Virtual reality has hit the mainstream for Long Beach BMW Motorcycles. The SoCal dealership is the first to offer the new BMW Virtual Reality Experience in its showrooms.The VR machine allows customers to virtually test ride a variety of BMW motorcycles without leaving the showroom, from the track-savvy S 1000 RR to the best-selling R 1200 GS to the urban-hungry R nineT.
“We are always looking for ways to get more non-riders interested in motorcycles,” explained David Lindahl, Long Beach BMW Motorcycles Owner and Sales Manager. “There is certainly no substitute for the feeling you get when you’re on a bike, but for people who haven’t yet learned how to ride it’s a fun way for them to see what they’re missing.”Users of the BMW Virtual Reality Experience, which is also being used by California Motorcyclist Safety programs, wear an Oculus Gear VR headset for 360-degree visuals, while over-ear headphones provide high-quality sound. A Subpac wearable subwoofer completes the fully immersive experience by transmitting the feeling of the roaring engine to the user.Long Beach BMW Motorcycles Owner and General Manager Charles Berthon adds, “The virtual reality experience definitely appeals to non-riders, but even seasoned motorcyclists are enjoying it. For a lot of people this is their first time experiencing media in this format, so we’re excited to be able to offer this program and get people excited about riding motorcycles.”For additional information, visit Long Beach BMW Motorcycles.BMW Virtual Reality Experience
Our first segment introduces you to the new Arch 1s. This latest, slightly more sporting American V-twin, adds to the original KRGT1 coming from the boutique manufacturer based in Hawthorne, Southern California. Senior Editor Nic de Sena rode through Malibu with Gard Hollinger, who co-founded Arch Motorcycle with his friend, Keanu Reeves. The 1s is a unique ride for sure, and Nic explains what makes the bike really stand out.
For the entertaining story behind Arch Motorcycle from Gard Hollinger himself, you must listen to his podcast episode on Motos & Friends HERE
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The guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—visit your local dealer or suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In our second segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with multiple Emmy award-winning writer, Producer, Director, and actor, Thom Beers. the former Chairman & CEO of Fremantle Media North America, responsible for American Idol and America’s Got Talent.
Thom’s fertile imagination led to most of the really big reality TV shows such as ‘Deadliest Catch’ (now in its 17th season!), and many others. Of course for us in the motorcycle world, you’ll be interested to hear the genesis and story of how he started the first real fabrication reality show ‘Monster Garage’, that showcased Jesse James, and then how that led to ‘Biker Build Off’ and the ‘Zombie Choppers’ movie.
You’d imagine that most of Thom’s time is spent sitting behind a desk and on his phone. Not so. His intense stories of capturing much of the content for these shows make for some hair-raising listening.
