American Motorcycle Dealer AMD 235 February 2019 | Page 18

Autonomous Motorcycle
Tech Will Benefit V2V
BMW presented its first autonomous
motorcycle technology demonstrator
at its Miramas testing ground 2018
Techday in southern France.
Developed by a team led by graduate
engineer Stefan Hans, a R 1200 GS
was shown to be able to
independently drive off, accelerate,
circle a winding test track and
independently slow down safely to a
stop.
The company says that “the underlying
technology should serve as a platform
for development of future systems and
functions to make motorcycling even
safer, more comfortable and increase
the riding pleasure.
“The aim of the prototype is to gather
additional knowledge with regard to
driving dynamics in order to detect
dangerous situations early on and thus
support the driver with appropriate
safety systems while turning at
intersections or when braking
suddenly”.
Other technology projects
demonstrated included cornering
lights, laser headlights and a
motorcycle frame manufactured
completely using a 3D printing process
- including the rear swinging arm.
BMW Motorrad is able to leverage
synergies from R&D work done by the
automotive division where 3D printed
parts production has already made its
way into series production for various
vehicles. BMW says “the advantage of
3D printing lies in the complete
freedom to design components that
could not be produced in other ways.
“The innovative processes used in the
production of motorcycle chassis
components, such as frame, swinging
arm and wheels, use lightweight, high-
strength carbon - already industrially
manufactured in the BMW HP4
RACE”.
BMW believes that the rapid pace of
digitization will change the future of
motorcycling. “BMW Motorrad is
taking two-wheeler needs into
consideration for tomorrow's world of
transport and preparing for it
technically. Above all, V2V
communication between vehicles is in
the foreground, further enhancing
safety and comfort for the motorcyclist
through digital networking”.
Tucker V-Twin
2019 catalog
The newly unveiled 2019 Tucker V-twin
catalog features over 1,730 pages of
parts, accessories, performance and
service items complemented by
products available for V-twin dealers
to use in their shops and retail to their
customers from the Tucker Tires, Shop,
and Service catalog, the Bike Master
parts and Accessories program, the
Twin Power catalog and apparel lines
including Speed & Strength.
New Tucker V-Twin programs for 2019
include Quantum Fuel Systems, Epic
Naked Series parts and accessories, a
slew of Twin Power additions, dress-up
and conversion parts and accessories
for M-8 Softails, no end of
performance
upgrades for all
Harley models,
including the
M-8 Tourers
and Softails,
and famous
name as well
as hundreds of
harder to find
branded parts
programs.
Well-known
brands run
from AIM’s Variable Pressure clutches
right the way through to Wiseco
pistons and kits, including all the well-
known MAG brands such as Vance &
Hines, RSD, Kuryakyn, Progressive
Suspension, Mustang, Performance
Machine, Burly Brand and Xtreme
Machine – over 150 brands and
34,000 SKUs in total.
www.tucker.com
Rinehart Euro 4 Slip-Ons
for Touring Models
Exclusively available through
Parts Europe/Drag Specialties,
Rinehart Racing from Arden,
North Carolina has launched
Euro 4 homologated slip-on
mufflers for M-8 H-D Touring
models.
“These stunning slip-on
mufflers will add the perfect
mix of both performance and
style. Proprietary technology in
the internal design of these slip-
ons maximizes both torque and
horsepower, letting the rider
actually feel the performance.
Rinehart Racing slip-on mufflers
are characterized and easily
identified by the iconic sound of
18
Rinehart Racing, a deep throaty
yet crisp rumble.”
They are available in 4” and
4.5” muffler diameter with a
variety of finish options and end
cap treatment options. They
have a stainless steel 2.5”
louvered baffle, CNC-machined
end cap manufactured from
aircraft grade extruded
aluminum billet, an internal
chrome CNC-machined sleeve
and are fully Euro 4 certified.
Rinehart Racing exhausts are
exclusively available to dealers
in Europe through Parts Europe.
www.partseurope.eu
www.rinehartracing.com
AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE DEALER - FEBRUARY 2019
www.AMDchampionship.com