Bangkok.BMW Motorrad Thailand is marking the 100th anniversary of the BMW Motorrad brand, reaffirming its commitment to being the world’s motorcycle leader with splendid and notable accomplishments over the past century. Under the ‘Make Life A Ride’ philosophy, the company maintains the spirit of innovation with a forward-thinking mindset and efforts to develop cutting-edge vehicles that incorporate the most recent breakthroughs in driving technology. On this occasion, new four motorcycles poised for their grand unveiling will be introduced to BMW Motorrad’s aficionados in Thailand: the BMW R 18 and the BMW R nineT 100th Anniversary special edition, with only 1,923 units of each available worldwide as commemoration of the year 1923, when the BMW R 32
made its debut as the first BMW Motorrad motorcycle. The BMW R nineT Urban G/S and the BMW R nineT Scrambler also come in a new colour, giving them a more distinct appearance.
The story of BMW Motorrad begins with Chief Designer Max Friz,
who created the first BMW motorcycle, showcased at the German Motor Show in 1923. The following year, Rudolf Schleicher made a ground-breaking contribution to the engine of the BMW R 37, leading to the introduction of the first BMW Motorrad sports model. In 1937,
Ernst Jakob Henne set a land speed record on a BMW 500 Kompressor, reaching an impressive 279.503 km/h.
This feat was followed by Georg ‘Schorsch’ Meier, who made history as the first non-British winner of the Senior TT race in 1939, riding a BMW Kompressor.
Mr. Miguel Llabres-Pohl, Head of BMW Motorrad Southeast Asia and Importers APAC, said: “BMW Motorrad’s long journey is marked by a relentless drive to succeed.
Despite challenges along the way, the company has never lost sight of its passion and commitment to revolutionising the streets with innovative two-wheeled ideas.
100 years is a significant milestone, and we are honoured to celebrate the ‘Make Life a Ride’ spirit that has driven BMW Motorrad forward since its inception. Embarking on a thrilling journey into the next century of BMW Motorrad, we invite our fans to join us in perpetuating the legendary story of the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturer with four new models that will excite Thai BMW Motorrad enthusiasts this year.”
BMW R 18 100 Years (Classic Chrome)
Price: THB 1,219,000 (VAT included)
The BMW R 18 100 Years is the essence of motorcycling – a bike in its original, natural form. Taking the brand’s history for inspiration, the designers have achieved the appeal of a hand-built custom bike by concentrating only on the essentials – every part of which serves a functional purpose. The balanced proportions are reminiscent of classics like the BMW R 5 and convey – even from a distance – the timeless beauty that comes about whenever things are consistently reduced to their bare essentials.
The centrepiece of the BMW R 18 100 Years is the large, newly designed, two-cylinder boxer engine. Both its impressive appearance and advanced technology reflect a continuation of the traditional air/oil-cooled boxer engines. This most powerful two-cylinder boxer engine ever used in motorcycle series production has a displacement of 1,802 cc. The peak output is 67 kW (91 hp) at 4,750 rpm, while maximum torque is 158 Nm at 3,000 rpm giving a maximum speed of more than 180 km/hr. The model is equipped with claw-shifted 6-gear transmission in a separate gearbox
housing and a single-disc dry clutch. Outstanding manufacturing quality and meticulous attention to detail is also evident in less obvious features such as the welded joints between the steel tubes and the cast or forged parts. Like the legendary BMW R 5, the rear swingarm – sporting a comparable design – surrounds the rear axle transmission in authentic style by means of bolted connections.
The suspension elements of the BMW R 18 100 Years deliberately dispense with electronic adjustment options. Instead,
a telescopic fork and a directly mounted central suspension strut with travel-dependent damping and adjustable spring preload ensure superior wheel control and attractive suspension comfort. The suspension travel is 120 mm at the front and 90 mm at the rear. The BMW R 18 100 Years braking system consists of a twin disc brake at the front and a single disc brake at the rear in conjunction with four-piston fixed callipers. Meanwhile the wire-spoked wheels ensure a supremely stylish appearance.
The new R 18 100 Years offers three standard riding modes: ‘Rain’, ‘Roll’ and ‘Rock’ – unusual in this segment – so as to be able to adapt to individual rider preferences. The standard trim also includes a lockable fuel filler cap and ASC (Automatic Stability Control), which ensures a high level of riding safety. The new R 18 is also equipped as standard with Hill Start Control function, a reverse gear, an anti-theft alarm system and anti-hopping clutch. Meanwhile, Keyless Ride – equipped as standard – adds a modern touch to the new R 18 100 Years. In addition, the new Adaptive LED headlamp with Daytime Riding light gives this motorcycle a unique character.
The model masterfully transposes the iconic style of bygone times to the present day, retaining a purist design in numerous details that is mainly influenced by classics such as the BMW R 5. It is no coincidence that functional and stylistic elements such as the double-loop frame, the tear-drop tank, the open-running driveshaft and the pinstriped paintwork (ex-factory option) are reminiscent of the legendary boxer dating back to 1936. The frame and tank create a common line all the way from the steering head to the rear wheel hub and lend a flowing elegance to the side view.
The BMW R 18 100 Years features ‘Classic Chrome’ colour and boasts a stunning look with the inclusion of an elegant chrome design option that encompasses several chrome components, including hand and foot levers, handlebar clamps, front engine cover and mirrors. Other unique features of the motorcycle include a straight chrome-plated Akrapovic rear silencer trim in the ‘propeller style’ of the BMW brand logo, as well as an oxblood red seat with a quilted appearance.
BMWR nineT 100 Years (Classic Chrome)
Price: THB 1,099,000 (VAT included)
BMW R nineT Urban G/S (Imperial Blue Metallic)
Price: THB 809,000 (VAT included)
BMW R nineT Scrambler (Manhattan Metallic Matt)
Price: THB 809,000 (VAT included)
BMW R nineT 100 Years
The BMW R nineT 100 Years, the BMW R nineT Urban G/S and the BMW R nineT Scrambler come with the iconic air/oil-cooled boxer engine
with a capacity of 1,170 cc that has been enhanced to meet the standards of the EU-5 pollutant class. Its peak power output is now tuned to 80 kW (109 hp) at 7,250 rpm, while the maximum torque is 116 Nm
at 6,000 rpm at a maximum speed of 200 km/h. The models have fuel consumption of 5.1 litres per 100 km and support unleaded fuel (premium) with octane number 95-98. A single dry plate clutch – hydraulically operated,
and constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gear teeth have been equipped to provide superior power transmission.
Riding Modes Pro is now included as standard. This comprises the standard modes, which are ‘Rain and Road’ in all models, and the additional modes ‘Dyna’ for the BMW R nineT 100 Years and ‘Dirt’ for the BMW R nineT Urban G/S and BMW R nineT Scrambler. ‘Dyna’ and ‘Dirt’ modes allow the rider to experience the models’ sporty characteristics more intensely. Here, the engine set-up is geared towards optimum throttle response, and the Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and ABS Pro systems are set up for road use, with high frictional values. Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) offers even greater safety when accelerating, while engine drag torque control (MSR) reduces dangerous rear-wheel stamping to a minimum when braking and downshifting simultaneously, ensuring the motorcycle stays more precisely on track.
The design of the new the BMW R nineT Urban G/S and R nineT Scrambler retains iconic elements of Roadster bikes with the LED headlight with Daytime Running light, LED indicator lights, Gold Spoke Wheel and Off-Road tyres. While the BMW R nineT 100 Years comes standard with Full LED light with Adaptive headlight and Daytime Running light, heated grips, and a fully adjustable upside-down front fork equipped for enhanced handling and stability.
The BMW R nineT 100 Years boasts an elegant appearance with its ‘Classic Chrome’ colour and
a high-quality Option 719 Wheel classic, and Option 719 Billet pack shadow. The BMW
R nineT Urban G/S and BMW R nineT Scrambler come in Imperial Blue Metallic and Manhattan Metallic Matt colour respectively.
Customers can visit the website www.bmw-motorrad.co.th for more information about the new models and BMW Motorrad 100th Year campaign, or follow the BMWMotorradTH Facebook fan page for further updates.
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