K. N. Radhakrishnan, President & CEO of TVS Motor Company spilled the beans regarding a BMW collaboration project using the two brands jointly-owned 310cc engine.
In an interview with GaadiWaadi, Radhakrishnan said they will be adding “one more variant of that from TVS Motor Company.”
This motorcycle will be a TVS model, and you can expect it to be catered to the Indian market. Although the BMW 310 models have found success in the worldwide market, it has suffered in India’s sales. TVS is looking to take that same engine and build a motorcycle that Indian customers can have the comfort of knowing it is built and designed at home.
Beyond the announcement of utilizing the 310cc engine, we lack further details to continue the picture of how this motorcycle should pan out.
A big possibility will be for TVS to make their own G 310 R and G 310 GS variants. The blueprints are already there, and with India having such diverse roadways it would make sense for the brand to release an off-road and on-road variant.
That is all we know for now regarding this motorcycle and hopefully, we get to see TVS’ big plans for this bike at some point in 2021.
A vintage BMW R series headlight is a simple yet elegant piece of styling and now motorcycle tragics can have one in their home as a floor lamp just in time for an illuminating Christmas.
Now they have added a limited edition Halley R-Lamp floor lamp made from reclaimed vintage BMW R series motorcycles.
The stylish floor lamp also features a stainless steel body and a Nero Marquina marble base.
But wait for it … the price is a whopping €1390 (about $A2250, $US1656).
Halley BMW R floor lamp
Halley product designer Marc Graells, of Barcelona, is a passionate rider who says he likes to bring his passion into his home.
The backside of each headlight has been restored and painted, but the chrome rings are as found so they have a patina of age.
Barcelona is a European centre for design excellence. Have you heard of the Barcelona chair?
Well, Halley Accessories reflects that design excellence in their products.
“Our commitment to local production and a minimalistic, detail-driven approach to design are key to our project,” they say in their press release.
“Halley speaks to the unwavering rider, who embodies tenacity and freedom on and off the road; to those with a taste for clean, utility-orientated design and appreciation for great craftsmanship.”
And to those with a fair bit of cash in their wallets!
BMW revealed a new generation S 1000 R overnight and while peak power remains the same at 165 horsepower, BMW report significant gains have been made in regards to mid-range torque in what they claim is a ‘completely new four-cylinder engine based on the RR engine’. ShiftCam technology has not yet been employed on the S 1000 R but engine drag control (MSR) has made it on to the options list.
2021 BMW S 1000 R
The cam-shafts are now powered directly from the crankshaft – the previous idler gear is no longer necessary. The intermediate gear for halving the engine speed is now located directly inside the cylinder head. What is more, the oil and water pump are combined to form a compact module. This gives the new engine an even tidier look.
The engine has been made more compact and lighter
In the new design, it was also possible to reduce the tubing for the water and oil cooling circuit to a minimum, as well as achieving a high level of impact resilience. In order to reduce overall width by more than 12 mm as compared to the predecessor model, there is now only one gear-wheel on the crankshaft, since the intermediate gear of the starter motor engages directly with the clutch gear or primary gear. The starter motor has been integrated on the top of the housing behind the cylinders. The crankshaft position is now detected via the alternator. In order to reduce the overall height of the engine, the length of the 10 per cent lighter heat-treated steel rods was also reduced by 4 mm to 99 mm. As a result of these comprehensive measures, the new engine weighs a total of 5 kg less than its predecessor.
Fully sequential, cylinders elective fuel injection with two injectors per cylinder. A completely new and 1.2 kg lighter exhaust system
Maximum torque of 114Nm is available at 9,250rpm with more than 90 Nm of torque available from 5500 rpm and 80 Nm being delivered to the rear wheel from as low as 3000 rpm. The upper three gears now sport longer ratios for more relaxed highway cruising.
Much lighter and more compact engine with hollow-bored titanium intake valves and speed-resistant rocker arms.
The S 1000 R had shed five-kilograms thanks to a new frame and myriad of other changes aimed at improving what was an already impressive package. The frame and under-slung swingarm are based on the S 1000 RR and have been made considerably lighter than those of the previous generation model.
Gear shift action is claimed to be improved and lighter slip-assist clutch employed
The new S 1000 R is equipped as standard with Dynamic Traction Control DTC, ABS Pro with banking angle optimisation and the three riding modes: “Rain”, “Road” and “Dynamic”. Shift Assist Pro is optional.
New frame is of a very narrow design. In the area relevant for achieving good knee grip, it reduces the width of the motorcycle considerably by 13 to 30 mm. The ergonomic triangle has been shifted forward by about 15 mm, giving the rider a noticeably more front-wheel-oriented position.
With “Riding Modes Pro”, the new S 1000 R also features the “Engine Brake” function in conjunction with the engine drag torque control (MSR) and the “Power Wheelie” function which allows for monos while still retaining the other aspects of the traction control system. A new six-axis sensor has further sped and refined the response of all the safety aids.
The geometry is strongly based on the S 1000 R. The steering head angle has been changed from 65.2° to 66° with a correspondingly adjusted offset of the fork bridges, thereby making the angle steeper. The castor is thus slightly reduced to 96.3 mm (previously 98.5 mm). However, the wheelbase increases from 1439 to 1450 mm due to the longer swingarm. The range of steering lock has been increased by 5°
The new S 1000 R takes on the 6.5-inch TFT instrument cluster of the S 1000 RR. The rider can choose between customised screen displays for various purposes. The Pure Ride Screen, for example, provides all necessary information for normal road riding, while a further Core Screen shows displays for banking angle, deceleration and traction control.
The new S 1000 R adopts the 6.5 inch TFT display as used on the S 1000 RR.
A Bluetooth smartphone interface, which allows app-based arrow navigation, is already included as standard. The TFT display is operated from the handlebars using the multi-controller, while the optional M package provides a third Core Screen with bar display and lap timer.
The underslung swinging arm was taken from the S 1000 RR. It is a single-section chill cast part. The spring strut, which has a 20 % more stroke, is now located much further away from the swinging pivot axis
A striking new LED main headlamp and newly designed turn indicator and rear lights are also LED. The rear turn indicators have been adopted from the S 1000 RR and feature an integrated tail/brake light function. Enhanced safety when riding at night is ensured by the adaptive turning light, which is a component of Headlight Pro.
The adaptive turning light, which is unique in the mid-range, works by switching on additional LED elements in the main headlight that are fitted with their own reflectors, depending on the banking angle. It is activated from an inclined position of more than 7° and a speed of more than 10 km/h. The additional lighting effect can be experienced up to a banking angle of 25°.
In addition to the basic colour Racing Red non-metallic, the options Style Sport and the M package is available. If optioned with carbon rims and M package another 3.7 kilograms is shaved from the S 1000 R. The standard rims are already 1.8 kg lighter than before.
2021 BMW S 1000 R
The new generation of Dynamic Damping Control, DDC, is available on the S 1000 R and its response linked to the riding modes. It is also completely customisable and a maximum damping setting selected for track work. Tyre pressure monitoring is also optional.
2021 BMW S 1000 R
BMW Motorrad Australia will announce pricing and local specification of the new S 1000 R ahead of its slide in to the local market in mid-2021.
2021 BMW S 1000 R
Option Packages
• Comfort package: Keyless Ride Light (ignition only), USBcharging port heated grips, cruise control. • Dynamics package: Riding Modes Pro (Riding Mode Dynamic Pro, MSR, DBC, HSC Pro, Launch Control, Pitlane Limiter), Shift Assistant Pro, DDC, engine spoiler. • M Package: M forged wheels or M Carbon wheels (extra charge), M lightweight battery, titanium sports silencer, M endurance chain, M Motorsport paint finish, M laptrigger unlock code, M sport seat, M fuel cap. • Carbon package: M Carbon front mudguard, M Carbon rear mudguard, M Carbon chain guard, M Carbon wind deflector. • Milled parts package M hand levers left/right, M hand lever protectors left/right, M footrest system, M replacement footrests pillion passenger. Individual options.
Individual Options
• Headlight Pro with daytime running light icon and adaptive turning light. • Passenger package (standard delivery with monoposto cover). • Tyre pressure control RDC (market-dependent) • Design option wheels. • Rider’s seat, low 810 mm. • Rider’s seat high 850 mm. • M rider’s seat 830 mm. • Windshield Sport 2k. • Alarm system DWA (market-dependent). • M Passenger seat (with brake ramp). • Passenger seat. (normal). • M forged wheels. • M Carbon wheels. • M lightweight battery. • Titanium sports silencer • M endurance chain. • Activation code M laptrigger.
Specifications
BMW S 1000 R
Engine
Capacity
999 cc
Bore/stroke
80/49.7 mm
Output
121/165 kW/hp
At engine speed
11000 rpm
Torque
114 Nm
At engine speed
9250 rpm
Type
Water-cooled in-line 4-cylinder engine
Compression
12.5:1
/fuel
Premium (super plus) unleaded petrol, octane number 95-98 (RON) (knock control; rated output with 98 RON)
This week have been giving corporate presentations on the theme #NEXTGen 2020 which seeks to outline the direction of the brand as they link between the analogue and digital worlds. While most of this talk has focussed on their core four-wheel business, BMW Motorrad also had an oar in the water with the BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04.
BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04
It may only be a concept but I would appreciate having one of these in the garage right now as I believe this sort of runabout for short journeys is ripe territory for electric propulsion. As for motorcycles, I think it quite clear that we are just not there yet with current, forgive me :-), technology. Scooters and the like though, I think are about to be bombarded with them and battery proelled scooters might actually reinvigorate powered two-wheel travel as a whole and in turn give us all a brighter future, rather than where now it seems as though governments would love to legislate us out of existence.
BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04
“Electric mobility is a central drive system for the BMW Group and we are consistently relying on this technology in our sustainability strategy. Electric drives are also a current topic for BMW Motorrad, especially for the urban environment. Since 2013, we have been a pioneer in this area with the BMW C evolution scooter. The BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04 is the logical continuation of the electromobility strategy for urban conurbations and provides a concrete preview of what a contemporary production vehicle could look like, with which we will take two-wheel electric mobility in metropolitan areas to a new level, both technically and visually,” explains Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design at BMW Motorrad.
BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04
While the BMW Motorrad Concept Link in 2017 still seemed like a vision far from the future, the BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04 in 2020 transfers the radical design of the Concept Link to production readiness with almost unchanged design.
BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04
“We have managed to transfer many innovative elements and details of the concept into the series. The technical realities of electric drive – such as the flat energy packs in the underfloor and the compact drive train – allow us to create a highly distinctive design which defines a new, urban aesthetic and which differentiates itself clearly from conventional styling. A design that follows the basic needs for simple functionality, clear aesthetics and the digital reality today’s users live in. The new architecture has led to a visual revolution and has produced many new design themes. Maybe it will polarise, but it will definitely stand out,” continues Alexander Buckan, Head of Vehicle Design BMW Motorrad.
BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04
The flat battery in the underbody provides a new storage solution which is illuminated and can be folded open from the side. It gives the rider easy access for storing a helmet and other equipment. In addition, the low position of the flat battery provides a favourable centre of gravity, which ensures playful handling and dynamic riding fun.
Side panels don’t completely cover the vehicle’s side section at the rear, instead they stretch across parts of the vehicle’s side like little wings allowing views of the drive unit, cooling ribs, single-sided swing arm, spring strut and tooth belt.
BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04
The design of the lights is as reduced as it is modern. The two U-shaped LED front lights are characterised by minimalist design. Their clear-cut layout and the slim contours accentuate the modern and trailblazing visual appeal of the front section. The rear lights have been integrated into the rear side panels in the form of two C-shaped light elements.
BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04
“A scooter is not a “fun bike” which is taken for ride in the mountains in fine weather, but a practical everyday vehicle for driving from home to the office or meeting friends in the evening – simply a vehicle for every day in the city,” says Alexander Buckan. “That’s why we dealt intensively with the design of the drive and energy storage system in order to make it meet the needs of the actual user: The urban target group mainly rides short distances of approx. 12 km per day. Long-distance comfort is therefore less important than variable ergonomics and easy accessibility. In this way we were able to create a “floating” seat bench seat, which allows you to glide comfortably onto the vehicle even from behind. It also offers improved ergonomics for single riders, regardless of leg length and height.”
BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04
The rider is connected to his environment through his smartphone via the BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04. Its 10.25 inch display is the largest in the scooter segment to date and acts as an interface between the digital and analogue worlds of the rider.
If you thought, as I did, that BMW might neglect the R nineT platform due to the arrival of the new R 18, then that assumption was dispelled overnight when Munich unveiled an updated roadster line-up for 2021 that is now Euro5 compliant along with some subtle styling changes and updated standard equipment.
When BMW Motorrad presented the R nineT in 2013 it combined classic motorcycle design and modern technology with a wide range of customisation options.
A short time later, the R nineT found attractive derivatives in the BMW Motorrad Heritage world of experience: the R nineT Urban G/S as an enduro with the genes of the legendary R 80 G/S of 1980, the R nineT Scrambler as a homage to this distinctive motorcycle genre for those who love a purist style, and the R nineT Pure as a roadster reduced to the bare essentials.
For the upcoming 2021 season, BMW Motorrad has honed the R nineT family with some technical modifications, as well as significantly extending the range of standard and optional equipment. The new range will arrive in Australia during the first quarter of 2021.
Highlights of the new BMW R nineT models
Iconic air/oil-cooled boxer engine with new cylinder heads for further increased torque in the mid-range as well as compliance with the EU-5 pollutant class.
80 kW (109 hp) 7 250 rpm (previously 81 kW (110 hp) at 7 750 rpm) and 116 Nm at 6 000 rpm.
Cylinder head, cylinder head cover and throttle valve parts all in a new design.
ABS Pro with DBC (Dynamic Brake Control) for even greater safety when braking in banking position.
New suspension strut with travel-dependent damping (WAD) for even more balanced and comfortable handling as standard
Hand wheel for adjusting the spring preload on the shock absorber as standard.
Riding modes “Rain” and “Road” as standard.
Classically designed circular instrument with new dial.
White LED indicators as standard.
LED headlights incl. daytime running light/parking light as standard.
USB charging socket as standard.
Enhanced overall design with a wider range of exclusive paint finishes.
New ex works options and new optional accessories.
R nineT Urban G/S “40 Years GS”
The boxer engine that powers the R nineT range has undergone both technical and visual fine-tuning and now meets Euro-5 requirements. Peak power output is now 80 kW (109 hp) at 7250 rpm (previously 81 kW (110 hp) at 7750 rpm), while the maximum torque is still 116 Nm at 6000 rpm.
R nine T Urban G/S: White paint finish and tapes in historical colours. • Lightwhite finish with tape. • Comfort Package. • Turning light. • Rear silencer design option. • Cross-spoke wheels II. • Off-road tyres. • Original BMW Motorrad Accessories installed: Luggage carrier, single seat for luggage carrier, black cylinder head covers, aluminium engine protection bar, engine guard.
Newly designed cylinder heads provide a smoother transition from the outer to the inner cooling fins, and newly designed throttle valve parts and cylinder head covers now give the bike even greater aesthetic appeal.
R nineT Scrambler and R nineT Urban GS
Inside the cylinder heads there is a new turbulence system which swirls the mixture to ensure even better and cleaner combustion and increased torque. Thanks to an even more full-bodied power and torque curve – especially in the range between 4000 and 6000 rpm – BMW claim that pulling power is now tangibly better than those of the predecessor, despite the marginal loss of peak power.
R nineT Urban G/S “40 Years GS”. • Special “40 Years GS” paint finish. • Black/yellow design inspired by the historic R 100 GS. • “40 Years GS” Edition seat in black and yellow. • Hand protectors in yellow. • Comfort Package. • Turning light. • Cross-spoke wheels II. • Off-road tyres. • Scrambler silencer. • Chrome-plated manifold. • Option 719 milled cylinder head covers Shadow. • Option 719 seat holder Shadow.
Even in the standard version, the new R nineT models now feature ABS Pro in combination with DBC (Dynamic Brake Control) for increased safety when braking – at banking angles as well as in difficult situations. Standard features also include a new shock absorber with travel-dependent damping (WAD), providing enhanced suspension comfort and convenient adjustment of the spring preload via a hand wheel. “Rain” and “Road” riding modes are now included as standard, too.
Updated shock
The standard trim in the R nineT models includes circular instrumentation with a newly designed dial featuring the BMW logo as well as indicator lights that are “invisible” when not illuminated. Likewise as standard, the new R nineT models now have an LED headlamp and white indicator lights. The extended range of standard equipment in the new R nineT models is supplemented with a USB charging socket.
Updated instrumentation
Riding Modes Pro with the additional modes “Dyna” for the R nineT and R nineT Pure and “Dirt” for the R nineT Scrambler and R nineT Urban G/S are now available as new individual options, as are DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) and engine drag torque control (MSR). Another new option is the Comfort Package, comprising Riding Modes Pro, cruise control and heated handlebar grips. The turning light and the rear silencer design option are likewise new to the range of individual optional extras.
R nineT Scrambler and R nineT Urban GS Edition 40 Years GS
Meanwhile the traditional “Option 719” offers further customisation options of the R nineT. This range of parts now includes such items as various wheels, milled parts packages and – from the Original BMW Motorrad Accessories range – a rear conversion with short rear end and number plate holder behind the rear wheel, as well as a rear end in tracker style (Tracker rear end).
R nineT 719 Aluminium with Milled Parts Package
The enhancements for the R nineT model family are rounded off with new standard and optional paint finishes. The “Edition 40 Years GS” of the R nineT Urban G/S is especially significant here. Available as a limited edition only, this unique model comes in a colour scheme reminiscent of the legendary R 100 GS to mark the 40th anniversary of the BMW Motorrad GS family.
A slew of new models were always going to spin out of the new Big Boxer engine after the debut of the R 18. The first addition to the range broke cover overnight and it is, predictably, a bagger.
BMW R 18 Classic joins the range
The new BMW R 18 Classic is essentially a touring version of the R 18 complete with a large windscreen, passenger seat, saddle bags, additional LED headlights and 16-inch front wheel. It will arrive in Australia during the first quarter of 2021.
BMW R 18 Classic features wire-spoked rims, but unlike the R 18 it has a smaller 16-inch front with 130/90 B 16 tyre.
The highlights of the new BMW R 18 Classic
Windshield (removable).
Saddle bags (removable).
Passenger seat (removable).
Additional LED headlight.
16-inch front wheel.
Electronic Cruise Control as standard.
The centrepiece of the new BMW R 18 Classic and R 18 is the new 1802 cc two-cylinder ‘Big Boxer’ engine. Both its dominating appearance and technology reflect a continuation of the traditional air-cooled boxer engines. From 2,000 to 4,000 rpm, over 150 Nm of torque is available at all times while peak power is 91 horsepower at 4750 rpm.
Output 67 kW (91 hp) at 4 750 rpm, maximum torque 158 Nm at 3 000 rpm
The centrepiece of the suspension in the new R 18 Classic is a double-loop steel tube frame. Its design perpetuates the longstanding BMW Motorrad tradition of this frame type.
Carefully conceived interface points for the hydraulic lines of the brake, clutch and cable harness likewise allow entirely problem-free installation of higher or lower handlebars in conjunction with matching hydraulic lines and cable harnesses
The suspension elements of the new BMW R 18 Classic and R 18 deliberately dispense with electronic adjustment options. Instead, a telescopic fork and a directly mounted shock with travel-dependent damping and adjustable spring preload looks after suspension duties.
As in the legendary BMW R 5, the tubes of the telescopic fork are encased in fork sleeves
Fork tube diameter is 49 mm, while the suspension travel is 120 mm at the front and 90 mm at the rear.
300 mm front discs with four-piston calipers. BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part integral). This braking system involves use of the handbrake lever to activate the front and rear brakes together. The footbrake lever only acts on the rear brake.
The new BMW R 18 Classic and R 18 are stopped by a twin disc front end and a single disc brake at the rear in conjunction with four-piston fixed calipers.
Here the R 18 Classic is seen with the screen removed, accessory bars and cylinder head covers
The new BMW R 18 Classic and R 18 feature mid-mount pegs.
Mid-mount peg position. These two images above show the R 18 Classic with and without screen.
Three standard riding modes “Rain”, “Roll” and “Rock” adapt to individual rider preferences and conditions.
In “Rain” mode, throttle response is gentler and the control characteristics of ASC and MSR allow for a wet and therefore more slippery road surface in terms of their regulation characteristics, thereby ensuring a particularly high level of riding safety. In “Roll” mode, the engine offers optimum throttle response, while ASC and MSR are set to achieve ideal performance on all roads. The “Rock” riding mode allows the rider to tap into the full dynamic potential of the new R 18 Classic and R 18. Throttle response is direct, while ASC allows a little more slip.
Standard trim also includes ASC (Automatic Stability Control, disengageable) and engine drag torque control (MSR).
The R 18 Classic and R 18 feature a newly developed, strikingly designed LED main headlight with optimised low and high beam light in a high-quality metal housing
Among other options, a reverse assist makes manoeuvring convenient, while the Hill Start Control function facilitates uphill starts.
R 18 Classic comes with electronic cruise control as standard
The new R 18 will be offered worldwide as an exclusive R 18 Classic First Edition and R 18 First Edition right from launch, with a standard model reserved additionally for certain markets. It combines the R 18 look with exclusive equipment features in a classic black finish with white double-lined paintwork. Other highlights include numerous chrome surfaces, a seat badge and a “First Edition” chrome clasp on the side covers.
Another highlight of the “First Edition” is the Welcome Box reserved exclusively for “First Edition” buyers, which includes: • Box with picture of the engine on the lid • Historical tank emblems (copper-coloured lettering) • Historical slotted screws (copper-coloured) • Assembly gloves • Assembly screwdriver (can also be used as key ring) • “R 18 First Edition” cap • Leather belt with exclusive “R 18 First Edition” clasp • Book about the almost 100-year history of BMW Motorrad
Common highlights of the new BMW R 18 Classic and R 18
Iconic style blending modern technology with authentic materials.
Biggest ever BMW boxer engine with a capacity of 1802 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 universal-shaft drive based on the classic role model.
Elaborately crafted double-loop steel tube frame.
Rear swinging arm with enclosed axle drive in rigid-frame design.
Telescopic fork with sleeves and cantilever suspension strut featuring travel-dependent damping.
Harmonious ergonomics for relaxed riding and optimum control.
Disc brakes and front and rear, with wire-spoked wheels.
State-of-the-art LED lighting technology, classically interpreted.
Adaptive turning light for even better illumination of the road when cornering as an ex works option.
Classically designed circular instrument with integrated display.
Keyless Ride for convenient function activation by remote control.
Two standard riding modes, ASC and MSR.
Reverse assist for convenient manoeuvring and Hill Start Control for easy hill starts as ex works options.
The R 18 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.
With its OHV valve drive along with a separate engine and transmission housing, the new “Big Boxer” has the same structural features that distinguished the very first BMW Motorrad boxer engineHighest-capacity twin-cylinder boxer engine ever used in motorcycle series production is a 1802 cc engine, resulting from a 107.1 mm bore and 100 mm stroke.Cylinder head covers and the engine housing cover are designed in such a way that they are located outside the oil chamber, making them very easy to change or customise. Maximum engine speed is 5 750 rpm, while the idling speed is 950 rpmUnlike the classic air-cooled 2-valve boxer engines made by BMW Motorrad, the Big Boxer crankshaft, forged from quenched and tempered steel, has an additional main bearing at the centre, which was necessary due to the enormous cylinder volume in order to prevent undesirable bending vibrations of the crankshaftLubricating and cooling oil is supplied by a wet sump lubrication system with a two-stage oil pump via sleeve-type chain driven by the crankshaft.Single-disc dry clutch transmits the torque generated by the engine to the transmission. For the first time it is designed as a self-reinforcing anti-hopping clutch, thereby eliminating unwanted locking of the rear wheel caused by engine drag torque in the event of hard downshifting.As in all BMW motorcycles with boxer engines, torque is transmitted from the gearbox to the rear wheel in the R 18 via a propeller-shaft or universal-shaft drive with universal joint, shaft and rear-axle drive with bevel and ring gear. The propeller shaft and universal joint are nickel-plated and open, as was commonly the case in BMW Motorrad models up to and including model year 1955The look of the rigid frame used historically in the R 5 was recreated for the R 18 by BMW developers based on a central cantilever suspension strut that is almost aligned with the frame’s top tube and “concealed”, along with a tube guide for the swinging arm that connects seamlessly to the main frame.Optionally available footboards (standard in the USA) combine a comfortable seating position with a traditional look, while footrests that are also available as BMW Motorrad Original Accessories ensure a particularly relaxed riding position on the highway. In addition, the BMW Motorrad equipment programme has numerous options for adapting the R 18 Classic and R 18 to individual ergonomic requirements by means of various handlebars and seatsWith its windshield, passenger seat and saddle bags, the new R 18 Classic is kitted out for weekend touring for two . The windshield holder is connected to the front of the vehicle at four points. The windshield is inserted at the top into the fork and connected at the bottom with locking brackets on the grab rail, which also carries the additional headlight and indicators. The passenger seat is plugged and screwed in for easy removal. The saddle bags each offer 15.5 litres of luggage volume. If the liners are used, the volume is 10 litres each.
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”.
BMW’s Boxer powered R 1250 RT has long been a favourite for long-distance tarmac motorcycle touring.
Bright new LED lights are standard while an ‘Adaptive Turning Light’ is added to the options list
A large and fully featured touring motorcycle but one that, for its size and 279 kilogram heft, is incredibly agile with a genuine sporting bent that really surprises.
2021 BMW R 1250 RT
For the 2019 model year the R 1250 RT got a new more powerful 136 horsepower and 143 Nm ShiftCam engine but the rider interfaces and other technology on the bike remained as per the previous model.
2021 BMW R 1250 RT
2021 will see the bike gain a new 1920 x 720 pixel 10.25-inch TFT screen with Wi-Fi, updated full integral ABS Pro and a fresh face for the coming model year.
Another headline feature is the new adaptive cruise control system with radar sensors that will be a standard feature for the Australian market.
Radar cruise control distance sensitivity can be changed on the move
Bright new LED lights are standard while an ‘Adaptive Turning Light’ is added to the options list where the dipped beam of the headlight turns into the bend by up to 35-degrees.
2021 BMW R 1250 RT
Three Riding Modes are standard with more customisation available via optional Riding Modes Pro in conjunction with an electronic engine braking regulation system dubbed MSR.
2021 BMW R 1250 RT
Hill Start Control is also available with an optional Pro specification that adds extra control via sensors that measure gradient to vary the amount of brake pressure required to hold the bike.
2021 BMW R 1250 RT
An upgraded Audio System 2.0 also becomes available complete with DAB+ and new speakers along with extra functionality.
2021 BMW R 1250 RT
The new R 1250 RT will be available in four variant levels – RT, Elegance, Sport and Option 719 – with pricing and specification detail for the Australian market to be announced in early 2021 before the local launch of the model in the second quarter of 2021.
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.
It seems as though BMW drop a Triple Black special into the mix around every five years and 2021 is going to be one of those years.
2021 BMW R 1250 GS Triple Black
Triple Black models have always been fully loaded and the 2021 editions follow that theme with every option package that BMW bestowed on the ‘40 Years GS‘ specials plus even more billet with the full ‘Billet Pack Shadow I’ kit adorning the Triple Blacks.
2021 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure Triple Black
In fact there is also an ‘Achat Grey’ thrown into the Triple Black mix alongside your basic ‘Black’ and BMW’s ‘Black Storm Metallic’ hues.
2021 BMW R 1250 GS Triple Black rolls on alloy rims but cross-spoke rims are optional for a modest cost and can be had in either black or the gold of the 40 Years GS model
The Triple Black does not get the Gold coloured cross-spoke rims of the 40 Years GS model but they can be optioned onto the R 1250 GS Triple Black in either Gold or Black. The cross-spoke rims are standard on the R 1250 GS Adventure Triple Black in black but can also be ordered in Gold.
Cross-spoke rims are standard on the 2021 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure Triple Black and are, funnily enough, black, but can be also had in the gold of the 40 Years GS models
