BMW Motorrad Safety 360º Principle
BMW Motorrad has become the first motorcycle manufacturer to offer ABS as standard on every motorcycle in the range. All of the model year 2013 motorcycles, beginning with the recently announced F 700 GS and F 800 GS, will be fitted with anti-lock braking systems.
As a manufacturer, BMW Motorrad has always been at the forefront of two-wheeled innovation by making high-end motorcycle safety devices, including ABS, Dynamic Traction Control, Electronic Suspension Adjustment and Adaptive Headlights, available to the majority of riders, as well as ensuring they are effortless to use in everyday riding.
This commitment to making motorcycles as safe as possible, without intruding on the enjoyment of riding, is at the core of BMW Motorrad’s Safety 360º principal. Safety 360º is an integrated approach to motorcycling safety which considers three key areas: safety technology in the motorcycle, protective clothing, and rider training – in combination to make motorcycling safer and more enjoyable.
Tony Jakeman (Marketing Manager for BMW Motorrad UK) says: “BMW Motorrad is now the first manufacturer to offer ABS as standard on every new model, from the entry-level single G 650 GS, to the S 1000 RR supersport bike. While this may seem like a big change, it’s very much the next logical step. Customers have a huge range of factory options and accessories which they can customise their new BMW motorcycle with, and over 90% of customers in the UK already choose to include ABS.
“This commitment to innovative safety initiatives is a hallmark of BMW Motorrad, and can be seen as part of our Safety 360º strategy. At the heart of everything we do is a consideration of how technology, clothing and training can help improve the rider experience. We offer the complete programme. Riders can choose a BMW motorcycle and a full range of suitable protective clothing, before joining BMW Motorrad on a programme of exciting and engaging training – a prospect that is truly unique in the motorcycle industry.”
BMW Motorrad and ABS – A History
BMW Motorrad made history in 1988 when it introduced the first motorcycle with ABS, going on to make the feature available on every model in the range, an option currently taken up by over 90% of UK customers.
The technology took a further leap forwards with the cutting edge Race ABS, available on the BMW S 1000 RR Sport, which operates in tandem with the Dynamic Traction Control and optimises braking performance, whether on the road or track.
ABS has a proven safety benefit to motorcycles. Studies by the FIA show that ABS reduces emergency braking distances for motorcycles by up to 25% and believes that ABS would have reduced, or avoided completely, up to 23% of all motorcycle accidents.
