mika
Still Wondering
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
News:
insidebikes.com ÔÇô Motogiro DÔÇÖItalia 2007
Motorcyclenews.com ÔÇô First bike for toddler. IÔÇÖm asking the same question ÔÇôÔÇÿWhatÔÇÖs your story?ÔÇÖ
Boingboing.net ÔÇô Molded plastic soldier alphabet.
Motorcyclenews.com ÔÇô MCN takes a look at the Triumph Rocket III and gives it 4 out of 5 stars.
I watched an episode of Myth Busters that tried various ways to beat a speed camera. The myths were busted. Now Londonbikers.com is reporting on a technology study in England that reveals that the way speed cameras are set up varies differently in the British Isles.
Here is an Asian trend that I hope does not get imported. The Electric Newspaper, Singapore opines on a growing trend for young riders to remove their mirrors to gain a racy look.
Motorcycle-USA.com ÔÇô 2007 Thundersprint Preview.
Rumors:
Bikes in the Fast Lane TomTom getting ready to launch Rider 2
Gizmodo.com has their version on the accidental leak of the and ad for the Rider 2.
Feature:
Minnesota passed a no smoking bill for bars so I will not be able to light up one of theses and enjoy a brandy, so I thought I would pass the opportunity along to you. {http://www.uncrate.com/men/culture/smoking/hoyo-de-monterrey-preembargo-panetelas-010605.php]Hoyo de Motnerrey Pre Embargo Panetelas[/url] featured on Uncrate.com.
Blog Update:
Burnszilla ÔÇô Bring My Wallet
Electricmotorcycles.net
Bkleuproofblogs.com
Crusty the Biker ÔÇô Psyc 101
2strokebuzz.com Caveat emptor ÔÇô eBay scooter sales form China with the Vespa name.
Here are two links to CJ ÔÇô ÔÇ£BMWsÔÇØ on eBay motors.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-...095793206QQcategoryZ49977QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cust...QQcategoryZ10062QQitemZ170095834972QQtcZphoto
Gear:
webBikeWorld.com ÔÇô ROOF Boxer V helmet review.
Motorcycle Repair and Care:
I wish I had my own garage to make a mess in. For those readers with a garage that looks like my bedroom the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle makes some suggestion about making a no mess zone in the garage.
Parts:
Londonbikers.com ÔÇô The new all weather tire from Avon ÔÇô Storm ST ÔÇô reviewed.
Riding Skills:
Via Helmet Hair Blog
<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pPjYweKeiLk"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pPjYweKeiLk" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>
Photography / Video:
DPS.com Prime Lenses ÔÇô an Intorduction
Via Bikes in the Fast Lane ÔÇô A motorcycle safety ad with a different perspective.
<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BBNyuf533Go"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BBNyuf533Go" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>
M.R. Traveler
TodayÔÇÖs RoadFood.com
Woot
Todays Woot
The Blog
Over Heard in New York | Voice of the City
All things BMW
Wheels24.com ÔÇô Cost worries for BMW
BMW Group Press Club:
Tracking the news from BMW at their English language sites and Germany
PressClub Canada
BMW Canada achieves best ever monthly sales for BMW brand.
2 April 2007
Whitby, Ontario. BMW Canada reported today an all time best monthly sales result for the BMW brand and March sales records for all three brands - BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad. March sales of BMW and MINI vehicles were up 14.7 per cent over March 2006 sales to 2,451 units, a record March sales figure. BMW Group also set a year-to-date and first quarter sales record of 5,215 units, up 16.4 per cent over the same period last year.
ÔÇ£We had a excellent start to the year with a best ever month for BMW and record monthly and quarterly sales for BMW, MINI and Motorrad,ÔÇØ said Lindsay Duffield, President and CEO, BMW Group Canada. ÔÇ£It is clear that our customers are responding positively to our new 2007 line-up. Sales of the recently launched BMW 3 Series Coup?®, BMW X5 SAV, the new MINI and the BMW F800 and G650 motorcycles have all been strong, allowing BMW Group Canada to gather momentum as we enter our peak volume season.ÔÇØ
BMW Brand: New monthly sales record set in March.
The BMW brand set an all time best monthly sales record of 2,128 units in March 2007, an increase of 14.8 per cent over March 2006. The last BMW monthly sales record was set in May 2006 with 2,120 units sold. The new BMW 3 Series Coup?® and BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) led the way with sales increases again in March. The new BMW 3 Series Coup?®, voted "Best New Sports Performance Car over $50,000" for 2007 by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), saw a sales increase of 274.3 per cent over March 2006, with 277 units retailed. Sales of the all-new X5 SAV increased by 104.7 per cent to 434 units in March 2007.
BMW also achieved record year-to-date sales by increasing volumes by 16.3 per cent to 4,517 units compared to the same period last year.
BMW Motorrad Canada set a March monthly sales record of 150 units, up 20.0 per cent over March 2006. Year-to-date, BMW Motorrad also set a record by retailing 212 units, up 34.2 per cent from the same period last year.
MINI Brand: Record March and year-to-date sales for MINI.
MINI sold a record breaking 323 units in March 2007, an increase of 14.1 per cent over March 2006. Contributing to record March sales were the new MINI Cooper and Cooper S that were recently made available in Canadian retailers and the announcement that the MINI Cooper 6 speed manual is now eligible for a $1,000 rebate under the Federal GovernmentÔÇÖs Green Incentive initiative.
MINI set a year-to-date sales record with 698 units in Canada, an increase of 17.1 per cent compared to the same period last year.
BMW Group Canada, based in Whitby, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI. BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 39 BMW automobile retail centres, 18 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 22 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.
Motorsports PressClub
Formula BMW UK - Brands Hatch - Rounds 1 & 2 - 01 April 2007 ÔÇô Race
2 April 2007
Makela and Ericsson convert poles to wins in 2007 season openers.
Brands Hatch, 1 April, 2007. The Formula BMW UK Championship 2007 got underway today in spectacular style with Valle Makela (Nexa Racing) claiming the first win of the day and Rookie, Marcus Ericsson (Fortec Motorsport), taking an outright win in race two. Both now share the championship lead after two rounds.
In a thrilling start to the season, Round One saw some of the closest fought Formula BMW racing of all time, with 21-year old Finnish driver, Makela crossing the line just 0.137 seconds ahead of Henry Surtees (Carlin Motorsport) before claiming third in Round Two.
Makela said: "I had to defend hard in race one but I knew I could win. It's great to get back to winning ways after a bit of a dry spell last season!"
Makela was challenged hard by Surtees and Josef Kral (Double R Racing), who made his way up from sixth on the grid to third. Surtees and Kral were switching positions in a close battle before Kral's race ended in the gravel at Paddock Hill while making a brave move for the lead.
The skirmish at the front enabled Ericsson and Henry Arundel (Fortec Motorsport) to catch onto the back of the trio making it then a five-way tussle for first place. Young Swede, Ericsson finished on the podium in his first ever single-seater race, before then going two steps better in Round Two, winning from pole and becoming the first Rookie to win an outright race since Ross Curnow at Knockhill in 2004.
Ericsson couldn't contain his excitement after such a great start to his campaign. "They were both great races so I'm really happy," he commented. "In race one I was defending one corner and attacking the next so I had to keep thinking all the time. Then, during the second race, I kept checking my mirrors and there was nothing there!"
Despite a great debut in Round One where he topped the Rookies and finish second overall, Surtees along with Arundel received drive through penalties for jump starts in Round Two, leaving Ericsson the chance to pull out a five second lead by the chequered flag. Jonathan Legris (Motaworld Racing) made a happy return to the championship to claim second place.
Adrian Quaife-Hobbs (Fortec Motorsport) finished second in the Rookies for Round Two, with two solid performances from Oliver Webb (Carlin Motorsport) rounding out the top three in the Rookie class for both races.
Despite being at opposite ends of the experience scale, Ericsson and Makela top the table after an exciting start to the season. With so much talent and hunger for success, the rest of the season looks set to be just as thrilling
BMW MOA Chartered Club:
club: Russian River BMW Club, #149 founded: 4/1/1985
contact: Bob & Wendy Bongberg (rrbmwmc@aol.com)
1203 Hahman Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95404 US
meetings: 2nd Saturday, Middle Wednesday, 4th Sunday = Meet 10:00 am at Santa Rosa BMW shop
events: Christmas party
Quincy / 49er Rally Ride
other events: Various destinations as events come up
Gem??tlichkeit is the warm, comfortable feeling
one receives from pleasant surroundings and atmosphere.
I think you will find that when you come here.
http://www.travelwisconsin.com/upload/images/Destination/128183772339700304.jpg
Located at the base of Lake Winnebago, Fond du Lac (French for "foot of the lake") goes out of its way to introduce visitors to its many charms
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.
Bike Candy:
Prints Available From: Paintingsofbikes.com
THE END
TodayÔÇÖs Birthdays / Calendar
News:
insidebikes.com ÔÇô Motogiro DÔÇÖItalia 2007
Motorcyclenews.com ÔÇô First bike for toddler. IÔÇÖm asking the same question ÔÇôÔÇÿWhatÔÇÖs your story?ÔÇÖ
Boingboing.net ÔÇô Molded plastic soldier alphabet.
Motorcyclenews.com ÔÇô MCN takes a look at the Triumph Rocket III and gives it 4 out of 5 stars.
I watched an episode of Myth Busters that tried various ways to beat a speed camera. The myths were busted. Now Londonbikers.com is reporting on a technology study in England that reveals that the way speed cameras are set up varies differently in the British Isles.
Here is an Asian trend that I hope does not get imported. The Electric Newspaper, Singapore opines on a growing trend for young riders to remove their mirrors to gain a racy look.
Motorcycle-USA.com ÔÇô 2007 Thundersprint Preview.
Rumors:
Bikes in the Fast Lane TomTom getting ready to launch Rider 2
Gizmodo.com has their version on the accidental leak of the and ad for the Rider 2.
Feature:
Minnesota passed a no smoking bill for bars so I will not be able to light up one of theses and enjoy a brandy, so I thought I would pass the opportunity along to you. {http://www.uncrate.com/men/culture/smoking/hoyo-de-monterrey-preembargo-panetelas-010605.php]Hoyo de Motnerrey Pre Embargo Panetelas[/url] featured on Uncrate.com.
Blog Update:
Burnszilla ÔÇô Bring My Wallet
Electricmotorcycles.net
Bkleuproofblogs.com
Crusty the Biker ÔÇô Psyc 101
2strokebuzz.com Caveat emptor ÔÇô eBay scooter sales form China with the Vespa name.
Here are two links to CJ ÔÇô ÔÇ£BMWsÔÇØ on eBay motors.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-...095793206QQcategoryZ49977QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cust...QQcategoryZ10062QQitemZ170095834972QQtcZphoto
Gear:
webBikeWorld.com ÔÇô ROOF Boxer V helmet review.
Motorcycle Repair and Care:
I wish I had my own garage to make a mess in. For those readers with a garage that looks like my bedroom the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle makes some suggestion about making a no mess zone in the garage.
Parts:
Londonbikers.com ÔÇô The new all weather tire from Avon ÔÇô Storm ST ÔÇô reviewed.
Riding Skills:
Via Helmet Hair Blog
<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pPjYweKeiLk"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pPjYweKeiLk" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>
Photography / Video:
DPS.com Prime Lenses ÔÇô an Intorduction
Via Bikes in the Fast Lane ÔÇô A motorcycle safety ad with a different perspective.
<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BBNyuf533Go"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BBNyuf533Go" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>
M.R. Traveler
TodayÔÇÖs RoadFood.com
Woot
Todays Woot
The Blog
Over Heard in New York | Voice of the City
All things BMW
Wheels24.com ÔÇô Cost worries for BMW
BMW Group Press Club:
Tracking the news from BMW at their English language sites and Germany
PressClub Canada
BMW Canada achieves best ever monthly sales for BMW brand.
2 April 2007
Whitby, Ontario. BMW Canada reported today an all time best monthly sales result for the BMW brand and March sales records for all three brands - BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad. March sales of BMW and MINI vehicles were up 14.7 per cent over March 2006 sales to 2,451 units, a record March sales figure. BMW Group also set a year-to-date and first quarter sales record of 5,215 units, up 16.4 per cent over the same period last year.
ÔÇ£We had a excellent start to the year with a best ever month for BMW and record monthly and quarterly sales for BMW, MINI and Motorrad,ÔÇØ said Lindsay Duffield, President and CEO, BMW Group Canada. ÔÇ£It is clear that our customers are responding positively to our new 2007 line-up. Sales of the recently launched BMW 3 Series Coup?®, BMW X5 SAV, the new MINI and the BMW F800 and G650 motorcycles have all been strong, allowing BMW Group Canada to gather momentum as we enter our peak volume season.ÔÇØ
BMW Brand: New monthly sales record set in March.
The BMW brand set an all time best monthly sales record of 2,128 units in March 2007, an increase of 14.8 per cent over March 2006. The last BMW monthly sales record was set in May 2006 with 2,120 units sold. The new BMW 3 Series Coup?® and BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) led the way with sales increases again in March. The new BMW 3 Series Coup?®, voted "Best New Sports Performance Car over $50,000" for 2007 by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), saw a sales increase of 274.3 per cent over March 2006, with 277 units retailed. Sales of the all-new X5 SAV increased by 104.7 per cent to 434 units in March 2007.
BMW also achieved record year-to-date sales by increasing volumes by 16.3 per cent to 4,517 units compared to the same period last year.
BMW Motorrad Canada set a March monthly sales record of 150 units, up 20.0 per cent over March 2006. Year-to-date, BMW Motorrad also set a record by retailing 212 units, up 34.2 per cent from the same period last year.
MINI Brand: Record March and year-to-date sales for MINI.
MINI sold a record breaking 323 units in March 2007, an increase of 14.1 per cent over March 2006. Contributing to record March sales were the new MINI Cooper and Cooper S that were recently made available in Canadian retailers and the announcement that the MINI Cooper 6 speed manual is now eligible for a $1,000 rebate under the Federal GovernmentÔÇÖs Green Incentive initiative.
MINI set a year-to-date sales record with 698 units in Canada, an increase of 17.1 per cent compared to the same period last year.
BMW Group Canada, based in Whitby, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI. BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 39 BMW automobile retail centres, 18 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 22 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.
Motorsports PressClub
Formula BMW UK - Brands Hatch - Rounds 1 & 2 - 01 April 2007 ÔÇô Race
2 April 2007
Makela and Ericsson convert poles to wins in 2007 season openers.
Brands Hatch, 1 April, 2007. The Formula BMW UK Championship 2007 got underway today in spectacular style with Valle Makela (Nexa Racing) claiming the first win of the day and Rookie, Marcus Ericsson (Fortec Motorsport), taking an outright win in race two. Both now share the championship lead after two rounds.
In a thrilling start to the season, Round One saw some of the closest fought Formula BMW racing of all time, with 21-year old Finnish driver, Makela crossing the line just 0.137 seconds ahead of Henry Surtees (Carlin Motorsport) before claiming third in Round Two.
Makela said: "I had to defend hard in race one but I knew I could win. It's great to get back to winning ways after a bit of a dry spell last season!"
Makela was challenged hard by Surtees and Josef Kral (Double R Racing), who made his way up from sixth on the grid to third. Surtees and Kral were switching positions in a close battle before Kral's race ended in the gravel at Paddock Hill while making a brave move for the lead.
The skirmish at the front enabled Ericsson and Henry Arundel (Fortec Motorsport) to catch onto the back of the trio making it then a five-way tussle for first place. Young Swede, Ericsson finished on the podium in his first ever single-seater race, before then going two steps better in Round Two, winning from pole and becoming the first Rookie to win an outright race since Ross Curnow at Knockhill in 2004.
Ericsson couldn't contain his excitement after such a great start to his campaign. "They were both great races so I'm really happy," he commented. "In race one I was defending one corner and attacking the next so I had to keep thinking all the time. Then, during the second race, I kept checking my mirrors and there was nothing there!"
Despite a great debut in Round One where he topped the Rookies and finish second overall, Surtees along with Arundel received drive through penalties for jump starts in Round Two, leaving Ericsson the chance to pull out a five second lead by the chequered flag. Jonathan Legris (Motaworld Racing) made a happy return to the championship to claim second place.
Adrian Quaife-Hobbs (Fortec Motorsport) finished second in the Rookies for Round Two, with two solid performances from Oliver Webb (Carlin Motorsport) rounding out the top three in the Rookie class for both races.
Despite being at opposite ends of the experience scale, Ericsson and Makela top the table after an exciting start to the season. With so much talent and hunger for success, the rest of the season looks set to be just as thrilling
BMW MOA Chartered Club:
club: Russian River BMW Club, #149 founded: 4/1/1985
contact: Bob & Wendy Bongberg (rrbmwmc@aol.com)
1203 Hahman Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95404 US
meetings: 2nd Saturday, Middle Wednesday, 4th Sunday = Meet 10:00 am at Santa Rosa BMW shop
events: Christmas party
Quincy / 49er Rally Ride
other events: Various destinations as events come up
Gem??tlichkeit is the warm, comfortable feeling
one receives from pleasant surroundings and atmosphere.
I think you will find that when you come here.
http://www.travelwisconsin.com/upload/images/Destination/128183772339700304.jpg
Located at the base of Lake Winnebago, Fond du Lac (French for "foot of the lake") goes out of its way to introduce visitors to its many charms
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.
Bike Candy:
Prints Available From: Paintingsofbikes.com
THE END
