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BMW gets flashy: Emergency brake lights

MUNICH, Germany - Braking hard but being seen by following traffic is vital for motorcyclists so... BMW Motorrad has developed the dynamic brake light as a component of its Strategy "Safety 360°".

The system can warn drivers of following vehicles if the motorcycle ahead is braking - and how hard.

This additional brake-light function, as yet limited to the EU / ECE, says BMW, warns following traffic in two stages when the motorcycle in front brakes hard or makes an emergency braking manoeuvre.

BMW Motorrad explained: Stage 1 is activated when the motorcycle decelerates from more than 50km/h and the brake light flashes with a frequency of 5Hz. As the motorcycle approaches standstill (less than 14km/h) its hazard flashers light as Stage 2.

They keep flashing until the motorcycle accelerates past 20km/h.

ABS PRO FOR SIX MODELS

The dynamic brake light will be available in Europe as an option, ex-works, in conjunction with ABS Pro (in conjunction with the option "Ride Modes Pro") from model year 2016 for the R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure and S 1000 XR. The K 1600 GT, GTL and GTL tourers will have the system standard from model year 2016 to supplement ABS Pro.

Compared to conventional ABS, ABS Pro goes a step further when braking through a bend by allowing ABS-supported braking when banking. Here, ABS Pro prevents the wheels locking, even should the brakes be applied quickly. This reduces abrupt changes in steering force on shock-braking and prevents the motorcycle rearing unintentionally.

BMW says the benefits of ABS Pro for the rider are a sensitive response and a high level of brake-and-ride stability together with the best-possible deceleration through bends.

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