Battle of the adventure tourers: Ducati vs BMW vs KTM vs Triumph

The Ducati Multistrada 1200 takes on the KTM 990 SMT, BMW R1200GS and Triumph Tiger 1050

BMW F800R Video and Photos

We'll Meet Again is Markus Hofmann's short film featuring the BMW F800R...

BMW S1000RR stars in Black Eyed Peas music video

The BMW S1000RR makes an appearance in Black Eyed Peas' new music video, I'mma be rocking that body. The video is kind of cool, even if you aren't into their kind of music

Ducati 599 Mono concept from Australia

Oh yes, the Ducati 599 Mono looks totally cool...

Remember the early-1990s Ducati Supermono? Light, fast, exotic and because it was so expensive, simply inaccessible to most people, the Supermono was powered by a high-tech 549cc engine that made 75bhp. With its 118-kilo kerb weight, the ’Mono still managed to hit a top speed of 225km/h and according to those who’ve ridden one, it handled like a proper racebike.

Now, while Ducati made the last Supermono back in 1996, there still seems to be no dearth of enthusiasts who want a modern-day interpretation of the iconic original. Take 23-year-old Dan, for example, who sent us his artist’s impression of what he calls the Ducati 599 Mono, which is supposed to have a single-cylinder engine rather than the usual Bolognese v-twin.

Based in Sydney, Australia, Dan has a degree in Industrial Design and loves motorcycles. He currently rides a Ducati Pantah 600 which he’s restored himself and which he says is a lovely (if slow!) old bike.

‘I’ve had the idea of a sporting single in my head for a while now, and really wanted a Ducati 450 single when I was younger. Ducati have a really strong tradition of single-cylinder sportsbikes so I decided to capitalise on that heritage using the technology developed in Terblanche’s Supermono project, which never became a road-legal bike, although beautiful road–legal replicas are now being made,’ says Dan. ‘I just really like the idea of a sporting single in terms of a weekend ‘scratcher.’ Realistic power output in a light chassis just sounds so much fun! Clearly it’s something manufacturers are thinking about with the KTM RC4 being recently leaked and many riders are so enthusiastic about the proposal,’ he adds.

‘Ducati, compared to the Japanese Big Four, clearly chase different markets, which is reflected in their design. I’ve always liked the styling of Ducatis – Tamburini’s 916 is a masterpiece – to make something regarded as beautiful by almost the entire motorcycling community is rare,’ said Dan when we asked him about what he thinks of Japanese vs Italian motorcycle design.

‘The styling of the 999 probably pushed a bit too hard and so alienated a lot of riders. I think the 1098 is a reaction to that; it’s certainly a lot more conservative than the 916 and 999 and more ‘Japanese’ in many ways. It’s very inoffensive and has been selling like hot cakes, which is good for the company’s bottom line but perhaps not so good for setting new standards in motorcycle design as did the 916 in 1994,’ concludes Dan.

Well, we certainly like the 599 Mono concept and we hope someday Ducati will revive the old Supermono and actually build something on the lines of Dan’s 599 Mono.

BMW S1000RR takes on Japanese litre-class superbikes, and wins!

The BMW S1000RR goes up against the R1, Fireblade, GSX-R1000 and ZX-10R, and comes out on top! Pretty amazing

BMW C1-E: concept

This is what a safe, environment-friendly and highly practical single track vehicle for city traffic could look like in the future. BMW Motorrad developed the C1-E study as a contribution to the European safety project eSUM. This study unit is based on the concept of the BMW C1. It is characterized by a very high level of active and passive safety and is driven by an electric motor.

The BMW C1-E provides exemplary protection for its rider. This is ensured by the safety cell with the conspicuous roll-over bar which dynamically spans the rider seat in combination with the energy-absorbing impact element at the nose end. A further special point is that the C1-E rider wears a seat-belt. In the study this safety feature is highlighted by red belts and belt buckles.

Visually the concept vehicle expresses brand typical sheer driving pleasure and clearly distinguishes itself from typical scooter looks. Its lines are dynamically stretched and flow horizontally with a low visual centre of gravity. The fairing with its windscreen, the luggage space behind the rider and the side stand for effortless parking ensure high suitability for everyday riding combined with a high degree of wind and weather protection.

The electric motor employed in the study has been designed for city use and is based on components by the company Vectrix. The motor obtains its power from a lithium-ion battery and thus possesses sufficient power for mastering most inner-city traffic riding with ease. Alternatively the vehicle could also be equipped with an efficient, low-emissions internal combustion engine.

The safety features of the C1-E have been taken from the former BMW C1 and further enhanced. BMW’s avant-garde two-wheeler is regarded as a milestone in safety on two wheels. It is the only motorised single-track vehicle to be exempt from mandatory helmet wearing in almost all European countries.

This BMW Motorrad study is to remain the only model of its kind. Series production is currently not planned. Nevertheless, findings from the project will find their way into other future developments in the field of single-track vehicles.

eSUM stands for European Safer Urban Motorcycling. It is a cooperation project between major urban European motorcycling centres and motorcycle manufacturers. The cities currently involved in the project include Paris, Rome, Barcelona and London and the manufacturers are BMW and Piaggio.

The advantage of two-wheeled transportation is that it offers a great opportunity for improving the flow of traffic in urban locations. Moreover, it is environmentally friendly and lends itself to individualisation. However, the vast majority of accidents occur in urban traffic, in areas where 80 percent of the population live. The idea behind eSum is to look into ways of countering this trend. The joint goal is the identification, development, and practical demonstration of measures which are able to guarantee safe motorcycle and motor-scooter transport in the inner-city traffic of the future.

One of BMW Motorrad’s major concerns over the last twenty years has been the improvement of motorcycle safety. This was amply demonstrated by the consistent strategy which has led to the Motorrad ABS and continued with its long-term ongoing development. Only a few weeks ago, on August 31, the 1,000,000th BMW motorcycle with Integral ABS, a BMW K 1300 R, left the production line in Berlin-Spandau.

Since 2005, a series of further active safety features have been developed to enhance the safety BMW motorcycles still further: RDC Tyre Pressure Control, ASC Anti-Slip Control, the new Race ABS and the DTC Traction Control incorporated in the new BMW S 1000 RR, not to mention the innovative range of BMW Motorrad rider equipment.

Over and above this, BMW Motorrad is also conducting research into forward-looking rider assistance systems designed to increased road safety, as part of the ConnectedRide project. Features being looked at include cross-traffic and traffic-light assistance as well as a warning system for impending poor weather, road obstacles, an approaching emergency vehicle, or sudden braking manoeuvres.

Source: Babez

First pics and specs 2010 BMW R1200GS, R1200RT

The 2010 BMW R1200GS/Adventure and R1200RT feature improvements in all areas, including engine, chassis and suspension performance as well as ergonomics

BMW have released pics and specs of the 2010 R1200GS and R1200RT bikes. Both machines are fitted with an updated version of BMW’s 1,170cc boxer twin, which now produces 110 horsepower at 7,750rpm and 120Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. Engine internals come from the sportier, more aggressive HP2 Sport and include double overhead cams (DOHC), bigger inlet and exhaust valves, lighter, forged aluminium pistons and bigger throttle bodies for the fuel injectors. Also, the revised (slightly lower) gear ratios help improve acceleration.

Both bikes are available with ABS and optional electronic suspension adjustment (ESA II). Both bikes get LED headlamps, while the RT also gets an MP3 audio system with USB connectivity and iPod compatibility, redesigned fairing for improved weather protection and an electrically operated windshield. A lower seat, better suited for shorter riders, is available as an option on the GS/Adventure.

Various new colours are available, including red, white, silver, black and yellow. Prices for both the BMWs will be announced later this month.

Source : Faster and Faster

New Bike BMW S1000RR What lies beneath...

A useful video that provides an in-depth look at the BMW S1000RR's bits and pieces. It all looks and sounds pretty impressive, but the only thing is, can this BMW take on bikes like the Aprilia RSV4, Ducati 1198S and the 2009 R1? Hmm... we suppose we'll find out over the next few months!

BMW HP2 Megamoto: Pikes Peak Edition for Japan

The BMW HP2 Pikes Peak special, only for Japan...
Pic: Motoblog

BMW are doing a limited edition HP2 Megamoto for the Japanese market. The bike will be a replica of the Megamoto which BMW Motorrad / BMW USA Sierra raced at the Pikes Peak hill climb event last year. Intially, only 40 units of the HP2 Pikes Peak Edition will be built, though BMW may consider building more if there is enough demand.

The HP2 Pikes Peak will feature race-replica paintjob and stickers but will remain stock mechanically. The 1,200cc boxer twin will still produce 113bhp at 7,500rpm and top speed for the 199kg (wet weight) bike will be around 200km/h. The bike will cost 2.7 million Yen (US$27,000) in Japan and you’d have to pay 2.82 million Yen if you opt for ABS.

BMW bikes in action at the Pikes Peak hill climb

BMW S600RR to be shown in 2009?

A computer mock-up of BMW's S6RR / S600RR, which might be officially unveiled in 2009
Pic: Motociclismo

According to a report on Motociclismo, BMW are working on a new 600cc supersports machine, which will be officially unveiled by late-2009. To be called the S6RR or the S600RR, the bike is likely to have a 600-675cc three-cylinder engine, and single-side front suspension.

We’ve earlier done reports on Benelli and MV Agusta working on brand-new 600cc supersport machines, and now it’s BMW. So maybe the Triumph Daytona 675 has finally inspired other European bike manufacturers after all…

The 2009 BMW F800R is likely to be on display at the upcoming EICMA in Milan

BMW are also reported to be working on a new, high-performance ‘Maxiscooter,’ which, along with the new F800R, could possibly be unveiled at the upcoming EICMA show in Milan.

BMW K1300S, R and GT expected in 2009

These are, supposedly, the first official pics of the 2009 K1300R, K1300S and K1300GT. More pics and details here

According to a report on Solomoto, BMW are working on the next iteration of the K1200S – the K1300S. BMW are expected to show the new K1300S alongside the S1000RR superbike, at the INTERMOT and/or the EICMA show later this year. The company is also likely to unveil the K1300R and K1300GT variants at the same time.

The K1300S will be fitted with a new 1300cc inline-four, which is expected to produce around 180 horsepower. The bike will keep the Duolever front suspension and shaft-drive/single-sided swingarm from the K1200S, but the suspension is likely to be much more refined, and will offer more adjustability.

In terms of styling, we wouldn’t expect anything radical – an evolution of the K1200S lines seems more likely. The same would be true for the K1300R, K1300R Sport and K1300GT, all of which will use the new 1300cc engine and an evolution of their respective styling. And, yes, BMW are also expected to show the new F800R at the INTERMOT/EICMA shows.

First official pics 2009 BMW K1300R, K1300S and K1300GT

The 2009 BMW K1300R looks smoking hot!!

Pics: MotoFlash, Solo Moto

Last month, we wrote about the possibility of BMW launching the K1300 series (R, S and GT) for 2009. And now, barely three weeks after that, we found this first official pics of the three bikes on MotoFlash and Solo Moto! (Well, at least the pics look reasonably ‘official’ though... we are, somehow, a bit suspicious... Could this be an elaborate hoax…?!)

Anyway, we hope the pics are real. And going by the details available, the meanwhile, the 2009 K1300R is supposed to weigh in at 217 kilos, the engine produces 173 horsepower, and the bike gets ESA II electronic suspension adjustment (optional), ABS and ASC traction control. A quickshifter system, which allows clutchless, push-button gearchanges, is also optional on the K1300R, which will be available in new colours – orange, gray/black and white.

The 2009 BMW K1300S

The 2009 K1300S weighs 228 kilos, packs 175bhp, gets the new quickshifter system (optional), ESA II (optional), ABS and ASC traction control. The bike will be available in orange, white and black/silver-gray.

The 2009 BMW K1300GT

The same 1,292cc inline-four, in the 2009 K1300GT, makes 160bhp. The bike gets an electrically adjustable windscreen, ABS and ASC. ESA II is optional, though the clutchless quickshifter is not available on the 1300GT. Colours available are orange, bronze, black and silver-gray.

Update: Ok, so the pics are real...!
2009 BMW K1300S: More pics, video and specs
2009 BMW K1300R: More pics, video and specs
2009 BMW K1300GT: More pics, video and specs