Morning Reads: Tuesday, 26 February 2008

[mika]

TodayÔÇÖs Birthdays / Calendar

thebeachcruiser.com
Northend Cycle of Beaumont; where motorcycles go to die


cyrilhuzeblog.com
Harley-Davidson loan securiztion loss


visordown.com
Industry Eye: Harley nemesis jailed


thenewcaferacersociety.com
Florian DezauerÔÇÖs Ketto concept


amadirectlink.com
Good things in small packages: Yamaha WRs


hinkleytriumph.com
Triumph sales up 10%


motoinsight.it
Enertia: Electric Motorcycle ÔÇô Brammo Motorsport


motorcycle-usa.com
2008 Ducati 1098R ÔÇô First Ride


topspeed.com
2008 Husqvarna TE450 and TE510


First impressions and action from the KTM RC-8 Launch
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visordown.com
KTM RC8 Launch ÔÇô first riding impressions


TWOÔÇÖs John Cantlie reports from the launch of KTMÔÇÖs eagerly awaited RC8
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worldsbk.com ÔÇô News and Results


amamotocrosscom ÔÇô The Dirt


motorcycnews.com
WSB ÔÇô current standings


ducati.com
LOSAIL race index

BMW Sauber F1
BMW Motorsport


BMW Sauber F1 Team - Test in Barcelona - Day one
02-25-2008 Press Release
Test in Barcelona.



February 25th ÔÇô 27th 2008
Day one ÔÇô Monday


Weather conditions: Wet track in the morning, overcast all day.

Temperatures: Air: 14 ÔÇô 18 ??C, Track: 14 ÔÇô 18 ??C

Number of drivers participating: 19 of 10 teams (one team running only one car)

Fastest lap overall: Lewis Hamilton (McLaren-Mercedes) 1:22.276 min

Circuit length: 4.655 km


Nick Heidfeld
Chassis / engine: BMW Sauber F1.08-02 / BMW P86/8
Test kilometres today: 350 km (75 laps)
Fastest lap: 1:23.075 min


Christian Klien
Chassis / engine: BMW Sauber F1.08-03 / BMW P86/8
Test kilometres today: 196 km (42 laps)
Fastest lap: 1:23.442 min


Programme:
Due to the wet track proper test work was delayed until the latter part of the morning session. When the track finally had dried up Nick Heidfeld and the teamÔÇÖs new test driver Christian Klien continued to work on the set-up of the BMW Sauber F1.08. Driving the car in dry conditions for the first time Klien further familiarized himself with the car doing system checks and some basic set-up work. In the afternoon both drivers followed the teamÔÇÖs testing program as scheduled. Completing 75 and 42 laps respectively Heidfeld and Klien continued to develop the car. The main focus was on collecting data using some new parts.


What comes next:
The BMW Sauber F1 Team continues testing for two more days in Barcelona. Tomorrow Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica will be the drivers.

jalopnik.com
JT Nesbitt, designer of the Confederate Wraith readying land speed record attempt and documentary

autobloggreen.com
Imperia GP plug-in hybrid retro sports car concept


bimmerfile.com
The 1 Series Coupe Throwback: 1972 2002tii

BMW Website Review:


worldofbmw.com
Pfeiffer successfully defends world championship at Zurich


bwmomotorrad.co.za
The Kuruman Eye


BMW Yachtsport


BMW Golfsport


BMW Oracle Racing


BMW Sport website


BMW PressClub: Page 2

BlogRoll: some of the blogs I have collected while purposefully wondering around the internet.


Stuff: A place for everything and everything in its place, including stuff.


a-harley-motorcycle.com
Special tips to get the right size biker leather clothing


webbikeworld.com
Super G WomenÔÇÖs Motorcycle Clothing


daily.mahalo.com
How to clean your DSLR Camera


M.R. Traveler


Places 2 Ride Blog


www.biker-events.com
Finding the Good Time on 2 Wheels


Horizonsunlimited.com ÔÇô Newsletter

2008 International Rally
Gillette, Wyoming, July 17-20 2008


Mining The Website


A message from home, the Home Page that is.

NEW FEATURE: Picture This!
As inspired by the Forum, each month we'll provide a topic for photo contributions. Members are invited to submit one photo that best depicts the topic. Photos will be judged by MOA staff. Those selected will be featured in the BMW Owners News. Each photo must include a 50 word (or less) description, your name, member number, city, state. Topic: Where I keep my Owners News. Send your photo to picturethis@bmwmoa.org. The winners will appear in the APRIL issue of the BMW Owners News.



Threads worth following:

Photo Assignment:
Here is a link to the PHOTO ASSIGNMENT INDEX, with links to the various excellent Photo Assignment threads

Latest project: ÔÇ£Old CroÔÇØ the R-evolution

Diary of a Barn Queen

ItÔÇÖs time to switch the ratchet over to tighten.


TodayÔÇÖsRoadFood.com


Woot

Todays Woot
The Blog

Packer News: Packers.com, jsonline.com - Packers Plus Online


Humor

Over Heard in New York | Voice of the City
Sluggy Freelance
The Onion
xkcd

 

[mika]

Page 2

PIETER DE WAAL NAMED NEW VP, BMW MOTORRAD USA
02/25/2008

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - February 25, 2008... BMW Group announced today, that Pieter de Waal will be taking over the role of Vice President, BMW Motorrad USA as of April 1st. He replaces Arturo Pineiro, who took the position of President of BMW, Central and South America.

Pieter de Waal, who grew up in South Africa, has been with BMW Group since 1994. In his current position, he heads worldwide Sales and Marketing for BMW Motorrad based in Munich. Prior to that he worked for BMW Group in Great Britain and South Africa as General Manager of BMW Motorrad and Technical Director of BMW Motorsport. Before he joined BMW Group, Pieter worked for numerous other companies including Nissan and Daimer-Benz.

Pieter de Waal is a qualified engineer with more than 20 years of experience. He holds a diploma in Civil Engineering from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa.

BMW of North America took on the responsibility for BMW motorcycle sales and distribution in October 1980, succeeding the previous private importer. Since then, sales have grown steadily and BMW offers a full range of models in the US, ranging from the signature Boxer-engined twin cylinder models to new four-cylinder, two-cylinder and single-cylinder models. In 2007, deliveries of BMW motorcycles in the US totaled 12,093. BMW is a leading provider of motorcycles to police departments in the US.

BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and the upcoming X6 Sport Activity Coupe. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 82 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

 

[mika]

IN THE NAME OF RACING: MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS AND MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS CLUBMAN
02/24/2008

Munich. A big name, a long tradition, outstanding performance, figures and an incomparable driving experience: the MINI John Cooper Works arouses motor racing passion which goes beyond the race track. In August 2008 the new model - produced at the British MINI plant in Oxford - will be coming to Germany along with the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman. With their world premiere at the International Automobile Salon in Geneva (March 6thÔÇô16th 2008), these versions are the first two models to be launched by MINI under the brand MINI John Cooper Works.
The heart beating under the bonnet of each of the two new extreme
sports cars is that of a racer. The 1.6 litre 4-cylinder engine with Twin Scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection delivers 155 kW/211 bhp (207 hp US) and develops its maximum torque of 260 Newton-metres (192 lb-ft US) between 1,850 and 5,600 rpm ÔÇô by means of overboost the torque can actually be increased to 280 Nm. (207 lb-ft US). The power unit is based on the engine of the John Cooper Works CHALLENGE, which will see its premiere at the MINI CHALLENGE 2008. It accelerates the MINI John Cooper Works in 6.5 seconds from 0ÔÇô100 km/h, the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman manages the spurt in just 0.3 seconds more.

It is not only the engines of the MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman that provide genuine racing feeling. Both models are also fitted with extensive motor racing technology as standard: exclusive light alloy rims with especially light and extremely high-performance brakes, a new exhaust system and the modified 6-speed manual transmission, also created with close reference to the new racing car for the 2008 MINI CHALLENGE. Rarely before has motor racing expertise found its way so directly onto the road. The MINI John Cooper Works will be available in Germany at a price of 27,700 Euros, the price of the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman will be 29,500 Euros. (US Pricing yet to be announced)

Fascinating power due to motor racing expertise.
The MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman are driven by a true power package based on the current engine of the MINI Cooper S, extensively revised for the MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE racing vehicle and now back on the road with refreshed power. Even the basic design of the 1,598 cc 4-cylinder engine has details which are drawn from motor racing. The cylinder block and bearing housing are made of aluminium, the four valves per cylinder are controlled by two upper camshafts, friction-optimised cam followers and hydraulic valve clearance compensation elements. The outlet valves are filled with sodium so as to meet the increased cooling needs of a turbo engine. The camshafts of the 4-cylinder are composite. Instead of using the conventional die-cast procedure, the cam rings are made of high-strength steel and shrink-fitted to the actual shaft. The intake camshaft has a continuously variable phase adjustment function by means of which the valve control times can be adapted to the relevant performance requirements.

The engines for the MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman are made at the BMW Group engine plant Hams Hall (Great Britain) where the engine units for all MINI model variations are manufactured. In the case of the top-of-the-range engine, there are a number of special modifications to the production process to do justice to the increased output and the resulting higher temperatures in the combustion chamber, thereby guaranteeing maximum reliability of the drive system. The engines are fitted with reinforced and specifically ground pistons as well as a cylinder head with optimised rigidity and modified gasketing. The intake valves and valve seat rings are also made of especially resilient material, and as compared to the engine of the MINI Cooper S there is a slight reduction of the compression.

More air, more power, more torque ÔÇô the formula for increased driving pleasure.
The power increase as compared to the engine of the MINI Cooper S is mainly achieved by means of optimised air intake and outlet due to an adapted turbocharger. The air filter, air mass sensor, exhaust system and catalytic converter have been modified so as to achieve a power-enhancing dethrottling on the induction and exhaust side. This is also reflected in an engine sound which is peculiar to this model. Due to the adaptation of the exhaust system, a significant reduction of counterpressure is achieved. The MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman fulfil the requirements for adherence to the particularly stringent threshold levels defined by the exhaust norms EU5 in Europe and ULEV II in the US.

The through-flow capacity of the clean air duct to the turbocharger has also been increased. The design of the Twin Scroll turbocharger enables an especially spontaneous power build-up. In the exhaust manifold and the turbocharger, the channels of two cylinders are separated in each case. The supercharger blades are set in optimum motion even at low engine speeds. A turbine was developed in very high-quality material especially for the MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman, and the maximum boost pressure was increased from 0.9 to 1.3 bar overpressure.

The maximum torque of 260 Nm ( 192 lb-ft US) is available even at an engine speed of 1,850 rpm and up to a level of 5,600 rpm. During acceleration, torque is raised to 280 Nm (207 lb-ft US) by means of a brief increase in boost pressure between 2,000 and 5,300 rpm. This overboost function gives the MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman an even more powerful response. The engine reaches its maximum output of 155 kW/211 bhp (207 hp US) at 6,000 rpm. The spontaneous response is also reflected in the carÔÇÖs acceleration figures. The MINI John Cooper Works takes 6.5 seconds to accelerate from 0ÔÇô100 km/h, the time required by the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman is 6.8 seconds. Both have a maximum speed of 238 km/h.

Petrol direct injection: fuel is precisely measured and efficiently used.
With a specific output of 132 bhp per litre of capacity, the MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman advance into the realm of
the purebred sports car. What is more, both new models have the characteristic MINI quality of offering unique driving fun in combination with exemplary efficiency. The key function here is the fuel supply system. The turbo 4-cylinder is fitted with petrol direction injection according to the common rail principle. Injection valves positioned laterally in the cylinder head feed the fuel in precise doses under a pressure of 120 bar from the tank directly into the combustion chamber. This means that in every situation on the road, precise fuel supply is guaranteed which is adapted to the given load requirements. The average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is at an unusually low level for vehicles of this output category. The MINI John Cooper Works makes do with 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres, the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman requires 7.0 litres. The respective CO2 figures are 165 and 167 grams per kilometre.

Conceived for maximum driving fun: chassis, brakes, assistance systems.
The standard range of features of the MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman not only includes a particularly high-performance engine but also a wide range of other components which ensure that this irrepressible power is put safely onto the road. As is characteristic of MINI, the engine powers the front wheels. The MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman are fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission whose components have been adapted to the very high level of torque of this new top-level engine. In addition to the sophisticated chassis technology with McPherson struts at the front axle and the central control arm
rear axle, which is itself unique in the small car segment, the electromechanical EPAS (Electrical Power Assisted Steering) is a further guarantee of reliable and precise handling. The electrical servomotor also contributes to efficiency in that it is only activated when steering support is required or desired by the driver.

The steering system EPAS allows various settings to be programmed. The basic set-up guarantees balanced steering support depending on road speed. With the sports button, which is positioned as standard next to the gearshift lever in the centre console in the MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman, it is possible to activate a perceptibly more dynamic characteristic curve with higher steering torque and increased steering precision. In keeping with this, pressing the sports button also changes the accelerator pedal to a much sportier characteristic setting.

The MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman are fitted with sporty suspension settings as standard. As an alternative, a sports chassis with harder damper characteristics and stronger stabilisers is available for the front and rear axle. For a more extreme racing orientation, there is also a John Cooper Works chassis available in the accessory range for the MINI John Cooper Works. It includes a lowering of the suspension by 10 millimetres, even harder damper characteristics and stabilisers with a diameter which is larger than those of the sports chassis.

The standard sports brake system guarantees short braking distances and is characterised by precise response and fine controllability. The fixed calliper
disc brakes with aluminium callipers finished in red ÔÇô inner vented on the front wheels and bearing the John Cooper Works emblem on the callipers ÔÇô are large in their dimensions. The type and function of the brake system is based on those in the MINI CHALLENGE racing vehicle. The same applies to the exclusive 17-inch light alloy wheels in John Cooper Works Cross Spoke CHALLENGE design. Weighing less than 10 kilos, they are the lightest standard wheels within the competitive environment of the MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman. The high-speed tyres in 205/45 W 17 format have runflat properties, and both models are equipped with a tyre damage display function.

As standard and unique in front-wheel-drive vehicles: DSC with DTC.
In addition to sporty suspension settings and powerful brakes, the MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman also have sophisticated driving stability systems. Their standard equipment includes ABS, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), CBC (Cornering Brake Control) and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) including hill-start assistance and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control). By applying the brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine power, DSC applies a stabilising effect when required, intervening early on to prevent the vehicle from swerving at the front or
rear wheels in especially dynamic driving situations or on slippery surfaces. The brake assistance function, likewise an element of DSC, detects emergency braking situations and ensures instant build-up of maximum brake pressure should the need arise.

DTC is a sub-function of DSC which is available here for the first time in a vehicle with front wheel drive. It enables the response threshold levels of driving stability regulation to be increased so as to allow controllable slip on the drive wheels. In this way, the models MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman can be controlled on snow-covered surfaces or loose sand with slightly spinning front wheels, or taken more intensively to the physical limits in highly dynamic driving situations. When the threshold range is reached, the stabilising intervention of DSC is also guaranteed in DTC mode. If necessary, DSC can be entirely deactivated.

What is more, in DSC-Off mode an electronically controlled lock function for the differential of the drive axle is activated. This system is also a standard feature and known as Electronic Differential Lock Control: it supports an ambitious, sporty driving style when accelerating out of bends and hairpins, for example. The electronically controlled lock function has the effect of applying specific, appropriate brake force to a spinning drive wheel on tight bends. This enhances the forward propulsion of the vehicle without having a negative impact on self-steering response. The bend can thus be taken more smoothly but also more swiftly.

Interior:
sports car ambience and a wide range of individualisation options. In the interior, the standard fittings of the MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman boast a strikingly impressive elegance which is both simple and sporty in style. A three-spoke steering wheel in leather is the point of connection between the driver and his sports machine, while the anthracite roof liner and the interior surfaces in a glossy Piano Black finish create a calm atmosphere which promotes concentration on the road. Another feature of the two top-of-the-range sports cars is a speedometer scale which goes up to 260 km/h.

In addition, MINI also offers a wide range of individualisation options for configuring the two new extreme sports cars. In terms of exterior paint finishes, interior design, seat upholstery types, interior colours and decor options as well as the comfort features, the full breadth of variety is available as for the other model variations. Additional comfort, versatility and sporty flair can be achieved with items from the extensive accessory range of MINI and of John Cooper Works.

Ten exterior paint finishes are available to choose from for the MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman. Contrasting roof finishes and roof decor options provide a wide range of possible combinations. The basic fittings of the interior include seat covers in the fabric Chequered. Optional extras include leather upholsteries, sports seats with fabric/leather covers, sports leather seats and Recaro sports seats from the John Cooper Works accessory program. The decor strips of the interior can be selected in Fluid Silver as an alternative to Piano Black. The accessory program also includes an interior strip in Carbon.

The high-quality entertainment and navigation systems of the MINI equipment range are also available for the two top-of-the-range sports cars. The
controls of the audio system ÔÇô with CD player as standard ÔÇô and the 6 ?¢ inch TFT colour display of the optional navigation system are situated in the central circular instrument. The standard AUX socket enables music saved on
an MP3 player to be played through the audio system, for example. A special interface for full integration of an Apple iPod is also available as an accessory. For optimum and

 

[mika]

safe communication on the road there is an optional mobile phone preparation or integrated hands-free facility with Bluetooth interface
and USB connection. An interface for integrated operation of the audio and telephone functions is also specially available for the Apple iPhone.

Performance at premium level: John Cooper Works accessories.
The highlights of the John Cooper Works accessory program include the aerodynamics package and sports chassis with springs finished in red for the MINI John Cooper Works, as well as perforated brake discs and rear spoilers for both model versions. Other items include a suspension cross-brace for the engine compartment, mirror caps in carbon finish and so-called side scuttles ÔÇô direction indicator surrounds with a sporty grid structure. To match this there are also decor strips, handbrake handles and sports gearshift levers in carbon decor which provide an even sportier ambience. The gear shift indicator in the John Cooper Works accessory program also contributes to an intensive driving experience.

With the John Cooper Works Performance components, the character of the two new models is given even greater emphasis and visually highlighted, too. Premium-quality sporty flair characterises them as it does the two new models themselves, both of which bear the John Cooper Works logo.

The MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman
have to be able to meet both the extreme challenges of the race track as well as the extensive requirements of everyday traffic in terms of functionality, design, reliability and durability. Together, the brands MINI and John Cooper Works stand for a promise of quality which is uniquely powerful within the competitive environment of MINI.

MINI and John Cooper Works: shared roots in motor racing.The two top sports cars are sold through the MINI dealer network. Like all variations of the MINI and MINI Clubman, both models are manufactured at the MINI plant in Oxford according to customer wishes. In this way, the integration of the John Cooper Works label under the umbrella MINI is now also reflected in the range of vehicles available ex works.

The close connection between MINI and John Cooper Works, based on a motor racing tradition stretching back decades, has a defining influence on the development of new vehicles and components. The MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman represent the shared values of driving fun, premium quality and individuality in an especially concentrated form. In terms of reliability, quality of workmanship and authenticity of design, they fulfil the high standards of the BMW Group, as do the John Cooper Works Performance components with their perfect adaptation to MINI. The new models are thus also subject to the warranty conditions applicable to MINI.

Bike Candy:

THE END

 

[Visian]

PIETER DE WAAL NAMED NEW VP, BMW MOTORRAD USA
02/25/2008

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - February 25, 2008... BMW Group announced today, that Pieter de Waal will be taking over the role of Vice President, BMW Motorrad USA as of April 1st. He replaces Arturo Pineiro, who took the position of President of BMW, Central and South America.

this is very interesting. i met pieter in south africa when i got to go test the new F800s and he is a very bright and personable guy.

i think he will be a good fit for this market.

ian