At the scenic Villa d’Este by Lake Como, BMW Motorrad unfurled the BMW R20 concept. 

The BMW R20 concept is unique in that the Big Boxer engine takes a central, almost sculptural role in its design. Markus Flasch, Head of BMW Motorrad, calls it a “mechanical masterpiece,” emphasising that it’s distinctly BMW in spirit and execution.

With an aura of what might be called ‘casual gentility’, the R20 encapsulates the essence of BMW Motorrad: a blend of traditional aesthetics and exhilarating mechanics. Its tank complements the minimalist yet powerful design of the rear, highlighting the bike’s muscular stance.

The framework of the R20 is a newly crafted chrome-molybdenum steel, creating a robust yet sleek double-loop main frame that enhances its road presence. Its wheels sport a black spoke design, with substantial tyres that promise solid grip and responsive handling.

In terms of performance, the proven BMW Paralever technology has been adapted into a new two-arm version, ensuring that all that power from the Big Boxer engine is seamlessly transferred to the road with grace and stability. Attention to detail is meticulous, from the radially mounted ISR brake callipers to the finely milled aluminium rear axle carriers.

The design extends to the ergonomic and aesthetic details, like the integrated taillight in the Alcantara and leather-upholstered single seat, and a modern LED headlight that seems to float within its 3D-printed aluminium ring.

Alexander Buckan, Head of Design at BMW Motorrad, sees the R20 concept as a bold reimagining of BMW’s design language, marrying oversized proportions with a minimalist aesthetic to create a bike that is undeniably present and unique.

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Wearnes Harley-Davidson of Singapore has just opened its newly revamped showroom on 28 Leng Kee Road. This event marks a significant moment, not just for Wearnes but for the community in the region.

Dimitris Raptis, Vice President, Asia Pacific of Harley-Davidson, expressed his enthusiasm about the new showroom, which he believes showcases the strength and commitment of the brand in Singapore. “The new showroom is a testament to the strength and support of the brand within the riding community in Singapore.”

Andre Roy, CEO of Wearnes Harley-Davidson of Singapore, said, “We are thrilled to reveal the new showroom to our riders and are committed to giving all visitors an immersive brand experience.”

“We are confident that the riding community in Singapore will be able to foster deeper bonds and share their passions in the future as we plan and execute more activities in this new space,” he added.

With areas dedicated to lifestyle merchandise, the showroom will be a space where enthusiasts can connect and share their passions.

Sprawled across 600 sqm, the show floor features the complete Harley-Davidson lineup – from Grand American Touring to Adventure Touring motorcycles – not to mention a vast selection of merchandise, including apparel and accessories.

The service centre, equipped with a sheltered porch for convenient drop-offs and pickups, offers everything from routine maintenance to custom modifications, all handled by certified technicians.

The grand opening also played host to a community event with a charity ride involving 50 bikes to support local children participating in the Unlabelled Run’s 1km fun run.

This blend of community support and celebration of motorcycling culture typifies the spirit of Harley-Davidson.

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The world of automotive journalism can be quite varied and interesting. Imagine riding a petrol-powered 1,802cc 400kg behemoth one day and a cute and nifty-looking 110kg electric motorcycle the next.

Ever since meeting the good folks at Quantum Mobility at National Bikers Weekend Singapore 2023, I’ve been looking forward to this test ride and my first electric motorcycle experience ever.

The Bike

The Quantum G2 is touted as “Singapore’s first mass-market electric motorcycle” but before y’all continue screaming at your screen, let’s call it what it is – a scooter. It’s also similarly easy to ride, and, believe it or not, its looks turn heads!

To begin, simply insert the key, twist the bezel to turn the Quantum G2 on, then pull twice on the right-hand brake lever and you’re ready to roll. There’s even a reverse function to make getting in and out of parking spots that much easier.

The digital instrument display is large and easy to read provided there isn’t strong direct sunlight. There’s also a cubby with a USB port to hold and charge your smartphone, and built-in Bluetooth speakers if you’d like to stream music on the go.

The Ride

On the road, this electric scooter is comfy and easy to ride. The front brakes can come across as grabby at first, but one gets used to it pretty quickly. I’d much rather have strong brakes for emergencies.

Otherwise, riding is quiet and pleasurable. One can slice through slow-moving traffic with ease, and get ahead of everyone else sitting in traffic on four wheels.

With my portly frame pretty much doubling the weight of the bike, acceleration is rather adequate. If you’re built like Sean, things should be more brisk.

Speaking of weight, heavier riders should take into consideration that weight will blunt not only performance but range as well. My test ride covered street-level 60-70km/h zones from Quantum Mobility’s Ayer Rajah office to AutoApp’s Tampines stomping grounds, and via KPE, MCE and AYE back to Ayer Rajah.

The ride started with the swappable twin battery packs at 98% charge. Keeping with the flow of street-level traffic was easy, with the Quantum G2 happily purring along with a simple twist of the wrist.

However, 70km/h zones proved to be more of a challenge, especially uphill sections. Heavier riders may find that speed slowly drops even with the throttle pinned wide open, and should plan ahead to build and carry momentum uphill.

Given how much full throttle I’d used en route to Tampines, arrival was with an indicated 58% state of battery charge. However, by the time the KPE tunnel had been entered, the battery charge had dropped to 48%. This meant sticking to the left lane, engaging cruise control and moseying along at a relaxed 65km/h to conserve battery.

Yep, the Quantum G2 has standard cruise control available to use via a switch, to allow the rider to conserve energy and ride more comfortably. Neat!

This strategy worked well, and I arrived back at Ayer Rajah with 18% battery remaining. Take note though that at lower battery levels, acceleration will be noticeably reduced to protect the battery packs from damage, so plan manoeuvres accordingly.

The G2 Quantum is said to be able to do 80km on a full battery charge. Given the 1,123Wh battery pack and 80% charge used, the test ride consumed a calculated 898.4Wh over 52.6km. This works out to approximately 0.06km/Wh or 1,708Wh/100km, which was slightly off the manufacturer’s claimed 0.07km/Wh or 1,429Wh/100km. Again, this is very likely due to my weight.

The G2 Quantum is also said to top out at 90km/h but the fastest I managed to do in the entire test ride was an indicated 83km/h downhill with a tailwind. Again, this is likely due to my performance-blunting weight.

The Market

Quantum Mobility offers three utility plans for varied use cases in Singapore with the G2 Quantum. Pay-per-use allows much flexibility for short-term mobility needs that require no commitment and would be perfect for short-term expats and those who want to experience electric motorcycling.

One can also choose to lease the scooter from a minimum of three months to a five-year lease-to-own program, ideal for longer-term expats and office workers who wish to either have their own pair of wheels or switch to full-electric.

Finally, there’s a full subscription package with an all-inclusive rate that covers islandwide parking and charging for the more committed EV aficionado on two wheels.

In terms of current use cases, I’d say the Quantum G2 presents a very credible solution for those whose offices are relatively close to home, within a 5-7km radius. Can the Quantum G2 do longer trips such as from Tampines to Ayer Rajah? Yes, but with the proviso that charging is available in at least one end if not both, and if rush-hour commuting is one’s priority, for this electric scooter is perfect for lane-filtering through traffic jams.

When battery pack swaps become more commonplace, this will make the Quantum G2 that much more flexible. No more having to wait around for batteries to charge; instead, simply swap and go. This is something that Quantum Mobility is working towards and we hope to see this happen as soon as possible.

There’s so much to like here, and despite my gravity-enhanced frame-blunting performance and range, the G2 Quantum is a solid step in the right direction for motoring in a cityscape environment like Singapore. That’s why it’s such a likeable urban hero.

Now, all that’s left is for you to take a test ride, which is by appointment only. Contact details in the link below.

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

Technical Specifications

G2 Quantum Electric Motorcycle
Motor:  Mid-drive DC centre motor
Power: 3,000W (max. 5,000W)
Battery: Lithium 43.2V 26AH (1,123.2Wh), swappable
Charger: Type-2 fast charging
Charge Time: approx. 90 minutes (10-80%) and 2.5 hours to full (claimed)
Range: 80km (claimed)
Top Speed: 93km/h (claimed)
Kerb Weight: 110kg
Length: 1,850mm
Width: 685mm
Height: 1,080mm
Contact: Quantum Mobility Singapore

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Some four decades ago, BMW Motorrad established the touring-enduro segment with the R 80 G/S. Fast forward to today and we find an almost completely new design for the R 1300 GS which shaves 12kg off its predecessor.

The legendary two-cylinder boxer engine is once again found here. At 1,300cc capacity, it produces 145hp at 7,750rpm and 149Nm of torque at 6,500rpm, making this the most powerful BMW boxer engine ever to be produced in series.

The R 1300 GS will also be offered with a newly-calibrated electronic Dynamic Syspension Adjustment (DSA) as a factory option. This DSA goes one step further, combining the dynamic adjustment of the front and rear damping with a corresponding adjustment of the spring rate or “spring stiffness”, depending on the selected riding mode, riding condition and manoeuvres.

The automatic adjustment of the spring rest ensures load compensation, that makes for a more engaging and thrilling ride on all surfaces.

In conjunction with DSA will be offered two more factory options – adaptive vehicle height control and the sports suspension.

With adaptive vehicle height control, the new R 1300 GS offers fully automatic adjustment of the vehicle height depending on the operating condition, thereby ensuring the greatest possible comfort without having to compromise on riding dynamics and banking freedom.

With 20 mm more spring travel at the front and rear and an optional “athletically firm” sports suspension specially developed for the GS, off-road riders can be assured that are well catered for.

As standard, the R 1300 GS comes with four riding modes instead of its predecessor’s three. The “Rain” and “Road” riding modes allow riding characteristics to be adapted to most road conditions. “Eco” riding mode helps eke out maximum range on a single tank of fuel, while the additional “Enduro” mode enables an enhanced riding experience off the beaten track with a specific set-up for off-road use. Riding Modes Pro can be optionally specified to bring additional riding modes to this GS.

Matrix LED headlights consists of two LED units for low and high beam along with four additional LED units for the daytime running light and the side light. State-of-the-art LED light units with newly designed LED turn indicators that are integrated in the hand protectors at the front and function-integrated at the rear, round off the lighting concept of the new R 1300 GS.

Splash out for the optional “Headlight Pro” and the beam of the standard full LED headlamp turns into the bend according to the banking position. In this way, the bend is almost fully illuminated because the light moves to where the motorcycle is heading.

In addition to all this, while the the R 1300 GS comes standard with Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC) with brake function, it can also be optioned with Riding Assistant which brings a slew of electronic rider aids like Active Cruise Control (ACC), Front Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Change Warning (SWW).

BMW Motorrad Full Integral ABS Pro is fitted as standard equipment, as are Engine Drag Torque Control (MSR), Dynamic Brake Assist (DBC), Hill Start Control (HSC) and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC).

Four colour-scheme variants will also be available – basic, Triple Black, GS Trophy and Option 719 Tramuntana.

As usual, accessories like boxes and panniers will also be available to deck out your GS to carry the necessary barang-barang on adventure rides.

The R 1300 GS is expected to be launched in Singapore some time toward the end of 2023. Local specifications have yet to be confirmed, and we’ll bring you more upon local launch. So… ready to begin your GS adventure yet?

.

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The BMW R 18 Roctane, part of the R 18 family, is a motorcycle that combines classic design elements with modern technology, paying tribute to BMW Motorrad’s history.

At the core of the R 18 Roctane is the renowned 2-cylinder flat twin engine, known as the “big boxer.” With 1,802 cc on tap, it is the most powerful 2-cylinder boxer engine ever built for a motorcycle series, offering impressive power and torque. The engine is complemented by a dark chrome exhaust system and star counter nuts.

The motorcycle’s chassis is built on a double-loop tubular steel frame, with suspension featuring telescopic forks and a directly linked central sprint strut with adjustable spring preload. Twin disc brakes at the front and a single disc brake at the rear gives it impressive stopping power too in a pinch.

The R 18 Roctane offers three riding modes, Automatic Stability Control (ASC), and engine drag torque control for safety and a smooth riding experience. Optional features include a reversing aid, Hill Start Control, and heated grips.

Design-wise, the R 18 Roctane reinterprets classic styling with elements inspired by the BMW R 5, such as the double-loop tube frame, pear-drop fuel tank, and open propeller shaft drive.

Metal body parts contribute to the vintage motorcycle aesthetic, and the suspension design mirrors the R 5’s rigid frame layout, albeit with modern improvements.

Ergonomically, the R 18 Roctane is designed for balance and comfort, featuring a two-level seat, footboards, a gearshift paddle, and high handlebars. The footrests are positioned behind the cylinders, promoting a relaxed riding posture.

For touring capabilities, the motorcycle comes with colour-matched cases providing ample luggage space, and riders can opt for a windshield and additional lighting. Plus, the R 18 Roctane’s adaptable architecture allows easy customisation and personalisation.

A timeless design, modern technology, and attention to detail. What more could you ask for?

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