BMW SOS Button | What it does | Is it any good?!

Having returned from a tour, Mark talks about his experience of using the BMW SOS Button.
A must-have accessory??
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[@jeanjacques9980]

SOS has been available in BMW cars for several years, I used the service in the middle of nowhere in Ireland, at midnight, when the car became stuck in mud, rear wheel drive. Lady in Munchen/Munich knew roughly where I was located and offered to get help to me in an hour or two, not bad considering the location and time of night. The system works well but only in Europe, I resolved the problem with the help of a local farmer and a 4x4 Landcruiser. Even more useful on a big heavy bike, the system is independent of customer’s mobile/cell phone, there must be a SIM card and mic buried deep in the bike/car somewhere. Great option which you hope never to use.

[@Malyjurek]

Totally agree I ride a lot on my own often in the dark and in different countries, this is for sure a big step forward in safety

[@kevinmobile]

Just to clear up any 'big brother' issues you may have, BMW do not track vehicles in real time (although a theft recovery system has recently been discussed through an additional subscription) and an alert will only appear at the control centre AFTER an incident. A location is output that includes mobile cell site triangulation and the more accurate GPS if this is available. The bike's inertial unit can tell whether the bike has been dropped or it is a major off and if it's the latter AND they can't speak to you (you could have been thrown well clear after all) , the emergency services will be called. Although a basic 'eCall' system is a European initiative intended to bring rapid assistance to motorists involved in a collision anywhere in the European Union, it has been made mandatory in all new cars sold within the EU from April 2018. However, BMW (along with Volvo) wanted to extend this system to help motorists and riders in non emergency situations and that is the system you have on the GSA. Don't ask me what happens after Brexit... You can legitimately test the system by pressing the button before a journey. They will not tick you off!

[@maxflight777]

Kevin, useful facts! Thanks

[@pvtaitchison]

Thanx!

[@vriendelijkegroet]

Since I always travel alone, I definitely see the added value of this. A R1250GSA costs around Eur 26,500 in NL with options. That extra little bit doesn't matter anymore.

[@Bazza47]

My 2018 GS has it and although I didn't spec it either and it's nice to know they'll be there should you need them especially if you come a cropper and are injured without anyone else knowing it, so it could be a lifesaver in certain situations

[@johnward3490]

Don’t own a beemer or not up until now .... but I have to say that is a great addition. Good vid 👍

[@stevewalsh-balshaw1727]

I've a gsa 1200 rallye 2018 model with this fitted brilliant bike best "all rounder" you can buy in my opinion and I've owned loads of different bikes over the last 41yrs

[@nearlyretired6440]

Volvo, Ford and General Motors vehicles are fitted with this - I have taken jobs from Volvo where the vehicle had blown the emergency whistle and when Police arrived they found a car off the road into a tree with the driver unconscious and trapped. Well worth the money and I am seeking guidance to see if I can have it retro fitted to my 2015 RT.

[@ptrisonic]

A lot of cars have the same function. It has saved lives here in the USA. Check with the manufacturer of yours...

[@ryleemooch642]

I wonder if they send the cavalry if you didn't respond within a certain timeframe. What a great addition to a motorcycle.

[@RiderCamTV]

they do! Mark used it in Norway and spoke to the operator to say everything was ok and they said that they were cancelling the emergency service response, so it must be an automatic protocol for them... well impressed with it

[@Rexodom]

One thing to add: If the bike falls at over 90 km/h or sth similar, don’t know the exact value, they will call Services without asking. Just to make sure you will be okay. I also own a BMW since this season, it gives a good feeling to know that someone’s looking after you 😊

[@Desertfox92308]

Good outcome on your off roading incident, and no I have no paranoia about BMW "checking up on you"...Seems like a sensible cost effective add on. I have a 2013 R1200RT here in the USA but sadly it was not available at the time of purchase. Cheers from Phoenix, Arizona!

[@maxflight777]

Mark, many thanks for posting this. Motorcycling can never be totally safe. Those that think it can be are fools. Thank goodness you were both ok. Thanks for being candid. Important and useful info as usual. What an incredible facility.... anything that helps is worth having heh? Could have been a life saver. Ps Glad you were both OK.

[@MrAlphadeltabravo]

BTW a bit of farmer knowledge for you! Grass isnt threshed - that was back in the day before "combined harvesters" could both cut and separate grain (thresh) from cereal crops all in one go.

[@ivanlalala100]

I am considering buying a BMW adv bike just because of this feature... I am a KTM fanboy I can tell you that, but things like these make a great difference

[@united177]

Mark , I bought my GSA with the SOS as well and I would always add it if the option was available , it’s a clever piece of tech and you can also manually push the button to get help if you come across an RTA or someone in need of help , the bike has its own SIM card built in and given there is no subscription fees it’s a pretty good deal.

[@markholroyd5365]

keith lynch hiya! I will add it to all my future bikes.

[@kevinmobile]

Hi Keith, it's my understanding is that this is not any old SIM card that might be in our phone, but one that's capable of hunting for up to two service providers. One of the BMW papers I came across talked about increasing the transmitted power to 3 watts to be heard (far more than any mobile phone would use) but I'm not sure if this is on bikes as well as cars. Can anyone in the industry confirm?

[@united177]

Kevin Viney Hi Kevin I’m not sure about the coverage however I would say as someone who is based in Scotland it’s very very rare that the error message displays on the bike that the signal is lost and if it does it finds it again very quickly .Something my mobile phone is incapable of doing in large parts of the country so your theory of access to multiple networks makes a lot of sense 👍

[@glideman]

coincidentally I dropped my Honda Pan at the weekend, it was as embarrassing as yours as it was just outside a b&b on the way to the NC500. Even worse I had to ask the lady who owned the b&b to help me lift my bike as it was too heavy for me to pick up lol.

[@TheDervMan]

These new safety features are often dismissed as unnecessary when announced by manufacturers but, much like ABS, you only need it to ‘save you’ once to make it worth while. More importantly I’m glad you’re unhurt, well other than your pride 😉. Is there much damage to the bike?

[@markholroyd5365]

DervMan hiya! No damage to the bike and in fact once it was stood upright it was resting on the pots. The mud was up to the seat though...

[@graveltravel769]

Sorry to disappoint regarding one of your comments, but pure GPS communication is one way traffic only. Or to explain it even more simple, all your GPS does is listening to digital time signals (+ its GEO location) sent by most satellites. Your GPS use these to calculate the distance to it (the time delay by the speed of light) and by simple trigonometry from three or more satellites you know exactly where you are on earth. No signal is ever outgoing (why would it?)...

[@miyrides1180]

Does it affect the warranty, if in a couple of months you see a crack. Can BMW refer back to an off and dispute any warranty repairs. Or do they share this incident with insurance company's. If asked by them... Please excuse my mistrust of insurance company's they're not all Angels, but at the end of the day it saves your arse its probably a good thing

[@btcbiker]

I had an off at 5mph crossing a ford last week and an operator who refused to disconnect from my bike after I had told him everything was fine. He then continued to SOS call me for the next 30 minutes of me riding. Very annoying!

[@MrHugawa]

massive thumbs up... do you know if it available on all BMW's?

[@markholroyd5365]

Hug awa ask your local dealer.

[@osamehammadi9167]

Good video 👍 ❤👍BMW GS1250👍❤

[@martynleyfield2941]

Thanks great video on what probably most of us new very little about 👍 you mentioned £400 is that a one of payment & is It transferable to the next owner with or with out extra cost?

[@markholroyd5365]

Martyn Leyfield I believe its an extra for the bike so would be transferable. I'm going to Ocean BMW today so will ask.

[@MrBuddy27]

When you doing a vid on the new gsa , when you test rode it u were sayin you wouldn’t change just for a Tft screen 😂😂

[@kevinstover5155]

Okay, okay...now where is Toby? You two are like a comedy team. Brilliant!

[@markholroyd5365]

Ha! Toby will be here soon don't worry.

[@boxfullofneutral8514]

Comedy? In a really unfunny way 😂😂😂

[@nobpb]

It was an option just after I bought my bike, will have it on my next one, someone calling emergency services and checking your ok.......could be priceless |

[@RiderCamTV]

yeah, hopefully we wont need it, but its a bit of 'piece of mind' while out there riding. Ride Safe

[@nicholascrocker4329]

I can't find much information about BMW's SOS function. I thought it used satellites but I suspect it uses a mobile network. If so, which one? Here in the West Country many places have poor reception. Also, can you press the button for help if you have a breakdown or an unrepairable puncture. Thanks in advance.

[@RiderCamTV]

really not 100% sure on that one Nicholas.. Pop into Ocean, they will be able to tell you.. Next time we are in we will ask too :)

[@nicholascrocker4329]

Managed to find out that it uses the mobile phone networks by roaming for the best network signal. Not as good as a satellite connection but better than relying just one mobile network. Still not sure you can use it in a breakdown situation when the mobile you have has no signal.

[@markholroyd5365]

When I was called I no mobile signal on my phone and the clients with me didn’t either. It can be used for a breakdown.

[@AndreiGrad007]

Hi, do you think is any way can be added the SOS 🆘 button to 21 model? Can you see where is getting plugged in? In tft or different place?

[@RiderCamTV]

Really not sure. You’d think it would be possible but check with your local dealer as they will have to tie the button to your bike VIN and it’s all linked via SIM cards I think or something far more technical than I know. :)

[@andrewtofts7884]

Hi Mark, I’ve just watched this again, I really like the idea and have a question; is it a one off payment or is there an annual subscription? Cheers, Andy

[@markholroyd5365]

Andrew Tofts Hi Andy, it comes as part of the bike when new so its included in the original price and is passed on when selling.

[@andrewtofts7884]

Mark Holroyd Even better than I thought! Thanks Mark👍

[@gregshepherd489]

I am convinced, thanks

[@booshallmighty]

What if you sell the bike? Is this subscription, one off payment?

[@theworldsbonkers]

Mine stopped working North of Scotland waste of time really.

[@thehexter1]

Not available that I know of in the USA. At least not offered when I bought my ‘18 GSA.

[@thehexter1]

André I meant the unit isn’t available on the USA bikes. At least not that I’m aware of. I’m sure the notification system works worldwide.

[@michaelwilliams3861]

André be interested in how the signal got through?

[@michaelwilliams3861]

www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-news/europe-will-mandates-emergency-sos-call-system-for-motorcycles-ar179375.html

[@michaelwilliams3861]

André ?

[@pete2109]

You said you heard a voice? How did the voice come through???? What device? Phone? Bike? How? Thanks 👍

[@gonzaguedambricourt]

there is a microphone in the bike and a loudspeaker :)

[@michaelwilliams3861]

Just as the previous guys comment, you are not being tracked, your bike sent a request out when it fell. Which is a great idea, I have an app on my phone that does the same thing, if I have an off, it sends an SOS, they ring me, if I don’t answer, emergency services are called. Only works in the UK though 😬. I wander if that button can be retro fitted🤔 Check out this web page, tells you how it works. www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-news/europe-will-mandates-emergency-sos-call-system-for-motorcycles-ar179375.html

[@mikedignum1868]

First up..Why are you wearing one of my t-shirt? 2nd..Excellent video, i dont have the SOS button on my RT but what i do have is a mobile phone app called RealRiders that dose the same kind of thing for about £4 a month. Has been used a few times ranging from falling off to hitting a large pot hole.

[@michaelwilliams3861]

Michael Dignum hi Michael, I have the same app, but if you go to the company direct, you pay half the subscription price. I think the only place outside of the UK that it works, is Canada. Great app though.

[@GopherChoker.]

👍👍

[@dimitrioskoumentos820]

Can it be retrofitted? Needs any coding?

[@RiderCamTV]

not sure if it can be retrofitted as its an option when buying... check with BMW and ask as they may be able to do it for you.

[@frankstocker5475]

Exactly, what if there is no phone signal will it work?

[@markholroyd5365]

Frank Stocker hiya! At the time I had no phone signal on my phone but as others have pointed out the system has access to more than one provider.

[@garystevens4303]

I saw this on a bmw @ weekend. Asked bloke about it. But surely if you are f****d up & unconscious or worse, what point does it serve? Have I missed something?

[@RiderCamTV]

It alerts the call centre and if they don’t get a response from you it send them your location and they call the emergency services. Serves an awesome function especially when you need it most. It doesn’t have to be pressed as it will alert help is the bike is in a collision etc too

[@TheLakoG]

It is automatically activated when bike suddenly stops, or falls. Bike have lots of position sensors. So if you have an accident and are lying meters away from bike, it still makes call. Operator will try 3 attempts to contact you. When 3rd time no answer, the emergency services are send to your location. Smart thing 👍

[@frankstocker5475]

Nobody has mentioned if it works in places where there is no phone signal considering it's an offroad bike, even in the French Alps I often have no signal while on the local roads. If I have a signal I can call for help on my phone. I don't see the big advantage for the cost.

[@michaelwilliams3861]

Frank Stocker what if you are hurt, and can’t use your phone?

[@markholroyd5365]

At the time I had no phone signal.

[@michaelwilliams3861]

Mark Holroyd but the device had a signal, this is a device which uses the phone networks, different providers are sometimes better than others. Believe me, it does not use satellite communications.

[@united177]

Good Q & A on the system here www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk/en/experience/engineering/safety/ecall/ecall.html

[@frankstocker5475]

How does it work if there is no network signal?

[@maxflight777]

Frank Stocker goo.gl/images/4RttES

[@grahamoakley11]

I assume motorad calls your mobile??

[@markholroyd5365]

GrahamOakley11, hiya, that's what I thought as well but at the time I had no phone service so it came though the GPS. Love it!

[@michaelwilliams3861]

GPS doesn’t communicate, the device has network access, there must be a sim in it

[@maxflight777]

No, there is a speaker and microphone built into the handlebar unit.

[@maxflight777]

See here ; kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2elomxvgbF_hKc

[@rohansingh9040]

So you service your own motorcycle???

[@markholroyd5365]

Rohan Singh hiya! No I don't service my own bike i use Ocean BMW in Falmouth. Purely because i don't have the time or inclination to do it myself.... Don't hate me for being honest, ha!

[@rohansingh9040]

@@markholroyd5365 no problem mate, I'm coming on my 2nd service on my s1kr and it's takes hell lotta money so I wanted to know that does the motorrad community perform the services on there own.