The Department For Transport sought public touch upon a possible ICE bike ban in 2022. It’s 2024. Where did all of the feedback go?
Tag Archives: motorbike
Meet Kymco Ionex, The EV Platform That Will Power Future LiveWire Bikes
During its EICMA 2023 press conference, established Taiwanese motorbike manufacturer Kymco showcased its Ionex EV Solution. The program consists of three things, intended to address the needs of both stakeholder businesses and future riders.
For riders and network operators, Ionex Energy Stations will allow quick and simple battery swapping for vehicles on the Ionex platform.
On the energy company side, the plan involves offering Ionex batteries in a “Battery-as-a-Service” format. This setup is designed to alleviate concerns for owners of Ionex-powered vehicles about battery health.
Kymco states that under this system, the batteries aren’t part of the ownership equation for vehicle buyers. This could ultimately lead to lower costs for purchasing electric motorbikes. As older batteries lose their ability to fully charge, network operators can recycle them and supply customers with new, fresh batteries.
Finally, Kymco’s Battery Metering Unit aims to simplify the adoption of the Ionex system for multiple motorbike designs by various manufacturers.
While Kymco is known for manufacturing scooters and motorcycles, its Ionex proposition is an entire ecosystem. Ionex Battery Metering Units would exist on any motorbike making use of the Ionex platform, allowing all interested manufacturers to integrate the Ionex Common Battery into their design.
Kymco has described a common Ionex platform as a solution to the biggest obstacles in making electric motorbikes. For riders, potential benefits include reduced worries about range anxiety, battery health, and up-front vehicle cost.
4 Questions About Ionex With Kymco Chairman Allen Ko
Following Kymco’s Ionex presentation, RideApart had a few additional questions that Kymco chairman Allen Ko answered.
Is Kymco’s Ionex technology expected to power future LiveWire bikes?
Yes, Kymco’s Ionex technology is anticipated to be the driving force behind potential cooperation between LiveWire and Kymco for smaller electric motorbikes.
Where does Kymco plan to roll out the Ionex ecosystem?
Kymco plans to gradually introduce the Ionex ecosystem worldwide, with strong interest from potential partners in countries outside Europe and Southeast Asia.
How is Kymco exploring the feasibility of using the Ionex system in various areas?
Kymco is exploring the feasibility of using the Ionex system in multiple areas. For example, at the Smart City Summit & Expo in 2022, Kymco showcased an Ionex Smart Streetlight, combining a solar power generator and Ionex battery swapping cabinet to power streetlights at night.
2024 BMW M 1000 XR: A Performance and Endurance Package
On October 26, 2023, BMW Motorrad unveiled the 2024 M 1000 XR, the newest addition to its M motorbike family. This bike is no longer a prototype as it had a previous appearance at the Isle of Man TT course in 2023.
The M 1000 XR’s release was not a surprise as BMW has been transparent about their upcoming models. The new flagship model, the 2024 R 1300 GS, was also announced in advance and released on September 28, 2023.
Now that the production M 1000 XR is here, let’s take a closer look at its specifications.
The Engine
The heart of the 2024 BMW M 1000 XR is a tuned version of the ShiftCam inline four-cylinder engine found in the S 1000 RR. BMW claims it produces 201 horsepower at 12,750 rpm, which is 31 horsepower more than the 2024 S 1000 XR. The peak torque is 113 newton meters or 83.3 pound-feet at 11,000 rpm. The bore and stroke are 80mm by 49.7mm, and the compression ratio is 13.3 to one.
BMW also made some changes to enhance performance, such as switching to a 47-tooth rear sprocket, adjusting the gear ratios, and improving airflow at higher engine speeds with variable intake funnels. The claimed top speed of the M 1000 XR is 170 miles per hour, and it can accelerate from zero to 124 mph in 7.2 seconds.
Chassis
The M 1000 XR features an aluminum bridge-type frame with the engine as a stressed member. It has a 45mm upside-down telescopic front fork, an aluminum swingarm, and a monoshock suspension, all of which are electronically semi-adjustable and equipped with BMW’s Dynamic ESA. The suspension travel at both ends is 5.4 inches.
Braking is handled by four-piston BMW M Sport calipers with 320mm discs in the front and a two-piston floating caliper with a 265mm disc in the rear. Switchable ABS is standard. The bike comes with 17-inch forged aluminum wheels, and M Carbon wheels are available as an option.
Dimensions
The M 1000 XR has a wheelbase of 60.9 inches and a steering head angle of 64.9 degrees. The length is 85.4 inches, width is 33.5 inches (without accessories), and height is 54.4 inches. The curb weight is listed at 492 pounds. The seat height is 33.4 inches, but BMW offers M Sport Low and M Sport High seat options, which lower or raise the seat height, respectively.
Additional Features
The M 1000 XR comes with various standard features, including dynamic damping control, an M battery, M titanium silencer, sport windscreen, adjustable steering damper, M brake and clutch levers, M seat, keyless ride, heated grips, cruise control, USB charging port, Headlight Pro with adaptive headlight, M winglets, and BMW’s Ultimate Care break-in service.
Electronics
The bike is equipped with a 6.5-inch TFT dash that has an OBD interface. It has multiple ride modes, including Rain, Road, Dynamic, Race, and Race Pro One through Three. It also comes with electronic rider aids such as a pit lane speed limiter, launch control, traction control, wheelie control, slide control, brake control, shift assistant pro, automatic hill start control, and tire pressure monitoring.
The M 1000 XR also features Brake Slide Assist, which enables the rider to brake drift into corners with a constant slide.
Price and Availability
The price and availability of the 2024 BMW M 1000 XR vary by region. In the US, the starting price is $29,995, and it will be available soon according to BMW Motorrad USA. For accurate pricing and availability information in other regions, it is best to contact your local authorized BMW Motorrad dealer.
French Gear Label Helstons Releases The New Monaco Air Summer Jacket
Riding a retro-style motorbike often means embracing fashionable riding gear. Fortunately, gear manufacturers now offer retro-inspired gear with modern technology and safety features.
One brand that stands out in this genre is Helstons, which was one of the first to cater to the retro-themed market. Their apparel collection is designed for riders of scramblers, cafe-racers, classic bikes, cruisers, and modern classics. Adding to their impressive selection of gear, Helstons has recently launched the Monaco Air jacket, a mesh jacket designed for maximum ventilation while still maintaining a classy and sophisticated look.
Despite its stylish exterior, the Helstons Monaco Air jacket is packed with tech and safety features. The abrasion-resistant synthetic fabric ensures durability and protection. Breathable mesh panels on the chest, back, and arms improve airflow and keep the rider cool and comfortable. The jacket also has a full interior mesh lining for added comfort. CE protection on the elbows, shoulders, and back is removable for further safety, and the jacket is certified according to the EN 1621-1 standard.
In addition to style and safety, the Monaco Air jacket offers practical amenities that make it suitable for daily use. It has two zippered pockets inside the lining for safe storage of personal items. A zippered wallet pocket on the front adds convenience. The jacket also features four exterior zippered pockets for easy access to essentials while on the move. With its blend of elegance, technology, and functionality, the Helstons Monaco Air jacket meets the demands of riders seeking style, safety, and usefulness.
The Helstons Monaco Air motorcycle jacket is available in various fashionable colors, including blue, white, and red, allowing riders to customize their look. It comes in sizes ranging from S to 4XL, ensuring a comfortable fit for riders of all body shapes. Priced at 199 Euros ($219 USD), this jacket offers a combination of quality, design, and features at an affordable price.
BMW Motorrad integrates motorbike rental platform Rent A Ride in the experience platform FUEL FOR LIFE.
Munich. The motorbike rental platform FUEL FOR LIFE has integrated Rent A Ride, providing motorcycling enthusiasts with a one-stop shop for motorbike experiences worldwide. With 315 BMW Motorrad partners in 26 countries and nearly 2,000 BMW rental motorbikes available, customers have access to a wide range of services.
Rent A Ride offers more than just motorbike rentals. It also allows customers to extensively test ride motorbikes before making a purchase decision. Stephan Reiff, Head of BMW Motorrad Customer, Brand and Sales, describes Rent A Ride as a best-in-segment rental platform that offers a comprehensive range of experiences.
Booking a BMW motorbike through FUEL FOR LIFE is simple and convenient. Customers can choose their preferred motorbike in just a few clicks and add rider equipment and accessories. The booking system provides real-time availability and allows rentals for a period of one to 28 days.
Rent A Ride also offers great potential in the tourism sector. Holidaymakers can easily book a motorbike locally and explore their destination. Additionally, FUEL FOR LIFE offers unique travel, training, and event experiences for motorbike enthusiasts all over the world. The platform is constantly growing, with new partners and experiences being added regularly.
FUEL FOR LIFE provides free route tips for those who prefer to set off on their own. The routes are tailored to include regional highlights and come with sightseeing, accommodation, and dining recommendations. Customers can download the relevant GPX files and choose from a variety of one-day and multi-day tours.
For more information, visit: https://www.fuelforlife.bmw-motorrad.com/en/home.html
Contact:
Sarah Bauer, Corporate, Product and Innovation Communications
Tel.: +49-151-601-94180, Sarah.Bauer@bmw.de
Tim Diehl-Thiele, Head of Communications BMW Motorrad
Tel.: +49-151-601-57505, Tim.Diehl-Thiele@bmw.de
Jens Lemon, Head of Communications MINI and BMW Motorrad
Tel.: +49-151-601-23635, Jens.Lemon@bmw.de
Website: www.press.bmwgroup.com
Email: presse@bmw.de