The BMW R 18 family this month doubles with the addition of two new models.
Their R 18 and R 18 Classic cruisers (from $29,155 ride-away) will be joined by two touring or bagger models.
They arrive in Australia in August with the R 18 B Deluxe featuring a handlebar-mounted “batwing-style” fairing and hard saddlebags from $39,310 while the full-dresser R 18 Transcontinental Deluxe with a top box is $41,675.
BMW R 18 range
For the Australian market they have been fitted with a lot of the optional extras.
They include four analogue instruments and high definition 10.25-inch TFT colour display to keep turning riders entertained and informed.
Both also arrive in Australia with Active Cruise Control that regulates the distance from the vehicle in front without the rider having to adjust their speed.
It uses radar sensors in the front fairing. Interestingly, it will automatically reduce the speed in a corner to keep the rider safe.
They come with three riding modes (Rain, Roll and Rock), Automatic Stability Control, engine torque control, reverse gear and Hill Start Control as standard.
Marshall sound
Marshall amps were good enough for Jimi Hendrix and the Marshall Gold Series Stage 1 and 2 sound systems fitted to these bikes are good enough for BMW riders, too.
The systems feature speakers with black cover grilles and classic white Marshall lettering with up to 280 watts of total output.
Both bikes will be available in exclusive First Edition variants that combine the R 18 look with iconic and classic BMW black paintwork with white double-lining.
Additional highlights include specially designed surfaces (Chrome Package), high-grade stitching on the seat and “First Edition” badging.
Low windshield, slimmer seat and a matt black metallic engine among other elements;
Seat heating.
Automatic Stability Control (ASC), ABS
3 riding modes (Rock, Roll, Rain)
Keyless Ride
Spoke wheels
Twin disc front brake
Spring Strut Auto Load Levelling Dampers
Telescopic forks with covers
LED headlight, taillight, brake light and indicator lights
12V socket
MSR (Dynamic engine brake control)
Adjustable hand levers
4 Analogue instruments with 10.25″ colour TFT Display
Active Cruise Control
24 litre fuel tank
Lockable fuel cap
Hill Start Control
Headlight Pro (inc. Adaptive Headlight and Daytime Riding Light)
Floorboards
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Central Locking
Heated seat
Marshall Gold Series Stage 1 sound system
Heated Grips
Reverse Gear
Active Cruise Control
Anti-theft alarm system
Seat height: Standard 720mm (Comfort Seat High 740mm, Option 719 Seat Bench 720mm)
Options
First Edition package (inc. Black Storm Metallic with Design Option Chrome and pinstriping, contrast cut wheels, First Edition badging and First Edition key): $3,750
Includes all standard specification from the R 18 B and adds the following:
Top case
Straight exhaust pipes
Highway bars
Wind deflectors
Marshall Gold Series Stage 2 sound system
Options
First Edition package (inc. Black Storm Metallic with Design Option Chrome and pinstriping, contrast cut wheels, First Edition badging and First Edition key): $3,750
It is fair to say that the first editions of the R 18 have not been quite the sales success that BMW had hoped for.You can’t really out-Harley, Harley-Davidson, but overnight BMW revealed the new up-spec touring versions of the R 18 that should provide much wider appeal.
The centrepiece of the suspension in the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B is a double-loop steel tube frame manufactured in the Berlin-Spandau BMW Motorrad plant. Compared to the R 18 and R 18 Classic, however, for packaging reasons to enable a fuel tank enlarged from 16 to 24 litres, it is designed as a robot-welded double-loop tube frame painted in high-gloss metallic Black with a backbone made of sheet metal formed parts.
It is somewhat strange that BMW didn’t actually start the lineage of the new model here considering their proven reputation for comfortable long-range motorcycles fitted out with the latest and greatest technology in motorcycling. But in the new Transcontinental and R 18 B, BMW have put that experience to work to produce full-featured baggers that raise the game to a higher level with big fuel tanks, long travel suspension, great comfort and a comprehensive suite of both safety aids and infotainment. The new models are schedules to arrive in Australia this August and will be priced from $39,310* for R 18 B, and $41,675* for R 18 Transcontinental.
A mix of classic retro and modern convenience are the hallmarks of the cockpit lay-out
In the R 18 B we have a traditional looking bagger akin to something like Harley’s popular Street Glide. While with the Transcontinental we have the burger with the lot full dresser rival to Harley’s Ultra.Both those models sell very well here in Australia for Harley and these new BMW models should certainly give them some very serious competition.
The chassis geometry of the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B has been adapted accordingly with the aim of achieving superior ride stability with good handling qualities – even in two-person operation and under full load. The steering head angle is now 62.7 degrees (R 18 / R 18 Classic: 57.3 degrees) and the wheel castor is 183.5 mm (R 18 / R 18 Classic: 150 mm). Compared to the R 18 and R 18 Classic, the wheelbase of the R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B has been shortened from 1,731 mm to 1,695 mm.
Special features of the new R 18 Transcontinental include: Front fairing with high windshield, wind deflector and flaps. Cockpit with four analogue round instruments and 10.25 inch TFT colour display, additional headlamp, Marshall sound system, engine protection bars, cases, top case, seat heating, chrome trim and an engine in Silver metallic.
BMW R 18 Transcontinental
In contrast, the new R 18 B does without a top case and, in the true style of a bagger, offers a low windshield, a slimmer seat and a matt black metallic engine among other things.
Starting from the highest point – the handlebar-mounted front fairing – the flyline stretches from the fuel tank, which has been increased in size to 24 litres compared to the R 18 and R 18 Classic, and slopes down towards the rear, creating an elongated, teardrop-shaped silhouette in “streamlining” style. The two cases with functionally integrated rear lights are firmly attached to the motorcycle. The design of the R 18 B in American “bagger” style is supplemented with a low fairing windscreen
The heart of the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B is the twin-cylinder boxer engine, the “Big Boxer”. Not only its impressive appearance, but also its technical specifications show its ties to the traditional air-cooled boxer engines that have provided inspiring riding experiences for more than seven decades since BMW Motorrad began manufacturing motorcycles in 1923.
Although the “Big Boxer” has four valves, dual ignition, a modern combustion chamber architecture, intake manifold injection and the BMS-O engine management system for the best possible torque as well as optimum consumption and emissions, it uses the classic OHV configuration for its valve drive – as was the practice pursued by BMW Motorrad over a period of some 70 years
The most powerful twin-cylinder flat twin engine ever built in motorbike series production boasts an engine capacity of 1,802 cc. It generates an output of 67 kW (91 hp) at 4,750 rpm. In the 2,000 to 4,000 rpm range, it delivers more than 150 Nm of torque at all times as well as great pulling power and a sweet beat.
A single-disc dry clutch transmits the torque generated by the engine to the transmission. It is designed as a self-reinforcing anti-hopping clutch and thus eliminates the undesired stamping of the rear wheel caused by engine drag torque when shifting down hard.
Talking of beats…. With the Marshall sound system, the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B promise an intense sound experience. As standard the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B feature a sound system developed in collaboration with the British manufacturer Marshall, featuring two-way speakers integrated into the front of the fairing. Black cover grilles with white Marshall lettering round off the classic look.
The Marshall Gold Series Stage 1 and Stage 2 sound systems are available optionally ex works to provide even more intensive listening pleasure. Special features of these sound systems are the grey cover grilles of the speakers in combination with golden Marshall lettering. The Marshall Gold Series speakers feature neodymium magnets and modified speaker cones to provide even better sound quality than the standard speakers.
The Marshall Gold Series Stage 1 and Stage 2 sound systems are optionally ex works to provide even more intensive listening pleasure. Up to four loudspeakers and two subwoofers with 280 watts of total output.
DAB and DAB+ for top-quality, unadulterated listening pleasure and reception stability DAB-FM following. The received signal is compared and the best signal is automatically selected. Equalising profiles – listening-optimised profiles for output adaptation for a perfect audio experience o via the helmet: one profile (studio). o via loudspeakers: four profiles (bass-boost, treble-boost, voice, balanced).
The cockpit, specially designed for the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B, with four analogue round instruments and a 10.25 inch TFT colour display, blends into the classic appearance.
The new R 18 Transcontinental and as well as the R 18 B are equipped as standard with a sound system developed together with the British manufacturer Marshall featuring two 2-way loudspeakers, each with 25 watts output, integrated into the front fairing black grille and white Marshall lettering
Featuring the iconic “BERLIN BUILT” lettering, it follows the classic style of the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B on the one hand, and on the other hand offers a perfectly readable TFT colour display providing a maximum of functionality and information.
The Marshall Gold Series Stage 1 equips the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B with a system of a total of four speakers plus a booster (amplifier). Two Marshall 2-way loudspeakers with 25 watts of output each are integrated into the front fairing. They are each complemented by a 90 watt subwoofer in the front upper section of the cases. The booster has an output of 180 watts. Marshall Gold Series Stage 2 – The new R 18 Transcontinental is equipped with the Marshall Gold Series Stage 2, a system of six loudspeakers and a booster that meets even the highest demands in terms of sound quality and listening pleasure while riding. Two Marshall 2-way loudspeakers with 25 watts of output each are integrated in the front of the fairing, each complemented by a 90 watt subwoofer in the upper front area of the cases. In addition, there is a 2-way loudspeaker with 25 watts of output in the front side section of the top case backrest. The booster also puts out 180 watts.
Navigating the screens is by way of BMW’s very well proven multi-controller wheel set-up on the left bar.
That multi-controller wheel is well proven and intuitive to use
The suspension elements of the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B use a telescopic fork and a directly swinging-arm mounted cantilever suspension strut with travel-dependent damping and automatically adjustable spring pre-load.
Depending on the load, the spring rest (“spring preload”) is adjusted on the basis of information from a height sensor via a hydraulic unit actuated by a servomotor and linear drive so that an optimum riding position is always achieved.
In order to achieve the best possible ride response even when riding with a pillion and fully loaded, the rear suspension strut features progressive damping and automatic load compensation.
The entire area of the fork tubes is clad with a cover extending to the slider tubes in the form of contemporary fork sleeves made of stainless steel.
As in the legendary BMW R 5, the tubes of the telescopic fork are encased in fork sleeves. The fork tube diameter is 49 mm, suspension travel is 120 mm at the front and rear.
The R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B feature cast light alloy wheels at the front and rear. The 3.5 x 19” front wheel is equipped with tyres of the dimensions 120/70 R 19 or 120/70 B 19 (depending on the manufacturer), while a 180/65 B 16 tyre is used on the 5.0 x 16″ rear wheel. Furthermore, Original BMW Motorrad Accessories offers the possibility of retrofitting design rims in chrome, Machined or 2-Tone-Black.
The new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B are decelerated by a double disc brake at the front and a single disc brake at the rear in conjunction with four-piston fixed callipers and BMW Motorrad Full Integral ABS.
The tiles shown can be used to select the “My Motorcycle”, “Radio”, “Navigation”, “Media”, “Phone” and “Settings” menus. There is seamless integration of the display and operation of the optional extras Riding ACC and audio/radio
The R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B are already equipped as standard with DCC electronic cruise control (Dynamic Cruise Control). DCC automatically regulates the riding speed set by the rider. Dynamic means that the pre-selected speed is kept constant even when riding downhill. Active Cruise Control (ACC) allows relaxed gliding with distance control – without the rider having to adjust the speed to the vehicle in front. With the aid of radar sensors integrated in the front fairing, the motorcycle is either accelerated automatically to adjust the speed or the new, standard full integral braking system is applied for deceleration purposes, depending on the situation on the road. ACC also ensures particularly safe cornering. Where necessary, the cornering control system automatically reduces the speed, giving the rider the right speed for a comfortable and safe banking angle.
In the traditional BMW Motorrad boxer design, the two pushrods actuate one pushrod per cylinder side for the intake and one for the exhaust side, guided in a sealed pushrod tube on the top of the cylinders. The two intake and exhaust valves in the cylinder head are actuated in pairs via fork toggle levers. The valve clearance is compensated for – as has been the case for decades with most classic air-cooled BMW two-valve boxers – by means of one adjusting screw with lock nut per valve.
The new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B feature a casual, so-called mid-mount pegs, entirely in keeping with the BMW Motorrad philosophy of the best riding position for control of the motorcycle. This classic position behind the cylinders is not only typical of BMW, it also allows a relaxed and active riding position for the best possible motorcycle control. That said, a foot-forward position for highway cruising can be achieved via the accessories catalogue, as can be seen below.
A foot-forward set-up can be achieved via the options catalogue
The R 18 Transcontinental is equipped with an especially comfortable seat and seat heating as standard to ensure long-distance riding comfort even in two-person operation. The R 18 B has a somewhat slimmer two-person seat bench. The new R 18 Transcontinental is fitted as standard with running boards and the new R 18 B with wider and more comfortable footrests than the R 18.
The seat height is only 740 mm (R 18 Transcontinental) or 720 mm (R 18 B).
Right from the time of market launch, the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B will be available worldwide as exclusive R 18 Transcontinental First Edition and R 18 B First Edition versions. They combine the R 18 look with exclusive features in classic black paintwork with white double-lining. Further highlights are the specially designed surfaces (Chrome Package), high-grade stitching on the seat and the “First Edition” lettering.
BMW R 18 Transcontinental is equipped with an especially comfortable seat and seat heating as standard to ensure long-distance riding comfort even in two-person operation.
The Original BMW Motorrad Accessories range offers a maximum of individualisation options for tailoring the R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B to your personal taste. The design collections of milled aluminium parts familiar from the R 18 and R 18 Classic, which were created together with Roland Sands Design, are also available for the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B. With regard to audio systems, BMW Motorrad cooperates with the British manufacturer Marshall. For the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B, BMW Motorrad offers a range of particularly high-quality and exclusive optional extras as “Option 719”, such as Option 719 Galaxy Dust metallic paint finish and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.
The new R 18 Transcontinental is equipped as standard with running boards for rider and pillion; the new R18 B features footrests. The running boards – rider running boards are optionally available for the R 18 B – combine a comfortable seating position with a traditional look. Rider leg rests, also available as BMW Motorrad Original Accessories, ensure a particularly relaxed riding position on the highway. An infinitely adjustable rocker switch is available for particularly comfortable gear changes as part of the running board equipment.
BMW R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B highlights
Handlebar-mounted fairing for excellent wind and weather protection.
High windshield (R 18 Transcontinental).
Low windshield (R 18 B).
Cases in body colour paint finish (27 litres, with audio 26.5 litres).
Vibration-decoupled top case in body colour paint finish (48 litres, with audio 47 litres, R 18 Transcontinental only).
Wind deflectors in body colour finish (R 18 Transcontinental only).
24 litre fuel tank.
Cockpit with four analogue round instruments and 10.25 inch TFT colour display.
Biggest ever BMW boxer engine with a capacity of 1 802 cc.
Output 67 kW (91 hp) at 4 750 rpm, maximum torque 158 Nm at 3 000 rpm.
More than 150 Nm available at all times from 2 000 to 4 000 rpm
Open-running, gloss nickel-plated universal-shaft drive based on the classic role model.
Elaborately manufactured double-loop tube steel frame with backbone of sheet metal formed parts provide the optimal package.
Rear swinging arm with enclosed axle drive in rigid-frame design.
Telescopic fork with fork sleeves and cantilever spring strut with travel-dependent damping as well as automatic load compensation ensure optimum riding under all conditions.
Comfortable ergonomics for relaxed cruising and touring with the best possible motorcycle control.
Disc brakes at the front and rear and cast light alloy wheels.
BMW Motorrad Full Integral ABS.
Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC) as standard.
Active Cruise Control (ACC) – cruise control with integrated distance control for relaxed touring as an ex works option.
State-of-the-art LED lighting technology, classically interpreted.
Adaptive turning light with swivel module for even better illumination of the road when cornering as an ex works option.
Engine guard (R18 Transcontinental only)
Seat heating as standard (R 18 Transcontinental only).
Heated grips as standard.
Continuously adjustable rocker switch (in connection with running boards; standard for R 18 Transcontinental).
Keyless Ride for convenient activation of functions.
Three riding modes as well as ASC and MSR as standard.
Reverse assist for convenient manoeuvring and Hill Start Control for easy hill starts as ex works option.
Three attractive colours: In addition to black and the 719 Galaxy Dust metallic option, the new R 18 B and R 18 Trancontinental are also available in Manhattan metallic matt.
The R 18 Transcontinental “First Edition” and R 18 B “First Edition”: Exclusive look in paint and chrome.
Extensive range of optional extras and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories as well as a cool Ride & Style Collection.
“Option 719” equipment available as particularly high-quality and exclusive optional equipment and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.
LED headlight, taillight, brake light and indicator lights
12V socket
MSR (Dynamic engine brake control)
Adjustable hand levers
4 Analogue instruments with 10.25″ colour TFT Display
Active Cruise Control
24 litre fuel tank
Lockable fuel cap
Hill Start Control
Headlight Pro (inc. Adaptive Headlight and Daytime Riding Light)
Floorboards
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Central Locking
Heated seat
Marshall Gold Series Stage 1 sound system
Heated Grips
Reverse Gear
Active Cruise Control
Anti-theft alarm system
Seat height: Standard 720mm (Comfort Seat High 740mm, Option 719 Seat Bench 720mm) Options
First Edition package (inc. Black Storm Metallic with Design Option Chrome and pinstriping, contrast cut wheels, First Edition badging and First Edition key): $3,750
Includes all standard specification from the R 18 B and adds the following:
Top case
Straight exhaust pipes
Highway bars
Wind deflectors
Marshall Gold Series Stage 2 sound system Options
First Edition package (inc. Black Storm Metallic with Design Option Chrome and pinstriping, contrast cut wheels, First Edition badging and First Edition key): $3,750
*Recommended Retail Pricing is shown and includes GST, but excludes on-road costs. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW Motorrad dealer for all pricing enquiries.
BMW Dynamic Cargo eTrike & Clever Commute eScooter Concepts
The BMW has already presented a number of micromobility solutions to the public in the past, and have now added the electrified bicycle Concept Dynamic Cargo trike and the e-scooter Concept Clever Commute to that line-up.
Jochen Karg – BMW Group’s New Technologies and China division
“Our goal was to develop a concept that retains the agility and driving feel of a normal bicycle while adding innovative, safe transport options. The Concept Dynamic Cargo is the first dynamic ‘pick-up’ cargo bike that combines driving pleasure with flexible use and increased year-round suitability.”
BMW Concept Dynamic Cargo trike
A compact, three-wheeled cargo bike concept with flexible usage options and increased year-round suitability, the Dynamic Cargo runs a loading platform with attachments for transporting loads and/or children as well as for leisure activities.
BMW Concept Dynamic Cargo trike
The key component of the three-wheeled Concept Dynamic Cargo is the front main frame, which is connected to the rear section via a pivot axle and tilts in corners. The rear section remains stable through all corners without tilting towards the road. The non-pivoting design of the transport platform has the additional benefit that the rider is barely aware of any extra weight being carried, enabling safe, stable transportation of all loads while also ensuring a pleasurable riding experience.
BMW Concept Dynamic Cargo trike
This combines with the electrified powertrain – which is activated as soon as the rider starts to pedal and drives the two rear wheels – to make the cargo bike just as easy to ride as a standard bicycle.
This can be fitted with a selection of innovative modular attachments for carrying luggage and/or children. The modular design principle paves the way for many more use cases, too.
BMW Concept Dynamic Cargo trike
The concept is rounded off by a facility for adding a system of weather protection. The BMW Group will not manufacture the Concept Dynamic Cargo but is already in discussions with potential licensees.
BMW Concept Clever Commute
Ergonomic design meets riding stability and an extremely compact design that can be packed up, in the Clever Commute. This scooter is ideal for park and ride, with the minimal size when packed making it ideal for carrying in a car boot.
BMW Concept Clever Commute
E-scooters have established themselves in the urban mobility mix, thanks to sharing schemes in particular. They offer flexible usability and the ability to get city dwellers to their destination extremely quickly over short “last-mile” urban journeys.
The uptake of e-scooters for private ownership in comparison has been relatively slow to date. Robust models that can be ridden safely are difficult to take onto public transport or carry by car due to their size, while small, more portable models suffer from poor riding stability.
BMW Concept Clever Commute
As such BMW Group presents an e-scooter that folds easily for carrying on public transport and/or by car without compromising on riding stability in any way. In public transport mode, the footboard folds up at the sides and the rear wheel pivots into the aperture from below.
This mechanism shortens the wheelbase of the Clever Commute substantially so that it can even be carried on an escalator without difficulty. This is an important requirement if the journey includes underground transport routes.
BMW Concept Clever Commute packed into a car boot
It can also be rolled along on both wheels in this mode, rather like a trolley case. And the front wheel’s integral hub motor provides an electric impulse that makes it easier to push up ramps. The e-scooter’s compact dimensions when folded up means it should be possible to take it on all forms of public transport free of charge.
The Clever Commute can be folded up to a size that fits easily into small vehicle boots, with larger boots able to accommodate several for family outings.
Like the Concept Dynamic Cargo trike, BMW Group will not manufacture the Concept Clever Commute, it is already in discussions with potential licensees.
Both micromobility concepts have been designed in such a way that the electric range can be scaled with regard to the respective application. One final very important feature for city use is the battery pack, which can be removed and charged at home.
BMW unveil two new electric concepts, the Dynamic Cargo trike and Clever Commute scooter
BMW Motorrad has long been engaged in intensive development work on its sound systems. With its now agreed long-term partnership with world-renowned British company Marshall Amplification, the innovation and quality of BMW Motorrad sound systems are set to reach new heights.
For 60 years, Marshall, originally from Hanwell, London, now based in Bletchley, Milton Keynes (UK), have produced legendary guitar amplifiers used by the world’s best musicians. Since 2012 they have expanded their audio quality into award winning headphones and active speakers designed for music lovers.
BMW Motorrad promise to present the first new products resulting from this strategic partnership very soon and are expected to release the first details on the improvements at the end of this month.
The Marshall spirit combined with the development power of BMW Motorrad will in future be reflected in new innovative products for motorcycles and music, especially, Motorrad tells us, in the BMW Motorrad Heritage segment.
Currently the music sytems used by BMW that have speakers are on the heavyweight touring line-up consisting of the R 1200 RT and K 1600 GT models, thus we are intrigued as to what stereo systems BMW are going to use and in what models amongst their Heritage line-up. As the R 18 cruiser models are incorporated into the Heritage range we expect that more touring focussed models based on that platform will be where the new stereo systems will be used, rather than music systems being fitted to bikes of the R nineT range, which also come under the Heritage umbrella.
BMW Motorrad Australia has finally decided to import electric scooters, starting next year from $20,350.
The company launched its C evolution scooters in 2013, but the Australian branch of the Bavarian company decided the time was not yet right to go electric.
Now they have decided to import two models of the newly unveiled CE 04 scooters based on the 2017 Concept Link.
BMW Concept Link electric scooter
The standard CE 04 will start at $20,350 plus on-road costs and the CE 04 Avantgarde from $20,690 adds high windscreen and comes in “Magellan Grey” metallic paint.
They come standard with automatic stability control, ABS pro enhance traction and safety technology and three riding modes: ECO, Rain and Road.
Both are powered by a 31kW (42hp), liquid-cooled permanent magnet electric motor and a 8.9kWh battery with 130km of city range, 0-50km/h in 2.7 seconds and a top seed of 120km/h.
BMW says the battery will charge in four hours and 20 minutes from flat when using the 2.3kWh 10A charger.
The air-cooled lithium-ion high voltage battery can be charged using the integrated charging device plugged into a regular household socket or via a wallbox or public charging station.
It’s the same charging technology as used in their cars.
If you buy the optional $1330 30A quick charger, charging time is 100 minutes from flat or 45 minutes from 20-80%.
The chassis consists of a tubular steel main frame, 35mm telescopic forks and a single-sided swing arm with a directly controlled, fully covered spring strut.
They are shod with 120/70 R15 67H tyres at the front and 160/60 R15 56H at the rear.
Brakes consists of twin discs up front and BMW Motorrad ABS Prowhich has a banking sensor for more control in corners.
Technology abounds with integrated satnav and connectivity in the 10.25-inch TFT colour screen and a ventilated mobile phone charging compartment and USB-C charging port.
There are storage compartments at the front and side and the helmet compartment can be operated while seated.
All lighting is LED and the headlights have an adaptive turning light to illuminate the inside of a corner at night.
2022 BMW CE 04 scooter
BMW CE 04 $20,350:
Liquid-cooled permanent magnet electric motor
130kW (42hp) output
62Nm torque
8.9kWh air-cooled lithium-ion high voltage battery
The first details are out in regards to the changes that will debut on the 2022 model year BMW S 1000 RR.
A new variant, pictured here, is dubbed the S 1000 RR Clubsport and will arrive at $37,790 +ORC. The Clubsport includes Carbon and Billet Packs and is finished in Mineral Grey with Style Passion.
2022 BMW S 1000 RR
Revised Race Package now includes Sport Silencer, M Endurance Chain and M Chassis Kit with rear ride height and swingarm pivot point adjustment. The 2022 S 1000 RR Race will sell for $29,790 +ORC. M Forged wheels are fitted as standard to the Race while carbon rims are an optional extra.
2022 BMW S 1000 RR
Revised Dynamic Package now includes Riding Modes Pro and USB socket.
The Billet Pack 79E includes M Brake lever/M clutch lever foldable, M Footrest system left/right and M Brake lever guard but will no longer include the engine protector and clutch lever guard. BMW are indicating that this pack will now become more affordable.
2022 BMW S 1000 RR
The previous Hockenheim Silver Metallic paint scheme will be discontinued.
2022 BMW S 1000 RR
The model pictured here shows the new Style Passion with Mineral grey metallic livery.
2022 BMW S 1000 RR
2022 BMW S 1000 RR motorcycles are scheduled to arrive in Australia early in 2022.
We’ve come a long way from the original strident tones of single-horn expletives, and the future is no less saturated with brilliant minds looking to put a new twist on an old concept.
Meet German-born composer Hans Zimmer; Zimmer intends to bring life to the whine of EV energy in ways that will have EV customers relaxed and smiling, and I am intrigued at his new job.
According to Visordown, BMW hired Zimmer in the hopes that the composer and the technicians of BMW would be able to work together to create a thrilling, emotion-evoking sound in equivalency to the M sport‘s motor. This is quite the challenge, especially since the full sensory experience may mean suppressing the original sounds of the battery and motor to allow a better connection between customer and vehicle.
“Right now,” Zimmer says, “we are at a really exciting point, shaping the sound of the future. BMW was so kind to give me another orchestra to play with – called the car.”
If you think about it, Zimmer could set a whole new trend with this partnership. EVs that thrum and roar in response to a nudge or a stomp of the ‘gas’ pedal could go over extremely well with users desiring the feel of horsepower without having to sacrifice fossil fuel to get it. The resultant sound portfolio – dubbed the ‘IconicSounds Electric Program’ – will initially only be available in BMW models that sport a fully electric or hybrid system, but one can dream, right? Imagine an e-motorcycle with special effects, roaring on the thoroughfares, drumrolls upon arrival to destination…snazzy.
The real question is if this program will be customizable (or even removable) for clients needing a more delicate sensory experience.
Take a look at the video at the top of this article to get the opinion of the masterminds behind BMW’s new ‘IconicSounds Electric Program.’
A battery tech, Colorado-based company, called Solid Power has drawn the attention of BMW, and the brainchild of the partnership is a battery that brags more juice, less weight, and comes with a safer tag.
The solid-state battery has created hype for a reason. It’s a battery that replaces the liquid electrolyte found in a normal lithium-ion cell with a solid material, promising much greater capacity than the graphite anodes used in normal lithium-ion batteries.
A report from CycleWorld states that BMW invested in the company intending to introduce solid-state batteries to the EV Industry as soon as 2025, with production beginning in the next year.
What’s exciting is that this marks the second of rounds of investments that Solid Power has been able to acquire, with other companies such as Ford Motor Company and Volta Energy Technologies joining BMW to pool a cool $130 million into the eventual goal of creating production-ready batteries by the end of the next decade.
The deadlines are real, and they are coming up quickly. BMW states that they will have a solid-state battery vehicle to demonstrate ‘well before 2025’, and Solid Power has released that they will likely have a production line for the batteries by early next year, thanks to the generous funding.
Frank Weber, a member of the board of management BMW AG, says, “ “The development of all solid-state batteries is one of the most promising and important steps toward more efficient, sustainable, and safer electric vehicles. We now have taken our next step on this path with Solid Power.”
Coming from a background of Japanese bikes my first experience of a BMW Boxer made me squint… It certainly wasn’t love at first sight that’s for sure.
The original – BMW R 80 G/S
As for the big GS variants, well, surely if a designer had come up with a blueprint for an adventure bike that had two big cylinders hanging out the side you would think he was taking the piss, surely?
40 years of GS
But here we are, 40 years later and the GS has forged its own legend in motorcycling folklore with a following and iconic brand strength that is the envy of other manufacturers.
BMW GS 40th Anniversary
The GS certainly didn’t invent the spirit of adventure motorcycling, that’s been around as long as motorcycling itself, but I do think the GS can lay claim to bringing a bigger and more luxurious side to adventure-touring that has essentially become the new normal. This is a segment of the market that BMW effectively invented, and one that now has almost every motorcycle brand clamouring for a piece of the pie that BMW baked. Most though are yet to get the recipe quite as right as süß (sweet) as the Germans.
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure ’40 Years GS’
The GS range has grown with the popularity of the brand as smaller and more accessible offerings joined the big Boxers. The single-cylinder F 650 GS was introduced in 2000 while the first of the parallel-twin series debuted in 2007 with the F 800 GS. More recently an entry-level G 310 GS was added to a GS line-up that in 2021 now comprises a fleet of models ranging from the tiddler 310 right up the Bavarian burger with the lot that is the R 1250 GS Adventure.
Up she comes on TS Safari in 2006 – My first longer experience astride a GS
My own personal experience of GS was somewhat limited until around 2006 when I joined BMW owners on a TS Safari. The bike had gone on a diet in 2004 that saw 30 kg stripped from its mass in the transition from 1150 to 1200 while the 2008 model introduced a new era of electronics with the first generations of traction control and ABS that actually started to become more of a help than a hindrance. Electronic suspension was also first introduced in 2008 and heralded BMW as the trailblazer for bringing new innovations in technology to mainstream motorcycling. This was also the time that I really started to personally gel with the big boxers.
2008 was when I really started to ‘get’ the GS
I have since completed a number of GS Safari and GS Safari Enduro events and have ridden big Boxers in every sort of terrain imaginable on both model launch events and Safaris. I would say it was around 2008 that I first really gelled with the GS.
Trev and the 2017 BMW R 1200 GS Rallye X on the beach at Cape York, the northernmost point of the Australian mainland
Those adventures include a largely solo trek from Cape York to Wilsons Promontory taking in the most northern and southern points of the Australian mainland.
The R 1200 GS Rallye X pictured on the road back out of Wilsons Promontory – The southernmost point of the Australian mainland
From the deserts of the Northern Territory and outback QLD, across some of the highest navigable tracks that straddle the NSW and Victorian High Country, to countless dirt trails that criss-cross Tasmania, I have seen so much of Australia astride a GS.
Eringa Waterhole in the South Australian outback – 2019
It has definitely been a privilege to have had so many amazing experience with the models since then and to have enjoyed the constant ongoing developments of those systems. To feel those improvements advance through each generation.
Trev on an R 1200 GS Adventure in Tasmania in 2014
The latest 40th anniversary GS models have introduced yet more fine tuning and improvements to the electronic systems that underline the technological tour de force that is GS.
The latest R 1250 GS Adventure 40th Anniversary model
For most of my life motorcycling has been for me a predominantly solo pursuit. I’ve always enjoyed the isolation of just being with my own thoughts and treading my own path with very little planning and most definitely no scheduling to ruin the spontaneity of the experience. Hell I even set out on a 15-day 16,000 kilometre solo lap of Australia with no real itinerary or plan, I have always preferred to just roll with it, schedules and agendas are largely not for me.
Riding the latest 2021 R 1250 GS recently in the Victorian High Country
That said, there is no doubt that the three Safari events each year add a hefty dose of appeal to being a GS customer. Whether you choose the road oriented TS Safari, the dual-sport experience of the GS Safari or want to test yourself in the more hard-core GS Safari Enduro I think unless you sign up for some of these events you really are missing out on a big part of the GS experience.
Trev on the 2019 BMW GS Safari Enduro
At Safaris Someone else does all the planning, and that planning is meticulous, you just follow a marked route and enjoy the ride with the knowledge that there are back-up support services on hand if things were to go wrong.Sure, some of the spontaneity is missing, but the camaraderie amongst the participants quickly builds and I’ve yet to encounter any sooks that spoil the party and you meet some very interesting people along the way.
William Creek Hotel saw some tall tales told and many drinks downed on the 2019 GS Safari Enduro
Friendships are made that are only ever rekindled at the next Safari, and the one after that, Safari friends so to speak. This is another facet of the GS experience that many brands have sought to replicate, but haven’t quite managed to pull off in the same way. GS Safari events are generally limited to 200 or less participants and often sell out within an hour of places being released.
This year’s GS Safari heads to Far North Queensland for five days of adventure riding in the tropics between Townsville and Cairns from May 23-28.
The more off-road oriented GS Safari Enduro (August 22-28), meanwhile, heads to the Central West Queensland town of Longreach, also home of the Qantas Museum, to begin a six-day, 2,500km-plus adventure into the Australian Outback, finishing in Toowoomba.
Some happy GS Safari Enduro riders that I often run in to and have a beer with at events
If you are yet to throw a leg over one yourself I suggest you go and see what GS is all about and take one for an extended test ride.There is no doubt the big adventure models can be quite daunting at first, but it doesn’t take long before the confidence comes and you start to really enjoy the experience.BMW can also help you on that score with yet another facet of the GS ownership experience by way of their comprehensive BMW Rider Training programs where riders of all skill levels can learn how to better control their motorcycle and really learn what it is capable of. BMW also run their popular GS Experience program which is a perfect introduction to, funnily enough, the GS experience… As good as the latest 850 is, I would urge you to get on a boxer as it is not only the standard-bearer of the range, but also the pinnacle of BMW Motorrad.
This view can be daunting at first but it doesn’t take long to feel comfortable
2021 GS Experience Dates
The Jardine River Ferry crossing at GS Safari Enduro 2017
Clearly, I am a fan, and if I could only have one bike in the garage I do really think that an R 1250 GS would be a prime contender.They really do combine an amazing level of street performance with sumptuous levels of comfort and genuine off-road ability in a balance that none of the competition has yet quite managed to match. Some of the competition are a bit better off-road, some offer a bit more performance on road, but the GS, I believe, straddles both ends of the spectrum in the right balance, for me. The recent move to a three-year warranty is also certainly not to be sneezed at, as with anything this complicated that adds some extra peace of mind into the bargain for sure.
Cape York 2017
I introduced two good riding friends that in years past I strafed the Victorian High Country with on sportsbikes to the GS. They are both handy steerers and were quickly won over by the poise exhibited by this somewhat ungainly design that through years of painstaking development has been polished to perform so brilliantly. I put them on GS test bikes that I had on loan from BMW and it didn’t take long for them to be converted and both ended up buying an R 1200 GS of their own.Thus test riding one can prove an expensive exercise, but it is the only way to see why the likes of myself have been banging on about these bikes for the last decade or more is to get a taste yourself.
Trev fording a floodway on a track near Roma Flats in FNQ 2017
40 years in the GS has never been better and as it is a core tenet of BMW’s heritage the model will always be the primary weapon in the BMW armoury. Will the 50th anniversary models still be burning unleaded or will battery technology have progressed to a point whereby an electrically charged GS could be a viable adventure-touring mount? Come 2030 I guess we will find out but for now we can revel in the unique character that the BMW boxer has brought to motorcycling which in its latest guise eqautes to 1254 cc of engine generating an effortless 143 Nm of shove with a special kind of charisma that despite all the technology is still so unmistakably BMW from the first press of the starter button. Can’t see how they will replicate that with an electric one though……
Look forward to getting out and exploring more of Australia on a GS next time around
If you have an interesting story to tell about your experiences feel free to drop us a line via the Feedback Form.
Australia’s Unifilter have revealed a new air filter solution specifically for BMW’s water-cooled R 1200 GS and R 1250 GS models, with the AU7319ST utilising their steel impregnated polyurethane frame and seal to ensure the best seal possible. Dual layer corrugated air filter foam ensures the dust is kept out of your machine, offering plenty of surface area.
Unifilter AU-7319ST for BMW’s R 1200 GS
The dual stage filter layers join impregnated polyurethane seal technology, with a 100 per cent increase in filter surface area using corrugated foam. The Unifilter is also of course re-usable and Australian made, and comes supplied with a spare set of foam inserts. The AU7913ST supersedes the AU7315KIT and AU7315ST air filters.
The Unifilter AU7913ST will fit the BMW 2013-onward R 1200 GS and R1250 GS water-cooled models and is available now for $95.35 RRP. A AU7315PC pre-filter set to suit BMW R 1200 & R 1250 GS (water cooled) is also available for $26.50 RRP.
For best results re-oil with Unifilter Filter Fix air filter oil, heavy weight mineral based red foam filter oil, which will not dry out like synthetic filter oils.
The Unifilter AU-7319ST fitted
Unifilter motorcycle air filters are available from all good motorcycle stores around Australia and New Zealand via our Australian and New Zealand Distributor, Ficeda Accessories – www.ficeda.com.au.
