Moto blog
2014 BMW R nineT Production Begins
Tue, 03 Dec 2013The first production models of the BMW R nineT roadster have rolled off the assembly line in Berlin. The R nineT is a special model for BMW, representing the company’s 90 years in the motorcycle industry, so it’s no surprise the start of production was made with much fanfare. BMW invited 100 guests including the team from German customization studio Urban Motor to watch assembly of the first three units of the R nineT including the final dynamometer testing where more than 1,000 different parameters are measured before a motorcycle can be released.
BMW Begins Motorcycle Production in Thailand
Thu, 28 Nov 2013BMW has opened a new motorcycle assembly line at the company’s factory in Thailand. The facility will initially only produce F800R roadsters from complete knock-down kits for the Thai market, though BMW plans to eventually make the facility a production hub for other Asian markets. The Thai facility is BMW’s first wholly-owned motorcycle assembly plant outside of Germany, though the company does share facilities in Manaus, Brazil with local manufacturer DAFRA Motos.
46,061 Motorcycles Stolen in US in 2012
Mon, 25 Nov 2013An average of 126 motorcycles were stolen in the U.S. every day in 2012, according to a report released by the the National Insurance Crime Bureau. That’s from a total of 46,061 motorcycles reported stolen that year a 1.3% improvement from the 46,667 motorcycles reported stolen in 2011.
Michelin Launches New Pilot Road 4 Sport-Touring Tire
Fri, 22 Nov 2013Coming in 2014 is an all-new range of motorcycle tires from Michelin, available in three versions: the Michelin Pilot Road 4, Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT and Michelin Pilot Road 4 Trail. Covering virtually every category of sport-touring motorcycle, the Pilot Road 4 line is well suited for motorcycles over 600cc. They were designed to deliver maximum safety in the most common conditions of use, especially on wet roads and in particular when braking. In its press release Michelin also claims extended tire life, which we assume is in comparison to the Pilot Road 3.
2014 BMW K1600 GTL Exclusive Revealed
Wed, 20 Nov 2013When it comes to moto-touring in the lap of luxury, BMW’s K1600 GTL Exclusive, the latest iteration of the K1600 lineup, promises the kind of high-class riding experience BMW is known for. The K1600 GTL Exclusive takes luxury touring to another level, both visually and functionally. As with the rest of the K1600 line, the lynchpin of the model range is the uber-sweet 1649cc inline-Six capable of 129 ft.-lbs. of torque, 70% of that is available at just 1500 rpm.
BMW C Evolution Police-Spec Electric Scooter Concept
Fri, 15 Nov 2013BMW will present a new police-spec version of its C Evolution electric scooter at an upcoming police and state security trade show in Paris. Debuting at the Milipol 2013 show Nov. 19-22, the police edition BMW C Evolution concept will illustrate the potential of electric scooters for police, rescue or escort activities.
Jeremy Burgess Out and Silvano Galbusera In as Valentino Rossi’s Crew Chief
Mon, 11 Nov 2013Valentino Rossi has parted ways with longtime crew chief Jeremey Burgess, ending a partnership that extended across 14 years and three different manufacturers while capturing seven MotoGP and 500cc Grand Prix World Championships. Burgess will be replaced by Louis CK lookalike Silvano Galbusera, a veteran crew chief and mechanic whose most extensive experience comes from World Superbike and Supersport racing. As crew chief and/or technical director, Galbusera has worked with an impressive roster of riders including Troy Corser, Noriyuki Haga, Cal Crutchlow and Ben Spies.
2006-2009 BMW F800ST and F800S Recalled in Canada
Fri, 08 Nov 2013Transport Canada announced a recall for the BMW F800S and F800ST from model years 2006-2009 because of a problem with the rear wheel. At the moment, the recall has only been confirmed for Canada; we will provide an update if a recall for the U.S. is announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
EICMA 2013: 2014 Bimota BB3 Featuring BMW S1000RR Engine – Video
Thu, 07 Nov 2013Italian manufacturer Bimota celebrates its 40th anniversary this year with a new change in ownership and the EICMA unveiling of the BB3 sportbike. “Bimota is really charming with an incredible brand that deserves to go back to its former glory by combining technological innovation with its rich history of passion, heart and outstanding achievements,” says Marco Chianciani, new president and c0-owner of Bimota with Daniele Longoni. “We are working to organize better all business processes to meet this challenge with the right enthusiasm and preparation.
EICMA 2013: 2014 BMW nineT First Impressions – Video
Tue, 05 Nov 2013We were one of two US motorcycle publications to attend the unveiling of the 2014 BMW nineT in Munich a few weeks ago. The unique roadster was designed to both embody and celebrate the 90 years of BMW motorcycles by emphasizing the archetypical form of BMW’s qualities. Now, as part of the EICMA 2013 show, the rest of the world media and the public who are lucky enough to be in Milan get a chance to throw a leg over one.