Bench Racing & The Morning Reads

mika · Apr 10, 2011

Fixed.

FYI
Birthdays can be found at the bottom of the fourn front page.

mika · Apr 11, 2011

Monday, 11 April

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

BMW Motorrad Italy Superstock team-CIV-Misano Adriatico]/b]
10.04.2011 press releases

Encouraging debut racing season for BMW Motorrad Italy Superstock Team in the first test of CIV-Italian championship held at the Misano World Circuit.

The team decided the race flag in view of the round the world program on this track in mid-June and will be at via del CIV also the first of may on the occasion of the second round of the Italian.

Sylvain Barrier and Lorenzo Zanetti had moved respectively from the first and second row, with the second and fifth time. The Frenchman was the author of a poor start that saw him to a fantastic comeback at the end of which climbed the second step of the podium behind winner Danilo Petrucci (Ducati). Lorenzo, meanwhile, was always in front of the head and the term has occupied the third place.

Serafino Foti, Sports Director of BMW Motorrad Italy Superstock Team said: "Bravo Petrucci with Ducati that today it was impossible to beat, our kids haven't made a good start, Reporters without borders (Sylvain) in the early rounds. However, we are quite happy because, for us this was a test, and we should avoid damage ahead of next Sunday's race. Lorenzo has finished the rubber before others, and in the last laps he had some problems, while Sylvain did a nice comeback. For us the Championship, which count begins next week. "

Next Sunday, in fact, at the circuit Assen Netherlands, begins the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup, won in the last edition by BMW Motorrad Italy Superstock Team with Ayrton Badovini in Superbike racing today, still riding the S 1000 RR of the Italian branch.

The RANKING of the RACE: 1st Danilo Petrucci (Ducati) 21 ' 37 "261-2nd Sylvain Barrier (BMW) 5723-3rd Lorenzo Zanetti (BMW) 6065-4th Ivan Clementi (BMW) 6355-5th Michele Magnoni (BMW) 6709-follow others

MotoGP

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ovivii38IiA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Formula 1

fia-com.com: Malaysian Post Race Press Conference
DRIVERS
1 - Sebastian VETTEL (Red Bull)
2 - Jenson BUTTON (McLaren)
3 - Nick HEIDFELD (Renault)

autosport.com: No quick fix for Red Bull KERS issues

Other Racing

fim-live.com: Stewart takes win in St. Louis

cyrlhuzeblog.com: Jesse James and Jeff Decker unearth on of the most famous racing motorcycles in American history

FWIW

Reference: :

Decorah Egles WebCam
Decorah Eagles

Total views: 11,167,542 First hatch 4/2/11.
24-hour collage of first egg pip and hatch
Second hatch 4/3/11.
First glimpse of second hatchling
Third hatch expected in a couple of days.

The Raptor Resource Project brings you the Decorah Eagles from atop their tree at the fish hatchery in Decorah, Iowa.

CHAT ROOM IS OPEN 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT DAILY.
To view and participate in chat you must be logged in. Chat room is typically full; refreshing your browser page will eventually give you access.

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

MSF Question of the Day: In addition to the checks you make before every trip, what should be checked at least once a week?

MSF Tip of the Day: Insulated riding suits are good in cold weather. These lightweight suits provide the warmth needed to prevent hypothermia.

Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

mika · Apr 12, 2011

Tuesday, 12 April

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

BMW Motorrad Motorsport - WSBK - Assen - Preview
ÔÇó 11.04.2011
ÔÇó Press Release
The Netherlands ÔÇô Assen.
Preview.

15 ÔÇô 17 April 2011
03 of 13 race weekends

Munich/Stephanskirchen, 11th April 2011. The BMW Motorrad Motorsport team is preparing for the third race weekend of the 2011 FIM Superbike World Championship, which will be held from 15th to 17th April at the iconic ÔÇ£TT CircuitÔÇØ in Assen (NDL). Assen is the capital of the Dutch province of Drenthe and is situated in the north-east of the Netherlands.

The team has reached another important milestone in the lead up to Assen: BMW Motorrad Motorsport now has exactly 500 World Championship points to its name since joining the FIM Superbike World Championship. This season, the two works riders Leon Haslam (GBR) and Troy Corser (AUS) have already picked up 69 points for BMW. In the ManufacturersÔÇÖ Championship, for which only the best race result counts, BMW is currently in fourth place on 53 points. Leon finds himself in third place in the RidersÔÇÖ Championship on 53 points with Troy in 13th place on 16 points.
ÔÇªmore

hondaproracing.com: Castrol Honda Team heads home to Assen

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_FHQg7Cki4s" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

worldshk.com: Superstock 1000 FIM Cup entry plays numbers game

MotoGP

reuters.com: Rossi faces uphill struggle ÔÇô Doohan

motogp.com: Capirossi goes for medical check

Formula 1

formula1.com: Red Bull victorious but not invincible

Other Racing

roadracingworld.com: Chip Yates reaches 190.6 mph on electic superbike at Mojave Mile Shootout

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cqkZf49R8PM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Motocross World Championship - Bulgaria - Round 1
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rbuD8yb-QH8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

BMW Team RLL is ready to defend its ALMS GT class lead at Long Beach.
ÔÇó 11.04.2011
ÔÇó Press Release
Munich, 11th April 2011. The contrast between racing the 12 Hours of Sebring (US) and racing on the streets of Long Beach (US) could not be greater, but BMW Team RLL is looking for a similar outcome ÔÇô a one-two finish in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) GT class with the BMW M3 GT.
In the four weeks since its strong performance at Sebring, the team has been preparing for a race only two hours long. Quick acceleration out of the tight temporary street circuit corners is critical to fast lap times at Long Beach, especially exiting the hairpin turn that leads onto the longest straight. Both cars will be aerodynamically trimmed to maximise downforce.
Last season the race at Long Beach produced a third consecutive podium finish for the team. With the one-two at Sebring, BMW Team RLL enters Long Beach in the lead of every ALMS GT championship category.
ÔÇªmore

On the Street

dealernews.com: BMW F800RR gets slip-ons from Two Brothers

asphaltandrubber.com: Video ÔÇô Garage company by Michael Schmidt

thekneeslider.com: Natural gas conversions for motorcycles ÔÇô Would you buy one?

webbikeworld.com: Budget adventure touring

The Mothership

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</object>

Reference: :

Decorah Egles WebCam
Decorah Eagles

Total views: 11,167,542 First hatch 4/2/11.
24-hour collage of first egg pip and hatch
Second hatch 4/3/11.
First glimpse of second hatchling
Third hatch expected in a couple of days.

The Raptor Resource Project brings you the Decorah Eagles from atop their tree at the fish hatchery in Decorah, Iowa.

CHAT ROOM IS OPEN 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT DAILY.
To view and participate in chat you must be logged in. Chat room is typically full; refreshing your browser page will eventually give you access.

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

MSF Question of the Day: Which of the following is true when carrying cargo on your motorcycle?

MSF Tip of the Day:

Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

Light is a trend in some areas of Bike Candy

From: boxerschmieded.de: R80GS Light

800cc/50PS (1000ccm / 60 to 82 HP possible)
Coated wheels / framework / stand / fork parts
TZ1 ignition
Stainless steel silencer
Digital Speedo
Mini headlights and indicators
Aluminium handlebar
Tires Conti TKC80
Motor new (innards remain trade secret)
New gear
Final-drive makes it easy

Visian · Apr 12, 2011

Mika said:
800cc/50PS (1000ccm / 60 to 82 HP possible)
Coated wheels / framework / stand / fork parts
TZ1 ignition
Stainless steel silencer
Digital Speedo
Mini headlights and indicators
Aluminium handlebar
Tires Conti TKC80
Motor new (innards remain trade secret)
New gear
Final-drive makes it easy

ooooohhh.... ahhhhhhh..... i wonder what those "trade secret innards" are?

ian

jstrube · Apr 12, 2011

What is that little black thing on the top of the engine? I like how they rounded off the top & made the piece to cover the starter area. Very slick looking engine!

mika · Apr 13, 2011

Wednesday, 13 April

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

worldsbk.com: WSBK arrives at “The Cathedral” of motorcycling

worldsbk.com: Checa becomes top target at Assen

Facebook – James Toseland: The wires are finally coming out on the 27th, I feel like Wolverine at the moment! Hoping to be ready ahead of Monza..

superbikeplanet.com: Fabrizio – I like a good fight

MotoGP

autosport.com: Pedrosa begins rehabilitation in Spain

motorcycledaily.com: Will Ducati get the jump on the competition again?

Formula 1

fia.com: Chinese GP Preview

jamesallenonf1: A deep dive into race strategies from F1 Malaysian Grand Prix

youtube.com: Malaysian GP highlights

f1technical.net: Force India introduce new wheels

Other Racing

ultimatemotorcycling.com: MotoGP to Circuit of the Americas, Austin
This will create three MotoGP rounds in the United States; the Circuit of the Americas will now join the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Red Bull Indy GP) and Laguna Seca (Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix).

motomatters.com: A very interesting press release – Indianapolis Motor Speedway speaks out on Austin MotoGP

FWIW : Coopratition, however it is spelled, is business concept that may seem counterintuitive at first in a world that wants to dominate markets and eliminate competition. In this alternate model a business like Indianapolis Motor Speedway sees the new facility and MotoGP as increasing the interest and appetite for motorcycle road racing in general thus helping not hurting them. In this model the market base expands because of the competing locations and products along with the quality of the product as the venues work to gain market share.Discussions of cooperatition tend to focus on competing locations and the ability of them to grow and expand markets. What is often overlooked is the ability of supplies to deliver product needed to make this work.

The FIM, Dorna and the tracks appear to be doing their part to create rules and venues to increase interest in MotoGP and its value. Is this enough to increase the number of suppliers? Cutting to the heart of the question, in the Munich race on Sunday sell on Monday analysis, is adding a third race in BMW’s largest non European market enough to lure it into MotoGP racing?

BMW Team RLL is ready to defend its ALMS GT class lead.
The contrast between racing the 12 Hours of Sebring and racing on the streets of Long Beach could not be greater, but BMW Team RLL is looking for a similar outcome – a one-two finish in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) GT class with the BMW M3 GT.…more

On the Street

sprotrider.com: Going Green revisited

usridernews.com: Arkansas launches Civil War tral

2011 Suzuki GSX1250FA super touring walkaround video
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LbxwQ27sSDU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The Mothership

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kMJpvwCPQ10" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

BMW Motorrad Motorsport - Chris Pfeiffer rocks India
• 12.04.2011
• Press Release
Chris Pfeiffer rocks India.

Streetbike freestyler Chris Pfeiffer thrills tens of thousands of fans around India on his BMW F 800 R.

Munich, 12th April 2011. Streetbike freestyle world champion Chris Pfeiffer (GER) found himself drawn back to the Far East. The freestyle rider returned to India following his successful tour in 2010. For two weeks the 2011 “Red Bull Chris Pfeiffer Street Tour” made its way across the country, with two trucks transporting the equipment just under 12,000 kilometres. The tour schedule took in a total of ten cities, at which the ace motorcyclist thrilled tens of thousands of fans with amazing freestyle tricks on his modified BMW F 800 R. The tour of India was presented by BMW Motorrad and Red Bull...more

MINI INSPIRED BY GOODWOOD: THE HIGHEST IN EXCLUSIVITY.
• 13.04.2011
• Press Release
• Limited production model from the MINI Yours range of special edition vehicles and options
• Based on the MINI Hardtop, this special edition includes authentic Rolls-Royce materials, colors and accessories
• Production limited to 1,000 units worldwide
• Deliveries to begin spring 2012

WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ – April 13, 2011—The MINI INSPIRED BY GOODWOOD, which will make its world debut at the Auto Shanghai 2011, is an exclusive special edition that adds another layer to the MINI brand experience with a generous dose of automotive luxury and exclusivity in its highest form.

Close collaboration with the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars design team at the development center of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England has produced a limited-run special edition MINI, whose exterior and interior design is inspired by fine materials and the British luxury car marque’s commitment to absolutely flawless workmanship…[/url= https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/us/pressDetail.html;jsessionid=4GlyNksbBSvLYxSQdnhrJPFVVJ9SjLB4hSMDZvFp1Qcp6Ry1bCDQ!2088410524?outputChannelId=9&id=T0103874EN_US&left_menu_item=node__2311&status=published]more[/url]

Reference: :

Decorah Egles WebCam
Decorah Eagles

Total views: 11,167,542 First hatch 4/2/11.
24-hour collage of first egg pip and hatch
Second hatch 4/3/11.
First glimpse of second hatchling
Third hatch expected in a couple of days.

The Raptor Resource Project brings you the Decorah Eagles from atop their tree at the fish hatchery in Decorah, Iowa.

CHAT ROOM IS OPEN 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT DAILY.
To view and participate in chat you must be logged in. Chat room is typically full; refreshing your browser page will eventually give you access.

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

MSF Question of the Day: To reduce reaction time in high-risk areas, riders should do what?

MSF Tip of the Day:

Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

Re: Yesterday’s Bike Candy, I have written an email to the builder with some questions and asking for more information and pictures.

Laado by Rajputana Custom in India via silodrome.com

mika · Apr 14, 2011

Thursday, 14 April

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

Suzuki-racing.com: Fabrizio looking for Assen luck

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BO9RkNCKMjs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

MotoGP

motomatterrs.com: Number Crunching – How much of a factor is weight in MotoGP?

Formula 1

formula1.com: Chinese GP Preview – Red Bull and KERS to take center stage?

reuters.com: Chinese Grand Prix facts and figures

Los MiniDrivers - Cap?¡tulo 3x02 - Malaysian GP
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-jZwKBrKkjQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Other Racing

fim-live.com: World Supersport and Superstock at Assen

M1GP- little on bikes, big on fun
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/saX_opnJikc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Craftsman Experience presents Erik Buell Racing
52:50
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QLoyPAkSWU8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aBm3nVX5fCk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

On the Street

vintagebmw.org: Classic BMW Motrr?ñder Magazine launches
The Vintage BMW Motorcycle Owners, Inc. (VBMWMO) is pleased to announce today the release of the first issue of a new, vibrant quarterly magazine entitled the Classic BMW Motorr?ñder. It promises to infuse its members’ passions with all things BMW, Pre-War, Post-War and Classics, while encompassing all BMW motorcycles twenty-five years and older. The Classic BMW Motorr?ñder will contain new and exciting informative articles from several new authors from all over the world.

Aprilia Tuono V4 R - Official Video
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Y6hyQrD0JRU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Zip Tie for Fork Gauge?
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/EAQ40X2UyMY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

2011 Yamaha Grand Prix Racing 50th Anniversary Museum GGPP Japanese video
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mf2kY6m15C0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

webbikworld.com: AFX FX-39 Helmet Review
Summary
The new AFX FX-39 DS (Dual Sport) helmet has improved quality, comfort and good looks all at a very reasonable price.

visordown.com: My S1000RR has landed – Long Termmers

sprotbikes.net: What gear to start out with

The Mothership

K 1600 dealer sales training at BMW Motorrad
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/anicyODMhJc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
In German, cc is English
TOPBMW at the 2011 Auto Shanghai.

As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of premium vehicles, the German carmaker BMW is presenting in addition to the latest products in its model range a number of groundbreaking concepts for individual mobility of the future…more

Reference: :

Decorah Egles WebCam
Decorah Eagles

Total views: 11,167,542 First hatch 4/2/11.
24-hour collage of first egg pip and hatch
Second hatch 4/3/11.
First glimpse of second hatchling
Third hatch expected in a couple of days.

The Raptor Resource Project brings you the Decorah Eagles from atop their tree at the fish hatchery in Decorah, Iowa.

CHAT ROOM IS OPEN 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT DAILY.
To view and participate in chat you must be logged in. Chat room is typically full; refreshing your browser page will eventually give you access.

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

MSF Question of the Day: If you need to leave the roadway to rest for a while, which of the following is the safest action?

Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

mika · Apr 15, 2011

Friday, 15 April

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

youtube.com: A lap in Assen with Luca Scassa's comment.

bmw-motorrad.com: An interview with Rainer B?ñumel
As BMW Motorrad Motorsport continues its third year in the Superbike World Championship, the teamÔÇÖs former Technical Director Rainer B?ñumel (44) has been involved since the beginning. Now Head of Race Operations, he discusses all the subtle but significant changes that are helping the team move forward with confidence in 2011

BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike Team - Assen - Preview
ÔÇó 14.04.2011
ÔÇó Press Release
BMW Motorrad Italia team committed to full team for the next race weekend in Assen (Nethelands).

In addition to the third round of the World Superbike Championship, for which Ayrton Badovini will race with Barry Veneman ÔÇô who will replace James Toseland for the Netherlands event, the FIM Superstock Cup season kicks off with Italian rider Lorenzo Zanetti and Sylvain Barrier.

At the Dutch circuit, Ayrton Badovini will try to increase his championship points haul. The Italian raced in Assen last year and won the round of the FIM Superstock Cup riding the S 1000 RR. Unfortunately, James Toseland will not be partaking in the event following his injuries sustained during a private test at Motorland of Aragon. James has won twice in Assen (with nine podiums in all) and he could have done well with four-cylinder German bike. He will be replaced by Barry Veneman who usually rides in the IDM German championship with the S 1000 RR.

It will be interesting to see the debut of the Superstock, where the BMW Motorrad Italia STK team are reigning champions, having won the 2010 FIM Cup with Badovini. The 2011 team riders will be Frenchman Sylvain Barrier and Lorenzo Zanetti, both of whom climbed on the CIV podium at Misano last Sunday. Sylvain raced with BMW last season for a French team, while Lorenzo is making his four cylinder debut.

Andrea Buzzoni, Director of BMW Motorrad Italia said: "This weekend starts the Superstock 2011 which was our start point in international competition last year and proved very rewarding. We are no longer rookies and start with the clear objective of confirming the S1000RR as the best bike in the category and also retaining our title from 2010. We understand that we will not get the same results as the wins recorded by Ayrton in 2010 and our aim is to win the championship with two riders who show a very promising performance: Lorenzo Zanetti and Sylvain Barrier. The two riders have very different characteristics but the same potential to be winners in the 2011 season, which is more competitive with new riders and bikes, and both are very motivated by competing with the team who won in 2010. I think there will, in fact, be a real championship fight, with exciting racing and the outcome will be more unpredictable than that of last year.

This weekend will be particularly intense and challenging for us with four riders involved in Superstock and Superbike.

I am pleased to announce that James will most probably be back on track for the races at Monza. He is recovering from his injury and is showing his commitment to the team and the entire staff of BMW Motorrad Italia, for example, by coming to the CIV event where he wanted to be in the pits and on the grid to support his Superstock team mates.

We are delighted to welcome Barry Veneman to the team to ride alongside Ayrton Badovini for the upcoming round at Assen. Barry knows the Dutch track and our bike (albeit in a different configuration), so we are confident that he will do well and wish him the greatest of luck! The engineers and the team are working well on refining the development of the bike following the preseason work being limited by adverse weather. "

TT Circuit Assen Length: 4.555 km
Corners: 11 left and 6 right Winners 2010
Race 1: Jonathan Rea (Honda) 35'38 "483
Race 2: Jonathan Rea (Honda) 35'43 "137
Fastest Lap: Jonathan Rea (Honda) 1'36 "312
Interview with ÔÇô
Leon Haslam
Troy Corser

worldsbk: A look back at 2010

worldsbk.com: Tissot makes move into Superbike as official timekeeper

Formula 1

fia.com: Chinese Grand Prix - Conference 1
14/04/2011
DRIVERS - Rubens BARRICHELLO (Williams), Lewis HAMILTON (McLaren), Vitantonio LIUZZI (HRT), Michael SCHUMACHER (Mercedes), Sebastian VETTEL (Red Bull),

fia.com: 2011 CHINESE GRAND PRIX
FRIDAY PRESS CONFERENCE TRANSCRIPT
15.04.2011
TECHNICAL DIRECTORS - Aldo COSTA (Ferrari), James KEY (Sauber), Paddy LOWE (McLaren), Naoki TAKUNAGA (Renault), Geoff WILLIS (HRT)

Friday Practice Timing
Session 1
Session 2

formula1.com: Selected driver quotes

formaula1.com: Technical ÔÇô Renault new from wing

jamesallenonf1.com: Strategy is more important now, says Massa as DRS is reviewed

reuters.com: Pirelli seek to reduce F1 toffee like tyre debris

On the Street

Onthrotle Video: Ask Dave- What Causes a Cold Tear?

YouTube.com: 2011 Triumph Tiger 800cc Australia dealer launch video

webbikeworld.com: Schuberth C3 Hi-Vis Yellow Helmet

motorcyclistonline.com : Street Savvy | How to avoid distracted drivers

cyrilhuzeblog.com: The inner workings of motorcycle suspension Part 1

Moto Morini was on the auction block today prompting AsphaltandRuber to ask, ÔÇ£ How many bids were made on Moto Morini today?ÔÇØ
Nada

The Mothership

video: Designer's Perspective Z4.

Video: BMW Concept M5. Customer review

FWIW

I may be having a Luddite mental breakdown or YouTube is not doing embedding the way they have in the past.

Reference: :

Decorah Egles WebCam
Decorah Eagles

Total views: 11,167,542 First hatch 4/2/11.
24-hour collage of first egg pip and hatch
Second hatch 4/3/11.
First glimpse of second hatchling
Third hatch expected in a couple of days.

The Raptor Resource Project brings you the Decorah Eagles from atop their tree at the fish hatchery in Decorah, Iowa.

CHAT ROOM IS OPEN 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT DAILY.
To view and participate in chat you must be logged in. Chat room is typically full; refreshing your browser page will eventually give you access.

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

MSF Question of the Day: Which of the following is true of a windshield on your motorcycle?
I ride a naked bike so I hate questions like this.

MSF Tip of the Day: Good riders reduce their risk by using MSFÔÇÖs 3-step SEE strategy: Search ÔÇô Evaluate ÔÇô Execute. P.20 http://bit.ly/MSFMOM

Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

More pictures and a bit of history of the 59 Club on silodrome.com

mika · Apr 15, 2011

SBK

A decent Friday Free Practice and 1st Qualifying for BMWÔÇÖs Enigma Cavalry as all four provisionally have advanced to the Superpole round at Assen. Coser and Haslam are currently listed 6 and 7 while Badovini and Veneman occupy the bubble slots back in P 15 and 16. Currently maximum speeds are in the right range for Corser and Haslam, but they are not able to get the lap averages up to the benchmark Smrz has set. Tyres are raised as an issue once again in the team reports.

worldsbk.com: Smrz holds off all Italian attack

Friday 1st Qualifying Session.

1 96 J. SMRZ CZE Team Effenbert-Liberty Racing Ducati 1098R 1'36.058 22 170,222 286,8

2 1 M. BIAGGI ITA Aprilia Alitalia Racing Team Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'36.287 0.229 0.229 28 169,817 294,6

3 33 M. MELANDRI ITA Yamaha World Superbike Team Yamaha YZF R1 1'36.494 0.436 0.207 23 169,453 293,0

4 84 M. FABRIZIO ITA Team Suzuki Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'36.550 0.492 0.056 26 169,355 293,0

5 66 T. SYKES GBR Kawasaki Racing Team Superbike Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'36.747 0.689 0.197 22 169,010 286,0

6 11 T. CORSER AUS BMW Motorrad Motorsport BMW S1000 RR 1'36.876 0.818 0.129 25 168,785 289,8

7 91 L. HASLAM GBR BMW Motorrad Motorsport BMW S1000 RR 1'36.989 0.931 0.113 22 168,588 287,58 58 E. LAVERTY IRL Yamaha World Superbike Team Yamaha YZF R1 1'37.024 0.966 0.035 23 168,527 293,8

9 4 J. REA GBR Castrol Honda Honda CBR1000RR 1'37.063 1.005 0.039 23 168,460 289,8

10 41 N. HAGA JPN PATA Racing Team Aprilia Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'37.106 1.048 0.043 20 168,385 289,1

11 7 C. CHECA ESP Althea Racing Ducati 1098R 1'37.114 1.056 0.008 25 168,371 283,0

12 17 J. LASCORZ ESP Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'37.364 1.306 0.250 20 167,939 296,2

13 2 L. CAMIER GBR Aprilia Alitalia Racing Team Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'37.373 1.315 0.009 22 167,923 294,6

14 111 R. XAUS ESP Castrol Honda Honda CBR1000RR 1'37.424 1.366 0.051 19 167,835 293,0

15 86 A. BADOVINI ITA BMW Motorrad Italia SBK Team BMW S1000 RR 1'37.613 1.555 0.189 20 167,510 286,0

16 37 B. VENEMAN NED BMW Motorrad Italia SBK Team BMW S1000 RR 1'37.716 1.658 0.103 20 167,334 284,5

17 121 M. BERGER FRA Supersonic Racing Team Ducati 1098R 1'37.853 1.795 0.137 25 167,100 280,8

18 50 S. GUINTOLI FRA Team Effenbert-Liberty Racing Ducati 1098R 1'37.899 1.841 0.046 22 167,021 281,5

19 77 C. VERMEULEN AUS Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'38.452 2.394 0.553 14 166,083 286,8

20 44 R. ROLFO ITA Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'38.487 2.429 0.035 25 166,024 273,0

21 8 M. AITCHISON AUS Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'38.713 2.655 0.226 23 165,644 283,7

BMW Motorrad Motorsport - WSBK - Assen - Qualifying Practice 1
ÔÇó 15.04.2011
ÔÇó Press Release
Weather conditions: Mostly cloudy.
Temperature: Air: 16 ÔÇô 20 ??C, Track: 18 ÔÇô 21 ??C
Number of riders participating: 21 from 12 teams
Fastest lap Free Practice: Jakub Smrz (Effenbert-Liberty Racing) 1:37.159 min
Fastest lap Qualifying Practice 1: Jakub Smrz (Effenbert-Liberty Racing) 1:36.058 min

Everything goes according to plan for Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport at the third round of the FIM Superbike World Championship 2011 in Assen (NED). Works riders, Troy Corser (AUS) and Leon Haslam (GBR), finished the first qualifying session on their BMW S 1000 RRs in sixth and seventh. To save their soft tyres for tomorrowÔÇÖs Superpole, both riders only went out on harder tyres. For a long time Troy and Leon lay first and second. They only slipped back in the classification in the last part of the session, when other riders switched to soft tyres to improve their lap times.

Troy Corser:
Fastest lap Free Practice: 1:37.583 min (P4)/Fastest lap Qualifying Practice: 1:36.876 min (P6)

ÔÇ£This Friday was fine, and this morning we had a good setting for the bike, based on last yearÔÇÖs settings and the test in Valencia. I was happy and comfortable with it. For this afternoon we made a few changes and went quite a bit quicker. At the beginning of the session we did a long run to get some laps on the tyre. That was quite consistent, so I am pretty happy with that as well. The setting of the bike is okay considering we only ran on hard tyres. I am happy. Of course it would be nice to be a bit further up the grid, but today itÔÇÖs not so important as itÔÇÖs only Friday. Everything is working the right way.ÔÇØ

Leon Haslam:
Fastest lap Free Practice: 1:37.606 min (P5)/Fastest lap Qualifying Practice 1: 1:36.989 min (P7)

ÔÇ£It was a pretty good Friday. ItÔÇÖs nice to be back at Assen, and I am feeling very confident on the bike. We made some progress in Valencia last week, so we were kind of making a set up with what we had there. I am feeling pretty confident. We were doing nearly the whole session with only one tyre. In Valencia we had a few new chassis parts, so setting them up for a new circuit was the priority today. Right now we need to concentrate on doing race runs. I am looking for tomorrow.ÔÇØ

Rainer B?ñumel (Head of Race Operations):
ÔÇ£We are very happy with today, as everything is going according to plan. We have not used soft tyres so far, but saved them for tomorrow and today only ran on race tyres. I am pretty confident because, while everybody was on race tyres, which was until the last quarter of an hour, we were in front. So I think tomorrow will be even better for us.ÔÇØ

Troy CorserÔÇÖs official website:
Assen - First qualifying: Troy happy with sixth on day one

Troy finished the first day of practice and qualifying at Assen with the sixth quickest time and is looking forward to tomorrow. The recent tests in Valencia allowed Troy and the team to try things out away from the pressures of a race weekend and that has allowed the bike to take another step forward. Hopefully, tomorrowÔÇÖs two sessions will show more improvement still and Troy can chase a front row grid position. Czech rider Jakub Smrz (Ducati) dominated both sessions today, ending with a lap of 1:36.058 - three tenths of a second inside the lap record set by Jonathan Rea last year. Second quickest is reigning champion Max Biaggi (Aprilia), with Marco Melandri (Yamaha) third and Michel Fabrizio (Suzuki) fourth. The top six bikes today were all different manufacturers and just one and a half seconds separate the top thirteen riders. Troy - 6th, 1:36.876 The bike is feeling easier to ride and the power delivery is smoother. The recent tests gave us a decent amount of time to try things, without worrying about getting a good set-up for a race. In a race weekend, we make quite a few changes, but often do not have the time to see how these changes affect the bike over a long distance. Valencia allowed us to do that. Now the tyres seem to be holding up pretty well. We were on the hardest tyres all day - front and rear - and thatÔÇÖs something that we donÔÇÖt normally do. We didnÔÇÖt even use any soft tyres today - and that makes me happy because I have a feeling that theyÔÇÖll not last a race distance. If it gets a lot hotter, then weÔÇÖll probably have to give the soft tyres a go. IÔÇÖm also happy because weÔÇÖve pretty much already got a race set-up. Our bike works well here, particularly accelerating onto the long straights. The bike is still physical to ride but, because the power delivery is smoother, it feels less physical. It is responding to changes better now and itÔÇÖs easier for our technicians to work out whatÔÇÖs going on and then come up with ideas to make progress. So, all in all, things have gone well here today and IÔÇÖm looking forward to more of the same tomorrow. See ya. Troy

BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike Team - Assen - Practice Day 1
ÔÇó 15.04.2011
ÔÇó Press Release

Ayrton BadoviniÔÇÖs fall partly affected the first qualifying session of the third round of the World Superbike Championship. The BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike Team rider, having been twelfth fastest in this morningÔÇÖs free practice, held the fifteenth fastest time in qualifying, after completing twenty laps during the hour available.
Barry Veneman, substituting for James Toseland at this event, has begun to get to grips with the S 1000 RR, which he had ridden in the German championship, but with different regulations, and at the end of qualifying finished in sixteenth place.

The BMW Motorrad Italia Superstock Team were content with Sylvain BarrierÔÇÖs second place on his first outing with the S 1000 RR. Only three tenths separated the Frenchman from Giugliano (Ducati), provisional pole-sitter. Lorenzo Zanetti, meanwhile, continues his learning of the four-cylinder German bike and currently occupies tenth position.

Serafino Foti, sporting director of BMW Motorrad Superbike Italia Team said: "Ayrton fell, and that was bound to have affected the tests. The important thing is that we have not done any damage. Veneman has been getting to know the bike and the team, continuously working with his engineers. Both riders will be trying to improve tomorrow. As for Superstock, Sylvain has made a good start. We have a few detailed adjustment changes that we will try tomorrow morning in practice. Lorenzo is a little behind, as he is not accomplished in taking advantage of new rubber at critical moments. Tomorrow we will try to move further up the grid."

RESULTS QUALIFYNG
SUPERBIKE: 1??J. Smrz (Ducati) 1'36.058 - 2?? M. Biaggi (Aprilia) 1'36.287 - 3?? M. Melandri (Yamaha) 1'36"494...15?? A. Badovini (BMW) 1'37.613 - 16?? B. Veneman (BMW) 1'37"716.
SUPERSTOCK: 1?? D. Giugliano (Ducati) 1'39.538 - 2?? S. Barrier (BMW) 1'39.915 - 3?? D. Petrucci (Ducati) 1'40.053 - 4?? L. Baroni (Ducati) 1'40.054 - 5?? A. Antonelli (Honda) 1'40"100...10?? L. Zanetti (BMW) 1'41.061.

mika · Apr 16, 2011

Saturday, 16 April

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

WorldSBK releases its video magazine at the start of the next race weekend. LetÔÇÖs get warmed up for Assen by looking back to Donington Park
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RtXdELn88-M" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Alpharacing Newsfeed:
Friday, 15 April 2011. Weather conditions: Mostly cloudy. Temperature: Air: 16 ÔÇô 20 ??C, Track: 18 ÔÇô 21 ??C Number of riders participating: 21 from 12 teams Fastest lap Free Practice: Jakub Smrz (Effenbert-Liberty Racing) 1:37.159 min Fastest lap Qualifying Practice 1: Jakub Smrz (Effenbert-Liberty Racing) 1:36.058 min Everything goes according to plan for Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport at the third round of the FIM Superbike World Championship 2011 in Assen (NED). Works riders, Troy Corser (AUS) and Leon Haslam (GBR), finished the first qualifying session on their BMW S 1000 RRs in sixth and seventh. To save their soft tyres for tomorrowÔÇÖs Superpole, both riders only went out on harder tyres. For a long time Troy and Leon lay first and second. They only slipped back in the classification in the last part of the session, when other riders switched to soft tyres to improve their lap times. Troy Corser: Fastest lap Free Practice: 1:37.583 min (P4)/Fastest lap Qualifying Practice: 1:36.876 min (P6) ÔÇ£This Friday was fine, and this morning we had a good setting for the bike, based on last yearÔÇÖs settings and the test in Valencia. I was happy and comfortable with it. For this afternoon we made a few changes and went quite a bit quicker. At the beginning of the session we did a long run to get some laps on the tyre. That was quite consistent, so I am pretty happy with that as well. The setting of the bike is okay considering we only ran on hard tyres. I am happy. Of course it would be nice to be a bit further up the grid, but today itÔÇÖs not so important as itÔÇÖs only Friday. Everything is working the right way.ÔÇØ Leon Haslam: Fastest lap Free Practice: 1:37.606 min (P5)/Fastest lap Qualifying Practice 1: 1:36.989 min (P7) ÔÇ£It was a pretty good Friday. ItÔÇÖs nice to be back at Assen, and I am feeling very confident on the bike. We made some progress in Valencia last week, so we were kind of making a set up with what we had there. I am feeling pretty confident. We were doing nearly the whole session with only one tyre. In Valencia we had a few new chassis parts, so setting them up for a new circuit was the priority today. Right now we need to concentrate on doing race runs. I am looking for tomorrow.ÔÇØ Rainer B?ñumel (Head of Race Operations): ÔÇ£We are very happy with today, as everything is going according to plan. We have not used soft tyres so far, but saved them for tomorrow and today only ran on race tyres. I am pretty confident because, while everybody was on race tyres, which was until the last quarter of an hour, we were in front. So I think tomorrow will be even better for us.ÔÇØ

fim-live.com: Smrz bubbles up after fizzing first qualifying session

Suzuki-racing.com: Fabrizio 4th in Assen qualifying

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-Hx2oFycNXU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Yamaha-racing.com: Melandri and Laverty visit Yamaha Motor Europe Headquarters

SBK News in the WSBK Pit Lane at Assen for 1st Qualifying
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MotoGP

motorcycledaily.com: Combined rider and bike weight limit for MotoGP ÔÇô what do you think?

I received this from a fellow member about MotoGPÔÇÖs deal with the Circuit of the Americas,

Re: MotoGP coming to Austin,TX
________________________________________
We are still in the "can you believe it's happening for real?" stage as to how Austin got it over Houston/San Antone/Dallas, or anywhere else in the States for that matter. The local Ducati guy is smiling as well. To have this type of facility 45 minutes away from us is just too cool . I have had friends already telling me they are staying here when it debuts, so make room.
Included was a link to an article on a local TV station website.

I canÔÇÖt wait myself.

Formula 1

Friday leftovers

formula1.com Plenty to ponder in China

reuters.com: Ecclestone questioned by German state prosecutor

Saturday

Practice
Classifications
Lap Times

formula1.com: Vettel top as Webber hits trouble

Qualifying
formula1.com: Vettel Storms to Shanghai pole
formula1.com: Selected team and driver quotes

Classifications
Lap Times
Maximum Speeds
Sector Times
Speed Trap

Other Racing

roadracingworld.com: BMW Motorrad France 99 leads opening free practice at Bol dÔÇÖOr 24 Hour

fim-live.com: Suzuki Endurance Racing Team takes Bol dÔÇÖOr pole position

fim-live.com: FIM e-Power International Championship

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QldZiR9eQ_0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

2011 FIM SuperMoto World Championship - Busca (ITA)
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RAvi48PsHUU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

motorsportretro.com: Legends ÔÇô Gary Nixon

Paroday: 10 years of the Suzuki DR-Z from AshpahltandRubber
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On the Street

sciencefriday.com: How to balance a bicycle
<embed allowfullscreen="true" height="334" width="560" src="http://www.sciencefriday.com/embed/video/10376.swf" />

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/x1KYKex_pLg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Bikes in the Fast Lane: France ÔÇô 49% increase in motorcycle mortality for March 2011

cyrilhuzeblog.com: So you want to become a Harley-Davidson dealer
Maybe not but an interesting article anyway.

dealernews.com: MV Agusta recalls F4 due to faulty subframe

indiancarsbikes.in: Indian automobile engineering students make a motorcycle mounted ÔÇ£BicyvatorÔÇØ excavator

technologyreview.com: Online tracking bill of rights meets wave of gripes

webbikeworld.com: High Visibility Orange backpack review
I saw this and had a series of thoughts: What next? Make anything hi-viz and someone in the motorcycle press will review it .and the MOA community will endorse it as ATGAT. Is a thong hi viz by definition or color? Depends on your view I suppose. Never mind.

thekneeslider.com: Sora ÔÇô an electric street fighter from Lito Green Motion
With the exception of the $40k+ price tag, I LIKE IT!

MSF Question of the Day: What is the most important thing you can wear to improve your chances of surviving a crash?

MSF Tip of the Day: Night riding: if you can't seem to stay awake, find a suitable spot and take a short nap, or check in to a motel room for some sleep.

Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

Bigger isnÔÇÖt always better, even with bike candy. From JapanÔÇÖs The Gravel Crew viaSilodrome.com here is a tasty morsel

mika · Apr 16, 2011

Saturday Updates: WSBK Assen Superpole, F1

Superpole Assen
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Checa ÔÇô Assen 2011
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZuRj-HK63gE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Smrz ÔÇô Assen 2011
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QHwMG5rNbYQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Laverty ÔÇô Assen 2011
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OJlznFRM5_g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

worldsbk.com: Checa scores pole at Assen

1 7 C. CHECA ESP Althea Racing Ducati 1098R 1'37.114 1'36.596 43 1'35.292 1'35.292 171,590

2 96 J. SMRZ CZE Team Effenbert-Liberty Racing Ducati 1098R 1'36.058 1'36.263 40 1'35.560 0.268 1'35.560 171,109

3 58 E. LAVERTY IRL Yamaha World Superbike Team Yamaha YZF R1 1'37.024 1'36.729 40 1'35.580 0.288 1'35.580 171,073

4 41 N. HAGA JPN PATA Racing Team Aprilia Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'37.106 1'36.368 36 1'35.920 0.628 1'35.920 170,467

5 4 J. REA GBR Castrol Honda Honda CBR1000RR 1'37.063 1'36.035 43 1'36.138 0.846 1'36.138 170,081

6 1 M. BIAGGI ITA Aprilia Alitalia Racing Team Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'36.287 1'36.790 49 1'36.302 1.010 1'36.302 169,791

7 66 T. SYKES GBR Kawasaki Racing Team Superbike Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'36.747 1'37.036 40 1'36.351 1.059 1'36.351 169,705

8 33 M. MELANDRI ITA Yamaha World Superbike Team Yamaha YZF R1 1'36.494 1'37.559 41 1'37.036 1.744 1'37.036 168,507

-------------------------------------------------- Superpole 2 --------------------------------------------------

9 2 L. CAMIER GBR Aprilia Alitalia Racing Team Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'37.373 1'36.728 38 1'35.903 1'35.903 170,497

10 11 T. CORSER AUS BMW Motorrad Motorsport BMW S1000 RR 1'36.876 1'36.322 43 1'35.954 0.051 1'35.954 170,407

11 17 J. LASCORZ ESP Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'37.364 1'36.841 35 1'35.983 0.080 1'35.983 170,355

12 91 L. HASLAM GBR BMW Motorrad Motorsport BMW S1000 RR 1'36.989 1'36.455 40 1'36.089 0.186 1'36.089 170,167

-------------------------------------------------- Superpole 1 --------------------------------------------------

13 84 M. FABRIZIO ITA Team Suzuki Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'36.550 1'37.674 41 1'36.148 1'36.148 170,063

14 111 R. XAUS ESP Castrol Honda Honda CBR1000RR 1'37.424 1'36.643 35 1'36.260 0.112 1'36.260 169,865

15 50 S. GUINTOLI FRA Team Effenbert-Liberty Racing Ducati 1098R 1'37.899 1'37.005 39 1'36.361 0.213 1'36.361 169,687

16 86 A. BADOVINI ITA BMW Motorrad Italia SBK Team BMW S1000 RR 1'37.613 1'37.186 36 1'36.920 0.772 1'36.920 168,708

-------------------------------------------------- Others in Grid --------------------------------------------------

17 121 M. BERGER FRA Supersonic Racing Team Ducati 1098R 1'37.853 1'37.272 44 1'37.272 168,098

18 77 C. VERMEULEN AUS Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'38.452 1'37.501 29 1'37.501 167,703

19 37 B. VENEMAN NED BMW Motorrad Italia SBK Team BMW S1000 RR 1'37.716 1'37.569 33 1'37.569 167,586

20 44 R. ROLFO ITA Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'38.487 1'37.676 44 1'37.676 167,402

21 8 M. AITCHISON AUS Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'38.713 1'37.794 40 1'37.794 167,200

Alpha Racing: Assen ÔÇô 2 Qualifying and Superpole

Saturday, 16 April 2011. Weather conditions: Mostly cloudy. Temperature: Air: 16 ÔÇô 17 ??C, Track: 16 ÔÇô 19 ??C Number of riders participating: 21 from 12 teams Fastest lap Qualifying Practices: Jonathan Rea (Castrol Honda) 1:36.035 min Fastest lap Superpole 3: Carlos Checa (Althea Racing) 1:35.292 min Today Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport put in a strong performance, but did not get the reward it deserved. Works riders, Troy Corser (AUS) and Leon Haslam (GBR), will start the third round of the 2011 FIM Superbike World Championship at Assen (NED) from the third row. Troy finished the Superpole Qualifying tenth, and Leon twelfth. Before that both riders demonstrated the potential of their BMW S 1000 RRs. They finished all practice and qualifying sessions in top positions, with Troy being fastest in the second free practice. But in the second Superpole session the team suffered unexpected tyre issues. Troy Corser: Fastest lap Qualifying Practices: 1:36.322 min (P4) / Fastest lap FP: 1:35.818 min (P1) / Fastest lap Superpole 2: 1:35.954 min (P10) ÔÇ£On race tyres the bike feels good. We are able to run consistently good lap times and our race pace looks good for tomorrow. Superpole today was certainly disappointing, as we struggled to get the optimum performance from the qualifying tyres. So tomorrow we will have to focus on getting a good start and try and push to run with the riders on the front row. Still I am confident enough in my starts to hopefully achieve that.ÔÇØ Leon Haslam: Fastest lap Qualifying Practices: 1:36.455 min (P6) / Fastest lap FP: 1:36.457 min (P6) / Fastest lap Superpole 2: 1:36.089 min (P12) ÔÇ£Today was a tough day, as we have good race pace and our times on race tyres are good. We have worked on fine tuning our set-up for the race this weekend, and we are happy with the progress we made on that side. Sadly when we put on the qualifying tyres we suffered from some issues that prevented me from going any quicker. ItÔÇÖs a shame to finish up in twelfth because my times on race tyres were good enough to get me through to Superpole 3. The qualifying tyre just didnÔÇÖt work for us today. ItÔÇÖs frustrating because this is the first time I have been off the front row. Still we now need to forget about this and concentrate on the tomorrowÔÇÖs races.ÔÇØ Rainer B?ñumel (Head of Race Operations): ÔÇ£Unfortunately in the second Superpole session we struggled with our qualifying tyres. Both riders were affected by this, so we only qualified for the third row. Tomorrow we will try to make the best we can out of it. We are quite confident because our long run performance with race tyres is still very good. I expect very close races - the same as we saw here last year. We have to try to be in the leading group, and then a lot will be possible.ÔÇØ

[img[http://m1ka.smugmug.com/photos/i-bkdJsXm/0/M/i-bkdJsXm-M.jpg[/img]

BMW Motorrad Motorsport - WSBK- Assen - Superpole
ÔÇó 16.04.2011
ÔÇó Press Release
Weather conditions: Mostly cloudy.
Temperature: Air: 16 ÔÇô 17 ??C, Track: 16 ÔÇô 19 ??C
Number of riders participating: 21 from 12 teams
Fastest lap Qualifying Practices: Jonathan Rea (Castrol Honda) 1:36.035 min
Fastest lap Superpole 3: Carlos Checa (Althea Racing) 1:35.292 min

Today Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport put in a strong performance, but did not get the reward it deserved. Works riders, Troy Corser (AUS) and Leon Haslam (GBR), will start the third round of the 2011 FIM Superbike World Championship at Assen (NED) from the third row. Troy finished the Superpole Qualifying tenth, and Leon 12th. Before that both riders demonstrated the potential of their BMW S 1000 RRs. They finished all practice and qualifying sessions in top positions, with Troy being fastest in the second free practice. But in the second Superpole session the team suffered unexpected tyre issues.

Troy Corser:
Fastest lap Qualifying Practices: 1:36.322 min (P4) / Fastest lap FP: 1:35.818 min (P1) / Fastest lap Superpole 2: 1:35.954 min (P10)
ÔÇ£On race tyres the bike feels good. We are able to run consistently good lap times and our race pace looks good for tomorrow. Superpole today was certainly disappointing, as we struggled to get the optimum performance from the qualifying tyres. So tomorrow we will have to focus on getting a good start and try and push to run with the riders on the front row. Still I am confident enough in my starts to hopefully achieve that.ÔÇØ

Leon Haslam:
Fastest lap Qualifying Practices: 1:36.455 min (P6) / Fastest lap FP: 1:36.457 min (P6) / Fastest lap Superpole 2: 1:36.089 min (P12)
ÔÇ£Today was a tough day, as we have good race pace and our times on race tyres are good. We have worked on fine tuning our set-up for the race this weekend, and we are happy with the progress we made on that side. Sadly when we put on the qualifying tyres we suffered from some issues that prevented me from going any quicker. ItÔÇÖs a shame to finish up in 12th because my times on race tyres were good enough to get me through to Superpole 3. The qualifying tyre just didnÔÇÖt work for us today. ItÔÇÖs frustrating because this is the first time I have been off the front row. Still we now need to forget about this and concentrate on the tomorrowÔÇÖs races.ÔÇØ

Rainer B?ñumel (Head of Race Operations):
ÔÇ£Unfortunately in the second Superpole session we struggled with our qualifying tyres. Both riders were affected by this, so we only qualified for the third row. Tomorrow we will try to make the best we can out of it. We are quite confident because our long run performance with race tyres is still very good. I expect very close races - the same as we saw here last year. We have to try to be in the leading group, and then a lot will be possible.ÔÇØ

BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike Team - Assen - Practice Day 2
ÔÇó 16.04.2011
ÔÇó Press Release

The BMW Motorrad Superbike Italia Team has managed to enter Superpole for the first time with Ayrton Badovini who finished qualifying in sixteenth place. In Superpole Ayrton was not able to make better use of his qualifying tyres with the current set-up and will start from the fourth row.

In the second qualifying session, a spectacular crash in which Barry Veneman was involved, meant he wasnÔÇÖt able to do better than 19th and he will start from the fifth row.

Ayrton Badovini said: "I am pleased to be able to enter Superpole for the first time. It was definitely a goal I had set for myself. We've not got the perfect set-up and, with the qualifying tyre, some negative aspects are magnified. I'm pretty confident for the race, for which tyre wear will count a lot, and it will be interesting to see what happens from mid-race onwards".

The BMW Motorrad Italia Superstock team riders, in their 2011 debut, could not have done better, as Sylvain Barrier took pole position. The Frenchman took pole by just over a tenth of a second from the first Ducati. Lorenzo Zanetti is continuing to bond with the S 1000 RR, ridden by him for the first time this year, and will start from second row having set the eighth fastest time.
Serafino Foti, sporting director of BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike Team said: "It 's the first Superpole of the season and the first time Ayrton has used the qualifiers. Unfortunately, he wasnÔÇÖt able to take full advantage of the tyres, which give the best time on their first lap. We must work hard to improve in this area in the future.

The Superstock team has made a good start. Sylvain was able to take pole position, thanks to the teamÔÇÖs hard work, although he had a small problem that slowed him towards the end, otherwise he would have found more time. Lorenzo, who has been struggling, starts on the second row but looking forward to the race we have found the right direction. This year the Superstock championship will be a fight between many riders right down to the final victory.ÔÇØ
SUPERBIKE - SUPERPOLE: 1?? C. Checa (Ducati) 1'35.292 - 2?? J. Smrz (Ducati) 1'35.560 - 3?? E. Laverty (Yamaha) 1'35.580...16?? A. Badovini (BMW) 1'36"920...19?? B. Veneman (BMW) 1'37.569.
SUPERSTOCK: 1?? S. Barrier (BMW) 1'39.208 - 2?? D. Giugliano (Ducati) 1'39.338 - 3?? D. Petrucci (Ducati) 1'39.470...8?? L. Zanetti (BMW) 1'40"208.

Chris Vermeulen Assen Qualifying
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suzukiracing.com: Fabrizio held back in Superpole

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{url=http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/5-news/7172-stock-pot-stirred-by-barrier-and-bmw.html]worldsbk.com[/url]: Stock pot stirred by Barrier and BMW STK1000

STK600 Race ÔÇô Assen 2011
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Formula 1

fia.com: Chinese Grand Prix - Conference 3
16/04/2011
DRIVERS

1. Sebastian VETTEL (Red Bull)
2. Jenson BUTTON (McLaren)
3. Lewis HAMILTON (McLaren)

formula1.com: Qualifying analysis - can McLaren end VettelÔÇÖs winning streak?

formula1.com: Interview ÔÇô Nico Rosberg

mika · Apr 17, 2011

Sunday, 17 April

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

The best laid plans of mice and men aft gang agley.

Friday practice and qualifying sessions were conducted by BMW with the intent of getting to Superpole but saving tyres. That worked. They werenÔÇÖt as fast as the Italian horde chasing Smrz in Q1 but on hard tires Corser and Haslam turned in a decent performance.

Looking at the results for Superpole 1 the gap between the ideal lap time and the best lap time suggest that both had their bikes dialed in for the pole chase but in Superpole 2 the same sheets point to Haslam quickly falling out of the setup sweet spot. With no gap between ideal and actual in the first session the gap increased to 0.122 and his position dropped form P6 to P12 and he did not advance to the final round. CorserÔÇÖs gap changed little between the two sessions but the resulting lap time in the second session only put him one position up on his teammate in P11.

Reports from the team and riders point to problems with the qualifying tyres. If I understand CorserÔÇÖs explanation the team is getting a handle on setting the S 1000 RR up for the hard compound tyres and the race compound but the qualifying compound is another story completely. They are not getting the right setup to manage tire degradation over the three Superpole sessions.

Twitter: realleonhaslam: That wasn't the plan, 12th on the grid is never great but tomorrow is another day.

Sunday races bring new sets of tyres for new day. Hopefully the Enigma Cavalry will dial in a setting that manages the race day tyres over the length of the 22 lap race; this no small challenge for them to overcome. Starting this far back in the grid puts pressure on the start. The tyres will take extra punishment as the race progresses and riders push them to the limit dueling for position and hopefully advancing in the process.

I will post race results latter today.

Troy CorserÔÇÖs website:
Troy once endured a frustrating time with his qualifying tyres and could not realise the potential he had shown in practice and qualifying. Until Superpole Troy had been consistently high up, even finishing fastest in this morningÔÇÖs free practice, but problems using the soft qualifying tyres in Superpole 2 prevented any further progress. Carlos Checa (Ducati) took his third Superpole of the season, with a lap of 1:35.293, with Jakub Smrz (also Ducati mounted) second. Third went to Eugene Laverty (Yamaha), with Noriyuki Haga (Aprilia) fourth. Troy - 10th, 1:35.954 After our recent tests and yesterday and todayÔÇÖs practice and regular qualifying sessions, we thought that we had the bike sorted. On race tyres, I am confident that I can run with the best, but our problem today was once again how the bike behaves when it is on qualifying tyres. ThereÔÇÖs more grip, particularly edge grip, but the bike begins to spin and the clutch control and engine braking also seem to get affected. Unfortunately, we never get qualifying tyres just to test for a long period of time, so we cannot make the necessary changes that the bike obviously needs for them. My team mate Leon is having the same issues, so I know that itÔÇÖs not just me experiencing this situation. I can have a bike thatÔÇÖs working perfectly well on race rubber, but feels completely different on qualifying tyres. ItÔÇÖs frustrating for sure and, although itÔÇÖs not a new problem, it is one that we have to sort out if we are to make the next step forward. The good news is that my bike feels good on race tyres - they are lasting pretty well and the engine braking feeling is probably the best it has been. Also the bike has good acceleration and, as I normally make good starts, I hope I can be in with the mix at the front on the first lap. See ya, Troy

asphaltandrubber.com: Fresh tires aid Checa to Superpole at Assen

2011 Manufacturer Standings before the Assen Races
Ducati 95
Yamaha 74
Aprilia 66
BMW 53
Honda 38
Kawasaki 32
Suzuki 27

MotoGP

motorcycledaily.com: Yamaha working quickly to close the gap with Honda in MotoGP

Formula 1

Saturday :Leftovers;

jamesallenonf1.com: ÔÇ£Too easyÔÇØ for Vettel as he takes pole for Chinese Grand Prix

Sebastian Vettel Pole lap China
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f1technical.com: Catching fresh breath

Sunday

formula1.com: Hamilton takes sensational Shanghai win

bbc.co.uk: Hamilton storms to China victory over Red Bulls

bbc.co.uk: Chinese GP as it happened

Starting Grid

Race
Classifications
Lap Chart
Lap Analysis
Fastest Laps
fHistory Chart
Pit Stop Summary
Sector Times
Top Speed

reuters.com: Provisional Drivers and Constructors standings

Other Racing

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On the Street

motorcyclistonline.com: Superbikes on the grid at Bonhams Stafford Auction

2012 EBR (Erik Buell Racing) 1190RS engine build & dyno test bike official video
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motoaus.com: Rusian Road of bones on a harley

Cage | indiancarsbikes: BWMÔÇÖs 3 cylinder engine out in the open

powersportsbusiness.com: Lawmakers urge NHTSA motorcycle safety focus

FWIW

It is election time at the BMW MOA and apathy has been a hot topic. (This sentence is an oxymoron)

TEDTalks: Dave Meslin ÔÇô The antidote to apathy
Local politics -- schools, zoning, council elections -- hit us where we live. So why don't more of us actually get involved? Is it apathy? Dave Meslin says no. He identifies 7 barriers that keep us from taking part in our communities, even when we truly care.

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Are there things we can learn for our organization from this talk and apply to our setting?

Reference: :

BMW-Motorrad.com:

Download Manuals
Familiarise yourself with your new motorcycle so that you can ride it safely and confidently in all traffic situations. Please read your Rider's Manual carefully before starting to use your new BMW motorcycle. It contains important information on how to operate the controls and how to make the best possible use of all your BMW's technical features. In addition, it contains information on maintenance and care to help you maintain your motorcycle's reliability and safety, as well as its value.

Breakdown Dictionary
To make sure that you are never lost for words, we have put together the BMW Motorrad breakdown dictionary. We have collected the most important breakdown terms in a number of languages, to help you communicate your problem at any time.
Tyre Options
Tyres - the most important connection between your BMW motorcycle and the road. Would you like to get an up-to-date overview of the tyre options for your BMW? No problem - here you will find details of the tyre types and dimensions available. All you have to do is select the model series and model for your BMW motorcycle to get an overview of the wheel and tyre combinations.

Tips
Before every journeyÔÇª
Before a log tripÔÇª
Before winterÔÇª
How to clean your motorcycle

Decorah Egles WebCam
Decorah Eagles

Total views: 11,167,542 First hatch 4/2/11.
24-hour collage of first egg pip and hatch
Second hatch 4/3/11.
First glimpse of second hatchling
Third hatch expected in a couple of days.

The Raptor Resource Project brings you the Decorah Eagles from atop their tree at the fish hatchery in Decorah, Iowa.

CHAT ROOM IS OPEN 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT DAILY.
To view and participate in chat you must be logged in. Chat room is typically full; refreshing your browser page will eventually give you access.

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

MSF Question of the Day: If your motorcycle starts to wander back and forth over a metal bridge grating, what should you do?

MSF Tip of the Day: Become more visible at night by adding reflectors to the rear

Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

A challenging BMW 75/5 custom from Revival Cycles via BIKEEFXIF

Revival Cycles founder Alan Situberg found his inspiration for this custom in the R32 according to BIKEEXIF. ÔÇ£The R2 represented a simpler time in BMWÔÇÖs historyÔÇØ says Alan.

Lord Sebastian Coe, two-time Olympic champion and Chairman of the London Organisation Committee for the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympics (LOCOG), with the BMW R32 at the BMW Museum (01/2010

For the picture of the R32 BIKEEXIF points us to a previous post on their blog and pictures of a R32 inspired R1200 found elsewhere on this forum. That bike and the actual R32 from the BMW Museum pictured above have a certain elegance to them. They may represent a simpler time in motorcycling but lack the edge this custom has.

BMW Choppers are always are a challenge for MOA members. There is the mandatory comment that will appear in any thread that the parts should have been the basis for a full restoration rather than a chopper and crying sacrilege in the process.

If you spend some time actually looking at the pictures there are interesting details all over the bike. The LED taillight integrated into the rear frame. Controls are nice touch that works. The frame itself and its use of C tubes and round tubing is an unusual detail adding to the tone of the bikes look. The list goes on.

The longer I looked at the pictures the more I thought of Charlie Chaplin. While the R32 may well have been an inspiration for this custom build I sense the dark side of that earlier industrial era being expressed. This custom could easily have been ridden by the Little Tramp as he went to work in the factory scene in ChaplinÔÇÖs dark movie commentary on industrial society, Modern Times.

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This was the best quality and most complete video of this scene that I found. I am not fond of the video game soundtrack so turn the volume down.

mika · Apr 17, 2011

Sunday, 17 April - Race Updates

SBK

http://www.fim-live.com//en/media/n...a-and-checa-score-wins-at-assen/]fim-live.com fim-live.com: Rae and Checca score wins at Assen

SBK Race 1 - Assen 2011
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SBK Race 2 - Assen 2011
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Alpha Racing: Assen - Races
Sunday, 17 April 2011.
Weather conditions: Sunny with light clouds.
Temperature: Air: 15 – 19 ??C, Track: 17 – 26 ??C
Number of riders participating: 21 from 12 teams
Fastest lap Race 1: Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) 1:36.660 min
Fastest lap Race 2: Leon Camier (Aprilia Alitalia Racing Team) 1:36.476 min

Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport concluded the third round of the 2011 FIM Superbike World Championship in Assen (NED). In the riders’ championship British works rider, Leon Haslam, is now fifth (68 points). Troy Corser (AUS) moved up to 12th (26 points). In the manufacturers’ standings BMW is fifth with 74 points.

Troy had a very good start in race 1 and was lying third on the first lap. For most of the race he was pushing hard in a close fight with the leading group and finished sixth. Leon also made up positions at the start, but crashed on the third lap. He was able to continue and crossed the finish line in 12th. At the start of race 2 Leon made up a lot of places. He rode a consistent race finishing fifth. Troy’s second race was ended by a crash on lap eight. The races were won by Jonathan Rea and Carlos Checa respectively.

The team congratulates the successful riders of BMW S 1000 RRs at the legendary 24 hour race “Bol d’Or” at Magny-Cours, who celebrate two podium finishes. Team BMW Motorrad France 99 with S?®bastien Gimbert (FRA), Damian Cudlin (AUS) and Erwan Nigon (FRA) finished 3rd in the EWC Superbike class. In the Superstock class, BMW Team Van Boenig Motorsportschool with riders Michael Filla (CZE), Werner Daemen (BEL) and Matti Seidel (GER) also finished 3rd.

Leon Haslam:
Result Race 1: 12th, Gap to 1st: 00:45.289 min / Fastest Lap Race 1: 1:37.588 min
Result Race 2: 5th, Gap to 1st: 00:16.916 min / Fastest Lap Race 2: 1:36.816 min
“It’s been a tough weekend. We have been encountering a few minor issues this weekend which have made lap by lap consistency difficult. The situation obviously wasn’t helped by my crash in race 1. The back of the bike came round on me unexpectedly and I was unable to stop myself from crashing. I also got clipped by one of the other riders when I was on the floor, which meant I was a little sore for race 2. Still I got a good start in the second race and managed to get up with the leaders, but sadly I was unable progress through the pack. But we still managed to secure another top five finish, and I know we will go away from here, work hard back at the workshop and prepare well for Monza.”

Troy Corser:
Result Race 1: 6th, Gap to 1st: 00:11.120 min / Fastest Lap Race 1: 1:37.135 min
Result Race 2: DNF / Fastest Lap Race 2: 1:37.229 min
“The first race was not so bad, and I was pretty happy with that. For the second race we just made a few adjustments to the rear shock and I think we improved the bike. Then I unfortunately lost the front tyre going into a corner. I am okay with no injuries, but it is a bit disappointing. In the free practice all went okay, but in the race we had some issues with the tyre. But we are now going to analyse that and to improve it for the next race.”

Bernhard Gobmeier (BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director):
“Overall, we learnt a lot this weekend. In the first race Leon tried to win the race in the first couple of laps – he simply pushed a little too hard and lost the bike. He fought back bravely, but the race was over for him. Troy started the first race with 1:37 min laps, but unfortunately was not able to go at this pace all race long. His times dropped after five laps. After adjusting the traction control his lap times were good again, and he finally finished sixth. In the second race Troy struggled with grip, while Leon started well and was able to defend the fifth position up to the chequered flag. We now look forward to going to Monza.”

Troy Corser’s official website: Assen
Troy suffered mixed emotions at the third round of the Superbike World Championship in Assen today. He finished sixth in the first race, after being able to challenge the leaders, but failed to finish race two after crashing out after seven laps. Fortunately he only suffered bruising to his right elbow, but the DNF ruined what looked as if it was going to be a pair of top six finishes. In race one, Jonathan Rea (Honda) took the lead after three laps and was then never headed on his way to victory. Second was Max Biaggi (Aprilia), with Carlos Checa (Ducati) third. Checa had a race-long battle with Biaggi in race two, but held on to take the win by just over half a second at the flag. Rea took third, with Leon Camier fourth and Leon Haslam, fifth. Troy - Race 1: 6th, Race 2: DNF Race one was OK really. I made a great start and was lapping pretty consistently. When the tyres began to drop off, we had a bit of a strategy to alter the setting of the traction control. It took a few laps to get used to the new setting and while that was happening I lost some time (about four seconds or so) and contact with the leaders. Years ago, if that happened, you could have made up the time, but now everything is so close and competitive that it is not possible to do that anymore. So, sixth was not too bad. I had used hard tyres all weekend and in the first race, but the temperature was quite a bit hotter in race two, so we wanted to use the softer ones. But we were advised that the softer ones might not last the distance and, against our better judgement, we used hard tyres again. Soon after the start (which wasn’t a good one this time), I felt the tyres weren’t working properly. I was having a lot more spin and soon I started having problems staying on the bike. I nearly crashed a few times, but I wanted to try and carry on and get some sort of result. I was really struggling, accelerating out of the turns and was having to try and make up in the turns. I tried to go up the inside of Sykes and simply lost the front, because the tyre wasn’t working. I banged my right elbow on the ground, but I think the bike also hit my arm, because it’s sore. I am happy with race one, because it was all pretty close, but I expected a better result in race two. We should’ve tried to use the soft tyres in race two, because I’m sure they would’ve worked better and we would’ve finished the race and got some decent points. See ya, Troy

Twitter: BMWMotorrad: Leon Haslam: Although the Assen races didn't pass as planned, I still achieved a top 5 position and collected valuable championship points.

BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike Team - Assen - Race
• 17.04.2011
• Press Release

The TT Circuit in Assen brought BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike Team more World Championship points, won by Ayrton Badovini in both races with Barry Veneman also scoring championship points at this event, as substitute for the injured James Toseland(who could return for Monza).In Race 1, Ayrton put in good times hoping to earn championship points. He finished in ninth place, thanks to the retirement of some of his closest rivals. Barry did his job scoring two points at the chequered flag. In Race 2 Ayrton was unable to put in the same times as in the first race and managed to win one world championship point. Barry continued to the line with the S 1000 RR Superbike, finishing seventeenth.

Ayrton Badovini said: "I’m partly satisfied with the weekend. The bike started to work for me but there were some problems we couldn’t solve. We lack grip at full tilt and that costs us a lot. I still have to work so hard physically in order to get the best times. I have to hold on very tight for the racing line through corners, and for the race distance this is a challenge. I hope that for Monza we will have found a solution."

In Superstock, Sylvain Barrier set a lap record and started the race from the podium and is looking ahead to the championship after collecting 16 points for third place after the Frenchman rode practically the whole race on his own. Further back, Lorenzo Zanetti in his second race with the S 1000 RR, occupied fifth place but in the final stages fell to ninth place.

S erafino Foti, sporting director of BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike Team said: "In race 1 Ayrton did not have a good start, so on the first lap was 17th. After the start it is vital to stay with the leading pack and without being able to do that we were limited.In spite of everything by the halfway point in the races Ayrton’s pace had improved and he made up positions to ninth place, even though some of the gains were by others falling.. Race 2 was strange. Ayrton didn’t manage to get on the pace. We must understand what happened because we were too slow. I'm not at all happy with that race. Regarding Veneman, given the high level of competition in the championship, it was difficult to do more and the thirteenth place can be considered a positive. We thank him for his commitment and his professionalism. As I said yesterday, the Superstock championship will definitely be a fight because of the raised level of competition. Last year there were only two riders capable of winning. This year there are many more. I congratulate Giugliano and Petrucci on the two Ducatis because they rode a beautiful race and we, for the moment, will console ourselves with the third step of the podium. We showed our potential with this result and we'll need to increase our work programme. The team will participate at the FIM Cup race at Monza in the Italian championship the weekend before the next World Superbike/Superstock event."

RACE 1 - 1?? J. Rea (Honda) 35'46"486 - 2?? M. Biaggi (Aprilia) a 0.739 - 3?? C. Checa (Ducati) a 3.572...9?? A. Badovini (BMW) a 32.071...13?? B. Veneman (BMW) a 45.298.

RACE 2 - 1?? C. Checa (Ducati) 35'38"693 - 2?? M. Biaggi (Aprilia) a 0.524 - 3?? J. Rea (Honda) a 3.584...15?? A. Badovini (BMW) a 40.953....17?? B. Veneman (BMW) a 45.423.

CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS: 1?? Checa (Ducati) p. 132 - 2?? M. Biaggi (Aprilia) p. 89 - 3?? M. Melandri (Yamaha) p. 85....15?? A. Badovini (BMW) p. 20...20?? B. Veneman (BMW) p. 3... 22?? J. Toseland (BMW) p. 2
SUPERSTOCK: 1?? D. Giugliano (Ducati) 21'40"213 - 2?? D. Petrucci (Ducati) a 0.212 -
3?? S. Barrier (BMW) a 5.346....9?? L. Zanetti (BMW) a 11.519

STK1000 Race - Assen 2011
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ducati.com: Fourth win of the season for Checa and the Althea Racing Team at the TT Cicuit in Assen

hondaporracing.com: Rae tastes victory again at Assen

Suzuki-racing.com: Fabrizio fights to fifth at Assen

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Jonathan Rea's Assen Guide - by Eurosport
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Formula 1
reuters.com: Team by team analysis of the Chinese Grand Prix

reuters.com: Toro Rosso fined after wheel comes off

Other Racing

Suzuki-racing.com: SERT wins World Endurance opener

Honda TT Legends Bol d'Or pit stop - 4.45am
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Honda TT Legends - 9am pit stop at the Bol d'Or
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BMW Team RLL claims second consecutive ALMS GT win in Long Beach.
• 17.04.2011
• Press Release
Long Beach, 17th April 2011. Dirk M??ller (DE) and Joey Hand (US) drove BMW Team RLL to the top of the GT class podium for a second consecutive time this season at Saturday’s American Le Mans Series race at Long Beach (US). The no. 56 BMW M3 GT will be credited with the most laps led in the two hour contest, but not until the final minutes of the race were slowed by a caution flag was the outcome decided.

Hand started the race from the GT class pole and led for the opening laps, but lost the lead some 20 minutes into the race after an almost surreal set of circumstances. A few positions behind Hand, team mate Bill Auberlen (US), in the no. 55 BMW M3 GT, was hit by a competitor and spun around 180 degrees in the tight confines of turn two. By the time he was finally able to get pointing in the right direction, Hand had come back around and lost two positions as he avoided the accelerating Auberlen.

Hand gave chase and with a slick overtaking manoeuvre of two cars in turn six regained the lead at the 40-minute mark. A second battle ensued with a Porsche, and Hand lost the lead, only to regain it a second time as Patrick Long (US) slid into the wall. He built up a seven second lead before pitting just past the hour mark. M??ller took over and held the lead for the final hour of the race for the duo’s second consecutive GT win.

Dirk Werner finished the race in the no. 55 BMW M3 GT seventh in class, two laps in arrears. Following the traditional American Le Mans Series hiatus for the 24 Hours of Le Mans (FR) in June, BMW Team RLL will begin its defence of the GT class lead at Lime Rock Park (US), in Lakeville, Conn., on 9th July 2011.

Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director): “This was a great win by Joey Hand and Dirk M??ller in the no. 56 car and a great position to be in going into the Le Mans break. We are also confident we had the possibility for a one-two. Both cars are clearly very reliable, we have a strong team and strong drivers.”

Bobby Rahal (Team Principal): “This was a big win for us as we didn’t want to come to Long Beach and lose the advantage we fought so hard for in Sebring. Back-to-back wins are tough to come by in any series, but especially here in the GT class of ALMS, and this is a big victory for our team.”

Joey Hand (Car number 56): “I’m extremely excited. Finally I got this win at Long Beach. It’s a big deal for me, after coming here for ten years. I drove very hard in the beginning, in order to make sure Dirk M??ller would be in a good position. I knew he would then bring it home – and that’s exactly what he did.”

Dirk M??ller (Car number 56): “Joey Hand laid the foundation for this by taking pole position and putting in a great first stint. He was in control of the race in the beginning, which was impressive to see. Then he passed the pressure over to me, and I drove the car to the end. I was able to push hard on our Dunlop tyres and to hold off a very quick car behind us. We kept away from the walls and did it.”

mika · Apr 18, 2011

Monday, April 18

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

worldsbk.com: Standings – Riders
Haslam slips to P5 as Rae passes him after Assen.

worldsbk.com: Standings – Manufacturers
As Haslam goes so goes BMW slipping from P 4 to P5 in the Manufacturer standings after Assen

bmw-motorrad.com: Highs and lows for BMW Motorrad Motorsport

Kawasaki-racing.com: Points for Sykes and Lascorz

leon-cramier.net: Camier fights to fourth in Assen

speedtv.com: Fabrizio angry with Badovini after Superpole run in.

World Superbike Assen Race One Grid Walk
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Formula 1

formula1.com: Post race press conference

independent.co.uk: Hamilton puts a stop to Vettel’s run as McLarens’s tactics pay off

independent.co.uk: Champion admits Red Bull’s two-stop strategy backfired

smh.com.au: Driven to distraction – Danger of taking tactics too far

f1technical.net: Williams puzzled with exhaust update

bbc.co.uk: Fenando Alonso rear wing mystery explained

F1 2011 China Practice 2 Felipe Massa Vs Vitantonio Liuzzi
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Other Racing

thevintagent: Indian returns to the Isle of Man – You can help

thevitagent: 1911 – Indain sweep Isle of Man TT

ultimatemotorcycling.com: Suzuki wins Bol d’Or Endurance race

bmw-motorrad.com: Fit to race – with Troy Corser

On the Street

1000ps.at:
BMW comparison in the field test
No fear of big animals! - K1600GT, K1600GTL, Classic & R1200R G650

helmethairblog.com: Is building and restoring motorcycles a dying craft?

salisburypost.com: Harley hearse carries coffin to burial

ecconomictimes.indiatimes.com: BMW targets sale of 50 superbikes by year end
BMW in this case is the Indian importer and 50 bikes at the inflated prices they are charging is a challenge and a nice bunch of cash.

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<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/21274656" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/21274656">Pipeburn Video: Bonita</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user6235904">Pipeburn.com</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>

Reference: :

BMW-Motorrad.com:

Download Manuals
Familiarise yourself with your new motorcycle so that you can ride it safely and confidently in all traffic situations. Please read your Rider's Manual carefully before starting to use your new BMW motorcycle. It contains important information on how to operate the controls and how to make the best possible use of all your BMW's technical features. In addition, it contains information on maintenance and care to help you maintain your motorcycle's reliability and safety, as well as its value.

Breakdown Dictionary
To make sure that you are never lost for words, we have put together the BMW Motorrad breakdown dictionary. We have collected the most important breakdown terms in a number of languages, to help you communicate your problem at any time.
Tyre Options
Tyres - the most important connection between your BMW motorcycle and the road. Would you like to get an up-to-date overview of the tyre options for your BMW? No problem - here you will find details of the tyre types and dimensions available. All you have to do is select the model series and model for your BMW motorcycle to get an overview of the wheel and tyre combinations.

Tips
Before every journey…
Before a log trip…
Before winter…
How to clean your motorcycle

Decorah Egles WebCam
Decorah Eagles

Total views: 11,167,542 First hatch 4/2/11.
24-hour collage of first egg pip and hatch
Second hatch 4/3/11.
First glimpse of second hatchling
Third hatch expected in a couple of days.

The Raptor Resource Project brings you the Decorah Eagles from atop their tree at the fish hatchery in Decorah, Iowa.

CHAT ROOM IS OPEN 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT DAILY.
To view and participate in chat you must be logged in. Chat room is typically full; refreshing your browser page will eventually give you access.

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

MSF Question of the Day: If you are not riding slowly enough when you down shift, which of the following might happen?

MSF Tip of the Day: Don’t assume drivers see you when they’re merging onto a freeway. Move or adjust your speed. P.19

Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

via: Southsiders-mc.blogspot.com

BMW world record-braking 750k

History
In 1929 Ernst Henne set up the first of a total of 76 world records on
a 750 cc supercharged motorcycle derived from the R 37, posting a
record speed of 216.75 km/h. This motorcycle was continuously evolved
by Sepp Hopf and Rudolf Schleicher and, in its final version of 1935,
managed to claim a new absolute world record for BMW on 27th September
1935 with a top speed of 256 km\h.
Ernst Henne

Technical data
Engine / Displacement: 2-cylinder / 749 cc
Bore x Stroke: 83 x 68 mm
Power: approx. 100 bhp
Weight: 150 kg
Top Speed: 256 km/h (world record)

mika · Apr 19, 2011

Tuesday, April 19

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

ducati.com: First championship points for Maxime Berger at historic Assen

Castrol Honda @ Assen SBK
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Formula 1

lotusrenaultgrop.com: Vitaly reflects on China

formaula1.com: Montezemolo demands rapid improvement at Ferrari

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bhzuGRtVZKY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

reuters.com: F1 must do more to sell itself

Other Racing

motorcycle-usa.com: Bol dÔÇÖOr World Endurance results 2011
1. SERT, 35
2. SRS Kawasaki, 28
3. BMW Motorrad, 22
4. Bolliger Switzerland, 18
5. Honda TT Legends, 15
6. National Motos, 14
7. YMES Folch, 13
8. Yamaha France GMT, 11

On the Street

acem.eu: Moto Guzzi celebrates 90 years
Moto Guzzi Museum

A Yamaha r1 ÔÇ£dirt bikeÔÇØ
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Bikes in the Fast Lane: Not all squids are male

cyrilhuzeblog.com: Stargate by Garage 65

acem.eu: ACEM Report The Motorcycle industry in Europe

bikeadline.com: Victory motorcycles announces 2011 bikes with additional new models

The Mothership

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FWIW

Now the Mothrship is giving us an in house version of the old chestnut
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Stay tuned to this Bat Channel for the next exciting episode of R?ñd versus Cage.

Reference: :

BMW-Motorrad.com:
Download Manuals
Breakdown Dictionary
Tyre Options
Tips
Before every journeyÔÇª
Before a log tripÔÇª
Before winterÔÇª
How to clean your motorcycle

Decorah Egles WebCam
Decorah Eagles
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Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

MSF Question of the Day: The safest type of eye protection is which of the following?

MSF Tip of the Day: Insulated riding suits offer a good alternative in cold weather, and are especially popular with commuter riders

Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

McDeeb Clubman

An Italian builder making British style classic feeling bikes using Indian Royal Enfield engines that it sees as remaining true to the feel of the period. They start with a new Bullet 500EFI engineÔÇª

[img]http://m1ka.smugmug.com/Other/2011-Bench-Racing-and-the/untitled6/1256936547_P9Q93wP-O.jpg

Single-cylinder 4-stroke, 499 cc, bore and stroke 84x90mm, compression ratio of 8.5: 1 distribution with rods and rocker arms with hydraulic tappets to autoenroll, 2 valves, wet sump lubrication, air-cooled, max. 32 hp at 4500 g/m, max. 4.2 kgm (41.3 Nm) at 4500 g/m, euro 3.

ÔÇª and viola an instant classic.

Visian · Apr 19, 2011

Mika said:

great bike..... hideous logo. :sick

jstrube · Apr 19, 2011

I thought it as Mc DWEEB at first! Nice bike needs a name change!

mika · Apr 20, 2011

Wednesday, 20 April

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

crash.net: Haslam salvages top five on tough weekend

visordown.com: Biaggi and Aprilia, Rule Breakers!
Aprilia and Biaggi get away with a warning for an illegal fuel pump and plumbing.

Formula 1

guardian.co.uk: McLaren up to pace after poor pre-season, says Lewis Hamilton

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bbc.co.uk: German state prosecutors quiz Ecclestone

telegraph.co.uk: Rupert MurdochÔÇÖs News Corp considers Formula 1 takeover but: Bernie Ecclestone denies reportsÔÇª

Other Racing

Fuzzy but fun: Isle of Man 1969
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Team BMW Motorrad France # 99 monte on the 3rd step of the podium at the Bol d'Or!
19.04.2011 Press release

Taking advantage of unexpected weather conditions, Team BMW Motorrad France 99 pilots were able to demonstrate their potential and that of the BMW S1000RR winning a beautiful 3rd place in the Golden Bowl which it took place this weekend. The crew composed of Erwan Nigon, S?®bastien Gimbert and Damian Cudlin even offered the luxury to do the best time in the race. Enjoying a very good machine and high-performance ultra Michelin tyres, the Team BMW Motorrad France 99 omen of a future Championship the world of endurance.

S?®bastien Gimbert: "I have taken a cautious start because for us it was very important to cross the finish line and many teams fell from the start of the race so the first two relays I kept a certain reserve without losing contact with two men from fair head to me.". We always had a discomfort level of the brakes, so we did not have the right to the error. Around 1: 30 in the morning, this problem started seriously handicap me, the motorcycle became very physical and it was quite difficult to manage. The night was busy in all, we had technical problems requiring us to return to the stands several times and lose valuable time. Despite a powerful motorcycle, was the force throughout the night to catch up with our delay but this 3rd place is a wonderful reward for BMW, for the team as well as for us drivers. I know that the best is yet to come...

Erwan Nigon: "my first relay was enough difficult it was very hot and brake problems impeded me terribly." I didn't have a good feeling but as soon as the next relay, the outside temperature is in decline and it allowed me to gain efficiency. I had found a good feeling and I was more consistent in my chronos. Unfortunately as soon as the relay of after a mechanical problem forced me to return to the box. Then I again met big problems with the brakes because I have a particular pilotage and I use many of the rear brake and at the same time I manage my relay with only the brake prior to what was quite risky. We still kept a pace with my teammates and I am really happy to finish on the podium as in 4 years of Endurance is only the second time that I finished in the top 3 and with BMW as well as the team that this result could be achieved.

Damian Cudlin: "early in the race I was happy with the bike which was enough constant pleasant and healthy to fly.". 19: 20 Pm brake problems have begun to embarrass me also and I didn't think that ca would be difficult as early as the second relay. All night I've forced to compensate for this problem but an old injury in the front right arm me greatly suffer. The night was very difficult, exhausting, but I wanted to do my maximum pain in the morning to double the Bolliger Team with whom we fighting for 3rd place. With the headlights arm I couldn't do anything and I could no longer keep pace with my teammates. To put all the chances of our rating we decided this morning to 11: 00 that Erwan and S?®bastien end both the race. I am really lucky to have as strong teammates and can assume only the end of the race. Many thanks to BMW, the team and Michelin have all provided excellent work.

Michael Bartholemy, owner of the Team: "There was lots of fight during this race of 24 hours." Because of technical problems that occurred during the night we knew that victory would be difficult to aim. The two teams head, the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team and the Team SRC Kawasaki are experienced for years for this World Championship while we are novices in this area, therefore this suggests us that by shortly we will be fully operational in view of the outcome of this weekend. We have established a strategy for the last hours of race to ensure to the maximum the 3rd step of the podium. We had a result benefit on the Bolliger team threatening us since this morning with the Michelin tyres that allow our pilots to perform very fast tours from 1 to the last round of the relay. I am really satisfied and pleased with this result because we had not seen for BMW on a podium for many years and today we show that this S1000RR is a great machine, able to compete with Japanese manufacturers present in the Championship. This 3rd place is very important to me because take a European motorcycle pavement of European brand tyres in top 3 of the Championship of the world of Endurance was a goal that we had failed to achieve last season. I thank all those present here to the Bol d'Or who have contributed to the achievement of this outcome and especially to the pilots who have provided a more than satisfactory job and Marcel Driessen, Director BMW Motorrad France which gives us confidence and without which it would be possible.

Marcel Driessen, Director BMW Motorrad France: "I am very pleased to see the BMW on the podium in the world of Endurance Championship this had not happened for a long time.". The S1000RR is very powerful and I know that the Team BMW Motorrad France 99 performs a job offer us this award. ??
The next test of the Endurance World Championship will take place in Spain on the circuit of Albacete for a test of 8: 00 am on May 21 and 22.

BMW Conversations: Live at Sebring Part One

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Part Two

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On the Street

cyrilhuzeblog.com: Harley-Davidson Q1 earnings soaring
Growth in earnings should not be confused with motorcycle market recovery. H-D is projecting modest production increases..

Consolidations are happening elsewhere in the industry. thekneeslider.com: Polaris [Victory Motorcycles] buys Indian Motorcycles

sportrider.com: 2011 Ducati Diavel ÔÇô First ride

visordown.com: Will the Japanese strike back in 2012?
Speculation on the new focus for manufacturers in 2012

visordown.com: Is this the 2012 Honda CBR 600 RR?

visordown.com: YZF-250, YamahaÔÇÖs CBR250R rival?

The Mothership

BMW Motorcycles First to Offer Life-Saving Antilock Brakes (ABS) on all Models
19.04.2011
Press Release
Information from editor: For video footage visit the PR Newswire multimedia news release at: http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/bmw/49653/
Motorcycles with ABS 37 Percent Less Likely to Be in a Fatal Crash

Woodcliff Lake, NJ ÔÇô April 19, 2011ÔÇª After pioneering the concept of antilock brakes (ABS) on motorcycles 23 years ago, BMW Motorrad USA announced today that it will be the first motorcycle manufacturer to offer ABS as standard equipment on its entire range of 2012 model year motorcycles...more[
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Special Miller Races Ticket Package 2011 ÔÇô May 28-30
A Historical Event Approaches:

BMW Racing at Miller Raceway at SBK & AMA

BMW race fans at Miller Raceway in Toole, Utah this Memorial Day weekend will have an unparalleled opportunity to see BMW race teams in two major series in one location: World Superbike and AMA Pro Racing. The BMW Motorrad USA special ticket package is $215.00 and it includes:
- Three-day grandstand ticket
- Three-day paddock pass
- Parking and facility fees
- Exclusive BMW Hospitality with CCTV, including lunch and three beverages each day
- Exclusive BMW WSB racer meet and greet
- Exclusive BMW stunt riders meet and greet
- BMW goodies valued at $60.00
- Utah map from Butler Motorcycle Maps
- MMP Gifts including credential lanyard, event program, decal, lip balm and bracelet
- Concert viewing from BMW hospitality. (30-dollar value if purchased separately.)

Bands include:
Saturday, May 28: Dierks Bentley, with Sawyer Brown and Reckless Kelly supporting.
Sunday, May 29: Creedence Clearwater Revisited.

Two Ways to Order Tickets:
1) Via telephone at 435.277.RACE from Monday ÔÇô Friday 8:30AM -5:30PM Mountain Time. Additional fees: $2.50 if tickets are mailed, no fee if put in will-call
2) Via internet at www.bigmweekend.com/bmwmotorrad - use code BMWMOTORRAD.
Additional fees: approximately $16.50 no matter if tickets are mailed or put in will-call.

bmw-motorsport.com: We are 50,000

FWIW

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Reference: :

BMW-Motorrad.com:
Download Manuals
Breakdown Dictionary
Tyre Options
Tips
Before every journeyÔÇª
Before a log tripÔÇª
Before winterÔÇª
How to clean your motorcycle

Decorah Egles WebCam
Decorah Eagles
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Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

MSF Question of the Day: Which of the following is true of frequent head checks?

MSF Tip of the Day: When riding at night, wear only clear eye protection (not tinted), and keep it clean and free of scratches.

Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

mika · Apr 21, 2011

Thursday, 21 April

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

motomatters.com: Aprilia Denies rumors of illegal fuel pump in Biaggi’s RSV4

moto.it: Leon Camier also complained of Max Biaggi

Formula 1

sport360/com: Adrian Newey – The man who gives Red Bull Racing wings

jamesallenonf1.com: F1 set for electric only in the pit lane?

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Other Racing

usridernews.com: Harley-Davidson hit by disruption in Japan

speedtv.com: Kevin Schwantz on Wind Tunnel
Grand Prix legend Kevin Schwantz talked with Dave Despain about MotoGP's future in Austin, Ben Spies, and technology vs. talent in today's racing. ...

fim-live.com: FIM and myclimate collaborating on carbon offset

2011 MAXXIS FIM Enduro World Championship - Vale de Cambra (POR)
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On the Street

sprotrider.com: 2011 Yamaha FZ8
motorcycledaily.com: 2011 Honda CB1000R – MD first rid

The new head of French BMW has called for one and lord knows it has been talked about on this forum. When is BMW going to give us a naked RR?

ultimatemotorcycling.com: Tire inspection tips from Dunlop

ecoseed.org: Two wheel electric vehicles to number 138 million by 2017
At present there are 17 million electric motorcycles and scooters on the road according to market analyst Pike Research. But electric versions of the two vehicle categories could number 138 million by 2017 globally, with an annual growth rate of 9 percent

jsonline.com: Arthur Davidson, son of motorcycle company co-founder

wsj.com: Are motorcycle fatalities poised for an increase?

autoevolution.com: New Ferrari Enzo prefromance to match Bugati Veyron’s

The Mothership

Absolutely emission-free – the MINI on two wheels. Car boot-compatible folding bike for urban mobility.
• 20.04.2011
• Press Release

Munich. MINI presents the eco-friendly solution to the parking space problem in city centres. The brand is celebrating the comeback of the folding bike with a modern version of the practical means of locomotion. The special gimmick: when folded, the MINI Folding Bike fits into the boot of almost every vehicle – and most definitely into the MINI. When travelling into the city, simply park the car outside the overcrowded city centre, then continue on the bike and relax. Park & Ride with an environmentally conscious understatement!...more

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ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS AT AUTO SHANGHAI 2011
• 19.04.2011
• Press Release

Embargo: 0700 GMT, 1500 SHANGHAI : 19 April 2011, Goodwood

• World debut for Ghost Extended Wheelbase
• Specially commissioned China Edition bespoke Ghost and Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary Collection cars presented
• First quarter global sales more than doublecompared to the same period in 2010
• China expansion plans announced

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled its new Ghost Extended Wheelbase model for the first time at the 14th Auto Shanghai Motor Show on Tuesday, 19 April 2011.

First world debut for a Rolls-Royce car in Asia Pacific
…read more

MSF Question of the Day: Which of the following causes the greatest danger for motorcyclists?

MSF Tip of the Day: Gear up w/a DOT-helmet with face shield or eye protection, riding jacket, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and full fingered gloves.

Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

I like a good engine pic as Bike Candy.

Magnat Debon

The French Magnat-Debon 1927, 350cc OHV, BMSS superpsport model, Blackburne engine, three speed gearbox, maximum speed: 110kmh.

Found on Southsiders-MC

mika · Apr 22, 2011

Friday, 22 April

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

worldsbk.com: HaslamÔÇÖs season so far

Xaus spent most of his time with BMW Motorrad Motorsport being frustrated; (cue Sonny and Cher) the beat goes on.
thechekeredflag.co.uk: Xaus frustrated despite Castrol Honda success

Assen Revisited: This is the qualifiying and the superpole 1,2 and 3
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/EH1yljJvXkM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

MotoGP

roadracingworld.com: Indianapolis Motor Speedway infield road course to be partially repaved before MotoGP race in August

I think this bodes well for three MotoGP races in the US future. Read what MotoMatters thinks.

autosport.com: No replacement if Motegi is canceled

visordown.com: Electronics ot ruin 1000cc MotoGP slides?

Formula 1

formula1.com: Peter Sauber ÔÇô We have reached our first target

bbc.co.uk: Kubica set to leave hospital soon

espnstar.com: Slater ÔÇô What have we learned so far?

guardian.co.uk: Bernie Ecclestone the only winner in fight to grab F1 wheel

reuters.com: Team Louts linked to Caterham takeover
If Team Louts looses its court battle with Lotus Renault GP and is forced to relinquish the use of the Lotus name the purchase of Catherham would provide a tenuous link to the historic past and Colin Champman.

Other Racing

Best Shots of the 2011 Bol d'Or 24H (France) - QTEL FIM Endurance World
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/x-rgxN5aKko" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Preview ahead of this weekend's GP of Valkenswaard, Netherlands. The Honda World Motocross Team give their thoughts.
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yCw9llvjvBI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Marc Coma ÔÇô X Fighters ÔÇô Abu Dhabi Deset
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<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DEPdftOUXUM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

On the Street

cmgonline.com: Two new scooters coming from BMW

motorcyclenews.com: Staff bikes: BMW G650GS ÔÇô ÔÇÿQualityÔÇÖ

motorcyclenews.com: Suzuki / VW tie-up yields first fruit?
During the automotive meltdown GM divested its share of Suzuki. VW picked up the pieces with an eye toward technology, China and the Asian market in general.

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bTD48stS6Uk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

2011 Yamaha Motorcycle & Scooter Range global advertising
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/knB4avAYpL0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

2011 KTM 125 Duke shooting in Barcelona (Spain): behind the scenes
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/c8e1l3k4xJY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The Mothership

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<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WrxwuEgS_HA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

FWIW

BMW Motorrad head Hendrik von Kuenheim has taken over as head of the ACEM, EuropeÔÇÖs motorcycle industry council. How he will impact that organization remains to be seen but the impact on the direction of BMW Motorrad seems clearer. The ACEM has focused on the advantages of Powered Two Wheelers (PTWs) for use in solving EuropeÔÇÖs urban transportation problems. As part of the effort to get a seat at the mobility planning table it has emphasized its economic impact on the European economy.

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PS5boM8H_q8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The ACEM has lobbied Brussels and individual EU member states for changes to make motorcycling safer. The eSUM Project, the European Safer Urban Motorcycling Project, is one example of this. The results of the project study were presented in Barcelona recently.

In the U.S. motorcycle safety discussion centers around rider training, ATGATT and a limited number of other issues. The eSUM report looks at those along with infrastructure issues to safely integrate PTWs into the flow of urban traffic. Several of these are shown in this video about the eSUM Project.

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The importance of rider training is not in doubt. What constitutes proper equipment can start heated debates. Yet there is a dearth of discussion about the infrastructure those trained riders, no matter how they gear up, will use. Our discussions focus on accident avoidance and survival ignoring the infrastructure issues that can decrease the need for either.

Lane splitting is but one area of this discussion. Opening of bus only lanes for use by motorcyclist, staggered stopping areas shown in the video and even the markings used on the roadways present areas for improvements in safety.

Reference: :

BMW-Motorrad.com:
Download Manuals
Breakdown Dictionary
Tyre Options
Tips
Before every journeyÔÇª
Before a log tripÔÇª
Before winterÔÇª
How to clean your motorcycle
[color=ÔÇØredÔÇØ]New[/color]
ascycles.com: BMW Motorcycle Service and Maintenance Schedules

Decorah Egles WebCam
Decorah Eagles
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Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

MSF Question of the Day: If you find yourself on a large, slippery surface covered in ice or snow, what should you do?

MSF Tip of the Day: When riding at night, flash your brake light often when stopped. It's more noticeable than a steady light.

Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

A recent tweet on Twitter/@BMW Motorrad lead to pictures of this 1934 BMW R11. I have no information on the specific bike. Checking BMW Motorrad InternationalÔÇÖs Historical BMW models I found the R11 Series 1 began production in 1929. The Series 5 was produced in 1934.

Production

Begin of the Production 1934

End of the Production 1934
Numbers Produced 7.500 (series 1-5)

Price 1.630,- RM

Engine

Internal Designation M 56 S 5

Motor Type four-stroke two-cylinder flat-twin

Bore x Stroke 78 x 78 mm

Displacement 745 ccm

Max Power 20 hp at 4000 rpm

Compression Ratio 5.5 : 1

Valves sv

Carburetion System 1 x carburettor type Amal 6/406 SP and 6/407 SP

Engine Lubricating System forced-feed lubrication

Oil Pump gear pump

Power transmission

Clutch two plates, dry

Number of Gears 3

Shifting manual/tank shifting gate

Gearbox Ratios 2.83 / 1.55 / 1.08

Rear Wheel Ratio 1 : 4.07 (with sidecar 1 : 4.75)

Bevel / Crownwheel 14 / 57 teeth (sidecar 12 / 57)

Electrical system

Ignition System battery ignition, optionally magneto ignition

Generator Bosch B 245 RS or magneto generator D 2 BRS 167

Spark Plugs Bosch W 175 T1

Chassis

Designation F 66 S 5

Frame twin-loop pressed steel frame

Front Wheel Suspension plate spring, 9 laminae

Rear Wheel Suspension rigid

Wheel Rims 26 x 3.5 safety rims

Tyres front 26 x 3.5 low pressure or 26 x 3.25 high pressure

Tyres rear 26 x 3.5 low pressure or 26 x 3.25 high pressure

Brakes front drum brake ?ÿ 200 mm

Brakes rear cardan brake, width 55 mm

Dimensions / Weights

Length x Width x Height 2100 x 890 x 940 mm

Wheel Base 1380 mm

Fuel Tank Capacity 14 l

Unladen Weight, Full Tank 162 kg

Load Rating 210 kg

Fuel Consumption approx. 4,50 l/100 km

Oil Consumption approx. 1 - 2 l/1000 km

Top Speed 112 kph

Bench Racing & The Morning Reads

Still Wondering

Still Wondering

Still Wondering

look out!!!

John.

Still Wondering

Still Wondering

Still Wondering

Still Wondering

Still Wondering

Still Wondering

Still Wondering

Still Wondering

Still Wondering

Still Wondering

look out!!!

John.

Still Wondering

Still Wondering

Still Wondering

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