First and foremost, BMW will reportedly introduce nine new models for 2019, but the biggest news is of course that there is a big possibility of a bigger capacity Boxer engine, hence a new R 1250 GS, which had been speculated since May this year when a new R 1200 RT was spied while undergoing road tests. Now there is also news of the new engine powering the entire Boxer line-up.
The news leaked through filings with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), California’s emissions watchdog department, revealed that BMW will drop the new 1254cc Boxer into five new models. The news has surprised us as we had initially thought that it would only be installed in the new R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure, and perhaps the R 1250 RT.
In addition to the three mentioned models, BMW has filed for the R 1250 RS and R 1250 R.
The 1254cc horizontally-opposed-Twin engine, better known as the Boxer engine, is rumored to feature variable valve timing for the first time for BMW. Power output is also speculated to hover around the 134 bhp figure. Besides that, the engine will pick up some weight.
The updates will mark another big step in the evolution of BMW’s venerable Boxer engine since becoming liquid-cooled in 2013.
There is no news regarding the R nineT range which is powered by the previous generation oil-cooled Boxer, though. In 2020, maybe, since the Euro 5 standard will begin from that year?
We foresee small updates to the designs and perhaps chassis of the new bikes, since the main update is the new engine. We are expecting to see the new models at the Intermot show in Cologne, Germany next month.
Rendered photos of what possibly will be the new 2019 BMW S 1000 RR have been circulating in the World Wide Web and a lot of folks are saying that this will be the next “game changer” in the world of superbikes. Based on the leaked patents, there’s a huge possibility that it might as well just do that. (more…)
BMW Motorrad Malaysia has released the new prices of BMW motorcycles following the re-implementation of the Sales & Services Tax (SST) which took effect from 1st September 2018.
As outlined by the Ministry of Finance, motorcycles under 250cc are exempted from SST, without other details. This meant that 10% SST is charged on motorcycles above 250cc regardless if they are CKD (completely knocked-down i.e. locally assembled) or CBU (completely built-up i.e. fully-imported).
Please refer to the table below.
Generally, prices have definitely hiked compared to when GST was set at 0% but they are perhaps more accurate if compared to the prices when 6% GST was implemented. Almost all models see price increases between RM 1,000 to RM 3,000 compared to when 6% GST applied but there are exceptions where the prices remained the same.
A check with BMW Motorrad Malaysia clarified that, “We wanted to make it affordable for everyone.”
Let’s take a look at a few key models.
In the Sports category, the prices of the ever-popular S 1000 RR superbike went up by RM 7,000 compared to 0% GST, but only increased by RM 1,000 over their 6% GST prices. The R 1200 RS went up by RM 2K.
Price in the Touring range which includes the R 1200 RT and K 1600 variants however, increase between RM 2,000 to RM 3,000 compared to compared to 6% GST.
The Roadsters, or “nakeds” for want of another definition, see their prices hiked by RM 2,000, except for the G 310 R, whose price remains at RM 26,900.
Over to the Heritage line-up, prices for the R nineT range see an increase of RM 1,000 except for the R nineT Pure and R nineT Racer variants.
As for the Adventure category where the R 1200 GS resides, the price of the G 310 GS remains the same at RM 29,900, while the rest see their prices increased.
Yes, the 2018 BMW S 1000 R is the “seductive” (as in “naked’) version of the king of superbikes BMW S 1000 RR, but I felt like I was living in the world of the movie, Real Steel.
In 2020, human boxers are replaced by robots. But as with any competitive sport, what started out as a simple idea soon became a venture for large corporations hell-bent to win at all costs. This stratagem meant that the boxing robots became more and more sophisticated and robots of yesterdays were cast aside.
But as the story went along (as with any underdog feel-good movie), the protagonist’s son found a low-tech sparring bot that he soon named “Atom.” A sparring bot, like real-life sparring partners in boxing meant he had to suffer being bashed around by the superstar boxer on his (the superstar) way to bling, spinners, and er… ladies.
On the other hand, Atom the sparring bot was a stripped-down machine, meant only to fulfill its one intended role.
The S 1000 R was first released in 2014 to complement BMW Motorrad’s inline-Four sportbike lineup, which was headed by the rip-roaring S 1000 RR superbike.
You could say that the S 1000 R is the stripped-down version of the S 1000 RR, fair enough, as there are many shared components, but BMW intended the former to be a “roadster” for the streets.
For starters, the engine is tuned for more low- to mid-range torque (as if the S 1000 RR’s tune isn’t torquey), making it useful for road riding. The R’s 160 bhp arrives at 11,000 RPM and 112 Nm torque at 9,250 RPM, while the RR’s 199 bhp is found at 13,500 RPM and 113 Nm torque at 10,500 RPM.
Secondly, this version we tested was in its basic configuration, hence it had Rain and Road ride modes only, no Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) electronic suspension. However, Race ABS and Automatic Stability Control (ASC), as well as shift assistant (quickshifter) and cruise control are standard.
First thing you’d notice is the ergonomics, of course. The wide tapered handlebar is set low but in a position that didn’t required you to stretch like a rubber band. My back and torso felt relaxed as I lowered myself into the seat with a satisfying sigh…
Typical of the S-series inline-Four engine, the powerplant idles with a symphony of its parts that produce forward motion. A soft tap on the gear lever engaged first gear while the clutch took up the power in a linear fashion.
Opening up the throttle past the halfway point predictably produced a forward thrust that turns your frown into an ear-to-ear grin. It pulls hard, oh yeah, but it doesn’t scare you like how some open-class naked sportbikes would.
We’ve ridden all bikes in the market that are equipped with quickshifters but BMW’s “shift assistant” still rules, if not technically then emotionally. Each shift was taken care of swiftly and more importantly, accurately without a harsh jolt. But it’s that signature “pop” from the exhaust that’ll get you. It soon became so addictive that you’d find yourself short-shifting through the gearbox just to enjoy the moment.
Oh yes, the shift assistant works for downshifts too. The engine doesn’t blip hard when you drop it down a cog but the engine’s electronics worked well in tandem with the slipper clutch to deliver jerk-free engagement without needing you to touch the clutch lever.
Forward motion was eerily linear, and the S 1000 R picked up speed so effortlessly that the only indication of speed is when you start to fly past traffic like someone had hit the pause button to freeze the world around you.
For more entertainment (or kicks), slow down to 60 km/h in sixth gear, then slam open the throttle. Some bikes we’ve ridden would judder like a Proton Saga taxi at this point. Instead, the S 1000 R seemed to create NOS from the air it sucked in and blasted forward. I BS you not. If you hold on to that throttle for a few more seconds, you’d be doing more than 200 km/h. Remember, 60 to 200 km/h in just a few seconds.
If going straight was impressive, you’d be fully sold when you hit the corners.
Heading down into the sharp right off-bridge from MEX to Bukit Jalil, the bike’s suspension had the tyres dig hard into the road. As soon as the front tyre pushed a little it was time to get back on the gas.
Cornering on the S 1000 R yielded its own sense of addiction: Starting from braking, the Brembos bit hard to a one fingered pull! The engine blipped itself during downshift “vroom,” “vroom.” Next, the wide handlebar translated my steering effort into leaning over instantly. Fourthly, the engine’s back torque (engine braking) was smoothly balanced to provide a smooth rolling speed in mid-corner. The exhaust gave a loud “POP” as I reached the apex and it was at this moment when the front tyre started to push, signaling throttle on. The bike responded to the continuous throttle action and started to stand up naturally. Soon, we blasted cleanly away from the corner while the left foot hooked another gear, and another, and another while relishing the accompanying pops and howl of the engine.
Instant gratification. You don’t even need to buy flowers, chocolates, expensive jewelry and a candlelit dinner for it.
It wasn’t just about going fast on the S 1000 R, otherwise there’s no point to BMW turning the S 1000 RR into this roadster.
The daily commute became fun since the bike had it all: Acceleration, brakes, light steering, agility and comfort (for a naked sportbike). It was also frugal on fuel if you ride at a sensible pace. The new S 1000 R exhibited a more gracious attitude in traffic, although it did feel like I was pressing the fast forward button on and off when I upped my aggression.
In all truth, the S 1000 R has become my favourite BMW S-series model. As much as I love the march of technology in motorcycles, I don’t mind having less of it. Furthermore, the S 1000 R’s limits are more easily attainable, especially for those who don’t ride regularly at the track. No, that didn’t mean you’ll outgrow it, instead you may accept it as the bike’s charming side and appreciate the fact that you’re a good rider on a good bike, instead of having a good bike but unsure if you’re a good rider.
I’m not knocking on the S 1000 RR and S 1000 XR but the R is also more practical for everyday use especially for someone with short legs like me.
Anything that I didn’t like? Yes, of course. The signature S 1000 buzz is there but you’ll get used to it.
In closing, the protagonist took that low-tech, stripped-down sparring robot which they found in the junkyard all the way to the top to meet the champion robot. The protagonist’s robot so nearly beat the super-advanced champion, by taking advantage of the latter’s technological advantages when they turned out to be disadvantages.
Hey, everyone loves an underdog. Just like the 2018 BMW S 1000 R.
2018 BMW S 1000 R |
|
| ENGINE | |
| ENGINE TYPE | 4-stroke, DOHC, liquid-cooled, inline-Four |
| DISPLACEMENT | 999 cc |
| BORE x STROKE | 80.0 mm x 49.7 mm |
| POWER | 160 hp (118kW) @ 11,000 RPM |
| TORQUE | 112 Nm @ 9,250 RPM |
| COMPRESSION RATIO | 12.0:1 |
| TRANSMISSION | Constant mesh, 6-speed with straight-cut gears |
| FUEL SYSTEM | Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle |
| CLUTCH | Multiple-plate wet clutch, anti-hopping, cable-operated |
| CHASSIS | |
| FRAME | Aluminium composite bridge frame, partially self-supporting engine |
| FRONT SUSPENSION | Upside-down telescopic ø 46 mm forks, adjustable for compression and rebound damping |
| REAR SUSPENSION | Monoshock, adjustable for rebound damping |
| SUSPENSION TRAVEL FRONT/REAR | 120mm / 120 mm |
| FRONT BRAKE | 2 X Radially-mounted 4-piston Brembo calipers, ø 320 mm floating discs |
| REAR BRAKE | 1 X Single-piston caliper, ø 220 mm brake disc |
| ABS | BMW Motorrad Race ABS |
| TIRES FRONT/REAR | 120/70 ZR-17; 190/55 ZR-17 |
| STEERING HEAD ANGLE | 24.6o |
| TRAIL | 98.5 mm |
| WHEEL BASE | 1,439 mm |
| SEAT HEIGHT | 814 mm |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 17.5 litres |
| WEIGHT (READY TO RIDE) | 207 kg |
As far as road racing goes, there the amazing Isle of Man TT aka “The World’s Most Dangerous Race” and then there’s Ulster GP aka “The World’s FASTEST Road Race”. The boys at Tyco BMW is a renowned name in the road racing scene and come this weekend, they will take out the BMW HP4 Race into its first official competition. (more…)
Let’s get one thing straight. People buy, own, adore superbikes for their super sexy looks, balls-off-the-wall performance, and the crowds they gather every time they’re parked in a public area or blasting down the front straight in Sepang. There are many to choose from in the Malaysian market today and the one that remains to be one of the most popular has to be the BMW S 1000 RR. (more…)
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