Morning Reads: 1 March 2007

[mika]

The motorcycling world viewed from the saddle of a BMW. A daily look at all things BMW, Euro-bike, products and things I find interesting on the internet. With links to news, reviews, events, riding skills, maintenance and racing series updates. Morning Reads is a one stop shop for motorcycling information.

TodayÔÇÖs Birthdays / Calendar

World of BMW news

Thr return of snow speed hill.

BMW MOA Chartered Club:

club: BMW Motorcycle Owners of Alabama, #5
founded: 9/1/1971
contact: Marty Simpson (isoaiti@aol.com)
10010 Torino Drive SE.
Huntsville, AL 35803 US
www.bmwmoal.org

meetings: Last Sunday of each month, 9 am, various campgrounds statewide.
events: Rocket City Rally, Ditto Landing, Huntsville, AL, Memorial Day weekend


Gem??tlichkeit is the warm, comfortable feeling
one receives from pleasant surroundings and atmosphere.
I think you will find that when you come here.

[/img]

Ozaukee ÔÇô Washington Daily News

Fond Du Lac Reporter

The Sheboygan Press

Daily Citizen, Beaver Dam

Weather

West Bend WI
Current

10 Day Forcast

United States
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

Canada
Meteorological Service of Canada


Travel Information ÔÇô Driving Conditions and other related information sites.

News:

thegarage.com : Why is there a gas shortage in Toronto?

nst.com My mythical mount.

Baltimoresun.com are CarFax worth it?

motorcycledaily.com ÔÇô Moto Guzzi reveals Stelviao to dealers.

mtorcycledaily.com : Troy Lee Designs ÔÇÿ Canyon ChaserÔÇÖ streetbike concept.

On the other end of the market for this type

inter-bike.co.uk New Honda Varadero 125 is in the shops. Europeans and the rest of the world have a very different appreciation of 2 wheels. At least when it comes to size.

superstreetbike.com ÔÇô Motorcycle Racing School ÔÇô The Streets

theKneeslider.corm ÔÇô AmericaÔÇÖs most beautiful motorcycle??? Give me a break

motorcycledaily.com ÔÇô Ride review of the H-D Nightster

Book Review:

Book Review from webBikeWorld.com of Motorcycle Electrical Systems Troubleshiiting and Repair by Tracy Martin.

Blog Update:

Carla Laking

Gear:

motorcycle-usa.com ÔÇô DOWCO soft sided luggage for the sporty crowd.

Riding Skills:

Accident Scene Management, Inc. A crash course for the motorcyclist.

Video:

Bikes in the Fast Lane ÔÇô four TV commercials that use two wheelers to sell products. This is fun.

Woot

Todays Woot

The Blog

Over Heard in New York | Voice of the City


Bike Candy:

From Vintagebike.co.uk : 1972 Honda CB350F2

All things BMW

BMW Group Press Club:

Tracking the news from BMW at their English language sites and Germany

PressClub USA

BMW AT THE 77th INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW GENEVA 2007

World premieres and vision are the focus of the BMW presentation at the 77th International Motor Show in Geneva. In addition to the new BMW 1 Series, BMW is introducing the new BMW 5 Series and the new BMW M5 Touring to the public for the first time. BMW is also showing three models that only a few weeks earlier celebrated their world premiere. The new BMW 3 Series Convertible underscores the feeling that spring is just around the corner.

The new edition of the BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) smoothes the way to a unique combination of driving dynamics, function and exclusivity.
And with the BMW Hydrogen 7, the world's first hydrogen-powered luxury saloon for everyday driving, BMW has drafted the trendsetting perspective of a form of mobility that is free of pollutants and independent of fossil fuels.

With this large number of premieres, the BMW presentation in Geneva will launch a very eventful model year for the company. In the following months, BMW will be setting a number of new standards in various vehicle segments for dynamics and sporty driving pleasure. These high standards are highlighted by the presentation of a spectacular concept study whose appearance makes a definitive statement about peak performance and fascinating aesthetics.

In addition, visitors to the Geneva Motor Show from the 8th to the 18th of March, 2007, can learn about current innovations in the drive sector in which BMW has continued to advance the principle of efficient dynamics.

The engines being introduced are, among others, the exceptionally economical yet spirited four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines deployed in the new BMW 1 Series. With High Precision Injection, direct petrol injection for lean-burn operation is available for the first time in six- and four-cylinder engines. The new four-cylinder diesel powertrains penetrate a new dimension of efficient dynamics thanks to their all-aluminium crankcase, the most advanced turbocharger and the latest generation of common rail fuel injection. They offer a clear performance advantage at an optimised weight and considerably reduced consumption and emission levels.

BMW is also setting standards for efficiency and intriguing engine power n other engine segments. A detailed overview of the drives developed for the new models documents the company's outstanding expertise in engine construction at the International Motor Show. The spectrum encompasses the exceptionally efficient eight-cylinder engine i for the new BMW 5 Series, the prize-winning V10 engine for the BMW M5 Touring and the dual-mode twelve-cylinder engine of the BMW Hydrogen 7 with direct petrol injection and a hydrogen intake manifold supply.

BMW also offers more diversity than ever before in the all-wheel drive segment. In model year 2007, the intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel drive is available for 26 models in four series. xDrive is standard equipment in the SAV models of BMW X5 and BMW X3, and is optional in the Saloon and Touring models of the BMW 5 and 3 Series, while it is available for the first time in the BMW 3 Series Coup?®. At the International Motor Show in Geneva, BMW will provide visitors insight into how the system works, as it not only improves traction on unpaved surfaces but also improves driving dynamics on paved roads due to its fast reaction times and highly variable distribution of engine power between the front and rear axles.

A new level of supremacy behind the wheel is also provided by the innovative driver assistance systems employed in the current BMW models. Features being presented are the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function for the new BMW 5 Series, the Head-Up Display, the BMW Night Vision system and the Rear View Camera, available for the first time in the BMW X5. Details are also provided on the modern chassis and suspension systems such as DynamicDrive and Active Steering, which further enhance sheer driving pleasure.


PressClub Canada

Formula BMW Germany 2007 - Welcome workshop for juniors

Start of the Education and Coaching Programme.
Munich, 28 February 2007. The young Formula BMW Germany drivers sponsored by BMW in 2007 will meet in Munich on 5th March to mark the start of the Education and Coaching Programme for the Formula BMW Germany Juniors. In addition to a tour of BMW's motor sport division, the international line-up of racing talents will have the opportunity to meet BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen personally. The Juniors will also visit the Mobile Tradition division, a non-public "treasure house" containing historic BMW race and road models, concepts and other extraordinary one-offs.

Taking part in the 2007 BMW sponsoring programme are Brazilian Pedro Bianchini, Dutchman Luuk Glansdorp, Frenchman Adrien Tambay and the two German drivers Kevin Mirocha and Jens Klingmann. The Formula BMW Germany Juniors receive financial backing for the season to the sum of 50,000 euros. Following the welcome workshop in Munich, comprehensive seminars will be held on a regular basis up to the end of the season, covering driving technique and tactics, chassis set-up and aerodynamics, fitness and nutrition, and sponsoring and media training.

From 29th to 30th March the drivers participating in the Education and Coaching Programme will take a driver induction course in Oschersleben. In April they will attend a fitness camp in Leverkusen and visit a television studio in Munich followed by media training. In the course of the season there will be several points of contact with BMW's Formula One programme. At the German Grand Prix on the N??rburgring the young drivers will be granted an exclusive look behind the scenes, while in the summer they will visit the wind tunnel site in Hinwil, Switzerland.

A highlight for the Juniors will be personal encounters with the professional BMW racing drivers. At the European Formula One GP, BMW Sauber F1 Team driver Nick Heidfeld will answer questions during an interview session. On the occasion of their guest appearance on the undercard of the World Touring Car Championship at Oschersleben, J?Ârg M??ller will invite the drivers on a tour of the pit area. F1 test driver Sebastian Vettel will be paying a personal visit to one or other race. It was in Formula BMW, after all, that he gained his first racing experiences

Motorsports PressClub

BMW SAUBER F1 TEAM - TEST IN BAHRAIN - DAY 2
Test in Bahrain.
27th February - 1st March 2007
Day two - Wednesday

Weather conditions: sunny all day
Temperatures: Air: 21/25??C, Track: 23/35??C
Number of cars participating: 16
Fastest lap overall: 1:30.640 min, Felipe Massa, Scuderia Ferrari

Nick Heidfeld:
Chassis / engine: BMW Sauber F1.07-02 / BMW P86/7 V8
Test kilometres today: 395 km (73 laps)
Fastest lap: 1:32.254 min

Robert Kubica:
Chassis / engine: BMW Sauber F1.07-04 / BMW P86/7 V8
Test kilometres today: 292 km (54 laps)
Fastest lap: 1:32.648 min

Programme:
The entire day was interrupted time and time again by red flags. Despite the interruptions, in the morning session Nick completed his scheduled programme for testing mechanical set-ups. Robert's programme was further hampered by a hydraulic leak in the morning. In the afternoon the team was able to complete its scheduled programme and concentrated on optimizing mechanical set-up on both cars and carried out some tyre comparisons.

What comes next:
Tomorrow will be the final day of pre-season testing for all F1 teams. Nick and Robert will be sharing driving duties again and doing final systems checks for the forthcoming season's opener in Melbourne. They will also carry out the final confirmation of the cooling system as the highest ambient temperature of the entire pre-season testing is expected in Bahrain tomorrow.

 

[mika]

Page 2

MR Traveler
A growing list of links to use for trip planning and on the road.
PM me with links that you have found useful and think should be listed.
PM me with things that you would like me to try and find.

Openroadjourney.com bills itself as ÔÇ£dedicated to motorcyclists who love great motorcycle roads, routes, and rides.ÔÇØ

South Dakota: Interactive trip planner

Alaskan Marine Highway System

The 2007 Maine travel planning guide is now available at VisitMaine.com. Or register here for an electronic version.

FOOD
Custardlist.com : Custard stands listed by state.

Winery locator by State within the USA.. From allamericanwineries.com

Roadfood.com : This is the site of the Sterns, authors of the original Road Food book. The site features a restaurant of the day and more.

http://www.travelwisconsin.com/maps_guides.aspx] TravelWisconsin.com[/url] : Maps and Guides - Who doesn't love a free map or travel brochure? Take your pick below. You can download them for instant fulfillment. Or have us mail honest-to-goodness printed versions right to your door.

Sundaymorningride.com Sunday Morning Rides an interactive community portal for motorcycle riders to access, explore, plan, and share motorcycle tracks via a sophisticated ride mapping system that combines GPS, geographic information systems, database, and Google mapping technologies.

Oregonmotorcyclist.com is dedicated to opening a window on the motorcycling opportunities available in this great state and sharing their riding experiences with you.

Motorcycle-USA.com : Ride Guide. Reader driven information so the listings will vary by area.

BMW MOA ÔÇô Two resources not to be overlooked.
Camping with information on packing, planning, the basics, gear, places and tips of all kinds.

Global Touring with Court Fisher : covering Touring in North America, Europe and beyond.

Mapart.com Canadian Maps ÔÇôRoad Atlases, Street Guides, Folding Maps and more.

Radio-locator.com : radio station search engine

A growing messy list of links; I am cleaning up loose ends and it is messy.
WisconsinMotorcycling.com

511.alaska.gov: Alaska Road Traveler Information Service.

Great-Lakes.net: Great Lakes Cirle Tour Information.

mileageslaves.com : Mileage Slaves has a variety of resources for you.

MotorcycleRoads.us: ÔÇ£Your one-stop resource for great motorcycle roads.ÔÇØ

pashnit.com California Motorcycle Roads ÔÇô This site has gone subscription but is worth the entry fee.

Bestbikingroads.com: Aspiring to be the pashnit version of all of the US and Europe.

Off the Road : Your Guide to New Mexico Main Streets.

GERMANY
Web.de : Route planer for Germany.

Stadplan.net Maps

Continental Divide Trail Information
fs.fe.us: Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.
cdtrail.org: Continental Divide Trail Alliance
continental Divide Trail Society
[url=http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_trail/continen.htm]gorp.com: Map of the Continental Divide Trail and Travel

Ontario.bikerides.ca: Ontario Motorcycle Rides

USPS.com : Find a Zip. Zip codes are used by many travel related internet tools. If you donÔÇÖt know the Zip Code they are worthless. Find a Zip will help solve that problem.

Canadapost.ca: Travel plans for Canada? Postal Code Lookup is the tool.

Canadian Border Services Agency : Traveling to Canada this summer?



ridefim.com: Welcome to the FIMÔÇÖs Internation Touring site.

AMADireclink.com
The AMA site has organized a lot of useful information that can be accessed using these links. Thank you AMA. For now I feel no need to reinvent this wheel.

AMADirectlink.com Trip planning information including :
Weather websites | Mapping sites | State Tourism bureaus|
Toll- free hotel numbers | Campgrounds | Nationwide dealer locator

AMAdirectlink.com : Local AMA race | event locator tool.

Internet Caf?® Directories
No one directory will deliver all that is available on any subject. Here are three links to start you off before you wade through millions returns on of a search engine will generate for you.

Internet-caf?®-guidl.com - Here is an Internet cafe directory of cybercafes in the U.S.

ca.dir.yahoo.com- YahooÔÇÖs directory to Canadian internet caf?®s.

Wifi Hotspots
Starbucks.com The Starbucks store locator. Not an endorsement but they seem ubiquitous.

Libraries often are excellent sources for internet access. There are too many to list but for the 2007 National Rally in West Bend:
West Bend Community Memorial Library: Home page
:West Bend Community Meorial Library: Acceptable Internet Use Policy.

Map Sources

Mapnetwork.com

Madmaps.com : Motor Adventure Destination Maps

Maps.com

topozone.com: interactive topo maps

Trails.com

Trails.com: Best Scenic Drives in Wisconsin

TOURS

adventure.gs

DragonBikeTour.com China

Go-Overland.com : Overland Expedition Resources

KTMtravel.com : An adventure travel resource for all kinds of information.

Steelponytours.co.uk: Steel Pony Motorcycle Tours of Spain.

The Pit Crew View: Racing Series 2007
The Pit Crew View has links to many racing series schedules and more.
Last updated 13 February 2007

 

[mika]

R 1200 S

Just in time for today’s rider dealer visit prep look at the R1200S Bike Magazine’s website updated its long term test of the R1200S.

OneWheelDrive.net compares the R1200S and R1100S

From BMW’s Press Kit :
The new BMW R 1200 S.


Check the national BMW sites for more model information.
BMW-motorrad.ca - Canada

BMWmotorcycles.com - USA


1. Concept and Features.


Introducing the new R 1200 S, BMW Motorrad is proudly presenting the most powerful production Boxer the world has ever seen – a machine stand?¼ing out clearly from all other models in the range. This new addition to the Boxer series is following in the footsteps of the successful R 1100 S, with the focus clearly on sporting performance and dynamic riding character?¼ist?¼ics.

This expression of superior performance and sporting power is borne out from the start by the athletic looks of the R 1200 S: From the front fairing with the “kidney” grille so typical of BMW and the asymmetric dual head?¼lights all the way to the unmistakable silencer at the rear and the LED tail lights, each and every line and feature of this new model simply exudes pow?¼er and dynamism all the way.

BMW Motorrad quite intentionally chose the former model as the benchmark in creating the design of the new R 1200 S. And together with this distinctive legacy, the responsible designers were able to successfully bring out a par?¼tic?¼ular touch of lightness and dynamism in the looks of the new machine – not least thanks to its more slender and perhaps even more athletic silhou?¼ette bearing clear testimony to the outstanding lightweight technology of the R 1200 S: Overall weight of the new machine in road trim but without fuel is a mere 190 kg or 430 lb, making it 13 kg or almost 29 lb lighter than its 1,100-cc predecessor. And with the tank full, overall weight of BMW’s new Sports Boxer is an equally impressive 213 kg or 470 lb.

Modified in numerous important features, the 1,170-cc engine offers
enor?¼mous power reserves reaching a peak of 90 kW/122 hp at 8,250 rpm. These figures alone underline the sporting standard of the new model, which nev?¼er?¼theless does not seek to be a supersports. Rather, one of the most impor?¼tant objectives in developing the new R 1200 S was to achieve a perfect syn?¼thesis of sportiness and everyday riding qualities enabling the rider to take on a relaxed seating position for effortless riding enjoyment
even on long distances. And thanks to its slender waist – a result of the
seat configu?¼ration optimised around the rider’s legs – the R 1200 S also
provides safe and secure ground contact when at a standstill.

It almost goes without saying that BMW’s new Boxer comes with all the
fea?¼tures so typical of the brand, such as a fully controlled catalytic converter, the single-wire system for the on-board network complete with an electronic immobiliser, a smooth and easy-shifting six-speed gearbox, maintenance-free shaft drive with a single swinging arm, as well as Telelever front wheel suspension. The specific set-up of the suspension and running gear ensures extremely precise and smooth handling at all times further enhanced by the high-performance brake system: Optional BMW Motorrad ABS anti-lock brakes combine low weight and fast response simply perfect for the sports rider – in this case without the integral function but with on-demand opera?¼tion allowing the rider to deactivate ABS on the race track.

The wide range of BMW options and accessories also reflects the custom?¼er’s wishes and special requests. The enthusiast seeking to highlight the looks of his machine as a sporting performer, for example, while at the same time enjoying each and every bend in the road, has – to mention just two ex?¼amples – the choice of an extra-wide rear wheel as well as the high-per?¼form?¼?¼ance ?ûhlins sports suspension with spring struts variable in length.

The most sporting and dynamic Boxer of all times is ready to go!
The most important features of the new R 1200 S at a glance:
• Air-cooled flat-twin 1,170-cc power unit with balance shaft.
• Max output increased to 90 kW/122 hp at 8,250 rpm.
• Electronic BMS-K engine management with dual ignition, knock control, two oxygen sensors, and a fully-controlled three-way catalytic converter.
• Light and stable, three-piece frame structure made of steel and alumini?¼um tubes.
• Extra-stiff Telelever with sensitive response and superior steering pre?¼cision.
• EVO Paralever with extra-light driveshaft.
• Dry weight 190 kg/430 lb, weight in road trim with full tank 213 kg/470 lb.
• Front fairing support made of extra-light pressure-cast magnesium.
• Tail light with 18 LEDs.
• Silencer with tailpipes positioned beneath one another directly under the rear fairing.
• Aerodynamically optimised, extra-slender body.
• Sports suspension with superior steering precision.
• High-performance brake system.
• New, extra-light ABS (optional).
• Wide range of accessories tailored to the sports rider.


Boxer engine with even more power.
BMW’s new Sports Boxer benefits from the innovations already featured on the R 1200 GS: Displacing 1,170 cc, the two-cylinder features four valves and two spark plugs per cylinder, thus following the basic principle of the flat-twin power unit of the GS model. But at the same time far-reaching mod?¼ifications ensure much higher peak output than on the RT and ST mo?¼dels. Particularly

the modified cylinder heads enable the R 1200 S to develop an impressive 90 kW/122 hp smoothly delivered to the crankshaft running in anti-friction bearings. Power is transmitted via new, high load-resistant con?¼necting rods made of extra-strong steel alloy. The camshafts with modified control timing and larger valve lift rotate no longer in two, but rather in three bearings serving to further enhance the stiffness and precision of the entire valve drive system. Harder valve springs and reinforced rocker arms take the high speed of the engine of up to 8,800 rpm into account, a speed level incidentally never seen before on a BMW Boxer.

New pistons are also one of the significant changes made on the S power unit, increasing the geometric compression ratio to 12.5 : 1 and thus marking a new record for an air- and oil-cooled power unit. This enormous compres?¼sion ratio serves in particular to boost torque at low and medium engine speeds, the flat-twin developing maximum torque of 112 Newton-metres or almost 83 lb-ft at 6,800 rpm, despite the emphasis on supreme peak power. On the road, this means supreme engine response and muscle at all times, the flat-twin developing its maximum output on premium plus (RON 98) fuel. And at the same time the engine is also able to run smoothly on 95-octane premium thanks to its anti-knock sensors, with only a minor reduction of power.

Throttle butterflies and intake manifolds enlarged in diameter by 5 milli?¼metres or 0.20???? to 52 millimetres or 2.05???? and interacting with the modified intake funnel to boost the cylinder charge also serve to increase engine out?¼put. Due to the large intake cross-sections, the throttle butterfly housings feature special, progressively-acting kinematic control, the rider’s com?¼mands in calling up engine power being delivered to the throttle butterflies not on a linear curve, but rather with a variable transmission ratio.

It goes without saying that the machine’s electronic intake manifold injection, together with the engine management and exhaust manifolds, is specially tailored to these modified flow conditions, the interior diameter of the exhaust gas manifolds being increased by 5 millimetres or almost 0.20???? to
50 millimetres or 1.97???? on the new R 1200 S.

Despite its sporting character, the high-performance flat-twin power unit of?¼fers the same running smoothness as the existing models in the R 1200 Se?¼ries –
a particular feature attributable, not least, to the balance shaft. The dog-shift six-speed gearbox weighing just 13 kilos or not quite 29 lb as well as lightweight shaft drive have already proven their qualities on the new Box?¼er generation and are now being carried over without requiring any mod?¼ifications to the R 1200 S.

Refined frame.

Another proven concept is the multi-dimensional frame structure on the
R models integrating the engine into the chassis and suspension as a
load-bearing element: The R 1200 S features a three-piece frame specially gear?¼ed to the qualities and characteristics of this sports motorcycle.

The central and front sections of the tubular frame structure are made of steel, while the rear frame bolted in place is made up of extra-light square aluminium tubes. The advantages of this structure are not only low weight, but also simple and low-cost repair of accident damage at the rear.The passenger footrest supports also bolted on to the frame come off easily within just a few moments, for example for riding the R 1200 S on a race track.

Stable Telelever with a steep steering head angle.

Steering precision is a particularly important requirement on a sports
motor?¼cycle. But apart from an absolutely precise response to his steering com?¼mands, the rider also expects clear feedback from the front wheel.

This is precisely why the Telelever front wheel suspension on the R 1200 S comes with fixed tubes measuring 41 millimetres or 1.61???? in diameter and wheel travel of 110 millimetres or 4.33????. Featuring longitudinal arms supported on a specially matched spring strut, the Telelever does not require any mainten?¼ance and reduces brake dive to a minimum.

The geometry of the suspension is new and has been specifically tailored to the R 1200 S, even the basic data and configuration figures clearly highlight?¼ing the agility and superior handling offered by this Sports Boxer on winding roads, naturally in conjunction with low weight in road trim with a full tank of just 213 kg or 470 lb: Measuring 66??, the steering head angle is 1?? steeper than on the former model, while front wheel castor is now just 87 millimetres or 3.43????, instead of the former 100 millimetres or 3.94????. As a result, the rider will hardly even notice that wheelbase is up from 1,478 to 1,487 millimetres (58.19 to 58.54????). What the sports rider will however notice and appreciate immediately is that the R 1200 S allows him to lean over at an angle 2 per cent lower in bends than on the former model, enabling the rider to reach an extreme position of up to 52??.

Spring strut with travel-dependent damping in support of the EVO Para?¼lever.

The big advantages of the BMW Motorrad Paralever are well known and widely acknowledged: Benefiting from its lifetime oil filling in the axle drive, the lightweight driveshaft with single-arm wheel guidance requires abso?¼lutely no maintenance and is hardly any heavier than a conventional swing?¼ing arm with chain drive.

Made of cast aluminium, the entire structure rests on the frame of the motor?¼cycle via a modern gas-pressure spring strut with travel-dependent damping (TDD) and offers 120 millimetres or 4.72???? spring travel. Travel-dependent damping operates as a progressive system: The further the spring strut moves in, the stronger the counteracting damper forces be?¼come. In all, therefore, the system ensures a smooth and sensitive response to minor bumps on the road as well as superior stability on bad or strongly on?¼dulating surfaces.

Light-alloy wheels in dynamic design with radial sports tyres.

The sweeping, dynamic design of the aluminium wheels has already attract?¼ed attention on BMW Motorrad’s sporting and dynamic K-models and is now to be admired for the first time on the Boxer Series. Particularly the stylish rear wheel is a genuine eye-catcher, the high-rising silencer allowing a free, unobstructed view of the wheel.

The R 1200 S is also a genuine sportsman when it comes to wheel dimen?¼sions: The 3.50 x 17-inch wheel at the front runs on a 120/70 ZR 17 radial sports tyre with particularly good grip, while the 5.50 x 17-inch wheel at the rear features a high-grip radial sports tyre measuring 180/55 ZR 17. And as an option, the R 1200 S is available straight from the factory with a six-inch rear wheel running on a 190-format tyre.
Sports brake system with ABS as an option.

The new BMW R 1200 S is an uncompromising performer also in its brake technology: The front wheel comes with two brake discs measuring 320 millimetres/12.60???? in diameter and 4.5 millimetres/0.18???? in thickness, and held in position when required by two four-piston swing callipers. This brake system outperforms the brakes even the R 1100 S, which already were quite outstanding with its brake discs measuring 305 millimetres or 12.01???? in dia?¼m?¼eter and 5.0 millimetres/almost 0.20???? across.
The rear wheel, in turn, comes with a double-piston floating calliper acting on a brake disc measuring 265 millimetres or 10.43???? in diameter.

Benefiting from brakes of this standard, even the sports rider out on a race track can rely on smooth and consistent, precise brake response with oper?¼at?¼ing forces reduced to a minimum. Hydraulic control and superior operation of the brake pistons is ensured by high-quality, steel-reinforced brake hoses.

Choosing an appropriate ABS anti-lock brake system, the engineers at BMW Motorrad focused from the start on the sports-minded rider: The sys?¼tem used on the R 1200 S is an upgraded two-channel ABS configuration without an integral function or brake servo, excelling through low weight and compact dimensions and thus adding just 1.5 kilos or 3.3 lb to the overall weight of the machine.This low weight is made possible by a newly designed, extremely compact pressure modulator featuring linear-control intake valves for optimum brake pressure at all times in the usual ABS control range, that is when applying the brakes with the risk of the wheels locking. This superiority is ensured by
very fast and precise control intervals, the new control valves with their infin?¼itely variable cross-section also enhancing the feeling of smoothness for the rider, who will feel only a minor pulse effect in the brake levers.A further advantage for the rider is the option to deactivate ABS when riding on a race track.

BMW Motorrad’s new ABS anti-lock brakes again come with an even wider range of diagnostic functions, the wheel speed sensors, for example, auto?¼matically supervising their distance from the sensor wheel and thus contrib?¼uting to the supreme standard of all-round safety offered by the system.

 

[mika]

CAN-bus on-board network, cockpit with a wide range of rider infor?¼mation, and electronic immobiliser featured as standard.

It almost goes without saying that BMWÔÇÖs new Sports Boxer comes with the single-wire system (SWS) on-board electronics already featured on the R 1200 GS. Having already proven its merits a million times over in the auto?¼mobile, this superior technology offers a wide range of benefits: It re?¼duces the number and length of cables required, uses CAN-bus technology to connect all control units, and in this way facilitates the process of diag?¼nosing all kinds of running conditions. A further advantage is that the system eliminates the need for conventional melt-down fuses by automatically switch?¼ing off the component involved in the case of malfunction.

Using data provided by the single-wire system, the rider is able to retrieve and call up lots of information via the Info-Flatscreen. As an example, the digital display presents the gear currently in mesh, the amount of fuel left in the tank, current oil temperature, the time of day, and the range remaining on the fuel still in the tank. And in presenting all this information with opti?¼mum clarity, a photo-cell control unit even takes ambient light conditions into account, automatically adjusting instrument light intensity to current require?¼ments.

Even the aficionado of analogue instruments will be thrilled at first sight by the cockpit, two circular dials with white faces providing clear information on the current speed of the machine and engine revolutions.

An electronic immobiliser is naturally standard on all BMW motorcycles as an appropriate reflection of their high class and quality. So to the start the en?¼gine the rider intentionally requires more than a key with the right con?¼tours, since the chip integrated in the original BMW key must in all cases first transmit the right code to the annular aerial on the combined steering and ignition lock, thus enabling engine management to clear the engine for the starting process. This technology is currently the safest and most reli?¼able system protecting a vehicle from theft.

Body design ÔÇô slender and athletic all in one.

Even at very first sight, BMW MotorradÔÇÖs new Sports Boxer boasts an even more slender and dynamic figure than its predecessor, while nevertheless
tak?¼ing up the unmistakable design language of the R 1100 S. The front end of the new machine is dominated by an asymmetric dual headlight featuring reflectors with geometrically optimised free-shaped surfaces carried over from the GS model. High-intensity H7 bulbs ensure bright illumination, and the cover lens made of scratch-proof polycarbonate coating new in its struc?¼ture and material qualities harmonises perfectly with the BMW kidney grille further down guiding the air flowing by straight to the engine oil cooler.

The sporting windscreen likewise comes with a scratch-proof surface coat?¼ing and is fitted in position in the upper section of the fairing by means of spring brackets facilitating, for example, the subsequent assembly of a tint?¼ed windscreen available as an option. A further advantage is that the fasten?¼ing points are no longer visible from outside, making the entire front section smooth and clean in design, with all features and components fitting togeth?¼er perfectly. And last but certainly not least, the direction indicators inte?¼grat?¼ed in the rear-view mirrors also make an important contribution to this supe?¼rior style and good looks.

Yet another striking feature is the fairing support made of light pressure-cast magnesium. Finished in Graphite Grey metallic paintwork and fastened in po?¼sition by aluminium bolts, this important component is an integral feature of the overall design concept and may be admired not only by the rider sit?¼ting on the machine, but also by an outside observer.

Featuring a new silencer and exhaust emission outlets placed beneath one another, the rear end of the motorcycle is accentuated particularly in its ver?¼tical look. The extra-large, voluminous muffler is positioned below the rear fairing smoothly and attractively integrating the direction indicators into the overall design. A further feature boasted right at the top is the new tail light with no less than 18 light-emitting diodes comprising both the reversing and brake lights operating in two different levels of brightness. Compared with a conventional tail light cluster, the light-emitting diodes require only about
10ÔÇô20 per cent of the usual level of energy, while at the same time offering a much longer service life and significant safety benefits thanks to their even faster response time.

Focusing on technical features, the aerodynamic qualities of BMW Motor?¼radÔÇÖs Sports Boxer deserve particular mention, especially after being per?¼fected
in the wind tunnel: With sporting performance naturally being one of the main considerations in the development process, greater significance has been given in this case to the lowest possible drag coefficient as op?¼posed to enhanced protection from wind and weather. But this does not mean that the carefully designed, low-slung windscreen on the R 1200 S does not give the rider efficient protection around his upper body, thus ef?¼fectively reducing wind forces at high speeds.
The new BMW 1200 S stands out not only through its technical features,
but also through superior all-round harmony in design. Indeed, seen from above the distinctive waist of the new model is almost a bit sensual.

BMW offers the R 1200 S in no less than four different colours, each of which gives the machine a particular, individual touch. Paintwork in Night Black non-metallic, for example, focuses your view on the essential and con?¼veys an immediate feeling of sporting elegance, while White Aluminium matt metallic highlights in particular the design language and lines of the R 1200 S. A particularly striking touch is ensured by Yellow non-metallic with a dark, matt-metallic centre stripe stretching from the front end of the machine via the fuel tank all the way to the seat.

And last but certainly not least, an especially outstanding colour is twin-tone paintwork in Red non-metal?¼lic/Ti?¼tanium Silver metallic, creating a new touch time and again from different per?¼spectives and visually integrating the red seat into the overall colour con?¼cept of the motorcycle.

Ensuring a relaxed and sporting posture.

A sports motorcycle must allow the rider to lean forward in a dynamic, ÔÇ£fastÔÇØ position in order to benefit in full from his ÔÇô or her ÔÇô preferred style of riding. Indeed, the shift in weight provided in this way generates an optimum load on the front wheel when braking and entering a bend, and keeps the wheel even better on the road when accelerating.
Despite these important considerations, the handlebar remains at exactly the right height to avoid any undue loads or forces acting on the riderÔÇÖs wrists. Seat height of 830 millimetres or 32.7???? and the well-conceived ar?¼rangement of the riderÔÇÖs footrests guarantee a comfortable knee angle al?¼lowing the rider to keep his knees firmly on the tank. A further advantage is that the rider will find it easy to reach the ground with his feet, the seat par?¼ticularly slender at the front keeping the overall distance from one foot to the other on the ground to a mere 1,810 millimetres or 71.26????.


2. Equipment.

Options and special equipment.

BMW Motorrad enables the enthusiast to customise his machine not only straight from the production line at the Berlin Plant, but also ÔÇô at least in many cases ÔÇô by subsequently fitting local features at the dealership. A fur?¼ther significant point is that all of the options and special equipment avail?¼able are carefully tested during the development period and perfectly match?¼ed to the Sports Boxer, ensuring that the customer receives top-quality, per?¼fectly fitting accessories reflecting the sporting character of the machine in every respect.

Optional extras available straight from the factory.
ÔÇó BMW Motorrad ABS (two-channel system).
ÔÇó ?ûhlins sports suspension.
ÔÇó Six-inch rear wheel with extra-wide 190-millimetre tyre.
ÔÇó Anti-theft warning system.
ÔÇó Twin-tone paintwork.
ÔÇó Heated grips.

?ûhlins sports suspension for the particularly demanding rider.
A true specialist in motorsport, ?ûhlins supplies the components for the
op?¼tion?¼al sports suspension. The spring strut up front features an adjustable
in?¼bound stroke and variable spring pre-tension responding particularly smooth?¼ly and sensitively to bumps on the road and offering even greater reserves under sporting and dynamic riding conditions. The gas pressure spring strut at the rear with its integrated qualiser reservoir and travel-de?¼pendent damping effect, in turn, allows not only individual adjustment of the inbound and rebound stroke, as well as spring pre-tension, but also variable adjustment of the rear end for height. So with the basic spring setting
re?¼main?¼ing unchanged, the rider is able to modify the steering geometry of the
R 1200 S and fine-tune his machine for motorsport. Six-inch wheel at the rear with 190/50 ZR 17 radial sports tyre.

Clearly, the ambitious sports rider will not want to miss out on the perform?¼ance of an extra-wide tyre running on a six-inch aluminium rim. And apart from enhanced grip, this special combination of wheel and tyre gives the R 1200 S a particularly sporting and dynamic touch.

Special accessories retrofitted by the dealer.
ÔÇó Paddock stand with an appropriate adapter.
ÔÇó Passenger seat hump.
ÔÇó Tank bag.
ÔÇó Sports bag (small).
ÔÇó Tinted windscreen.
ÔÇó Silencer cover made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic.
ÔÇó Heated grips.
ÔÇó Anti-theft warning system.
ÔÇó Supplementary on-board toolkit.

Paddock stand and passenger seat hump.
The rear paddock stand for changing tyres very quickly and efficiently as
well as the special seat hump for a passenger are tailored to the require?¼ments of many hobby racers. Easy to fit in lieu of the standard passenger seat,
the hump-type passenger seat merges harmoniously with the overall design of the R 1200 S.

Carrying sufficient baggage for a weekend excursion.

The baggage system made up of a tank bag and the soft sports bag at the rear optimises the high standard of long-distance and everyday riding quali?¼ties offered by the R 1200 S. The main compartment in the tank bag ex?¼pands conveniently from 13 to 19 litres capacity, an additional section be?¼neath the map pocket enabling the rider to take along small odds and ends such
as his purse, keys, mobile phone and sunglasses. The soft sports bag, in turn, features not only a 19-litre main compartment, but also two outer pock?¼ets
at the side and a carrier handle at the top.
Four universal belts the rider can leave on the motorcycle conveniently as
long as he likes serve to fasten baggage safely and easily to the rear end of the machine.
Anti-theft warning system for optimum security at all times.
The anti-theft warning system triggers a very clear optical and noise alarm in response to any change in position or vibration of the motorcycle when
park?¼ed. This extremely efficient system may be deactivated either by remote con?¼trol or by the key to the ignition.

THE END

 

[Visian]

M1ka... you are amazing.

and... looks like someone found a clue. It was so frustrating riding this bike with no way to strap anything to it. I like how the bag mount also serves as a bungie hook.

 

[20774]

Mika -

I was curious...where do the pictures come from, particularly the slick ones of BMWs showing the new motorcycles. They have the black bar along the edge with text about the bike. They seem to have your "logo" in the picture. Do you own these pictures?

Thanks...Kurt in S.A.

 

[PAULBACH]

It's Worth Digging Into The Morning Reads

WOOT has the software and the antenna for $45 plus $5 shipping.

The new 2007 software can be had for $25. Add the two together and there is quite a bargain.

 

[userw5]

I love those side cases on that 1200S. I wonder if they can be rigged to fit on my Rockster?

 

[mika]

Mika -

I was curious...where do the pictures come from, particularly the slick ones of BMWs showing the new motorcycles. They have the black bar along the edge with text about the bike. They seem to have your "logo" in the picture. Do you own these pictures?

Thanks...Kurt in S.A.

The pictures come from BMW PressClub. On my own, I went through a process to be allowed access to the BMW Press website as a blogger. The press releases are direct from BMW as are the pictures. In the case of this week's look at some of the models the pictures were included as part of the press kit given out to the press at the time of release. Many of the BMW pictures used in the ÔÇÿBike CandyÔÇÖ section are sourced there also.

I have been trying to become accredited with the rest of the manufactures selling in the US with no luck so far.

 

[mika]

M1ka... you are amazing.

and... looks like someone found a clue. It was so frustrating riding this bike with no way to strap anything to it. I like how the bag mount also serves as a bungie hook.

Thank you. BMW Canada did released the pictures and information on the bags sometime after the first of the year. The release was included in a previous edition of M.R. By now dealers should have information on them.