Innovative all along.
We do not stand still. Our eyes are always looking to the future. We put our innovations to the test in the development centers, on test tracks and test areas in long series of tests under the most demanding conditions, so that your individual riding experience today and tomorrow is as safe and comfortable as possible. We have the Autodrome de Miramas test site in southern France at our disposal for particularly intensive test rides - an area of around 473 hectares with a wide variety of test tracks over a total length of more than 30 miles – 1,169 acres. Motorways, race tracks, wet driving or tough off-road use: in Miramas we simulate all conceivable driving scenarios, test 140 BMW motorcycles annually, put them through the toughest conditions and cover around 1.5 million miles on them. We are constantly thinking ahead and developing new solutions, innovations and technologies. That's why we present you with interesting facts from the past, progress from the present and visionary ideas for the future on this page.
TrackMoto: Automatization is the future.
TrackMoto: Automatization is the future.
We are constantly thinking about how we can help make motorcycling safe. Automation is part of motorcycle safety development. To enable us to further develop vehicle dynamics control systems, we conduct intensive research with the aid of prototypes and measure and collect data. The self-propelled motorcycle is one such prototype - but we are not forcing autonomous driving in this test. We use this research to provide information on the steering angle, for example, where we need to stabilize roll dynamics. The aim is to integrate dynamic control programs into the motorcycle that can help show you the driving line around an obstacle at an early stage. Of course, the responsibility of riding belongs to the rider, but an action recommendation can increase your peace of mind. A corresponding control system could potentially offer even more stability in a critical riding situation.
ConnectedRide: Safety is everyone's business.
ConnectedRide: Safety is everyone's business.
BMW Motorrad is working hard to ensure that motorcycles are not forgotten in the mobility of the future. They must be part of the traffic network and taken into account when communicating Vehicle to everything (V2X). In order to achieve this, leading manufacturers have joined forces in the Connected Motorcycle Consortium (CMC), and other technology leaders have founded the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA). The aim is to ensure that new driver assistance systems lead to greater safety in road traffic and that communication between vehicles is optimized. BMW Motorrad is currently researching the Intersection Movement Assist: The car receives a warning signal when approaching a junction if it is on a collision course with a motorcycle. Another electronic helper could be Emergency Electronic Brake Lights: If a motorcycle suddenly has to brake hard, behind which, for example, a bus or van is driving and thus obstructs the view of following cars, those vehicles receive a warning. Also under development is Stationary Vehicle Warning: If a motorcycle breaks down, a car can receive a warning signal in good time and adapt its driving behavior at an early stage.
Additive Manufacturing.
Additive Manufacturing.
Additive manufacturing is still in its infancy. However, it is already clear to us that the potential is enormous. Parts made from a 3D printer play a particularly important role in the creation of prototypes. And even today, some components and spare parts can be produced for you quickly and cost-effectively – without long waiting times. The goals are also the mass individualization of selectable and configurable parts. With a holder for the roof cover of the BMW i8 Roadster, series production has entered for the first time using a 3D printing process. Our current research and development is testing the further potential of this production technology – as the potential frame and swingarm of a BMW S 1000 R show.
Ultimate tests for carbon.
Ultimate tests for carbon.
Since the introduction of the BMW HP4 RACE, it has become clear that series production of carbon is possible. The advantages are not only the lower weight of the carbon fiber compared to conventional materials – the frame in particular impresses with its transverse, bending and torsional stiffness. The low gyroscopic forces are a plus for the wheels. However, before the frame and the wheels were ready for series production, extensive hardness tests and endurance tests had to be carried out. In the curb test, our developers forced damage and proved that further riding with the motorcycle is still possible. On the test bench, the testers simulated the action of various forces, gave the carbon wheels a radial impact or imitated wheelies. Salt spray and climate change tests were just as much a part of the test series as the brake test under particularly high heat development. We test all extreme situations and conceivable scenarios, so that we leave nothing to chance.
CONCEPT LINK.
CONCEPT LINK.
Intelligent networking of human, vehicle, rider clothing and the environment allows you the highest degree of freedom. The Concept Link concept study creates a seamless crossover of the digital and analogue worlds – for a convenient mobility experience in the urban environment of the future.
LASER LIGHT.
LASER LIGHT.
With the fog light laser light, you never lose sight of your destination. The extremely high range allows you to perceive potential hazards 11 seconds sooner than with conventional headlights at speeds of 62 mph.
General Innovations
THE BMW R 1250 GS.
THE BMW R 1250 GS.
With the BMW R 1250 GS, you can experience the Boxer even more directly. With impressive power, the new GS takes you into the next adventure: the increase in displacement to 1250 cc and 136 hp brings you more performance - the maximum torque is 105 lbs-ft.. At lower revs the drive is noticeably smoother and runs completely jerk-free. The reason for this is the variable camshaft control BMW ShiftCam, the heart and technological innovation of the newly developed boxer engine. At the same time, we have reduced emissions and fuel consumption versus the previous engine. Whether in the city, on the country road, on the motorway or off-road: New styles and colors, numerous technical details and exciting equipment options emphasize the character of the new BMW R 1250 GS.
CONNECTIVITY - TFT-DISPLAY AND BMW MOTORRAD CONNECTED APP.
CONNECTIVITY - TFT-DISPLAY AND BMW MOTORRAD CONNECTED APP.
With the Connectivity optional equipment you'll be fully connected and always have access to the information you need. The combination of a 6.5" TFT display and multi-controller on the handlebars allows you to intuitively control your features. Whether you want to easily navigate your way through the city via arrow navigation with the BMW Motorrad Connected App, make a phone call while riding or listen to the perfect song - thanks to Connectivity, you can keep your concentration on the road and have an overview of all the important information.
CARBON CHASSIS & RIMS.
CARBON CHASSIS & RIMS.
The best qualities of carbon are: its superiority. You’re able to take every bend faster, to accelerate quicker and brake later. For the first time, BMW Motorrad is uncompromisingly using carbon chassis and rims (carbon technology) for the HP4 RACE. With the rigidity of aluminium and the strength of steel it sets new standards in the whole vehicle manufacturing.
ABS PRO.
ABS PRO.
ABS Pro makes every corner an entirely pleasurable riding experience: ABS Pro allows for safer deceleration in emergencies. The tendency of the bike to return to an upright position from a tilted one is reduced to a minimum. Meaning the motorcycle remains under control even during abrupt braking in bends.