Vines Guildford Motorrad Latest News

28 May 2014

BMW Roadster Revolution

BMW "Concept Roadster" – BMW Roadster Revolution.

The aspirations of BMW Motorrad with regard to future generations of boxer-powered roadsters take concrete, emotionally charged shape at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2014 in the form of the BMW Concept Roadster. Last year BMW Motorrad presented the BMW Concept Ninety here - a modern interpretation of a classic BMW motorcycle with boxer engine that demonstrated just how emotional a retrospective on 90 years of BMW Motorrad can be. "By contrast, the contemporary emotional appeal of the BMW Concept Roadster shows that, as far as BMW is concerned, motorcycling is much more than just perfect function," explains Edgar Heinrich, Head of BMW Motorrad Design.

Classic values interpreted in modern style.

The BMW Concept Roadster is a typical BMW roadster with a powerful 2-cylinder boxer engine, single-sided swing arm with cardan drive and a light tubular space frame. It interprets these classic elements in the most state-of-the-art, dynamic form. "The BMW Concept Roadster is exciting to look and at least as exciting to ride," says Ola Stenegard, Head of Vehicle Design BMW Motorrad, of the BMW Concept Roadster.

The BMW boxer engine has always promised impressive performance and supreme power delivery across the entire engine speed range. In its latest generation it generates 92 kW (125 bhp) at 7,750 rpm from 1,170 cc with a maximum torque of 125 Nm at 6,500 rpm. The engine is also visually mid-point of the BMW Concept Roadster. The compact proportions with low front and high rear form a wedge-shaped silhouette around it which accelerates the bike even when stationary. The crouching posture with a powerful focus on the front wheel and the very short rear promise agile, light-footed handling. Split colouring makes for a visual separation of the dark engine area below and the light seating area above with the fuel tank and rear section. The dark bottom section moves the BMW Concept Roadster visually closer to the road surface, thereby emphasising a road-oriented riding experience. Meanwhile the lighter coloured upper section conveys lightness and a low visual centre of gravity.

The headlamp presents a modern, dynamic interpretation of the classic circular headlamp. Matted LED light banks in full LED technology shape the distinctive "face" of the BMW Concept Roadster, giving it an extremely technical look. What is more, the LED technology makes the headlamp mask flat and very light-looking from the side perspective. Behind it, a reduced instrument panel provides all the relevant information in exclusive, high-end style.

Emotional surface configuration.

The interplay between the fuel tank, seat and radiator is modelled to perfection in flowing style. The experienced hands of the BMW modellers have given the surfaces an emotional quality that no computer would be capable of recreating. The surfaces provide a detailed reflection of the characteristics of the BMW Concept Roadster: the sculpturally designed fuel tank in Sparkling Light White expresses the forward-looking orientation and dynamic performance of the BMW Concept Roadster with its precise modelling. Its shape also provides an ergonomically perfect knee grip for optimum handling. A cover made of matted stainless steel adds a high-end yet robust accentuation at the centre of the fuel tank.

Light and finely wrought - the aluminium rear.

A striking highlight develops out of the fuel tank: the steep rear section made of gloss milled aluminium. The self-supporting rear structure is fashioned from a single piece, thereby enabling a very reduced and finely wrought rear element. The deliberately visible milling marks create a rough, almost industrial look which contrasts with the painted and anodised surfaces. The expressively modelled surfacing on the top and bottom of the rear element finely translates the emotional aspirations of the BMW Concept Roadster. The integrated single seat is borrowed visually from motor racing - a stylish interpretation of the bike's dynamic ambitions. Meanwhile a Neon Yellow accent in the lower area of the seat cushion adds a bold dash of colour contrast underneath the perforated Alcantara leather. Additional colour accents in Neon Yellow are to be found on the valve covers and on the cooling ribs inside the air inlets of the side trim, further breaking up the overall view from the side. The tubular space frame provides a visual highlight as a load-bearing element in Sparkling Racing Blue, a highly expressive finish that lends a touch of modern sporty style to a traditional element of a boxer-powered BMW roadster. With the interplay of the typical BMW Motorrad white on the fuel tank along with the radiant blue, the tank and frame present a characteristic yet also contemporary interpretation of the traditional BMW Motorrad colours.

Premium-quality milled aluminium parts.

In addition to the rear structure, there are other milled aluminium parts which underscore the technically sculptured look from the side perspective. The most prominent features here are the lateral air intakes. They are also made of gloss aluminium with milling marks and are shown to excellent effect against the black surfaces of the radiator. They trace a triangle open to the front which is formally based on the "gill" elements of the BMW supersports motorcycles. Performing the function of channelling air to the radiator, they also emphasise the dynamic gesture of the side. The cooling ribs in Neon Yellow inside them are only seen on closer inspection.

One particular detail is the valve covers made of milled aluminium: their three-dimensional shaping lends a forward orientation to the fuel tank surfaces, giving the BMW boxer engine a highly athletic look. In addition, a protection pad on the valve covers indicates that the BMW Concept Roadster can and should be taken round bends at an extreme banking angle. Inspired by the knee pads of a racing suit, it gives the BMW Concept Roadster a touch of motor racing flair. An accent in Neon Yellow further underscores this radical element.

Innovation in form and function - the engine spoiler.

Form and function are innovatively combined in the future-oriented engine spoiler. In the BMW Concept Roadster, it not only performs an aerodynamic function but also incorporates the entire front silencer. Along with the short, steep tailpipe of the exhaust system, the engine spoiler concentrates form and function around the engine. In doing so it emphasises the compact, dynamic statement of the side as well as the short rear. Over and above the high-end milled parts, the BMW Concept Roadster comprises nothing but the very best quality high-performance components. The fork tubes, rear shock absorber and brakes are elegantly set apart by their anodized colouring, giving the BMW Concept Roadster an exclusive touch of sporty flair.

For the best offers on new BMW Motorcycles please visit the website of Vines Guildford Motorrad CLICK HERE.

posted by Anonymous at 20:04

20 May 2014

Best Sports Motorcycles 2014

BMW Motorrad celebrates eight podium places in the readers' vote for the "Best Sports Motorcycles 2014" run by sports motorcycle magazine PS. BMW HP4 is named the "Best Sports Motorcycle over 750 cc".

With a total of eight podium positions in the categories "Sport", "Naked", "Enduro" and "Allrounder", BMW Motorrad achieved an excellent result in the readers' vote for the "Best Sports Motorcycles 2014" run by sports motorcycle magazine PS. Readers voted for the BMW HP4 as the "Best Sports Motorcycle over 750 cc". In the brand ranking, BMW Motorrad achieved an outstanding second place.

The BMW HP4 and the S 1000 RR were placed in a superb first and third place respectively in the category "Best Sports Motorcycle over 750 cc". PS readers thereby recognised these two models' outstanding combination of 4-cylinder performance, Race ABS and Dynamic Traction Control DTC as well as the semiactive suspension technology Dynamic Damping Control DDC for supersports-oriented riding dynamics. The HP4 also finished second in the generic category "Best Sports Motorcycle".

Represented in this vote for the first time, the BMW Motorrad models S 1000 R and R nineT achieved further podium positions of second and third respectively in the category "Best Naked Bike". By voting the S 1000 R into second place, participating PS readers showed their appreciation of this model's consistent design as a sporty roadster with the very highest level of driving dynamics. The third place for the R nineT reflects the high level of popularity obtained by the bike's synthesis of classic design, painstakingly detailed workmanship and cutting-edge technology among the sports-oriented readership.

The new BMW R 1200 GS finished second in the category "Best Enduro/Supermoto", while the well-established K 1300 S demonstrated its qualities as a long-distance sports machine in the "Best Sports Allrounder".

BMW Motorrad achieved an outstanding second place in the ranking "Best Motorcycle Brand".

Stephan Schaller, Head of BMW Motorrad, on the results of the readers' vote:
"I am glad to see that our motorcycles - especially the R nineT - have achieved such a high level of popularity among a group of readers oriented especially towards sports machines. I should like to thank PS readers most sincerely for their support. I am particularly happy to see that our top models HP4 and
S 1000 RR once again performed impressively in the "Sport" category with their innovative technologies."

The award ceremony was held on May 15th 2014 in Pforzheim, Germany.

For the best offers on new BMW Motorcycles please visit the website of Vines Guildford Motorrad CLICK HERE.

Labels: BMW HP4

posted by Anonymous at 16:49

07 May 2014

The new BMW C evolution.

Dynamic riding fun with zero emissions.

The arrival of the new C evolution marks the start of a new chapter in the urban mobility segment for BMW Motorrad. The two conventionally powered maxi scooter models – the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT – already succeed in combining the superb ride qualities of a motorcycle with the specific agility of a scooter and the design’s inherent comfort. The new electrically powered C evolution now goes even further by fusing riding fun and dynamism with the benefits of zero-emission performance to create a whole new experience on two wheels.

In keeping with the BMW Group’s sustainability strategy, BMW Motorrad is taking a fully committed approach to electric mobility. As with BMW i, development of the C evolution revolved around creating a visionary vehicle concept offering maximum everyday practicality and an inspirational design.

Powerful drive unit with liquid-cooled electric motor and air-cooled high-voltage battery. Range of 100 kilometres (62 miles) under practical conditions.

The C evolution is powered by a drivetrain swing arm with liquid-cooled permanent magnet synchronous motor via a toothed belt and ring gearing. The rated power output is 11 kW (15 hp), with a peak output of 35 kW (47 hp). This enables the C evolution to achieve a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph, electronically limited) and gives it better acceleration than some maxi scooters powered by engines with displacements of 600 cc or more.

The generous 8 kWh capacity of the air-cooled lithium-ion high-voltage battery allows the two-wheeler to cover a range of up to 100 kilometres (62 miles) before it needs to be charged from any domestic mains supply. When plugged in to a standard 220V domestic socket with a 12A charge current, recharging fully from empty takes around 4 hours (with 220V / 16A = 3 h).

Intelligent recuperation and four ride modes ensure riding fun as well as efficiency.
BMW Motorrad has opted for a form of energy regeneration for the C evolution that has never been seen before on a single-track vehicle. Recuperation takes place automatically both when coasting with the throttle closed and when braking.

Riders of the C evolution can set their preferred mix of dynamic performance and efficiency by selecting from the four ride modes. In Road mode, for instance, they have at their disposal maximum acceleration, approximately 50 per cent energy regeneration when coasting and full regeneration when braking. In Eco Pro mode, meanwhile, acceleration and therefore energy consumption are restricted, while the maximum possible amount of energy is recuperated. Sail mode suppresses recuperation while coasting, allowing the C evolution to glide along virtually free of any braking effect when the throttle is released. And for an added touch of dynamism, Dynamic mode combines full accelerating power with a high degree of recuperation.

Supreme safety thanks to synergies with BMW Automobile.

As part of the BMW Group, BMW Motorrad was able to harness synergies with BMW Automobile during development of the C evolution. Besides adopting the same energy storage modules and electronic componentry used in the BMW i3, this was particularly beneficial for electrical safety, which is to passenger car standard. The C evolution is the first electrically powered two-wheeler to meet the ISO 26262 standard for functional safety and the ECE R100 standard governing high-voltage safety, both of which have been ratified by the leading carmakers.

As far as the chassis is concerned, the C evolution no longer has a main frame in the conventional sense. The central component here is the battery casing made from diecast aluminium, which has a steering head support made from steel tubing attached to it at the front and, at the rear, the single-sided swing arm as well as a rear frame, also made from steel tubing. The task of wheel suspension and damping is performed by an upside-down telehydraulic fork at the front and a spring strut mounted on the left at the rear. As on all vehicles from BMW Motorrad, the C evolution comes equipped with safety-boosting ABS together with powerful disc brakes as standard.

Torque Control Assist (TCA) for superior traction control.

The new C evolution is available with Torque Control Assist (TCA), which works in a similar way to the Automatic Stability Control feature on BMW motorcycles with combustion engines. TCA limits the motor’s torque depending on the slip at the rear wheel.

To ensure optimum controllability of the drive torque for the rider, the electric motor’s control electronics monitor the rear wheel speed and reduce the drive torque if a certain plausibility threshold is exceeded. TCA is a particularly useful aid for the rider when starting off and prevents uncontrolled spinning of the rear wheel on road surfaces with reduced grip (e.g. wet cobblestones).

The Torque Control Assist additionally serves to stop the rear wheel from skidding when a sharp rate of recuperation produces a correspondingly high level of drag torque, especially on slippery road surfaces.

Large TFT colour display and LED daytime running light.

A host of other features further underline the innovative character of the C evolution. It is equipped with a reversing aid, for instance, that enables easy manoeuvring at walking pace. There is also a first in the form of an LED daytime running light, which additionally dims to double as the sidelight. And for added comfort on cold days, there are heated handlebar grips.

A large TFT colour display in the instrument cluster offers a wealth of information. Apart from the current speed, the rider is also kept informed of data such as the average consumption in kWh/100 km, total power consumption, battery charge status in kWh, average speed, voltage of the on-board electrical system and the high-voltage system, as well as the remaining range in kilometres taking into account the selected ride mode. A bar graph furthermore indicates the current level of energy draw or regeneration.

Inspirational design.

Last but not least, the C evolution also charts new territory in terms of styling and colour scheme. Design-wise, the C evolution fits harmoniously into the BMW Motorrad family, while the colour combination of Light White non-metallic and Electric Green symbolises its ability to blend maximum eco-friendliness with superb dynamic performance.

The highlights at a glance:

Innovative electric drive system via drivetrain swing arm with liquid-cooled permanent magnet synchronous motor, toothed belt and ring gearing.
Rated power output 11 kW (homologated according to ECE R85) and 35 kW peak output.
Maximum torque 72 Nm (53 lb-ft).
Top speed 120 km/h (75 mph).
Acceleration 0 – 50 km/h (31 mph) in 2.7 s.
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.2 s.
High range of 100 kilometres (62 miles) in practical operation.
4 ride modes available to choose from: Road, Eco Pro, Sail and Dynamic.
Reversing aid for supremely easy manoeuvring.
Torque Control Assist (TCA).
High-voltage battery with high capacity of 8 kWh and innovative air cooling.
Intelligent recuperation when coasting and when braking.
Recharged from the domestic mains supply.
Takes just 4 h to charge to 100 % capacity at 220V / 12A (220V / 16A = 3 h).
Synergies with BMW Automobile harnessed during development.
Electrical safety to passenger car standards.
Hybrid chassis with agile handling due to low centre of gravity.
Powerful braking system with ABS.
Large TFT colour display.
LED daytime running light and sidelight.
Inspirational colour scheme and design.