BMW The Ultimate Riding Machine

BMW Motorrad has become the first motorcycle manufacturer to offer ABS as standard on every motorcycle in the range. All of the model year 2013 motorcycles, beginning with the recently announced F 700 GS and F 800 GS, will be fitted with anti-lock braking systems.

As a manufacturer, BMW Motorrad has always been at the forefront of two-wheeled innovation by making high-end motorcycle safety devices, including ABS, Dynamic Traction Control, Electronic Suspension Adjustment and Adaptive Headlights,  available to the majority of riders, as well as ensuring they are effortless to use in everyday riding.

This commitment to making motorcycles as safe as possible, without intruding on the enjoyment of riding, is at the core of BMW Motorrad’s Safety 360º principal. Safety 360º is an integrated approach to motorcycling safety which considers three key areas: safety technology in the motorcycle, protective clothing, and rider training – in combination to make motorcycling safer and more enjoyable.

Tony Jakeman, Marketing Manager for BMW Motorrad UK, said: “BMW Motorrad is now the first manufacturer to offer ABS as standard on every new model, from the entry-level single G 650 GS, to the S 1000 RR supersport bike. While this may seem like a big change, it’s very much the next logical step. Customers have a huge range of factory options and accessories which they can customise their new BMW motorcycle with, and over 90% of customers in the UK already choose to include ABS.

“This commitment to innovative safety initiatives is a hallmark of BMW Motorrad, and can be seen as part of our Safety 360º strategy. At the heart of everything we do is a consideration of how technology, clothing and training can help improve the rider experience. We offer the complete programme. Riders can choose a BMW motorcycle and a full range of suitable protective clothing, before joining BMW Motorrad on a programme of exciting and engaging training - a prospect that is truly unique in the motorcycle industry.”

BMW Motorrad and ABS – a history.

BMW Motorrad made history in 1988 when it introduced the first motorcycle with ABS, going on to make the feature available on every model in the range, an option currently taken up by over 90% of UK customers.

The technology took a further leap forwards with the cutting edge Race ABS, available on the BMW S 1000 RR Sport, which operates in tandem with the Dynamic Traction Control and optimises braking performance, whether on the road or track.

ABS has a proven safety benefit to motorcycles. Studies by the FIA show that ABS reduces emergency braking distances for motorcycles by up to 25% and believes that ABS would have reduced, or avoided completely, up to 23% of all motorcycle accidents*.

BMW Motorrad’s safety innovations.

Further innovations which have been offered throughout the BMW Motorrad range include the Telelever and Duolever suspension, which separate braking and turning forces and allow riders to brake into a corner if the need arises, and the unique Electronic Suspension Adjustment systems, which make customising the motorcycle’s setup on the move as simple as pressing a button.

BMW Motorrad has also been ahead of the curve with traction control, offering Automatic Stability Control (ASC) on a range of models in 2006 and, in a world first, introducing a 1000cc serial production sportsbike with Dynamic Traction Control in 2009, which used the banking angle of the motorcycle as an additional parameter.

The trend continues with passive safety innovations including the world’s first Adaptive Headlight in motorcycle use on the K 1600 GT and GTL in 2011 and the first highly effective daytime running light on the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT. A glimpse at future innovations was offered on 2011’s Advanced Safety Concept motorcycle, which featured eCall emergency notification, active monitoring of the road and other vehicles and constant communication between the motorcycle and others to ensure riders are pre-warned of approaching hazards.

Safety derived from rider equipment.

The use of rider equipment to ensure maximum comfort for the rider and minimise the potential consequences of accidents is a factor which BMW Motorrad has embraced for decades. BMW Motorrad developed the first helmet based on modern safety considerations as long ago as 1976. In 1978, BMW Motorrad was the first motorcycle manufacturer to present an entire range of clothing: BMW Rider Equipment.

The range continues to grow and can fully kit out riders of every category, from touring to commuter, and racer to adventure rider. In addition to creating its own NP protectors, which are both more effective and more flexible than standard CE-approved armour, for motorcycle suits, as well as high quality boots and gloves, the Neck Brace System introduced in 2007 is another cutting edge contribution to rider safety.

Safety derived from rider training.

BMW Motorrad believes in the benefits of individually-tailored rider training courses to meet all needs, from beginners through to highly-experienced motorcyclists. Through its World of BMW partners in the UK, BMW Motorrad offers a truly unique programme of self-improvement which begins with giving non-riders the chance to get their licence, improve their skills on the road and gain advanced rider qualifications, learn to ride off-road on GS adventure-sports motorcycles, enjoy riding tours all over the world and hone their skills on some of the UK’s finest race circuits.

In addition to on-bike training, riders can also compliment their skills with motorcycle-focused first aid courses as well as learn essential bike preparation and maintenance techniques to help prepare for riding adventures.