Innovative all along.
We do not standstill and our eyes are always looking to the future. We put our innovations to the test in the development centres, on test tracks and test areas in long series of tests under the most demanding conditions, so that your individual driving 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 drives - an area of around 473 hectares with a wide variety of test tracks over a total length of more than 50 kilometres. 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 2.5 million kilometres 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.
The self-propelled motorcycle.
The self-propelled motorcycle.
We are constantly thinking about how we can make motorcycling even safer. Automation is part of your motorcycle safety. The self-propelled motorcycle is a prototype with which we do not, however, promote autonomous driving as such: We use the prototype to measure and collect data in order to further develop vehicle dynamics control systems. The aim is for dynamic control programs to detect dangerous situations at an early stage and thus support the rider, for example, at intersections, when turning off or when braking quickly.
Digitally networked for more comfort and security.
Digitally networked for more comfort and security.
BMW Motorrad is working hard to ensure that motorcycles are not forgotten in the mobility of the future. The main focus here is on communication between vehicles (V2V communication) via digital networking. In this respect, BMW Motorrad is currently researching intelligent rider assistance systems that should lead to greater safety in road traffic and greater comfort for motorcyclists. For example, an 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. So that you can make your vehicle even more personal. The question of which parts will go into series production in the future is exciting. Because with a with a holder for the roof cover of the BMW i8 Roadster, series production has already 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 and has reached the benchmark in lightweight construction. However, the advantages are not only the lower weight of the carbon fibre 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. As the production of carbon is becoming ever faster and cheaper, you can be curious to see which parts will be used in BMW Motorrad's production vehicles in the future. Until they are ready for series production, complex hardness tests and endurance tests are carried out. In the curb test of the carbon wheels, 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.
VISION NEXT 100.
VISION NEXT 100.
In the beginning there was the vision. And it has taken a very specific shape at BMW Motorrad: with VISION NEXT 100, the mobility of the future has arrived in the present.
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 100 km/h.
Current Innovations
THE NEW BMW R 1250 GS.
THE NEW BMW R 1250 GS.
With the new BMW R 1250 GS, you can now experience the new Boxer even more directly. With impressive power, the new GS takes you into the next adventure: the increase in displacement to 1250 ccm and 136 hp brings you more performance - the maximum torque is 143 Nm. 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. Whether in the city, on the country road, on the motorway or off-road: New styles and colours, numerous technical details and exciting equipment options emphasise 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. The newly designed and updated app offers many optimized features and is perfectly suited for motorcycle navigation: With the "Windy Route" route option – and further interesting choices – you will experience the ultimate experience on your motorcycle.
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.
ECALL. THE INTELLIGENT EMERGENCY CALL.
ECALL. THE INTELLIGENT EMERGENCY CALL.
ECALL provides swift and reliable assistance right when you need it. The intelligent emergency call is always by your side and speaking your language whilst providing assistance in the case of accidents and emergency situations.
SIDE VIEW ASSIST.
SIDE VIEW ASSIST.
With the side view assist optional equipment, you have everything under control – even the things you can't see.
BMW SYSTEM 7 CARBON HELMET.
BMW SYSTEM 7 CARBON HELMET.
The System 7 Carbon gives you complete comfort – while remaining lightweight. Because the carbon helmet shell is manufactured in the elaborate prepreg process which allows 25% weight savings to be made compared to conventional procedures.
C EVOLUTION.
C EVOLUTION.
100% electric. 100% biking experience. The electric Maxi Scooter is the first of its kind and doesn't make any compromises. On the contrary, it makes a long lasting impression. The interplay between battery, engine and intelligent riding modes ensures a range of up to 160 km and takes you where you want to go in any urban jungle.
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 manoeuvres in bends.
