A very strange BMW Ad

[rocketmanli]

Just saw this ad in the April issue of Cycle World Magazine. Never thought I'd see the day when BMW would run an ad with riders without helmets. Is there a hidden message here? Strange days, indeed!

[RandyB]

"Honey, I told you this was more comfortable than our Harley."

[r11rs94]

And why are they not on the road. yes I do find this very strange indeed.:)

[rocketmanli]

Maybe spending $18,800 on the bike and her perm, left them without any extra money to buy brain buckets. OR, maybe they're wearing the NEW invisible BMW helmets that don't exist yet?

[KGT1200]

They are backing up the bike into a space next to their million dollar condo. And the ocean is jsut to your left (stage right).

They have already ditched their helmets into the loving arms of their ever so patient children waiting curbside for mummy and daddy.

Daddy forgot to shave that little cockroach off his chin.

[35634]

Maybe we're supposed be smart enuf to know it's an ad. And faces convey more
expression than another boring brain bucket.

[henzilla]

Oh My! It's the Scorpion ad all over again:laugh :laugh :laugh

THOSE people are half dressed! I'll be drawing helmets on them when I get my issue!

[rocketmanli]

Maybe when a bug whacks him in the head at 80 miles an hour, it'll wipe the grin off his face, and change that expression a little bit. Won't do the bug that much good either.

[jdmetzger]

I hope he has safety glasses on, and I hope she doesn't like her eyes very much. :uhoh

[SIBUD]

No hidden message.

It was a ad agency responsible for the shot.

Wouldn't spend much time trying to read much into it.

But then again, I would like to ride a bike that was stoppable. :nyah

[BubbaZanetti]

parked on the centerstand on the side of the road.

the wind in her hair?

the same wind that is providing renewable power behind them.:)

[PAULBACH]

Since the ad says the bike is UNSTOPPABLE one would think a helmet would surely be in order. ;)

[Sunnybear]

posers


:blah

[Callmethebreeze]

Admit it, you're all just jealous of this nerdoid.........:nyah


Breeze

[boxermaf]

Hopefully BMW got their money back - that advert just plain sucks in too many ways to mention..

[r11rs94]

posers


:blah

:clap :clap :clap

[Expatriated]

Wait--you guys wear helmets?!

I pay that much for a bike, I want people to be able to see me on it! :rocker

[Bob1100RTC]

Looks like Dez and I on my RT.

[rocketmanli]

Headlight seems to work real well, too.

[108625]

Wait a minute; you got your Cycle World before I got my Cycle World?

[R80RTJohnny]

Admit it, you're all just jealous of this nerdoid.........:nyah


Breeze

Looks like he's one of these "returning riders". I never left.

BTW my passenger is much better looking!

[jforgo]

I love the windmills - timely PC-ness.

We're "goin green!"

[tessler]

I'm just here to increase my post-count by one.

:D

[robertklee]

I bet they spent all their money on an expensive motorcycle, fancy clothes, boots, and hairdo, and they just have to sit on the side of the road and look cool until they save up for helmets...or maybe they are waiting for the stimulus package money to trickle down so they can buy a helmet. Then again, who cares?

:usa

[Burnszilla]

This new unstoppable campaign is using everyday BMW riders. Check out the one of Brianne (sp) in the ON. There's also another one with the K1300S with the sales guy from Cal BMW... http://www.calmoto.com/promos/bmw_k1300s.html

[scootrp125x]

I want to see an ad on television. Then the car drivers will realize that BMW makes motorcycles. Most motorcycle riders already know it.

[kgadley01]

If thats the new RT, I would have worn a full face Helmet w/ a dark shield so no one would recognize me on such an ugly bike. I still like my 99RT better.

[rtdirks]

So maybe if those are hair extensions that she is wearing, they will stop the road rash and protect her head!

[35634]

Maybe BMW is trying to appeal to folks less anal than their traditional buyers. :rolleyes

[Greenwald]

No hidden message.

It was a ad agency responsible for the shot.

Wouldn't spend much time trying to read much into it.

But then again, I would like to ride a bike that was stoppable. :nyah

Might be a bit more 'stoppable' if they had more than 2 fingers on the brake lever.

But with no helmets, what's the point.

Fatalities looking for a place to happen.

[SIBUD]

Might be a bit more 'stoppable' if they had more than 2 fingers on the brake lever.

But with no helmets, what's the point.

Fatalities looking for a place to happen.

Noticed that as well. OTOH When you look at all the racers on the track, they mostly have only a couple of fingers covering the brake. :dunno

[henzilla]

If thats the new RT, I would have worn a full face Helmet w/ a dark shield so no one would recognize me on such an ugly bike. I still like my 99RT better.

:doh :rofl It's a new K1300GT...the ad says so since we are being such investigators...CSI...not

[jdmetzger]

First, BMW Motorrad USA is using ordinary people not over paid super models. Second, they are off the road and they are not moving. I would even bet they are one of us (oh my dog they can't be).

BMW provided an opportunity for ordinary BMW people to apply to be in their ads. I just never did since I push the size chart of their over priced clothing and I ride an old BMW.

I was just thinking a rider like me wouldn't make one of their ads. Maybe they should push reliability, I can see the ad now. Me, sitting in some remote locale on either my GSPD (for the GS people) or the R80/7 (since I took that to the James Bay) and they can push the age of the bike and the fact that it's still ridden all over, solo. They could use someone like Hubert, as well... though I'm more available for photo ops. :D

If they use my R80/7, I can see the tagline now: "Where will you be riding yours in 31 years?"

EDIT: maybe with the BMW demographic they should use my GSPD and make it "where will you be riding yours in 16 years?" :p

[GrafikFeat]

Geez people... They took their helmets off because the BMW Roadside Assistance van just pulled up to bring them to the nearest dealer to assess the final drive failure.
What you're seeing is the look of relief after waiting for six hours on the side of the road.

[KGT1200]

First, BMW Motorrad USA is using ordinary people not over paid super models. Second, they are off the road and they are not moving. I would even bet they are one of us (oh my dog they can't be).

BMW provided an opportunity for ordinary BMW people to apply to be in their ads. I just never did since I push the size chart of their over priced clothing and I ride an old BMW.

Well now, since we now have an expert to xplain it all, I take back my wise crack about the dude’s facial hair; it doesn’t at all look like a cockroach crawling up his chin...

God forbid I of all people insult the look of an actual member! For all I know he could be right here in our midst, hidden with his identity by using a cleverly disguised picture of himself in a brain bucket!

Now if it was an actor or model as the case may be, then I would think the producer of the advertisements was shooting to have a stereotypical over the hill male model who normally would ride other brands of motorcycle, and identifiable as a rebel type of guy by his oddity of facial hair on his lower lip, and his beautiful second wife ten years his junior! If that was the case, and the advertisement was trying to attract in that type of guy, using this group and the group I see at rallies as an example of people who buy such BMW motorcycles, I would assume BMW is trying to reach into another market for a different type of rider, thus no brain bucket!

[Callmethebreeze]

Color in this character's receding hairline and remove the mole from his chin and guess who he looks like..........


Breeze

[gulfcoastbeemer]

It's an ad for gosh sakes.

I get the message -- "buy this bike; chicks dig it (and possibly you)!"

Sell the sizzle; not the steak.

If this were really a bad ad do you think we would be discussing it?

[john1691]

It's an ad for gosh sakes.


If this were really a bad ad do you think we would be discussing it?

Probably, since it is still winter and we have nothing better to do!! :nyah

[PAULBACH]

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PaulBach/ClipArt/BINGO.jpg

Probably, since it is still winter and we have nothing better to do!!
If this were really a bad ad do you think we would be discussing it?

The soon the snow melts, the better. Then we can go back to

oils
tires
Scorpion Ads

[jdmetzger]

Color in this character's receding hairline and remove the mole from his chin and guess who he looks like..........


Breeze

I can't see his feet well enough. If the guy is wearing crocs it could be Kbasa...

:hide

[squiffynimrod]

For those of us who ride, it's a horrible ad. But I think that some of the posters have missed the point to this ad. BMW is going after a different demographic group than those of us already in the fold. They don't know much about bikes, so to be offering the lightest and most powerful touring bike is bait. They also are appealing to those who, by choice, decide to not wear helmets. They ride their American made V twin without a helmet, so why not offer them a better quality German made product without helmets too? I think the biggest error in this ad is the placement. This ad needs to be in a non MC magazine. Riders tear it apart, non riders would go Hmmmm.
Anyone seen this ad anywhere else?

[TomBarnhart]

Get over it folks. These people are models, defined by Webster as "a small, usually cheap, imitation of the real thing". Their clothes have no bug or mud stains, they are clean and neat, the bike has no bugs on the windshield. They are paid posers not real riders.

It is an attempt by BMW's ad agency to entice buyers to get this mode. It is also an attempt to get image-conscious people to buy this specific bike.

[Don]

The Harley 's in the back ground and she's dreaming what it would be like to be on a REAL bike.

[Greenwald]

Geez people... They took their helmets off because the BMW Roadside Assistance van just pulled up to bring them to the nearest dealer to assess the final drive failure.
What you're seeing is the look of relief after waiting for six hours on the side of the road.

That was GREAT! Still chuckling. Love your sense of humor.

Actually, if you look closely, all four fingers are extended, but he is only simulating braking with his pinkie and ring finger.......still two-fingered braking.

Something left over from the Jurassic period of motorcycling that Darwin will eventually self-correct.

I know these are most likely models, but anyone shooting a MC ad ought to be cognizant of safety etiquette. It goes to the professionalism of the advertisement.

And maybe they did have helmets with them..............but they were Scorpions, and had to be hid away so as not to offend certain individuals?!

We'll never know.

[rmarkr]

The Harley 's in the back ground and she's dreaming what it would be like to be on a REAL bike.

And he needs a wife-beater, tatoos and shades. Thats what REAL bikers look like - didn't you know?

[KGT1200]

And he needs a wife-beater, tatoos and shades. Thats what REAL bikers look like - didn't you know?

A big fat chew of copenhagen making the lower lip stick out like a spare tube might also make the ad more realistic for the group they are trying to execute appeal! You think?

[jforgo]

Geez people... They took their helmets off because the BMW Roadside Assistance van just pulled up to bring them to the nearest dealer to assess the final drive failure.
.

The camera earlier missed them dissing the Airhead who stopped to help.

[JanMiller]

"UNSTOPPABLE' on the bottom I guess is imprinted in a trail of OIL leakage from a blown final drive??

The chick looks JUST like my old ex Laurie... features, hair, lips.. could be her... yummmmm..... :-)

[kgadley01]

:doh :rofl It's a new K1300GT...the ad says so since we are being such investigators...CSI...not

Yea I saw that after I hit the submit button. Its easyier to say I'm sorry than to retract a comment. All of you GT owners, please forgive me...:blush

[Muriel]

I was just thinking a rider like me wouldn't make one of their ads.

Hey Josh - you'd make a great model - as long as they have room on the bike for a 24 oz steak :nyah Sorry - couldn't resist!

Muriel

[jdmetzger]

BREAKING NEWS!!!!

I hate to ruin everyone's complaining, but I just got my issue of "Rider" a minute ago, and this is the ad on the back of the magazine. For those of you who have it, look VERY closely at the picture. It sure seems to me that there is a helmet in the photo - peeking just to the side under the mirror arm, and slightly visible in the lower left of the windshield. Looks like "Melinda and Greg Clouse" are pretty safe riders, after all. Now aren't they owed an apology? As it is, Melinda looks like she might have some helmet hair... :p

Ride on, Greg and Melinda, ride on! :thumb

[jdmetzger]

Well?

http://www.jdmetzger.com/img/forum/helmet.jpg

[R80RTJohnny]

So maybe if those are hair extensions that she is wearing, they will stop the road rash and protect her head!

+1:clap

[227708]

BMW doesn't set the bar too high for its ad agency. I saved a nifty 4-color glossy 16 page brochure from '91 because of the motorcycle savy terminology. I quote from the first page description of the new R1200GS: "Down to a svelt 496 lbs., the GS is incredibly nimble, easily outhandling bikes twice its size."

[227708]

Er...make that 2001...instead of 1991. At my age, it's not only the years that run together, it's the decades. Now where the hell are my teeth and my glass eye? And the viagra? I know it's all here...

[wuli959]

Feh. Is this the drama we get when the Oscars are over and your atttentions are now on advertising? :groovy


Go for a ride or at least go out to the garage, sit on your bike (helmet on and all fingers on the brake for those that care) and make "vroom vroom" noises. you'll feel better.

:bikes

[GrafikFeat]

Feh. Is this the drama we get when the Oscars are over and your atttentions are now on advertising?

Oscars? Super Bowl deals w/ the advertising interests... Oscars are a great sleep aid.

[crazydrummerdude]

I'll be drawing helmets on them when I get my issue!

:laugh

Thanks.

[rocketmanli]

Upon closer inspection, and really hard staring it appears that you may be correct. What I thought was a windshield reflection, now seems more like the outline of a helmet. My apologies. Fun while it lasted.
DOHHHHHHH!

[bobs98]

Does this mean it's over? I missed all the fun. :laugh

[108625]

Maybe he's just happy to see her;)

[SheRidesABeemer]

The Harley 's in the back ground and she's dreaming what it would be like to be on a REAL bike.

the reason she is smiling is that they are on their way to pick up her K13S at the shop, then she can put on her helmet and ride away from this dweeb.

[Greenwald]

You certainly have a "thing" against using fewer than four fingers on the front brake lever. Mind explaining the reason(s) for this?

PT9766

Sure. Anatomically, our hands evolved to grip, squeeze and tense with equal emphasis on all four fingers, with our opposed thumbs receiving some stimulus from our brains to also participate.

This is especially true when an urgency to apply braking catches us by surprise. Our motor skill response will mimic our habits.......not necessarily what needs to be done at the moment, if our habits have gotten sloppy.

When we get 'creative' with our braking grip, we sacrifice fine-motor control over the amount and duration of pressure applied in exchange for 'less fingers on the lever,' for some reason.

Specific braking exercises during my motor officer training bore this out with chilling clarity.

My students learn thru my annoying repetition..... "How many brakes?" ("TWO!");...."How many fingers?" ("FOUR!").

They seem receptive to the logic of what is taught.

However, when I conduct an 'ERC,' that's when I'm smothered with 'rationalizations.' Makes for some interesting conversation.

How you brake is your business. How it is supposed to be taught is mine.

May we all ride safe this Spring and gather at the Rally!

[jdmetzger]

Sure. Anatomically, our hands evolved to grip, squeeze and tense with equal emphasis on all four fingers, with our opposed thumbs receiving some stimulus from our brains to also participate.

This is especially true when an urgency to apply braking catches us by surprise. Our motor skill response will mimic our habits.......not necessarily what needs to be done at the moment, if our habits have gotten sloppy.

When we get 'creative' with our braking grip, we sacrifice fine-motor control over the amount and duration of pressure applied in exchange for 'less fingers on the lever,' for some reason.

Specific braking exercises during my motor officer training bore this out with chilling clarity.

My students learn thru my annoying repetition..... "How many brakes?" ("TWO!");...."How many fingers?" ("FOUR!").

They seem receptive to the logic of what is taught.

However, when I conduct an 'ERC,' that's when I'm smothered with 'rationalizations.' Makes for some interesting conversation.

How you brake is your business. How it is supposed to be taught is mine.

May we all ride safe this Spring and gather at the Rally!

I do recall in my reading of safety books that it can be good to "cover the brake" with two fingers. I do this in heavy traffic - saves me the time of moving my fingers up and over the brake lever. Works for me, anyhow.

[BubbaZanetti]

I do recall in my reading of safety books that it can be good to "cover the brake" with two fingers. I do this in heavy traffic - saves me the time of moving my fingers up and over the brake lever. Works for me, anyhow.

covering is looked down upon for new riders due to the fact that their reflexes combined with their lack of knowledge of motorcycle braking can often produce bad results in terms of overuse of the front brake when it may not be warranted. for those taking the BRC as new riders it's not that big of a deal, i just explain to them that covering comes with time. also, a new rider, unused to throttle control, will experience more control problems with two fingers sticking out over the brake.

[GrafikFeat]

Oh My Gawd...

All this from a lousy print ad.

And it's only February!

:hungover

[kgadley01]

the reason she is smiling is that they are on their way to pick up her K13S at the shop, then she can put on her helmet and ride away from this dweeb.

I guess its ok for you to dream, ya still got snow up there don't ya? :wave

[Bob1100RTC]

I have used 2 fingers to brake since I raced dirt bikes as a kid. When I finally decided to get my licence 5 years ago (rode on and off without one for 20 or so years) I took the erc. They pissed and moaned so I used 4 fingers (they were extremely impressed with the abs on my R11RT). Pulled out after the coarse was over and back to 2 fingers. It works for me.

[criminaldesign]

Just saw this ad in the April issue of Cycle World Magazine. Never thought I'd see the day when BMW would run an ad with riders without helmets. Is there a hidden message here? Strange days, indeed!


All marketing crap. They're putting a face to a segment of BMW's demographics.
It's advertising more of a lifestyle than advertising the machine.

[MartyW]

I've heard that those big K bikes were heavy, but I didn't know they were considered "unstoppable". Sounds like it doesn't matter how many fingers you have on the brakes! Sure glad I'm riding a boxer! :nyah

[WooDmEn]

Cycle World April 2009 p45, shows a BMW institutional ad of a couple riding a K1200GT, I think, full riding gear EXCEPT helmets!?!?! They really look happy. Wonder how BMW Motorrad looks?:banghead

[wuli959]

Cycle World April 2009 p45, shows a BMW institutional ad of a couple riding a K1200GT, I think, full riding gear EXCEPT helmets!?!?! They really look happy. Wonder how BMW Motorrad looks?:banghead

It looks like they're PARKED on the side of the road. Need a helmet on while parked?

[Greenwald]

I do recall in my reading of safety books that it can be good to "cover the brake" with two fingers. I do this in heavy traffic - saves me the time of moving my fingers up and over the brake lever. Works for me, anyhow.

With the 'disclaimer' that I would never advocate this to a newbie, you're right Josh.

Having some finger-contact with the front brake lever in hazardous traffic can save you up to 60 feet of braking distance at moderate speeds, and that could be the difference between a quick stop and a HARD stop, as in colliding with a solid object.

However, it is consideered an advanced skill, and requires a good level of experience as well as frequent practice in its application.

If you are comfortable with your reaction skills in sudden braking, then employ whatever works and ride safe.

[barryg]

Could it be that they have pulled over to the side of the road due to final drive problems?

[GrafikFeat]

Could it be that they have pulled over to the side of the road due to final drive problems?

See Post #35...

[jdmetzger]

As stated in the other thread, there is a helmet in the photo. Look closely in the lower left of the windshield, and under/near the mirror arm. There is a helmet in the photo. How many people would go to the trouble of wearing full gear but no helmet?

[deilenberger]

And I'm merging these threads..

[Greenwald]

On the claim that the human hand "evolved" so that movement of the 4 fingers was with "equal emphasis", I would like to see some scientific reference to that claim. It seems to me that the nerve and muscle structure of the human hand and the neural pathways to the brain are independent, allowing us to do things like playing the piano and clarinet.

Having used motorcycles which did not have the conventional twistgrip throttle but rather twin thumb and index finger-operated throttle levers, I found that in order to obtain fine control of these a steady grip on the handle bar was needed. this was done with the second finger curled around the bar - leaving the third a d fourth fingers to operate the front brake lever.

In using conventional twistgrip-equipped one-way cable throttles, I found that using the thumb as a fulcrum point on the twistgrip drum and the index finger to grip the throttle rotating sleeve allows fine throttle control, particularly in rough ground riding where just holding the throttle sleeve between the thumb and the base of the index finger can result in on-off operation. The remaining 3 fingers can quite adequately operate the front brake with fine control since the purchase and "squeeze is between the thumb on the fixed fulcrum of the throttle drum and the pivoting brake lever.

The idea of being "creative" as a bad thing in education sounds like a good reason why the MSF course seems to attract a lot of criticism from some motorcycle safety people. Times and situations change, we all (even teachers) can learn new things.

For clarity's sake, I didn't say 'being creative' was a bad thing in education. I said it was not recommended for our 'braking grip.'

As for MSF attracting criticism, that will always be the burden of any group or organization that attempts to set standards for training and operation of almost anything in life, be it a motorcycle, aircraft, sawzall, or VCR.

As for times changing and teachers learning new things, I couldn't agree with you more. I don't think I'm an 'old dog' who 'can't learn new tricks.' I had been motorcycling for almost 20 years before my employer sent me off to Police Motor Officer School in Ohio. I figured I certainly knew enough about how to operate a motorcycle to cruise thru what would be required. I figured wrong.

My habits of braking (some but not all fingers & excessive use of the rear pads) got humbled quickly. My notion to swerve AND brake at the same time had embarrassing results. My habit of watching the ground during slow maneuvers........well, you get the point. Many new tricks for this old dog to learn, and learn them I did.

Then, after several years of motor officer duty, I became interested in the MSF cirriculum. Figured I had superior skills and would not learn much new from becoming a BRC / ERC instructor. Figured wrong again. Learned the value of core skills (braking, target fixation advantages/disadvantages, better ways to negotiate curves, etc.) and my 'habits' underwent yet another metamorphosis, only to become a better rider than I was as a motor officer.

As I said before, how you brake is your business. How I feel confident in teaching this skill to new riders is mine. May we both enjoy many long and safe hours on two wheels.

[ejressler]

Some of you all probably think the WWE is for real! :banghead

[barryg]

Well, hopefully their wearing their earplugs.

[GrafikFeat]

When I was in advertising one could only wish a print ad got this kind of attention.

It really is a crappy ad though.
Although, BMW never really had good ads.

Remember this beauty:

[rocketmanli]

To try and put an end to this "interesting" thread I started the other day...

I just got off the phone with BMW Motorrad Marketing in Ohio. A very helpful gentleman explained that BMW's corporate philosophy still remains, safety first, with no compromises, with respect to bikes and gear. The ad was the first, in what appears to be an upcoming series, which shows facial expressions, and owner enjoyment, rather than an impersonal head inside a dark helmet. They seem to be trying to get more personal with their products, and this will not be the last ad in this genre. I was told, they will not publish an ad without proper safety gear picturing riders moving on the open road, or banked in a turn, with knee pucks scraping, which might tend to advocate riding without proper safety gear; just parked on the side of the road, showing some facial enjoyment. Hope this puts an end to the discussion. All is well in BMW land.

[crazydrummerdude]

...Marketing... safety first

My explosives teacher had a nice rant the other day about how "safety is something you do. Realistically, bringing home the bacon comes first."

[535is]

Although, BMW never really had good ads.

Obviously, you missed this one:

http://members.tripod.com/~BMWR50S/r90skk.jpg

[119240]

The real rider is in the bathroom, these want a bees wanted to sit on his bike and the third person took their photo.

[Greenwald]

Thanks for your explanation - maybe we will meet on our two wheeled travels.

PT9766

I'll buy the first cup of coffee!

[Andy VH]

Yeah, kinda lame ad. Though I wouldn't mind a riding partner that looked like her at all! But full gear is better. However, they are parked on the side of the road. Still lame though. I prefer ads like:

"Its even uglier when it passes you" for the GS1200 leaning hard through a turn. Put a sportbike to shame with some real riding skills.

"Take your wife asphault dancing" for the couple leaning deep into a turn on a K1200GT. Yes!!! That says a lot of what our bikes are good for.

"Does riding in the rain count as bathing?" Shows the totally soaked/drenched face of a satisfied rider. I could really relate to that one.

[jdmetzger]

Yeah, kinda lame ad. Though I wouldn't mind a riding partner that looked like her at all! But full gear is better. However, they are parked on the side of the road. Still lame though. I prefer ads like:

"Its even uglier when it passes you" for the GS1200 leaning hard through a turn. Put a sportbike to shame with some real riding skills.

"Take your wife asphault dancing" for the couple leaning deep into a turn on a K1200GT. Yes!!! That says a lot of what our bikes are good for.

"Does riding in the rain count as bathing?" Shows the totally soaked/drenched face of a satisfied rider. I could really relate to that one.

These remind me of the GS commercial on a BMW DVD I received at an open house event. It's something along the lines of "some guys spend all day cleaning and polishing their bikes. I wash mine". All the while, the picture is an airborne GS coming down into water and riding through (slow motion). Nice. :)

[rvb1019]

I think the couple in the pic are actually stranded on the side of the road with a blown final drive.

The helmets are on the ground because they have been waiting for over 4 hours for a tow!:banghead

[Greenwald]

I think the couple in the pic are actually stranded on the side of the road with a blown final drive.

The helmets are on the ground because they have been waiting for over 4 hours for a tow!:banghead

Cute. And funny for a moment, but then reality sets in....unless BMW has redesigned their final drive with iron-clad reliability, your scenario might be true!

Even if Berlin remade the final drive on this 'new' model, we will never officially know. That would mean admitting to having marketed a sub-standard product, and corporate BMW will never issue a press release along those lines....never.

As for the ad itself, I feel soory for the Clause's. I envy their chance to be in a national ad campaign, and they deserve their 15 minutes of fame.

It is the producer of the advertisement that needs a stern lecture. Helmets off so we can see faces is fine, but the helmets should have appeared conspicously in the photo.

A hand on the brake (perhaps to alert motorists approaching from the rear?!) makes sense, but all four fingers - not a couple. It's not about being politically correct (which I rarely am, and proud of it) - it's about sending a message of safety and responsibility.

In a printed medium, you only get one chance to make a good impression with what you visually represent. The attention is in the details, and a couple of important ones related to safety were 'dropped.'

Presuming this may be the first in a series, hopefully the ad agency handling this promotion has gotten some critical feedback.

Time will tell.

[108625]

It's an ad, Greenwald, get off your high horse.

I won't even enter the four fingered brake discussion with you, as it's clear your mind is set like concrete.

If you really think the people involved are setting an irresponsible impression, how about contacting all the insurance companies that show their "agents" sitting on cruisers with no protection at all?

Then you can scold the AMA for putting noteable riders in their magazine, posing on parked bikes in a manner you don't approve of.

Or the letters section of every bike magazine...

After that, why don't you peruse the "show as a photo of your bike" threads on this website and lecture everyone there for posing for pictures on their bikes without helmets on, all four uncoordinated fingers wrapped around their brake levers, and any other bad example setting safety violations you want to enforce.

After all, our intelligence must be so low in your estimation that we need you to protect us from ourselves exhibiting "monkey see, monkey do" behavior.

[BubbaZanetti]

Let's keep it civil guys........it's just an ad.

[GrafikFeat]

I think the couple in the pic are actually stranded on the side of the road with a blown final drive.

The helmets are on the ground because they have been waiting for over 4 hours for a tow!:banghead

We can see you guys don't read all of a thread.
This is the third time for that joke.

[GrafikFeat]

Obviously, you missed this one:

http://members.tripod.com/~BMWR50S/r90skk.jpg

Obviously.

(but where is your image?)

[Mika]

It is an ad to create affinity with younger riders not a safety poster. Is it lame? I don’t know I am not part of its target market (I am not young and I am not in the market for a bike) so I don’t pay a bunch of attention to it.

I have yet to see a BMW ad, factory site picture or video, and I see a lot, which has a moving bike with a helmetless rider. BMW continues to make and market safety gear including helmets. If the ad has a moving rider 9 times out of ten they are wearing full BMW riding gear.

BMW is a member of every motorcycle industry council in the world and those councils in turn are strong supporters of motorcycle safety programs in those markets. They support them with money and their words. They run rider class of all sorts and the first order of business is rider safety which includes the proper gear.

I suspect if the posing pilot and the photographer read all the debate about how many fingers to cover the brakes they probably both wish they had used one less.

BMW has clearly said it is going to build, refine and as needed repair the R and other touring models for grumpy old men. While they are doing that they are looking for younger riders to replace us when we give up riding, sell our bikes for an electric scooter from the scooter store or die. Get a grip guys.

[GrafikFeat]

Why is your "Sun" blue?

:bolt

[Mika]

Why is your "Sun" blue?

:bolt

:ha

It's not a sun, its a blue moon I am chasing as I tilt at windmills. Tilt a lot and and periodical 'once in a blue moon' I get it right.

:ha

Thanks for asking you are the first to do so.

[Greenwald]

Let's keep it civil guys........it's just an ad.

Not to worry. Afterall, it is just an ad. For some, the spirited commentary it generated has been interesting; for others, apparently offensive. Some are plain bored.

While I will always promote safe practices in riding, to each their own.

I've said that in my posts many times, and I'll say it once more....


To each, their own.

Ride Safe and Enjoy Spring!

[jeremell]

Maybe they're not even really on a road, maybe it was a backdrop photo of a road. Also, why did they cast such a dork for the driver? That's mostly who rides BMWs now, not consistent with BMW's new image and the new customers they are trying to attract.

[jdmetzger]

Maybe they're not even really on a road, maybe it was a backdrop photo of a road. Also, why did they cast such a dork for the driver? That's mostly who rides BMWs now, not consistent with BMW's new image and the new customers they are trying to attract.

It appears they used "real" riders and not models.

I really hope if they are MOA members that they don't come and join our forum and see that they got bashed for being in a motorcycle ad that didn't fit everyones narrow views of what is safe, attractive, or "cool". Kind of sucks the fun out if it, I bet.

[KGT1200]

It appears they used "real" riders and not models.

I really hope if they are MOA members that they don't come and join our forum and see that they got bashed for being in a motorcycle ad that didn't fit everyones narrow views of what is safe, attractive, or "cool". Kind of sucks the fun out if it, I bet.

Na, getting bashed and beat up here at the BMW MOA forum when putting your neck out there by submitting anything for publication is a common occurrence, and not nearly as offensive as it seems when you consider the source of the ostentation!:)

If these people in the picture join out little group, they will find out that almost everyone else that joins is perfect, and know more than we do!! Us n00bs get used to it!:thumb

[crazydrummerdude]

I really hope if they are MOA members that they don't come and join our forum and see that they got bashed for being in a motorcycle ad that didn't fit everyones narrow views of what is safe, attractive, or "cool". Kind of sucks the fun out if it, I bet.

That's what I was thinking.

"Hey guys, I'm new here, but look, I was in a BMW ad.."

"You idiot! Where's your helmet? My wife's better looking than yours! Why are you on the side of the road, did your final drive fail? Why are you covering the brake? You must be an inexperienced idiot.. with dumb facial hair! etc etc.."

[henzilla]

They probably are members and are just shaking their heads at all of this. I recall the bashing the female rider with the old retro helmet on the airhead received after being in the magazine...GEEZ Louise. Everbody is a critic, serious or in fun. Or the current issue's cover where the female subject posted a "thank you" which seemed to preclude any stooopid comments being made. :thumb

[tourunigo]

... not really. Just goofing around. I like Nathan's response. It is likely that if we were all to put ourselves at the mercy of some Ad agency's vision we might not come off looking so special ourselves and, in turn, not feel particularly good having a whole herd of folks dissing me (us). Now, back to examining that AB cover more critically. -Bob

[rspennachio]

the add sucks.

[rspennachio]

And now I am two posts smarter!

[535is]

Although, BMW never really had good ads.

Obviously, you missed this one:

http://members.tripod.com/~BMWR50S/r90skk.jpgObviously.

(but where is your image?)
Right click; "View image"

[crazydrummerdude]

Right click; "View image"

Image still hosted by Tripod.

[GrafikFeat]

Right click; "View image"

Right Click? :dunno

My mouse only has one side.
Aside from that... I don't even use a mouse.

I use a pen tool... :thumb

"Right Click"... hahahahaha... :brad

I don't view the world through Windows®.

[crazydrummerdude]

I don't view the world through Windows®.

I'm sorry.

[GrafikFeat]

I'm sorry.

I used to be to... Then I upgraded to a Mac.

[End Hijack] (http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/thanks.aspx?ln=en&&thankspage=5)

[535is]

Right Click? :dunno

My mouse only has one side.
Aside from that... I don't even use a mouse.

I use a pen tool... :thumb

"Right Click"... hahahahaha... :brad

I don't view the world through Windows®.
Aw, then I guess you don't get to see the picture of the hot blonde in a bikini on an R90S, do ya, Mac-Daddy? Your loss, not mine.

BWA hahahaha!

[GrafikFeat]

Aw, then I guess you don't get to see the picture of the hot blonde in a bikini on an R90S, do ya, Mac-Daddy? Your loss, not mine.

BWA hahahaha!

If it's pictures of a "hot blonde in a bikini on an R90S" that do it for ya... I guess so...
Not there's anything wrong with that...

That ended for me at 14...

[535is]

If it's pictures of a "hot blonde in a bikini on an R90S" that do it for ya... I guess so...
Not there's anything wrong with that...

That ended for me at 14...
That's about when this ad was published. I am completely serious. I have it on the back of a rally t-shirt. Problem is, I could not find the whole thing, with copy, only the b/w photo. Maybe I'll look again. I have an idea where it might be.

[GrafikFeat]

That's about when this ad was published. I am completely serious. I have it on the back of a rally t-shirt. Problem is, I could not find the whole thing, with copy, only the b/w photo. Maybe I'll look again. I have an idea where it might be.

Cool... I'd like to see it...

I like old ads...

[535is]

Cool... I'd like to see it...

I like old ads...

I thought it might be here (http://www.omnilex.com/public/bmw78/), but it's not. Still some good stuff to look at. :thumb

Here's another host:

http://www.airtech-streamlining.com/vintage/images/r90shoochie.jpg

[GrafikFeat]

I thought it might be here (http://www.omnilex.com/public/bmw78/), but it's not. Still some good stuff to look at. :thumb

I have all the old 2 page spread /5 ads... Been meaning to frame 'em...

[535is]

I have all the old 2 page spread /5 ads... Been meaning to frame 'em...

Be nice to us. SCAN 'em! I have a couple of those '78 RS ads shown, including the 'Special Editions' that shows the Motorsport.

[Voni]

You can order many of them here:

http://www.dadsvintageads.com/catalog.php/dadsvintageads/pg16315

one of my favorites:
http://www.dadsvintageads.com/catalog.php/dadsvintageads/ct/pd1259423/1966_BMW_R_60_Danny_Liska_Motorcycle_Touring_Ad#IM AGES


Voni
sMiling