
New optional equipment: M milled parts package*(M folding brake lever, M folding clutch lever, M engine protector left, M rider footrests right/left and M pillion passenger footrests right/left)
BMW Group Australia Product Communications Manager Nick Raman says prices and final specifications of the F 750 GS, F 850 GS and F 850 GS Adventure will be available closer to the release date.
He also says details of Australian celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the GS will be released soon.
Apart from special GS 40th anniversary paint and graphics, they will come with full LED lighting and a USB charging device in the cockpit.
ABS Pro and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) will become standard fittings.
BMW Motorrad Australia General Manager Andreas Lundgren says the new models will also have a “raft of new option packages to complement their celebrated handling prowess on all road conditions including gravel”.
“They also make a statement by evoking BMW’s legendary models of the past in a significant year for the GS model line.”
40 Year Editions
Here is the official BMW press release on the 40 Years Editions anniversary models:
F 750 GS
In Light white, sports style or as “40 Years GS Edition”, and with expanded standard equipment
The new BMW F 750 GS now steps up in the new basic Light white paintwork with the tank centre cover painted in the vehicle colour. The black matt painted rims, black handlebars and seat bench in red/black make for a striking contrast.
The sports style in San Marino blue metallic is also new for the BMW F 750 GS, while a tinted windscreen delivers a sporty touch.
Granite grey metallic rims, silver handlebars and a black-grey seat bench and galvanised radiator cowl additionally make a high quality impression.
Conversely, the visually eye-catching BMW F 750 GS “40 Years GS Edition” with the “40 Years GS” logo on the fairing side panels is dedicated exclusively to the “40 Years GS” anniversary.
Its yellow hand-protector bars and seat bench in black/yellow with GS logo unmistakably evoke an icon from 40 years of GS history, the BMW R 100 GS. Black matt painted rims, silver handlebars and a galvanised radiator cowl round off this exclusive anniversary appearance.
F 850 GS
In Racing red, Rallye style or as “40 Years GS Edition”, and with expanded standard equipment:
The new BMW F 850 GS comes in the new basic Racing red paintwork with tank centre cover also painted in the vehicle colour. This contrasts with the black-coated fixed fork tubes, black rims and seat bench in black/grey.
In Rallye style and Racing blue metallic colour, the BMW F 850 GS together with the hand-protector bars, black fixed fork tubes and black-red seat bench emphasises its sporty character. The gold rims and galvanised radiator cowl accentuate its luxury feel.
The “40 Years GS Edition” BMW F 850 GS celebrates the 40th anniversary of the BMW GS models in Black storm metallic with “40 Years GS” logo on the fairing side panels. Exclusive yellow hand-protector bars, gold rims and a seat bench in black/yellow with GS logo also ensure a high level of recognition. Black fixed fork tubes and a galvanised radiator cowl are further hallmarks of this anniversary model.
The standard equipment of the BMW F 850 GS has been further enhanced with a windscreen adjustment mechanism and a TFT display including convenient Connectivity functions.
F 850 GS Adventure
F 850 GS Adventure
In Ice grey, Rallye style or as “40 Years GS Edition” and with expanded standard equipment
In the new basic Ice grey paintwork with tank centre cover painted in the vehicle colour, the new BMW F 850 GS Adventure fulfils aspirations for adventure, off-road competence and touring capability.
The black fixed fork tubes and rims and grey-black comfort seat blend in homogeneously and harmoniously.
F 850 GS Adventure Style Rallye
The new BMW F 850 GS Adventure in Rallye style and Kalamata metallic matt paintwork signifies sporty talents and a sense of adventure. With its gold rims and fixed fork tubes, the new BMW F 850 GS Adventure appears both dynamic and aesthetically-pleasing at the same time.
The sports windscreen and a black/grey upholstered Rallye seat with 890mm seat height enhance the BMW F 850 GS Adventure’s sporty appearance.
The new BMW F 850 GS Adventure as “40 Years GS Edition” is also dedicated to the special anniversary of the BMW GS models. The “40 Years GS” logo and yellow hand-protector bars are distinctive hallmarks of the anniversary GS in Black storm metallic paintwork.
Black-coated fixed fork tubes, gold rims and a black/yellow upholstered seat bench for two with 860 mm seat height round off the BMW F 850 Adventure’s tribute to the GS family’s 40th anniversary. A TFT display including convenient Connectivity functions is now also standard on-board.
New and modified optional equipment and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories for F 750 GS and F 850 GS
The new BMW F 750 GS, BMW F 850 GS and BMW F 850 GS Adventure all feature new components of the Pro riding modes optional equipment.
As per GS models with boxer engines, a reworked throttle response in DYNAMIC riding mode now ensures elevated dynamics and riding enjoyment.
Furthermore, dynamic engine brake control and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) now feature in Pro riding modes. Other new Pro riding mode features include the preselection of up to four riding modes for the button assignment on the right handlebar controls (only in conjunction with the Connectivity optional equipment in the BMW F 750 GS).
An extra low seat bench as well as modified lowered suspension will be available as optional equipment for all three models in the future, ensuring even better ground accessibility when stationary.
Original BMW Motorrad Accessories now supply a holder for the BMW F 850 GS and BMW F 850 GS Adventure for mounting the BMW Motorrad Navigator above the standard TFT display; a beneficial element when the driver is stationary off-road. This holder was previously reserved exclusively for GS trophy machines and deployment vehicles.
The ex-works “Preparation for navigation device” optional equipment is still available for positioning on the handlebar clamp as before.
Since completely switching off the ABS will no longer be permissible under legal homologation regulations in the future, the Enduro and Enduro Pro riding modes provide suitably adapted controls for this purpose.
The ABS function can still be switched off on the rear wheel in Enduro Pro riding mode (BMW F 850 GS and BMW F 850 GS Adventure only). The HP logo will be omitted in future in all optional equipment scopes and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.
The sports silencer for the BMW F 750 GS will only be provided via Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.
