Category: BMW Motorrad
A Bowker Motorrad apprentice has negotiated a deal to donate a motorcycle engine to Preston’s College Motorcycle engineering department.
When new, the 1250cc boxer engine would cost over £5,000. Now, thanks to quick-thinking Shannon Barton-Constable from Southport, the engine will be available for students to test their technical skills.
Shannon, a level 3 motorcycle engineering student at Preston’s College, has been an apprentice at Bowker Motorrad on the docks in Preston for three years. She spotted the engine swapped from an iconic 2019 water-cooled BMW R 1250 GS in the workshop. That’s when she approached Motorrad managers with a proposition.
Shannon takes up the story: ”Most of our theoretical learning at college comes to life when we have real life engines to interact with. When I spotted the engine had been removed, I wondered if there was an opportunity for the college and students to benefit. I discussed the idea with my manager. And that’s when he agreed to donate the engine.
“It will be great to see the engine in the workshop at the college. I’ve been with Bowker Motorrad since 2019 so I’m lucky – I work in and around engines like this most days. But now, other engineering students can enjoy hands-on experience of a BMW motorcycle engine too.”
Normally, engines would be recycled or broken up for parts for other operators in the supply chain. This decision to donate instead will mean more than 90 Preston’s College automotive engineering students each year will be able to apply their learning practically on the motorcycle engine.
Mike Franklin-Smith, work-based tutor at Preston’s College said: “Thank you to Bowker Motorrad for their donation and Shannon for her quick thinking! Our students enjoy the very best of theoretical and practical training. But nothing can compare with getting your hands on the real thing.
“The donation of the engine will enhance the learning experience for both current and future students. Better still, it further increases the reputation of Preston’s College as the number one choice for learners wishing to study motorcycle maintenance and repair.”
This motorcycle maintenance and repair apprenticeship is ideal for students wishing to specialise in motorcycle repair and maintenance. The apprenticeship includes both theory and practical aspects covering the mechanical and electrical systems on motorcycles.
For Bowker Motorrad, aftersales manager Richard Rawlings said: “Well done to Shannon for spotting the opportunity! Throughout the Bowker Motor Group our relationships with local schools and colleges are very important to us. The engine we donated will offer students a hands-on experience with the latest performance engineering technology.”
Welcome to our BMW 2021 Make Life a Ride Retailer Demo Tour at Bowker Motorrad on Saturday 10th July.
Riding season is here and what better time to test ride your dream BMW motorcycle!
Whether you’re ready to awaken the daredevil with the new S 1000 R, or cruise the streets in style with the all-new R 18 Classic, our model range caters for riders of all styles and ambitions.
Join us on our retailer demo tour to experience some of our exciting new 2021 models and Make Life a Ride.
Date and time
Sat, 10 July 2021
09:00 – 17:00 BST
Location
Bowker Motorrad
Customs Way
Ashton-on-Ribble
Preston
PR2 2UW
*Please note due to high demand we can only accept a maximum of 2 test rides per person for the day.
As we head into new Bennetts British Superbike Championship class, Bowker Motorrad are pleased to join the PR Racing team for a fifth consecutive year as a Team Partner. This season, the team are doubling their line-up as they head into their 20th anniversary, fielding the all-new BMW M 1000 RR with Joe Francis and new signing Brad Jones.
The Liverpool-based team have retained Francis for a third season after he claimed the team’s top ten finish during last year’s campaign and now the Chester-based rider is aiming for further progression in 2021 with the new BMW Superbike.
A seasoned pro, having been involved in the sport since the age of 9, Francis said: “This will be a fantastic opportunity to build on the consistent development from myself and the team over the last two years. Towards the end of the 2020 season, we really stepped up as we closed the gap and ran with the leading pack. I can’t wait to swing my leg over the new bike and start testing.”
Brad Jones will complete the team’s Superbike line-up as he makes his debut in the class in 2021. The 22-year-old from Stalbridge has finished runner-up the past two seasons in the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship and is now keen to make the step up to the premier class.
Jones said: “I’m very excited to get going, I know I have a lot of learning to do but that’s all part of the process. The excitement is really high for 2021 and get my first taste of the Superbike. At this stage of my career, stepping up into Superbikes and benefitting from all the team’s experience, is a great opportunity for me.”
Team Principal at PR Racing, John Jameson on their anniversary season and their partnership with Bowker Motorrad: “As we enter our 20th year in the Superbike class, the team are really excited to be bringing another young talent on-board. With the continued support of Bowker Motorrad, BMW Motorrad UK and the rest of our team partners, we’re really looking forward to, and relish the fresh challenges the 2021 season will bring. This announcement completes our 2021 plans with four riders competing in three different classes across the Bennetts British Superbike Championship.”
Bowker Motorrad are pleased to continue the partnership with PR Racing. John Nichol, Head of Business said: “We are proud to be in our fifth year working with PR Racing, more so as it’s their 20th year in British Superbikes. We are looking forward to seeing the new M RR Superbikes in action and wish all the team the best of luck with the 2021 season.”
Bowker Motorrad look forward to inviting both riders along with their bikes down to the showroom in the coming months, giving Superbike fans a change to grab a glimpse of the new M RR.
DYNAMIC AND LUXURIOUS RIDING, TOURING AND CRUISING
Being on the move, gaining impressions, experiencing a great deal, relaxed and yet dynamic riding pleasure: this is what the world looks like from the saddle of the new BMW K 1600 range. Six-cylinder in-line engines have always belonged to the showcase drives at BMW.
The K 1600 GT represents the particularly agile, dynamic variant of the six-cylinder design, while the K 1600 B is of a completely different breed. It provides characteristic “streamlining” with a low rear section in bagger style. Its motto is “The Spirit of the Open Road”. It represents elegance, power and luxury on two wheels and allows the rider to experience every road, every tour and every moment particularly intensively. Derived from the K 1600 B, the K 1600 Grand America finally combines the superior performance of the six-cylinder in-line engine with exclusive equipment features that make long-distance rides in American highway cruising style an experience that is as comfortable as it is fascinating, both alone or with a partner.
Our BMW Select Finance examples are below. Quotes can be tailored to your required deposit and annual mileage and we welcome part-exchanges so contact us for a personalised quotation.
For more information on our BMW K 1600 offers or to arrange a test ride†, please complete the enquiry form on this page or call the team on 01772 767300.
| Model | BMW K 1600 GT | BMW K 1600 B LE | BMW K 1600 GTL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash Price* | £21,113.00 | £22,635.00 | £22,650.00 |
| Customer Deposit | £1,600.00 | £4,662.81 | £4,608.81 |
| Bowker Deposit Contribution | £1,000.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| 47 Monthly Payments | £288.53 | £259.25 | £259.29 |
| Term Of Agreement | 48 Months | 48 Months | 48 Months |
| Total Amount Of Credit | £18,513.00 | £17,972.19 | £18,041.19 |
| Annual Mileage | 4,000 | 4,000 | 4,000 |
| Excess Mileage Charge (Per Mile) | 11.44p | 12.38p | 12.56p |
| Total Amount Payable | £26,040.91 | £27,606.31 | £27,649.19 |
| Optional Final Payment^ | £9,880.00 | £10,758.75 | £10,853.75 |
| Rate of Interest | 8.9% APR | 8.9% APR | 8.9% APR |
Bowker Preston Limited, trading as Bowker Motorrad, is a credit broker and not a lender.
Finance quotes are for BMW Select agreements for the models above, with a contract mileage of 16,000 miles and excess mileage charges. Applies to new motorcycles ordered between 29/09/2023 and 29/12/2023 and registered by 31/01/2024 (subject to availability), at participating Retailers. Retail customers only. On the road cash price includes 3-year BMW Retailer Warranty, BMW Emergency Service, 12-month road fund licence, motorcycle first registration fee, delivery, number plates, Datatag and VAT. Optional final payment not payable if you opt to return the motorcycle at the end of the agreement (motorcycle condition, excess mileage and other charges may be payable). Finance available subject to credit acceptance to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Terms and conditions apply. Offer may be varied, withdrawn or extended at any time. This quotation is not a binding offer to enter into a finance agreement. ‘BMW Select’ is a form of hire-purchase agreement provided by BMW Motorrad Financial Services, Summit ONE, Summit Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 0FB. You will have a 14-day statutory right to withdraw from the agreement. BMW Motorrad (UK) Limited introduces customers to BMW Motorrad Financial Services only and does not receive any commission or other payment for the introduction. The introduction does not amount to independent financial advice. Your Retailer will receive commission for introducing customers to BMW Motorrad Financial Services.
†Test rides subject to applicant status and availability.
Select the BMW Motorrad model you would like to test ride below.
Terms and Conditions. Test ride is subject to rider status and subject to availability.
RACING LIKE NO OTHER. INTRODUCING BMW’S NEWEST MODEL.
Your competitive spirit drives you. Your passion dominates and challenges you. The search for more defines every millisecond: pure motorsport. High performance, high-tech materials, the highest-quality workmanship and exclusivity down to the last detail: The BMW M 1000 RR is the first of its kind from BMW Motorrad.
Its genes come directly from professional racing. The M RR and M RR with M Competition package offers pure racing technology for the highest performance demands in motorsport and for adrenalin-driven perfectionists on the road. Because #NeverStopChallenging is more than a promise. It’s a commitment.
The assembly of the BMW M 1000 RR has been developed in sports racing and perfected for the road. For this purpose, we have increased the power of the four-cylinder in-line engine from the RR: For a higher torque in the mid-range. And we have increased the maximum speed by 500 rpm to 15,100 rpm. The titanium connecting rods are lighter, the rocker arms are 1.5 mm narrower, the airbox funnel has been shortened for better load changes: Millimetre work for milliseconds.
In addition, there are 2-ring forged pistons with cross-ribbing and cylinder heads with new channel geometry and reinforced bearing brackets. Overall result: More dynamics and reduced mass inertia.
For a shorter ratio, even the sprocket has been given a tooth and the chain itself and the wheelbase have also been lengthened. The anti-hopping clutch works without self-reinforcement – for the perfect launch control.
The contact pressure also determines victory or defeat. The M winglets made of carbon generate a downforce of 16.3 kg. In combination with the high windscreen, you can convert more power into pure propulsion. Before the curve, in the curve, and when accelerating out of the curve. The front wheel pulls straight into the apex and the fork keeps contact with the ground; the DTC has to intervene less. And you save the wheelie for the finish line.
Only what you feel will drive you forward. The chassis and geometry of the BMW M 1000 RR are trimmed for the racetrack. For more performance on the track and in the pits. The drivability, braking and starting pitch compensation provide more feeling for the front and rear wheel. Even on country roads. The longer wheelbase makes the M RR much more comfortable. The easily adjustable pivot point has been rescaled and enlarged. And the new rear axle – also thanks to the adapted brake piston – allows quick rear-wheel changes. This is where the pit lane meets your will to perfection.
We have developed the best brake piston on the market for us. One result, three words: Best in class. We have optimised the fluid balance for greater pressure point stability. In addition to the standard brake pad, you can also choose a different one. This comes from the Endurance World Championship and is intended exclusively for the racetrack. Together with the ideally combined operating element and saddle, this results in maximum brake stability and feedback, as well as superb coordination with the RACE ABS. The M brake is therefore an ideal reference.
For more information on the new BMW M 1000 RR, or to be updated on the official launch date, please complete the enquiry form on this page or call our sales team on 01772 767300.
Tuesday 5 November 2019 – three all-new BMW Motorrad models have made their hotly-anticipated debut at the internationally-significant ‘EICMA 2019’ motor show in Milan.
CHASE NEW HORIZONS: S 1000 XR.
The new S 1000 XR combines athleticism and long-distance performance in perfect form – radically lighter, faster, and more versatile than before. Combining the powerful qualities and versatility of the BMW adventure range with exceptional sports performance, this dynamic fusion creates an energetic yet versatile riding experience.
Derived from the S 1000 RR superbike engine, the inline-four packs a strong mid-range punch, producing an extremely linear torque curve for better rideability. With four riding modes as standard, a 6.5-inch TFT display and full connectivity, the new S 1000 XR delivers cutting-edge technology, comfort, and performance.
THE DYNAMIC ROADSTER: F 900 R.
Launched as the enhanced successor to the F 800 R, the latest model is the new sports roadster on the block, offering precise, dynamic and authentic riding pleasure.
With greater emphasis on sports styling and aggressive design, plus substantial torque and 105 hp of linear power, the F 900 R boasts the capability to tackle everyday riding for sports riders and newcomers alike.
Setting a technological benchmark in the middle-weight segment, the all-new F 900 R is available with a host of high-quality equipment including; Adaptive Cornering Light, Dynamic ESA, Riding Modes Pro, Shift Assistant Pro and Keyless Ride.
HIGHER, FASTER, FURTHER: F 900 XR.
The new F 900 XR is an adrenaline rush in touring form. Demonstrating completely unique performance, ‘XR’ stands for an uncompromising mix of sportiness and touring capability. Mastering the Adventure Sport segment’s key qualities, the XR offers unrivalled riding dynamics with comfortable GS-like ergonomics.
The 895 cc parallel-twin engine produces a high-level of torque and, paired with a new underslung exhaust system, produces a resonant twin-cylinder rumble.
Also available in an A2-licence variant, the F 900 XR is poised to bring the best of the sports, adventure and touring segments together in an exciting new motorcycle.
To sign up for further updates on these new models ahead of the official launch, please complete the enquiry form on this page or call our sales team on 01772 767300.
Niall Mackenzie and Neil Hodgson brought comedy, behind the scenes gossip and hilarious stories of old to Bowker Motorrad on Tuesday 20th August 2019.
Over 300 guests enjoyed an evening with Niall Mackenzie and Neil Hodgson where they heard all the inside gossip from the world of MotoGP, BSB and WSBK, plus glory days stories.
Questions included, “What’s it like watching your sons racing?”,,,,,,”Is the MotoGP paddock as glamorous as it seems?”,,,,,, at the our open mic Q&A session.
We also had the PR Racing 2019 BMW S 1000 RR Superbike on display and refreshments available in return for a small charity donation to the North West Blood Bikes.
Join us for a UK premiere! The first ever Baron Von Grumble Tour is coming to Bowker Motorrad.
Join us on Wednesday 27th March for an evening with online motorcycle journalist and BMW enthusiast, Chris Eades, AKA “Baron Von Grumble“!
Hear about all the crazy things he gets up to whilst creating his unique social content and we’ll be firing up the Bowker BBQ!
Only 200 tickets available, don’t miss out! Register for your FREE tickets here: http://bit.ly/BowkerBVGTour
Bowker Motorrad has raised over £1,000 for North West Blood Bikes from a Seasonal Social attended by over 100 local riders.
The fundraising raffle offered the chance to win British Superbikes Tickets, Lunch at Northcote and other prizes from Booths, Pirelli, Bell Helmets, ACF50, Bike Tyrestore and Datatool UK.
Whilst the auction included one-off money-can’t-buy items donated by PR Racing and Czech superbike rider Jakub Smrz who donated his race leathers to the cause.
For Bowker Motorrad, John Nichol said: “Thank you to everyone who supported our Seasonal Social. The showroom was packed. And everyone gave generously to North West Blood Bikes.”
Bowker Motorrad and North West blood Bikes enjoy a close relationship. The charity’s volunteers receive exclusive preferential rates and a speedy booking service for bike maintenance. In addition, Bowker Motorrad offers a courtesy motorcycle, liveried in North West Blood Bike branding, available to volunteers whilst their motorcycles are being serviced.
With over 300 riders, North West Blood Bikes is the largest hospital delivery charity in the world. They receive over 1,000 calls each month. Each call represents an urgent, potentially life-saving, request for a delivery to or from a North West hospital.
Lee Townsend for North West Blood Bikes said: “This was a wonderful event and a generous gesture from the team and customers at Bowker Motorrad. Every donation, no matter how small or large, makes a massive difference to the service we can provide, and the local lives we save.”
The latest evolution of the GS success story – the new BMW R 1250 GS!
Discover a new generation of the iconic Boxer engine with the new BMW R 1250 GS – a motorbike designed to cope with any challenge.
Bowker Motorrad will be launching the new model with three versions of the R 1250 GS on display. Experience its power and dynamism firsthand by booking your test ride with a member of the sales team.
With the new BMW Shift Cam engine at its heart, you’ll experience your smoothest ever ride. And with its all-round capability and exclusive new-style HP, you’ll be set for adventure whether it’s off-road in the wilderness or on the open road.
Plus, visit Bowker Motorrad on Saturday 13th October and enjoy savings throughout the store on new & approved used motorcycles as well as RiderWear clothing with up to 50% off.
Czech contender Jakub Smrz will return to the British Superbike Championship grid in 2018 with the PR Racing LLoyd & Jones Bowker Motorrad BMW team, aiming to build on his previous season with the Liverpool-based squad.
Smrz was a consistent points scorer last season with the highlight of the year coming at Silverstone when he scored the team a top five finish.
“I’m very happy to be staying with PR Racing for another year so I need to say thank you to John and Julian for the opportunity. Last season we started from zero but improved throughout the season and scored some good results and I felt very happy and comfortable with the team,” said Smrz.
“Last year we had some highs and lows, but we found a lot of areas we can work on and it’s great to stay on the same bike and build on our experiences. We had a very positive test in December so we have already started to develop and improve some of those areas and I can’t wait to get back to Spain and get our 2018 season started.”
The team will also have a double pronged attack of the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship with Sam Coventry and Luke Hedger joining the team’s 2018 line-up.
Coventry said: “I’m really excited about staying with PR Racing for this upcoming season, can’t thank John and Julian enough for supporting me and giving me this opportunity to continue working with this experienced and professional team, can’t wait to get back on the Bowker Motorrad BMW for testing. In terms of myself I’ve up my game this year in terms of diet and fitness and I can’t wait to challenge at the front of Superstock 1000, the class is always extremely competitive but there’s no reason I can’t be a front runner with PR Racing on the Bowker Motorrad BMW.”
Hedger added: “I’m really excited to finally announce my plans for this year. I can’t wait to get the season started with PR Racing on the Bowker Motorrad BMW. I’m thrilled that John has given me this opportunity. I believe with a year of experience under my belt in the Superstock 1000 class, and in a well established team I can battle for the 2018 championship.
“I am excited to get to Spain and get some laps in on the BMW ready for the first round at Donington Park. I would like to say a massive thank you to John from PR Racing, Bowker Motorrad BMW, and all my sponsors for getting me to this point.”
A Preston motorcycle dealership has donated a 1200cc boxer engine to test motorsport students technical skills on real life engineering.
Bowker Motorrad on the docks in Preston sourced the engine from a 2014 water-cooled BMW R 1200 GS. The engine that powered the R 1200 GS model to its iconic status and made it a group leading motorcycle.
Belinda Oldham, head of motorsport at Myerscough said: “Our partnerships with local businesses are very important to us. And this donation by Bowker Motorrad is a wonderful example. Our students enjoy the very best of theoretical and practical training. But nothing can compare with getting your hands on the real thing.”
“We’re building a strong reputation with our motorsport courses. It’s the perfect first step to an exciting career for our students. And the partnerships help us make the course experience even better.”
Myerscough took their first cohort of motorcycle students into the new purpose built Motorsports Centre last year. The current group began a City & Guilds Level 2 study programme in Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Principles. From September, the course will run at both Level 2 as well as a Level 3 diploma.
The course is designed to give students skills and knowledge in diagnosing and repairing any type of motorcycles in a safe manner including competition motorcycles.
Myerscough has tailored the course to incorporate motorsport activities and resources to provide progression into the motorsports industry.
Mark Cottom, Bowker’s Group eCommerce and motorcycle marketing manager said:
“Throughout the Bowker Motor Group our relationships with local colleges are very important to us. The engine we donated will show students some of the latest performance engineering technology. And a deeper understanding can only help any ambitious young motorsport engineer.”
A couple of months ago, Bowker Motorrad confirmed its first-ever partnership with a British Superbike Championship racing team. Bowker Motorrad will partner with PR Racing for the 2017 season. The Motorrad deal comes as PR Racing unveiled their riders for the season which begins on the 31st March 2017 at Donington Park.
Former World Superbike rider Jakub ‘Kuba’ Smrz joins PR Racing to contend the British Superbike Championship. Kuba’s younger brother, Matej will spearhead the team’s return to the National Superstock 1000cc class. It’s the first time they’ve ridden in the same team for over 10 years.
Bowker Motorrad in Preston has confirmed its first-ever partnership with a British Superbike Championship racing team.
Bowker Motorrad will partner with PR Racing for the 2017 season.
The Motorrad deal comes as PR Racing unveiled their riders for the season which begins on the 31st March 2017 at Donington Park.
Former World Superbike rider Jakub ‘Kuba’ Smrz joins PR Racing to contend the British Superbike Championship. Kuba’s younger brother, Matej will spearhead the team’s return to the National Superstock 1000cc class.
It’s the first time they’ve ridden in the same team for over 10 years.
John Nichol, Bowker Motorrad Head of Business, said: “Bowker Motorrad, and the Bowker Motor group to which we belong, has a track record of supporting sporting endeavour at all levels: from grassroots youth level through to international Olympians.
“Our new exciting partnership with PR Racing sees us link up with two of the the fastest motorcycling brothers on the planet. The Smrz brother’s and The PR Racing team partnership boasts a powerful combination of skill and ambition. We can’t wait for the new season and we’re looking forward to being part of the journey.”
On signing the Czech bothers, John Jameson, Team Principal said: “Kuba is a top rider with many years’ experience at all levels. His attitude and commitment to racing is second to none and this fits PR Racing’s work ethic. It‘s a massive plus for the team to be able to work with a rider of his calibre, as we move forward and take the next step in the championship.”
Jakub Smrz said: “I am really pleased to be joining Matej at PR Racing. Having spent a season learning the BMW, I am looking forward to sharing that knowledge with PR and growing with the team, in what will be a very competitive format.
“We have already met as a group last week to plan everything and PR Racing have started preparing the BMWs so we can start testing as soon as possible. I feel very good about 2017. Can’t wait to get on the bike soon and go racing!”
On returning to the team, Matej said: “I’m feeling confident even after my difficult start last year. Luckily in my first year in BSB I joined a great team. John with his partners have given me another opportunity to continue in 2017 and I would like to show everyone it wasn’t a poor decision.
“Having my brother in the team after more than fifteen years is like a dream and he will be a great asset. I can gain from his experience of the BMW, as well as the circuits. We work well together and I am looking forward to the possibilities this partnership will bring.”
Sponsorship Boost For New Lancashire Youth Football Team Determined to Make Bawling Touchline Parents a Thing of the Past
A new Lancashire youth football team has launched with an innovative club culture that aims to make parental touchline bawling a thing of the past.
Lancashire Attack FC, based in Lytham St Annes, does not permit relatives of players to be coaches. However, every player must have a parental representative on the club committee. And each parent has a clearly-defined role and a direct influence on how the club is run.
Lancashire Attack FC was formed in the summer and has one under 11’s team in the Poulton and District Primary League.
Already local businesses Bowker Motorrad in Preston, Ultra Property in Lytham St Annes and Bite Club UK in Lytham have backed the club’s innovative grassroots football vision with kit sponsorship deals.
The team has been founded and facilitated through a partnership with Orange Soccer.
For Orange Soccer Orrin Benford said: “The idea came about through a discussion with a group of young coaches. We wanted to combine our passion for football with a better way for everyone to enjoy the sport. We wanted to avoid starting yet another club that parents saw as glorified babysitters – before screaming from the touchline on matchday.
“Parents are crucial to the success of the Lancashire Attack team. They are all involved and, in that way, buy in to the unique aims of the club. But we don’t believe it helps if they coach their own children. By distancing them from coaching decisions we think we can minimise the chances of conflict. And we can just let the kids play!”
The club is also piloting other initiatives. Its inclusive culture has a clear focus on player attitude. Players that put the team first – and demonstrate a determination to listen, learn and improve – are rewarded with game time.
Many of the players who have joined so far were not getting as much game time as they had hoped in their previous teams. There are already plans to extend the club’s teams in different age groups for next season after requests from local coaches and players.
For new shirt sponsor Bowker Motorrad, John Nichol, said: “We love the way Lancashire Attack are trying to change things for the better. Sport is a valuable way to teach young people important values. We wish Lancashire Attack every success in their campaign. It would be wonderful to think that, in years to come, the lessons they learn might inspire other teams too.”
Munich/Cernobbio. 80 years ago, BMW presented the BMW R 5 to the international public – an exciting new technological development that was to influence motorcycle construction right through to the 1950s. Inspired by the 500 cc factory racing machine of 1935, it was one of the groundbreaking sports motorbikes of the late 1930s with its newly designed light frame. To mark the 80th anniversary of the BMW R 5, BMW Motorrad is honouring this icon at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2016 with a special model: the BMW R 5 Hommage.
The BMW R 5 Hommage translates the essence of motorcycling into the modern era, combining the world of historical motorcycle design with the modern world of custom bikes.
“At its debut, the R 5 was not only a masterpiece of engineering, the clarity of its lines and the elegance of its proportions also made it stand out clearly from the masses. To this day, the R 5 remains one of the most aesthetically appealing motorcycles in BMW history in my view,” says Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design BMW Motorrad. “In my opinion, its fascinating and unique beauty lies in its sheer simplicity,” adds Ola Stenegard, Head of Vehicle Design and Creative Director Heritage BMW Motorrad. “In today’s world it is very simple to keep it complicated, but very complicated to keep it simple. And the BMW R 5 captures the very essence of a motorcycle. Our aim was to transport its clarity and elegant aesthetic appeal to the modern era – creating a respectful combination of old-school and high-tech with a dash of high performance.”
Vintage meets custom.
The BMW R 5 Hommage shows just how well the world of historical motorcycles and the custom scene harmonise. At the core there is an original 500 cc Two-cylinder engine provided by motorcycle enthusiast Sebastian Gutsch. This boxer engine was damaged in a race and provided the starting point for creating the BMW R 5 Hommage.
As befits a custom bike, the homage bike was elaborately hand-crafted from scratch. Ronny and Benny Noren were called upon to produce the parts according to the specifications of the BMW Motorrad Design Team: the two brothers have been building tailor-made customer bikes for more than 30 years.
Historical core …
The Two-cylinder 4-stroke boxer engine of the R 5 was completely newly designed at the time and had an output of 24 bhp at 5,500 rpm. The valve drive was taken care of by two camshafts powered by a timing chain. Thanks to the likewise newly designed frame made of electrically welded oval tubing, the light R 5 reached a top speed of 135 km/h, making it almost as fast as R 17 with 33 bhp 750 cc – which is one of the reasons it was so frequently used for racing, just like the engine selected for the BMW R 5 Hommage, which was damaged during a race. For the homage bike, numerous components such as the valve cover and the breastplate of the boxer engine were machined from billet aluminium based on sketches: they give the historical core a dash of modern flair.
… in a tailor-made custom outfit.
Two doyens of the custom bike scene, Ronny and Benny Noren, were the perfect partners for the BMW R 5 Hommage project when it came to providing a fitting outward appearance for the historical core and producing the missing parts for the engine and gearbox. The remaining parts gradually took shape in the Noren brothers’ workshop based on sketches by the BMW Motorrad Design Team. All parts such as the frame, fuel tank and rearfender are unique, elaborately hand-crafted components – making this a genuine custom bike. And most important of all: the newly fashioned parts clearly transport the original purist character of the R 5.
Timelessly elegant: the proportions.
The result is impressive: even from a distance the proportions convey the timeless beauty of a consistent reduction to the essentials – entirely true to the spirit of the R 5 – and translate this idea into the modern age. The frame and fuel tank echo the elegant drop shape of the original, though in a more modern, streamlined interpretation. The steering head is slightly more tilted, for example, so as to give the R 5 Hommage greater presence and expressive stance while at the same time underscore the fact that it belongs to the customer bike world. As far as the frame is concerned, the focus here was on the oval shaped tubes which were such a striking feature of the original. Together the frame and fuel tank draw a continuous line from the steering head to the rear wheel hub, giving the side view a touch of elegance. The hand-made steel rearfender perpetuates the minimalistic layout.
A modern interpretation of historical details.
A particularly defining feature in terms of the appearance of the original R 5 was the telescopic fork – new at the time – whose characteristic fork covers were aerodynamically shaped at the level of the headlamp. The BMW R 5 Hommage invokes this element and interprets it in modern style based on the custom made fork. The leading edge of the forkcovers echoes the “crease” on the breastplate and valve covers with a suggested interpretation of the typical “R 5 rib”. The brake and clutch levers activated from the bar-end likewise blend the past with state-of-the-art technology: these custom-made components combine the look of historical reversed levers with the adjustment options of modern controls.
Exquisite custom craftsmanship: supercharger, exhaustpipes and suspension.
The heart of the BMW R 5 rests within the minimalist proportions of the homage bike. The technical highlight of the engine is the specially developed supercharger, which in the BMW R 5 Hommage now significantly boosts the output of the original 500 cc power unit of 26 bhp to achieve a contemporary accurate level.
A completely newly built stainless steel exhaust system ensures that this increase in power is appropriately reflected in terms of sound.
Other contemporary accents are provided by the new rear wheel suspension, the modern piston brake system and the elaborately designed front and rear wheel hub. The latter combines the brake system and spoke mount in a single formal unit – a detailed reflection of the minimalistic concept embodied by the BMW R 5 Hommage.
The colour: classic BMW style yet still a true custom bike.
The BMW R 5 Hommage is presented in classic style when it comes to colour. The basic theme is typical BMW – black with white pinstripes, though interpreted in contemporary style of course. In addition to the opaquely finished surfaces, the so-called smoke finish on the fuel tank and rearfender allow the steel underneath to partially show through. In addition to the white pinstripes, the black finish on the fuel tank and rearfender especially comes into its own right, in perfect custom style, due to the metallic finish and a slight flake effect. The engine cases and gearbox in glass bead aluminium provide the perfect stage for the polished aluminium parts such as the machined breastplate and the valve covers with its “R 5 crease”. The soft lustre of the polished aluminium is especially reminiscent of the BMW R 5 originals. The overall image is rounded off with a handstitched leather seat with high-quality embossing.