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BMW Motorrad

EICMA is the world’s biggest motorcycle show and BMW took the opportunity to show off its latest range of custom bikes, cruisers, tourers and even a brand spanking new, hot out of the oven, first sub-500cc motorcycle.

By the way things are looking for the German brand, 2016 is going to be another tremendous year for BMW. We break down the brand’s latest models below:

BMW R nineT Scrambler

EICMA2015_8118Beautiful from all angles, the new BMW Scrambler takes the fight directly to Ducati and Triumph with its old school design and new technologies. Featuring the same air-cooled boxer engine and a host of custom upgrades, even owners of current R nineT’s are able to customise their bikes to a Scrambler.

Click here to see what BMW has done with its Scrambler

BMW G310R

EICMA2015_8121BMW’s first sub-500cc motorcycle is a good looking monster, and yes the guy’s facial expression in the picture above is justified. The medium sized 300cc bike is the ideal starter bike for just about anyone with all the right touches from BMW. It does not have too much or too little of anything, and we reckon that it is only a matter of time before BMW introduces in Malaysia. As for the price? BMW Malaysia has not given any indication, but we reckon sub-RM50,000 sounds about right to completely take the fight to the competition like the Ducati Monster 821, the KTM Duke 690 and others like the Kawasaki Z800. What makes it so great? Click here to find out.

Updated BMW C650 Sport and C650 GT Scooters

EICMA2015_8119BMW’s range of maxi scooters have been hugely popular, but in Malaysia they have been somewhat reserved for the rich with a price tag of above RM60,000. They still have a good following and the trend is set to continue with updates to its engine, gearbox and overall design. We dissect the internals to see what’s new here.

Refreshed BMW F700GS and F800GS

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The F700GS and F800GS are the entry level models to BMW’s hugely successful GS range, and though the updates to the new bikes may not seem like much, they are enough to ensure that the competition has a tough time in 2016. Check out what’s new here.

BMW’s range of scooters have been due for an upgrade for a while now.

Well the upgrades have happened and the latest range were unveiled at EICMA.

04_P90196861 copyThe new C650 Sport and the C650 GT feature extensively modified drivetrains, better suspension settings and a completely revised design for the C650 Sport.

03_P90196951 copyStill powered by the twin-cylinder in-line 647cc engine, both models feature 60hp at 7500hp and 63Nm of torque at 6000rpm. A less powerful variant with 48hp and 54Nm has also been introduced.

07_P90196934 copyBoth models also feature a new CVT transmission with new clutch linings that enable optimised clutch engagement for better acceleration. This was done by changing the transmission ratio as well as by fine-tuning the centrifugal force weights.

10_P90196956 copyDespite the updates to the powertrains, both models retain the same suspension construction. Both models continue to use the torsionally stiff hybrid composite structure consisting of a tubular steel bridge frame and a die-cast aluminium unit in the area of the swinging arm bearing. Also retained is the 115 millimetres spring travel which was deemed comfortable enough and a perfect compromise between sporty flair and comfort.

22_P90196943 copyBMW has also ensured that both scooters adhere to its ‘Safety 360’ principle with the optimum design of the brake system in conjunction with the standard BMW Motored ABS Bosch 9.1 MB ensures the very highest level of active riding safety. Also standard now is the Automatic Stability Control (ASC).

25_P90196840 copyA world first feature for two-wheel vehicles have been included for both bikes with the first motorcycle rider assistance system called the Side View Assist (SVA). This new option for the C650 GT supports the rider when changing lanes by monitoring the blind spot.

24_P90196941 copyOther updates include new instrument dials, new handlebar trim, revised kinematics of the centre stand, and the automatic daytime riding light, as well as three new pain jobs that include Valencia Orange metallic matt, Lightwhite non-metallic and Blackstorm metallic.

29_P90196899 copyAn overview of the new features in the C 650 Sport and C 650 GT:

  • New CVT set-up in conjunction with revised clutch linings for more dynamic clutch engagement and a more spontaneous set-off response.
  • New suspension and damping set-up for an ideal compromise between
    sport and comfort.
  • In addition to ABS, now also ASC as standard for maximum safety when
    accelerating.
  • Completely new, dynamic design for the C 650 Sport.
  • Detailed stylistic fine-tuning for the C 650 GT.
  • New silencer for a fuller sound and more dynamic appearance.
  • New instrument dial design.
  • New handlebar trim elements with chrome applications.
  • New, higher-quality surfaces (graining effects).
  • Automatic daytime riding light.
  • Revised kinematics of the centre stand for easier use.
  • New rider assistance system Side View Assist (SVA) for the C 650 GT.
  • New paint finishes for the C 650 Sport: Valencia Orange metallic matt, Lightwhite non-metallic and Blackstorm metallic.
  • New paint finishes for the C 650 GT: Blackstorm metallic, Frozen Bronze metallic and Lightwhite non-metallic.

The BMW F700GS and F800GS have been hugely popular around the world. As perfect as they already are, updates to both bikes have been kept to the minimum.

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BMW F800GS

The fuel tank features a new design while a newly configured ignition lock cover has also been added. The updates further include new metallic appearance with “elaborately electroplated elements” applied to the knee covers of the F700GS and the radiator cover of the F800GS along with a partially engraved and newly configured model inscription.

04_P90201233There are also new two-colour seats with five possible seat heights for both models. For those with shorter legs, there are four low seats and lowered suspension.

An overview of highlights in the new F 700 GS and F 800 GS:

  • New, emotional design with electroplated elements.
  • New F 700 GS paint finish and style variants: 
Light white non-metallic, Sakhir orange metallic, Mineral grey metallic.
  • New F 800 GS paint finish and style variants: 
Light white non-metallic, Black storm metallic, Racing blue metallic matt.
  • Five possible seat heights for each model with four seats and optional 
lowered suspension (ex works option).

BMW F700GS dedicated gallery

BMW F800GS dedicated gallery

This is probably the most important bike from BMW Motorrad in recent years.

EICMA2015_2348 copyIt could mark the brand’s raise to global domination as the single-cylinder bike is officially the smallest and most affordable bike in the Motorrad range.

EICMA2015_2353 copyAs BMW so correctly described it – it has neither too little nor too much of anything. Pragmatic in every sense of the word, the G310R offers precisely what is needed for performance and comfort both in town and on the highway.

EICMA2015_2356 copyConceived entirely from scratch, BMW says the G310R is designed specifically for the world market and is able to run on the most diverse fuel qualities. Typically BMW in its design with a hulking fuel tank, chiselled character lines, the BMW G310R has an unmistakeable visual kinship with its family members. The small headlamp is a nod to the new R models but the overall size of the bike is like no other BMW before it. In fact it feels more like one of the smaller Kawasaki models, but that is not a bad thing.

EICMA2015_2359 copyThe real centrepiece of the new BMW G310R however is the all-new 313cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with four valves and two overhead camshafts together with electronic fuel injection. The 313cc capacity results from a bore of 80 millimetres and a stroke of 62.1 millimetres.

EICMA2015_2361 copyTo state the press release word for word, “the striking feature of the engine is its backward-tilted cylinder in open-deck design with the cylinder head turned by 180 degrees, making it possible to possible to position the intake tract at the front, viewed in the direction of travel. With an output of 34hp at 9500rpm and a maximum torque of 28Nm at 7500rpm, the engine of the new BMW G310R is a very dynamic partner in conjunction with the low unladen weight of 158.5 kilograms according to DIN.”

EICMA2015_2360 copyThough we are yet to ride it, a quick sit about revealed a relaxed sitting position. The switches and controls are typically BMW in the design, build and ease of operation. The BMW G310R is compact and yet taller riders will not feel too cramped.

EICMA2015_8123The frame consists of a rigid tubular steel frame, upside-down fork and a long swinging arm for stability, precise steering response and sound handling.

EICMA2015_8121The suspension consists of a torsionally stiff, highly robust tubular steel frame in grid structure with bolt-on rear frame. The front suspension is a upside-down fork while the rear is an aluminium swinging arm in conjunction with a spring strut that is mounted directly on it.

As for the brakes, ABS is fitted as standard with a powerful 2-channel ABS system. The front is handled by a single-disc brake with radially bolted 4-piston fixed caliber and a brake disc diameter of 300 millimetres. The rear features a 2-piston floating caliber with a 240-millimetre brake disc.

Right ahead of the rider is a large liquid crystal display that is designed to be clear under the sun, and not blinding at night.

The highlights of the new BMW G310R:

  • Innovative liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with two overhead camshafts, backward-tilted cylinder and intake tract positioned at the front.
  • Output 25 kW (34 hp) at 9 500 rpm and a maximum torque of 28 Nm at 7 500 rpm.
  • Rigid tubular steel frame, upside-down fork and long swinging arm for a high degree of ride stability, precise steering response and sound handling.
  • Tyres 110/70 R 17 at front and 150/60 R 17 at rear.
  • High-performance brake system and ABS as standard.
  • Sophisticated ergonomics and multifunctional instrument cluster.
  • Low seat height of just 785 millimetres.
  • Dynamic roadster design with echoes of the S 1000 R.
  • Developed in Munich by BMW Motorrad – produced in India by 
cooperation partner TVS Motor Company.
  • Individually tailored optional accessories in the familiar high quality typical 
of BMW Motorrad.

BMW Motorrad had one of the biggest stands at the world’s biggest motorcycle show, and for good reason too.

All eyes were on the German bike builder as it unveiled some of the most important bikes in its range but one stole the show, the R nineT Scrambler.

EICMA2015_2368 copyAnother one for those who like a little ‘retroness’ to their bikes, the new R nineT Scrambler is based on, you guessed it, the R nineT.

EICMA2015_2370 copyDucati may have been first to revive the Scrambler design and name, but BMW also has a strong history rooted in the Scrambler concept. It goes back as far as 1951 with the BMW R68 with the typical raised 2-in-1 exhaust. The R68 is a highly valuable post-war BMW Motored classic.

EICMA2015_2372 copyThe new BMW Scrambler features a classic air-cooled, flat-twin boxer, 117cc engine which delivers an output of 110hp at 7750rpm and 116Nm of torque at 6000rpm.

EICMA2015_2371 copyThe BMW Scrambler is a highly customisable bike and resourceful owners of the R nineT can also transform their bike into a scrambler. The most important part of the BMW Scrambler however are the raised exhausts with two vertically arranged rear silencers fitted closer to the body to reiterate the slim presence of the bike.

EICMA2015_8118The frame plays a key role as far as customisation goes. The boxer engine of the BMW Scrambler works as a load-bearing element and consists of a front section with integrated steering head and a rear section with swinging arm mount. The rear passenger frame can of course be dismounted, thereby allowing the BMW Scrambler to be ridden one or two up.

EICMA2015_8109As for the suspension, the front is in the form of a telescopic fork with rubber gaiters and a spring travel of 125 millimetres. Rear wheel suspension is taken care of by a Paralever single-sided swinging arm as used in other boxer models. Suspension and damping at the rear is carried out via a central spring strut with a spring travel of 140 millimetres.

Highlights of the new BMW R nineT Scrambler:

  • Purist design.
  • Classic colour concept.
  • Stitched seat in patinised leather look.
  • Workmanship with great attention to detail.
  • Air/oil-cooled 2-cylinder boxer engine with a capacity of 1 170 cc. Output 
81 kW (110 hp) at 7 750 rpm, maximum torque of 116 Nm at 6 000 rpm.
  • Designed to be customised.
  • Modular frame concept with removable passenger frame offering a range 
of variations.
  • Classic wheel suspension by means of telescopic fork at front and 
Paralever at rear.
  • Large 19-inch front wheel as is typical of a Scrambler.
  • Upright seating position in classic Scrambler style.
  • Raised exhaust fitted close to the body with twin silencer.
  • Axially mounted 4-piston brake calipers, steel-wrapped brake lines, 
320-millimetre brake discs and ABS.
  • Individually tailored special accessories in the familiar high quality typical 
of BMW Motorrad.

 

BMW Motorrad has unveiled a very interesting model recently –   an electric superbike called the eRR.

Using the same chassis as the S1000RR, BMW said that it created the eRR to unite the high-speed performance of the S1000RR with the the quick acceleration of the c-Evolution scooter, which is able to go from standstill to 50km/h in under three seconds.

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Stephan Schaller, Head of BMW Motorrad, said, “Since it’s market launch, the RR is giving the creeps to motorsport athletes. Regardless of whether it is acceleration, handling or top speed – the RR is setting standards.”

“However, if acceleration on the first metres, up to 50 or 60km/h, is the point, the RR’s 199 bhp has to admit defeat by another BMW product: the C evolution with its electric drive.”

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BMW Motorrad added that the motivation behind the eRR ‘experimental vehicle’ was to find out what happens when a sports bike gets an electric drive, and also to produce a bike with zero emission.

Revealed at a corporate news announcement, BMW Motorrad has not revealed any technical details on the eRR, yet.

After numerous spyshots and being teased as a stunting concept, the worldwide wait for the new small capacity BMW bike is finally over.

Meet the all-new BMW G310R, BMW Motorrad brand’s first ever sub-500cc model that was developed in partnership with Indian manufacturer TVS.

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Unveiled online just recently, the new ‘baby beemer’ enters the ever-growing yet lucrative lightweight bikes segment, and will surely stand as a strong rival against segment favourites like KTM and the usuals from Japanese powerhouses. Here’s what we’ve managed to garner so far about this small yet feisty new made-in-India BMW.

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As previewed in the concept, the BMW G310R is powered using a newly developed liquid-cooled DOHC 313cc single-cylinder heart with four valves. Unique traits here are its 80mm x 62.1mm bore x stroke figures, followed by its backward-tilted cylinder in open-deck design with the cylinder head turned by 180 degrees, making it possible to position the intake tract at the front.

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As a result, the mill develops 34hp at 9,800rpm and peak torque of 28Nm at 7,500rpm. All that power is channelled to the rear wheel using a six-speed constant mesh transmission primed with a wet multi-plate clutch and a chain drive system.

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The powertrain is encased within a Tubular steel frame design that was built with a grid structure whilst having a bolt-on rear frame and a long swingarm assembly made using cast aluminium. Up front sees a pair of 41mm telescopic inverted forks that are combined with steering geometry honed towards safe and predictable handling, offering 140mm of fork travel too. The wheelbase stands at 1,374mm with the adjustable rear shock mounted directly whilst boasting 131mm of travel as well.

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Next comes a set of lightweight yet strong 17-inch five-spoke wheels front and aft that are shod in 110/70/17 (front) and 150/60/17 (rear) tyre sizes. Anchors come in the form of single discs all round measuring 300mm up front and 240mm in the rear, radially-mounted four-piston caliper in front, as well as the BMW Motorrad ABS suite primed as standard.

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Notably, the BMW G310R also gets a decently-sized 11-litre fuel tank, a low unladen weight of 158.5kg and a standard seat height of 785mm. Despite its size, BMW further claimed that the new G310R is capable of reaching a top speed of approximately 145km/h as well.

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BMW did mentioned that low and high seat heights are available with optional accessories ranging from 760mm through to 815mm. Other additional accessories available include luggage, top boxes, a centrestand, LED indicators, a 12-volt charging socket and heated grips too.

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As far as the design goes, much of the G310R’s lines are inspired by the bigger S1000R streetfighter. The basic paint scheme on offer is a black and white combination with silver highlights, followed by a more premium metallic blue and grey scheme plus a Pearl White option as well.

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Excited? So are we, and the news just gets better as insiders at BMW hints at more variants to come soon based on the G310R. That includes a half faired and ‘adventure’ bike versions slated to debut at a later stage.

The new BMW G310R will be debuting at EICMA later this month with markets sales set to commence early next year. We are not sure when it will arrive locally, but all signs indicate that this is one BMW worth waiting for indeed. Check out the extensive gallery we’ve prepared below to see the bike in full detail.

2016 BMW G310R (static)

2016 BMW G310R (action)

Sources BMW Motorrad / Visordown, MCN and MoreBikes

BMW Motorrad recently hosted the BMW Motorrad GS Trophy Southeast Asia Qualifier 2015, which was basically an adventure motorcycle rally competition to select the representatives from Southeast Asia who will compete at the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy 2016 competition in Chiang Mai, Thailand next year.

Held over the weekend of October 30th through to November 1, 2015, the competition was also organised in conjunction with the BMW Motorrad Days Thailand 2015 motorcycle festival.

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Judged by GS Trophy icon and organiser Tomm Wolf, the qualifying round tested riders on their riding skills and strategies to successfully complete a series of obstacles over a specially designed Enduro course.

All participants were required to complete a total of 20 exercices, which were divided into two sessions. While the first session had 11 exercises, the second session had a total of nine.

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This year, six Malaysian competitors took part in the Southeast Asian Qualifier of the GS Trophy. They were Dr. Suhaimi Bin Said, Dato Hamzah Bin Mazlan, Eimran Ben Jettey, Mohd.Faizal Sukree, Khaizatul Akmar Binti Zabidin, and Mohd Aswade Bin Ali.

After completing all the challenges, Mohd.Faizal Sukree, who rode a BMW F650GS, emerged victorious with the highest amount of points, followed by Dr.Suhaimi Bin Said who was astride an R1200GS. Coming in at third was Dato Hamzah Bin Mazlan, who was also riding a BMW F650GS.

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However, only the highest scoring participant, Mohd.Faizal will be representing Malaysia in the global BMW Motorrad GS Trophy next year in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Joining the Malaysian from this region will be Mr. Peerapat Woratham from Thailand, and Tommy Lee from Singapore among other participants from other nations.

According to BMW Motorrad, the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy next year will have 19 teams representing their countries including an all-women special team.

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The International GS Trophy, which has been organized once every two years since 2008 – has seen BMW GS riders from numerous countries around the world come together to engage in sporting competition not just on a motorcycle but in a wide range of other disciplines as well.

 

BMW Motorrad Malaysia has unveiled the new BMW F 700 GS and the BMW F 800 R.

Built in Rayong, Thailand, both models are aimed at new riders, according to BMW Motorrad Malaysia.

It is said that both models draw their power from the liquid-cooled 798cc, four-valve two-cylinder engine with electronic fuel injection, which is paired to a six-speed gearbox.

Producing a maximum output of 75hp and 77Nm  of peak torque, the new F 700 GS now comes with ABS as a standard feature. It is also available with a low seat option (790mm).

Available in four colours (Alpine White, Blackstorm, and Racing Blue), the F 700 GS is priced at RM56,900 (OTR without insurance).

The F 800 R on the other hand, which is also powered by the same engine as the F 700 GS, delivers an output of 87hp and a maximum torque of 86Nm.

Similar to the GS, the F 800 R is also made available with a low seat option as standard, which allows customers to lower the seat to height of 780mm.

According to BMW Motorrad Malaysia, those who opt for the Sport variant will get additional safety features such as the ASC (Automatic Stability Control) and ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment).

The BMW F 800 R Sport also features a unique RDC (Tyre Pressure Control) system with a gradient monitor which provides riders with reliable information on the current tyre pressure.

Other notable features on the new F 800 R Sport include rear LED lights, an engine spoiler, and two colour schemes – Racing Blue Metallic and Light White.

The new BMW F 700 GS and the new BMW F 800 R will be featured at the BMW Motorrad On Tour Pop Up Store at the MotoGP Malaysia this weekend, from 23rd to 25th October 2015.

Price (On the road without insurance):  

The new BMW F 700 GS                  –           RM 56,900.00
The new BMW F 800 R                     –          RM 49,900.00
The new BMW F 800 R Sport          –         RM 53,500.00

2015 Malaysia 2 Wheels Festival officially launched ahead of annual festival’s third instalment slated for December this year.

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German stunt riding ace Chris Pfeiffer announces retirement at age 45.

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Highlights from Saturday’s Tissot-Superpole qualifying sessions of the WSBK Malaysia 2015 race weekend in Sepang,Malaysia.

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