BMW North America introduced several 2002-labeled new products and innovations to media representatives March 21-22 in Austin, Texas, including the updated R1150RT Tourer, the completely redesigned R1150R Roadster, and the third-generation BMW ABS system. Reporters present at the press launch included a mix of representatives from smaller motorcycle magazines as well as journalists from the New York Times and other large newspapers.

BMW’s new EVO integrated ABS system is lighter and produces more stopping power with less lever effort compared to earlier BMW ABS systems. During a test ride through the central Texas hill country, BMW technicians set up a test course to allow journalists to compare the new brake system against other systems. But few of the assembled journalists actually wanted to test the brakes.

One journalist who did want to test the brakes was Roadracing World’s David Swarts, and his antics led other journalists to break out the cameras and start photographing Swarts. BMW representatives ended the test session when Swarts started pulling the R1150RT Tourer up onto its front wheel from 60 mph.

The new integrated BMW ABS system applies all the brakes when either the front or rear brake levers are used. The system is power-assisted and senses brake-line pressure to distribute the stopping force to the wheel that has the most traction. When Swarts had the rear wheel of the R1150RT in the air, the system automatically sent more pressure to the front brakes and the rear wheel did not lock up. And unlike a conventional automotive ABS system that can go directly into anti-lock mode and cause the brake pedal to flutter, the BMW ABS system gives tremendous feedback at impending lock-up—which allows the system to work well under any circumstances and not just during panic stops.

The 2002-model BMWs should appear in dealerships in the next two months.