Fin Posted April 1, 2017 Report Share Posted April 1, 2017 BMW Introduces R 1200 GS xDrive Hybrid Two-Wheel Drive Motorcycle Source: http://ridermagazine.com/2017/03/31/bmw-introduces-r-1200-gs-xdrive-hybrid-two-wheel-drive-motorcycle/ Rider Magazine StaffMarch 31, 2017 "Yes, you read that headline correctly. BMW Motorrad has developed and tested a two-wheel drive version of its R 1200 GS Adventure, claiming it’s “the world’s first series-production all-wheel drive travel enduro with hybrid drive.” Unlike the mechanical all-wheel drive (AWD) system made by Christini for dirt bikes, BMW’s xDrive Hybrid system uses a 45-horsepower electric motor housed in the front wheel hub. When activated and combined with the air/liquid-cooled, 125-horsepower, shaft-driven boxer twin engine that powers all R-series models, the R 1200 GS xDrive Hybrid makes a combined 170 horsepower (claimed). BMW says that making the front wheel driven provides superior traction in slippery, low-traction conditions, much like all-wheel drive cars, and the xDrive Hybrid system was originally developed by BMW’s automotive division. All-wheel drive can be operated automatically or manually by the rider via the 2WD (2-Wheel Drive) switch located on the left handlebar’s switchgear, activating the wheel-hub e-Drive system that functions both as electric motor and generator." To find out more follow this link: http://ridermagazine.com/2017/03/31/bmw-introduces-r-1200-gs-xdrive-hybrid-two-wheel-drive-motorcycle/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fin Posted April 1, 2017 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2017 Advantages are? Check out the Christini AWD 300 and 450 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motocat12 Posted April 1, 2017 Report Share Posted April 1, 2017 Given the braking function of the xDrive Hybrid system, BMW changed from a dual-disc to a single-disc brake setup on the front wheel, saving 6.4 pounds of unsprung weight, which more than offsets the 1.9-pound weight of the wheel hub e-Drive. Overall curb weight of the motorcycle is said to be unchanged. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fin Posted April 1, 2017 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2017 2 hours ago, motocat12 said: Given the braking function of the xDrive Hybrid system, BMW changed from a dual-disc to a single-disc brake setup on the front wheel, saving 6.4 pounds of unsprung weight, which more than offsets the 1.9-pound weight of the wheel hub e-Drive. Overall curb weight of the motorcycle is said to be unchanged. Hmmm... interesting... but, an electric motor can act as a break. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motocat12 Posted April 4, 2017 Report Share Posted April 4, 2017 2lb 45 hp = 33570 watt ...? doesn't seem right.. link dead early april fooled? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fin Posted April 4, 2017 Author Report Share Posted April 4, 2017 (edited) 4 hours ago, motocat12 said: 2lb 45 hp = 33570 watt ...? doesn't seem right.. link dead early april fooled? Huh!? Link is gone. Here's another source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2017/04/01/first-hybrid-xdrive-bmw-motorcycle-revealed/ Hoax... don't know.; but I think you are right... it's a joke. Edited April 4, 2017 by Fin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fin Posted April 4, 2017 Author Report Share Posted April 4, 2017 April Fools!!! But hell, the beast can use more power and additional pull from the front tire is a good idea for bad situations, like sand.http://newatlas.com/bmw-r1200gs-xdrive-hybrid-2wd-motorcycle/48735/ Author's note: This was indeed an April Fool's Joke - the first I've fallen for in 9 years and 364 days working for Gizmag/New Atlas.We take some solace in the fact that there's nothing remotely funny about it, it's eminently plausible and indeed not a bad idea, and it sounds like something BMW would do well. So… Good joke BMW Motorrad… I guess… We had to double-check this one given the date of the announcement, but it's true: BMW is set to release a two-wheel drive R1200GS, using a 45-horsepower front hub motor that takes the bike's peak output to a staggering 170 hp (127 kW). And in true BMW fashion, the company has been pretty clever about it, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fin Posted April 4, 2017 Author Report Share Posted April 4, 2017 But wait once more... according to this... this is not April Fools Joke. Don't put it past the Germans... let's not forget the advances in technology they made during WWII. They'll figure out how to do it right.https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/04/01/bmw-r-1200-gs-xdrive-hybrid-unveiled-170-hp-wheel-drive-gs/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustinNck1 Posted April 4, 2017 Report Share Posted April 4, 2017 http://www.wunderlich.de/en/worldofexperience/concept-bikes/r/wunderlich-r-1200-gs-lc-hybrid/ I saw a video of the bike on a center stand and they were demonstrating how the front wheel worked, but I can't find it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBBaron Posted April 4, 2017 Report Share Posted April 4, 2017 Extensive testing at the North Pole, 45hp from a 1.9lb motor, available later this year. Sounds like April Fools. On the other hand a hub mounted electric FWD does sound like a reasonable off road technology. Christini has already proven FWD effective for off-road motorcycles and a electric motor would simplify the mechanics. 45hp would be way over kill, these bike have too much power off-road already, but a 10-15hp motor may help stabilize the vehicle in loose conditions. Control would be very tricky but dynamic traction control and ABS have already greatly improved for ADV bikes. I suspect something like this is coming sooner rather than later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustinNck1 Posted April 4, 2017 Report Share Posted April 4, 2017 FOUND IT! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fin Posted April 4, 2017 Author Report Share Posted April 4, 2017 (edited) 44 minutes ago, JustinNck1 said: FOUND IT! NIce find... ooo! ooo! ooo! And by reversing the poles it'll go reverse. Heck yeah! I can use that when pulling out of a parking spot. Nice! Gimme... gimme! Edited April 4, 2017 by Fin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fin Posted April 4, 2017 Author Report Share Posted April 4, 2017 33 minutes ago, Isaac's Papa said: Damn. My bike doesn't even have a radio. Neither did the Ford Cobra.... good for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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