BMW

BMW F900 R review: Nothing like a naked roadster on a freezing day

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by Geoff Hill from https://www.mirror.co.uk Starring in his own remake of Freezy Rider, our man Hill tackles the elements to see if the Beemer has what it takes in the tough middleweight sector and finds it’s close, but not quite a cigar It was freezing, raining and blowing a gale – and I was on a bike with zero miles and new tyres. Perfect conditions, then, for pushing the limits of the Bavarian firm’s naked roadster whose mission, should it choose to accept it, was to give a good spanking to Triumph’s new Tiger 900 and the established and very popular Yamaha MT-09. “Mmmm. I’d start in Rain mode if I was you,” said Ian at the dealership, slapping me cheerily on the back and going back to his nice warm office, the swine. Oh well, I was obviously being punished after getting home from back to back launches in southern Spain and Morocco, and at least first impressions of the Beemer were good – compact but comfortable riding position, tilting you forward in a mildly sporty fashion on to the bars to give you a view of decent mirrors and a fairly simple but informative TFT screen. A quick toggle of the Mode button through Road, Dynamic and Dynamic Pro into Rain, another toggle of the Electronic Suspension Adjustment to solo rider with luggage to take account of the fact that I’m heavier than the average ride, three presses of the heated grips button to get them up to the maximum setting – and I was off. The fuelling at low revs was slightly snatchy and acceleration in Rain mode was a stately affair, and was never going to set my pants on fire, particularly since they were now soggy anyway. Why BMW designs very expensive suits with the […]

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BMW’s i4 Electric Concept Comes With a Hans Zimmer Score

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  by Brett Berk from https://www.wired.com To fill the aural vacuum left by the disappearance of the engine, BMW brought in a ringer. Thelma & Louise. Rain Man. The Lion King. True Romance. Interstellar. Dunkirk. Each film works to take its viewers on an emotional journey, and each leans on a shared tool: a Hans Zimmer score that serves as a guide, signaling joy, grief, conflict, passion, and more in turn. Now, though, the Oscar-winning composer has turned his talents away from the silver screen and toward the windscreen, where he’s found a new vehicle that could use a touch of emotional direction: the electric car. Along with more than 500 horsepower and a range of 370 miles, BMW’s all-electric Concept i4 comes with music by Zimmer. These mini scores, which BMW calls “sound worlds,” will ripple out their smoothly vibrant vibrato—think Lionel Hampton on the theremin—when the doors open, as the car starts up, and as the car drives along the road. On the i4, a concept four-door coupe BMW unveiled earlier this month, the composition morphs slightly based the car’s current driving modes, whether “core,” “sport,” or “efficient.” Zimmer and his collaborator, BMW sound designer Renzo Vitale, call the i4’s soundtrack “Limen,” the word for the threshold below which a stimuli can’t be perceived. It’s all about connecting sound to an emotional experience, which in this case happens to be driving on battery power instead of watching Rafiki hoist Simba into the air. “We are at a moment in time, with electric cars, when we get to change the whole sonic landscape of everything in a vehicle,” Zimmer says. “We can allow the interiors of cars to set moods and give people an experience, to let people devise their own experience, not be forced into the rumbling of

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Upcoming BMW R18 cruiser spied undisguised ahead of 3rd April debut

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by Pradeep Shah from https://www.financialexpress.com The upcoming BMW R18 will draw power from a 1,800cc, boxer-twin engine that is the biggest motor ever produced by BMW for any of its mass production motorcycles. BMW R18 is all set for its global debut on the 3rd of April. Ahead of the official unveiling, the full-sized cruiser has been snapped completely undisguised, image courtesy MCN. Starting off with the front, the upcoming BMW R18 cruiser will get a rounded headlamp with chrome bezel. The rounded rear view mirrors are also chrome plated and so are the brake and clutch levers. The R18 gets a large windscreen up front that not only will serve the purpose but gels well with the overall design language. The motorcycle also gets soft-box panniers with buckles and the turn indicators have quite an interesting shape too. The pictures also reveal the instrument cluster of the cruiser, which will be a single piece analogue unit with a small digital readout. Speaking of powertrain, the upcoming BMW R18 will draw power from a 1,800cc, boxer-twin engine that will be good for developing respective power and torque outputs of 91hp and 158Nm. This is the biggest engine ever produced by BMW for any of its mass production motorcycles. The bike is expected to get multiple riding modes along with a traction control system and cruise control as well. Braking will be taken care of with the help of dual discs up front along with a single disc at the rear. A dual-channel ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) will be offered as standard equipment. Apart from a cruiser, BMW will also be coming up with an R18 touring model that will get a more fancy equipment list and loads of other features. The upcoming BMW R18 will rub shoulders against the likes

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BMW R 18 Motorcycle with Monster Big Boxer Engine to Be Unveiled on April 3

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by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com It’s been a long time in the making, but BMW Motorrad’s newest entry to the cruiser segment, a bike aptly called the R 18, is just around the corner. On Friday, April 3, the Germans will pull the wraps off what is to become one of the most potent motorcycles in its segment. And this bike owes it all to a new engine BMW likes to call the Big Boxer. First shown on a bike called the Concept R 18 at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in May 2019, the engine moved over to two custom builds, before getting the official thumbs up at the end of 2019. The two-cylinder powerplant has a capacity of 1,802 cc, which should make it the highest-capacity engine ever used on a production motorcycle. According to the specs revealed by the Bavarians, the engine has a power output of 91 hp and 158 Nm of torque, and that should also make it the most powerful boxer ever built by BMW. It’s the R 18 that will see the first application of the Big Boxer, and on the bike it will be linked to a single-disc dry clutch that sends torque to the 6-speed transmission. Although the power ratings have already been announced, the performance specs are still unknown. “All of us at BMW Motorrad are very much looking forward to the absolute highlight of the year for us – the world premiere of the BMW R 18,” said in a statement Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad. “BMW Motorrad achieved record sales for the ninth year in succession in 2019. With the R 18 and the associated entry into the cruiser segment, we are consistently pursuing our growth strategy with the clear goal of becoming the number one

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BMW Motorrad Charges the Mid-Range Segment With 2020 F 900 R and F 900 XR

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BMW thinks of the F 900 R and F 900 XR as two brothers. They may have different appearances, but in the end they have same heart (engine) and the same frame, with suspension adjustments for each model. Basically the F 900 R is the little speedy brother, while the F 900 XR is the bigger, more pumped up brother. They both are made for specific riding situations, the R model being a roadster type for fun riding on the road, while the XR is a more touring oriented motorcycle, capable for off-road riding and keeping a good balance on the road as well. The two models share the same inline-two cylinder 895 cc engine. It has been pumped up from 853 cc to achieve a power of 99 hp and 67 lb-ft (90 Nm) of torque. This makes the engine have a linear torque curve over most of the RPM range. Regarding the safety measures, they both come as standard with two riding mode (Rain – lower power mode, and Road – normal power mode) as well as with ABS and ASC. An additional two riding modes (Dynamic and Dynamic Pro) can be “unlocked” as factory options, letting you customize the bikes’ electric assistance, like the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), ABS Pro, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and engine drag torque control (MSR). The frame of these models is made from steel, to achieve better stiffness and riding precision. Considering that the frame is a new design from BMW, the fuel tank had to be relocated to the classic position between the rider and the handle bars while also switching to plastic to keep the weight low. As a comparison, the previous generations had the fuel tank placed under the seat, which in theory made the bike easier to control

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BMW’s Riderless Motorcycle

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From the world of self-driving cars and drones comes the next step toward our Terminator/Matrix human-absent future … riderless motorcycles! Thanks to BMW, the future is now! The first thought I had when I saw the video is … WHY? If it’s used strictly to transport stuff in busy high-traffic areas, I can see it. Otherwise, what is the use of this? I can see driver-less cars transporting people … but with a bike, that is just one person! Even if it’s to transport someone who can’t drive or is drunk, they probably wouldn’t have the balance to handle it. Only thing this can possibly be used for (in my opinion) is to make faster drones for the terminators to gun us down like that one scene in “Terminator Salvation.” Luckily, this isn’t meant for roads, but for safety research. Check out the promo video from BMW below.  

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London Motorcycle Show on the horizon

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by Fraser Addecott from https://www.mirror.co.uk/ Check out all the latest machinery, plus a whole lot more, at the capital’s big bike fest The post-Christmas winter months are probably not most bikers’ favourite time of the year – seeming cold, wet and miserable. One bright spot on the horizon, however, is the ever-popular London Motorcycle Show. This annual extravaganza continues to go from strength to strength and the 2020 edition looks like being no exception. Alongside the latest machines from the world’s leading manufacturers, visitors will be able to see explosive live-action racing, rare classic machines, biking celebrities and a UK-exclusive celebration of iconic racer Barry Sheene. All the new models from AJS, BMW, CCM, CF Moto, Ducati, Ecooter, Honda, Husqvarna, Indian, Kawasaki, KTM, Mutt Motorcycles, MV Agusta, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Triumph, Yamaha and Zero will be on show. Nine of Sheene’s legendary race machines (including his two title-winning bikes) are being flown in from Australia specially for the show. And teammate Steve Parrish and Suzuki chief technician during Sheene’s winning years will be onstage sharing insight and anecdotes. Race fans will be kept enthralled with a completely revamped Michelin Thunderdrome live-action event once again taking over the centre of the show. The free races will see the world’s fastest road racer Peter Hickman going head-to-head with fellow Isle of Man TT competitors John McGuinness, Michael Rutter and James Hillier. Visitors can purchase a VIP paddock pass, which allows them access to the racing stars and an unbeatable view of the action. Alongside that, the Classic TT will officially be launched at the show, while, in between races, John McGuinness will be found propping up the bar at his own pub. The 23-time Isle of Man TT winner will be pulling pints and sharing tales from his incredible career with punters

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BMW Could Be Building Electric Motorcycles In Five Years

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by Brad Anderson from https://www.carscoops.com/ It’s not just electric cars that have started to pop up with increased frequency in recent years as all-electric motorcycles are also becoming more commonplace. BMW Motorrad doesn’t appear to be in a rush to bring electric bikes of its own to the market, however. While recently speaking with Cycle World, head of BMW Motorrad Dr. Markus Schramm said that electric motorcycles may make sense in urban environments, but that could be it. “As the Vision DC Roadster concept shows, we see this as a power portfolio of the future,” he said. “In the urban environment, it is possible that there will be an electric BMW motorcycle in five years. In the touring, off-road, and sport segments, I am not sure that we will see them.” The BMW Vision DC Roadster was introduced at the company’s #NEXTGen event back in June as an all-electric model featuring a battery pack with metallic cooling ribs and two fans. Sending power through the rear wheels is a cylinder-shaped electric motor. The bike has an exterior design unlike any other BMW motorcycle and is not expected to find its way into the production line. “I am convinced that the motorcycle as a product becomes more and more important—not about commuting, but as leisure product,” Schramm added during the interview. “Electric mobility will be important for motorcycles in urban areas within five years.” If electric power becomes more common on motorcycles focused on urban commuting, it seems inevitable that more enthusiast-oriented motorcycles will retain their high-revving internal combustion engines for years to come.

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Enter To Win This Amazing Pair Of BMW R100 Cafe Racers

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from https://www.rideapart.com/ Built by UpCycle Garage in Anaheim, California, these bikes have been exquisitely restored by the inimitable Johnny Nguyen. If the bike you’re riding doesn’t have that wow factor, or even worse, you only have ONE motorcycle, you should enter to win this incredible pair of BMW R100 Café racers. Click here to enter and use promo code RIDE1 to double your entry tickets just for reading RideApart. Plus, your donation will support TRI Industries, a wonderful company we’ve worked with before that hires veterans in the Chicago area. Click here to enter and use promo code RIDE1 to double your entries for free! This prize package consists of a 1982 BMW R100RS and 1988 BMW R100RT that have been restored and customized by Johnny Nguyen of Anaheim’s UpCycle Garage. They are engineered for form and function. While they look similar, Nguyen included some key differences so he could tell them apart, not the least of which is their complimentary green and silver paint jobs. Both bikes are powered by BMW’s famous 980cc boxer mills which now sports matching vintage-style valve covers and velocity stacks. They also each exhale via pie-cut stainless steel exhaust systems, but the 2-into-1 exhaust exits low on the right of the silver RS while the pipes converge into an Akrapovič slip-on muffler under the seat of the green RT. Nguyen has also updated the bikes with completely modern electronics, including app-controlled lighting and keyless start with the touch of a button. Their style is vintage, but their hardware is cutting edge. Entering this giveaway also means you’ll be donating to a worthy cause. We love partnering with companies that give away great cars for good causes, and this company is one of our favorites. RideApart has worked with TRI Industries in the past, and

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Motorcycles Tom Cruise rode as Captain Maverick and Ethan Hunt are now nothing short of icons

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from https://www.financialexpress.com/ Top Gun 2 is set to release on 26 June next year. That is still a lot of months before Captain Maverick’s glory takes over our screens. So, until then, here’s a look back at the coolest Tom Cruise motorcycle moments that have been and well be. Top Gun is about to relive on our screens soon and we can’t wait to see Maverick being nothing but magnificent behind the joystick of a fighter jet or behind the handlebar of a pretty iconic Kawasaki. Yes, Top Gun 2 movie trailers have confirmed that Kawasaki GPZ900 will be back on the silver screen. Tom Cruise is one of the most revered motorcycle people in Hollywood. The other hotshot motorcyclist would be Keanu Reeves but let’s just focus on the Cruise missiles for now. Kawasaki GPZ900R – Top Gun Tom Cruise has been doing it for decades – including motorcycles in his films. Years before a lot of us were even born, Cruise rode the Kawasaki GPZ900R for the big screen as Captain Maverick in Top Gun 1986. If you like motorcycles, this one is every bit of a celebrity as Mr Cruise is and we’ll also see it in the upcoming Top Gun 2. Kawasaki H2 – Top Gun 2 Sticking with Top Gun 2. As the GPZ900R was the fastest production motorcycle back in 1986, Maverick had to ride the fastest production motorcycle in today’s day and age. Hence, the supercharged Kawasaki H2. The other good thing about seeing these motorcycles share the screen with Tom Cruise is that he does most of the riding himself. BMW R nine T Scrambler – Mission Impossible Fallout The chase scenes make up a huge of reasons why we love Mission Impossible films. MI: Fallout had Cruise riding a BMW R

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