ABS Milestone
September 12, 2009The One-Millionth BMW Motorcycle with ABS
21 years ago, BMW Motorrad was the first motorcycle manufacturer in the world to fit its motorcycles with the anti-lock system ABS, setting a milestone in the field of active motorcycling safety at the time.
On Monday, August 31st 2009, a BMW K 1300 R left the production halls in Berlin-Spandau as the one-millionth BMW to be fitted with the innovative BMW Motorrad Integral ABS. With BMW Motorrad plant director Hermann Bohrer in attendance, the well-known German actor, scriptwriter and audio book speaker Hannes Jaenicke rode the K 1300 R off the assembly line.
An innovation becomes established.
PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE FOR MOTORCYCLISTS AWAITING ARRIVAL OF BMW's F800GS
January 24, 2008New Adventure Bike Expected to Arrive at Retailers This Fall
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – Motorcycle enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the arrival of BMW's new F800GS will need to be a bit more patient, as production of the middleweight dual-purpose enduro will be delayed due to worldwide
The 2009 F800GS demand for the popular F650GS. The F800GS is expected to be available at US BMW Motorrad retailers in Fall 2008, making it a 2009 model.Fulfilling a need for a pure off–road oriented motorcycle that still has all the power, handling and reliability required for long–distance adventure touring as well as on–street handling, the F800GS is perfectly positioned as a middleweight dual–purpose enduro. The bike, representing yet another market segment in BMW's dual–sport category, follows in the footsteps of its highly acclaimed "older brother" – the R1200GS – which traces its roots back to the early 1980s when BMW won the grueling Paris–Dakar rally four times with its trailblazing dual–purpose R80G/S.
The F800GS, BMW's latest dual–purpose enduro, features an asymmetrical double headlight and a look that is sleek, trim and 100% aggressive. With a compact 85–horsepower parallel twin engine, lightweight steel trellis frame and double–sided swingarm, along with a chain drive and longer front and rear suspension travel, there has never been a BMW dual–purpose machine offering such a unique blend of power, comfort and off–road muscle.
— Roy Oliemuller
— BMW Motorrad USA Communications Manager
Piaggio MP3
January 29, 2008The Piaggio MP3, the three-wheel scooter that recently revolutionized personal transport by redefining the entire concept of ride stability, has grown to a 400cc displacement to offer unprecedented performance and safety. Fun, nimble and agile, the Piaggio MP3 400 handles curves with extraordinary safety and road holding that only the MP3 can manage, while providing all the power and distance range of a real touring maxi scooter.
The Piaggio MP3 has upped its engine capacity to offer increased performance together with a safe, fun ride. The new Master 400 engine, a four-stroke, four-valve unit with liquid cooling and electronic injection, provides a 34 hp power output at 7,500 rpm and torque of 38 Nm at 5,500 rpm. These performance figures translate into smooth, full power output at any engine speed, with response and acceleration at the top of the category. This makes it possible for the Piaggio MP3 400 to handle all kinds of riding, from town traffic to city bypass roads and tougher out-of-town roads in total comfort and safety even when riding with a passenger and a full load. Extra power and full-bodied torque become available at low engine rpm and are in fact crucial at critical moments like overtaking, when the Master 400 engine's acceleration and throttle response together with the exceptional stability of the two-wheel front suspension let the rider pull away fast and safely.
In addition to the many technical advantages of the new Master 400 engine, the rider also enjoys reduced fuel consumption compared to larger capacity scooters, but the same "maxi" performance.
The Piaggio MP3 400 i.e. is truly an all-round scooter. On town rides, the Piaggio MP3 400 i.e. handles cobblestones, train tracks and irregular roads with the greatest of ease and stays stable and safe on wet roads as well. The exceptionally large underseat storage bay (which holds two full-face helmets), the wraparound protection of the wide front shield and the excellent cruising speed make this the ideal vehicle for long-distance as well as tougher rides.
The new 400cc engine also adds substantial advantages as regards the running gear: the use of the new engine and a 14" rear wheel with a 140/70 tire on the Piaggio MP3 400 has increased the wheelbase by a good 2.5 inches compared to the 250 cc version.
The result is impeccable stability when leaning into fast curves or when braking thanks to the longer rear end, increased rear wheel contact surface and outstanding road grip provided by the innovative parallelogram front suspension built to an original Piaggio design. Its tilt mechanism is composed of four cast aluminum arms, with four hinges fixed to the central tube and two guide tubes on either side of the parallelogram, connected to the arms via suspension pins and ball bearings.
Comfortable and innovative with exceptional performance, the Piaggio MP3 400 will appeal to novice riders as well as seasoned motorcyclists, as it combines enjoyment and ease of use with unprecedented safety.
Good News for the Vertically Challenged!
Low Suspension Option Available On 2008 BMW R1200GS, R1200R and R1200RT Models
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – February 29, 2008 Motorcyclists asking for lower seat heights... your prayers have been answered. BMW Motorrad is pleased to announce that a Low Suspension option will be available, beginning in March, on 2008 BMW R1200GS, R1200R, and R1200RT models.
The Low Suspension option, which includes the Low Seat option on these models, lowers the seat height to 31.1 inches on the R1200GS and to 29.5 inches on the R1200R and the R1200RT. The Low Suspension option is available at BMW Motorrad retailers for a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $175.
Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the World Wide Web at:
- www.bmwgroupna.com
- www.bmwusa.com
- www.bmwmotorcycles.com
- www.miniusa.com
- www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com
— Roy Oliemuller
— BMW Motorrad USA Communications Manager
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