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Bench Racing & The Morning Reads

Saturday, 31 march

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Members with Birthdays Today


SBK

Imola QP1

Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport started the race weekend with a place on the provisional second row at Imola (ITA). The “Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari” hosts the second round of the 2012 FIM Superbike World Championship. Factory rider Leon Haslam (GBR) finished the first qualifying practice in sixth. His team mate, Marco Melandri (ITA) qualified a provisional 14th on his BMW S 1000 RR. The team is confident it is heading in the right direction and will move further up the grid in tomorrow’s Superpole qualifying....MORE

The BMW Motorrad Italia GoldBet Superbike Team took part in the first day of practice today at Imola's Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari. The track is currently hosting the second round of the 2012 World Superbike Championship season. In the morning's free practice session, Ayrton Badovini ended up in first place, while Fabrizio was 11th. The first qualifying session, held in the early afternoon, saw Badovini finish in 12th place and Fabrizio in 19th....MORE

motomatters.com: WSBK Imola day one round up

Imola Q2

worldsbk.com: Sykes from Guintoli and Haslam in Q2

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FWIW: Team Green seems to be on song. Superpole will be interesting.

worldsbk.com: Infront secures Engelbert Strauss as official sponsor

WORLDSBK: 2012 Race Calendar | Championship Standings Rider / Manufacturer

motogp

Video: MotoGP Rewind | Jerez Official Tests

londonbikers.com: How Dorna plans to save MotoGP


motogp: 2012 race calendar | Results and Statistics


Formula 1

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Formula 1: 2012 Race Calendar | Results Season/Team/Driver
fia.com: 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship - Race Information & Event Starting Times for the 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship


Other Racing

yamaha-racing.com: Bol d'Or opens the 2012 Endurance season with strong Yamaha presence

roadandtrack.com: Two monsters will electrify Pikes Peak Hill Climb spectators

On the Street

ultimatemotorcycling.com: BMW GS Trophy UK qualifying event

indiancarsbikes.in: 2012 BMW F650 GS on off road motorcycle in India

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Cage World

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FWIW

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Reference::

BMW MOA 2012 International Rally

SBK
2012 FIM Superbike Championship Calendar

FIM

Changes to the FIM Superbike, Supersport and Superstock regulations for 2012:
Some more details of changes to the championship regulations were delivered by the FIM in a press release.

FIM: Official Documents
Link to the current year official documents for all classes and search tool for other years.

FIA Regulations – Formula 1 World Championship

WEATHER
US:
http://www.weather.gov/ | NOAA's National Weather Service
Select to go to the NWS homepage. National Weather Service - or - Follow the National Weather Service on FaceBook

http://www.weather.com | Sedalia, MO 65301

CA:
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html

ROAD CONDITIONS
US:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/ : National Traffic and Road Closure Information
511 - America's Traveler Information Telephone Number; Construction Related; Local and State Transit Links; Traffic Conditions; Regional Links; Weather/Road ...

CA:
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/drivebc_supp/canada_map.htm :
Canada Road Condition Information: Links to provincial highway condition websites across Canada..

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

SportRider.com: Motorcycle Riding Skills Series – Street bike and motorcycle riding skills techniques articles at Sport Rider

BMW-Motorrad.com: Service
Electronic Parts Catalogue
Download Manuals
Breakdown Dictionary
Tyre Options
Tips
Before every journey…
Before a log trip…
Before winter…
How to clean your motorcycle

ascycles.com: BMW Motorcycle Service and Maintenance Schedules

mic.org: Motorcycle Industry Council | Tire Guide 2011.pdf

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

pure-gas.org: Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. And Canada

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Video: BMW Final Drive Disassembly

Woot of the Day

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MSF Motorcycle Operators Manual

QOD: Which lane position is best for a motorcycle? http://t.co/9jzx4IQ3


Bike Candy

This week the BMW K1 made a stop at BikeEXIF for some pictures.

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Racing Update: Imola World Superbike - Superpole

SBK

Sykes (Kawasaki) took the Imola Superpole posting a 1'46.748, the only rider to post a time in the 1'46 range. Guitoli (Ducat), Checa (Ducati) and Haslam fill out the front row. Row 2 will consist of Biaggi (Aprilia), Melandri, Rea (Honda) and Lascorz (Kawasaki)

The BMW Italia Team did not fair well. Badovini P16 was knocked out in Superpole 1. Fabrizio did not make the cut for the Superpole rounds and will start P18 on Sunday. Atchison on the independent Grillini Progea Superbike Team BMW will line up in P21.

Sykes' Kawasaki has been setting the pace for most of the weekend and is clearly the bike to beat. I continue to wonder about tyre management over the length of a race. Last year Sykes showed strongly in the early stages then did not have the rubber to match the competition in the end.

Haslam appeared to be strong through Superpole being able to post good times and respond when others tried to pip him. What has not been clear is how much of this weekends performance has been cat and mouse v a true indicator of what race performance will be. Melandri continues to post strong times while sorting himself and the bike's relationship out.

Should be a good race for BMW.
 
Racing Update: Imola Superpole

SBK

fim-live.com: Sykes takes Superpole win number two

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Pole position was taken by Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) for the second round in succession, after he set a new track best of 1 minute 46.748 seconds in Superpole 3.

French rider Sylvain Guintoli (Team Effenbert Liberty Racing Ducati) went second, after a late charge from Carlos Checa (Althea Racing Ducati) was ultimately unsuccessful. Leon Haslam (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) was fourth and first BMW rider in the final pre-race rankings, while Max Biaggi (Aprilia Racing Team) made it to the head of the second row, fifth overall. Marco Melandri (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) went sixth at his home circuit.

Jonathan Rea (Honda World Superbike Team) was seventh but suffered a very fast high-side crash, walking away after a heavy impact on the tarmac. The last place on the second row went to Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki Racing Team). From WorldSBK.com


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Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport made the promised step forward and will start the second round of the 2012 FIM Superbike World Championship from the first and second rows. In todayÔÇÖs Superpole qualifying at Imola (ITA), factory rider Leon Haslam finished fourth on his BMW S 1000 RR. His team mate, local hero Marco Melandri (ITA), will start sixth on the grid......MORE


suzuki-racing.com: Camier and Hopkins fired up to race
FWIW: It is dangerous to second guess the benevolence of the racing gods. Camiers prayer for more power may have been answered only to have similar supplications from other racers be heard also. The Suzuki may race better than it qualifies.

hondaproracing.com: Rae on second row at Imola

motomatters.com: Imola World SBK post qualifying roundup

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Sunday, 1 April

Racing Update: Imola Sunday Warm up - Race 1

SBK

Kawasaki in the hands of Sykes continued to dominate the race weekend during the morning warmup. Checa was close on his heals with Haslam just a tick behind him. Ducatis dominated the next positions with Rea the first non Duc five positions behind. Melandri, our BMW hero from Phillip Island was sorting his race setup out coming in at P13 for this session. Biaggi, who came into Imola as series leader after his Phillip Island showing, languished back in P16 sorting things out.

How predictive this session would be remained to be shown. Sykes and Kawasaki clearly the dominating practice/qualifier but how would he race. Reigning champ Checa in second on a track which likes Ducatis would have to be dealt with. Haslam P4 on the grid but P3 in warmups formed the last of the only three with race setups that dipped into the 1'47 rage. The only thing that was clear to me after this session was Melandri would have a bunch Ducatis to pass if he were to pair up or beat teammate Haslam.

Imola - SUPERBIKE - Warm*Up

1.*Tom Sykes (Kawasaki*Racing*Team) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'47.680
2.*Carlos Checa (Althea*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'47.908
3.*Leon Haslam (BMW*Motorrad*Motorsport) BMW S1000 RR 1'47.936
4.*Jakub Smrz (Liberty*Racing*Team*Effenbert) Ducati 1098R 1'48.317
5.*Sylvain Guintoli (Team*Effenbert*Liberty*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'48.561
6.*Maxime Berger (Team*Effenbert*Liberty*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'48.577
7.*Lorenzo Zanetti (PATA*Racing*Team) Ducati 1098R 1'48.615
8.*Jonathan Rea (Honda*World*Superbike*Team) Honda CBR1000RR 1'48.680
9.*Niccol?? Canepa (Red*Devils*Roma) Ducati 1098R 1'48.697
10.*Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki*Racing*Team) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'48.758
11.*Leon Camier (Crescent*Fixi*Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'48.807
12.*Chaz Davies (ParkinGO*MTC*Racing) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'48.893
13.*Marco Melandri (BMW*Motorrad*Motorsport) BMW S1000 RR 1'48.984
14.*Davide Giugliano (Althea*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'48.985
15.*Ayrton Badovini (BMW*Motorrad*Italia*GoldBet) BMW S1000 RR 1'49.059
16.*Max Biaggi (Aprilia*Racing*Team) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'49.344
17.*Michel Fabrizio (BMW*Motorrad*Italia*GoldBet) BMW S1000 RR 1'49.482
18.*Eugene Laverty (Aprilia*Racing*Team) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'49.639
19.*John Hopkins (Crescent*Fixi*Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'49.832
20.*Hiroshi Aoyama (Honda*World*Superbike*Team) Honda CBR1000RR 1'50.041
21.*Mark Aitchison (Grillini*Progea*Superbike*Team) BMW S1000 RR 1'50.395
22.*Brett McCormick (Liberty*Racing*Team*Effenbert) Ducati 1098R 1'51.045
23.*Leandro Mercado (Team*Pedercini) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'51.694
24.*David Salom (Team*Pedercini) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'52.663




Imola - SUPERBIKE - Race*1

Carlos Checa (Althea Racing Ducati) waited until half race distance to put a move on early leader Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) but when he did he rode at lap record pace and took his second win of the year in some style. Sykes had his best every dry race performance on the Kawasaki in second place, with Leon Haslam (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) and Max Biaggi (Aprilia Racing) disputing the final podium place. It went to Haslam, by a second from his Italian rival.

Fifth was Eugene Laverty (Aprilia Racing) but just behind Marco Melandri (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) and Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki Racing Team) finally passed long-time fifth place runner, Lorenzo Zanetti (Pata Racing Team Ducati). Zanetti was a still-impressive eighth. From: WorldSBK.com


The race broke down into segments as I watched the dots move around the track and times light up on the WorldSBK board.

Early dueling laps 1-4
Sykes took the lead right from the start with Checa hot on his heals. Guintoli (Ducati) followed but nealy a second behind. He lead a pack of riders including Biaggi (Aprilia), Haslam, Laverty(Aprilia) and Melandri. Less than a second split P3 and P7 after lap 1.

Lap 2 Laverty took P4 bringing Rea (Honda) in the process dropping Haslam to P6. Melandri was droping like a stone and shown in P16 at this point. From my limited vantage point I have no idea what happened but clearly he was caught out of step in an early duel and paid the price.

Lap 3 had more dueling leading the field to sort itself out into distinct packs with the beginning of lap 4.
Sykes and Checa were engaged in a breakout.
Biaggi was a free floater in P3
Haslam would assume the lead of the second pack and set off to try and reel in Biaggi.

Lap 4-12
The middle of the race had the pair of Sykes and Checa increasing their breakout gap. Biaggi began this leg of the race 3.038 seconds behind the leader and end the leg 4.475 seconds adrift. Checa appeared happy to sit roughly a half second behind Sykes; always their matching him but not pressing the clock. Haslam was reeling in Biaggi while doing any regard action needed. Haslam would start this leg 2.7+ seconds adrift of Biaggi but be within a second by the end of this leg.

Lap 11 to the end.
Laps 9 and 10 Checa was incrementally narrowing Sykes lead. Depending on who tells the story Checa was setting him up or Sykes' tyres were going away along with his advantage. Lap 11 showed Checa only 0.286 seconds behind and Lap 12 showed him as the new leader .0741 seconds ahead of Sykes now in P2. Once in the lead Checa seemed to be sport touring while steadily increasing his lead over Sykes sector by sector lap by lap.

Biaggi and Haslam beagin this race leg roughly five seconds behind Checa but five seconds ahead of the next pack. The pair were a second apart. As the laps ticked by the gap to the lead would increase. Dueling racers are slower and Biaggi was clearly in a defensive duel with Haslam. Theirs was a fast paced duel; however. The pairs lead over the third pack increased leaving them plenty of space to fight.

As the live timing board sorted out the riders for lap 17 Haslams name came up third and Biaggi fourth. The duel was over. Haslam was roughly a half second ahead of Biaggi. The gap would grow to nearly a second by the end of the race.

Checa wins by a wide margin over Sykes in P2 and still recovering Haslam takes the last step of the podium.

Reminiscent of last season, a brilliant win for Checa.
Sykes and his Kawasaki are close to the right combination but still come up short over race distance.

A strong race and podium for Halam. With teams preparing for Race 2, BMW has already racked up two podiums in two race weekends.



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1.*Carlos Checa (Althea*Racing) Ducati 1098R 38'06.264
2.*Tom Sykes (Kawasaki*Racing*Team) Kawasaki ZX-10R 38'09.470
3.*Leon Haslam (BMW*Motorrad*Motorsport) BMW S1000 RR 38'11.857
4.*Max Biaggi (Aprilia*Racing*Team) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 38'12.783
5.*Eugene Laverty (Aprilia*Racing*Team) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 38'30.926
6.*Marco Melandri (BMW*Motorrad*Motorsport) BMW S1000 RR 38'33.525
7.*Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki*Racing*Team) Kawasaki ZX-10R 38'33.648
8.*Lorenzo Zanetti (PATA*Racing*Team) Ducati 1098R 38'34.563
9.*Jonathan Rea (Honda*World*Superbike*Team) Honda CBR1000RR 38'40.331
10.*Niccol?? Canepa (Red*Devils*Roma) Ducati 1098R 38'41.988
11.*Jakub Smrz (Liberty*Racing*Team*Effenbert) Ducati 1098R 38'43.002
12.*Maxime Berger (Team*Effenbert*Liberty*Racing) Ducati 1098R 38'43.521
13.*John Hopkins (Crescent*Fixi*Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 38'56.682
14.*Leandro Mercado (Team*Pedercini) Kawasaki ZX-10R 38'59.887
15.*Ayrton Badovini (BMW*Motorrad*Italia*GoldBet) BMW S1000 RR 39'00.206
16.*Brett McCormick (Liberty*Racing*Team*Effenbert) Ducati 1098R 39'00.403
17.*Mark Aitchison (Grillini*Progea*Superbike*Team) BMW S1000 RR 39'04.208
18.*Hiroshi Aoyama (Honda*World*Superbike*Team) Honda CBR1000RR 39'12.497
19.*David Salom (Team*Pedercini) Kawasaki ZX-10R 38'08.075
RT.*Michel Fabrizio (BMW*Motorrad*Italia*GoldBet) BMW S1000 RR 14'55.953
RT.*Davide Giugliano (Althea*Racing) Ducati 1098R 15'15.537
RT.*Sylvain Guintoli (Team*Effenbert*Liberty*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'51.678
RT.*Chaz Davies (ParkinGO*MTC*Racing) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'53.395
RT.*Leon Camier (Crescent*Fixi*Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 
RT.*Lorenzo Alfonsi (Te

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Sunday, 1 April

Racing Update: Imola 2012 - SuperStk 1000 and SBK Race 2

Prior to SBK Race 1 and After the first attempt at the race was stopped when a crashed machine blocked the circuit, a final five lap sprint determined the winner overall; BMW Motorrad Italia took first blood for the STK 1000 round with Sylvian Barrier taking the win.

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Sylvain Barrier (BMW Motorrad Italia GoldBet) headed off his countryman Loris Baz (MRS Kawasaki) in a thrilling short race. The new Ducati Panigale 1199 placed third in its debut weekend, thanks to Eddi La Marra (Barni Racing Team Italia).

Markus Reiterberger (alpha Racing BMW) finished fourth, only 1.240 seconds from the win. In fifth, Team Pedercini Kawasaki rider Bryan Staring was well clear of sixth place rider, Fabio Massei (EAB Ten Kate Junior Team Honda).

Lorenzo Baroni (BMW Motorrad Italia GoldBet) had to take a ride through after cutting a chicane in the interrupted first race.


SBK

Infront, the WorldSBK promoter is considering a variety of changes to the SBK race format. I am a firm believer in the law of unintended consequences so this type of news always makes me nervous. I am always amazed at the ability of promoters to muck things up with really good intentions. Yet I must admit the packaging of the current format has always mystified me a bit.

Race day for SBK is broken into two sprint races. Championship points are awarded in each race. The races themselves are separated by what amounts to a really long pit stop. Three and a half hours between start times for each. A combination of length of car friendly tracks, thirsty engines using all the fuel in tanks, tyres that wear out and more have necessitated the pit stop. Rather than doing flying pit stops the format calls for everyone to take a really long one at the same time. How Infront plans to change the format remains to be seen. If you crash in race 1 the long pit stop is manna from heaven. If you are negotiating TV viewing rights you are looking at non prime time delayed broadcast spots and less revenue. If we are going to have racing fans and teams must accept the need for promoters to make a $, ?ú or €. I just hope they don't muck it up too much in the process.

With the really long pit stop still in place this weekend what do you do during it? If you are Checa and Ducati probably not as much as the rest. Replace or replenish a few parts, tyres and fluids and that is about it. Sykes and Kawasaki will be doing the same while looking through data streams to see if they can decipher the magical code to tweak the bike into a winner. Dito on down the pit lane.

SBK Race 2

Opening Leg
Race 2 started much the way race 1 did. Sykes broke out into the lead followed by Checa, Biaggi, Laverty and Haslam. In short order P1-3 were in a break out. Leaving Haslam to duel with Laverty for P4. With 16 laps remaining Haslam would be in P4 and have Biaggi in his long range sights.

Mid Leg
Sykes would go on a dominating flyer as Checa and Biaggi fought over P2. With 14 laps remaining Biaggi would best Checa only to lose out to him on the next lap. With 12 laps remaining Sykes held a 2.5 second lead on Checa and Biaggi was slowly falling into Haslam's grasp. This would continue until 8 laps remained.

With 8 laps left Haslam overtook Biaggi. The gap was small but as the sectors rolled past it grew tenth by tenth. With 7 remaining Checa overtook Sykes for the lead in Sector 2. Quickly in the laps that followed he would open his lead on Sykes and the field.

While all of this was going on Melandri had issues in the pursuing pack and fell to P10 then 11 then back to P10.

As the race wound down Checa was motoring away. Sykes was in Haslam's grasp but discretion or wisdom won out over last lap heroics. Biaggi was slightly off their pace still lurking and ready to take advantage of a last lap bobble.

The podium repeats with Checa taking the win, Sykes in P2 and Haslam in P3.


Checa scores a double at Imola

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Carlos Checa (Althea Racing Ducati) played a strong second card at Imola to take his first double win of 2012, ahead of Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) and the hard charging Leon Haslam (BMW Motorrad Motorsport). Sykes set a new lap record of 1 minute 47.552 seconds to try and escape Checa.

Max Biaggi (Aprilia Racing) was fourth again, making the quartet of top finishers the same as in race one. Fifth this time around was Jonathan Rea (Honda World Superbike Team) who did well to survive a trip across the gravel after tangling with sixth placed Eugene Laverty (Aprilia Racing). Jakub Smrz (Liberty Racing Team Effenbert) was a very close seventh. Leon Camier (Crescent Fixi Suzuki) rode to eighth place.

In the points' standings, after four races, Checa has 75, Biaggi 71, Sykes 69, Haslam 47 and Melandri (tenth on race two) 46. From WorldSBK.com


Imola - SUPERBIKE - Race 2

1. Carlos Checa (Althea Racing) Ducati 1098R 37'57.571
2. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) Kawasaki ZX-10R 37'59.506
3. Leon Haslam (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) BMW S1000 RR 38'00.540
4. Max Biaggi (Aprilia Racing Team) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 38'00.917
5. Jonathan Rea (Honda World Superbike Team) Honda CBR1000RR 38'16.496
6. Eugene Laverty (Aprilia Racing Team) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 38'18.751
7. Jakub Smrz (Liberty Racing Team Effenbert) Ducati 1098R 38'18.963
8. Leon Camier (Crescent Fixi Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 38'21.368
9. Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki Racing Team) Kawasaki ZX-10R 38'21.790
10. Marco Melandri (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) BMW S1000 RR 38'23.170
11. Sylvain Guintoli (Team Effenbert Liberty Racing) Ducati 1098R 38'23.347
12. Maxime Berger (Team Effenbert Liberty Racing) Ducati 1098R 38'23.575
13. Lorenzo Zanetti (PATA Racing Team) Ducati 1098R 38'28.743
14. Chaz Davies (ParkinGO MTC Racing) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 38'31.408
15. Ayrton Badovini (BMW Motorrad Italia GoldBet) BMW S1000 RR 38'43.112
16. Brett McCormick (Liberty Racing Team Effenbert) Ducati 1098R 38'48.378
17. David Salom (Team Pedercini) Kawasaki ZX-10R 38'48.654
18. Mark Aitchison (Grillini Progea Superbike Team) BMW S1000 RR 38'55.404
RT. Davide Giugliano (Althea Racing) Ducati 1098R 36'27.638
RT. Niccol?? Canepa (Red Devils Roma) Ducati 1098R 30'58.155
RT. Leandro Mercado (Team Pedercini) Kawasaki ZX-10R 26'02.047
RT. Hiroshi Aoyama (Honda World Superbike Team) Honda CBR1000RR 22'12.494
RT. Lorenzo Alfonsi (Team Pro Ride Real Game Honda) Honda CBR1000RR 15'22.988
 
Monday, 2 April

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Members with Birthdays Today
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SBK

bmw-motorrad.com: Haslam scores first ever double podium for BMW


Imola – Races.
Sunday, 1st April 2012
.
Weather conditions: Overcast at noon, sunny in the afternoon.
Temperature: Air: 13 – 15 ??C, Track: 11 – 18 ??C
Number of riders participating: 25 from 14 teams
Fastest lap Race 1: Carlos Checa (Althea Racing) 1:47.877 min
Fastest lap Race 2: Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) 1:47.552 min

BMW Motorrad has reached another milestone: Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport celebrates its first double podium in the FIM Superbike World Championship. At the second round of the 2012 season at Imola (ITA), factory rider Leon Haslam (GBR) proved that his injured right leg is nearly not affecting him anymore on his BMW S 1000 RR. He finished third in both races and thus collected 32 points on this race Sunday, more than any other BMW rider before. His team mate Marco Melandri (ITA) was sixth and tenth respectively. Overall, Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport collected 48 points this weekend, more than ever before.

Starting fourth on the grid, Leon slipped back two positions in the early stages of race one. He was soon back in fourth and began to chase third placed Max Biaggi (ITA). Halfway through the race he had closed the gap to the Italian and the two started to fight an exciting battle for the podium. With five laps to go, Leon passed Biaggi and he defended this third place to the finish line. Marco started sixth, but at the end of lap two, he had an issue while shifting down and was forced to ride straight into the pit lane entrance. He rejoined the race in 16th position and started an impressive catch-up, regaining ten positions and he finished sixth. In race two, Leon overtook Biaggi for third on lap 13 and then battled for the rest of the race with Tom Sykes (GBR) for second, holding off some late attacks from Biaggi. Marco was lying in fifth for a long time in the second race, but due to some chattering issues he dropped back to tenth.

BMW Motorrad Italia GoldBet SBK Team’s rider Ayrton Badovini (ITA) finished 15th in both races, while his team mate Michel Fabrizio (ITA) had to retire in both heats. The races were both won by Carlos Checa (ESP). In the riders’ championship, Leon lies in fourth with 47 points. Marco is fifth with 46 points. In the manufacturers’ standings BMW is fourth with 63 points. Tomorrow, Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport will take part at the official Infront testing at Imola.

In the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup, Sylvain Barrier (FRA) of the BMW Motorrad Italia GoldBet Team won the first race of the season. Markus Reiterberger (GER) of Team Alpha Racing missed his first podium in this series only by one tenth, finishing fourth on his BMW S 1000 RR.

Leon Haslam:
Result Race 1: 3rd / Gap to 1st: 00:05.593 min / Fastest Lap Race 1: 1:48.095 min
Result Race 2: 3rd / Gap to 1st: 00:02.969 min / Fastest Lap Race 2: 1:47.741 min
“It has been a good weekend. We had a good first race and managed to get a podium position which was my first in Imola. I made a mistake in the beginning and third was the best result we could get. In 2010, Max beat me in the world championship here in Imola, so it was nice to win that fight for the podium. In race two I got a better start, but the top three got away again. I managed to catch up and I really did feel that I could beat Tom, but in the end I made a few mistakes again. Every time I pushed, I got a little bit of chatter and lost my line.

Overall, we are making progress and it is quite clear in which areas we still need to improve, but I am really happy with the first double podium for BMW. We definitely made some good steps and a big, big thanks to all the guys at BMW. We will certainly be celebrating tonight, but not too much, as we are testing tomorrow. My ankle was a bit sore after the second race, but for Assen I should be 100 percent fit again.”

Marco Melandri:
Result Race 1: 6th / Gap to 1st: 00:27.261 min / Fastest Lap Race 1: 1:48.577 min
Result Race 2: 10th / Gap to 1st: 00:25.599 min / Fastest Lap Race 2: 1:48.475 min
“I think I could say that it was a negative day for me. We have been struggling with the gearbox and in race one I went straight into the pit lane entrance. Afterwards I was working hard to catch up. My pace was not too far from the top three guys. In race two I had quite a lot of issues with chattering, as was the case at Phillip Island. I could not push properly, and I destroyed the tyres so much more than in race one. I could not do anything. We do not know yet why the bike is changing. We will work on this tomorrow and I hope that we will be able to make some steps forward.”

Bernhard Gobmeier (BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director):
“It was an extremely exciting race Sunday. We are very happy with how Leon managed to fight his way back from his non-ideal positions after the start. He gave everything, found a very good rhythm and was at the very top speed-wise. This shows that we are heading the right way. On Marco’s side, we were not able to fully solve the chattering issues. We will work on this intensively in the next days and will hopefully solve it for the next race. The team is working very hard and both crews are doing a great job. We just need to find a solution for the technical issues on Marco’s side in order to be able to provide him with the best tool.”


BMW MOTORRAD ITALIA GOLDBET SBK TEAM - IMOLA - SUNDAY
01.04.2012
The BMW Motorrad Italia GoldBet Superbike Team has today concluded the Imola round, the second World Superbike event of the season and season opener for the Superstock 1000 class.

The day started with the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup Race, in which the BMW Motorrad Italia GoldBet Superbike Team was protagonist thanks to victory for Sylvain Barrier. In the first part of the race, Lorenzo Baroni had shared the lead with La Marra, while Sylvain Barrier was running in 4th position when a crash caused the race to be red flagged on the 7th lap. The race was restarted with the grid positions determined by the positions at the end of lap six, with just a five lap sprint to the chequered flag.
At the restart, Lorenzo was forced to take a ride through penalty and he got back on track last in the classification. Sylvain, on the other hand, was 8th at the first turn but managed to quickly recover to first place, winning the first race of the season.

The results of the Superbike races were not as gratifying. Ayrton Badovini finished both races in 15th position, while Michel Fabrizio retired in race 1 and race 2. During the weekend the team has faced numerous issues which didn't allow the two riders to meet their expectations.

The technicians are now analysing the rider's feedback on the bike behaviour which, combined with the data collected, will be used to form a plan for tomorrow's Imola test. The opportunity to be on the same track will be useful for making objective comparisons of the work that will be done.

Serafino Foti, BMW Motorrad Italia GoldBet Superbike Team Manager, said:
"It's been a very hard weekend and we're far from happy. Tonight we'll do a careful check of the data for tomorrow's tests. We have to start from scratch as clearly there's something going on, but now our goal is to work hard to get back on track. Of course we're happy with Sylvain's win and at the same time we're sorry for Lorenzo, whose ride-through deprived him of the chance to fight for the podium."

Michel Fabrizio #84 - Race 1: RET - Race 2: RET
"It's been a complicated week-end and without any reason to cheer because, due to a series of difficulties I couldn't lap much during practice and even less in the two races. We must look at tomorrow's tests as a new beginning."

Ayrton Badovini #86 - Race 1: 15th - Gara 2: 15th
"The two points I got today, in front of my friends and on my home track, don't give me any satisfaction. Unfortunately it's been a tough day and we have to work hard, starting from tomorrow."

Sylvain Barrier #20 (STK) - Race: 1st
"I lost some places at the start, as I found myself on the inside of the riders' pack. From then on I started to push to the max. The bike was responding well in both acceleration and braking, allowing me to recover and to get the chequered flag first. I want to thank all my team for the work done and for the support I received."



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stayontheblack.com: BMW celebrate first double podium in SBK

eurosport.yahoo.com: Classy Checa dominates Imola

suzuki-racing.com: Camier fights to eight at Imola WSB

WORLDSBK: 2012 Race Calendar | Championship Standings Rider / Manufacturer

STK 1000

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motogp

motomatters.com: Radical cost cutting plan leaked
:D

adelaidnow.com.au: MotoGP engine boost overkill


motogp: 2012 race calendar | Results and Statistics


Back Tuesday - :wave

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Last edited:
Tuesday, 3 April

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Members with Birthdays Today


SBK

ducati.com: Fantastic double win for Checa and Althea Racing at Imola

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From Monday post race testing at Imola:
worldsbk.com: Lascorz taken to hospital after crash

worldsbk.com: Tuesday press release update on Lascorz's condition

worldsbk.com: Sykes quickest in first SBK session
Lascorz's accident red flagged the session. Haslam Melandri were right behind him.

suzuki-racing.com: Camier betters Imola WSB lap record

motomatters.com: Press releases 2012 Imola WSBK and WSS post test


On a difficult day for the SBK paddock the BMW Motorrad Italia GoldBet Superbike Team’s thoughts are with Joan Lascorz, his family, friends and team. The Superbike rider suffered a horrific crash in the final minutes of the first test session here at Imola. The whole team wishes all the best to Joan and hopes to see him back racing...MORE

The sporting aspects were secondary at today’s official Infront testing at Imola (ITA). The day was overshadowed by a crash for the Spanish rider Joan Lascorz, who suffered a severe back injury. He was air-lifted to the Maggiore Hospital at Bologna for further tests. The whole Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport wishes him all the best. The BMW Motorrad factory team used the test to work in several areas. Factory riders, Leon Haslam (GBR) and Marco Melandri (ITA), were both able to make further progress...MORE

Imola - SUPERBIKE - Monday*2nd

1.*Tom Sykes (Kawasaki*Racing*Team) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'46.609
2.*Jonathan Rea (Honda*World*Superbike*Team) Honda CBR1000RR 1'47.121
3.*Leon Camier (Crescent*Fixi*Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'47.238
4.*Leon Haslam (BMW*Motorrad*Motorsport) BMW S1000 RR 1'47.257
5.*Max Biaggi (Aprilia*Racing*Team) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'47.351
6.*Carlos Checa (Althea*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'47.430
7.*Marco Melandri (BMW*Motorrad*Motorsport) BMW S1000 RR 1'47.779
8.*Eugene Laverty (Aprilia*Racing*Team) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'47.848
9.*Niccol?? Canepa (Red*Devils*Roma) Ducati 1098R 1'47.989
10.*Davide Giugliano (Althea*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'48.011
11.*David Salom (Team*Pedercini) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'48.066
12.*Ayrton Badovini (BMW*Motorrad*Italia*GoldBet) BMW S1000 RR 1'48.149
13.*Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki*Racing*Team) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'48.197
14.*Michel Fabrizio (BMW*Motorrad*Italia*GoldBet) BMW S1000 RR 1'48.273
15.*Hiroshi Aoyama (Honda*World*Superbike*Team) Honda CBR1000RR 1'48.484
16.*Mark Aitchison (Grillini*Progea*Superbike*Team) BMW S1000 RR 1'48.915
17.*Leandro Mercado (Team*Pedercini) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'49.805
18.*Chaz Davies (ParkinGO*MTC*Racing) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'50.124
19.*John Hopkins (Crescent*Fixi*Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'50.378

WORLDSBK: 2012 Race Calendar | Championship Standings Rider / Manufacturer

motogp

bbc.co.uk: MotoGP 2012 – Steve Parish reviews the contenders

motogp.com: Qatar the stage for 2012 MotoGP opener

motomatters.com: Dani Pedrosa issues public appology
FWIW: Pedrosa was arrested for attempting to cheat on a yacht master test

motogp: 2012 race calendar | Results and Statistics


Formula 1

bbc.co.uk: FIA reassessing controversial Mercedes rear wing

formula1.com: Monisha Kaltenborn Q&A – Sauber on a role

formula1.com: New technical director at HRT

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formula1.com: Video - Malaysia 2012 race edit

Formula 1: 2012 Race Calendar | Results Season/Team/Driver
fia.com: 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship - Race Information & Event Starting Times for the 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship


Other Racing

fim-live.com: Coma takes the initiative in Abu Dhabi

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What If? What if Los Mini Drivers raced in the snow?
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On the Street

dealernews.com: Harley-Davidson boosts product development by 30 percent

cyrilhuzeblog.com: Chasing speed a documentary on Leslie Porterfield on Discovery's Velocity Channel

motorcyclenews.com: When is a bike not a bike

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The Mothership

BMW i8 Concept Spyder...MORE

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 1, 2012…*MINI customers will be able to boldly go where no motorer has gone before when the all-new MINI Cooper Yachtsman makes its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show next week, right beside the Hudson River. ...MORE

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Cage World

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FWIW

YouTube Description: Fascinating documentary about Dr. Trammell's career in racing, including how he saved Rick Mears legs after his Sanair crash 47:10
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Reference::

BMW MOA 2012 International Rally

SBK
2012 FIM Superbike Championship Calendar

FIM

Changes to the FIM Superbike, Supersport and Superstock regulations for 2012:
Some more details of changes to the championship regulations were delivered by the FIM in a press release.

FIM: Official Documents
Link to the current year official documents for all classes and search tool for other years.

FIA Regulations – Formula 1 World Championship

WEATHER
US:
http://www.weather.gov/ | NOAA's National Weather Service
Select to go to the NWS homepage. National Weather Service - or - Follow the National Weather Service on FaceBook

http://www.weather.com | Sedalia, MO 65301

CA:
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html

ROAD CONDITIONS
US:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/ : National Traffic and Road Closure Information
511 - America's Traveler Information Telephone Number; Construction Related; Local and State Transit Links; Traffic Conditions; Regional Links; Weather/Road ...

CA:
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/drivebc_supp/canada_map.htm :
Canada Road Condition Information: Links to provincial highway condition websites across Canada..

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

SportRider.com: Motorcycle Riding Skills Series – Street bike and motorcycle riding skills techniques articles at Sport Rider

BMW-Motorrad.com: Service
Electronic Parts Catalogue
Download Manuals
Breakdown Dictionary
Tyre Options
Tips
Before every journey…
Before a log trip…
Before winter…
How to clean your motorcycle

ascycles.com: BMW Motorcycle Service and Maintenance Schedules

mic.org: Motorcycle Industry Council | Tire Guide 2011.pdf

1224188747_KnFmX-Ti.jpg
Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

pure-gas.org: Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. And Canada

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Video: BMW Final Drive Disassembly

Woot of the Day

1248585279_iDbKX-O.jpg
MSF Motorcycle Operators Manual

TIP: Worst case scenario – suddenly your clutch cable breaks. Here’s what to do. P.45 http://t.co/jfDAORhW

QOD: When selecting a lane position in which to ride, what should you do? http://t.co/NAeGRI2W


Bike Candy

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Wednesday, 4 April

i-2Zd7bR6-S.jpg
Members with Birthdays Today


motogp
visordown.com: Dorna Ceo – BMW will enter MotoGP

bbc.co.uk: BBC MotoGP pundits on the 2012 season

fim-live.com: New look for 2012 Championship as MotoGp kicks off in Qatar

motogp,.com: Stoner pedrosa prepare for Qatar

motogp.com: Lorenzo and Spies ready for Losail

motogp.com: Rossi and Hayden eager to start

motogp.com Gressin ready for season start

MotoGP Video – all eyes on Qatar for season opener

asphaltandrubber.com: Steve Rapp and Attack Performance granted wild card status to both US rounds on a CRT

motomatters.com: Suzuki aiming at MotoGP return for 2014

motogp: 2012 race calendar | Results and Statistics


Formula 1

bbc.co.uk: Looking ahead to China

formula1.com: Kimi Raikkonen – We just need some better luck

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Formula 1: 2012 Race Calendar | Results Season/Team/Driver
fia.com: 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship - Race Information & Event Starting Times for the 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship


Other Racing

fim-live.com: Coma drops a place in overall standings


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On the Street

mcnews.com.au: 2012 Nuda 900R review

motorcyclenews.com: Poll – Has the BMW R1200GS had its day?
MCM asks: With the Triumph Explorer 1200*performing well in tests and the GS finally looking not just outgunned but possibly out-funned by rivals, is it time to conclude the bike firm which started the class has had its day at its forefront?
:ears

cycleworld.com: Fifty years of “do you have any idea how fast you were goin?”

motorcycle-usa.com: Cafe Racer season 3 airs April 19 on Velocity

dealernews.com: Honda updates scooters for 2013


ultimatemotorcycling.com: Harley dealers seat and windshield demo

motorcyclistonline.com: Motorcycle Safety Foundation releases new video

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The Mothership

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 3, 2012…**The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported March sales of 29,806 vehicles, an increase of 13 percent from the 26,382 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago.* Year-to-date, the BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) achieved its best first quarter sales since the record year of 2007 retailing 75,729 vehicles, up 16.6 percent compared to 64,957 vehicles sold in the first three months of 2011.*...MORE

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Cage World

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FWIW

A new addition for the Reference section

Governor's Highway Safety Association. ghsa.orgHighway safety law charts

in the future will appear right after the NHTSA link. In addition to the highways safety law chart index page the entry will include a link to the home page where you can find information on many more issues.

What is GHSA?
GHSA represents the*state and territorial highway safety offices*that implement programs to address*behavioral highway safety issues, including: occupant protection, impaired driving, and speeding. GHSA provides leadership and advocacy for the states and territories to improve traffic safety,*influence national policy,*enhance program management*and*promote best practices.
I hope you will find it a useful resource should you have questions about laws as you purposefully wonder and wander around.

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Reference::

BMW MOA 2012 International Rally

SBK
2012 FIM Superbike Championship Calendar

FIM

Changes to the FIM Superbike, Supersport and Superstock regulations for 2012:
Some more details of changes to the championship regulations were delivered by the FIM in a press release.

FIM: Official Documents
Link to the current year official documents for all classes and search tool for other years.

FIA Regulations – Formula 1 World Championship

WEATHER
US:
http://www.weather.gov/ | NOAA's National Weather Service
Select to go to the NWS homepage. National Weather Service - or - Follow the National Weather Service on FaceBook

http://www.weather.com | Sedalia, MO 65301

CA:
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html

ROAD CONDITIONS
US:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/ : National Traffic and Road Closure Information
511 - America's Traveler Information Telephone Number; Construction Related; Local and State Transit Links; Traffic Conditions; Regional Links; Weather/Road ...

CA:
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/drivebc_supp/canada_map.htm :
Canada Road Condition Information: Links to provincial highway condition websites across Canada..

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

SportRider.com: Motorcycle Riding Skills Series – Street bike and motorcycle riding skills techniques articles at Sport Rider

BMW-Motorrad.com: Service
Electronic Parts Catalogue
Download Manuals
Breakdown Dictionary
Tyre Options
Tips
Before every journey…
Before a log trip…
Before winter…
How to clean your motorcycle

ascycles.com: BMW Motorcycle Service and Maintenance Schedules

mic.org: Motorcycle Industry Council | Tire Guide 2011.pdf

1224188747_KnFmX-Ti.jpg
Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

pure-gas.org: Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. And Canada

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Video: BMW Final Drive Disassembly

Woot of the Day

1248585279_iDbKX-O.jpg
MSF Motorcycle Operators Manual

QOD: Which of the following is true of convex mirrors? http://t.co/xqKtuljN


Bike Candy

Motorcycle.com provides today's treat; the Frog eBike. It is the electric successor to the 1985 Frog FZ750 Concept

i-SVZdVK4.jpg
 
Thursday, 5 April

i-2Zd7bR6-S.jpg
Members with Birthdays Today


SBK

worldsbk.com: Joan Lascorz injury update ÔÇô 5 April

worldsbk.com: Pirelli notes from Imola

WORLDSBK: 2012 Race Calendar | Championship Standings Rider / Manufacturer

motogp

motogp.com: Qatar racing numbers

motomatters.com: MotoGP season preview ÔÇô a year of transition


motogp: 2012 race calendar | Results and Statistics


Formula 1

formula1.com: The Adrian Newey hit factory ÔÇô the designer's greatest hits

speedtv.com: KERS unlikely for HRT in 2012

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Formula 1: 2012 Race Calendar | Results Season/Team/Driver
fia.com: 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship - Race Information & Event Starting Times for the 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship


Other Racing

bbc.co.uk: Two wheels good, four wheels better?
Bike v Car chestnut looked at from a track perspective by the BBC pundits ÔÇô MotoGP v F1

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On the Street

motorcyclistonline.com: Hosepower wars | drawing the line

roadrunner.travel: BMW MOA 40th International Rally

asphaltandrubber.com: Bajaj bumps ownership of KTM to 47%
and indiancarsandbikes.com

thekneeslider.com: How the motorcycle gods ride

visordown.com: Not the most sensible of commuters


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The Mothership

New York/Munich.*The BMW Group has achieved its best ever first quarter in worldwide sales. ÔÇ£With over 400,000 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles sold worldwide, we have had an outstanding first quarter and the best ever in the companyÔÇÖs history,ÔÇØ said Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management, Sales and Marketing BMW, from the New York Auto Show. ÔÇ£We have seen over 16% growth in the U.S. this quarter and we expect further momentum with the new BMW 3 Series Sedan on the market, as well as the introduction of the BMW X1 to the U.S. in September this year.ÔÇØ ...MORE

Richmond Hill, ON*.*BMW Group Canada (BMW and MINI brands combined) reported best-ever records in March with 3,205 retails, an increase of more than 19.6 per cent compared to March, 2011. A total of 7,231 units have been sold year-to-date representing an 18.7 per cent increase over the same period last year...url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/ca/pressDetail.html?outputChannelId=21&id=T0126069EN&left_menu_item=node__5308 ]MORE[/url]

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is delighted to announce the appointment of Kristina Marchitto as Corporate Communications Manager for North America. Kristina reports directly to Richard Carter, Director of Global Communications...MORE
I hope she understands the importance of BR&TMR to the Rolls-Royce communication plan.
:laugh

Munich, 4th April 2012. Once in their cars, the six BMW Motorsport DTM drivers wear fire-resistant racing overalls. Away from the track, however, they will be kitted out in the latest fashions from BALDESSARINI this season. As ÔÇ£Official Supplier Formal and Business WearÔÇØ, the company further strengthens BMW MotorsportÔÇÖs impressive range of partners in the DTM. As well as the drivers, BMW management will also wear BALDESSARINI outfits.MORE

ÔÇó*World premiere ÔÇô the new BMW 3 Series sedan in the long wheelbase* version.
Developed at BMW head office in Germany, it will be rolling off the production line in the new Shenyang production plant and celebrating its world premiere at Auto China 2012 in Beijing ÔÇô the new BMW 3 Series sedan in the long wheelbase version. With its wheelbase extended by 11*cm, a conspicuously elegant design, and the best rear seat travel comfort among the competition, this new model fulfils precisely the expectations of Chinese automobile customers. They can choose from the BMW 335Li, the BMW 328Li, or the BMW 320Li, each fitted with a powerful and efficient engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology. Also presented at Auto China will be the new BMW 3 Series sedan with the normal wheelbase and the full hybrid model BMW ActiveHybrid*3. ...MORE

Munich.*Cycle paths and single tracks will be more vibrant this summer thanks to the fresh colour combinations of BMWÔÇÖs 2012 bikes. The*BMW Cruise Bike*and*Mountainbike Enduro*will have a hip new design with exciting colour accents. Alongside the*Touring Bike, the*Mountainbike Cross Country*and the*BMW M Carbon Racer*Bike, the new BMW bikes promise lots of fun for any kind of rider. A technical update guarantees the premium quality of a genuine BMW. All BMW bikes benefit from a 60-year tradition of BMW engineers applying their automotive expertise to bicycles. BMW bikes are built by people who love the roads and the woodland trails...MORE

Cage World

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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ckskmdbB9hc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Reference::

BMW MOA 2012 International Rally

SBK
2012 FIM Superbike Championship Calendar

FIM

Changes to the FIM Superbike, Supersport and Superstock regulations for 2012:
Some more details of changes to the championship regulations were delivered by the FIM in a press release.

FIM: Official Documents
Link to the current year official documents for all classes and search tool for other years.

FIA Regulations ÔÇô Formula 1 World Championship

WEATHER
US:
http://www.weather.gov/ | NOAA's National Weather Service
Select to go to the NWS homepage. National Weather Service - or - Follow the National Weather Service on FaceBook

http://www.weather.com | Sedalia, MO 65301

CA:
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html

ROAD CONDITIONS
US:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/ : National Traffic and Road Closure Information
511 - America's Traveler Information Telephone Number; Construction Related; Local and State Transit Links; Traffic Conditions; Regional Links; Weather/Road ...

CA:
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/drivebc_supp/canada_map.htm :
Canada Road Condition Information: Links to provincial highway condition websites across Canada..

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

Governor's Highway Safety Association. ghsa.orgHighway safety law charts

SportRider.com: Motorcycle Riding Skills Series ÔÇô Street bike and motorcycle riding skills techniques articles at Sport Rider

BMW-Motorrad.com: Service
Electronic Parts Catalogue
Download Manuals
Breakdown Dictionary
Tyre Options
Tips
Before every journey
Before a log trip
Before winter
How to clean your motorcycle

ascycles.com: BMW Motorcycle Service and Maintenance Schedules

mic.org: Motorcycle Industry Council | Tire Guide 2011.pdf

1224188747_KnFmX-Ti.jpg
Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

pure-gas.org: Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. And Canada

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Video: BMW Final Drive Disassembly

Woot of the Day

1248585279_iDbKX-O.jpg
MSF Motorcycle Operators Manual

TIP: SEE: Don't pause or second-guess your course of action. In critical situations, time and space are at a premium. http://t.co/ZWxeceol

QOD: What is a necessary safety characteristic of goggles? http://t.co/Ah68X6Qt


Bike Candy

Disk brakes, the early years. From Le Container

i-Bjtdpqf-M.jpg
 
Friday, 6 April

i-2Zd7bR6-S.jpg
Members with Birthdays Today


SBK

worldsbk.com: Italian round statistics

]crash.net: Guintoli frustrated by Haslam collision

WORLDSBK: 2012 Race Calendar | Championship Standings Rider / Manufacturer

motogp

motogp.com: Stoner sets early MotoGP pace

sportrider.dom: Colin Edwards talks CRT

FP1
Pos.Num.RiderNationTeamBikeKm/hTimeGap*
1st/Prev.11Casey STONERAUSRepsol Honda TeamHonda334.51'56.474299
2 Jorge LORENZOSPAYamaha Factory RacingYamaha329.91'56.6480.174 / 0.174369
3 Nicky HAYDENUSADucati TeamDucati334.21'56.9240.450 / 0.276411
4 Ben SPIESUSAYamaha Factory RacingYamaha326.71'56.9820.508 / 0.058526
5 Dani PEDROSASPARepsol Honda TeamHonda332.91'57.1300.656 / 0.148635
6 Cal CRUTCHLOWGBRMonster Yamaha Tech 3Yamaha329.21'57.3950.921 / 0.265719
7 Alvaro BAUTISTASPASan Carlo Honda GresiniHonda336.81'57.5121.038 / 0.11784
8 Andrea DOVIZIOSOITAMonster Yamaha Tech 3Yamaha330.01'57.5471.073 / 0.03598
9 Hector BARBERASPAPramac Racing TeamDucati337.21'57.9121.438 / 0.3651046
10 Valentino ROSSIITADucati TeamDucati334.31'57.9141.440 / 0.0021117
11 Karel ABRAHAMCZECardion AB MotoracingDucati336.11'57.9391.465 / 0.025126
12 Stefan BRADLGERLCR Honda MotoGPHonda330.91'58.9342.460 / 0.9951314
13 Randy DE PUNIETFRAPower Electronics AsparART314.01'59.9853.511 / 1.051145
14 Colin EDWARDSUSANGM Mobile Forward RacingSuter315.12'00.0443.570 / 0.0591551
15 Michele PIRROITASan Carlo Honda GresiniFTR309.52'00.3223.848 / 0.2781641
16 Aleix ESPARGAROSPAPower Electronics AsparART311.82'00.7204.246 / 0.3981722
17 Ivan SILVASPAAvintia BlusensBQR-FTR304.72'01.1384.664 / 0.4181854
18 Mattia PASINIITASpeed MasterART307.62'01.2614.787 / 0.1231968
19 Yonny HERNANDEZCOLAvintia BlusensBQR-FTR303.72'01.2764.802 / 0.015209
20 Danilo PETRUCCIITACame IodaRacing ProjectIoda288.52'01.3524.878 / 0.0762177
21 James ELLISONGBRPaul Bird MotorsportART302.42'03.4216.947 / 2.069

From MotoGP.com
Stoner and Pedrosa pleased to get season underway
Lorenzo and Spies content with first run
Hayden happy with FP1 as Rossi targets improvement
Crutchlow and Dovizioso off to fast start in Qatar

motomatters.com: Qatar MotoGP Thursday roundup

supebikeplanet.com: Bridgestone previews Qatar


motogp: 2012 race calendar | Results and Statistics


Formula 1

formula1.com: China preview quotes

formul1.com: Lotus deputy technical director leaves

bbc.co.uk: Ross Brawn says controversial Mercedes wing system 'hard to copy'

pirelli.com: Tyre compounds revealed for Bahrain, Spain and Monaco

telegraph.co.uk: Damon Hill urges F1 governing body, the FIA, to rethink its stance on the Bahrain Grand Prix

Formula 1: 2012 Race Calendar | Results Season/Team/Driver
fia.com: 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship - Race Information & Event Starting Times for the 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship


Other Racing


Biandronno, Italy, 5th April 2012 ÔÇô The World Motocross MX2 Championship gets underway on Easter Monday with the Dutch GP on the sandy Valkenswaard track close to Eindhoven. There are sixteen races to go ÔÇô from the 9th of April until the 23rd of September - before this thrilling world championship concludes at the Teutschenthal track in Germany. Immediately after Alex LupinoÔÇÖs victory aboard his TC250 in the International Italian Motocross Championship, the Husqvarna Motocross Team by Ricci Racing headed straight off to Northern Europe close to Lommel in Belgium to start two weeks of tests and training on the treacherous and hazardous soft Benelux terrain...MORE


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0Cte-SXIjYY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

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On the Street

NHTSA Campaing ID No. 12V134000
Dated: MAR 29, 2012 KAWASAKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 CONCOURS 14 POLICE MOTORCYCLES. THE ADDITIONAL POLICE ACCESSORIES MAY CAUSE THE 30-AMP MAIN FUSE TO BLOW. ALSO, THE ADDITIONAL POLICE WIRING HARNES...
-related-
[url=http://blog.motorcycle.com/2012/04/05/manufacturers/kawasaki/police-spec-kawasaki-concours-14-recalled/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+motorcycle%2Fthe-sidecar+%28The+Sidecar+-+Motorcycle.com+blog%29]motocycle.com
: Kawasaki police special Kawaski Concours 14 recalled


The Mothership

[APPLICATION] method for representing surrounding a vehicle on the display of a...


Cage World

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zJa9ueY6qyk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

amog.com: World's first Formula 1 Superbus
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FWIW





Reference::

BMW MOA 2012 International Rally

SBK
2012 FIM Superbike Championship Calendar

FIM

Changes to the FIM Superbike, Supersport and Superstock regulations for 2012:
Some more details of changes to the championship regulations were delivered by the FIM in a press release.

FIM: Official Documents
Link to the current year official documents for all classes and search tool for other years.

FIA Regulations ÔÇô Formula 1 World Championship

WEATHER
US:
http://www.weather.gov/ | NOAA's National Weather Service
Select to go to the NWS homepage. National Weather Service - or - Follow the National Weather Service on FaceBook

http://www.weather.com | Sedalia, MO 65301

CA:
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html

ROAD CONDITIONS
US:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/ : National Traffic and Road Closure Information
511 - America's Traveler Information Telephone Number; Construction Related; Local and State Transit Links; Traffic Conditions; Regional Links; Weather/Road ...

CA:
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/drivebc_supp/canada_map.htm :
Canada Road Condition Information: Links to provincial highway condition websites across Canada..

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

Governor's Highway Safety Association. ghsa.orgHighway safety law charts

SportRider.com: Motorcycle Riding Skills Series ÔÇô Street bike and motorcycle riding skills techniques articles at Sport Rider

BMW-Motorrad.com: Service
Electronic Parts Catalogue
Download Manuals
Breakdown Dictionary
Tyre Options
Tips
Before every journey
Before a log trip
Before winter
How to clean your motorcycle

ascycles.com: BMW Motorcycle Service and Maintenance Schedules

mic.org: Motorcycle Industry Council | Tire Guide 2011.pdf

1224188747_KnFmX-Ti.jpg
Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

pure-gas.org: Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. And Canada

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Video: BMW Final Drive Disassembly

Woot of the Day

1248585279_iDbKX-O.jpg
MSF Motorcycle Operators Manual

QOD: What should you always do when carrying a passenger on your motorcycle? http://t.co/ikBsQFKg


Bike Candy

i-tzKZBZn-M.jpg


i-7nWpgm6-M.jpg


i-fNKrrBt-M.jpg


i-5jmGfjt-L.jpg


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Racing Update: Friday , 6 April

MotoGP

motogp.com: Stoner reproduces leading time in MotoGP FP2
Stoner clocked in at 1'55.960. Colin Edwards on the Suter BMW piped de Puniet for fastest CRT with a 1'58.801.

Rider Nation Team Motorcycle Time Lap Total Gap Top Speed

1 1 Casey STONER AUS Repsol Honda Team HONDA 1’55.960 12 14 332.6

2 99 Jorge LORENZO SPA Yamaha Factory Racing YAMAHA 1’56.174 13 15 0.214 0.214 328.8

3 4 Andrea DOVIZIOSO ITA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 YAMAHA 1’56.648 14 19 0.688 0.474 332.2

4 11 Ben SPIES USA Yamaha Factory Racing YAMAHA 1’56.671 14 16 0.711 0.023 328.2

5 8 Hector BARBERA SPA Pramac Racing Team DUCATI 1’56.678 13 15 0.718 0.007 339.0

6 26 Dani PEDROSA SPA Repsol Honda Team HONDA 1’56.697 10 13 0.737 0.019 331.6

7 69 Nicky HAYDEN USA Ducati Team DUCATI 1’56.782 16 17 0.822 0.085 336.9

8 35 Cal CRUTCHLOW GBR Monster Yamaha Tech 3 YAMAHA 1’56.814 9 17 0.854 0.032 330.5

9 6 Stefan BRADL GER LCR Honda MotoGP HONDA 1’57.197 14 16 1.237 0.383 332.4

10 46 Valentino ROSSI ITA Ducati Team DUCATI 1’57.274 17 18 1.314 0.077 337.0

11 17 Karel ABRAHAM CZE Cardion AB Motoracing DUCATI 1’57.523 18 18 1.563 0.249 334.0

12 19 Alvaro BAUTISTA SPA San Carlo Honda Gresini HONDA 1’57.668 17 17 1.708 0.145 334.1

13 5 Colin EDWARDS USA NGM Mobile Forward Racing SUTER 1’58.801 14 14 2.841 1.133 317.1

14 14 Randy DE PUNIET FRA Power Electronics Aspar ART 1’58.945 15 16 2.985 0.144 310.9

15 68 Yonny HERNANDEZ COL Avintia Blusens BQR-FTR 1’59.698 15 18 3.738 0.753 307.5

16 41 Aleix ESPARGARO SPA Power Electronics Aspar ART 1’59.997 4 14 4.037 0.299 313.9

17 51 Michele PIRRO ITA San Carlo Honda Gresini FTR 2’00.231 12 12 4.271 0.234 309.9

18 54 Mattia PASINI ITA Speed Master ART 2’00.373 15 16 4.413 0.142 314.4

19 9 Danilo PETRUCCI ITA Came IodaRacing Project IODA 2’00.404 14 15 4.444 0.031 292.4

20 22 Ivan SILVA SPA Avintia Blusens BQR-FTR 2’00.787 10 11 4.827 0.383 305.9

21 77 James ELLISON GBR Paul Bird Motorsport ART 2’02.112 12 13 6.152 1.325 303.1
 
Saturday, 7 April

i-2Zd7bR6-S.jpg
Members with Birthdays Today


SBK

worldsbk.com: Guintoli ready to fight in Assen

WORLDSBK: 2012 Race Calendar | Championship Standings Rider / Manufacturer

motogp

asphaltandrubber.com: CRTs 14mph slower than prototypes at Losail

ducati.com: Ducati Team continues to work on race setup in Qatar

teamtech3fr: Crutchlow and Dovizioso dazzel under Qatar floodlights

Grissini: Michele Pirro makes CRT progress but Bautista disappointed

yamaha-racing.com: Lorenzo sets the pace in Qatar

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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9X-3IkimzDQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


motogp: 2012 race calendar | Results and Statistics


Formula 1

telegraph.co.uk: Lotus F1 cut sponsorship ties with Group Lotus

Formula 1: 2012 Race Calendar | Results Season/Team/Driver
fia.com: 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship - Race Information & Event Starting Times for the 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship


Other Racing

fim-live.com: Everything went perfectly - Coma

cycleworld.com: TT world series

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On the Street

motorcyclistonline.com: Motorcycle Auctions | Hammer time

asphaltandrubber.com: Lincoln Tunnel hooligan makes the Colbert Report

dealernews.com: Are you a mod, or a rocker? AMA welcomes both at this year's Vintage Days

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/25ivdNGhT48" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

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The Mothership




Cage World

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Qe6UpGFlRGM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2W16OrNqOJg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

FWIW

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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2ykxKBN-jI8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1rDL4or-PHg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Reference::

BMW MOA 2012 International Rally

SBK
2012 FIM Superbike Championship Calendar

FIM

Changes to the FIM Superbike, Supersport and Superstock regulations for 2012:
Some more details of changes to the championship regulations were delivered by the FIM in a press release.

FIM: Official Documents
Link to the current year official documents for all classes and search tool for other years.

FIA Regulations ÔÇô Formula 1 World Championship

WEATHER
US:
http://www.weather.gov/ | NOAA's National Weather Service
Select to go to the NWS homepage. National Weather Service - or - Follow the National Weather Service on FaceBook

http://www.weather.com | Sedalia, MO 65301

CA:
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html

ROAD CONDITIONS
US:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/ : National Traffic and Road Closure Information
511 - America's Traveler Information Telephone Number; Construction Related; Local and State Transit Links; Traffic Conditions; Regional Links; Weather/Road ...

CA:
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/drivebc_supp/canada_map.htm :
Canada Road Condition Information: Links to provincial highway condition websites across Canada..

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

Governor's Highway Safety Association. ghsa.orgHighway safety law charts

SportRider.com: Motorcycle Riding Skills Series ÔÇô Street bike and motorcycle riding skills techniques articles at Sport Rider

BMW-Motorrad.com: Service
Electronic Parts Catalogue
Download Manuals
Breakdown Dictionary
Tyre Options
Tips
Before every journey
Before a log trip
Before winter
How to clean your motorcycle

ascycles.com: BMW Motorcycle Service and Maintenance Schedules

mic.org: Motorcycle Industry Council | Tire Guide 2011.pdf

1224188747_KnFmX-Ti.jpg
Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

pure-gas.org: Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. And Canada

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Video: BMW Final Drive Disassembly

Woot of the Day

1248585279_iDbKX-O.jpg
MSF Motorcycle Operators Manual


Bike Candy

First you did this to your tires?

i-jRhzHX2-M.jpg


Then you did this with your superbike???

i-fpmKchh-M.jpg


i-Mvksrgv-M.jpg


i-x8d9DKB-M.jpg


i-cvmkVDh-M.jpg


i-b6Bd2Tk-M.jpg


I understand you don't have a BMW but there has to be another way to get ready for the next GS Giant!

i-ZghLNtW-M.jpg
 
Racing Update: Saturday, 7 April
MotoGP

Lorenzo draws first blood in 2012 beating Stoner by 0.221 seconds to take the Qatar pole. Crutchlow took P3 0.388 seconds of the pole pace and rounding out the front row of the Sunday Grid.

Edwards and the Suter came in P13 taking the inside of row 5.
 
Sunday, 8 April

i-2Zd7bR6-S.jpg
Members with Birthdays Today

Happy Easter


motogp

fim-live.com: Lorenzo edges thrilling battle for Qatar pole

hondaproracing.com: Front row for Stoner in Qatar

ducati.com Fifth best time for Hayden in Qatar qualifying, Rossi twelfth

teamteach3.com: Crutchlow lights up Losail with maden GP front row

hondaproracing.com: Respsol Honda continues to work on its race setup

motogp.com: Bautista and Pirro left disappointed

racer.com: Spies still expects to be a factor in the race

motomatters.com: Saturday MotoGP qualifying round up

motogp: 2012 race calendar | Results and Statistics


Formula 1

telegraph.co.uk: Pressure mounts on FIA tto make final decision on Bahrain Grand Prix

pirelli.com: Chinese GP from a tyre point of view

Formula 1: 2012 Race Calendar | Results Season/Team/Driver
fia.com: 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship - Race Information & Event Starting Times for the 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship



On the Street

motorcycle.com: The One Motorcycle Show | A different kind of motorcycle show

motorcycle-usa.com: Continental ADV tire sizes added

cyrilhuzeblog.com: Saddlemen introduces the Destination Pack

webbikeworld.com: Roof Boxer V8 motorcycle helmet review

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/m9peOY3DEqY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6HIjvceR5a0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The Mothership


The 16 participants in the 2012 Formula BMW Talent Cup acquainted themselves with the cars during seat fittings, then made final preparations for their learning year in motorsport, which starts at end-April. The young drivers attended the Formula BMW Technical Centre in Dudeldorf, where they had seat fittings in order to ensure a millimetre-tight fit, received technical instruction about the single-seater, were fitted in race uniforms ahead of a first official photo shoot, and schooled in media relations....MORE



Cage World

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SpSDdXMnEL8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Reference::

BMW MOA 2012 International Rally

SBK
2012 FIM Superbike Championship Calendar

FIM

Changes to the FIM Superbike, Supersport and Superstock regulations for 2012:
Some more details of changes to the championship regulations were delivered by the FIM in a press release.

FIM: Official Documents
Link to the current year official documents for all classes and search tool for other years.

FIA Regulations – Formula 1 World Championship

WEATHER
US:
http://www.weather.gov/ | NOAA's National Weather Service
Select to go to the NWS homepage. National Weather Service - or - Follow the National Weather Service on FaceBook

http://www.weather.com | Sedalia, MO 65301

CA:
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html

ROAD CONDITIONS
US:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/ : National Traffic and Road Closure Information
511 - America's Traveler Information Telephone Number; Construction Related; Local and State Transit Links; Traffic Conditions; Regional Links; Weather/Road ...

CA:
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/drivebc_supp/canada_map.htm :
Canada Road Condition Information: Links to provincial highway condition websites across Canada..

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

Governor's Highway Safety Association. ghsa.orgHighway safety law charts

SportRider.com: Motorcycle Riding Skills Series – Street bike and motorcycle riding skills techniques articles at Sport Rider

BMW-Motorrad.com: Service
Electronic Parts Catalogue
Download Manuals
Breakdown Dictionary
Tyre Options
Tips
Before every journey…
Before a log trip…
Before winter…
How to clean your motorcycle

ascycles.com: BMW Motorcycle Service and Maintenance Schedules

mic.org: Motorcycle Industry Council | Tire Guide 2011.pdf

1224188747_KnFmX-Ti.jpg
Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

pure-gas.org: Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. And Canada

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Video: BMW Final Drive Disassembly

Woot of the Day

1248585279_iDbKX-O.jpg
MSF Motorcycle Operators Manual

TIP: Your passenger should hold onto your waist or hips, or the bike’s hand-holds. P.50 http://t.co/jfDAORhW

QOD: Which of the following is true of a plastic, shatter-resistant face shield? http://t.co/NeVEJ3Zx


Bike Candy

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i-fCchCQT.jpg


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Monday, 9 April

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Members with Birthdays Today


motogp

First blood by taking the Qatar pole leads to first victory of the 2012 MotoGP season for Lorenzo.

motogp.com: Lorenzo opens the season with victory in Qatar.

motogp.com: Peddrosa and Stoner celebrate double Repsol Honda podium

teamtech3.fr: Crutchlow and Dovizioso storm top five in Qatar

motomatters.com: 2012 Qatar MotoGP Sunday post race press release roundup.

Pos Rider Nation Team Motorcycle Total Time Km/h Gap
1 25 99 Jorge LORENZO SPA Yamaha Factory Racing YAMAHA 42ÔÇÖ44.214 166.170
2 20 26 Dani PEDROSA SPA Repsol Honda Team HONDA 42ÔÇÖ45.066 166.115 0.852
3 16 1 Casey STONER AUS Repsol Honda Team HONDA 42ÔÇÖ47.122 165.981 2.908
4 13 35 Cal CRUTCHLOW GBR Monster Yamaha Tech 3 YAMAHA 43ÔÇÖ01.328 165.068 17.114
5 11 4 Andrea DOVIZIOSO ITA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 YAMAHA 43ÔÇÖ01.634 165.048 17.420
6 10 69 Nicky HAYDEN USA Ducati Team DUCATI 43ÔÇÖ12.627 164.349 28.413
7 9 19 Alvaro BAUTISTA SPA San Carlo Honda Gresini HONDA 43ÔÇÖ12.660 164.347 28.446
8 8 6 Stefan BRADL GER LCR Honda MotoGP HONDA 43ÔÇÖ13.678 164.282 29.464
9 7 8 Hector BARBERA SPA Pramac Racing Team DUCATI 43ÔÇÖ15.598 164.161 31.384
10 6 46 Valentino ROSSI ITA Ducati Team DUCATI 43ÔÇÖ17.879 164.016 33.665
11 5 11 Ben SPIES USA Yamaha Factory Racing YAMAHA 43ÔÇÖ41.121 162.562 56.907
12 4 5 Colin EDWARDS USA NGM Mobile Forward Racing SUTER 43ÔÇÖ42.302 162.489 58.088
13 3 14 Randy DE PUNIET FRA Power Electronics Aspar ART 43ÔÇÖ54.864 161.714 1ÔÇÖ10.650
14 2 68 Yonny HERNANDEZ COL Avintia Blusens BQR-FTR 44ÔÇÖ00.157 161.390 1ÔÇÖ15.943
15 1 41 Aleix ESPARGARO SPA Power Electronics Aspar ART 44ÔÇÖ10.947 160.733 1ÔÇÖ26.733
16 22 Ivan SILVA SPA Avintia Blusens BQR-FTR 44ÔÇÖ27.541 159.733 1ÔÇÖ43.327
17 54 Mattia PASINI ITA Speed Master ART 44ÔÇÖ31.633 159.488 1ÔÇÖ47.419
18 77 James ELLISON GBR Paul Bird Motorsport ART 44ÔÇÖ36.096 159.222 1ÔÇÖ51.882
Not Classified
9 Danilo PETRUCCI ITA Came IodaRacing Project IODA 30ÔÇÖ29.288 158.815 7 laps
17 Karel ABRAHAM CZE Cardion AB Motoracing DUCATI 14ÔÇÖ40.447 153.985 15 laps
Not enough laps completed
51 Michele PIRRO ITA San Carlo Honda Gresini FTR 43ÔÇÖ46.733 110.601 7 laps


MotoGP official videos
Qatar 2012 podcats
Paddock girrls in Qatar

Other Qatar video photo compilations

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/d8QxKr6oywM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eN0McjcBbB4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

motogp: 2012 race calendar | Results and Statistics


Formula 1

formula1.com: The inside line ÔÇô on Caterham's Heikki Kovalainen

planet-f1.com: Full steam ahead for Marussia

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ENnf_7nN6Ew" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Formula 1: 2012 Race Calendar | Results Season/Team/Driver
fia.com: 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship - Race Information & Event Starting Times for the 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship


Other Racing

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-ql-xL3H5ms" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

On the Street

jasonline.com: Harley plant undergoes whirlwind of changes
"It's like Cortez burning the ships when he reached the New World. There's no going back to what this factory used to represent,"

thehindubusinessline.com: Honda Motorcycles to fire on all cylinders this fiscal
FWIW: Honda has made significant changes to push ahead in the hot Indian market.

cyrilhuzeblog.com: Jesse James Outlaw Garage. New TV show on Discovery Channel Monday April 9

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4t0HpmspTgw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kR8wpMtvICE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


The Mothership

2012 will see BMW customer teams contest numerous championships with the support of BMW Motorrad HP Race Support...MORE

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GN5-Q8-pwOQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Cage World

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FWIW

Lorenzo's win at Qatar makes me 3 for 3 with season openers. None of my rider/driver champion picks won their season opener. If this trend continues I may qualify to be a legitimate pundit at some legitimate site; instead of a motorcycle news aggregator and fan from Fly-Over-Land.

Nah...Then I would have to buy my coffee at a real coffee shop instead of the current Official Fly-Over-Land stop where a large coffee is still a buck and you get change.

Reference::

BMW MOA 2012 International Rally

SBK
2012 FIM Superbike Championship Calendar

FIM

Changes to the FIM Superbike, Supersport and Superstock regulations for 2012:
Some more details of changes to the championship regulations were delivered by the FIM in a press release.

FIM: Official Documents
Link to the current year official documents for all classes and search tool for other years.

FIA Regulations ÔÇô Formula 1 World Championship

WEATHER
US:
http://www.weather.gov/ | NOAA's National Weather Service
Select to go to the NWS homepage. National Weather Service - or - Follow the National Weather Service on FaceBook

http://www.weather.com | Sedalia, MO 65301

CA:
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html

ROAD CONDITIONS
US:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/ : National Traffic and Road Closure Information
511 - America's Traveler Information Telephone Number; Construction Related; Local and State Transit Links; Traffic Conditions; Regional Links; Weather/Road ...

CA:
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/drivebc_supp/canada_map.htm :
Canada Road Condition Information: Links to provincial highway condition websites across Canada..

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

Governor's Highway Safety Association. ghsa.orgHighway safety law charts

SportRider.com: Motorcycle Riding Skills Series ÔÇô Street bike and motorcycle riding skills techniques articles at Sport Rider

BMW-Motorrad.com: Service
Electronic Parts Catalogue
Download Manuals
Breakdown Dictionary
Tyre Options
Tips
Before every journey
Before a log trip
Before winter
How to clean your motorcycle

ascycles.com: BMW Motorcycle Service and Maintenance Schedules

mic.org: Motorcycle Industry Council | Tire Guide 2011.pdf

1224188747_KnFmX-Ti.jpg
Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

pure-gas.org: Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. And Canada

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Video: BMW Final Drive Disassembly

Woot of the Day

1248585279_iDbKX-O.jpg
MSF Motorcycle Operators Manual

TIP: Always ride defensively. Control your ride - don't let your ride control you. http://t.co/ZWxeceol

QOD: When should you wear reflective clothing? http://t.co/hCBfg4MO


Bike Candy

The old Norton Girls adverts aged better than the big hair style of this cafe riding couple did.

i-MH52fHm-L.jpg


I remember that time and cringe at the thought of some of my riding buddies posting a picture of me from back then.
 
Moto GP & Moto 2

I watched and waited to see what if anything interesting would happen in both series.

Moto 2 : very good race , except for the blind officials who failed to penalise Marquez for running Luthi off the track on purpose. That was IMHO an uncalled for and dangerous move. But that's the way Marquez rides, he is a bit of a wild child and may end up like some other riders who manage to get on the bad side of his racing competitors.

Moto GP : sadly the CRT's ran like expected, 5 seconds off pace and got very little TV coverage except at the very end .
I think we are in for a two class series for sure all season unless some magic in the rules happens.
The real GP bikes had a good battle and I would have sworn Stoner's arm pump was a bunch of hooey to cover up his tire abuse. It was pretty obvious that Lorenzo kept race pace but better tire management and in the end it proved to be the better strategy.
Ducati had a good day only due to Hayden's fantastic grit. Some pundit said that he doubted Rossi would finish the season on the bike unless he/they can come to grips with what ever ails the bloody thing. I would be surprised if that happens , but the bike is a long way from even being close at this point. I also think the aluminum chassis is more of a hindrence than a help.
 
Tuesday, 10 April

i-2Zd7bR6-S.jpg
Members with Birthdays Today

motogp

fim-live.com: 'Amazing raceÔÇØ - Lorenzo

motomatters.com: Qatar post race roundup

ultimatemotorcycling.com: Qatar MotoGP ÔÇô Bridgestone review

cycleworld.com: Richard Stanboli & Attack Performance to build CRT MotoGP bike

FWIW: Some interesting comments in 40427's post.

Did anyone really expect the CRT machines to do any better at this point? I really doubt they will contend with the front runners but as the season progresses I can see them knocking off some of the back markers. Two tier racing? Yes. Yet I like the CRT idea in general just don't think they have the formula down.

Ducati GP12 will cause season long speculation. I am curious if you have more detail on why you think the aluminum frame is the problem. For my part, I agree it is currently a problem but more form a refinement standpoint than the wrong design/material. The change to metal was more than going back to past materials; it was a major shift in the direction of development and design team. I have to wonder if Ducati, as sophisticated as they are, is big enough to be able to make that kind of shift and not have major hiccups in the process.

What follows may be heresy but I wonder if Rossi is the right rider for the Ducati team? The sport will miss him greatly if he leaves to go endurance racing or retires. Will Ducati?

motogp: 2012 race calendar | Results and Statistics


Formula 1

formula1.com: Mercedes on cracking their tyre conundrum

formula1.com: China preview quotes: HRT, Pirelli, Marussia, Sauber & more

jamesallenonf1.com; How the F1 teams will approach the Chinese Grand Prix

bbc.co.uk: Bahrain's Gulf Air facebook page 'hacked'

reuters.com: Home made bomb injures seven Bahrain policemen

Various group continue to question F1 going to Bahrain as the situation deteriorates

telegraph.co.uk: Worried teams are ready to pull out of troubled Bahrain Grand Prix

Formula 1: 2012 Race Calendar | Results Season/Team/Driver
fia.com: 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship - Race Information & Event Starting Times for the 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship


Other Racing

twowheelblog.com: Valentino Rossi to take part in another car endurance race

Woodcliff Lake, N.J.  April 9, 2012*Following a four-week intermission after BMW Team RLLs GT class victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring American Le Mans Series curtain-raiser the second act of the teams ALMS GT class title defense will be set in the streets of Long Beach, California on April 14th...MORE[/rul]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ksWaU-92t3Y" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8AmRM1SFMIk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


On the Street

[url=http://www.smartcycleshopper.com/motorcycle-reviews/2012-bmw-g650gc-sertao-review/]smartcycleshop.com
: 2012 BMW G650GC Sertao review

cyrilhuzeblog.com: El Fuego drag race bike

dealernews.com: Former auto dealer pins future hopes on electric motorcycles

indiancarsbikes.in: Harley-Davidson India to set up dealership in Goa

thekneeslider.com: Deliberate practice on the way to being great

motorcycle-usa.com: GPS motorcycle theft recovery device

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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/g7_dDV4X83M" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


FWIW

spiegel.de: Confusion at the pumps ÔÇô Big Oil's strategy for jacking up gas prices

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</object>


Reference::

BMW MOA 2012 International Rally

SBK
2012 FIM Superbike Championship Calendar

FIM

Changes to the FIM Superbike, Supersport and Superstock regulations for 2012:
Some more details of changes to the championship regulations were delivered by the FIM in a press release.

FIM: Official Documents
Link to the current year official documents for all classes and search tool for other years.

FIA Regulations ÔÇô Formula 1 World Championship

WEATHER
US:
http://www.weather.gov/ | NOAA's National Weather Service
Select to go to the NWS homepage. National Weather Service - or - Follow the National Weather Service on FaceBook

http://www.weather.com | Sedalia, MO 65301

CA:
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html

ROAD CONDITIONS
US:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/ : National Traffic and Road Closure Information
511 - America's Traveler Information Telephone Number; Construction Related; Local and State Transit Links; Traffic Conditions; Regional Links; Weather/Road ...

CA:
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/drivebc_supp/canada_map.htm :
Canada Road Condition Information: Links to provincial highway condition websites across Canada..

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

Governor's Highway Safety Association. ghsa.orgHighway safety law charts

SportRider.com: Motorcycle Riding Skills Series ÔÇô Street bike and motorcycle riding skills techniques articles at Sport Rider

BMW-Motorrad.com: Service
Electronic Parts Catalogue
Download Manuals
Breakdown Dictionary
Tyre Options
Tips
Before every journey
Before a log trip
Before winter
How to clean your motorcycle

ascycles.com: BMW Motorcycle Service and Maintenance Schedules

mic.org: Motorcycle Industry Council | Tire Guide 2011.pdf

1224188747_KnFmX-Ti.jpg
Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

pure-gas.org: Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. And Canada

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Video: BMW Final Drive Disassembly

Woot of the Day

1248585279_iDbKX-O.jpg
MSF Motorcycle Operators Manual

TIP: Always use both brakes every time you slow or stop. The front brake is safe to use if you use it properly. P.13 http://t.co/jLCSL9Kj

QOD: Which of the following correctly applies to eye protection? http://t.co/sj5iiRgw


Bike Candy

For more pictures and information on today's truffle check out BikeEXIF.com

i-VktCSZW-M.jpg
 
My comments about the aluminum frame are just thoughts , not based on any sound engineering principals.
Ducati is known for using the engine as a stressed member of the frame, maybe that's where the problem lies. At any rate the Ducati does not seem to hook up well getting the power to the rear and to the ground, and i don't think it's all down to the electronics.
The Honda and Yamaha appear to be hooking up much quicker and getting a stronger drive out of the corner.

Just read that Richard Stanboli of Attack racing plans to build his wild card entry
( and potentially BMW engines in the future) using aluminum frames. Other CRT builders are using aluminum . So there must be something good there, just not sure what it is at the moment.

Would love the opportunity to look at a Honda or Yamaha frame drawing compared to the Ducati to see what the differences in design are.

Rossi is in a bad place right now, maybe due to the loss last year of Marco Simoncelli, his Ducati team and he are not on the same page sadly. I hope they get it worked out or we may see him leave for 4 wheels sooner than anticipated.

I am a real fan of Moto GP and all the road racing classes. It's early days and it's going to be a great season. NAPCAR could take some lessons here :p
 
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The street buzzed when Ducati began to patten it's road going version of the GP09/10. The main benefits of the frame are lower weight (a saving of at least five kilograms is envisaged over the existing road bike frames), greater rigidity, and greater design freedom. The application can be found here.

My guess is they found the weight savings and design freedom imagined but found the gain in rigidity was to great. Chassis design has always been a balance between building a flexible flier v truly rigid bike. The flexible flier has problems putting power down while having some strong pros and cons in the corners. The rigid bike can put the power down better but will be very unforgiving in the corner. Balance is the illusive goal.

Here is a picture of the aluminum Ducati frame.

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As time permits, I will keep searching but if someone else has other drawings and pictures of the Ducati and other marques please share.
 
Back in the day when we campaigned a Suzuki GS1000 in AMA Super Bike, it was not uncommon to break frames in various places during the season.

We picked up a "used Yamaha TZ750" the frame was a bit wanky from previous incidents.
We decided to brace it by adding some struts in a couple of places after looking at what Eraldo Ferraci was doing with his Ducati's , and John Winter had done with his Moto Guzzi's.

Our frame was certainly stronger ( not sure about it being very straight) but we broke the back bone at the steering head one day.
Talk about an interesting ride !!!!!

Never did come to grips with that monster, I think Kenny Roberts was right about that evil thing.

Chassis dynamics is a black art, those that say they understand it are not always to be believed IMHO. :)

Nice picture of the new Ducati , THANKS !!
 
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