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Bench Racing & The Morning Reads

Fridaay, 24 September

motrcycoecannonball.com: RSS feed link for updates and standings


WSBK et al.

worldsbk: Imola Facts and Figures

First Practice Results

reuters.com: Klien replaces sick Yamamoto for Singapore race

MotoGP

motomatters.com: Aprilia has ÔÇ£No IntentionÔÇØ of entering MotoGP, says CEO

Formula 1 and 

motorsport.com: BMW not coming back for F1ÔÇÖs 2013 engine era
Theissen was asked and his answer was no to the return to F1 but he held out the option of entering Le Mans series type racing. Hmmm.

autosport.com: Lotus confirms Team Lotus name deal

autosport.com: Schumacher insists he will not leave

reuters.com: Heidfeld still searching for 2011 drive
"I've signed only for this season, the situation for next year is completely open with Sauber but also with other teams with which I have already been in talks over the last couple of weeks."
Does Quick Nick have to pay for his ride? At the start of the 2010 season the going rate in cash or sponsorship money that a driver needed to bring to a team for consideration as a driver in 2010 $5million. A drive like Schumi can pull in that kind of sponsorship in his sleep. Quick Nick, maybe not.

When Heidfeld left he was given a F1 car as a parting gift from Peter Sauber. It was a going away present like a dad would give a son when he goes to seek his fortunes on his own. Well sort of in F1 terms. Now that he is back would ÔÇ£dadÔÇØ really expect him to pay rent to stay around what had been his home for years?

What about yesterdayÔÇÖs rumor that had Kubica going to Ferrari to pair with Alonso and Massa going to Sauber to pair with Heidfeld? If Sauber is becoming a Ferrari satellite team ala the Red Bull model does he have to pass muster with Ferrari? In that case if the two did pair up Massa would most likely be the number one. Is that on the table and holding up a 2011 contract?

F1 silly season; you have to love it. The rumors are so much fun to play with.


Other Racing

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KTM 450 Rally ÔÇô Cyril DespresÔÇÖ Test Track
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On the Street

roadracerx.com: New schedule for Daytona Bike Week 2011

yankodesign.com: SEIL Bag by Lee Myung Su Backpack for cyclist
I think they mean the peddle kind but motorcyclists could benefit from gear that does some of these things. You would have to be careful what you would send as a message in certain situations.

visordown.com: Morgan Harley tie up


The Motheship

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]BMWUSA: BMW Announces Markets for BMW ActiveE Field Trial
BMW Announces Markets for BMW ActiveE Field Trial

Woot of the Day

FWIW

No news on the second ride for BMW Motorrad MotorsportÔÇÖs WSBK team. The announcement may come this weekend but I would not bet on it. It is possible that it will not come until the BMW press preview Tuesday October 5 for the Intermot show.

A prediction is the best way I know to help the decision process along. :ha

Bike Candy

via - World SBK ÔÇô a class picture of sorts as riders do their promotional thing for the race weekend.

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Friday, Second Edition

motrcycoecannonball.com: RSS feed link for updates and standings


WSBK et al.

Friday Qualifying: Corser and Xuas are through to Superpole on Saturday

1 7 Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 1'48.178
2 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'48.558
3 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'48.621
4 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1'48.660
5 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'48.667
6 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1'48.752
7 35 Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 1'48.813
8 11 Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1'48.851
9 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'48.970
10 111 Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1'49.224
11 57 Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'49.275
12 52 Toseland J. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 1'49.528
13 50 Guintoli S. (FRA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'49.560
14 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'49.613
15 76 Neukirchner M. (GER) Honda CBR1000RR 1'49.622
16 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'49.659
17 99 Scassa L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'49.776
18 90 Sandi F. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 1'51.641
19 95 Hayden R. (USA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'52.106
20 33 Lai F. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 1'52.200
21 5 Lowry I. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'52.248
22 15 Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'52.315

BMW Motorrad Motorsport - WSBK - Imola - Qualifying Practice 1
ÔÇó 24.09.2010
ÔÇó Press Release
Weather conditions: Sunny in the morning, partly cloudy in the afternoon.
Temperature: Air: 23 ÔÇô 25 ??C, Track: 34 ÔÇô 39 ??C
Number of riders participating: 22 from 14 teams
Fastest lap Free Practice: Carlos Checa (Althea Racing) 1:49.070 min
Fastest lap Qualifying Practice 1: Carlos Checa (Althea Racing) 1:48.178 min


Programme:
Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport started the 12th and penultimate race weekend of the 2010 FIM Superbike World Championship in a solid way: Troy Corser (AUS) finished the first qualifying practice eighth, while his Catalan team-mate, Ruben Xaus, finished the session tenth.


Troy Corser:
Bike: BMW S 1000 RR
Fastest lap Free Practice: 1:50.179 min (12th) / Fastest lap Qualifying 1: 1:48.851 min (8th)
ÔÇ£The day was not too bad. We are still working on improving the stability of the bike and its performance under braking. The engine feels strong and fast, but a little bit unstable on the exit of the corners. My lap times were not too bad, but at the moment I feel like I am making the bike do the time rather than the bike letting me do it. But I am sure we can solve this. The trackÔÇÖs grip was also a little bit down, so this also makes the bike more difficult to ride. All in all we made some improvements today. As it could rain tomorrow, it was important to get a good lap time in, so we are sure to be in the Superpole qualifying. I was able to push and do the time, so I am reasonably happy.ÔÇØ


Ruben Xaus:
Bike: BMW S 1000 RR
Fastest lap Free Practice: 1:49.674 min (7th) / Fastest lap Qualifying 1: 1:49.224 min (10th)
ÔÇ£This morning my feeling on the bike was not too bad. In the afternoon we made some changes to it, and I had no grip at all, which meant I had no traction. Because of this it was quite difficult to do a proper lap time. Now we shall try to find a solution for this. The basis is not too bad, and I hope we can make the next step tomorrow to allow me to ride in the low 1:48s. But, of course, this depends on the weather.ÔÇØ


Davide Tardozzi (BMW Motorrad Motorsport Team Manager):
ÔÇ£Our day was quite good. We worked on the bikesÔÇÖ setup and simply struggled with the grip level. I am confident we can sort this out for tomorrow and manage to find some rear grip. Unfortunately the race track itself was not in a perfect condition. Nevertheless, our qualifying result is a solid basis for tomorrow. We will now analyse the data and continue working on the bikes.ÔÇØ

Imola (Italy) - First qualifying: TROY RELIEVED WITH 8TH.

It was not the easiest two sessions at Imola today and, in the end, Troy was relieved to have finished eighth quickest as spots of rain fell on the 4.936 kilometre circuit. With rain forecast tomorrow, it may be that todayÔÇÖs time will prove useful if tomorrow's qualifying is wet. Carlos Checa (Ducati) ended fastest today with a lap of 1:49.070, with Jonathan Rea (Honda) second, Leon Haslam (Suzuki) third and Noriyuki Haga (Ducati) fourth. Troy - 8th, 1:48.851 Well, I am happy and not happy - if that makes any sense. I wouldÔÇÖve liked to have been faster, but at the moment the setting of the bike isnÔÇÖt right and the lap time I did to end eighth was as good as I couldÔÇÖve done. It was a bit ragged, but I was concerned that the rain would come down harder and that wouldÔÇÖve been that. When I saw the drops of rain on my visor towards the end of todayÔÇÖs qualifying, I knew I had to stick my neck out and go for it. I am relieved that I got eighth because if it rains tomorrow in qualifying, that eighth will stand me in good stead for Superpole. So thatÔÇÖs why I went for it and although I mightÔÇÖve been able to do another one like it, I certainly could not have done a string of them. This track is very slippery when it rains and none of us look forward to racing here in the wet, because it feels like you are riding on ice. The problem is that, because of the changes of elevation, you get areas of running water on the track and that can cause aquaplaning and thatÔÇÖs not good. The track felt a bit dusty and dirty this morning - normal for a Friday morning - but the grip improved in the afternoon. The setting of the bike is not right yet and I also had a bit of a problem getting the bike to stop. Often I was running wider than I wanted to and that probably contributed to the problem with stopping. Hopefully weÔÇÖll sort that out, but what concerns me, for tomorrow and raceday, is the rain. If it is wet, youÔÇÖre probably going to see laps times about twenty seconds a lap slower round here. ThatÔÇÖs not normal, because the normal difference between wet and dry is about ten seconds or so. That shows how slippery this place can be. See ya, Troy

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Formula 1 and 

fia.com: Friday Press Conference
TEAM PRINCIPALS: Stefano DOMENICALI (Ferrari), Tony FERNANDES (Lotus), Colin KOLLES (HRT), Peter SAUBER (BMW Sauber)
 
Saturday, 25 September

motrcycoecannonball.com: RSS feed link for updates and standings


WSBK et al.

Saturday Qualifying 2

Overnight rain and a wet track kept things unchanged during = http://sbk.perugiatiming.com/pdf_..._Anno=2010&p_Round=ITA2]Qualifying Practice 2. due to his friday time going into the Superpole session.

[url= http://www.gpone.com/index.php/en/news/35-in-evidenza/1897-biaggi-qdevo-recuperare-tantoq.html]gpone.com
: Biaggi ÔÇô ÔÇ£I have to make up groundÔÇØ

Superpole

Corser and Xaus fought through to the final Superpole round today. The riders took to the track as the final session opened put some quick laps on and headed to the pits for final changes. When the clock showed 7ÔÇÖ25 remaining in the final session Haslam was on top of the sheet followed by Corser Sykes and Xaus. Unfortunately this is not how the session ended.

Superpole Results

1 66 Sykes T GBR Kawasaki ZX 10R
2 96 Smrz J CZE Aprilia RSV4 Factory
3 91 Haslam L GBR Suzuki GSX-R1000
4 99 Scassa L ITA Ducati 1098R
5 57 Lanzi L ITA Ducati 1098R
6 11 Corser T AUS BMW S1000 RR
7 3 Biaggi M ITA Aprilia RSV4 Factory
8 111 Xaus R ESP BMW S1000 RR
9 7 Checa C ESP Ducati 1098R
10 84 Fabrizio M ITA Ducati 1098R
11 76 Neukirchner M GER Honda CBR1000RR
12 35 Crutchlow C GBR Yamaha YZF R1
13 67 Byrne S GBR Ducati 1098R
14 65 Rea J GBR Honda CBR1000RR
15 41 Haga N JPN Ducati 1098R
16 50 Guintoli S FRA Suzuki GSX-R1000
17 52 Toseland J GBR Yamaha YZF R1
18 95 Hayden R USA Kawasaki ZX 10R
19 33 Lai F ITA Honda CBR1000RR
20 90 Sandi F ITA Aprilia RSV4 1000 F

Corser and Xaus will lineup on row two of SundayÔÇÖs grid. Biaggi unable to solve all of his issues is slotted between them. Corser has demonstrated ability to turn a second row start into a lead at the end of turn 1. SundayÔÇÖs start could prove interesting.

Seeking the Sweet Spot

In many of the seasonÔÇÖs Superpole sessions the BMWÔÇÖs have displayed top speed numbers in the straight line but have not been able to turn thus showing slower lap times. You win bragging rights with top speed but this is road racing and grid positions are awarded to bikes and riders who combine straight line performance with the ability to go quickly through corners. Today the top speeds were down six to 8 mph to the field but the lap times were obviously up.

Tire management has been a constant theme for the team. With top speeds down Corser turned in his personal best in all sectors on the last timed lap of the session. Xaus was also turning in personal bests in various sectors right up to the end of the final session. Tire management, for this race at least, may be under control.

The overnight challenge for the team now is to find a bit more speed without chewing up the tire management advantage that they appear to have gained. The BMW team has been in this position at other races this season. The other teams are faced with the same challenge. The difference in the past has been the competitionÔÇÖs ability to find something more in setting up engine and chassis for SundayÔÇÖs race that BMW Motorrad Motorsport has not.

Formula 1 and 

bbc.co.uk: USF! Boss blames ÔÇÿbad timingÔÇÖ for teamÔÇÖs collapse
Critical reading is required to get at the story and avoid revisionist history

hanesakkebibf1.com: The importance of Formula 1 in the East

Singapore GP Qualifying

Q1

Rain has been to Singapore also. The track was damp in spots when qualifying began
which made things exciting at times. Schumacher, considered one of the sports rain meisters, found himself sideways at times. Massa took the spotlight in the opening minutes of Q1 for reasons yet to be explained.

The session began and cars took to the track for their warm ups and first flying laps. Before things ever got fully underway first the yellow then red flags came out and the session was halted. Massa and his Ferrari were halted on track resulting in the session delay while his car was craned off the track. No explanation has been given yet. Live Timing commentary speculates that it is engine problems that caused the Brazilian to park his car on the streets of Singapore. He will be listed at the end of the Sunday grid; more on that in a bit.

The other interesting bit of Q1 was provided by Schumacher. He set times in the top 10 of the grid then later parked his car in the garage and got out. I have seen no explanation of this to this point. The session ended with Schumi in the garage but having posted a quick enough time to advance.

Q2

Changes in the qualifying rules have changed this sessionÔÇÖs strategy for most teams. The emphasis for the front runners is to advance while the focus of the rest is on the bubble time posted for P10 through the session. Force India has been improving but not enough to make the cut with either car this race. Sutil was the best hope for a top 10 start for this team but he could not pull it off. Quick Nick was not quick enough and is a mid field starter, a role he too often assumed in his previous BMW Sauber days.

Old teammates provided two interesting storylines for this session.

Schumacher did return to the field for Q2. While he scored a few early strong times he languished in P17 for most of the session. When it looked like he was destined for a midfield start he put together some quick times and moved up to P9 and advanced.

Barrichello moved on to Q3 also. He went through Q1 unnoticed by me. In Q2 he showed consistent strength and improvement that allowed him to advance to Q3.


Q3

The field for this session was dominated by the five Championship leaders. At this point in the season this should be expected. However, the other five drivers were not sitting on their hands.

At an early point in the short final session eyes were focused on Alonso and Vettel. Vettel took P1 only to be piped by Alonso and see his time drop and position yield a P10 for that set of hot laps. Changes to the rules putting everyone on the same fuel load and running racing setups has done much to improve the action in Q3.

Kubica in his Renault never seemed to get it together. His teammate Petrov ended Q2 shown as stopped in S1. This did not bring out a yellow flag for that session. No explanation was available as I write this. But it may point to problems with the Renault and a conservative attack (now there is an oxymoron for you) for this session.

Barrichello had another strong session. The Williams Costhworth appears to be a good combination in his hands. He may not be a true contender for P1 or the podium but is well worth everyone paying attention to.

Rosberg and Schumacher in the Mercedes GP leave you scratching your head. Is it the drivers? Rosberg has always been a strong qualifier in the past yet this year seems to just show up. Schumacher is so easily dismissed as being over the hill yet the old man was in Q3 for another time and on an unfamiliar track. Is it the car? The engine and chassis combination that seemed to dominate race after race last season is caught this season dueling with Barrichello in his Williams Cosworth for position.

Then what of BWM Sauber? Kobyashi brought home the Hinwil team car in P10. The chassis began development under BMW and now is powered by a Ferrari engine. In other sports commentators would talk about it as a dangerous threat that other teams have failed to put away. In F1 it is a wild card I sincerely hope, for Peter SauberÔÇÖs sake, is played one of theses Sundays.

The session ended and the provisional grid is:

1 8 Fernando Alonso
Ferrari

2 5 Sebastian Vettel
RBR-Renault

3 2 Lewis Hamilton
McLaren-Mercedes

4 1 Jenson Button
McLaren-Mercedes

5 6 Mark Webber
RBR-Renault

6 9 Rubens Barrichello
Williams-Cosworth

7 4 Nico Rosberg
Mercedes GP

8 11 Robert Kubica
Renault

9 3 Michael Schumacher
Mercedes GP

10 23 Kamui Kobayashi
BMW Sauber-Ferrari

11 17 Jaime Alguersuari
STR-Ferrari

12 10 Nico Hulkenberg
Williams-Cosworth

13 12 Vitaly Petrov
Renault

14 16 Sebastien Buemi
STR-Ferrari

15 22 Nick Heidfeld
BMW Sauber-Ferrari

16 14 Adrian Sutil
Force India-Mercedes

17 15 Vitantonio Liuzzi
Force India-Mercedes

18 24 Timo Glock
Virgin-Cosworth

19 19 Heikki Kovalainen
Lotus-Cosworth

20 25 Lucas di Grassi
Virgin-Cosworth

21 18 Jarno Trulli
Lotus-Cosworth

22 20 Christian Klien
HRT-Cosworth

23 21 Bruno Senna
HRT-Cosworth

24 7 Felipe Massa
Ferrari



Narrow Arrows and Wide Bodied Jets

Sunday may be a race of narrow arrow cars determined by how they deal with the wide bodied jets on the grid. Q3 gives fans 8 narrow arrows and two wide bodied jets.

Narrow Arrows
The top five slots are clearly narrow arrows. The race between these arrows will be in the hands of the drivers. Can they balance their right foot and hands for the length of the race to come out on top? The outcome may well be determined by who has the coolest head inside their expensive helmet. Barrichello, Kubica and Kobayashi may not have the sleekest arrows in this group but in the quiver of narrow arrows you ignore them at your own risk.

Wide Bodied Jets
The Mercedes GP cars may look sleek but they have acted more like wide bodied jets in the hands of their capable pilots. Rosberg has been the more aggressive in this team but race after race has had troubles getting his jet to pass the arrows on the track. Schumacher has, I will argue, raced his heart out but time and time again he has raced to defend position using his wide body to pile arrows up behind him.

The third wide body jet on the Sunday grid is most curious. It is the Red Ferrari with Massa as its pilot. Normally this is a narrow arrow combination. Team strategy (not to be confused with team orders) may turn this car from a narrow arrow into a wide body. DonÔÇÖt be surprised if Massa starts from the pits instead of the racing grid. If he does the hope would be to gain early positions as the field piles up at the start. During the race he will intentionally take on a 2011 Mercedes GP racing style; racing for position while at the same time remaining as wide and difficult for others to pass. Alonso will be allowed to pass and as a faster car Ferrari would avoid penalties by the race stewards. However; other arrows will find a wide bodied jet racing for position that is difficult to pass. Depending on the current stance the goal, within the racing rules and current standings demand, is to alternately allow Alonso to break away from or catch up to the other arrows. This is an odd role for both pilot and jet.

All this analysis and a buck still get you coffee and change at the official fly-over-land pit stop. This is bench racing. The real race is on Sunday.

Other Racing

Behind the scenes of the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki Race Team
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On the Street

motorcyclenews.com: Near standard s1000RR hits 202mph

bikeadvice.in: Bajaj is looking to set tri-alliance with Kawasaki and KTM
asphaltandrubber.com: Analysis

HFL: This is the face of TriumphÔÇÖs new Tiger
motorcyclenews.com: Official accessories for Triumph tiger 800 revealed

desigblog.org: Simply designed cardboard shelters to house victims of natural disasters

Windmills!
inhabitat.com: worldÔÇÖs biggest offshore wind farm is activated today.

The Mothership

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Help Wanted ÔÇômust be willing to relocate
ROLLS-ROYCE SUCCESS STORY CREATES EXPANDED LEATHERSHOP
ÔÇó 24.09.2010
ÔÇó Press Release

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has today announced that the companyÔÇÖs Leathershop has been expanded following the continued success of the Phantom and Ghost models. An additional ten positions in the machinist team have been created.

The machinist team was launched with just four people in 2002 and currently has 30 skilled associates working across two shifts. The team is the most international in the company, with nationalities represented including British, American, Portuguese, Ukrainian, German and Polish. Current team members come from a variety of industries, including saddlery, ladies lingerie, upholstery, couture work and sail making. The team also hosts apprentices and interns during their time at the company.

Torsten M??ller-?ûtv?Âs, CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, ÔÇ£I am delighted to confirm that we have expanded our Leathershop. Every one of our cars is hand built to order and the interiors are handcrafted by experts. By increasing the size of our Leathershop team we are reintroducing craft skills that, in many cases, would otherwise have lain dormant or been lost completely.ÔÇØ He continued, ÔÇ£If production continues at the current rate, and all indicators at this stage are positive, we will need to increase the team further in due course.ÔÇØ

Potential candidates should have suitable skills but do not need to currently be working as a machinist. Skills gained in a previous role or as a hobbyist could be appropriate and full and extensive training will be provided. To find out more about Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, potential career opportunities and to register your interest, please visit www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com.


Woot of the Day

FWIW

youtube.com: Keystone Cops Festival
A series of silent films about that wonderful group of totally incompetent bumbling policemen


Bike Candy

Carberrty Enfiled via thekneeslider.com

This Kiwi bike company takes two 500cc Royal Enfield cylinders and mates to a new bottom end design to yield a very interesting bike.

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PM update

motrcycoecannonball.com: RSS feed link for updates and standings
WSBK et al.


Superpole

BMW Motorrad Motorsport - WSBK - Imola - Superpole
ÔÇó 25.09.2010
ÔÇó Press Release
Weather conditions: Showers.
Temperature: Air: 20 ÔÇô 24 ??C, Track: 25 ÔÇô 33 ??C
Number of riders participating: 20 from 14 teams
Fastest lap Qualifying Practices: Carlos Checa (Althea Racing) 1:48.178 min
Fastest lap Superpole 3: Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) 2:07.341 min


Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport can be quite satisfied with this Saturday at Imola (ITA). In a rainy and dramatic Superpole, which saw a lot of favourites struggling, both riders qualified for the second row. Troy Corser (AUS) will start tomorrow's races from sixth, Ruben Xaus (ESP) from eighth. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) claimed his first pole position in the FIM Superbike World Championship.

Unpredictable rain showers turned the session into a lottery. In the rainy Superpole 2 the BMW S 1000 RR proved its abilities especially in the wet. Troy was second quickest in this session. Ruben crashed after sliding off the slippery track. But the Catalan made it back to the garage, got on his other bike and set the sixth quickest time, also qualifying for Superpole 3.


Troy Corser:
Bike: BMW S 1000 RR
Fastest lap Qualifying Practices: 1:48.851 min / Fastest lap Free Practice: 1:49.801 min /
Fastest lap Superpole 3: 2:09.842 min
ÔÇ£I am happy with today. The track was very greasy and it was catching out a lot of riders. So to be sixth on the grid for tomorrowÔÇÖs races is a good result for us. At this circuit there are a lot of surface changes that make the grip levels quite inconsistent. So you have to be extremely careful and gauge where you can push. I took my time to get comfortable with the conditions and then I just tried to improve with every lap. I am confident we can do a good job tomorrow and hopefully secure solid results for the team.ÔÇØ

Ruben Xaus:
Bike: BMW S 1000 RR
Fastest lap Qualifying Practices: 1:49.224 min / Fastest lap Free Practice: 1:50.315 min /
Fastest lap Superpole 3: 2:10.482 min
ÔÇ£We should be quite happy with todayÔÇÖs result. The Superpole qualifying was really tough. First of all because of the weather, and on top of that I crashed during the second session. The asphalt in the corner where I crashed was very slippery. Max Biaggi ran a little wide, and Leon Haslam braked quite heavily. I was entering the corner faster than them, and wanted to avoid a crash. I braked hard, and just lost the bike. This manoeuvre would not have been a problem in dry conditions, but it was in the wet. I was able to jump on my second bike, and managed to do a really good flying lap. Unfortunately, in the final session I had to ride on used tyres and struggled with the grip.ÔÇØ

Davide Tardozzi (BMW Motorrad Motorsport Team Manager):
ÔÇ£We are happy to have both riders on the second row, although I have to admit under these conditions we expected to achieve even better results. But Ruben crashed and maybe he did not want to risk too much on the slippery track. If it is wet tomorrow, I think we can push for the podium.ÔÇØ


Imola (Italy) - Final qualifying: TROY HAPPY WITH SECOND ROW IN DIFFICULT CONDITIONS
Troy ended final Superpole with the sixth fastest time and will start from the second row of the grid in tomorrowÔÇÖs pair of 21-lap races in Imola. Conditions were very difficult in all three Superpoles this afternoon, with the track wet in the Superpoles 1 and 2 and then becoming dry in places in Superpole 3. In the wet, all riders struggled on the slippery surface and there were many fallers, though fortunately there were no injuries. For Superpole 3, the track had a dryish line in places and that made things even more difficult for the final eight riders. In the end, Briton Tom Sykes (Kawasaki) took his first ever Superpole win and KawasakiÔÇÖs first since 2007. Second was Jakub Smrz (Aprilia), with Leon Haslam (Suzuki) third and Luca Scassa (Ducati) fourth. Troy - 6th, 2:09.842 Yesterday I said that this place is like an ice-rink in the wet and today in the rain the track was incredibly slippery. The track was wet in his morningÔÇÖs qualifying because of the heavy rain overnight and most of us didnÔÇÖt do many laps. Superpole started wet and I can honestly say that the track in this afternoonÔÇÖs Superpole was the slipperiest track IÔÇÖve ever ridden in my life! It was just like riding on ice and our tyres just had no edge grip so you couldnÔÇÖt push hard anywhere. When I tried to push hard, I almost lost the front. Some tried harder than me and crashed and I saw many people go off into the gravel. There was a bit of a dryish line in Superpole 3, but it was a bit too dry in places for our wet tyres, so we couldnÔÇÖt go any faster really. This is not the safest track in the dry and in the wet itÔÇÖs just lethal. I really hope that the races are dry tomorrow or thereÔÇÖs going to be a lot of crashes. The problem with his place in the wet is that somebody could crash and take out half the field. ThatÔÇÖs why I am hoping for dry conditions. Wish us all luck! Troy

Formula 1 and 

fai.com
Singapore GP - Conference 3
25/09/2010

SATURDAY POST-QUALIFYING PRESS CONFERENCE ÔÇô September 25, 2010

DRIVERS:
1. Fernando ALONSO (Ferrari), 1m45.390s
2. Sebastian VETTEL (Red Bull), 1m45.457s
3. Lewis HAMILTON (McLaren), 1m45.571s

DonÔÇÖt have anything to say about F1. I am still trying to swallow the USF1 article in the last post.




FWIW

Is rain what the doctor ordered for BMW Motorrad Motorsport?

Reading the team release and Troy CorserÔÇÖs blog conditions were worse than I had surmised form reports I read before my last post. I share the hope for a safe dry track for SundayÔÇÖs race. Yet I continue to wonder along the lines of my comments on finding ÔÇÿthe sweet spotÔÇÖ along with comments in a post for another race along the lines that I wished they would just ride the ride and stop pushing.

Many of us have found ourselves riding in wet conditions while trying to make time. When I find myself in these conditions I find myself in a hyper alert mode. I will constantly remind myself of the basics of riding skills build up in years on the road, classes and track days. At the same time I am forced to pay attention to my bike in ways that may get glossed over in other rides. What are my traction limits? How is the bike and my riding equipment holding up under the wet conditions? Having and continuing to make these assessments as I ride I have to seek an appropriate balance between caution and riding with alacrity. In this example the goal may be to get to the destination quickly in unfavorable conditions but the emphasis is on ÔÇÿgetting thereÔÇÖ.

Wet or dry race is a ten tenths proposition. How you get to that tenth tenth is different on a slippery track. It may well not be about wringing the last pony out of the engine nor tightening the up the chassis. The rider has to seek internal mental balance forgoing risks that might be taken on a dry track.

On Thursday when the team truck is unloaded there are three piles: parts, the bikes and riders. Mechanics and managers pull together what they are the best combination of these elements for a given race and race conditions. The riders must assess their mechanical elements and the track. Normally their next task is to push the bike they have been given to the bike and their limits in an effort to beat the clock and their opponents. Race in and race out the emphasis is pushing each of the elements to their limits. But I argue there is key element that is lost in all of this pushing for the tenth tenth.

The race is run and the finish line is crossed by bike and rider together. A balance must be found in the set up of the bike so the engine does not overcome the chassis and tires or vice versa. The calculus of finding this balance is complicated further when the human element is added. On a dry track a strong right wrist may make up for a rider who isnÔÇÖt up to snuff in the corners or rider may find a way to straighten out turns that others can not while riding a bike with a few less ponies. On a slippery wet track the bike and the rider must work together in all parts of the track to maximize the outcome. The successful teams will continue to push each of the elements but paying much more attention to doing this within a framework that emphasizes the balance of mechanical and human elements.

There is no doubt the S1000RR is a capable bike. There is an ever growing set of hardware in trophy cases that attest to its capabilities in a variety of situations and hands. BMW Motorrad Motorsport has spent a pile of Euros on the mechanical bits that are unloaded on race Thursdays are the best available. Corser and Xaus have resumes that show they have riding skills. What has been missing, to my eye and ear, is a sense of a real push to marry the mechanical and human elements together that have been talked about when examining them separately. A slippery wet race track may force the team to spend a weekend doing just that; focusing on bringing bike and rider together. Rain may just be what the doctor ordered for what has been ailing the BMW Motorrad Motorsport World Superbike Team.

HereÔÇÖs hoping for a safe race for all and a 1 ÔÇô 2 finish for the good guys.
 
Cafe Racer

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Some kind of cafe racer show (strangely enough titled "Cafe Racer") about to premiere on Discovery HD in coming weeks.
October 13th if memory serves.
Promo looks interesting, you might check your local listings.

Hi John!

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Gulden's Spicy Brown a current favorite.

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But let's not forget Koops Horseradish. :eat
 
Last edited:
Cool. Is it season 2 or a rerun of season 1? (either way I havenÔÇÖt seen it ÔÇô no TV:ha)

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Been enjoying this of late along with some others.

 
Sunday, 26 September

motrcycoecannonball.com: RSS feed link for updates and standings

WSBK et al.

Race 1 Hilights
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Race 2 Hilights
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Aprilia.com
9/23/2010

WSBK, BIAGGI ON APRILIA IS WORLD CHAMPION!
MAX BIAGGI 2010 WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPION ON AN APRILIA: THIS IS THE ITALIAN RIDER'S FIFTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP. APRILIA CLOSE TO THE MANUFACTURER TITLE.


Max Biaggi is World SBK champion at the end of a difficult and exciting weekend on the Imola track.

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Thanks to the fifth place earned in race 2, Biaggi brought the point gap to 63 points between him and Leon Haslam (Suzuki), who was the last rider in contention for the title (413 to 350). A gap impossible to fill with only the French round at Magny Cours to go until the end of the season. Max Biaggi ÔÇô with his fifth title after four consecutive world championships, from 1994 to 1997 in the 250 class ÔÇô is the first Italian World Superbike champion.
In the manufacturer standings Aprilia (433 points) is 41 points ahead of Ducati (392). Nine points will be enough for the Veneto-based team to take the manufacturer championship.

But Imola was not the site of a simple race day: delayed at the start of race 1, Biaggi had to settle for a placement (11th). Race 2 was an entirely different story. Abandoning any use of tactics, Max forced his Aprilia RSV4 into the front positions, battling for the podium right from the first turn. The fifth place he ended up with handed Max the championship title a round early and evoked an explosion of rejoicing from the thousands of fans who had come out to the circuit to cheer on the most famous Corsair in world motorcycle racing.

ÔÇ£This is a grand day ÔÇô commented an exhausted but happy Biaggi in the end ÔÇô a day which I have greatly desired. I've often felt in past years like I hadn't been placed in the proper conditions to be able to express my worth and to achieve the results that I know I deserve. This is one of the reasons that, at a certain point in my career, I chose this world, the SBK championship, and this is why I wanted to surround myself with the right people for this adventure ÔÇô because racing isn't just about speed, tyres and an engine. It is also about joy and having fun and with these guys, with this team, I feel at home. I want to thank everyone: my team, Aprilia, Piaggio Group, the chairman.

It has not been an easy season. Many riders have won races and if they had been just a bit more consistent, they would have been able to be more troublesome for us. The greatest moments were the double victories at Monza and Misano. It is something very special to win in front of my fans. But it isn't over yet ÔÇô there is still one goal left ÔÇô to ride my RSV4 to the manufacturer title. We'll talk again in a week and it would be truly fantastic to close out this wonderful season with another championship".

Roberto Colaninno, chairman and CEO of the Piaggio Group (which Aprilia is part of) was in the pit to experience the triumph of his team and rider and had this to say: ÔÇ£Today we achieved an extraordinary result which takes place in the second year of ApriliaÔÇÖs participation in World Superbike and, once again, confirms the technical excellence of the Noale Racing Division as well as the Piaggio Group in the two-wheel worldwide scene. It would be impossible to imagine anything better on a day like today. We won the World Superbike Championship on an Italian track, with an Italian bike, an Italian rider and a sponsor ÔÇô Alitalia ÔÇô which takes Italy all over the world. This has never before happened in Superbike history and this makes all of us that much more proudÔÇØ.


BMW Motorrad Motorsport - WSBK - Imola - Races

ÔÇó 26.09.2010
ÔÇó Press Release

Weather conditions: Sunny.
Temperature: Air: 21 ÔÇô 27 ??C, Track: 28 ÔÇô 41 ??C
Number of riders participating: 21 from 14 teams
Fastest lap Race 1: Leon Haslam (Team Suzuki Alstare) 1:48.966 min
Fastest lap Race 2: Carlos Checa (Althea Racing) 1:48.877 min


Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport experienced a difficult Sunday at Imola (ITA), the penultimate round of the 2010 FIM Superbike World Championship. After showing an encouraging performance on Friday and Saturday, the young team from Germany was struggling today.

In the first race, Troy Corser (AUS) was fighting with the top guys after improving from sixth on the grid to third at the start. But he lost positions when he missed his braking point, rode off the track and finally finished 15th. Ruben Xaus (ESP) did not get a good start from eighth and slipped back. But the Catalan fought his way back up through the field and finished 12th. In the second race, both BMW riders made good starts and improved their positions. Over the course of the race, both were struggling and lost some places to their opponents. Ruben finished ninth, Troy 11th. In the championship standings, Troy climbed up to tenth with 165 points, while Ruben is 13th with 96 points. In the manufacturersÔÇÖ standings, BMW is sixth (201 points).

In the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup Team BMW Motorrad Italia STK rider Ayrton Badovini continued his unique winning streak. The Italian rode to his ninth victory in the ninth race of the season. He secured an early title victory in the series in the seventh round at Silverstone.

Ruben Xaus:
Bike: BMW S 1000 RR
Result Race 1: 12th, Gap to 1st: 00:25.860 min / Fastest Lap Race 1: 1:50.345 min
Result Race 2: 9th, Gap to 1st: 00:18.249 min / Fastest Lap Race 2: 1:49.787 min
ÔÇ£It was really difficult. My first start was really bad, but at least I then found a good rhythm. My second start was really good, but Troy and I could not defend our positions. It is a frustrating situation, because we know the potential of the bike. We were very strong at some points, but we were also struggling in some corners. And that was where we both lost the positions. We must try to make the bike more flexible in tight corners. Thanks to my team that again worked really hard, now letÔÇÖs try to have a good last weekend at Magny-Cours.ÔÇØ

Troy Corser:
Bike: BMW S 1000 RR
Result Race 1: 15th, Gap to 1st: 00:44.349 min / Fastest Lap Race 1: 1:50.043 min
Result Race 2: 11th, Gap to 1st: 00:23.674 min / Fastest Lap Race 2: 1:49.837 min
ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs been a really hard weekend for us. We have had some issues with our set-up, and that has hindered us today. As always the team has worked really hard, but sadly we couldnÔÇÖt secure a good finish in either race. We made two good starts and when the bike was gripping everything was working well. Sadly once the grip levels dropped off, I just couldnÔÇÖt do the lap times. I was struggling to get the bike to do what I wanted it to do. We must work hard over the next few days to ensure we improve in time for Magny-Cours.ÔÇØ

Berthold Hauser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director):
ÔÇ£At the moment we do not have an explanation for why we struggled so massively today. Unfortunately we could not build on the good basis we achieved in the practice sessions. The fact is today we were not fast enough. We are going to analyse the reason for this knowing we have much more potential. Congratulations to Max Biaggi for winning the World Championship today.ÔÇØ

Impressive and amazing day for the Ducati Superbikes today at Imola

Carlos Checa and the Althea Racing Team do the double win while Noriyuki Haga conquest a double podium today at home race

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A perfect day. This is how we can sum up Sunday at Imola for Team Althea Racing and rider Carlos Checa, as they dominated the Italian round of the 2010 World Superbike Championship. It was a real celebration, in front of nearly 70,000 spectators who were there to witness the success of the Italian team, Spanish rider and of the Ducati 1198, winners of both of today's races while Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox) completed two extremely impressive races. Starting from the fourth row of the grid, the Japanese rider carved his way through the field lap after lap.
A great day for Ducati that dominated Race 1, with Noriyuki accompanied on the podium by a faultless Carlos Checa and a "reborn" Lorenzo Lanzi, before securing the top two spots in Race 2 with Checa, who scores his first double win with his 1198, and a competitive and determined Haga.


Imola (Italy) Race: Another frustrating day in the office for Troy

Troy endured another day of frustration in the twelfth round of the Superbike World Championship at Imola today, finishing 15th in Race 1 and 11th in Race 2. The problems he had suffered during practice and qualifying were never fully resolved and Troy had to battle his way round the 4.936 kilometre circuit on a bike that he couldnÔÇÖt push as hard as he wanted to. Due to the poor conditions yesterday, he never got the chance to do a race distance on a tyre. When the rear went off in the races, he was unable to match his lap times in practice and dry qualifying and just had to do the best he could. Carlos Checa (Ducati) won both races today, taking race one by over a second and race two by a more comfortable two seconds. It was an all-Ducati podium in race one, with Lorenzo Lanzi in second and Noriyuki Haga in third. In the second race, Haga finished runner up, with Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha). Max Biaggi (Aprilia) became this yearÔÇÖs Superbike World Champion when Leon HaslamÔÇÖs Suzuki blew up in race two. Haslam had been the only rider who couldÔÇÖve beaten Max to the title, but his DNF left Max with a lead of 63 points, with just 50 points left to play for. It is the first time that an Italian has been crowned World Champion and ApriliaÔÇÖs first title in the series. Troy - Race 1: 15th, Race 2: 11th Generally, itÔÇÖs been a frustrating day. From the first day to this afternoon we never really sorted out some small problems and that, together with the lack of doing a race distance on a race tyre, meant that we weÔÇÖre always playing catch up. The lack of race distance info meant that I only got to find out how the tyres behaved after half the race and the feeling was not that good! The grip went and the bike became difficult to stop and turn properly and so I wasnÔÇÖt able to push as hard as I wanted to. I made a good start in race one, but got a false neutral on lap four and dropped from 5th to 19th and then had a lot of work to do just recovering some ground. The bike was spinning and wheelieing everywhere, but I kept at it and did the best I could and ended 15th. We used the same bike in race one and two but we changed the rear tyre. We also made some small changes to the wheelie control, the electronics and suspension. Once again my start was pretty good, but my starts have been consistently good all year. When the grip went, I was struggling again. Also, this track is so bumpy and you cannot relax at all on the bike. Today I felt like I was fighting it all the time and thatÔÇÖs not a good way to race. The wheelies and spinning donÔÇÖt make life easy and itÔÇÖs something weÔÇÖll have to sort out for Magny-Cours. I hope I will have a bike thatÔÇÖs comfortable to ride there and one that I can really push hard and feel confident doing it. WeÔÇÖve had podiums already this year and I would like to end the season with another one at least. See ya, Troy

WSS

worldsbk.com: Home win for Ayrton
Badovini notches another win on the way to a perfect season..

MotoGP



Formula 1 and 

fia.com:
Singapore GP - Conference 4
26/09/2010
1. Fernando ALONSO (Ferrari), 1h57m53.579s
2. Sebastian VETTEL (Red Bull), 1h57m53.872s
3. Mark WEBBER (Red Bull), 1h58m22.720s



Other Racing

Tough end to ÔÇÖ10 Enduro World Championship

BMW Husqvarna Motorsport team rider Juha Salminen brought his participation in the ÔÇÖ10 Enduro World Championship to a close this past weekend where the former seven-time world champion placed 10th and sixth in the Enduro 2 class at the GP of France. Living up to its reputation as a demanding championship ending event, the GP of France, which was held this year in Noiretable, proved to be anything but easy due to heavy rain during the opening dayÔÇÖs competition. With the weather making all of the eventÔÇÖs special tests extremely slippery and heavily rutted the weather did improve during day two, but the day was little easier.

Competing alone for the BMW Husqvarna Motorsport team due to Marko TarkkalaÔÇÖs absence in France with a wrist injury, Juha fought his way through the seriously challenging conditions on day one to place 10th. Day two saw a marked improvement in JuhaÔÇÖs results as the Finn jumped up to sixth in class. Performing well throughout the day Salminen produced the fastest Enduro 2 class time on the final extreme test.

With the ÔÇÖ10 Enduro World Championship now finished BMW Husqvarna Motorsport rider Juha Salminen will next be in action at the International Six Days Enduro, which takes place in Mexico on November 1-6.

Juha Salminen ÔÇô Enduro 2 class: ÔÇÿItÔÇÖs certainly been a tough event, the rain made sure it wasnÔÇÖt going to be easy. I made too many small mistakes to improve my results. I felt that I was riding well on some of the tests but you just canÔÇÖt make mistakes. I found the first day the hardest, when the special tests were really slippery. On day two things were a little better, but still not what I want.ÔÇØ
2010 Enduro World Championship, Grand Prix of France ÔÇô Day 1
Enduro 2
1. Mika Ahola (Honda) 1.01:21.50; 2. Pierre Alexandre Renet (KTM) 1.01:31.10; 3. Thomas Oldrati (KTM) 1.01:43.71; 4. Ivan Cervantes (KTM) 1.02:14.73; 5. Marc Bourgeois (Husqvarna) 1.02:27.06; 6. Nicolas Paganon (Kawasaki) 1.02:45.23; 7. Rodrig Thain (TM) 1.03:10.81; 8. Joakim Ljunggren (Husaberg) 1.03:44.56; 9. Oscar Balletti (Honda) 1.04:12.80; 10. Juha Salminen (BMW Husqvarna Motorsport) 1.04:13.14
2010 Enduro World Championship, Grand Prix of France ÔÇô Day 2
Enduro 2
1. Pierre Alexandre Renet (KTM) 1.00:25.36; 2. Thomas Oldrati (KTM) 1.02:01.56; 3. Rodrig Thain (TM) 1.02:13.47; 4. Oscar Balletti (Honda) 1.02:24.92; 5. Nicolas Paganon (Kawasaki) 1.02:33.01; 6. Juha Salminen (BMW Husqvarna Motorsport) 1.02:45.74; 7. Joakim Ljunggren (Husaberg) 1.02:51.03; 8. Valtteri Salonen (Husaberg) 1.02:54.10; 9. Jeff Goblet (Yamaha) 1.03:02.45; 10. Jordi Figueras (Gas Gas) 1.03:29.04

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Bike Candy


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Tuesday, 28 September

BMW Motorrad Motorsport - WSBK - 2011 - Leon Haslam

ÔÇó 28.09.2010
ÔÇó Press Release

Leon Haslam will line up alongside Troy Corser for BMW Motorrad Motorsport in 2011.

Munich/Stephanskirchen, 28 September 2010. BMW Motorrad MotorsportÔÇÖs rider line-up for the 2011 season in the FIM Superbike World Championship is now complete. Riding the second BMW S 1000 RR for the Munich and Stephanskirchen-based team alongside double world champion Troy Corser (38) will be Briton Leon Haslam (27).

ÔÇ£WeÔÇÖre extremely excited about working with Troy and Leon,ÔÇØ says BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Berthold Hauser. ÔÇ£This rider pairing brings together a wealth of expertise and youthful fighting spirit. WeÔÇÖre very pleased to have not only a double world champion in our team for next year, but also the runner-up in the 2010 World Championship. ItÔÇÖs just the right combination for our recently formed team at this stage of the project.ÔÇØ And Hauser adds: ÔÇ£WeÔÇÖve been monitoring Leon for a long time now and have been more than impressed by his strengths as a rider. WeÔÇÖre extremely happy to be able to welcome him into our team. We have a strong pair of riders in Troy and Leon and are in no doubt that weÔÇÖll be able to achieve our ambitious aims with them on board. We would also like to thank Ruben Xaus, who over the last two years has helped to take the team to where it is today. We wish him all the best for the future.ÔÇØ

Leon Haslam is looking forward to racing for BMW Motorrad. "I've watched the progress of the BMW S1000RR in the past two seasons and the almost constant improvement of the machine has been very impressive. I'm very much looking forward to riding the machine and experiencing for myself what I've been watching. The team has shown the potential to win and the team has the factory support required so I'm hopeful that I can add the extra little bit that is needed to win. I'm really grateful to BMW for showing such faith in me and patience during difficult times and we're looking forward together now for a successful 2011."

Leon Haslam profile:
Date of birth: 31st May 1983
Place of birth: Smalley/Derbyshire (GBR)
Residence: Smalley/Derbyshire (GBR)
Marital status: Engaged
Height: 1.73 m
Weight: 67 kg
Hobbies: Golf, wakeboarding, mountain-biking
Passion: My family, motor racing
Favourite circuits: Phillip Island, Assen, Silverstone
First bike: Honda QR 50
First race: 1987, Argentina, 50cc class
Career highlights: 2006/2008: 2nd in British Superbike Championship
2010: WSBK, Kyalami (RSA), Race 2
2010: Currently 2nd in the WSBK ridersÔÇÖ standings
WSBK history: 82 races, 19 podiums, 3 wins, 9 second places and 7 third places, 1 pole position, 2 fastest race laps
 
Friday, 01 October

World Superbike

moto-station.com: Tardozi thanked at Imola, BMW strike at Magny-Cours?
The article describes a “a team on the verge of collapse, plagued by seemingly intractable disagreements”.

Over at motoblog.it they are saying Tardozi has been sacked

The stories are based on this from gpone.com.

fim-live.com: Magny-Cours, last round of a thrilling season

Race 1 Highlights Imola
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Race 2 Imola
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motorcyclenews.com: Haslam to BMW
Lack of Suzuki factory support sends Haslam to BMW


MotoGP

fim-live.ccom: Lorenzo looking for rostrum return at Motegi

Spain picks up another race as Aragon, used to replace an unready Hungarian race track, picks up its own race leaving Hungary off the provisional 2011 MotoGP calander.

Formula 1

Rumors about a Raikkonen return continue with the Renault F1’s head saying he would like to talk with him. Kubica, often linked with a Ferrari move, seems to be staying at Renault but Petrov could be ousted to make room for the Finn.

Meanwhile at Mercedes GP it sounds like Schumacher will return. Ross Brawn goes to some lengths to explain the problems with development of the 2010 car compared to the 2009 Brawn GP project. In the process he spends a good deal of time talking about improvements targeted to improve Schumi’s performance next year.


On the Street

caradisiac.com: The French site says KTM will be introducing three new bikes at Cologne

clutchandchrome.com: Black bikers at higher risk of motorcycle fatalities

“The increased odds came despite the fact that African Americans were more likely to be wearing helmets at the time of the crash. White bikers not wearing helmets were still less likely to die in a crash than black bikers wearing helmets”

ducatinewstoday.com: Ducati UK sales explode

<object width="640" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gJ9O5ki4VaQ&hl=es_ES&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gJ9O5ki4VaQ&hl=es_ES&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object>

Well this is on the sidewalk not the street: dealernews.com: No more sidewalk parking for Brooklyn riders

HFL: 2011 Kawasaki Z1000S a practical liter bike? Is this really a kinder gentler version of the Kawasaki ZX-10R/

And some of you argue belt drives are new technology…patentpendingblog.com: Belt drive bike from 1890,

bikerholi.com: First look at HJC IS multi 7 in 1 motorcycle helmet

The Mothership

Supervisory Board renews contract of Dr. Reithofer
• 29.09.2010
• Press Release
Reithofer to remain Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG until 2016

Munich. At its meeting today, the Supervisory Board of BMW AG extended the contract of Chairman of the Board of Management Dr. Ing. Norbert Reithofer (54), until 2016. Dr. Reithofer has been a member of the Board of Management since 16 March 2000, and Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG since
1 September 2006.

Professor Dr. Ing. Joachim Milberg, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of BMW AG, remarked after the meeting on 29 September 2010 that: “This step will provide continuity over the years ahead and ensure trust and constructive cooperation between the Supervisory Board and the Board of Management.”

Manfred Schoch, Chairman of the General Works Council, said after the Supervisory Board meeting: “Dr. Reithofer’s reappointment will allow us to maintain the successful cooperation between the Board of Management and the Works Council. I am confident that all of us here at the BMW Group will continue working towards the same goals and that we can therefore be optimistic about the future.”

BMW Group wins major order to supply Saab with engines
• 29.09.2010
• Press Release
Note: This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued by BMW headquarters in Germany. No adaptations have been made to cater for the UK market.

Darn I would have to take the Rolls in to the shop again, that is if I owned one.

Voluntary Recall of Certain V8 and V12-powered BMW and Rolls-Royce Models.
• 30.09.2010
• Press Release
Information from editor: Customers with further questions should contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email customer.relations@bmwna.com.

woot.com: Today’s Woot


FWIW

I have written at least five FWIW editorials about the lead WSBK stories about BMW’s turmoil and have erased all of them. I just don’t know what to say. Basic guides to writing tell you to open with an introduction that engages the reader and sets up the article. Having quickly done the primary task is to state your thesis for the article. The body of the article is made up of paragraphs built with topic sentences that develop your thesis and information that supports the topic sentence. Research may yield all sorts of topics to discuss but a combination of space and the narrow demands of the thesis sentence will determine what is kept and what is edited out. Once the thesis has been logically explored developed and argued with these paragraphs the writer is left the task of writing a conclusion that summarizes what has gone before.

My problem has been coming up with a single clear thesis sentence. I have a great number of topic sentences and the supporting information for them. Yet I have not been able to pull them together under an over arching thesis to generate a FWIW. As I came to that conclusion I realized BMW is having the same problem its BMW Motorrad Motorsport Team in World SBK; it lacks a clear thesis to build on.

We can readily point to various topic sentences that describe and come up with information to support the lead sentence. At all levels a variety of goals have been set. What is needed defined and action taken. In the vast majority of these results has been what was expected or more.

A superbike was developed based on the WSBK homologation rules to expand BMW’s product line into a new market segment. Targets were set for sales and market share. The bike would be raced by a factory team and other national teams. Plans were developed and set in place to do each of these. Overall the results have been successful, an award winning bike was developed. The product line was expanded and sales goals were met and greeted with an excess of demand for the product. Races were won and in turn titles claimed at a variety of levels. Yet for all those achievements anything resembling success rather than incremental progress at the WSBK level of racing have eluded BMW.

I am coming to the conclusion of this FWIW with a sense that I have written something that may be a bit clever but lacks the cohesion that a piece with a clear thesis sentence to build on would have. This is the same sense I have when I look at BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s WSBK team. Both are collections of topic sentences with supporting information in search of the clear direction a well written thesis sentence would give them.

Bike Candy

BMW has made headlines with the pending inline six, but what about a Ducati V8. I love a good engine picture. Bikes in the Fast Lane teased that this will be displayed at Intermot 2010. Yes it’s a Ducati V8 and it will be shown at Intermot but it is not from Ducati. Still it is something to behold.

1028915427_uF7TP-M.jpg


Here it is within its frame.

1028915443_hHzsd-O.jpg


I can only imagine what it sounds like.
 
Friday update

On the Track

World Superbike

caradisiac.com: French motor site says Tardozi will not travel to Magny-Cours and may be on his way to Yamaha

On the track things are just as mixed up after the first practice round.

Magny-Cours - SUPERBIKE - Free Practice
1. Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox Team) 1'39.175
2. Ruben Xaus (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 1'39.340
3. Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha Sterilgarda Team) 1'39.464
4. Jakub Smrz (Team PATA B&G Racing) 1'39.471
5. Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox Team) 1'39.484
6. Lorenzo Lanzi (DFX Corse) 1'39.635
7. James Toseland (Yamaha Sterilgarda Team) 1'39.635
8. Shane Byrne (Althea Racing) 1'39.641
9. Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia Racing) 1'39.672
10. Luca Scassa (Supersonic Racing Team) 1'39.761
11. Jonathan Rea (HANNspree Ten Kate Honda) 1'39.763
12. Leon Haslam (Team Suzuki Alstare) 1'39.766
13. Carlos Checa (Althea Racing) 1'39.863
14. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) 1'39.960
15. Troy Corser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 1'40.244
16. Sylvain Guintoli (Team Suzuki Alstare) 1'40.404
17. Max Neukirchner (HANNspree Ten Kate Honda) 1'41.239
18. Ian Lowry (Kawasaki Racing Team) 1'41.914
19. Matteo Baiocco (Team Pedercini) 1'42.110
20. Roger Lee Hayden (Team Pedercini) 1'42.698
21. Fabrizio Lai (ECHO CRS Honda) 1'43.081

Work slow down or Xaus advertising for a job?

MotoGP

fim-live.com: Pedrosa fractures his colorbone and returns to Barcelona for surgery

Other Racing

Bikes in the Fast Lane: Lone Bultoaco motorcycle joins the fun

Bultaco-Dakar-2011-Ignacio.jpg
 
Saturday, 02 October

World Superbike

crash.net: Minimum weights announced for 2011.

Friday ÔÇô

Magny Cours (France) - First qualifying: TROY HAPPY ENOUGH WITH SEVENTH ON DAY ONE
Thursday, September 30, 2010, 6:00:00 PMhttp://www.troycorser.com/html/news/report.asp?id=263http://www.troycorser.com/html/news/report.asp?id=263
Although the morning practice session witnessed a few problems, Troy and the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team managed to improve the bike for the afternoon session and Troy was able to post the seventh fastest time of the day in first qualifying. The changes the team made allowed Troy to push his S 1000 RR harder and, at the end of the day, he was just over two tenths of a second off provisional pole. Italian Lorenzo Lanzi (Ducati) set the dayÔÇÖs quickest lap, with a time of 1:38.856, with Michel Fabrizio (Ducati) second and Max Biaggi (Aprilia) third. Troy -7th, 1:39.119 The track felt acceptable from more or less the start of the day and that was good because quite often tracks are a bit greasy on the opening day of a weekend. My bike is a missile here and I think itÔÇÖs probably the fastest thing out there! Now we just need to get it out of corners quickly by improving the grip, lessen the wheelspin and weÔÇÖll be flying. We made a good step from practice to qualifying and IÔÇÖm happy that the changes the team made were in the right direction. WeÔÇÖll sit down, look at all the data this evening and see what further improvements can be made tomorrow. See ya, Troy



Magny Cours Friday - Tardozzi Departs Motorrad!
Yesterday, October 01, 2010, 1:38:24 PM | Adam Arcanehttp://www.bmwra.org/racing/?p=243&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1http://www.bmwra.org/racing/?p=243&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1
Magny-Cours - Free Practice & Qualifying Practice 1.
Friday, 01 October 2010.



Weather conditions: Partly cloudy.
Temperature: Air: 18 - 21 ??C, Track: 30 - 36 ??C
Number of riders participating: 22 from 13 teams
Fastest lap Free Practice: Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox Team) 1:39.179 min
Fastest lap Qualifying Practice 1: Lorenzo Lanzi (DFX Corse) 1:38.856 min


Programme:
With the end to a long and eventful season in the FIM Superbike World Championship close,
Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport started the final race weekend in Magny-Cours (FRA) well:
While Ruben Xaus (ESP) was able to post consistently good lap times from Friday's first
practice session onwards, Troy Corser (AUS) eventually finished the first qualifying session
seventh.

Troy Corser:
Bike: BMW S 1000 RR
Fastest lap Free Practice: 1:40.244 min (15th ) / Fastest lap Qualifying 1: 1:39.119 min (7th )
"We tried some quite different settings in the first session today. We had already struggled
with the side grip in Imola and wanted to get this issue sorted here. The grip in the corner
entry and apex is not too good, and at the exit we still have a lot of wheel spin. The bike's
reaction improved after changing a couple of settings in the qualifying session, and I was
faster. But I still feel we have to find out what it is that is making me ride on the limit all the
time."

Ruben Xaus:
Bike: BMW S 1000 RR
Fastest lap Free Practice: 1:39.340 min (2nd ) / Fastest lap Qualifying 1: 1:39.566 min (16th )
"I am quite happy today. My rhythm was good from the beginning, and I was able to post very
consistent lap times. Nevertheless, I still have too much wheel spin at the exit of the slow
corners. In the last corner, I have to be careful not to touch the kerbs with the engine cover.
We did many laps today, and I feel well-prepared for tomorrow."

Rainer B?ñumel (Technical Director BMW Motorrad Motorsport):
"Today Ruben posted very solid lap times from the first outing onwards. Although not having
finished in the top positions, I am not worried as his lap times were consistently good. On
Troy's side of the garage we worked hard on the chassis set-up. It seems as if we found
something substantial at the end of the day. We are confident for tomorrow. "



BMW Motorrad Motorsport and Davide Tardozzi have agreed to part company by mutual
consent with immediate effect. BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director, Berthold Hauser, says:
"With his wealth of experience Davide has been a great help to us this season in his role as
Team Manager. However, he and the team had different ideas regarding the structure of the
team. We would like to thank Davide for his contribution to a good partnership and wish him all
the best for the future."


The departure of Tardozzi is official now. Where he ends up is still an open question and will make a big difference in how we gleen what ÔÇ£different idsas regarding the structure of the teamÔÇØ means. If he goes to Yamaha he may remain fairly quiet about this, but if he sits out the start of the 2011 season there may be a tell all interview in the offering for us to dissect.

Tuesday evening BMW holds its opening press conference for the Intermot show. The focus will be on the introduction of the 2011 line up for BMW yet racing bent reporters will be remiss if they donÔÇÖt ask follow up questions.

There are so many topics to cover.
- What about the talk of a third bike/rider for the team?
- Why was Tardozzi really released?
- What is the direction BMW is heading for 2011 and by extension the following years?
- Will BMW expand its sport bike lineup (not to be confused with sport touring bikes) or will it remain limited to the S1000RR?

Add the rest of your questions here. Stay tuned.

Saturday qualifying

Things did not improve in the way hoped for as the day started. Saturday Q2 ended with Corser posting a P11 and Xaus remaining in P16. In the Superpole rounds BWM was only able to move its riders forward to the second round where Corser and Xaus ended posting a P9 and P11 respectively book ending future BWM rider Haslam in P10.

No. Rider Nat Team Bike 1st Sess. 2nd Sess. Laps Superpole Gap Time Avg
1 35 C. CRUTCHLOW GBR Yamaha Sterilgarda Team Yamaha YZF R1 1'39.058 1'38.812 38 1'37.699 1'37.699 162,536
2 50 S. GUINTOLI FRA Team Suzuki Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'39.431 1'38.300 41 1'37.768 0.069 1'37.768 162,421
3 96 J. SMRZ CZE Team PATA B&G Racing Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'39.260 1'38.706 41 1'37.784 0.085 1'37.784 162,395
4 3 M. BIAGGI ITA Aprilia Alitalia Racing Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'38.972 1'38.601 51 1'38.039 0.340 1'38.039 161,972
5 84 M. FABRIZIO ITA Ducati Xerox Team Ducati 1098R 1'38.927 1'38.407 41 1'38.082 0.383 1'38.082 161,901
6 65 J. REA GBR HANNspree Ten Kate Honda Honda CBR1000RR 1'39.454 1'38.919 40 1'38.155 0.456 1'38.155 161,781
7 7 C. CHECA ESP Althea Racing Ducati 1098R 1'39.138 1'39.013 43 1'38.252 0.553 1'38.252 161,621
8 41 N. HAGA JPN Ducati Xerox Team Ducati 1098R 1'39.091 1'39.075 35 1'38.421 0.722 1'38.421 161,344
-------------------------------------------------- Superpole 2 --------------------------------------------------
9 11 T. CORSER AUS BMW Motorrad Motorsport BMW S1000 RR 1'39.119 1'38.801 35 1'38.250 1'38.250 161,624
10 91 L. HASLAM GBR Team Suzuki Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'39.238 1'38.694 41 1'38.327 0.077 1'38.327 161,498
11 111 R. XAUS ESP BMW Motorrad Motorsport BMW S1000 RR 1'39.566 1'38.793 38 1'38.364 0.114 1'38.364 161,437
12 66 T. SYKES GBR Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'39.207 1'38.865 37 1'38.370 0.120 1'38.370 161,427
13 57 L. LANZI ITA DFX Corse Ducati 1098R 1'38.856 1'38.769 41 1'38.519 0.269 1'38.519 161,183
14 67 S. BYRNE GBR Althea Racing Ducati 1098R 1'39.370 1'38.814 39 1'38.538 0.288 1'38.538 161,152
15 52 J. TOSELAND GBR Yamaha Sterilgarda Team Yamaha YZF R1 1'39.360 1'39.029 35 1'38.551 0.301 1'38.551 161,131
16 99 L. SCASSA ITA Supersonic Racing Team Ducati 1098R 1'39.000 1'38.652 39 1'38.585 0.335 1'38.585 161,075
-------------------------------------------------- Superpole 1 --------------------------------------------------
17 76 M. NEUKIRCHNER GER HANNspree Ten Kate Honda Honda CBR1000RR 1'40.704 1'39.543 40 1'39.341 1'39.341 159,849
18 5 I. LOWRY GBR Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'41.651 1'40.351 47 1'40.278 0.937 1'40.278 158,356
19 15 M. BAIOCCO ITA Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'41.488 1'41.045 43 1'40.890 1.549 1'40.890 157,395
20 33 F. LAI ITA ECHO CRS Honda Honda CBR1000RR 1'41.881 1'40.943 42 1'41.471 2.130 1'41.471 156,494
-------------------------------------------------- Others in Grid --------------------------------------------------
21 95 R. HAYDEN USA Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'41.669 1'41.094 42 1'41.094 157,078

MotoGP

reuters.com: Davizioso takes the pole for Japan GP

Oct 2 (Reuters) - Results from the Motorcycling Grand Prix Japan MotoGP Qualification on Saturday
1. Andrea Dovizioso (Italy) Honda 1:47.001
2. Valentino Rossi (Italy) Yamaha 1:47.055
3. Casey Stoner (Australia) Ducati 1:47.105
4. Jorge Lorenzo (Spain) Yamaha 1:47.206
5. Colin Edwards (U.S.) Yamaha 1:47.464
6. Ben Spies (U.S.) Yamaha 1:47.648
7. Randy de Puniet (France) Honda 1:47.752
8. Marco Simoncelli (Italy) Honda 1:47.914
9. Alvaro Bautista (Spain) Suzuki 1:48.002
10. Loris Capirossi (Italy) Suzuki 1:48.068


motogp.com: Gavin Emmett (MotoGP commentator) qualifying analysis

Formula 1

planetf1.com: Austin will be ready for 2012

Will we? I have to wonder if F1 fans will flock to this venue for racing? Red McCombs, former NFL owner and new track backer, has described a F1 one weekend as an event on a par with hosting a Super Bowl. Citizens of past US F1 race venues can comment on that. I remain skeptical and concerned with the impact of this new venue on racing in general an motorcycle racing in particular.

What ever your analysis of the current economic situation is we all have to agree that race fanÔÇÖs discretionary is not what it was at one time. With the exception of die hard fans, F1 remains something of an after thought in the mind of US racing fans. Will people in sufficient numbers part with all the money that is required to get to this racing venue for an F1 weekend? Television contracts may have race fans willing to tivo the race while they go out for other, and cheaper, entertainment for the weekend in question.

From a F1/motorcycle race fanÔÇÖs perspective, I remain concerned with the impact of yet another mega race circuit will have on all forms of racing in the US. There is the possibility that as the 2012 race dawns it could provide a spark to ignite renewed interest in US racing. I hold out little hope for that. I remain concerned that the long term impact on racing will be the sucking of limited discretionary dollars out of the pool of money that all forms of racing need to rejuvenate racing in the US.



BMW nor Corser have posted updated comments at this time. I have places to go and things to do so back tomorrow with updates on qualifying the races and ...
:wave:german:german
 
Sunday, 03 October

On the Track

World Superbike

Saturday Leftovers :eat


Magny Cours (France) - Final qualifying: TOUGH DAY FOR TROY

Yesterday, October 01, 2010, 6:00:00 PM

The problems with grip Troy suffered yesterday were not fully resolved today and, in this afternoon’s Superpole qualifying sessions, Troy was unable to force his way into Superpole 3. It was a close thing but, in the end, he finished with the ninth quickest lap and will start from the third row of the grid in tomorrow’s pair of 23-lap races. Fortunately his grid position is a good one from which to launch an attack at the start and Troy expects to be up with the leaders as they head into turn one at the start of the races. Briton Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha) won Superpole today, his sixth of the season, by the narrowest of margins, with local hero Sylvain Guintoli (Suzuki) second and Jakub Smrz (Aprilia) third. Troy - 9th, 1:38.250

It’s been a bit of funny weekend so far, mostly because we’ve struggled to find grip. We’ve tried many, many things but, so far, nothing we’ve tried has worked out. That has been a bit confusing, but we will have a good look at the data and see what we can do for tomorrow. At the moment, when the tyre grip goes we start having problems and that’s something we have to sort out in order to progress. I cannot use my normal riding style and although I feel I am braking later than normal, I am either getting passed on the brakes or outgunned exiting the turns.

The bike is fast for sure. The engine feels really strong and once we get it to manage the grip I’m sure the wins will come. This championship is so close that small fractions of a second can make a difference in your grid position and once you are down the grid, you’ve got a big fight to be with the leaders. Fortunately my starts have been pretty good this year, so I think I can have a good day tomorrow. It’s going to be tough for sure, but I’d like to end the season in style.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport - WSBK - Magny-Cours - Superpole
 02.10.2010
 Press Release

Weather conditions: Scattered clouds.
Temperature: Air: 19 – 24 ??C, Track: 22 – 40 ??C
Number of riders participating: 21 from 13 teams
Fastest lap Qualifying Practices: Sylvain Guintoli (Althea Racing) 1:38.300 min
Fastest lap Superpole 3: Cal Crutchlow (Sterilgarda Yamaha Racing) 1:37.699 min

There are a couple of question marks for Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport after Saturday’s Superpole Qualifying in Magny-Cours (FRA). With the top sixteen riders within eight tenths of a second, the Superpole Qualifying was one of the closest ever of the 2010 season. Both riders,Troy Corser (AUS) and Ruben Xaus (ESP), complained about a lack of grip and will start Sunday’s races from the third row of the grid. While Troy qualified ninth and is in a good position for the start tomorrow, Ruben finished the Superpole Qualifying 11th.

Troy Corser:
Bike: BMW S 1000 RR
Fastest lap Qualifying Practices: 1:38.801 min / Fastest lap Free Practice: 1:39.508 min / Fastest lap Superpole 2: 1:38.250 min
“Tomorrow will be a really tough day for us. We definitely need to get a good start. When you approach the first hairpin you really want to be in a good position, as you can lose a lot of time there. We still need to find more grip. We have tried everything on the bike to get more grip, but whatever we tried did not work out. This is quite confusing. Nevertheless, we will have a look at the data and see what we can do for tomorrow.”

Ruben Xaus:
Bike: BMW S 1000 RR
Fastest lap Qualifying Practices: 1:38.793 min / Fastest lap Free Practice: 1:39.748 min / Fastest lap Superpole 2: 1:38.364 min
“I am slightly disappointed with the outcome today. We have been improving all weekend and our pace on race tyres has been good. Sadly we are still suffering from some grip issues when the bike is on the edge of the tyre, which is preventing me from posting a really good lap time. Still I know we have a good race pace and, given a good start tomorrow, I think we can be up there with the leading pack. The pace in this championship has been so good all year, so we know it is not going to be easy tomorrow. But my team will do everything it can to give me what I need to hopefully finish the year on a high.”

Rainer B?ñumel (Technical Director Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport):
“This was a tough day for us. Starting from the third row will be tough as well, and we need to make good starts in the races. Troy’s starting position is not too bad: Although he will go into the races only from the third row, he will be able to enter the first corner from the outside. It seems as if the grip level has dropped from yesterday to today. While Ruben generally handles this situation well and has had a good pace all weekend long, Troy especially is suffering a lot. We again consider some chassis changes to improve the grip.”


roadracerx.com: Team Speak – Qualifying
Compilation of the press releases from the various teams after qualifying.


WSS

fim-live.com: Superstock 1000

Maxime Berger (Ten Kate Junior Honda) eased out his countryman Sylvain Barrier (Garnier Junior Team BMW) by a whisker to take pole at Magny-Cours. Champion Ayrton Badovini (BMW Motorrad Italia STK) fell late in today’s final qualifying session, but starts from the front row in third position in any case. David Giugliano (Team06 Suzuki) posted fourth best time for a front row start, with Loris Baz (MRS Racing Yamaha) fifth, the third French rider in the top five positions.

Times: 1.Berger M. (FRA) Honda CBR1000RR 1'41.676;
2.Barrier S. (FRA) BMW S1000 RR 1'41.697;
3.Badovini A. (ITA) BMW S1000 RR 1'41.762;
4.Giugliano D. (ITA) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 1'42.127;
5.Baz L. (FRA) Yamaha YZF R1 1'42.557;
6.Millet J. (FRA) BMW S1000 RR 1'42.600;
7.Baroni L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'42.657;
8.Petrucci D. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'42.718;


MotoGP


fim-live.com: First pole for Divizioso

On the Street

Rumor caradisiac.com: Exclusive - BMW will have a big scooter by the end of 2011
This scooter has been rumored for a long time. Could we see it at Intermot? Actually sounds like fun.

1031536095_T2Cqx-S.jpg


HFL: Giovanni Castiglioni on the MV Agusta F3, Harley Davidson and two secret new models.
“Harley wanted to invest in the company to make it a 40,000 units-a-year company, sort of Ducati-style. That’s not the plan now. Our vision is that we will increase our capacity and production within five years, with three new models, to a maximum of 10 to 12,000 units. I think that level is the maximum because with more, we start to dilute the brand like some of our competitors are doing.
We are doing now, 4,000 units. I think with the three-cylinder line, we can double the production to 8,000, go
ing to 10,000. Nothing more.”

This quote goes a long way to explaining the epenses listed by H-D over its time of ownership of MV. If it had planed on a ten fold expansion of prodcution the costs for tools, equipment and training would have been born up front. The short period of ownership ment there was limitied time to recoupe the front end loaded expenses with any sort of serious revene stream to off set it. The expenses are explained but sale price is not.

Even if you are able to agree that the work done to expand production has no value because the new company is not going to use them three should remain an underlying value in the company. Paying someone to buy back the compan has a smelly fish wrapped inside it.

The article has much more.

I’m changing computers again and am not certain if I have posted this in the past or not.

The latest version of the old bike v car chestnut
<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.11NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyODYwODA5NTQ5NTAmcHQ9MTI4NjA4MDk2MjIyNiZwPSZkPSZnPTImbz*xMjMyYTQ4NTAxMjc*YzIxODkwYTIwYzc1/MzA*Y2U2ZiZvZj*w.gif" /><object name="kaltura_player_1286080944" id="kaltura_player_1286080944" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" allowNetworking="all" allowFullScreen="true" height="333" width="400" data="http://www.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/wid/0_2icikb0c/uiconf_id/1913582"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowNetworking" value="all" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /><param name="movie" value="http://www.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/wid/0_2icikb0c/uiconf_id/1913582"/><param name="flashVars" value=""/><a href="http://corp.kaltura.com">video platform</a><a href="http://corp.kaltura.com/video_platform/video_management">video management</a><a href="http://corp.kaltura.com/solutions/video_solution">video solutions</a><a href="http://corp.kaltura.com/video_platform/video_publishing">video player</a></object>

HERASY!!! thsun.co.uk: Car firm Lotus in vow to quit UK!!!

Lawnmower land speed record claimed - attempt video

Woot of the Day



The Mothership

The Paris Auto Show is a big deal on the European circuit similar to the Detroit show. While the Geneva Show has a certain snob appeal with many limited edition supercars and concept cars debuting there, Paris has a glamorous yet mainstream appeal. The following video came out last Wednesday from BMW Web TV.

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FWIW



Bike Candy

Its back…

1031536104_RuT6y-M.jpg


…but not in the US.

Kawasaki is reinventing its BSA lookalike turned retro bike once again by introducing the W800. Between 1967 and 1975 Big Green produced three iterations of this bike; W1 W2 and W3. At the time a friend of mine had one of these. I never rode it. I was confused. Why ride a Japanese BSA lookalike when the real thing was out in the garage. The purist in me (a.k.a. snob) was willing to overlook the fact the Japanese bike did not leak oil and more importantly the electric’s were not by Lucas.

In 1999 Kawasaki brought back the W bike calling it the W650 this time. It was imported into the US for the first two years of its production run that ended in 2007. Triumph’s success with its parallel twin revival bikes was no doubt a driving factor in Kawasaki’s decision process. However, in movie terms the W650 was a critical success but a failure at the box office. The W650 is something of a rare bike and very chic to turn into a caf?® racer.

The current Kawasaki W is a 800 with great styling and hopefully more oomph. Hell for Leather Magazine has an embeded online informations brochure with limited information and a lot of ad speak. The styling is right. The disk front drum rear has been commented negatively by some but is fine with me. It is more than likely well able to handle even a beefed up to 800 W rider’s stopping needs.

Fortunately the bike will not be imported to the US. You see I am confused again. With the passage of time I have grown to understand the value of Japanese machines that don’t leak oil and their electrical components that actually work. That is not the problem this time. No this time I still wonder why buy a Japanese Brit bike nockoff when the Brits have figured out machining and electrical components

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Sunday update

On the Track

World Superbike

BMW ends the 2010 World SBK season with 3 DNFs and a DNS

Details at another time.

Race 1
Pos
R1 R2 Tot Pos
Qualifying
Grid No. Rider Nat Team Bike LL Gap Fastest Lap Speed Speed
Ranking
Race Time
1 1 35 C. CRUTCHLOW GBR Yamaha Sterilgarda Team Yamaha YZF R1 23 1'38.781 285,0 1'37.699 287,2 25 264 5
2 10 91 L. HASLAM GBR Team Suzuki Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 23 3.779 1'39.257 285,0 1'38.327 288,0 20 370 2
3 7 7 C. CHECA ESP Althea Racing Ducati 1098R 23 4.261 1'39.294 282,7 1'38.252 282,7 16 290 4
4 4 3 M. BIAGGI ITA Aprilia Alitalia Racing Aprilia RSV4 Factory 23 4.416 1'39.073 289,5 1'38.039 289,5 13 426 1
5 3 96 J. SMRZ CZE Team PATA B&G Racing Aprilia RSV4 Factory 23 7.476 1'39.170 282,7 1'37.784 286,5 11 100 14
6 5 84 M. FABRIZIO ITA Ducati Xerox Team Ducati 1098R 23 11.866 1'39.132 279,8 1'38.082 284,2 10 179 9
7 8 41 N. HAGA JPN Ducati Xerox Team Ducati 1098R 23 16.390 1'39.243 282,7 1'38.421 284,2 9 247 6
8 12 66 T. SYKES GBR Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX 10R 23 21.669 1'39.854 284,2 1'38.370 288,0 8 101 13
9 14 67 S. BYRNE GBR Althea Racing Ducati 1098R 23 22.065 1'39.935 282,0 1'38.538 282,7 7 161 12
10 16 99 L. SCASSA ITA Supersonic Racing Team Ducati 1098R 23 22.281 1'40.057 281,3 1'38.585 284,2 6 76 17
11 13 57 L. LANZI ITA DFX Corse Ducati 1098R 23 26.748 1'39.935 278,4 1'38.519 279,8 5 88 16
12 6 65 J. REA GBR HANNspree Ten Kate Honda Honda CBR1000RR 23 35.608 1'40.178 282,0 1'38.155 288,0 4 292 3
13 17 76 M. NEUKIRCHNER GER HANNspree Ten Kate Honda Honda CBR1000RR 23 39.929 1'40.663 284,2 1'39.341 285,7 3 50 18
14 18 5 I. LOWRY GBR Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX 10R 23 54.836 1'40.927 276,9 1'40.278 282,7 2 6 23
15 19 15 M. BAIOCCO ITA Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX 10R 23 1'07.191 1'41.734 272,7 1'40.890 278,4 1 7 22
16 20 33 F. LAI ITA ECHO CRS Honda Honda CBR1000RR 23 1'14.632 1'41.715 274,1 1'41.471 281,3 2 28
--------------------------------------------------Not Classified--------------------------------------------------
RET 21 95 R. HAYDEN USA Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX 10R 20 3 Laps 1'41.842 276,9 1'41.094 275,5 10 19
RET 9 11 T. CORSER AUS BMW Motorrad Motorsport BMW S1000 RR 7 16 Laps 1'39.391 276,9 1'38.250 285,7 165 10
RET 15 52 J. TOSELAND GBR Yamaha Sterilgarda Team Yamaha YZF R1 3 20 Laps 1'39.576 275,5 1'38.551 289,5 187 7
RET 11 111 R. XAUS ESP BMW Motorrad Motorsport BMW S1000 RR 2 21 Laps 1'40.166 260,2 1'38.364 282,7 96 15
--------------------------------------------------Disqualified--------------------------------------------------
DIS 2 50 S. GUINTOLI FRA Team Suzuki Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 23 4.625 1'39.161 288,0 1'37.768 289,5 184 8

Race 2
Pos
R1 R2 Tot Pos
Qualifying
Grid No. Rider Nat Team Bike LL Gap Fastest Lap Speed Speed
Ranking
Race Time
1 4 3 M. BIAGGI ITA Aprilia Alitalia Racing Aprilia RSV4 Factory 23 1'39.072 289,5 1'38.039 289,5 13 25 451 1
2 1 35 C. CRUTCHLOW GBR Yamaha Sterilgarda Team Yamaha YZF R1 23 0.087 1'38.879 283,5 1'37.699 287,2 25 20 284 5
3 5 84 M. FABRIZIO ITA Ducati Xerox Team Ducati 1098R 23 3.715 1'39.154 277,6 1'38.082 284,2 10 16 195 8
4 2 50 S. GUINTOLI FRA Team Suzuki Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 23 4.004 1'39.100 285,0 1'37.768 289,5 13 197 7
5 8 41 N. HAGA JPN Ducati Xerox Team Ducati 1098R 23 15.471 1'39.419 279,8 1'38.421 284,2 9 11 258 6
6 3 96 J. SMRZ CZE Team PATA B&G Racing Aprilia RSV4 Factory 23 18.378 1'39.675 282,7 1'37.784 286,5 11 10 110 13
7 16 99 L. SCASSA ITA Supersonic Racing Team Ducati 1098R 23 21.180 1'39.885 282,0 1'38.585 284,2 6 9 85 17
8 14 67 S. BYRNE GBR Althea Racing Ducati 1098R 23 23.055 1'39.941 279,1 1'38.538 282,7 7 8 169 10
9 7 7 C. CHECA ESP Althea Racing Ducati 1098R 23 25.657 1'39.982 279,8 1'38.252 282,7 16 7 297 3
10 10 91 L. HASLAM GBR Team Suzuki Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 23 27.781 1'39.556 285,0 1'38.327 288,0 20 6 376 2
11 12 66 T. SYKES GBR Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX 10R 23 28.206 1'40.240 285,0 1'38.370 288,0 8 5 106 14
12 17 76 M. NEUKIRCHNER GER HANNspree Ten Kate Honda Honda CBR1000RR 23 44.634 1'40.774 279,1 1'39.341 285,7 3 4 54 18
13 18 5 I. LOWRY GBR Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX 10R 23 1'04.181 1'41.405 274,1 1'40.278 282,7 2 3 9 21
14 19 15 M. BAIOCCO ITA Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX 10R 23 1'16.446 1'41.533 272,7 1'40.890 278,4 1 2 9 23
--------------------------------------------------Not Classified--------------------------------------------------
RET 13 57 L. LANZI ITA DFX Corse Ducati 1098R 17 6 Laps 1'39.723 274,8 1'38.519 279,8 5 88 16
RET 21 95 R. HAYDEN USA Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX 10R 9 14 Laps 1'41.559 271,4 1'41.094 275,5 10 19
RET 15 52 J. TOSELAND GBR Yamaha Sterilgarda Team Yamaha YZF R1 4 19 Laps 1'39.531 282,7 1'38.551 289,5 187 9
RET 9 11 T. CORSER AUS BMW Motorrad Motorsport BMW S1000 RR 4 19 Laps 1'41.159 279,1 1'38.250 285,7 165 11
RET 20 33 F. LAI ITA ECHO CRS Honda Honda CBR1000RR 4 19 Laps 1'41.464 268,7 1'41.471 281,3 2 28

Manufacturers standings
1 471 APRILIA
2 424 DUCATI
3 412 SUZUKI
4 352 YAMAHA
5 313 HONDA
6 201 BMW
7 113 Kawasaki

With the close of the 2010 season BMW fans are something of a loss to understand what happened..

In 2009 as the team went into the summer break there was an incredible sense of frustration coming from the team. Testing over the break and a chance for all team members to take a bit of vacation resulted in huge improvements when they returned to close out that season.

On the shoulders of that team improvement a new head was added in the off season with the hiring of Davide Tardozzi away from a confused Ducati team. He had paired with Corser for a World title in the past and tongues were wagging with hopes for the season. Tongues will wag again as the season closes but for different reasons.

If I were a sports writer covering a football team (either kind) I would describe this a team that spent a season working on the fundamentals of the game. The article would point out obscure information about improvements in traction control.; point to improvements in dealing with the rookie tier problems and finish the analysis of minutia by pointing to team members scoring personal best times for several races on the last lap as an example of coming of age and being able to go the distance.

The body of the article would spin positively the season struggle for the team but would inevitably end on a harsh questioning note. The season ended with the team in disarray. The team players were unable to cross the finish line in either half of the last game. The teamÔÇÖs head was decapitated before the final game. At this point I would insert some lines looking to 2011 and the addition of a new star player with the signing of Leon Haslam after cutting Xaus from the 2011 roster.

The close of the article would turn the readers attention squarely to team owner BMW. In a pointed style limited to sports writers and 60 Minutes reporters like Morley Safer I would fashion a question along the following lines.

When you fired Tardozzi, your team manager you said it was because there were differences in vision for the teamÔÇÖs future. After a season of incremental improvement in so many areas the actions seem to have left the team in total disarray. Just what is the direction you see for your team?

I am not a sports writer covering a football team (either kind) so I donÔÇÖt get to write that article. However, when I ride over to the official fly-over-land coffee shop plunk down my buck and receive my change and cup of coffee I think this describes how I will spin the season to my friends there.

WSS

worldsbk.com: Aryton HadoviniÔÇÖs perfect run ended by Mxime [Ten Kate Honda Jr]

MotoGP

motogp.com: Stoner seals second straight win

Pos. Points Num. Rider Nation Team Bike Km/h Time/Gap
1 25 27 Casey STONER AUS Ducati Team Ducati 160.0 43'12.266
2 20 4 Andrea DOVIZIOSO ITA Repsol Honda Team Honda 159.8 +3.868
3 16 46 Valentino ROSSI ITA Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha 159.7 +5.707
4 13 99 Jorge LORENZO SPA Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha 159.6 +6.221
5 11 5 Colin EDWARDS USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha 158.4 +27.092
6 10 58 Marco SIMONCELLI ITA San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda 158.2 +30.021
7 9 19 Alvaro BAUTISTA SPA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Suzuki 158.1 +31.826
8 8 11 Ben SPIES USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha 157.9 +35.572
9 7 14 Randy DE PUNIET FRA LCR Honda MotoGP Honda 157.1 +47.564
10 6 7 Hiroshi AOYAMA JPN Interwetten Honda MotoGP Honda 157.0 +49.598
11 5 33 Marco MELANDRI ITA San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda 157.0 +49.999
12 4 69 Nicky HAYDEN USA Ducati Team Ducati 156.9 +50.703
13 3 40 Hector BARBERA SPA Paginas Amarillas Aspar Ducati 156.9 +51.422
14 2 41 Aleix ESPARGARO SPA Pramac Racing Team Ducati 156.8 +52.843
15 1 36 Mika KALLIO FIN Pramac Racing Team Ducati 155.5 +1'14.668
Not Classified
65 Loris CAPIROSSI ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Suzuki 158.0 3 Laps

Season Standings
Pos. Rider Bike Nation Points
1 Jorge LORENZO Yamaha SPA 297
2 Dani PEDROSA Honda SPA 228
3 Casey STONER Ducati AUS 180
4 Andrea DOVIZIOSO Honda ITA 159
5 Valentino ROSSI Yamaha ITA 156
6 Ben SPIES Yamaha USA 139
7 Nicky HAYDEN Ducati USA 129
8 Randy DE PUNIET Honda FRA 88
9 Marco SIMONCELLI Honda ITA 84
10 Colin EDWARDS Yamaha USA 81
11 Marco MELANDRI Honda ITA 79 12
Hector BARBERA Ducati SPA 69
13 Alvaro BAUTISTA Suzuki SPA 58
14 Aleix ESPARGARO Ducati SPA 52
15 Loris CAPIROSSI Suzuki ITA 41
16 Hiroshi AOYAMA Honda JPN 35
17 Mika KALLIO Ducati FIN 34
18 Alex DE ANGELIS Honda RSM 11
19 Roger Lee HAYDEN Honda USA 5
20 Kousuke AKIYOSHI Honda JPN 4
21 Wataru YOSHIKAWA Yamaha JPN 1


Ben Spies ends his rookie MotoGP season in P6 ten points behind Valentino Rossi and ten points ahead of fellow American Nicky Hayden. The 2009 WSBK Champion acquitted himself nicely in his rookie season in MotoGP. What will the sophomore season hold; more gains in the standings or a jinx?
 
Monday, 04 October

On the Track

World Superbike


roadracerx.com: team speak Magny Cours
Collection of team press releases

BMW Motorrad Motorsport - WSBK - Magny-Cours - Races
• 03.10.2010
• Press Release
Weather conditions: Sunny in the morning, overcast and windy in the afternoon.
Temperature: Air: 21 – 26 ??C, Track: 21 – 36 ??C
Number of riders participating: 21 from 13 teams
Fastest lap Race 1: Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha Sterilgarda Racing) 1:38.781 min
Fastest lap Race 2: Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha Sterilgarda Racing) 1:38.879 min

In Magny-Cours (FRA), Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport experienced a tough end to what was overall a successful second season in the 2010 FIM Superbike World Championship. Ruben Xaus (ESP) and Troy Corser (AUS) posted a total of eight top-five-finishes, and Troy clinched the team’s first pole position and podium finishes. In the championship standings Troy finished 11th (165 points) and Ruben finished 15th (106 points). In the manufacturers’ standings BMW ended the season sixth with 201 points (2009: 141 points).

In race 1, Ruben crashed on his third lap in turn 2 after hitting a bump. Troy was fighting with the top guys when the engine of his BMW S 1000 RR lost power after eight laps. Troy parked the bike. Cal Crutchlow (GBR) won the race. After consultation with team doctor, Dr. Vincenzo Tota, the team management and Ruben jointly decided for the Spanish rider not to participate in race 2. The entire team wants to thank Ruben for his commitment and focus and wish him all the best for his future. Troy started race 2 well, but had to stop early with gearbox issues. Max Biaggi (ITA) won the final race of the 2010 season.

In the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup Team BMW Motorrad Italia STK rider Ayrton Badovini finished off a superb season with another great result. After having won the first nine races of the season, he finished the race in Magny-Cours second. During warm-up, the Italian was involved in a crash. His left calf was crushed, and subsequently he was in pain. Hendrik von Kuenheim, General Director BMW Motorrad, says: “Our heartiest congratulations to Ayrton and Team BMW Motorrad Italia STK for this unbelievable season. They were in a class of their own, dominating the season from the very beginning. This performance proves both the superiority of Ayrton and the BMW S 1000 RR as a production motorcycle in the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup.”

Troy Corser:
Bike: BMW S 1000 RR
Result Race 1: DNF / Fastest Lap Race 1: 1:39.391 min
Result Race 2: DNF / Fastest Lap Race 2: 1:41.159 min
“It has been a really hard weekend for us. We have had some issues with the set-up which has prevented us from taking advantage of two good starts in today’s races. Sadly a technical issue brought an early end to both races, but I know we have the package to succeed in the long term. On the whole it has been a good year for the team, and we can now look forward to next year and developing the 2011 bike. Hopefully we can learn from today and improve so we are ready for the start of next season. I would like to thank the entire team for all their hard work and commitment over the season and I am really looking forward to next year.”

Ruben Xaus:
Bike: BMW S 1000 RR
Result Race 1: DNF / Fastest Lap Race 1: 1:40.166 min
Result Race 2: DNS
“This is not the way I want to finish the season, and I am really sad. Nevertheless, I am not 100 per cent physically fit, and we decided jointly it would be better for me not to start race 2. I will now recover to be ready for the challenges ahead.”

Berthold Hauser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director):
“Unfortunately we have suffered some bad luck over the last couple of races. Our results did not really reflect the potential of the riders, the team and the bike. We will keep our heads up and look into the future positively. I want to thank Ruben on behalf of the entire team for his commitment. We wish him all the best. Nevertheless, as soon as one season is over another begins: On Tuesday we will test here in Magny-Cours – for the first time with our new rider line-up. Not only Troy, but also Leon Haslam will ride the BMW S 1000 RR. We want to thank Suzuki Alstare, and in particular Francis and Patricia Batta, for the early release of Leon. Their cooperation has been extraordinary. We really appreciate their magnanimous gesture.”

MotoGP

fim-live.com: “A big win for me” - Stoner

Formula 1

autosport.com: Porsche ready to reevaluate entering F1

On the Street

thekneeslider.com: A four year degree in motorcycle restoration

Woot of the Day

The Mothership

BMW Group Canada reports September sales results
• 02.10.2010
• Press Release

Richmond Hill, ON . BMW Group Canada (BMW and MINI brands combined) reported retail sales of 3,053 units in September, an increase of 11.0% compared to September 2009. On the year, BMW Group Canada reported sales of 23,349 units, representing an increase of 8.0% over the same period last year.

BMW Motorrad achieves 4th consecutive record month.
BMW Motorrad Canada set an all time record for the month of September with 141 retails, an increase of 41.0%over the same period in 2009. BMW Motorrad year-to-date retails of 1,761 units represent an increase of 7.05% over last year.

Bike Candy

From Return of the Caf?® Racers

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Wednesday, 06 October

I know there is another thread focusing on this bike but this is what I do.

Everything about this motorcycle is big, including the photo gallery. Currently BMW has released 219 pictures which is far and away more than any other motorcycle release by them I have posted over the years. The press release is big on contradictions that make the bike interesting. A huge 1600 six cylinder engine that is light narrow and powerful, complexity in the suspension that leads to precise control, massive bike with a concentration of mass by design to give balance; everything about this bike is big and contradictory.

I think it will be a big hit with the motorcycle press. Look for favorable ride reports and comparative tests. It should win more than a few Best in ___ Class bike awards and even a few Best of the Year for 2011. It will fill the big hole in the upper end of the BMW line up. It will reinforce BMWÔÇÖs commitment to developing and building bikes for their long time touring customers. It will have a mixed reception from the BMW faithful but then we tend to be a tough crowd to please with anything.

Tech developments, cool engine, my favorite front suspension all presented in a press release for full of contraditions; normally all these things would add up to a bike that would fascinate me and yet for my money I would keep my Roadster andspend the money I would have to spend to buy this bike on a clean used BMW 3 Series convertible. I would have most of the toys that the K1600 G_ offers. I would not have to wear a helmet and could gaze longingly into the eyes of the women riding shotgun instead of having her helmet bang into my as she tries to hang on while riding the pillion.. All the time the stereo could be playing our favorite music, something I donÔÇÖt have or desire on my motorcycles.

Alternatively I would build a great track car and stick the power plan tinto ti. Cool. I can see all sorts of builders looking toward this power plant and seeing all sorts of interesting applications.

Enough with my preferences and fantasies enjoy the above link to the photos and the press release form BMW that follows.

BMW Motorrad at the Intermot 2010. The new BMW K 1600 GT. The new BMW K 1600 GTL.

ÔÇó 05.10.2010
ÔÇó Press Kit

BMW K 1600 GT and BMW K 1600 GTL ÔÇô fascination with six cylinders.
Ever since BMW Motorrad presented the concept study Concept 6 in autumn 2009, the new 6-cylinder in-line engine installed in it has caught the imagination of many motorcycle fans. For over seven decades now, 6-cylinder in-line engines have stood for fascinating engine technology in automobiles at BMW more than with any other brand. With the new K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL, BMW motorcycles are now available for the first time with a 6-cylinder in-line power unit developed in-house. The two touring motorcycles have a supreme, impressive and equally distinctive appearance, creating a desire to travel at first sight.

Riding dynamics, long-distance suitability and comfort.
For decades, 6-cylinder in-line engines have exercised a special fascination. In addition to their perfect running smoothness they also offer supreme output and torque, giving the rider powerful emotional impressions.

In addition to safety, equipment and comfort, prestige and dynamic performance are the key criteria for a supreme touring bike. With the most compact in-line 6-cylinder engine in serial motorcycle production to date, the K 1600 GT and the K 1600 GTL penetrate a whole new dimension in terms of riding properties, long-distance suitability and comfort. They combine maximum agility and riding dynamics with a luxurious overall package. With an engine output of 118 kW (160 bhp) and a maximum torque of 175 Newton metres, their 6-cylinder engine provides superb propulsion in all conditions.

Lightest and most compact serial production 6-cylinder in-line engine in a motorcycle > 1000 cc.

Previously, the in-line arrangement of six cylinders resulted in either very long or very wide constructions, depending on the installation position, which led to drawbacks in terms of chassis geometry, weight distribution and centre of gravity. This where the K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL break new ground.

Weighing 102.6 kilograms, the engine is by far the lightest serially produced 6-cylinder in-line engine for motorcycles in the class > 1000 cc. What is more, the engine is significantly narrower in construction width than all other 6-cylinder in-line motorcycles in serial production to date. This extremely compact construction and reduced width was achieved in particular by means of a cylinder bore of 72 millimetres in conjunction with a spacing of just 5 millimetres between the cylinder the cylinder sleeves.

Both the low engine weight and the consistent lightweight construction of the vehicle as a whole contribute to the low weight of the vehicle. At 319 kg (K 1600 GT without panniers) and 348 kg (K 1600 GTL with panniers and topcase) the new touring bikes are in the lower range of the segment.

Three modes to choose from and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) for maximum safety when accelerating.

The rider of the K 1600 models has three different engine characteristics directly available at the press of a button at the right-hand end of the handlebars so as to be able to adapt to different uses such as touring on the road, riding on wet surfaces and sporty, dynamic motorcycling - the modes "Rain", "Road" and "Dynamic". Available as an option ex works, the traction control function DTC is combined individually with the different modes, fully harmonised with them so as to provide maximum riding safety.

E-gas.
The control of the central throttle valve with a diameter of 52 millimetres is effected via an e-gas, also known as a ride-by-wire system. The rider's wishes are registered by means of a sensor in the accelerator twist grip. The engine control then adjusts the position of the throttle valve accordingly.

Chassis with ideal mass concentration for dynamic riding properties.
The essential chassis elements of the BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL are the light alloy bridge-type frame, and the Duolever and Paralever for wheel control at front and rear. Because of the special requirements of a touring bike with a 6-cylinder engine, particular attention was paid to balancing the masses.

All in all, the interplay of chassis and engine position, together with the seating position of the rider, not only makes for a low overall centre of gravity with a very favourable concentration of masses, it also provides an ideally balanced wheel load distribution for excellent riding properties. The combination of ride stability, riding dynamics and lightness of handling in all riding and load conditions sets a new benchmark in the touring bike segment.

Electronic Suspension Adjustment ESA II for optimum adaptation to all uses and load states.

The new 6-cylinder touring bikes also benefit from the innovative Electronic Suspension Adjustment II (ESA II), which is offered as a special equipment feature ex works.

With this system, globally unique on the motorcycle market, the rider can conveniently press a button to electronically adapt not only the rebound damping properties of the front and rear spring strut but also the spring rest ("spring preload") of the rear spring strut as well as the latter's spring rate and therefore the "hardness" of the suspension. This makes for outstanding stability and impressive responsiveness in all load states.

The additional adaptation of the spring rate allows the damping settings "Sport, Normal, Comfort" to be spread widely in ESA II, giving them clearly perceptible characteristics during riding. So in "Sport" mode, the K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL are even more dynamic and precise and in "Comfort" mode they are more comfortable - while still retaining excellent stability.

Adaptive headlight - a world first for increased safety at night.
With the new BMW Motorrad touring bikes, the first ever "Adaptive Headlight" option is available ex works in the motorcycle sector as a supplement to the standard xenon headlamp. In addition to standard pitch compensation, the light of the main headlamp is also balanced in relation to banking angle. This produces significantly improved illumination of the road when cornering and therefore an enormous increase in active riding safety.

Integrated operating concept with Multi-Controller, TFT colour screen and menu guidance.

The instrument panel of the K 1600 models comprises two classic circular instruments for the speedometer and tachometer and a 5.7-inch TFT colour display. The design of the information display is also completely new in the motorcycle field. Among other things, it enables the attractive presentation of text and graphics over several lines.

Another world first is the Multi-Controller as part of an integrated operating concept, first introduced in the BMW R 1200 RT at the end of 2009. In addition to audio system control, the K 1600 models also have a menu for operating the comfort functions and on-board computer.

Innovative design with outstanding wind and weather protection.

Particular attention was paid during development to the combination of innovative design, optimum wind and weather protection and the very highest level of functionality. A very good example of this is the electrically adjustable windshield with memory function.

The bike's aerodynamic qualities in terms of reduced air swirl - especially in the pillion passenger area - were developed in sophisticated wind tunnel tests. But the windshield not only protects the rider and pillion passenger: it automatically returns to the starting position when the ignition is switched off, acting as an anti-theft system for the optionally available navigation system.

BMW K 1600 GT with active riding ergonomics for proactive touring.
The design of the ergonomic triangle from the position of the footrests, seat top and handlebars makes for a highly proactive seating position in the K 1600 GT, while still retaining a high level of long-distance comfort. The rider and pillion passenger enjoy a comfortable knee angle but the seating position is geared towards the front wheel for a dynamic riding style. The seat is height-adjustable in the rider area so that it can be adapted to individual needs.

The K 1600 GT is has a very extensive range of standard features ex works consisting of xenon headlamps, heated grips and seat, cruise control and on-board computer. In conjunction with the supreme riding qualities of the new BMW Motorrad 6-cylinder engine, this motorcycle leaves nothing to be desired as far as the proactive touring rider is concerned.

BMW K 1600 GTL with very comfortable, relaxed ergonomics set-up for long trips with pillion passenger.

The luxurious touring bike BMW K 1600 GTL meets the very highest demands. Rider and pillion passenger benefit from the very relaxed, upright seating position as is especially appreciated over long distances. The ergonomic design is geared towards maximum comfort and derives from a single-section, dual level seat in conjunction with rider footrests which are further forward and lower, as well as handlebars which reach further backwards. The standard topcase rounds off the range of comfort features for the pillion passenger.

Like the K 1600 GT, the K 1600 GTL has a very extensive range of standard features consisting of xenon headlamps, heated grips and seat, cruise control and on-board computer. The overall impression of the fascinating 6-cylinder motorcycle in combination with a carefully conceived storage concept, a standard audio system and numerous design elements make the BMW K 1600 GTL the flagship model among the BMW Motorrad touring bikes.

Individual paint finish concepts adapted to the character of each bike.
As touring bikes, the new BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL stand for a perfect synthesis of supremacy, dynamic performance and comfort. This is also reflected in the colouring of the two models.

In the K 1600 GT, the body colours of Light Grey metallic and Vermilion Red metallic create a fascinating contrast with the frame and wheels in Ostra Grey and the engine in Platinum metallic matt. The colouring especially highlights the bike's technical components. The lines are concentrated and give the motorcycle a marked sense of agility.

With its emphasis on comfort and equipment, the K 1600 GTL has a powerful presence and elegance with elongated lines. This was achieved by means of a harmonious interaction between body colours and the colouring of the engine and chassis components. Here, Mineral Silver metallic or Royal Blue metallic 2 provide a perfect match for the Magnesium metallic matt of the painted frame and wheels. The engine in Platinum metallic matt ensures an appealing overall impression.
An overview of highlights of the BMW K 1600 GT/ K 1600 GTL:
ÔÇó Supreme in-line 6-cylinder engine with a high level of pulling power, especially in the lower and medium engine speed range.
ÔÇó Engine output 118 kW (160 bhp) at 7 750 rpm and maximum torque 175 Nm at 5 250 rpm.
ÔÇó Over 70 per cent of the maximum torque is already available from 1 500 rpm.
ÔÇó The lightest and most compact 6-cylinder in-line engine in serial motorcycle production > 1000 cc weighing just 102.6 kg and measuring 555 mm in width.
ÔÇó Consistent lightweight construction throughout the entire vehicle (magnesium front panel carrier, aluminium rear frame, crankshaft etc.).
ÔÇó E-Gas..
ÔÇó Three modes to choose from ("Rain", "Road", "Dynamic")
ÔÇó High active safety due to standard BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part integral).
ÔÇó Dynamic traction control DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) for maximum safety when accelerating (optional extra).
ÔÇó Chassis with Duolever and Paralever and ideal mass concentration for dynamic riding properties combined with optimum comfort.
ÔÇó Electronic Suspension Adjustment ESA II for optimum adaptation to all uses and load states (optional extra).
ÔÇó World premiere in a motorcycle: Adaptive Headlight (optional extra) for increased safety at night in conjunction with standard xenon headlamp and fibre optic rings.
ÔÇó Integrated operating concept with Multi-Controller, TFT colour display and menu guidance for the first time.
ÔÇó Audio system with preparation for navigation device and controllable interface for iPod, MP3, USB, Bluetooth and satellite radio (USA and Canada only) (standard in the K 1600 GTL).
ÔÇó Innovative design with outstanding wind and weather protection.
ÔÇó K 1600 GT with active riding ergonomics for proactive touring.
ÔÇó K 1600 GTL with a very comfortable, relaxed ergonomics set-up for long trips with pillion passenger as well as luxurious touring equipment.
ÔÇó Central locking for storage compartments, panniers and topcase (optional extra).
ÔÇó Extensive fittings and individually tailored accessories at the familiar high level of BMW Motorrad.
 
Thursday, 07 October

WSBK et al.

worldsbk.com: Glorious sunshine welcomes in a new WSBK era

The new spec BMW starts out strong in the hands of Haslam and Corser
Unofficial Times: 1. Laverty 1m38.8s; 2. Haslam 1m39.2s; 3. Sykes 1m39.3s; 4. Corser 1m39.9s; 5. Haga 1m40.0s; 6. Fabrizio 1m40.0s

MotoGP

fim-live.com: Dani Pedrosa will not go to Malaysia
I find it amazing that he considered it at all.

Formula 1 and 

Raikkonen has distanced himself from Renault and Kubica is surprised by his rejection.

fia.com: Japanese GP Preview

autosport.com: Ferrari ÔÇÿMassa still a number oneÔÇÖ
Just not number 1 at Ferrari for the rest of this season and maybe next year at the beginning unless he does really go to start off with but then this is F1 so none of this may matter at all if Alonso and Massa end up less than number 1 in 2010 and what matter more is that this is a run on sentence that resembles the run on silly none sense that F1 news puts us through. Trust me.

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Other Racing

KTM RC 8R at Hockenheim

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On the Street

While BMW sales in Canada were increasing at record rates for four months Harley DavidsonÔÇÖs were declining but that changed a little in September according to a report in Cyrilhuzeblog.com


Triumph Speed Triple and Tiger 800 in action
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Kawasaki

GTR1400

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Versys
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The Mothership


Balaclavas always look like they would make great stand ins for those funky C wrenches some rear shocks need to set the pre-load or fire hydrant wrenches
1036702215_sWkGt-M.jpg

 and yet they are totally worthless for either task (unless you want to do either dressed like a Ninja).

BMW Motorrad RiderÔÇÖs Equipment - 2011 Collection.
ÔÇó 05.10.2010
ÔÇó Press Kit

At a glance. BMW Motorrad Rider??s Equipment - Collection 2011.
A new feature from 2011 is the categorisation of BMW Motorrad Rider Equipment into two areas. The designation BMW Motorrad Ride covers the entire range of functional articles, while BMW Motorrad Style refers to the new fan collections.
Modern design, a high level of passive safety, ground-breaking technologies and practical functionality - these are the defining properties of the
products BMW Motorrad Ride once again in 2011.

New products in the range include the casual Club leather ladiesÔÇÖ and menÔÇÖs jackets in abrasion-resistant, pleasantly soft cowhide which are suitable both as a motorcycling jacket and a leisure jacket. These sporty, modern jackets provide a finely crafted finish, casual shaping which is different for men and women, a high level of wear comfort and safety features.

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The Boulder 2 jacket is not just suitable for motorcycling. Its new, modern material mix and shaping means it cuts a great figure as a jacket for everyday wear or leisure use too.

1036705262_TaPL3-M.jpg


The Atlantis 3 gloves are the improved successor in a line of products which has been well established for years. Since it has an extremely soft and flexible finish it can also be offered in the small size of 6 - 6.5. New features are the double cuff and special seams to effectively prevent pressure points.

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The ProTouring 2 boots provide safe, comfortable all-year-round footwear, permanently windproof and waterproof as well as breathable, while Sneaker X is a trainer-type half-height boot which is ideal for summer temperatures. By means of small but efficient changes to the material mix and finish, significant improvements have been made over
their respective predecessors.

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As an ideal supplement to non-waterproof boots in rain or when riding over wet terrain, the 2011 collection features the functional waterproof HydroSock long. With an elaborate material mix and a seamless finish, it offers great wear comfort.

1036701662_2QzXD-M.jpg


Another new item is the Doubleface fleece jacket made of soft microfleece and windbreaker material for a climate regulation effect and a high level of wear comfort.

A very functional material mixture of polyester, Cocona?« and activated carbon fibre has an antibacterial effect in the Function shirt and T-shirt: it also odour-inhibiting and offers excellent moisture transport.

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The range of BMW Motorrad fan articles has been extended for the 2011 season with the addition of over 70 products. Under the umbrella title of BMW Motorrad Style, four fan collections have been put together, each with its own thematic focus. The collections are defined by their own colour scheme as well as featuring characteristic recurring motifs.

All BMW Motorrad Style products are leisure articles without being specifically designed for motorcycling.

BMW Motorrad Style Logo: sporty leisure wear and lifestyle products for all fans of the BMW Motorrad brand who like to show the logo and wordmark.

BMW Motorrad Style Heritage: this fashionable collection of clothing and lifestyle products is just the thing for those who like old BMW motorcycles and are fascinated by BMW Motorrad history and its icons.

BMW Motorrad Style DoubleR: in this collection, fans of the
BMW S 1000 RR will find T-shirts, jackets and lifestyle products in which the bike's model designation and the stylised, asymmetrical face of the machine (Alien motif) are applied as design elements.

BMW Motorrad Style GS: laid-back, functional items for before and after GS trips are provided by the Style GS collection. GS Enduro lettering and various earth motifs are the recurring design elements here.

The BMW Motorrad Style and BMW Motorrad Ride articles will be available from the 2011 season and can also be ordered conveniently by mouse click from the online shop. The BMW Motorrad eShop is to be found at
www.bmw-motorrad.de under the menu item "Equipment & Shop".

A new feature from 2011 is the categorisation of BMW Motorrad Rider Equipment into two areas. The designation BMW Motorrad Ride covers the entire range of functional articles, while BMW Motorrad Style refers to the new fan collections.
Modern design, a high level of passive safety, ground-breaking technologies and practical functionality - these are the defining properties of the
products BMW Motorrad Ride once again in 2011.

The BMW Motorrad Style and BMW Motorrad Ride articles will be available from the 2011 season and can also be ordered conveniently by mouse click from the online shop. The BMW Motorrad eShop is to be found at
www.bmw-motorrad.de under the menu item "Equipment & Shop".

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Woot of the Day

FWIW

Hello.

My name is Bond, James Bond.

I need directions to the nearest Aston Martin dealer, my Vantage Roadster has been recalled. Also IÔÇÖll need the number to a limo service. My Phantom and the around town Bimmer too.


Bike Candy
SixÔÇÖs seem to be in the news everywhere you look. Collin EdwardÔÇÖs Tech III MotoGP crew chief Guy Coulon built this taste little six when he wasnÔÇÖt doing MotoGP things.

1036795265_WKaVt-O.jpg


At 298cc it is less than a fifth the size of BMWÔÇÖs new machine and at 18,500 rpm it will produce 60 bhp in the process and will windup another 3,500 rpm to a stunning 22,000 rpm!

1036795105_XPZm7-O.jpg


1036795375_oSwsa-O.jpg


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Want one of your own? Just head on over to Daytona70.com and talk with Daniel Mercier and maybe he will build you one.

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Via: The Kneeslider
 
The new spec BMW starts out strong in the hands of Haslam and Corser
Unofficial Times: 1. Laverty 1m38.8s; 2. Haslam 1m39.2s; 3. Sykes 1m39.3s; 4. Corser 1m39.9s; 5. Haga 1m40.0s; 6. Fabrizio 1m40.0s

john - has there been any discussion of the details in the new spec? methinks that a lot of the grip problems BMW suffered through this year are due to a frame design that may not be quite right.
 
john - has there been any discussion of the details in the new spec? methinks that a lot of the grip problems BMW suffered through this year are due to a frame design that may not be quite right.

And I had heard it was the way the traction control was being used on the bike. They supposedly now have a better understanding (translated: they fixed the damn thing...) of how the T/C works with the different tire sets on different tracks. I'd also would like to know definitively what makes this a better ride now than last year...

Are we talking 'bout the same thing??? heh...
 
ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt knowÔÇØ; is the short honest answer. I have not found a good source for insider tech information; therefore, I glean from things I read and draw my own conclusions like the rest of you.

The long answer (and you know that I always have a long answer available :brad) is

The team is heading into its third racing season but the bike is heading into its fourth year (1 year+ in development plus two racing seasons) of existence. The fourth or fifth year marks a normal point when manufacturers start looking at putting out a ÔÇÿnew specÔÇÖ bike. We need to be a bit careful about reading too much into what a ÔÇÿnew specÔÇÖ RR means.

The bike has been developed in a leap frog fashion which is normal for a clean sheet of paper project. The norm is for one element to be in the lead in terms of performance. The other elements try and catch up and when they do often leap frog the original leading element. In the case of the RR the underlying engine frame and suspension were out in front of the various electronic controls and the riders. They have caught up and now it is time to work on the underlying mechanical bike again.

Traction Control/Black Box
I believe the black box computer programming issues the team had in 09 were solved early in the 10 season. This does not mean the problems went away rather that the team was satisfied with the alga rhythms of the programming and how it worked in real world conditions to control the engine and suspension elements. Once the TC/Black Box was fixed the remaining problems pointed elsewhere to what the TC/Black Box was controlling.

Engine
I read ÔÇÿnew spec engine and exhaustÔÇÖ as code for we are how and when the engine makes horsepower and torque. I am enough of a mechanic and liberal arts degree holder to get myself in trouble with the engineers at BMW and around here. I expect to see stories come out that talk about valve train changes and how exhaust systems affect power bans and their delivery. The changes require parts and design changes to be homologated so it is a ÔÇÿnew specÔÇÖ engine. This is more than tweaking but less than a true redesign.

Frame
I have no information at all on this. I wondered out loud about frame issues and traction/handling issues in 09. This redesigned tank may point to some frame changes though my guess it has more to do with the need to access every last drop of fuel in the tank.

My motorcycle racing experience goes back to crewing in the flexible flyer frame and the very early spar frame days. In the beginning spar frames tightened up handling too much. The bikes became so stiff they didnÔÇÖt want to lie over in the corners the way riders wanted and needed. There are several ways to loosen up a frame without redesigning the spar. These include changes to the rear sub frame engine mounts our other tweaks.

My guess is we will hear about small changes to the rear sub frame and it will not be clear if the changes are race or production driven.

In the early production runs of the HP2 Sport and the RR there were stories about problems in serial production with the rear sub frame and the attached carbon fiber body components. IIRC the bends in the carbon fiber required by the design of the sub frame were difficult produce in a manufacturing setting. If there is a change to the rear sub frame the change may first be a result a serial manufacturing need and secondly a chance to tweak how the chassis handles on the track.

Leon Haslam
This may be the most important change in the ÔÇÿteam specsÔÇÖ. His racing career is grounded in bikes like the RR; bikes with inline fours and spar frames. Corser and Xaus have excellent resumes but they were grounded in Ducati SBKs. Those are very different beasts. They make power differently. They handle differently.

Development is a leap frog process for all teams. For the teams on the top three steps of the manufacturerÔÇÖs championship podium the seasonÔÇÖs development process looks more like team bicycling than frogs leaping over each other. In team cycling members take turns at the front according to a plan that is intended to move the entire team forward to the finish line. CorserÔÇÖs past non and BMW experience combined with HaslamÔÇÖs experience on inline four spar framed bikes may bode well for a smoother season development process that leads to various kinds of podium posistions.

As always both my short and long answers with a buck will get you coffee and change at the official fly-over-land coffee shop. I will keep poking around for information but lacking anything solid and new this is my story and Im sticking to itfor now.
 
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