Munich. The market launch of the legendary K
100 in 1978 also made BMW Motorrad a pioneer in an entirely
new segment: it became the first serial-production manufacturer in the
world to present its very own range of rider equipment. Even this very
first collection set the benchmark in terms of design and included
safety features that already met the very highest standards of the
time, laying the foundations for an ongoing success story. With every
collection since, BMW Motorrad has not just reflected the latest
developments of the era in its rider equipment but has actually been a
trend-setter. The BMW Motorrad “40 Years Collection” now
brings back the look of the 1970s in true style.
The figure “78” runs through the “40 years
Collection” as an orange-red thread – adorning the high-end jet
helmet and the leather jacket as it does the collection’s short
gloves. The materials used and the finishing techniques are anything
but retro, of course: they are absolutely state-of-the-art.
Historical background: Since there were no standards
for testing and certification for many years, BMW Motorrad took the
necessary action itself and defined the Concept of Advanced Rider
Equipment – C.A.R.E. – for its product range in 1999. Since then every
individual product has been subject to rigorous requirements and is
tested according to five criteria: safety and functionality,
innovation, quality and durability, sustainability and design. The BMW
Motorrad standards go beyond statutory requirements for CE
certifications and EU standards.
Retro but state-of-the-art: the “40 Years” jet
helmet.
It all started with helmets. BMW Motorrad laid
the foundations for its legendary rider equipment range in 1978 with
the “Original BMW Protection Helmet” in BMW Safety
Design with illuminated stripes – one of the safest
motorcycle helmets of its time. So a very special helmet is an
absolute must for the anniversary collection: the “40
Years” jet helmet combines retro chic with enhanced
comfort and contemporary safety features. The helmet shell is made of
fibre-glass and carbon fibre, while the padding consists of
premium-quality microfibre featuring red highlights. The surround and
the holder for the optionally available motorcycle goggles are made of
genuine calfskin leather.
The serial version of this helmet will not go on the market
until 2019, but it is available now as part of the “40 Years
Collection” bearing dynamic stripes in blue and red, the
“since 78” inscription, embossed BMW logo and a “BMW
Helmets” emblem – though only in a strictly limited edition of 250.
Historical background: In 1980, BMW presented the
System I helmet. This improved integral helmet with
folding chin section was a world first that set new standards in the
world of motorcycling. In 2018, the System 7 Carbon
helmet is the highlight of the current rider equipment range.
It can be effortlessly transformed from a system helmet to a jet
helmet, meeting the very highest standards in terms of safety,
aerodynamics and versatility.
Stylish appearance: the “40 Years” motorcycle
jacket.
Heritage designs are the latest thing nowadays,
making the “40 Years” motorcycle jacket
doubly desirable: it offers timeless throwback style combined with the
very latest motorcycle fashion. In the version for men it is limited
to 150 items – and only 50 of the women’s version will be produced.
Anyone able to get hold of one of these unique jackets will be able to
enjoy a 1970s look while at the same time benefiting from cutting-edge quality.
The BMW Motorrad premium jacket “DarkNite” was
selected as the basis. The rider is protected by removable NPL
protectors at the elbows and shoulders along with padded inserts,
while a back protector can be retrofitted at any time. It goes without
saying that modern features such as a special smartphone pocket are
included in the “40 Years” motorcycle jacket, too. It is
available in the colour combination blue and white, and bears the
“since 1978” inscription on the right sleeve along with the
BMW logo on the chest.
Historical background: The world’s first ever BMW
Gore-Tex textile suit was presented in 1986 – opening up a whole new
dimension of motorcycle clothing. 1990 saw the market launch of the
first Kevlar-reinforced suit, the BMW PROTEC –
regarded as the safest motorcycle suit in the world at the time. In
1993 BMW Motorrad presented the first waterproof leather suit. Updated
every year, the Atlantis suit remains an integral
part of the BMW Motorrad collection to this day. In 1997 the
motorcycling world was thrilled to see the first jeans suit made of
the high-tech fabric InoTex – developed exclusively for BMW Motorrad.
Now in its fifth generation in 2018, the Rallye suit
is made of ProtechWool – a synthetic fibre with carbon finish that
provides highly effective abrasion resistance since pressure and heat
cause the fabric to compress.
Short and cool: the “40 Years”
gloves.
The “40 Years” Collection gloves are
designed for fans of the roadster and heritage culture. Conceived as a
light summer glove, this collection highlight is made of finest
goatskin leather. Perforations between the fingers provide good
ventilation, while impact-absorbing temper foam and double-layered
leather sections ensure excellent protection. The colouring – top and
back of the hand in blue, palm in light grey – and the “78”
inscription on the thumb perfectly match the “40 Years”
motorcycle jacket. The gloves are limited to an edition of 250.
Historical background: The sports-style Two
in One touring gloves caused a stir in 2014. Its two
chambers – PROOF and GRIP – enabled a fast and simple switch between
optimum grip and waterproofing.
High-quality retro luggage: the “40 Years”
weekender.
Whether shoes, jackets, motorcycle saddles or
cases – anyone investing in leather in 1978 was out to make a splash.
BMW Motorrad echoes this trend from the past with a stylish travel
bag. The eye-catcher in orange and red is available in a limited
edition of 200. The exclusive weekender is made of natural Italian
leather with decorative highlights. Features include leather grips and
a shoulder strap, an outer pocket and studs on the base.
Whether the leather pouch to match the travel bag, T-shirts to
go with the “40 Years” motorcycle jacket, the silk scarf or
the “since 78” poster – the BMW Motorrad “40 Years
Collection” offers a fashionable retrospective on the history of
BMW Motorrad.
The BMW Motorrad rider equipment product range currently
comprises six helmets, eight textile suits, five leather suits, 12
textile and leather jackets, seven pairs of trousers/jeans, 11 pairs
of motorcycle boots with two pairs of sneakers, 12 pairs of gloves and
a wide range of functional and protection clothing, eight special bags
and rucksacks, matching care products and also numerous style
products.
The “40 Years Collection” will be
available from August 2018 in Germany, Europe (incl. Switzerland) and
Japan. For an overview of the new collection and the current BMW
Motorrad rider equipment range, see www.bmw-motorrad.de.
You will find press material on BMW motorcycles as well as BMW
Motorrad rider equipment and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories in the
BMW Group PressClub at www.press.bmwgroup.com.
In case of queries please contact:
Dominik Schaidnagel, Communications BMW Motorrad
Telephone:
+49 89 382 50181
E-mail: Dominik.Schaidnagel@bmw.de
Markus Sagemann, Head of Product and Lifestyle Communications
MINI, BMW Motorrad
Tel.: +49 89 382 68796
E-mail: Markus.Sagemann@bmw.de
Internet: www.press.bmw.de
E-mail:
presse@bmw.de
The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW
Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of
automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and
mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 30
production and assembly facilities in 14 countries; the company has a
global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2017, the BMW Group sold over 2,463,500 passenger vehicles
and more than 164,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in
the financial year 2017 was € 10.655 billion on revenues amounting to
€ 98.678 billion. As of 31 December 2017, the BMW Group had a
workforce of 129,932 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term
thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established
ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain,
comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to
conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
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