Telelever: the View From Santa Fe

TELELEVER: THE VIEW FROM SANTA FE

BMW’S new R1100RS is the second mass-produced motorcycle to use an unconventional front end. Yamaha’s innovative GTS1000, with its swingarm front suspension designed by Sante Fe, New Mexico’s James Parker, was the first. Although his allegiance lies with true swingarm designs, Parker feels that the BMW effort has potential beyond the new Boxer.

“It may be preferable for dual-purpose motorcycles and would most certainly be better for dirtbikes,” says Parker. “Basically, it’s a way station on the way to a direct swingarm design. From a marketing point of view, there may be advantages to having something that resembles a fork.”

Parker says another advantage of the BMW set-up is a tighter turning radius than with his RADD design, but he notes that seal stiction will still be present, even if at lessened levels, on the Telelever system. “My personal feeling is that true swingarm systems are the way to go,” he says.

The GTS1000 has received some negative press, especially in Europe. In response, Parker says, “I feel that the bike has been dismissed by certain people, partly because of price. I think that’s unfair. Yamaha should be commended for taking a risk of this magnitude. It says a lot for the motorcycle industry and I think that should be appreciated. BMW deserves the same credit.”

Matthew Miles