1996 Bmw R850r on 2040-motos

Moto blog

OEMs Plug into Electric Bikes

KTM introduced its prototype electric motorcycle earlier this week, and electric bike manufacturer Zero Motorcycles almost immediately responded by opening sales on its 2009 Zero X dirt bike (look for our review of the 2008 model next week!). But these two companies aren’t the only ones exploring the possibilities of electric-powered motorcycles. In September, Japan’s largest industrial information journal Nikkei Business Daily reported that both Honda and Yamaha have set target dates for launching their own electric-powered motorcycles.

BMW is Working On An Electric Boxer Motorcycle

BMW's electric future may have a nod to its past BMW released its second electric scooter earlier this year in the CE 04, and has made clear it plans to produce more electric two-wheelers in the near future. Oliver Zipse, chairman of the board of management for BMW AG, recently went as far as to say BMW Motorrad will introduce a new electric two-wheeler every 18 to 24 months, with the next model coming in 2023. While the initial models will be scooters or “urban mobility vehicles,” BMW is expected to eventually add electric motorcycles to its lineup.

Turn your BMW into a fire engine

German fire engine and pump manufacturer Rosenbauer have utilised the ubiquitous BMW 1200 boxer engine to produce a powerful and lightweight water pump.  The engine runs as normal, using it's torqey qualities to power the high pressure waterpump attached.  Firefighters can carry this compact pump closer to the fire, and go where the normal fire engine cannot reach.