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BMW developed a self-driving motorcycle to further its safety efforts
This week, BMW Motorrad showed off a self-driving version of its R1200GS, a motorcycle that it spent more than two years developing. You can see in the video below that the motorcycle, sans rider, can start, accelerate, lean into turns and stop all on its own. But don't expect to see this bike on the roads anytime soon. The company explained that it created the self-driving motorcycle not for consumers but to learn more about how it can implement new safety features.
BMW's motorcycle of the future doesn't require a helmet
BMW has unveiled a slew of concept vehicles to mark its 100th birthday, but its fourth and last example might be the most daring. Its new Motorrad Vision Next 100 concept motorcycle would supposedly be so smart that you wouldn't need a helmet, or even a padded suit. The key would be a self-balancing system that keeps the bike upright whether or not you're moving -- newcomers wouldn't have to worry about toppling over, and veterans could push limits further than usual.
BMW has the first smart emergency system for motorcycles
While cars and trucks have long had smart emergency systems to send help in the event of a crash (think services like OnStar), motorcycles have had to go without -- a scary thought if you've ever worried about wiping out miles away from help. That's where BMW might just save the day, though. It's introducing the first smart emergency tech for motorbikes, Intelligent Emergency Call, to give the two-wheel crowd a proper safety net. You can trigger it yourself, such as when you need to help a fellow motorist, but the real magic comes with its automatic responses.
BMW kicking Garmin's zumo 660 up a notch with the Motorrad Navigator IV
Sure, Garmin's zumo 660 was designed with the biker in mind, but BMW's taking it one step further with the latest in its branded Motorrad series, the Navigator IV. Based on Garmin's GPS ditty, it's got the same 4.3-inch "glove friendly" touchscreen, voice control, and A2DP support. It can withstand heavy vibration, fuel sprays, UV rays, is waterproof and most importantly, can play your favorite adrenaline-pumping tunes for when those other precautions are being handily tested. Additionally, we've got a four-button motorcycle mount and it comes pre-loaded with a database of BMW dealers, just in case you ever need one in a jiff. Coming third quarter to US and Europe, there's no word on price yet, but as a basis for comparison, the cost of the zumo 660 is about $700.[Via NaviGadget]
