Best BMW Motorrad Days ever!
From ‚first-timers‘ to familiar annual visitors, their destination remained the same: the southern Bavarian town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the BMW Motorrad Days 2019. For some, it was a journey made every year since 2001 to reunite with motorcycling friends; for others it was their first sight of the biggest and best BMW motorcycle festival in existence. Whatever the reasons for visiting, they were not disappointed, as the BMW Motorrad community again united – as it does every year on the first weekend in July – to celebrate the joy of simply riding their BMW Motorrad bikes and to participate in the action-packed and fun-filled weekend that takes place every summer for fans of this special motorcycle brand.
HIGHLIGHTS
Choose your favourites!
Choose your favourites!
One of the many highlights every year at BMW Motorrad Days is a first look up close at some new models, and some fresh new paintwork choices for existing models. It’s amazing how much a new colour scheme can change the look of a bike: so the new S 1000 RR in its new Hockenheim silver suit like a flashing arrow and the new Opt. 719 colours emphasize the invididual character of the bikes and its owner. Take it from us that quite a few purchase decisions were made over the course of the weekend. Plus the marvellous Concept R 18, including the highest capacity boxer motorcycle ever produced by BMW Motorrad, as well as the futuristic Vision DC Roadster with its electric engine was available to the public for the first time ever after their recent world premiere – amazement guaranteed.
R nineT /5 pays homage to a 50-year-old dream machine R 75/5.
R nineT /5 pays homage to a 50-year-old dream machine R 75/5.
It’s hard to believe it’s half a century since BMW Motorrad rolled out its /5 series of dramatic new models. And judging by all the cool /5 photos posted on the brand’s social media channels, there are many dedicated owners out there. So it was with great pleasure that BMW Motorrad Days was able to host the unveiling of the amazing R nineT /5 special model in the main event arena. Judging by the reaction, this all-new beauty could be around for at least another 50 years!
Action & Shows
Thrills without the spills!
As ever, there was no shortage of action and shows in the main event arena. The sound of Mattie Griffin’s screeching tyres, the smell of Alex Le Marseillais’ burning rubber and the sight of back-flipping FMX riders – what’s not to like? Sometimes the best thing to do is sit down, take a break and let some of the best riders in the business entertain you. Just don’t try any of these things at home, ok?!
Gravity-defying showmanship at its bravest and best.
Gravity-defying showmanship at its bravest and best.
Always a favourite at BMW Motorrad Days, the Original Motodrom never fails to impress the fans who queue up time after time to witness the spectacle of Donald Ganslmeier and his team riding a selection of old Indians, BMWs and even a four-wheeler on the vertical wooden surfaces of the oldest travelling Wall of Death in the world. This year they rode so close and high you could see the whites of their eyes as they battled the g-forces to entertain the crowds.
Just let it drift!
Just let it drift!
New for 2019 was Alex Le Marseillais with his unique Motorcycle Drift Show. We’ve all seen BMW S 1000 RRs speeding around the racetracks of the world in the Superbike World Championship, but what Alex was able to do with his RR in the confined space of the main event arena, was a spectacle to behold – especially the knee-down limbo! Spinning, smoking, drifting – whatever you choose to call it, we hope that he has a really good sponsorship deal with a tyre manufacturer. Check out the photos of the talented Frenchman on the slide!
The stunts never stop.
The stunts never stop.
Ever since he burst onto the scene with his trademark stunt antics, Irishman Mattie Griffin has thrilled crowds all over the world with his unique blend of streetbike freestyle on his modified, purpose-built BMW F 800 R bikes. He never misses the chance to return to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and perform in front of the big crowds. This year he had an extra wide smile on his face throughout the weekend as he showed some of his favourite old tricks and a few new ones too. Ever the innovator, Mattie is still at the top of his game.
As high as a kite – but upside down!
As high as a kite – but upside down!
Back by popular demand were the freestyle motocross riders who literally stole the show with their breathtaking FMX displays. What these boys can do with a lightweight ‘crosser and a ramp is beyond most of us mere mortals but it was great fun to watch the fearless young riders showboating to the crowds and enjoying some serious ‘air-time’ – without a foam pit in sight! Bravery beyond words is just one way to describe their performances in the main event arena.
Join in and try out
You’ll never know until you try…
BMW Motorrad Days isn’t just about watching – it’s about ‘doing’ too, which is why there are ample opportunities for discovering new motorcycling pleasures, even for the youngsters and those of any age who don’t yet hold a licence. Trust us, after trying any of our bikes, it’s just a matter of time before you’ll be in possession of a full passport to two-wheeled adventures and making your own spectacular journey down to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
From tours to tough terrain – it’s all yours to experience.
From tours to tough terrain – it’s all yours to experience.
There was a wonderful choice of two-wheeled adventures to experience over the weekend, from picturesque panoramic alpine tours to test rides of the latest models and even a unique chance to join in the huge motorcycle concorso that snakes its way through villages lined with cheering onlookers. And for those seeking something a little dirtier and dustier, there was even an opportunity to try out a range of GS bikes at the purpose-built enduro park. Truly something for everyone.
Exhibitions
From the illustrious past to visions of the future.
One of the most popular destinations at BMW Motorrad Days is the Classic Tent, where fans of BMWs past and present flock to see some of the most important bikes from the brand’s history and ask motorsport legend Helmut Dähne all their questions about his history with the R 75/5. Perfectly preserved and evoking childhood memories for many this year were the selection of original ‚Slash 5‘ beauties that represented a real turning point for the brand – and helped gain legions of new followers. Even today – half a century later – they still look great.
Motorcycles and much, much more.
Motorcycles and much, much more.
A wander around the many exhibitors‘ tents gave visitors a chance to look at all kinds of motorcycles, rider clothing – including made-to-measure ProRace Suits – accessories, custom parts and much more. There were tour operators aplenty in the travel tent, offering exciting two-wheeled trips to all manner of exotic, far-flung destinations. And let’s not forget the customer service experts, offering oil refills, tyres, breakdown and repair services, and even ‚connectivity‘ workshops.
People & Motorcycles
Sykes strikes!
Regrettfully, the BMW Motorrad World Superbike team couldn’t be at BMW Motorrad Days this year because they were in the UK racing their factory S 1000 RR in the World Superbike Championship. But we wanted to go the extra mile for the fans in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, so every single World Superbike race and Superpole session from Donington Park was broadcast live on the big screen throughout the weekend – with Tom competing on his RR.
Destination New Zealand.
Destination New Zealand.
With the excitement building towards the seventh Int. GS Trophy that takes place in February 2020, we thought we’d bring you a taste of the action and a chance to meet some of the characters involved with the organisation of this unique competition for amateur GS riders across the globe. The GS Trophy tent was the place to meet former participants and find out more about the upcoming competition, while the marshals shared their best memories of their life within the GS Trophy circus. And if that wasn’t enough, a feature-length film of the 2018 edition in Mongolia was screened as Friday’s ‚midnight movie‘.
Faizal Sukree, Team Southeast Asia
Atmosphere
Unforgettable memories to last a lifetime.
Unforgettable memories to last a lifetime.
Some things never change at BMW Motorrad Days, and that’s because we don’t want them to. The legendary parties, the friendly atmosphere, the coming-together of different nations and cultures, all united by a love of BMW bikes. The 2019 edition will live long in the memory for many, and the journeys home undoubtedly saw many visitors reflect on the simple camaraderie that happens when you ‘Make Life a Ride’.
Norman Magowan, UK
