KTM’s new TFT touchscreen display includes advanced technological features and connectivity possibilities to improve the riding experience.
KTM continues implementing advanced technology on its motorcycles with its latest announcement of a new touchscreen TFT display with higher-quality graphics, more functionality, and better connectivity possibilities. This announcement comes on the heels of recent news about KTM’s new Automated Manual Transmission.
KTM’s new TFT dashboard has a 1,280×720-degree resolution and Anti-Reflex, Anti-Fingerprint, and Anti-Glare screen coatings. Impressively, the display now includes 256,000 colors compared to the previous TFT’s 65,000, and it’s more visible from all angles. Its touchscreen function is useable with or without gloves, and touchscreen shortcut buttons on the main screen eliminate the need for auxiliary switches for things like switching on heated grips or seat or turning on fog lights.
The new TFT has a split-screen function with five layout options. Now integrated into the connectivity is Offline Map Navigation to provide real-time navigation without needing to sync the motorcycle to a mobile phone.
The upgraded CCU3.0 connectivity unit has 32 GB of storage and 3 GB of RAM to run the Android Automative operating system. It allows for IoT connectivity with eSim, a GPS Antenna, Bluetooth, and wi-fi, which will make updates easier. For now, all updates must be done through a KTM dealer, but the unit will allow for over-the-air updates directly to the motorcycle in the future, extending the lifespan of this technology.
Additionally, the backlit switchgear has been revised to further enhance the riding experience. There is now a dedicated Ride Mode button, a new five-way joystick and back button, new cruise control buttons, a new automatic/manual button for models equipped with KTM’s Automated Manual Transmission, and new paddle buttons that are customizable for models without AMT.
The new TFT dashboard will first be available on premium KTM models, and KTM plans to add it to other models in the range in upcoming years.
Join us on Ride to Work Day by riding your bike to help raise awareness of motorcyclists on our roads. Photo courtesy RTW.
Mark Tuesday, June 11, on your calendar and join fellow motorcyclists as we saddle up for the 33rd annual Ride to Work Day.
Ride to Work is a nonprofit organization that advocates for “the use of motorcycles and scooters for transportation, providing information about everyday utility riding to the public.” The event was inspired by the “Work to Ride – Ride to Work” marketing materials from 1989-1991 by Aero Design and Manufacturing Company (now called Aerostich), with the first annual RTW Day taking place in 1992. Now, RTW takes place each year on the second Tuesday in June.
RTW Day helps raise awareness of motorcyclists on roads, and the purpose of the event is to demonstrate the following:
The number of motorcyclists to the general public and politicians
Motorcyclists are from all occupations and all walks of life
Motorcyclists can reduce traffic congestion in large cities
Motorcycles are for transportation as well as recreation
In keeping with these goals, the RTW website offers an extensive list of resources for both cities and advocates, from information about lane splitting laws and parking regulations to research and articles about the benefits of using motorcycles as transportation.
Rider fully supports RTW’s mission and efforts to get more people riding, make our roads safer for riders, and convince local governments to introduce more moto-friendly ordinances.
You can find more information on the RTW website, Facebook page, and Instagram account. Help us spread the news about RTW Day, and support the event by participating.
BMW has announced its M 1000 RR 50 Years M anniversary edition, a higher-end evolution of the formidable S 1000 RR. The new model celebrates the 50th anniversary of BMW’s vaunted M performance sub-brand, featuring several notable upgrades over the standard RR. It includes carbon-fiber wheels, a lighter silver-anodized aluminum swingarm with an adjustable pivot, a GPS-based data logger, and a lightweight lithium-ion battery, as well as a taller windscreen and several billet-aluminum and carbon-fiber parts.
The new M boasts a 205-hp inline-Four engine and a 189-mph top speed. It weighs 423 lbs when fully fueled, and retails for $36,995 in its special Sao Paulo Yellow anniversary edition. More information in the press release below.
BMW M 100 RR 50 Years M
To mark the 50th anniversary of BMW M GmbH, founded in 1972 as BMW Motorsport GmbH, BMW Motorrad presents the M 1000 RR 50 Years M anniversary edition in Sao Paulo Yellow with historic 50 years BMW M badging. This striking combination pays homage to the spirit from almost 100 years of BMW Motorrad production and from 50 years of BMW M vehicles. To get the anniversary edition, the M 1000 RR should be equipped with the optional 50 Years ///M Package. In addition to the extensive use of M milled aluminum and M carbon parts, this package features a lighter silver anodized aluminum swingarm, M GPS lap trigger unlock software as well as the M endurance chain and passenger seat and seat cover.
The M 1000 RR can also be ordered in non-anniversary guise by selecting the Light White / M Motorsport Competition Package.
M – The Most Powerful Letter in the World
At the end of 2018, BMW Motorrad unveiled M special equipment and M Performance parts for selected existing motorcycle models. The M 1000 RR, the first BMW motorcycle to bear the M brand name made its world debut in September of 2020.
The letter M is synonymous worldwide with racing success as well as with high performance BMW vehicles aimed at customers with high demands for performance, exclusivity and individuality. The BMW M 1000 RR delivers on all of these expectations and continues the racing tradition of BMW M by being the base bike for the BMW Motorrad World Superbike Team since 2021 as well as being used by many race teams around the world.
BMW Motorsport GmbH and BMW M GmbH
BMW Motorsport GmbH was founded in 1972 with the idea of uniting all BMW motorsport activities under one roof and consolidating the construction of high-performance race cars and race engines. The BMW 3.0 CSL (CSL = Coupe Sport Light) made its debut as the first race car from BMW Motorsport GmbH in 1973. On the occasion of the foundation of BMW Motorsport GmbH, Robert A. Lutz, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG for Sales in 1972, stated: “A company is like a human being. If it does sports, it stays fit, enthusiastic, more effective and powerful.”
BMW M 100 RR 50 Years M
The BMW 3.0 CSL made its debut in the European Touring Car Championship in 1973 sporting the three defining BMW Motorsport colors of blue, violet and red on a snow-white background. Today’s updated Motorsport colors of are Blue – Dark Blue and Red.
This legendary color combination could be found on BMW M street vehicles which appeared in the second half of the 1970s as well as on successful race cars. Iconic cars such as the 1978 BMW M1 and the Brabham BMW with which Nelson Piquet won the 1983 Formula 1 World Championship.
From Isle of Man to Dakar – BMW Motorrad and motorsports
Racing success was not the exclusive realm of four-wheeled BMW vehicles however. Innovation stems from motorsport and this was especially true in the early decades. Legendary names from those early years include Ernst Jakob Henne who set no less than 76 world land speed records between 1929 and 1937 on supercharged BMW motorcycles and Georg “Schorsch” Meier who won the 1939 Senior Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man on his 500cc supercharged BMW.
In 1976, exactly 37 years later, Helmut Dähn and Hans Otto Butenuth celebrated fifth place in the Isle of Man Production TT class. They had actually set the fastest time on their BMW R 90 S but due to handicap rules, they were listed in fifth place behind two 250cc and two 500cc motorcycles. Nevertheless, given the fastest time, this fifth place was celebrated like a victory.
74 years after “Schorsch” Meier’s success in the Senior TT, Michael Dunlop rode his BMW S 1000 RR to victory in the 2014 Isle of Man TT Superbike race. In the following years, the RR would go on to leave its unmistakable mark on the TT with more victories.
BMW M colors would also be represented in off-road conditions such as the Paris-Dakar rallies of the early 1980s which were dominated by BMW GS factory riders Hubert Auriol and Gaston Rahier.
Like no other BMW motorcycles, the M 1000 RR 50 Years M model carries all of this historic motorsport DNA within it.
MSRP of $36,995 plus $645 Destination.
$32,495 plus the required $4,500 50 Years ///M Package.
Equipment
Standard Equipment
Windshield high
BMW Motorrad Race ABS and ABS Pro
7 riding modes (Rain, Road, Dynamic, Race, Race Pro 1-3)
Pit-Lane-Limiter
Launch Control
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) +/- Shift
Wheelie Control
Slide Control
Hill Start Control (HSC) Pro
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
Shift Assist Pro
6.5″ TFT-Display
LED-Headlight, Taillight and Turn Signals
Heated Grips
Cruise Control
M Lightweight Battery,
M Chassis Kit with rear height adjustment and swingarm pivot
50 Years ///M Package (optional)
Sao Paulo Yellow
50 Years M Anniversary badges
M GPS Lap Timer trigger software
Rear seat cover and passenger kit
M Carbon Package – Carbon front and rear fenders, Upper fairing side panels, Left and right carbon tank covers, Carbon chain guard and sprocket cover.
M Billet Pack – Billet aluminum engine protectors, folding brake and clutch levers, M rider’s rearsets, front brake lever guard.
Clear anodized swingarm
M Endurance chain
Specifications
Engine type
Water-cooled, inline 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, four titanium valves per cylinder, BMW ShiftCam
Wouldn’t it be great to know if there were unforeseen hazards on the road ahead you before you got there? That’s the goal of a new rider-sourced hazard reporting function provided by Charles River Analytics that will be hosted on the popular REVER ride route app. Users will be able to offer real-time hazard reporting, like Waze for motorcyclists but with a greater emphasis on safety. More information in the press release below.
REVER, the Colorado-based powersports app and part of the Comoto family of brands, today announced a collaboration with Charles River Analytics to introduce the industry’s first motorcycle hazard warning app integration driven by rider-sourced information.
The collaboration introduces Charles River Analytics’ technology – “Bolstering Awareness with Real-Time Rider Alerting and Cueing for Upcoming Danger Avoidance” (BARRACUDA) – as a user-generated feature within the REVER app that encourages riders to share accurate and real-time information about the roads and trails they’re exploring. The software is designed to help create safer roads, build community, and increase access to pertinent information for riders—no matter where they may be. Charles Rives Analytics’ development of BARRACUDA was funded by the Federal Highway Administration as part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Small Business Innovation Research Program.
Unlike automobile drivers, motorcycle riders are much more vulnerable to road hazards. Potholes, inclement weather, and slick roads can pose immense danger to riders and increase the probability of accidents. BARRACUDA provides timely hazard alerts designed to minimize distractions and, ultimately, keep motorcyclists safe. REVER users can interact with the BARRACUDA feature in a variety of ways, including through voice commands and button-based controls.
REVER has the largest online community of motorcycle riders. Through this partnership with Charles River Analytics, REVER will offer BARRACUDA to its millions of powersport enthusiasts and app users. Users will be able to natively interact and provide accurate, real-time hazard reporting, laying the foundation for a mass movement toward heightened rider safety.
BARRACUDA is available to REVER users on the Android platform, with the iOS version currently in private beta.
“This joint venture showcases the care and concern that the U.S. DOT shares with us regarding the safety and well-being of motorcyclists. The BARRACUDA SBIR project needed a large community of riders to bring this vision to life, and we knew that the REVER network was an optimal place to start,” said Justin Bradshaw, VP of Mobile Operations at REVER. “We like to think of BARRACUDA as the Waze for motorcyclists, but with a heightened emphasis on safety. Access to our millions of powersports enthusiasts allowed us to work with our partners to create a comprehensive, user-powered platform that warns riders of road hazards. This addresses a huge need for our community and we’re thrilled to be a part of the team bringing this technology to life.”
“Motorcycle riders can now benefit from state-of-the-art technology that improves their safety and adds to their experience while they are on the road,” said Dr. Elaine B. Coleman, VP of Commercialization at Charles River Analytics. “We are grateful to the U.S. DOT for selecting Charles River for an SBIR award to develop our app, and we’re very excited to partner with REVER on a solution that allows riders to avoid and report dangers without sacrificing safety.”
As it continues to provide essential services to its loyal customer base and national dealer network, Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is excited to support dealers’ ability to temporarily deliver products to customers’ homes or offices with “Suzuki Direct 2 You”. Suzuki announced this service on April 6, 2020 to its powersports dealers, providing them the opportunity to send Suzuki motorcycles, scooters, and ATVs directly to their customers, all while ensuring the same quality of service as an in-store visit
“We understand the landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic is challenging for everyone, and we are working hard to ease that burden with new and innovative ways to continue our commitment to keeping customers and dealers a priority,” said Kerry Graeber, Vice President MC/ATV Sales and Marketing. “With Suzuki Direct 2 You, we feel it’s a great way to follow appropriate guidelines while providing a way for customers to still enjoy the perks of a new Suzuki motorcycle or ATV.”
Customers are relying on Suzuki to help make the buying experience safe, professional, and convenient, especially those unable to visit a dealership. To help facilitate the purchase process, Suzuki encourages its dealers to communicate through electronic means and other methods to minimize contact, where and when appropriate.
“Suzuki Direct 2 You” will be available through June 30, 2020 at participating dealers, subject to local laws and directives.
For more information on “Suzuki Direct 2 You”, please visit SuzukiCycles.com or contact a local Suzuki dealer for availability.
Honda has announced that Android Auto will be integrated with the current-model Gold Wing. At no additional cost, customers with Android 5.0 or later smartphones and the Android Auto app will be able to seamlessly enjoy application services such as music, phone calls and messaging. When utilizing it while riding a Gold Wing, connection with a Bluetooth headset (sold separately) will also be required. App and communication costs may apply. The method to update software is planned to be available in mid-June, 2020.
Since the Gold Wing GL1000 went on sale in North America in 1975, the Gold Wing series has evolved as Honda’s flagship model for over four decades. In October 2017, the all-new Gold Wing was announced in North America, becoming the world’s first motorcycle with Apple CarPlay integration. Navigation features to enhance the ride experience and application-specific services have been well-received by many customers.
Android Auto is a simple way for customers to use a phone on the motorcycle. With simplified interface, and easy-to-use voice actions, it is designed to minimize distraction so riders can stay focused on the road. Android Auto makes it easy to access favorite music, media and messaging apps while on the motorcycle. With Google Assistant on Android Auto, riders can stay focused, connected and entertained, keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the handlebar, while using their voice to help with their day.
With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration coming to more models, Honda plans to bring more comfort and convenience to customers’ motorcycle lifestyles worldwide.
In light of personal travel restrictions, social distancing recommendations and heightened concern with the COVID-19 outbreak, American Honda and its dealer network have implemented temporary measures regarding remote delivery of Honda Powersports products.
To facilitate purchases of Honda Powersports products by customers who aren’t able or prefer not to enter a dealership, American Honda is temporarily suspending its requirements for delivery of new units at the dealership. Instead, customers will be able to complete the entire purchase process without leaving their home or business.
A number of conditions are in place to ensure that a first-rate purchase experience is maintained, that federal, state and local vehicle and dealer regulations are followed, and that dealers’ sales and service agreements are respected.
“This is an unprecedented time for everyone, and we’re pleased to work closely with our dealer network in order to adopt this temporary home-delivery option for our customers,” said Chuck Boderman, Motorcycle Division Vice President at American Honda. “The pandemic has caused significant disruptions for everyone, but hopefully this temporary policy will streamline the purchase process for some customers.”
Depending on state or local regulations, dealers may or may not be offering home delivery, so interested customers should contact their local dealer to confirm, and for additional details on Honda’s home-delivery policy.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, riders everywhere are anxious to see a return to normal so that we can head out to our favorite trails, scenic roadways, and motorcycling events.
For now, many of us are following directives to stay at home. Others live in areas where riding may be limited but still possible. We encourage each of you to adhere to local, state, and federal guidelines and restrictions, and take all necessary precautions.
For those of us waiting for the “all-clear,” this is the time to prepare to ride again. While some riders do routine maintenance at home, many others may be wondering when their local dealer will reopen for business. The fact is, dealers in most states are available now to provide parts, service, and sales in one form or another.
If you need these services now, or anticipate that you will need them soon, we urge you to contact your local dealer today to determine how they can help you. Your dealer can put your mind at ease by telling you the measures they are taking to ensure your safety, such as phone or online orders, social distancing, drop-off procedures, and more.
Another advantage to contacting your dealer now is that you can schedule the services you need in advance, avoiding the inevitable delays that will occur when everyone starts contacting their dealers once authorities issue the all-clear signal.
If you are shopping for a new bike, some manufacturers are offering home delivery programs, so be sure to ask your dealer about that, too.
Riders can also stay sharp and keep learning at home with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s online library. Most educational materials are free, including a fun MSF Rider Perception Challenge. Riders visiting the MSF’s YouTube channel can also take a dozen narrated virtual rides to learn about street strategies.
Also, for a limited time digital issues of American Motorcyclist magazine can be viewed online for free at https://americanmotorcyclist.com/Members-Magazine-Archive, providing news and features about rights, riding, racing and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
Finally, share what you have learned with your riding friends and family. Here at the AMA, the MIC, and the MSF, we will continue to share the latest news through email and our social media channels – Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Stay well and ride safe.
Rob Dingman President and CEO American Motorcyclist Association @ama_riding
Erik Pritchard President and CEO Motorcycle Industry Council Motorcycle Safety Foundation @followMIC, @MSF__USA
Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, launched an all-new “Deliver Your Ride” program supporting Yamaha dealers that are able to complete vehicle purchases remotely and then deliver the product directly to customers. The new program includes ATV, side-by-side, motorcycle and snowmobile products, and is available nationwide wherever dealers can legally and safely participate.
“Yamaha is working hard to support our dealer network and their customers during these difficult times,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s Motorsports group marketing manager. “It’s not business-as-usual for anyone, yet we know people may still want to buy and enjoy new Yamaha products where possible and appropriate based on their local laws and regulations.”
The new Deliver Your Ride initiative was announced to Yamaha dealers on April 17, 2020, as a temporary program, and Yamaha is working diligently with dealers to assist with the implementation. Interested customers can contact their local Yamaha dealer or visit YamahaMotorsports.com to determine availability in their area. This is a voluntary program and Yamaha is encouraging each dealer to determine the feasibility based on their local laws and capabilities.
Revised federal guidance released that allows many powersports businesses to remain open in stay-at-home areas.
Good news for motorcycle dealers, repair shops and their customers from the Motorcycle Industry Council:
Powersports employees in manufacturing, distribution, sales, rentals and maintenance are essential workers, according to newly revised federal guidelines released April 17, 2020. This clarifies that many powersports businesses nationwide can remain open, thanks to the addition of new language added to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Guidance on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers.
This guidance, which outlines the federal government’s position on essential workers, is currently in use by 33 of the states with stay-at-home orders, and has always listed “automotive repair” employees as essential workers. The CISA 3.0 guidance for the transportation sector now expressly includes: “Workers critical to the manufacturing, distribution, sales, rental, leasing, repair, and maintenance of vehicles and other transportation equipment (including electric vehicle charging stations) and the supply chains that enable these operations to facilitate continuity of travel-related operations for essential workers.”
“We are grateful to CISA Director Christopher Krebs, who heard our case and made this important clarification,” said Scott Schloegel, MIC senior vice president of government relations. “Proper servicing of all types of vehicles, including during times of emergency, is absolutely necessary. However, everyone still needs to follow state and local guidelines, as well as health official directives, and practice social distancing.”
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