BMW BRINGS MOTORCYCLE HELMETS BACK TO CANADA

BMW Canada announced today the return of BMW's line of helmets. The first
helmets to be offered in Canada in over 8 years, the System 4 and cruiser
helmets bring with them a new era in motorcycle style and function.

The System 4 Helmet
The System 4 helmet is safer, quieter and more comfortable than its
predecessor, the System 3 Evolution model (not offered in North America).
Whether it be active or passive safety, style or noise control, ergonomics or
comfort, BMW's new System 4 helmet once again sets the benchmark in its class.

Produced in a hot-pressure process, the outer helmet shell is made of a
duroplastic, top-quality blend of kevlar, carbon fibre and glass
fibre-reinforced plastic. In conjunction with the six-piece inner shell made of
polystyrene, the entire helmet ensures good shock absorption and dampens impact
energy to a minimum.

The polycarbonate visor, made for the first time in an injection-casting
process, is scratch-resistant on the outside and features an anti-fog coating
on the inside. Three-dimensional in shape and free of the usual bracket, the
visor is integrated harmoniously into the overall design of the helmet.

The chin-piece, made of a special thermoplastic material (LexanTM), exhibits
progress in ergonomics and optimum comfort. Like chin-pieces on all BMW System
helmets, it can naturally be swivelled upwards for non-travelling activities
such as filling the tank up with gas. Unlike the previous model in which the
chin-piece was operated by two buttons, the System 4 helmet has only one
central opening button at the bottom - making it possible to open with only one
hand.

Thanks to its organic design and the fact that the width of the joints between
parts have been reduced to a minimum, the System 4 helmet ensures an even
higher standard of noise control. At 100 - 130 km/h, for example, the noise
level inside the helmet is reduced by 3-4 dbA versus the former System 3
Evolution model.

There are two venting systems located within the helmet: the closable forehead
ventilation in the middle which guides the flow of air through ducts around the
rider's entire head, and the closable opening in the chin-piece which provides
an additional flow of air up the inside of the visor for continuous de-fogging
action. A separate slide within the chin-piece allows the rider to separate the
flow of air, guiding air to his/her mouth and nose.

The System 4 helmet comes in 9 double sizes ranging from 48/49 to 64/65, and
comes in a choice of four different colours: Brilliant-White non-metallic,
Marrakech Red non-metallic, Fjord Grey metallic and dual-tone Dakar Yellow and
Arctic Grey metallic - to compliment the colour scheme of the new K1200RS.
Further accessories such as a solid chin spoiler and neck and cheek padding
varying in thickness for individual adjustments will also be available.

The new BMW System 4 helmets will be available from Canadian BMW motorcycle
dealers by June 1998. The suggested retail prices will be announced at the end
of May.

The Cruiser Helmet
For cruiser enthusiasts, BMW's engineers and designers have developed the
perfect open-faced helmet to allow riders to feel the wind rushing by in true
cruiser fashion.

Made of a special thermoplastic material, the outer shell of the helmet is
painted to match one of the three colours of the R1200C. The lower part of the
shell, finished in leather, is designed to match the leather seat upholstery of
the bike, creating a complete look of style and authenticity.

All visible metal parts on the helmet are made of pressure-cast aluminum,
designed to reflect the structures found on the motorcycle itself. Inside, the
helmet is finished in leather and colour-matched silk acetate.

The new BMW Cruiser helmets will be available from Canadian BMW motorcycle
dealers by June 1998. Suggested retail prices for the helmet will be announced
at the end of May. Special light-weight cruiser goggles and sunglasses will
also available.