Rarely does BMW Motorrad introduce a motorcycle so groundbreaking that we feel compelled to cover it here in Roundel Weekly where we normally talk only about cars. However, today's announcement from BMW requires that we tell you about this new product—today. BMW Motorrad today launched the BMW R 1200 GS xDrive Hybrid—the first travel enduro featuring Hybrid All-Wheel Drive.
Rather than synthesizing a summary of the new features and heretofore unseen technology reflected in this motorcycle, we present here the entire BMW Motorrad press release:
••••••••••••••••••••Begin BMW Press Release••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Munich. The BMW GS models powered by the boxer flat-twin engine have been the perfect companion for anyone wishing to explore the furthest reaches of our planet for over three decades. Be it the Himalayan mountains, the Saharan desert or the polar circles—the “GS” has always provided motorcycle adventurers with the ideal combination of touring and long-distance travel qualities, dynamic performance, endurance and off-road capability.
R 1200 GS xDrive Hybrid: the world’s first all-wheel drive travel enduro.
With the world premiere of the near-series test version of the R 1200 GS xDrive Hybrid, BMW Motorrad opens up a whole new chapter in GS history and launches the world’s first series-production all-wheel drive travel enduro with hybrid drive.
The new R 1200 GS xDrive Hybrid is based on the legendary R 1200 GS Adventure. The air/liquid cooled flat twin generates an output of 125 horsepower at 7,750 rpm as well as a maximum torque of 92 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 rpm and delivers it to the rear wheel via shaft drive in familiar fashion.
Hybrid drive with 170 horsepower overall system output ensures supreme performance in all riding conditions.
The unique all-wheel drive of the front wheel of the new R 1200 GS xDrive Hybrid ensures even better traction on slippery road conditions, deep sand or mud. This technological feat was achieved using the system developed by BMW Automobiles. All-wheel drive can be operated automatically or manually by the rider via the 2WD (Two-Wheel Drive) switch located on the left handlebar operation unit. It activates the wheel-hub e-Drive system which functions both as electric motor and generator. With the additional output of 45 horsepower and overall 170-horsepower system performance, the innovative all-wheel drive system opens up a whole new dimension of performance and off-road suitability.
A new generation of batteries, derived from BMW i battery technology, stores the energy recuperated during braking. The e-Drive system on the front wheel is supplied with this energy and the R 1200 GS xDrive Hybrid rider can use it for accelerating in addition to the power delivered by the combustion engine. Thanks to sophisticated management technology the power is always supplied to the front wheel in the right amount and appropriately depending on the riding situation. This means that the front wheel only receives the amount of power as the traction conditions permit – for example in wet or deep snow conditions. The rider can use a number of riding modes to customize how the all-wheel drive system operates and adjust the hybrid system’s recuperation strategies to suit his needs. Everything can be controlled using the innovative LCD display.
Optimized braking performance and balanced weight ratio thanks to intelligent recuperation and single disc brake.
Apart from the significant advantages achieved with regard to ride performance, the xDrive Hybrid all-wheel drive also benefits braking greatly. Thanks to the recuperation process, which has been integrated into the BMW Motorrad ABS system, braking performance has been improved even further.
This intelligent combined solution also made it possible to reduce the conventional double-disc hydraulic braking system at the front to a single-disc brake system thereby saving approximately 6.39 pounds of weight. In combination with the wheel hub e-Drive, which only weighs 31 ounces, the bike’s agility was also optimized. Thanks to the bike’s positive weight balance, the weight level of the current R 1200 GS Adventure could be maintained in spite of the additional hybrid all-wheel technology.
This bike will get you anywhere, on any surface - even to the North pole.
In the past months the test version of the new R 1200 GS xDrive Hybrid covered countless thousands of miles in the toughest of riding conditions. The most extreme demands were placed on the bike last winter, when Reiner Scherbeck, the head of winter testing at BMW Motorrad, rode it to the North Cape on a first stage and from there across the frozen Barents Sea to the North Pole and back again.
Scherbeck: “We were absolutely amazed how problem-free and reliable the all-wheel drive worked even at minus 69°F. Thanks to our functional BMW rider equipment, the cold temperatures were no problem for the rider, too. Probably the most thrilling conclusion we can draw from our test runs, is that for the first time we can offer a motorcycle that makes riding a motorcycle a pleasure at snow depths of 4.1 feet in high winter with the new R 1200 GS xDrive Hybrid. Special front section components have also been developed for this purpose as well as high-speed suitable M+S all-season tires. This was also necessary in order to meet the necessary requirements for high-speed winter operation.”
The new BMW R 1200 GS xDrive Hybrid will be presented to the public in a suitable location very soon. It will be available from the second half of 2017. BMW Motorrad will announce special tire combinations and optional equipment features as well as the official sales price at a later date.
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So there you have it. Remarkable new technology and capability never before presented on a street-legal, off-road-capable motorcycle.
Expect this revolutionary new BMW bike to be available only for a limited time. Check your calendar because it might only be available today.—Scott Blazey
[Photos courtesy of BMW AG.]
