Artikel oleh:Wahid Ooi Abdullah
“Wahid,” said Shaz in her sweetest voice, “You need to work on article about adventure riding.” That made the office lights turn in circles around me. Sure, I’ve ridden off-road and attend motocross training at Oh Kah Beng’s Most Fun Gym (MFG) from time to time, but to write about it was something else.
But lo’ and behold, a little research unearthed a whole treasure throve of amazing stories regarding the Paris-Dakar Rally.
This legendary rally raid event (now Dakar Rally or just The Dakar, and had moved to South America from Africa) which started in 1979 features classes for motorcycles, quads (ATVs), cars and trucks.
The Dakar isn’t quite like the type of rally we’re used to seeing in the World Rally Championship (WRC) where the competitors fly through 2km-long Special Stages (SS) to stamp the fastest time.
Oh no. Compared to The Dakar, WRC looks like a kiddy kart ride on the rooftop of a shopping mall.
The Dakar required competitors to cover 800 to 900 kilometres per day in tough conditions. Less than 30 percent consists of road stages, while the rest are offroad – crossing over dunes, mud, camel grass, rocks and a whole bunch of other terrains that are difficult to even walk on, plus who knows of dangers the desert lie in wait for the unfortunate soul. There were even competitors who vanished without a trace. The total distance over the rally ran up to 10,000 kilometres. To finish is akin to winning in itself.
It didn’t come to be called The World’s Toughest Rally for nothing.
Anyway, as I scrolled through the long list honours, two particular letters jumped out at me. “G” and “S”. More specifically, “BMW R80G/S.”
You see, motorcycles of the time were divided clearly into their respective roles; it was either fully road-going or off-road. The road-going motorcycles offered touring capabilities such as longer range, ability to haul luggage, and comfort for two. On the other hand, if you wanted a motorcycle that could handle Alpine dirt paths, desert tracks, sandy roads or the forests, it’s one which was stripped out of all the touring accoutrements. There was nothing in between.
BMW Motorrad made the bold decision to fill this void with a motorcycle that could do it all. The Reiseenduro (touring enduro) segment was born. (Reise means “a change of location” in German, while duro means “to endure” in Spanish.)
To cut a long story short, BMW Motorrad presented the R80G/S to the world press in Avignon, France on 1st September 1980. The “G/S” moniker stands for Gelände/Straße (off-road/road). BMW Motorrad promoted the R80G/S with the phrase, “Sports machine, touring machine, enduro… Welcome to a motorcycle concept with more than one string to its bow.”
The R80G/S also broke several engineering grounds, including how its 800cc Boxer-Twin was mated to a single-sided swingarm which carried the driveshaft, called the “Monolever.” (The “Paralever” was introduced in 1987 on the R80GS and R100GS.)
So, the R80G/S was the Adam of all adventure-touring motorcycles, including the current R 1200 GS.
BMW joined the Paris-Dakar Rally in 1980, and rider Jean-Claude Morellet finished fifth on the R80G/S. That result had shown the G/S’s potential and encouraged BMW to commit everything in 1981, resulting in Hubert Ariol winning 3 hours ahead of the next competitor, while Morellet came home in fourth. A non-factory G/S with little modifications finished in seventh.
BMW won again in 1983 in the hands of a diminutive Belgian rider by the name of Gaston Rahier, ahead of Auriol. Rahier would go on to win his second Paris-Dakar rally in 1984 with R80G/S.
Four Dakar victories in five years. That’s why the R80G/S is an icon.
Let’s time travel back to 2017.
The 2017 BMW R nineT Urban G/S was formally launched in Malaysia during the BMW Motorrad Malaysia’s Nightfuel event in Penang. (Click here for our coverage.)
Built upon the modular BMW rnineT platform (click here for our test and review), its styling harks back the R80G/S, so it does look retro. But is it just a heritage bike?
BMW Motorrad Malaysia had prepared a unit for the ride up to Penang to cover the event, but since we were sharing different bikes among other members of the media, I only got to ride the Urban G/S from Tian Siang Motorrad in Ipoh.
Getting off the manic S 1000 R naked sportbike/streetfighter, the R nineT G/S was a great change of pace, and of physical and mental aspects.
Compared to the S 1000 R’s plethora of features, the rnineT Urban G/S makes do with single large speedo with a small LCD screen embedded in it, there’s no ride mode (although ABS is always on), no electronic suspension settings, no quickshifter, no howling inline-Four.
But it does have the 1170cc “Oilhead” Boxer-Twin, with 110bhp and 116 Nm of torque!
It started up with a roar and a “very” noticeable kick to right; similarly when you blip the throttle. This thing’s alive it’s is telling you to get going.
The handlebar behind that classic “windshield” put me in a straight up riding position. The seat was coloured like the R80G/S Paris-Dakar Edition’s and was flat. The footpegs were slightly forward like those on an enduro.
Letting out the clutch, the Boxer’s flat torque took over and pulled away smartly. There’s no rush, the engine note was relaxed, lazy even.
Out on the North-South Highway, we decided to punch it as we reached the winding road leading to the Menora Tunnel. The engine’s steady rumble turned into a roar, mixed with a warble from the airbox underneath the tank and BRRRAAAAP from the single exhaust. The exhaust was loud enough to warn other vehicles out of the way.
The suspension might be basic and lack adjustability but both ends handled well as we swung through those corners at high speeds. They also soaked up the bumps from the red speed-breaker lines painted across the lanes, without the bike threatening to go wide.
We switched bikes again when we stopped for fuel at Gunung Semanggol, and I got the K 1600 GT tourer this time. But I jumped on the chance to ride the Urban G/S again on our way to the Nightfuel venue.
Penang’s traffic was clear when we left G. Hotel at Gurney Drive, but it was a total gridlock when we reached the coastal highway leading to the old Penang Bridge. It was so bad that even small bikes found it hard to get through. Sep would later say, “It looked like a scene from a disaster movie. It’s like everyone in Penang was running away from a catastrophic event!”
I managed to hook on to the back of a group of local R 1200 GS riders as they blazed a trail by using the motorcycle lane. It was here that I truly appreciated the R nineT Urban G/S’s agility. It was stable while cutting lanes at crawling speeds even at full handlebar lock. Helping along was the progressive clutch lever and engine’s smooth, low down torque. The brakes were strong and progressive, without being too aggressive.
We hit the clear past the bridge. Then the heaviest rain came down out of nowhere!
My riding gear had gotten wet on the way into Penang and I’ve left them to dry back in the hotel, so I was in my long-sleeve BMW GS Trophy T-shirt and, I’ve got the DSLR hanging in the rain! There’s only one thing left to do.
GUN IT!
I pushed past 130, 140, 150km/h while the rain slammed onto my skin like cold needles from the left. Yet, the R nineT Urban G/S remained stable. With my head slightly down behind the screen, knees and elbows tucked in, there was surprisingly little wind blast.
I parked at the first space in sight when I reached the event ground (in first place, just like Rahier, I’d like to think) and ran inside. It was only during the launch that it occurred to me that I was riding the country’s first registered BMW R nineT Urban G/S with such abandon.
Anyhow, an acquaintance in Penang met up with me later that night and we rode into town.
Penang’s roads seemed to have deteriorated somewhat and they were bumpy everywhere. Ridden at speeds of 60km/h above, the R nineT Urban G/S’s suspension glided over the bumps and potholes, but they felt a little stiff below that speed. So ride faster! Still, the pillion didn’t complain about being bumped around, since she’s much lighter than me.
Back in Kuala Lumpur where the traffic moves at a faster rate and the roads are wider, the R nineT Urban G/S had no trouble with whatever road surface it encountered. Big bumps and potholes were taken while standing up on the pegs, and they felt like road pimples and dimples. I was fully in tune with the bike by then and riding felt very natural.
Additionally, true to its Euro 4 rating and BMW Motorrad’s principle of building economical bikes, the full tank of gas from the Tapah R&R lasted for two more days of urban riding.
Conclusion
The BMW R nineT platform was created to spawn more variants and it was truly refreshing to have the R nineT Urban G/S as a stablemate. It still does retain resemblances to the iconic R80G/S and it positively handled the touring aspect very well. While we didn’t take it offroad, the R nineT Urban G/S met the challenge of rough city roads with aplomb. That is why there’s “Urban” in its name.
Honestly, I wasn’t too enamored with it initially but having discovered its character and that it shared the R80G/S genes turned me into a believer.
Besides that, the BMW R nineT Urban G/S is further customizable to your personal tastes – the Lac Rose Concept being an example – letting it stand out from the sea of cookie-cutter styled bikes.
| ENGINE | |
| Engine type | Air/Oil-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, horizontally-opposed (Boxer) Twin |
| Compression ratio | 12.0 : 1 |
| Bore X Stroke | 101 mm X 73 mm |
| Displacement | 1170 cc |
| Fuel system | Electronic intake pipe injection |
| Maximum power | 110 bhp (81 kW) @ 7550 RPM |
| Maximum torque | 116 Nm @ 6000 RPM |
| TRANSMISSION | |
| Clutch | Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically actuated |
| Gearbox | Constant mesh, 6-speed, shaft drive |
| CHASSIS | |
| Front suspension | 43mm telescopic forks, 125mm travel |
| Rear suspension | Single central shock absorber adjustable for preload and rebound damping. 140mm travel |
| Front brakes | Two 320mm floating discs, Brembo four-piston radially-mounted calipers |
| Rear brake | Single 265 mm disc, Brembo two-piston floating caliper |
| ABS | BMW Motorrad ABS, front and rear |
| Front tyre | 120/70-R19 |
| Rear tyre | 170/60-R17 |
| FRAME & DIMENSIONS | |
| Frame | Three-part frame consisting of one front and two rear sections; load-bearing engine and transmission; rear set frame removable for single rider |
| Swingarm | Cast aluminium single-sided swingarm with BMW Motorrad Paralever |
| Trail | 110.6 mm |
| Rake | 28.5 degrees |
| Wheelbase | 1527 mm |
| Seat height | 850 mm |
| Dry weight | 209 kg |
| Fuel capacity | 17 litres |
ARTIKEL OLEH: KESHY DHILLON
Kebanyakan daripada kita hanya mampu mengimpikan untuk meninggalkan segala kerja-kerja harian, menaiki motosikal kita, dan menunggangnya ke suatu tempat yang amat jauh. Tanggungjawab pekerjaan dan keluarga mengikat kita daripada menjadi benar-benar bebas, namun, ada sesetengah orang yang telah pun mengecapi impian itu setiap hari.
Most of us can only dream about leaving the daily grind behind, hopping on a bike and riding off to a far away land. Work and family commitments keep us tied down from being truly free, but some people live the dream every day.
It is this writer’s long time dream to be able to ride from KL to London, just for the heck of it. And then maybe cross the pond for a ride across the United States, and perhaps across the Pacific over to Asia for a ride South to KL. It remains a dream. For now.
But there is one guy I personally admire, hope to emulate, and learnt a lot from during our 3 hour interview; Faizal Sukree, or better known globally as Malaysia’s ‘Mr GS’.
Faizal doesn’t only ride where he wants, when he wants, but sometimes gets paid to do it. Because of his vast experience in riding around the world he is also the perfect biking tour guide. Those that aspire to see the world on two wheels can hire Faizal as a tour guide. He handles everything from the logistics, to planning the routes, meals, permits, to where you are going to sleep for the night, everything.
Riding the world needs guts, skill, lots of determination, patience, understanding of cultures, but most importantly, it requires a lot of contacts.
“I have friends all over the world, and they are always willing to help me if i need help. I do the same when they are riding this side of the world, so we look out for each other,” said Faizal when we met up a while ago at La Bodega, Bangsar Shopping Centre.
I have been trying to score an interview with Faizal for months, but he was busy traveling so it took some time before our schedules met.
Globe riders (lets call them that) have a special something about them. They seem to have a certain detachment from the materialistic world. The way they dress, the hair, the aura, the way they talk, nothing about worldly luxuries seem to impress them. When Faizal and I spoke about bikes, he did not seem very interested. It was almost like he didn’t want to be there, preferring to be riding in some far away place. It is understandable though, why bother with everyday hustle when you can be riding.
“All I need is my BMW GS 800. I have a few bikes, some rare ones, some track bikes, some are regular every day bikes, but all I want and and the one bike that really impresses me is the BMW GS 800,” he explained.
He says the BMW GS 800 stands out from his stable of about a dozen or so motorcycles because of its simplicity and its robustness.
“It uses a chain drive which I can fix anywhere in the world. It doesn’t have a lot of electronics, the clutch only takes an hour to repair. I don’t need to worry about the hydraulic oil for the clutch as the F800 uses a cable clutch. It is simple and easy to use anywhere in the world,” he explained.
“For example, if you happen to break down in the middle of Mongolia, you will only be able to get spare parts from Beijing,”
Faizal has been riding since he was 16. He owned a YZ125 which he rode to school and everywhere else. “My aunt bought me that bike as my family never allowed me to have a motorcycle back then,” he fondly remembers.
However, the 40-year old father of 2 did not begin his tour riding career until 2007, when he and his neighbour bought a BMW GS 1200. That is when he says he “kena racun” (got bit) by the travel bug. They rode to Indo-China, Mae Hong Soon, Laos, around the Golden Triangle. They travelled so much that in just 2 years he was spending more time on the road than at home, and then he traded up to a GSA. But that did not turn out too good as it was too big and too heavy to be riding everywhere, and that is when he met the F800.
So what inspires a person to just up and go ride around the world? Surely there must be a trigger point; Faizal’s trigger was a movie – the Motorcycle Diaries to be exact. “There was no one who truly inspired me to go riding, but when I watched that movie, it somehow motivated me to just go out and ride,” said Faizal, when asked about his inspiration.
The Motorcycle Diaries is a fascinating movie of a young Che Guevara (yes that Che, the freedom fighter who was best friends with Fidel Castro) who embarked on a motorcycle ride throughout South America with a friend. It was during the ride that he was exposed to the disparities and exploitation of the South American people by wealthy industrialists. It is hailed as a must watch movie for motorcycle fans. Check out the movie trailer above.
A man who is constantly on the road surely has a number of horror stories to share, but not Faizal. Sure there are the usual difficulties of crossing borders, language barriers, egoistic authorities, and the lot, but one of the most scariest moment for the young adventurer happened close to the Arctic, in Alaska to be precise.
“I was riding along on the ice and and snow when I suddenly remembered that I had taken out my knife during the last refuel stop. It dawned on me that I could have left it back at the station. So I was padding down my jacket while riding, trying to find the knife. I got a little distracted and the next thing you know there was a sharp corner ahead. It was all white so I did not really notice the corner until the last minute. And the next thing you know I was tumbling down a 30 meter deep ravine.”
“There was no one there, not a soul. I waited helplessly in the cold for a good half hour until a trucker passed by. He used his rope to pull the bike out of the ravine. The bike had extensive damage on it, but it was rideable. I did some quick repairs to make it road worthy, and rode the bike for about 2000 kilometers before I could really fix it all up. I swear by my BMW F800 GS. I rode it for a good 172,000 kilometers without any problems. And the first major problem came in Seattle, when the radiator fan needed to be fixed.”
The man has many stories, like how he had to carefully negotiate with AK-47 wielding gunmen at the border between Afghanistan and Tajikistan. But there have been more good memories than bad ones for Faizal. Cigarettes and some sign language got him and his group out of that situation.
His fondest memory is of a family in Tajikistan.
“It was a stormy night and the snow storm was getting worst. I was with a group of riders and we arrived at this mountain pass just as the storm was turning to its worst. I saw a 5 year old boy there who urged me to stop riding, so we slowed. The boy’s father soon showed up and both of them offered their home for us to stay. I had to stay for 2 days for the storm to subside. They fed the group and made us feel at home. We rode out again after 2 days and it was then we realised how important their help was because the road ahead was really bad. There is no way we would have made it through that storm in roads like that.”
One would imagine that a man who has ridden across 82 countries in 6 continents would have very few or no destinations left to be conquered, but Faizal is yet to ride in Africa. He calls Africa the ride of a lifetime, and is already planning a riding trip throughout Africa. “It will take me six months to ride Africa, but it is my dream to do it. I want to experience the country, the animals, the people, the terrain. I will ride Africa soon, and am preparing for the trip.”
Besides being an adventure freak, Faizal is also Malaysia’s first representative to the glamorous and extremely challenging BMW GS Trophy. The GS Trophy is the biggest adventure motorcycle challenge in the world, and Faizal says it is one of his biggest honors to be chosen to represent Malaysia for it.
“I was riding in Morocco when it received news that I had been chosen to represent Malaysia. Almost immediately I rode about 3000km to Madrid, left my bike at the Malaysian embassy there. Next thing you know I was on a flight back to Malaysia to rest for a few days. Then I travelled to Phuket Thailand for the qualifiers, and then to Chiang Mai for the finals. It was truly an honor to be competing with the best GS riders in the world.”
Faizal is one of the few true adventurers left, the kind that can simply drop it all and go away for a while to discover the world. Even as I write this, he is somewhere in Europe, I know because he keeps posting all this beautiful sceneries and such on his Facebook and Instagram page and it keeps making me jealous.
A true biker who credits his wife and family for their support and understanding.
One of the best parts of motorcycling is the lifestyle. Now, while the word “lifestyle” usually describes fashion, a motorcycling lifestyle goes deeper than the superficial.
A motorcycling lifestyle encompasses loving the motorcycle you own, loving to ride whether going solo or with your buddies, strengthening the bond amongst your riding buddies while making new ones, and many more latent personal reasons. It’s a way of life, regardless of your level of passion and to what lengths you express that passion.
But there is one inescapable aspect of every biker’s life and that’s the weekly get-together, called TTS for Teh Tarik Session, among Malaysian bikers.
That’s why BMW Motorrad Nightfuel roadshows play an important role to not only showcase that lifestyle but also to present it as part of BMW Motorrad’s “Make Life a Ride” way of life. Featuring “friendly gathering, food and music,” attendees can be assured of the best TTS in their calendar.
BMW Motorrad Nightfuel visited Penang on 9th September 2017 and it was the first outside of the Klang Valley. The event site was situated just off the on-ramp to the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge (better known as “The new Penang Bridge.
There were already hundreds of bikes when we arrived, consisting of BMWs and a good number of other brands, as well.
Pretty girls smiled sweetly and welcomed us at the BMW Motorrad Nightfuel registration desk despite the heavy rain blowing into their tent. Kudos, girls. Each participant received a BMW Motorrad dry bag and ticket for the lucky draw. There was already a long line for the food – typical of us Malaysian bikers!
In the main pavilion, tables and chairs were laid out to surround the centre stage, flanked by BMW motorcycle display stands. The Penang channel and bridge provided the breathtaking backdrop.
Head of BMW Motorrad Malaysia, Owen Riley, welcomed attendees and launched BMW Motorrad Nightfuel Penang.
One of Malaysia’s most famous sessions band, NRG, made sure everyone got rocked by expertly belting out famous hits such as Highway To Hell, Highway Star, Sweet Child O’ Mine, Sejati, among others.
Speaking about the food, the row of stalls served iconic Penang street food such as ais kacang, cendol, Penang assam laksa, rojak buah, char koay teow, and satay. There was also a mini BBQ. The laksa was among the best this writer has ever tried (I had three bowls!).
There was also a Ride & Style Shop operated by Auto Bavaria Penang which sold BMW Motorrad riding gear and paraphernalia.
The site was buzzing with high octane activity, despite the rain still crashing down. Many more motorcycles continued to appear through the maelstrom.
Soon enough, it was time to launch the new bikes, starting with the updated S 1000 RR superbike. Although the engine and design are untouched, the new S 1000 RR now features ABS Pro for more secure hard braking in corners. It is priced from RM 106,900.
Next was one the most anticipated motorcycle, the new R 1200 GS Rallye. Priced from RM 105,900, the GS has been redesigned with new radiator flanks. The engine remains the same (why fix something not broke), backed up by six comprehensive Ride Modes.
The night continued with more great food and music as old friends hung out together and made new ones. A few rounds of lucky draws were held as BMW gave away a few amazing gifts such as sets of Lego R 1200 GS.
The other two bikes were unveiled soon afterwards.
The R nineT Urban G/S harks back to the design of the R 80 G/S of yesteryears but with a modern twist. Built upon the R 1200 engine and R nineT’s frame, the Urban G/S is given longer travel suspension, tapered handlebar, 19-inch front wheel, and the classic headlight fairing to complete that classic enduro look. It is priced from RM 87,900.
Soon, it was time to unveil the main star of BMW Motorrad Nightfuel Penang – the K 1600 Bagger.
As what BMW Motorrad Malaysia’s Product Specialist said during the presentation, a bagger means a cruiser which features touring gear and luggage. Built on the K 1600 engine and touring frame, the K 1600 B uses the platform’s impressive size and is given a sloping tail end to great effect, turning it into a beautiful motorcycle which only the best customizers could dream of building. But don’t be fooled by its size: The K 1600 series consists of superbly agile motorcycles! Priced from RM 159,900, it is not cheap for most of us, but that pricing is competitive when compared among high-end baggers in the market.
The Nightfuel party carried on until late and we bid our goodbyes. As mentioned before, this was the first BMW Motorrad Malaysia’s Nightfuel outside of the Klang Valley and it turned out to be the best. Not even the big storm could derail is status.
Well, rain is part of the biker’s lifestyle.
Click here for more on the new models launched during event.
PICTURE GALLERY
Introducing the new motorcycles, Han Sang Yun, Managing Director and CEO, BMW Group Malaysia said, “BMW Motorrad is currently the leading premium motorcycle brand in the country, contributing a steady 1000 premium motorcycles annually to inject an exhilarating and exciting attitude towards motorcycle riding here. The Nightfuel events have enabled us to successfully deliver our promise of Making Life A Ride which is very true to the heart of BMW Motorrad.”
Sharing Han’ sentiments, Owen Riley, Head of BMW Motorrad Malaysia said, “There is no better occasion than to introduce four new premium motorcycles to the BMW Motorrad family here at the Nightfuel event. While this is the first time we have taken the BMW Motorrad Nightfuel event outside the Klang Valley, most of the riders will come from all over peninsular Malaysia.
Riley added that BMW Motorrad Malaysia wanted to create a riding experience for its owners and enthusiasts like no other, embodying the essence of over 100 thrilling years of experience in creating premium motorcycles and combining passion as well as engineering expertise with a pure riding experience.
The new BMW S 1000 RR – the virtually perfect supersports model which has been further optimised – From RM 106,900.00
Ever since BMW Motorrad launched the S 1000 RR in 2009 – the first 4-cylinder supersports bike made by BMW – the “Double R” has had a lasting impact on this market segment. Consistent and ongoing development has since ensured that the RR occupies pole position among the superbikes with road traffic certification. For the model year 2017 it was once again possible to optimise the virtually perfect supersports bike even further.
The 999 cc in-line 4-cylinder engine has been adapted to meet the requirements of the EU4 pollutant class. The peak output is still 146 kW (199 hp) at 13500 RPM and the maximum torque of 113 Nm is reached at 10500 RPM. For excellent ridability, the new BMW S 1000 RR also has a wide engine speed range available for use, and almost the entire maximum torque is available from 9500 (112 Nm) to 12000 RPM (113 Nm).
Riding modes “Rain”, “Sport” and “Race” along with Race ABS and Dynamic Traction Control come standard as well as the partial integral Race ABS. New additions to the standard trim include Dynamic Traction control DTC with banking sensor and fine adjustment at +/- seven levels for the best possible performance and safety when accelerating.
The new BMW S 1000 RR is also now configured standard with passenger seat. The RR is available in the colour schemes Granite Grey/Black Storm, which gives the BMW S 1000 RR a refined appearance and as well as the Racing Red/Light White for a dynamic look.
The new BMW R 1200 GS Rallye – even more supreme on all terrain types – From RM 105,900.00
“BMW GS” has stood for universal motorcycling pleasure for more than 35 years: “GS” embodies the ideal combination of touring and long distance suitability, dynamic performance and off-road capability. This applies especially to the BMW GS motorcycles with the flat-twin boxer engine. They are the perfect companions in extreme conditions when it comes to exploring the most remote corners of the earth.
The most popular travel enduro bike in the world, the BMW R 1200 GS has now been optimised in a wide range of areas. Designed for even greater versatility than before, it taps into a previously unknown breadth of properties, ranging from dynamic performance to comfort and off-road suitability. This is due to selective improvements, numerous new features and not least a much expanded program of optional equipment and optional accessories. For Malaysian market, to meet with the “urban adventure” demand, the Rallye has been customised with on-road tires, standard comfort seats and centre stand, ensuring a convenient and pleasant daily-commuting.
The Boxer engine with new catalytic converter and adapted data status is in line with EU4 requirements. Powered as before by the air/liquid-cooled boxer with an output of 92 kW (125 hp) at 7750 RPM and a maximum torque of 125 Nm at 6500 RPM, the new R 1200 GS now has an altered catalytic converter and a new data status for the engine management to meet the latest EU4 requirements. The model year 2017 already saw the addition of a judder damper on the transmission output shaft and a revision of the selector drum actuator and transmission shafts.
The new BMW K 1600 B: emotion and fascination with 6 cylinders in the exclusive Bagger style – From RM 159,900.00
BMW Motorrad’s interpretation of motorcycling on endless highways, the dream of freedom and independence and the embodiment of “Grand American Touring” in the form of a series version of the new BMW K 1600 B bagger.
As a high-performance, highly emotional and exclusive motorcycle, the new BMW K 1600 B with the familiar 6-cylinder inline engine and supreme 118 kW (160 hp) output, embodies the motto “Spirit of the Open Road.” It is synonymous with elegance, power and luxury on two wheels and transforms every road, every tour and every moment into a particularly intense experience. The characteristic streamlining with a low rear section and masculine colour scheme make for relaxed dynamic elegance.
Largely based on the technology used in the BMW 6-cylinder tourer K 1600 GT, the new BMW K 1600 B implements its spectacular backward sloping linear design with a completely reconstructed rear section. This not only makes the bagger look particularly low-lying and slender, but also, thanks to the new rear frame, significantly reduces the height of the passenger seat.
New reverse assist feature for comfortable manoeuvring and Shift Assistant Pro for shifting up and down without activating the clutch. The new BMW K 1600 B is particularly easy to manoeuvre thanks to the reverse assist feature. This is activated conveniently at the press of button “R” on the left-hand handlebar panel. Pressing the starter button initiates movement. The Shift Assistant Pro available as an option allows the rider to shift up and down without activating the clutch in a large number of cases.
The new all-black (Blackstorm metallic / black for chassis parts and drivetrain) BMW K 1600 B takes the form of a bagger, an exclusive custom bike type that is particularly popular in the USA.
The new BMW R nineT Urban G/S, a refined roadster with a boxer feeling in a classic enduro outfit – From RM 87,900.00
The new BMW R nineT Urban G/S is quite different in style but equally classic in character. For more than 35 years, the “GS” abbreviation in conjunction with BMW Motorrad has been virtually synonymous with a sense of freedom and the passion for adventure on two wheels, both on-road and off-road. The BMW R nineT Urban G/S draws on the genes of the very first and legendary BMW R 80 G/S of the year 1980, transporting them into the modern era with contemporary technology in the form of a classic enduro-style BMW motorcycle with boxer engine.
The BMW R nineT Urban G/S features the potent, air/oil-cooled boxer engine with a capacity of 1170 cc and an output of 81 kW (110 hp) combined with a 6-speed gearbox. The model is designed to meet the requirements of the EU4 pollutant class. Their exhaust systems in stainless steel with the tailpipe positioned on the left reflects classic styling.
As before, radially mounted 4-piston monoblock brake calipers ensure sound, ABS-regulated deceleration in conjunction with floating brake discs. The BMW R nineT Urban G/S is supplied with light alloy cast wheels. The large 19-inch front wheel with 120/70 ZR 19 tyre is in keeping with the typical enduro-style look of a classic bike. This is matched perfectly at the rear with a 17-inch wheel bearing a 170/60 ZR 17 tyre. The new BMW boxer can be ordered ex works with the optional extra of deep-treaded off-road tyres which further enhances its classic style (standard trim: road tyres) and also with filigree wired-spoke wheels.
With 4-piston brake calipers, steel-wrapped brake lines and a brake disc diameter of 320 millimetres, a high-performance ABS brake system here again ensures effective and stable deceleration. In order to prevent the rear wheel from spinning on slippery roads, there is the option of ASC (Automatic Stability Control) which is available ex works.
The BMW Motorrad Nightfuel Penang takes place this Saturday, 9th September 2017 from 19:00pm at a special seaside open space in the Bayan Lepas area close to the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge.
The retail price (without insurance and inclusive of GST) for the new models are:
BMW S 1000 RR – RM 106,900.00
BMW R 1200 GS – RM 105,900.00
BMW K 1600 B – RM 159,900.00
BMW R nineT GS – RM 87,900.00
The BMW G310R is one of the most eagerly anticipated motorcycles of the past few years. Well perhaps not globally, but at least in Malaysia it is. We also know that our friends in India are excited about the new baby BMW as well, and though the bike is built in India, it oddly has not been launched in that market either.
Our friend from XBHP India, Sundeep Gajjar, or better known as Sunny (search Motographer on Google to see his work), got the chance to ride the G310R in Australia recently, and we were extremely jealous. Well, good thing then that Sunny is a dear friend, and we have a good working relationship with each other. So when we heard that he is riding the bike, we had to have the story to tell the Malaysian biker what he is missing out on, and hopefully to pile on the pressure on BMW Malaysia, hoping they would understand that we Malaysians are excited about the bike, and they should hurry up and launch it already! Nobody likes a tease.
The G310R went on a national tour at a number of local BMW showrooms last year, and we loved what we saw. Well, this is what you need to know about the bike that a lot of people are saying will steal sales away from the KTM 390. This is what Sunny of XBHP has to say about the G310R:
BMW Motorrad has been going all guns blazing in almost every segment of motorcycling. But there was something missing. That final piece in the jigsaw puzzle was the introduction of the BMW G310 R. An entry level motorcycle for developed markets, which would see the young ‘uns jump straight out of their prams and onto the saddle of the 310.
The icing on the cake for us Indians is that the BMW G310 R is built in India by TVS Motor!
The Partnership
BMW and TVS had announced their partnership in April 2013. It’s been four years since and we should soon have this bike on Indian roads as well. BMW states that the bike has completely been designed by the German manufacturer, but the production is done by TVS. This allows the bike to be manufactured at a much lower price than if it were in Europe. In fact it is the first BMW to be produced outside Germany.
Testimony to the manner in which the Indian motorcycle market has grown in leaps and bounds. Add to it the fact that it is far from being unsaturated compared to the developed world.
Before we get carried away about this fact we should remember that Indonesia makes bikes like Yamaha MT 03, Thailand bikes like Kawasaki Z300 and Honda CB 300F and CB500F for developed markets like the USA! While these two countries were probably chosen to reduce the cost of manufacturing, none of them have what India has. Millions of young testosterone laden ready to be bikers from the strongest middle class in the world AND a country so vast, diverse and beautiful, ready to be explored on two wheels!
BMW Motorrad had first unveiled its bike at the EICMA show in 2015. As expected it immediately grabbed attention the world over. In the developed markets it is a motorcycle which would get youngsters on the saddle of a very capable bike and build brand loyalty from the beginning. In developing markets like India, this would be the perfect upgrade for many a tourer/ city slicker/ speed freak!
The Competition
This is the Bavarian manufacturer’s foray into the sub-500cc segment and neighbouring Austrians are in their crosshairs. The KTM Duke 390 better watch out, the Germans are coming!
It’s the way between the two Ms – Mattighofen and Munich.
Understandably so, the immediate comparison of the G310 R is the KTM Duke 390. Leaving everything else aside – both are made in India by Indian motorcycle companies for European stalwarts. However unlike KTM, TVS doesn’t own any shares of BMW, at least not that we know of.
Visually the BMW is a gentleman while the KTM is that ultra flashy teenager. Almost all equipment on the Duke has more street presence than on the BMW. The full LED headlamp, the colour giant TFT screen with gizmowizardry like Bluetooth and then the flashy orange of course. The design of the Duke would be suitable for a concept bike, while that of the BMW is subdued and to the point.
Though on its own, the BMW is an eyecatcher. Especially in the White with blue and red that we rode. One of the reasons it garners so much attention is that from certain angles it does look bigger than a 300. It looks pretty, but an LED headlight would have added a touch of modernity to the front.
The biggest difference perhaps comes from the fact that the Duke 390 is a full 10 Bhp more than the BMW G310 R.
So what propels the bike forward to plaster that grin on your face?
A 313cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with four valves and two camshafts, producing a healthy 34 bhp at 9500 rpm and 28 Nm at 7500 rpm. Figures which are not going to set your heart aflutter, nonetheless it will get the job done. Added to that is the 158.5 kg weight and you have a lightweight roadster ready to fight traffic!
The bike power wheelies in first gear, which is fun in traffic! Acceleration from standstill is excellent and you always have power on tap for your everyday urban riding.
Once out of the city, the 300cc mill doesn’t disappoint. 100 kmph on the speedo is at 7000 rpm in 6th gear. And a top whack of a speedo indicated 137 kmph was achieved, which was 5% more than what the GPS showed.
Handling
The sweet handling of this bike is thanks to the rigid tubular steel frame, the rear is a bolt on subframe. Add to that the longer swing arm and you have a motorcycle which is confident through corners and stable as if on rails in a straight line. Braking is taken care by a 300mm disc at the front and 240mm at the rear. ABS is standard. The good brakes would have been great brakes with a larger disc at the front. Stability in hard braking is excellent with the 41mm Kayaba USD forks.
A rather unique feature of the G310 R is the engine mounting, where the intake is at the front and the exhaust is at the rear, allowing the engine to be mounted further ahead. This frees up room, which allows the bike to utilise a longer swing-arm without increasing the overall length.
The end result of which is that the bike is intuitive in its handling. You think and the bike has done it already. Not just corner carving, but urban riding is a lot of fun as well.
The saddle on the G310 R didn’t seem particularly comfortable, though that could be because I had just got off a Ducati Multistrada!
Forward Thinking!
The advantage of developing a solid engine from the get go? You can use the same one, albeit with minor retuning and fit it into different style motorcycles. The GS310 is due to be released in a few developed markets soon this year. It will be an adventure motorcycle with the same engine, however geometry and equipment suited for taking the bike offroad. For example a 7 odd inches increase in front suspension travel, larger 19 inch cast alloy front wheel and maybe tyres like the Metzeler Tourance.
And of course – the beak!
Along with the naked ( G310R ), adventure ( GS310 ) BMW sure can come up with S310RR ( which incidentally matches the name of the upcoming TVS full faired bike – the Akula).
BMW have now stated that the bike will be launched not before 2018. The company wants to set up their dealer network before launching the motorcycle here. Which makes sense. Though many enthusiasts will be disappointed with that news. When it does come, it would need to undercut the Duke 390 by 10 odd percent for it to properly challenge the Austrian!
Read the original story and watch Sunny’s review video here!
Every few years BMW Motorrad will awe the world with an engineering masterpiece, and it has officially done so again with its latest piece of engineering marvel, the BMW HP4 Race.
In its official press release, BMW says that the HP4 Race presents a purebred racing bike that is limited to just 750 units. Each one individually crafted by a small, highly specialized team, ensuring the highest level of quality.
The engine powering the HP4 Race is in the same category as the current super bike factory racing machines. The suspension of the HP4 Race is said to be even better than the race machines with its carbon fibre frame.
Weighing in at just 171 kilograms fully fueled and road ready, the HP4 Race is even lighter than the factory racing bikes currently used in the Superbike World Championship, and is only slightly heavier than MotoGP race bikes.
With the HP4 Race, BMW Motorrad has become the first motorcycle manufacturer in the world to present a main frame made entirely of carbon fibre, and weighs just 7.8 kilograms. The front and rear wheels are also made of this high-tech material, making the wheels 30% lighter than alloy forged wheels while retaining a deliberately rigid design.
The HP4 Race uses advanced FGR300 upside-down forks and the TTX 36 GP spring struts are supplied by Ohlins. Identical parts are currently being used both in the Superbike World Championship and in MotoGP. The light alloy underslung swing arm is made of milled and sheet metal parts, and is currently also used in the Superbike World Cup.
Braking power is supplied by two Brembo GP4 PR mono block brake calipers with components found in world racing championships. The calipers feature coated titanium pistons and single-piece aluminum calipers with chemically nickel-plated surface, and the discs are just 6.75mm thick with 320mm T-type racing steel brakes, making for what is currently the best combination of braking material.
The engine of the HP4 Race is a masterpiece by itself. It is a purebred racing engine similar to specifications 6.2 and 7.2 as in the Endurance and Superbike World Championships. Peak output is rated at 215hp at 13,900 rpm while max torque is rated at 120Nm at 10,000rpm. Max engine speed has been increased as compared to the engine of the S1000RR from 14,200rpm to 14,500rpm. The gearbox is a six-speed close-ratio racing box with optimized transmission ratios and various secondary ratios.
Naturally, the HP4 Race comes with an extensive package of electronic control and assistance systems as well as weight-optimised on-board electrical systems, optimized to meet racing needs. All information is displayed on the 2D dashboard with transferable data memory.
Set-up of the bike can be customized for different track layouts and road surface conditions, and this is provided by the audibly perceptible Dynamic Traction Control which is controlled by ignition cut, engine brake EBR and Wheelie Control. All of these can be manually programmed for each gear according to rider preference, allowing optimum use of the enormous riding dynamics potential offered by the new HP4 Race.
Other electronic features are the Pit Lane Limiter and Launch Control for perfect race starts.
The extensive use of carbon-fibre extends from the intake silencer cover and the seat hump, while a hand-brushed aluminum fuel tank seals with a clear finish underscores the bike’s racing look.
The HP4 Race is priced at 68,000 British Pounds, and that translates to RM383,395 based on today’s exchange rate before taxes.
An overview of the highlights of the new BMW HP4 RACE:
© Copyright – BikesRepublic.com 2023 Trademarks belong to their respective owners. All rights reserved
