BMW GP bike ?????????

[Deans BMW]

This might be the only image of the BMW GP bike, posted by Hugo VW at the Pelican board.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads7/BMW_motoGP1139263857.jpg

An article from Road Racing World.


BMW Track Testing High-performance Prototype Motorcycle For 'Research Activities'
Feb 07, 2006

From a press release issued by BMW Motorrad:



Could this be BMW's future World Championship road racer?

Photo courtesy of BMW Motorrad
BMW MOTORRAD TECHNOLOGY BEARER FOR HIGHLY DYNAMIC SYSTEMS

As part of research activities on future regulation systems, a motorcycle test vehicle has been created under the umbrella of BMW Group research and technology. This vehicle has a very high engine output and lightweight construction technology and is designed to test highly dynamic processes in engine and driving dynamics management under extreme conditions.

BMW Head of Development Prof. Burkhard Göschel said that the choice of a motorcycle to study fundamental technological developments was due to the very interesting challenges relating to the special driving dynamics of motorcycles and their tilted position: "The dynamics of powerful motorcycles operating at the physical limits are among the most complex phenomena in the field at the current time. For our engineers this is a highly sophisticated and at the same time fascinating task." Additional considerations are the special motorcycle requirements in terms of lightweight construction and aerodynamics, which are also to be subjected to research at threshold level. The Director of BMW Motorrad, Dr. Herbert Diess, sees in these BMW research activities valuable impulses for serial development and emphasises: "Regulation systems for longitudinal dynamics such as drive-slip control will be introduced for powerful motorcycles in serial production in the years to come. In addition to ABS they will form part of an integrated concept to increase active safety."

Engine management of the high-performance engine and the entire engine electronics system including hardware and software will form a key focus of the project. By conducting in-house development such as this, engineers benefit from the expertise derived from Formula 1 and BMW's technology leadership in the field of electronics. Dr. Diess explains: "The close networking of all research and development activities with the BMW Group is a competitive advantage and a key element of the strategic orientation of our entire motorcycle development operation".

The motorcycle has only been ridden on BMW's own test circuits to date. However, in the foreseeable future it will also be tested on other closed-off circuits. Functional tests under the widest possible range of realistic conditions provide the best feedback on the interplay between engine, chassis and electronic components. The comparative data thus obtained serves to provide a comprehensive assessment of the capabilities of this technology research vehicle and of the development status of the components in question.

[fnfalman]

It's about damn time!!!

I'm willing to bet that if BMW were to put out a bike with the same performances as the rice burner liter bikes; albeit more expensive, a lot of people would go for it. Even the younger ones would cough out the extra bucks, I'd think. But it has to be competitive with the Japanese liter bikes and not a step behind.

[socalrob]

Looks like standard front forks & chain drive & rear swing arm. Just what BMW will need to be competetive, IMHO.

I like how is just looks fast.

[supermotoC]

Looks like Ohlins (Yamaha-owned) forks, and a very delta-boxish frame, but I wouldn't rule out the front suspension of the new K bikes.
I'm assuming this is an exercise to determine if BMW would be competitive in MotoGP, so I bet that bike is an 800cc 3 cylinder, a de-stroked K-S motor, or possibly an F1-tech 800cc (3 or 4 cylinder). Glad to see them doing something, as opposed to doing nothing. Time will tell. A good... no, scratch that, a GREAT rider will be necessary if the bike is fast enough.

[arkline]

"A good... no, scratch that, a GREAT rider will be necessary if the bike is fast enough."

Paging the Doctor. Paging the Doctor. Is there a Doctor in the haus?

On the other hand, I understand Max Biaggi may have some time on his hands...:eusa_hand:

[supermotoC]

On the other hand, I understand Max Biaggi may have some time on his hands...

True, that. Max couldn't even wrangle a WSB ride. He must be a scranky as he is uh, short. I think Il Dottore will end his MotoGP career next year on Yamaha, and sit in an Italian F1 car for a while after that. Better go to a GP this season, or forever not see him ride (in person). I think Casey Stoner is a kid to watch for the next few years....... BMW can build F1 that wins, why not a MotoGP ride?

[DJ Down Under]

Thanks Dean-O.

Here's a little more.


February 8 2006
BMW's development bike
BMW has unveiled a new bike that it says is purely for testing and developing new systems for future production.
The bike has been designed with a ‘high power output and lightweight construction’ in order to test the firm’s new technologies under as extreme conditions as possible.
It will be used as a testbed for aerodynamic experiments as well as safety improvements such as ‘drive-slip control’ that will be phased in to production bikes soon.
Although BMW has said the bike itself is not destined for production, the technology used to build it could be seen on future BMW road bikes.
You can read the full story behind the bike in the February 15 edition of MCN.

The guys 'In the know' that I know said BMW had given up on their Moto Gp bike thing....I guess we'll just have to wait and see...

maybe they're waiting for Rossi to go to F1..so whoever rides it will have a chance...:003:

DJ

[Deans BMW]

The guys 'In the know' that I know said BMW had given up on their Moto Gp bike thing....
I have heard this as well.

[socalrob]

The guys 'In the know' that I know said BMW had given up on their Moto Gp bike thing.... I have heard this as well.


I only worry that DJ "heard" it from Deano who somehow "heard" it from DJ, was read by a BMW exec., & they decided to pull the plug.

Seriously, I'm not sure BMW sells enough bikes to justify the GP thing, thats not true with their car division. What would actually make more sense is if HD mounted a MotoGP effort, at least they have the corporate $$, I think they are worth more than GM these days. Let see, HD sold around 250,000 high price/ high profit bikes in the US last year, BMW sold 14,000. If BMW amortized out the $50 million or so needed to mount a MotoGP off its US sales, comes to $3,500 per bike. If HD amortized the same amount comes to $200 per bike. If I ran HD I might take the corporate gamble & push myself into the future. If I was BMW I might not.

[Deans BMW]

There was a very definite GP effort, however due to its staggering cost, the project has evolved into what you see above......still with a GP mindset, however. Traction control for the street is being worked on as are some other safety related goodies.

There will be plenty of the new R1200GS Adventures and the new K1200GT's soon, there is planned for the first year 400 of the new R1200S's in the USA, there could be some intresting things happening with the new R1200S. There will be a new bike introduced for sale this year that there is not the slightest hint or rumor of. I think that we are talking about the R1200R, only a guess, but it does make sense. Some very competive dirt bikes are in the pipe line both price and performance wise. BMW Corp is now listening and will be more so to the dealers.

[DJ Down Under]

I have a friend who once had this cleaning lady that has a daughter that once knew this guy who worked with someone who knew a guy that said that when BMW decided to buy and run their own F1 team after Frank Williams gave them the flick they pulled the pin on the Moto Gp thing so they could put more money into the new F1 car..which will be driven by Nick Heidfeld and Jacques Villeneuve...I'm sure they're paying JV big bucks.

DJ