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R 1200 GS

  • The BMW R 1200 GS uses the trademark BMW Telelever front suspension.

  • The system separates suspension forces from steering forces.

  • In doing so it provides superb manoeuvrability and comfort.

A newfound friend and I were chatting about bikes and more, of course but let’s keep it to bikes here since this is Bikes Republic and not the Sarawak Report.

He owns a 2016 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure, on which he had toured all the way to the Mae Hong Son loop and back a few times on it besides many other places.

2016 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure LC

Now, although I don’t own a GS, I’ve ridden one over quite some distance too. If you could recall the GIVI Golden Triangle Adventure in November last year, I had ridden a 2013 BMW R 1200 GS LC from KL to Pattaya and back, covering around 3200 km.

2013 BMW R 1200 GS LC

That trip firmly convinced me why BMW owners swear by it. It’s when you have to ride through treacherous conditions, or when your mind and body are exhausted, the R 1200 GS just keeps going. And going. And going.

A large part of that character is due to the bike’s Dynamic ESA /ESA II electronic suspension. It controls the damping electronically, removing bumps that would otherwise tire out the rider in a hurry.

2017 BMW R 1200 GS

However, as much as having a “smart” suspension, there’s no going around the Telelever’s basic setup at the front. The spring and damper are moved out of the fork tubes and placed at a separate location. The spring and fork tubes are then connected via an A-arm, also known as a wishbone to the frame. BMW did this to separate the damping forces from the steering. We wondered why the set up isn’t used in performance bikes. A little research revealed some interesting answers.

BMW R 1200 GS Telelever set up

The traditional telescopic forks, whether “normal” or upside-down, suspend and also steer the bike. Let’s take a look at the picture below.

The forks connect to the frame via the headstock and forms a triangle. This makes the headstock as the weakest point in this connection, yet the forks and frame transmit loads into it.

Motorcycle frame headstock. This belongs to a custom bike and is very simple

Imagine the forces pushing up into the headstock from the rear tyre when accelerating, and the forces pushing up the fork under heavy breaking. At the same time, consider the bike’s and rider’s weights squashing down from above. All these forces threaten to split the fork-frame triangle like Jean-Claude Van Damme right at the headstock. This is why the front fork and wheel assembly comes off in some heavy accidents.

While this is happening, the rider steers the bike using the exact same components that are transmitting the forces to the headstock, frame, etc. Yes, those very same forces that threaten to tear the forks off the frame.

BMW S 1000 RR frame

What that means is the forces you feel at the handlebar are the total, the sum, of all these forces acting in unison, plus the cornering forces such as camber thrust, weight, rolling drag torques, etc. That’s not necessarily a bad thing since that’s what riders call “front-end feedback.” The darker side, on the other hand, is when the rider lets off the throttle or applies the front brake abruptly in mid-corner, consequently transferring weight to the front and pushing the bike wide. That self-righting torque (the bike standing up) usually panics riders, causing them to think that they’ve run out of grip hence not forcing the bike back down to make the turn. This is why one overshoots a corner.

2016 BMW S 1000 RR

The Telelever and Duolever remove those forces from the steering; although the former still leaves some load through to the headstock and frame, while the latter completely isolates steering from suspension duties. The Telelever is the reason why the R 1200 GS is so easy to manoeuvre even extremely slow speeds, as exhibited by the tests in the GS Trophy. The Duolever system fitted to the K 1600 full-dress tourer line-up gives the bikes surprisingly light steering, despite their heft.

Duolever on K 1200

By if the Telelever is that good, why isn’t it used on performance bikes, much less in competition, say MotoGP? Part of the feedback is missing at full lean. It may be okay for road riding where speeds and tyre loads are much lower but not in racing where the rider needs to listen to the tyres.

  • The 1200cc Boxer engine and bikes that it powers have been revised through each generation.

  • With stiff competition from all corners, it is rumoured that BMW will debut the R 1250 GS in 2019.

  • A new R 1250 RT has been spotted undergoing road trials.

BMW’s venerable boxer engine has come a long, long way and there’s no end in sight for it. the German giant may produce the superb S 1000 RR inline-Four superbike, but what is BMW Motorrad if not for the flat-Twin or Boxer, as it’s affectionately known.

It is likewise the scenario for the Boxer-engine GS, since the first R80GS.

2018 BMW R 1200 GS Rallye

But the competition has been aggressive in the large-capacity adventure segment. KTM, Ducati and now Triumph are carving out large pieces of the pie and BMW has been updating the R 1200 GS with each generation.

And now we have received news via https://riders.drivemag.com that BMW may be working on a 1250cc Boxer.

From riders.drivemag.com

You see, the current wasser-Boxer produces 125 bhp of power and 125 Nm of torque but the competition has gone 160 bhp and 140 Nm thereabouts. While BMW owners will tell you that 125 bhp is enough, that is not going to cut it on the spec sheets.

It is also rumoured that the “new” Boxer will include variable valve timing. Along with other changes, it should be good for 140 to 150 bhp.

All this talk started when photos of a new R 1250 RT undergoing road trails surfaced in MCN. Looking at the photo below, you could see that it’s a new bodywork, but what is more telling is the appearance of a new engine.

From riders.drivemag.com

However, as BMW owners know, if there is a new RT, there is a large likelihood that a GS is also in store. Plus, since the GS is the flagship BMW Motorrad, it will be launched first than the RT.

2019 is just a few months away. Who is waiting with baited breath?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • BMW Motorrad Malaysia telah membawa acara Nightfuel ke Pulau Pinang.
  • BMW Motorrad Malaysia turut melancarkan motosikal BMW R nineT Urban G/S, S 1000 RR, R 1200 GS Rallye, dan K 1600 Bagger yang baru.
  • Walaupun hujan lebat, ratusan pengunjung telah menghadirkan diri.

(more…)

  • BMW Motorrad Malaysia brought Nightfuel to Penang.

  • BMW Motorrad Malaysia launched the new R nineT Urban G/S, S 1000 RR, R 1200 GS Rallye and K 1600 Bagger.

  • Hundreds showed up despite the heavy rain.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • BMW Motorrad Malaysia akan memperkenalkan empat buah motosikal premium di acara BMW Motorrad Nightfuel di Pulau Pinang pada hujung minggu ini, hari Sabtu, 9 September 2017.
  • Motosikal S 1000 RR, R 1200 GS, K 1600 Bagger, dan BMW R nineT Urban G/S yang baru akan diperkenalkan buat kali pertama.
  • Ianya merupakan perhimpunan terbesar motosikal BMW Motorrad di kawasan Bayan Lepas di Pulau Pinang.

(more…)

  • BMW Motorrad Malaysia will unveil four new premium motorcycles at the BMW Motorrad Nightfuel event in Penang this weekend, Saturday, 9th September 2017.

  • The new S 1000 RR, R 1200 GS, K 1600 Bagger and BMW R nineT Urban G/S will be unveiled for the first time

  • The largest gathering of BMW Motorrad motorcycles in the Bayan Lepas area in Penang.

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

  • Futuristic LEGO Technic design concept called the “Hover Ride”

  • Collaboration between BMW Motorrad and LEGO

This is not your ordinary Lego blocks that you used to play with back in the day. This is also not the kind that you pretend to help your children with but secretly enjoying building your own LEGO creations. This is a collaboration between BMW Motorrad and LEGO who came up with this 603-piece Lego Technic BMW R1200GS Adventure Model 2-in-1 kit. You want to build an R1200GS replica? You can but wouldn’t it be better if it’s a futuristic flying motorcycle instead? Presenting the “Hover Ride Design Concept”. (more…)

BMW Motorrad officially released images and details of its refreshed and updated-for-2015 range of models. Here is an overview of what’s in store with Motorrad’s 2015-year range. (more…)

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