Pasukan Malaysia menamatkan saingan BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy 2020 di kedudukan ke-18.
Trio negara, Norizuan Abdullah, Chan Kiang Wei dan Mohd Zulfakar Mohd Alghaus – yang merupakan juara kelayakan Asia Tenggara – antara 23 pasukan yang bertanding dalam pengembaraan lebih 3,000 kilometer.
GS Trophy edisi ketujuh ini yang berlangsung selama lapan hari menyaksikan pasukan negara mengembara di bahagian utara dan selatan New Zealand.
Sementara itu, Pengarah Urusan BMW Group Malaysia, Harald Hoelzl, menyifatkan penyertaan pasukan Malaysia sebagai satu kebanggaan.
“Kami bangga dapat menyaksikan pasukan Malaysia beraksi di peringkat dunia kerana mereka bukan sahaja mewakili negara malah seluruh Asia Tenggara buat julung kalinya,” jelasnya.
Pada masa sama, selaku pelumba, Norizuan beranggapan beraksi di GS Trophy 2020 sebagai satu pencapaian tertinggi buat mereka bertiga.
“Mewakili Malaysia di International GS Trophy 2020 merupakan pencapaian terbesar kami. Meskipun bergelut di peringkat awal tetapi selepas bekerja keras kami muncul sebagai penunggang yang lebih baik.
“Saya percaya ini adalah objektif utama GS Trophy, menyatukan semua penunggang BMW. Bukan mudah untuk menamatkan kesemua peringkat sehingga ke garisan penamat,” jelasnya.
BMW Motorrad Malaysia melancarkan BMW F 900 R dan F 900 XR, motosikal segmen roadster dan sport touring bagi pasaran tempatan.
BMW F 900 R
Membuat penampilan sulung ketika di EICMA 2019 dan diberi jolokan The Twin, kedua-dua jentera bernadikan enjin 900cc ini menawarkan dua pengalaman tunggangan berbeza namun selesa.
BMW F 900 R merupakan jentera dengan pengayaan Sport yang menawarkan tunggangan lebih sporty.
Bagaimanapun, bagi peminat sport touring, F 900 XR merupakan jentera idaman bagi penunggang yang gemarkan tunggangan jarak jauh.
BMW F 900 R
Bagi memastikan keselesaan, F 900 XR dilengkapi dengan penghadang angin yang tinggi sekaligus menonjolkan lagi rupa motosikal pengembaraan.
F 900 R didatangkan dengan tangki 13 liter sementara F 900 XR mampu pergi lebih jauh dengan tangki 15.5 liter.
BMW F 900 XR
Kerangka belakang kedua-dua jentera turut dikemaskini dengan penggunaan bahan keluli sekaligus tampak lebih tirus dan kompak.
BMW F 900 XR
BMW F 900 R dan F 900 XR dilengkapi enjin 900cc yang menjana 105hp pada 8,750rpm dan 92Nm pada 6,500rpm namun menariknya, kedua-duanya menghasilan tork tinggi sekitar 87Nm pada rpm rendah – sekitar 4,500 hingga 8,500rpm.
BMW F 900 R
Antara ciri lain ditawarkan:
dua mod tunggangan – Rain dan Road
Automatic Stability Control (ASC)
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
ABS-Pro
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
Drag Torque Control (MSR)
Sistem infotainmen turut dipertingkat dengan paparan 6.5′ berwarna TFT yang boleh dilaras menerusi kawalan BMW Motorrad Multi-Controller.
BMW F 900 R dan F 900 XR boleh didapati di semua pengedar BMW Motorrad Malaysia bermula 29 Februari ini.
BMW Motorrad Malaysia has updated its current line-up of premium bikes with the introduction of the 2020 BMW F 900 R and BMW F 900 XR. The addition of the new models in the Roadster and Adventure ranges showcase the increasing popularity of the brand’s mid-range two-wheelers in the country. (more…)
BMW Motorrad Malaysia together with BMW Group Malaysia celebrates yet another successful year of sales back in 2019 where they manage to deliver a total of 11,567 units to customers nationwide. 1,125 units of them were bikes which showcased a consistent figure as compared to 2018 where they managed to sell 1,130 units of fine BMW Motorrad two-wheelers. (more…)
Auto Bavaria, the official custodian for BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad here in Malaysia, recently organised its first-ever overseas ride dubbed the Auto Bavaria Ride to Khao Yai. The six-day day was held in conjunction with BMW Motorrad Day in Thailand last month where 20 invited BMW bike owners travelled around 3,000km from Auto Bavaria Glenmarie showroom all the way to Khao Yai, North Thailand, and back. (more…)
We were given the honour to cover the 8 Hours of Sepang FIM EWC race from inside the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team.
We had an unprecedented access to what made them tick and the strategies involved.
The team finished third overall.
Excitement fills the air as the bikes were fired up for 8 Hours of Sepang FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC) race.
As adrenaline started coursing through the veins of the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team members, their cheerful disposition gave way to steely stares and clenched jaws. It’s time to go racing.
The Planned Start
A technician pushed the BMW S 1000 RR onto the pitlane with rider Ilya Mikhalchik following closely behind. As he reached for the started button, I braced myself as if squeezing my ear canals in anticipation of an exhaust blast. But… nothing… there was a slight roar from the titanium Akrapovic exhaust silencer but that was it. No eardrum assaulting, chest punching roar.
And away he went along with other riders. The technicians grabbed their equipment and hurried to the gate to the grid. By then, the first riders had completed their warm-up lap.
When the bikes returned to the grid, they were wheeled backwards and parked against the pitwall at an angle. The riders then went to the other side of the start finish straight. The factory BMW sat in fifth while the crew blanketed the rain Dunlop tyres with warmers again.
Alas, the rain started coming down in earnest with just 25 minutes before the start.
The Safety and Medical Cars were sent out to check but it was visible that the sheer volume of water had overwhelmed the drainage. The cars sent up huge plumes of spray.
By then there was a delay in starting the race and the field was given another sighting lap. The riders roared away in a whiteout wall of spray. Back in the pit, the team had their eyes transfixed on the TV monitors.
The riders tip-toed through every corner and there was still lots of standing water including at the apexes of Turns 5, 9, 13 and 14. There was a river-like puddle running across the track at the braking area for Turn 15.
Upon reaching the start/finish line, marshals instructed the riders to their bikes, away from the where they were supposed to start running from. A few minutes later, race direction suspended the start. Team managers were then called to the briefing room at 1:15pm. We feared the worst i.e. outright cancellation, but that decision never came.
Now, the long wait began.
The BMW Motorrad World Endurance crew didn’t look agitated, but they didn’t seem relaxed, either.
We waited.
This is how the stripped down BMW S 1000 RR endurance racebike looks like
The 1st Restart
The rain began abated somewhat by 2:30 pm. At 2:40 pm, a message flashed across all monitors at the track: PITLANE OPENS FOR 2 MINUTES AT 3:05 PM.
Yes! We’re finally going racing. As per endurance racing rules, the duration was shortened to 6 hours.
However, there was no Le Mans style start. Instead, the riders were flagged off one by one by a marshal holding the Jalur Gemilang (Malaysian flag). Again, a wall of spray hung in the air as the bikes made their way to Turn 1. Also this time, they had to follow the Safety Car (SC).
Photo credit FIM EWC
The spectators in the grandstands were excited. Kids who’ve been running around suddenly sat ran back to their parents’ arms and pointed excitedly at the track.
The SC took the grid past the finish line for Lap 1. There was still too much spray. They went past for Lap 2. Then Lap 3, Lap 4, everyone in the pits was hoping for the SC to turn off its emergency lights. It would mean that it would peel into the pits and let racing commence.
All teams began to prepare for the eventual pitstop by placing tools, axle stands, refueling rigs near the pit entrance. They also place spareparts and assemblies such as front ends, rear subframes, bodywork, radiators, etc. where they are within easy reach (in case of crashes or breakdowns).
The refueling can was placed nearby together with a large fire extinguisher. The refueling man’s helmet and Nomex gloves were placed on top of the fuel can. There’s no time to rush back into the pits for something!
Sadly, the SC never turned off it lights and pulled in at the end of Lap 8. The red flags went out signaling another race suspension.
Another team managers meeting was called at 5.00 pm. BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team’s manager Werner Daemen ran up the steps again to the briefing room.
The organizers, stewards and teams deliberated for more than an hour before coming to the decision to either race or suspend it outright. However, should they choose to restart, the race has to end at 9.00 pm.
Sources told us that the teams were eager to go on and it’ll be a shame to cancel since they had travelled so far for this race. It would’ve been 8 Hours of Rain if it were cancelled.
The 2nd Restart
Soon, the message RACE TO RESUME AT 6.00 PM appeared on the monitors. Mechanics rushed to the holding area to pick up their bikes. They were pushed back to outside the pits and parked on the “hot pit lane” (the red line) and waited for the signal from Race Direction.
At the sound of the air horn, mechanics rushed their bikes into their respective pits to begin working on them.
Why such ruling? So that everyone starts working on their bike from the same time as everyone else. No handicap.
The team mechanics jumped in to change the rear sprocket for a taller gearing, fresh wet tyres were installed. They gave the bike a one-over to make sure everything was alright.
The pit reopened at exactly 6.00 pm and every single person at the track was eager to see the race get going. The field first formed up behind the Safety Car and the riders must be in their qualifying order before the car turns off its warning lights to let the 50 riders loose.
Finally, it was time to race after a couple of laps behind the SC. The 8 Hours of Sepang was go.
By the end of the first restarted lap, it was Mike Di Meglio of F.C.C. TSR Honda (#5) who was challenging Michael Van Der Mark from the Yamaha Sepang Racing Team (#21) for the lead.
The #37 bike of the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team was in sixth at the end of the same lap, in a pack of four bikes including the Tecmas Racing #9 BMW S 1000 RR (older model). The Tecmas team’s pit neighbor’s the Motorrad’s pit.
Soon, a fierce battle developed up front between #5 and #21, as if it was the last few laps of a WorldSBK race.
The rain had stopped by the 4h 15 minute mark, but the track was still wet.
But neither leading rider backed down and they were pushing so hard that their bikes squirmed under hard braking. That frenetic racing saw a pace that no one else on the field could or want to match. While most of the field was lapping in the 2m 30s bracket, the dueling duo was circulating around in 2m 15s.
Meanwhile, #37 and #9 were locked in a battle of their own, and the former was briefly in fourth by the 4h 40 minute mark. The team members were glued to the TV monitors, a few mini-hopping up and down, a few chewed their fingernails.
Then it happened. V.D. Mark outbraked Di Meglio into Turn 15, but he went wide. Seeing the gap, Di Meglio stuck his bike up the inside. As V.D. Mark tried to tighten his line for the exit, he was surprised to find #5 there and lifted his #21 bike. Di Meglio was also surprised by the move and probably dabbed his front brake and lost the front tyre, which slid into #21’s rear tyre. It sent both men skidding off the track.
A huge roar went up all around the circuit and in the pits.
Di Meglio managed to pick up his bike first and continued racing, while V.D. Mark’s Yamaha was heavily damaged and had to return to his pit.
To give you an idea of how far they were ahead, Di Meglio rejoined the race in first place.
Into the Night
At the same time, #9 got the better of #37 and the latter dropped back to sixth. But four laps later, there was huge plume of white smoke leading into Turn 1. #9’s engine had gone bang in spectacular fashion. Peeking into our neighbours’ pit saw them slumped into their chairs. One of the crew members had told me during the start that they’re using Michelin tyres and gave the thumbs up. Michelin makes arguably the best rain tyres.
The Safety Car was called into action as the track crew removed the stricken bike from the gravel trap and to assess if any oil was dumped onto the track. It led the field for five laps.
During this time, BMW Motorrad team manager Daemen ran back and forth between the pit and pit wall, discussing their fueling strategy. He had told me earlier that the 24-liter tank could last between 26 to 27 laps in rainy conditions. But with the Safety Car period thrown into the mix, they needed to recalculate the bike’s fuel consumption. They also needed to figure out their pace in comparison to other competitors. Calling for a stop at the wrong time would be out of sync with field and cost them track position.
The mechanics began arranging different types of “stands” on the pit lane. They were all custom made for different purposes, including those to place the wheels. A loose wheel rolling down pit lane will be punished by a penalty.
They also prepared two types of Dunlop wet rear tyres, one intermediate and one full wet. The current rider will advise the team on which to choose.
At last, the #37 got the “BOX” message on his pit board. So do the other teams.
The bikes may appear slow on TV as they headed down pit lane, but they were fast in real life as the riders held on to the pit lane speed for as long as possible. The #37 flew into position in the blink of an eye and the four-man crew descended on it in that split second it stopped.
The wrenches went “rat-tat-tat-tat” in unison, the front and rear wheels came out, new ones went on, and and “rat-tat-tat-tat” again. But the mechanics also checked the nut with a torque wrench. (Here it was, where every second mattered, yet they still used torque wrenches, whereas most real-world mechanics never touch them.)
They yelled “GO!” to the fuel man and cleared away from the bike. With one swift motion, the biggest man in the pit (dressed in flame retardant suit) heaved the can above bike’s fuel tank and plunked it down into the dry break female coupling with an audible click, while another man stood by with the fire extinguisher. It took only a few seconds. He pulled the can off and the rider jumped on the bike, punched the starter button and away he went.
All these in less than 20 seconds.
You can watch video of the lightning fast pit stop below.
Countdown to the 8th Hour
We thought the field would settle into a rhythm. Instead, it was a crash fest.
Most riders crashed at Turn 5. Local riders know to stay away from apex as moisture seems to cling to that spot. The track was starting to dry but again, we local riders know that the Sepang International Circuit’s new surface may look dry while it’s still damp.
The most prominent crasher during this period was Mike Di Meglio on the #5 bike. While the earlier crash caused minor scrapes, this one saw extensive damage to the bike. He had to pit for repairs. His partner continued the race dead last but managed claw his way back to 21st at the 8th hour.
As the minutes ticked away, the top three began to emerge: YART Yamaha, Honda Asia-Dream Racing and BMW Motorrad World Endurance.
A second and last pitstop was called with 20 minutes to go. Again, the team did their choreographed magic. Again, they sent the rider and bike out in less than 20 seconds.
It’s all up to the rider now.
YART Yamaha was in an unassailable lead with one lap in hand, while the Honda Asia-Dream team was 1m 40s ahead in second.
By now, the BMW rider Mikhalchik was lapping 3 seconds a lap faster the leading pair, but there was no way in catching the second-placed team.
The team climbed atop the pit fence to welcome their rider home. It was their second podium finish in as many races. It’s a fantastic result by all means, considering that this is the first season for the factory BMW Motorrad team.
It was also the second podium of the year for Dunlop. (Remember, there’s a tyre war in the FIM EWC, unlike in MotoGP and WorldSBK.)
The next race will be the 24 Hueres Motos at the Bugati circuit in Le Mans, France on 18th and 19th April 2020.
We wish to record our heartfelt thanks to the BMW World Endurance Team for allowing us to cover the race along with them. Them team was very professional and they were very focused on their tasks at hand. It was a true honour to experience it firsthand.
A big thank you and appreciation to BMW Motorrad Malaysia also, for setting up the coverage.
Last but not lease, congratulations to the team and BMW Motorrad as a whole.
We were given access to the BMW Motorrad FIM Endurance World Championship Team’s pit.
There we saw the BMW S 1000 RR endurance racer.
The 8 Hours of Sepang FEWC race is happening this weekend.
BMW Motorrad announced that the new BMW S 1000 RR will be entered in the FIM Endurance World Championship last year, just prior to the start of the 2019-2020 season.
The decision seemed to have justified itself when the team finished third overall in the season opener at the 24-hour Bol D’or race in France.
We’ve published an article on some of the technical rules for the FEWC, but of course, who wouldn’t want to see the bikes up close? Well, we were given access to the team’s pits and bikes, thanks to BMW Motorrad Malaysia.
First of all, we were surprised how “open” all the teams were in FEWC. There was no giant separators to hide the insides of the pits, bike parts were in the open, riders walked about nonchalantly without being mobbed.
Walking into the BMW pit, there were fuel tanks on top of a transport case. These tanks feature extensions underneath and to the rear. The rear portion is placed under the rider’s seat. A 24-litre capacity is allowed in FEWC so the teams need extra space to store all that fuel.
But sitting right there in the middle was a stripped out 2019 BMW S 1000 RR. It was sitting on paddock stands without its wheels, seat cover and fuel tank.
Since refuelling need to be lightning quick, all teams use the dry break refuelling system. There are those with two couplings, the rest are with single couplings. Why two holes? Air from the tank exits through one hole while fuel flows through another. Doing this speeds up the fueling process.
Team manager Werner Daemen greeted us and went on to explain about the bike. (Greeted by a team boss? Never happened in MotoGP.)
There are pitstops for fuel, tyres and rider change (and also crashes). As such, every attachment on the bike is made for quick release. Both wheel axles/spindles needed only three turns to be extracted. Consequently, tyre swaps take only 3 seconds!
The footrests, foot pedals, clip-ons and levers are also quick release systems. Their cable and hose attachments have quick-release couplings that can be twisted on and off.
Looking at the handlebar, there’s a button which says “START.” Yes, the bike’s starter is in place. That’s because riders will line their bikes on one side of the track, then run over from the opposite side. They then have to start their bikes and get going. This endurance tradition lives one.
Daemen pointed out the brakes. The team uses Nissin brakes instead of the usual Brembo. We’ll leave the good/bad arguments to the riders but it shows that there’s room for other manufacturers to shine in the FEWC.
We noticed the gorgeous swingarm. A closer inspection showed that it’s made by Suter, who were once involved in Moto2 racing.
Suter also makes the swingarm for the BMW S 1000 RR HP4 Race, but the swingarms on these race bikes were custom made.
We walked over to the other two bikes. One was crashed yesterday and the rider suffered some shoulder injuries.
Here, we could look right into the engine compartment. The huge airbox was still attached and the ECU sits atop it. The ECU is available to BMW customers who wish to race in endurance. However, instead of unlocking more of the engine’s power, it’s programmed to provide better fuel efficiency and engine reliability. Endurance racing is about strategy and who can be the fastest on a consistent basis, rather than an all-out horsepower battle like in MotoGP.
The rep explained that the riders love the new BMW S 1000 RR engine as it produces a lot of midrange torque. He says that this is due to the BMW ShiftCam variable valve timing/lift system.
It’s this midrange grunt that propels the bike and rider out of corners, not top-end horsepower. If you look at SIC’s layout, there are only two areas that require high horsepower i.e. the rear and front straights, while the rest are made up of short “chutes” leading into other corners. In fact, the torque helps the bike to build speed much quicker when exiting corners, translating to higher speeds down the straights. Remember our article?
It has to be said here that the FEWC is a production-based series. That means the racebike must be essentially be the same as the homologation street bike. It also means that the engine architecture and capacity; frame design and material must be exactly be the same.
The FIM scrutineered the bikes and stamped the parts such as the frame.
As we mentioned before, the FEWC is where a proper tyre war takes place. This is where Dunlop, Bridgestone and Pirelli duke it out to produce the best tyres in terms of grip and durability.
The overall objective of all these rules is to encourage manufacturers to produce bikes and products that the buying public can benefit from.
The second round of the season is now in Malaysia at the Sepang International Circuit. Called the 8 Hours of Sepang, the race will play the role as the qualifier for the Suzuka 8 Hour season-finale for “part-time” teams. It means that these teams will compete alongside the regular teams of the FEWC.
So do make your way over to the Sepang International Circuit for this grand event. More details on the SIC webpage.
The 2019 BMW S 1000 RR, 2019 BMW R 1250 RS, 2019 BMW R 1250 R were launched today at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.
Only the S 1000 RR with M Sport Package is available at the moment.
The R 1250 R and R 1250 RS adds to BMW’s Boxer family.
The 2019 BMW S 1000 RR, 2019 BMW R 1250 RS, 2019 BMW R 1250 R were launched today at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.
2019 BMW S 1000 RR (from RM 138,500.00 for M Sport Package)
The 3rd-generation S 1000 RR has been long-awaited even before its official launch at EICMA 2018. Suffice to say that it was one of BMW Motorrad’s worst kept secrets!
It’s easy to see why BMW’s superbike is so popular these days. It’s one bike that would go fast as you dare and as slow as you want it to without complaining. It’s also a superbike that you could ride to track, whack off the mirrors and indicators, tape up the headlamps and taillamp, blast around the track, and ride it to work the next day.
The bike launched today is the M Sport Package variant.
Highlights:
999cc, liquid-cooled, 16-valve, DOHC, inline-Four with ShiftCam.
The new lump produces 207 bhp (152kW) at 13,500 RPM and 113 Nm of torque.
The ShiftCam technology varies both valve opening timing but also lift.
Hollow-stem lightweight titanium intake valves.
This allows the bike linear and good spread of power.
But also good fuel consumption at 6.4 litres per 100 km.
Oil pump and water pump integrated as one — saves weight and width.
The coolant/oil pump
Suspension is handled electronically by next generation of DDC (Dynamic Damping Control).
The rear shock is moved further back, away from exhaust and engine heat.
A new frame called Flex Frame — with specifically tuned zones of stiffness — provides better grip in corners and feedback.
Leaner fuel tank, narrower midsection for better knee grip and support.
The bodywork has short overhangs — the entire bike sits between the wheels.
More compact dimensions are the goal including engine, frame, tank, bodywork.
Revised exhaust system, engine, and M-lightweight battery.
The M Sport package includes M sport seat, country-specific taillamp, M carbon fibre wheels and lightweight M battery.
The revisions cut weight down to just 193.5 kg from the standard bike’s 208 kg.
Standard electronic rider aid include Rain, Road, Dynamic and Race.
Options are the “Pro Modes” — Pro 1, Pro 2, Pro 3 which includes DTC, ABS Pro, DTC Wheelie Detection, engine torque and engine braking adjustments.
Also available are race assistance modes such as Launch Control and Pit Lane Limiter.
Signature S 1000 RR smooth gearshifts are handled by the HP Shift Assistant Pro (standard).
New 6.5-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity.
BMW Motorrad Malaysia brought in the M Sport package as the introduction as the S 1000 RR is of limited stock worldwide. As such, BMW Motorrad Malaysia will send a bike to each dealer for customers to view and place orders.
The base S 1000 RR will arrive in Malaysia in 2020.
2019 BMW R 1250 RS (from RM 106,500.00) and 2019 BMW R 1250 R (from RM 102,500.00)
2019 BMW R 1250 RS
The R 1250 RS and R 1250 R completes the BMW Boxer family. The RS is the sport-tourer (the R 1250 RT is the luxury sport-tourer), while the R is the Roadster (naked street bike). We feel that the R 1250 RS’s smaller size will make it easier to ride as a daily commuter, as well.
2019 BMW R 1250 R
Highlights:
Features the new 1254cc Boxer with BMW ShiftCam technology.
Produces 136 bhp and 143 Nm of torque.
The engine is also economical, consuming only 4.75 litres of fuel per 100 km.
Two standard riding modes that adapt to riding style.
Automatic Stability Control is standard, as is Hill Start Control.
They also feature Riding Modes Pro which includes Dynamic and Dynamic Pro.
The Dynamic Traction Control ties in with the Riding Modes Pro selection.
New 6.5-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity.
BMW Financing
BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia provides financing for these new bikes. You can ride the S 1000 R from RM 1,690 per month, R 1250 R from 1,250 per month, and the R 1250 RS RM 1,300 per month. These amounts are based on estimates 80 percent loan for 4-year tenure.
BMW Motorrad Malaysia rolled out exclusive aftersales programmes.
They are called Engine Oil Inclusive, Service Inclusive and Warranty Extension.
They offer BMW owners a complete peace of mind.
BMW Motorrad Malaysia introduced three new aftersales care programmes called Engine Oil Inclusive, Service Inclusive and Warranty Extension. The programmes cover new and existing BMW motorcycle customers in Malaysia.
BMW Motorrad Engine Oil Inclusive
This first ever Engine Oil Inclusive programme has two options i.e. three years (or 30,000KM) or five years (or 50,000KM). The programme offers regular engine oil services which also includes BMW ADVANTEC genuine oil and filter replacement for all new and registered BMW motorcycles dated under 10 years from first registration. The maintenance history of the motorcycles should be in accordance to the recommended service intervals and performed at authorised BMW Motorrad dealerships in the country for the programme to be valid.
BMW Motorrad Service Inclusive
The BMW Motorrad Service Inclusive programme offers an additional PLUS over and above the BMW Motorrad Engine Oil Inclusive programme. With Service Inclusive, customers are covered in terms of Valve Clearance Check, Fork Oil Check, Transmission Oil Change, Spark Plug replacement, Brake Fluid Change, Air Filter Change, CVT Belt Replacement, Fuel Filter Change and Rear Axle Oil Change.
Programme options are also over a period of three years (or 30,000KM) or five years (or 50,000KM), and is also available for BMW motorcycles under 10 years from its date of first registration. Prior maintenance history of the motorcycle should also be in accordance to the recommended service intervals and performed at authorised BMW Motorrad dealerships.
BMW Motorrad Warranty Extension
The BMW Motorrad Warranty Extension programme offers an added extension of the manufacturer’s warranty after the expiration of the statutory warranty period, including corrective work repairs with BMW genuine parts.
The add-on programme can be purchased as an additional one-year or two-year package above and beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, which was raised to a standard of three years for BMW motorcycles registered from January 1st, 2019.
The programme is available on offer for new and registered motorcycles dated 90 days from its first registration, but excludes the BMW Motorrad offering of the Roadside Assistance programme introduced earlier this year.
Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, “A complete peace of mind ownership experience is the key to premium expression of a vehicle from the BMW Group. It is also how we differentiate ourselves to create value for our customers in the premium automotive industry.”
Hoelzl added that the ownership experience beyond the purchase of the vehicle is as important as the moment of truth in the purchasing decision process. He said, “This is the very reason we have the best ownership experience in the industry, from the best service and warranty programme to the best customer experience programme which can be seen in our monthly Net Promoter Scores (NPS).”
Owen Riley, Head of BMW Motorrad Malaysia said, “The new programmes are firsts in the Premium Motorcycle industry here in Malaysia.They are backed by the same standards we have for BMW Motorrad worldwide and are on offer at all our authorised BMW Motorrad dealerships. The aim here is to look after our customers in all the areas of maintenance so that they can simply Make Life a Ride!”
Recommended Retail Pricing for the First-Ever Service and Warranty Extension programmes are as per the attached price list. All programmes are also eligible to be financed completely from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia.
Auto Bavaria BMW Motorrad organized the BMW Rider Training sessions over the weekend.
The lessons sought to make better riders and learn more about the capabilities of their bikes.
It also included basic emergency first aid training.
Bikes may be getting “smarter” but the soft science of riding – as in the rider – cannot be ruled out of the equation. This was why Auto Bavaria BMW Motorrad organized the BMW Rider Training clinic over the weekend.
Sure, modern motorcycles are loaded with safety features such as ABS, traction control, wheelie control, combined braking and everything in between, but that doesn’t mean riders just need to sit back and let the systems do the rest. We may as well hang up our helmets and take Grab Car, if it was so.
You see, riders still get into trouble despite the advancement of motorcycle technology. In fact, 90% of motorcycle crashes could be attributed to rider error from one degree to another. Technology complements the rider, instead of the other way around.
BMW R 1250 GS HP
This is why rider training is important. Auto Bavaria BMW Motorrad knows this, hence the rider training.
The sessions were carried out through the day and the number of participants was limited to only a maximum of eight. That low number allowed the instructor more time to focus on each student.
It kicked off with the introduction of certified BMW Motorrad trainer Wong K.K. K.K. has been riding extensively for many years, besides carrying out training for BMW car owners before switching to motorcycle training.
Class began with some reflective questions. The objective was to get the participants to recognize the risks, try to avoid them and solve threatening scenarios through training and learning to ride.
Therefore, subjects covered the basic tenets of riding including turning, braking, vision, throttle control, body positioning, cornering. Additionally, K.K. also touched on urban survival such as being visible to others, reading traffic flow, avoiding the blindspot, ATGATT (all the gears all the time), 3-second rule, being paranoid about other road users and situational awareness.
He also talked about group riding i.e. convoys which covered communication, rules, pacing oneself, avoiding fatigue, besides being fully prepared with emergency kits.
However, the main difference to this training was the basic life support talk and demonstration. The hosts roped in Dr. Khairul Azri, an Emergency Physician at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre for assistance.
He spoke about the need for riders to learn basic life support (BLS) in order to save lives, those which could very well be our very own riding buddies’. As such, his talk covered subjects such as recognizing the severity of injuries, when and how to perform CPR, how to remove the helmet of a fallen rider, and other facets of emergency care.
It was a shame that his session was very compressed but AB will bring the good doctor back for a full-blown BLS course.
The participants and trainers then convoyed to the parking lot outside the Shah Alam Stadium for the practical part of the training.
The first exercise was for tight turns. It sought to provide the students with the confidence to turn their bikes within confined quarters and u-turns. It also highlighted the bikes’ abilities that are usually under-utilised by their respective owners.
For example, the participants needed to ride in a circle within a 2.2 metre square “box.” Most expressed surprise that their bikes including the R 1200 RT and R 1200 GSA could perform the task.
They proceeded to the slow speed slalom afterwards. This was to teach low-speed maneuverability to simulate riding through heavy traffic.
But perhaps one of the best module of the day was braking. Braking is a skill that not many riders are aware of and instead use that facet of bike control as an on/off switch. In fact, while riders everywhere specifically demand the ABS feature, not many are actually aware of what it does and how it works.
A sudden heavy downpour wetted the “track” and it became even more conducive to learn about ABS.
The exercise also served to emphasize BMW’s braking technology such as ABS Pro and Integral ABS.
ABS Pro is actually lean-angle-sensitive ABS, named as “cornering ABS” by other manufacturers. The system provides different braking strategy and brake pressure compared to when the bike is straight up to allow safe hard braking hard while leaned over in a corner.
Integral ABS, on the other hand, is called “linked braking system” or “combined braking system” by other makers. Pressing the front brake lever only will apply some rear brake pressure to stabilise the rear end and chassis. Vice-versa, applying the rear brake only will also trigger some pressure in the front brakes. Consequently, braking is more efficient and safer, in addition to providing more confidence to the rider.
With the ground drenched, the riders were told to ride to certain speeds and apply maximum braking pressure.
The most impressive part was watching a couple of riders who deliberately rode faster to test the limits of their bikes. Watching 250-odd-kg (the R 1200 GS Adventure) and almost 280kg (R 1200 RT) bikes being hauled down from high speeds to a complete stop without drama was probably the best spectacle of the entire class.
Lessons continued throughout the day with the riders learned more and more complex skills.
This writer also heard participants complaining that nothing of use was actually thought at driving schools. All they had to do was remember the procedures to pass. Not one was taught about steering, throttle control, braking, vision, steering and just about everything else. And some people kept wondering why we have so accidents and fatalities among motorcyclists. In any case, they were thankful that AB BMW Motorrad took the initiative to organise the clinic.
In the end, what mattered was eight BMW owners and riders rode home with better skills than when they first stepped into class that day.
A recall campaign for the BMW G 310 R, BMW G 310 GS and BMW C 400 X has been initiated in the USA.
It pertains to the bikes’ brake calipers that may corrode.
It happens in the USA due to winter conditions.
We’ve just learned of a recall campaign for the BMW G 310 R, BMW G 310 GS and BMW C 400 X in the USA.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the front and/or rear brake calipers may corrode, leading to the caliper pistons sticking or drag in their bores. The corrosion is caused by winter riding conditions. We suspect the salt applied to roads during the season as it lowers the melting point of water, thus ice melts quicker. But it also corrodes metal.
The affected models are from 2017 to 2020 for the G 310 R, 2018 to 2020 for the G 310 GS, 2019 C 400 X.
BikesRepublic.com have sought confirmation from BMW Motorrad Malaysia over this matter.
The above recall affects bikes in the American market due to winter conditions, thus does not affect bikes in Malaysia.
However, BMW Motorrad Malaysia will inform their official dealers to carry out checks on the calipers of these three bikes in the interest of safety. BMW will also update us should there be further action.
We would like to add that recall campaigns are actually a good thing. It shows that manufacturers are being responsible, rather than hiding data and facts.
We recently tested BMW Motorrad’s latest flagship adventure model, the BMW R 1250 GS. After concluding the fact that you can basically go anywhere and everywhere (including riding it as a daily bike), BMW Motorrad Malaysia gave us the opportunity to test its bigger and more badass version, the 2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure. (more…)
