XXXX wrote:
> Innovations on two wheels
> BMW has also made a great name for itself as a pacemaker for new technologies in the motorcycle market. Following the BMW R 90 S introduced in 1973 as the first series model with double disc brakes, the K 100 entered the market in 1983 with the world's first all-electronic ignition not requiring a distributor. The Paralever system enhancing rear wheel suspension was presented in 1987 for the first time on the R 100 GS, with the K 100 introduced in spring 1988 making BMW the first motorcycle manufacturer in the world to offer an electrohydraulic anti-lock brake system (ABS).
> Click photo for larger size In the very same year the top-of-the-range BMW K 1 introduced the first electronic engine management for an optimum combination of output, dynamic performance and fuel consumption, and ever since 1993 the patented BMW Telelever system for the front wheel has made yet another significant contribution in enhancing active safety on two wheels. BMW is also fully aware of its responsibility for the environment: In 1991 BMW became the first manufacturer in the world to feature a fully controlled three-way catalytic converter for the motorcycle, and launching the C1 in the year 2000 BMW presented an unprecedented safety concept for mobility on two wheels. Indeed, the C1 is so safe that it qualifies as the first motorcycle ever the rider is allowed to use without a helmet.
> Click photo for larger size
> In 1988 the M3 became the first car to feature an intake manifold adjustable in two stages for even more powerful torque at low engine speeds. And in engine production technology BMW introduced cracked connecting rods for the first time in 1993, the two sections of the connecting rod bearing not being cut open, but rather broken at a predetermined point in the machining process and thus ensuring a much more precise re-fit of the two fully machined sections in subsequent assembly. Another particular area to which BMW has always given great significance is safety: Introducing xenon headlights in the 7 Series in 1991, BMW once again pointed a bright light into the future leading to the introduction of the front passenger airbag with seat occupancy detection in 1994 as another BMW first, the life-saving airbag only being activated when actually needed. In 1997 the ITS head airbag made its debut in the 7 Series, this tubular structure stretching across the side window and keeping the > >From World car fans
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marketing people, doncha just love them?
This is the list of people BMW stole these ideas from that I'm aware of;-
Saxtrack (telelever)
Distributor free ignition. Bosch Motronic, stock car item, but also
Cosworth by 1967
Double Disc brakes. Difazio was there first
ABS, any number of cars, Royal enfield (experimental) Dunlop (maxaret)
originally
Duolever, Norman Hossack
Paralever, a worse system than Dr. Johns floating bevel box, that they
could have nicked if Guzzi hadn't beaten them to it. Tush.
Adjustable manifold, Mclaren (can Am), Volvo (Kinetic adjustment by
airflow inertia)
'Snapped' con rod big end cap, Maculloch cahin saws and kart race
engines - by 1961
C.1. Well I had that lunch in 1985 so I've no idea where they got the
thought for the C.1, None of my FF's are that crap. Oh, and remind me
again whyu they don't make it any more?
So that leaves putting more airbags in a car, and catalysts on bikes to
further increase fuel consumption. Well done etc.
Well-heeled bavarians trying to live down their history.
YYYY
