Bench Racing & The Morning Reads

[mika]

World Superbike/MotoGP/AMA Calendar

Simo Kirssi shines in Spain

BMW Husqvarna Motorsport factory rider Simo Kirssi opened his season strongly at past weekend??s Bassella Race in Catalunya. The Finn powered his BMW 450 X to second place, finishing the gruelling two-hour moto 1:36 minutes behind eventual winner Aaron Bernardez.

The Bassella Race, formerly known as Toni Soler Memorial, has become a fixture in their pre-season programme for many riders. The tradtional event is held over a 50-kilometer course at the foot of the Pyrenees. For this year??s edition, 953 riders signed up.

As Dakar legend Marc Coma owned the holeshot, Kirssi started well into the race, rounding the first corner in third place. Kirssi was soon able to sneak past Coma and go after race leader Bernardez. The conditions proved to be tricky with frozen ground, roots, rocks and all sorts of obstacles.

Kirssi, no stranger to such difficulties, gained room as the race went on, but the super-fit Scandinavian failed to catch Bernardez before the chequered flag came out. The Spaniard clearly managed to take advantage of his superior terrain knowledge.

Said Simo Kirssi, a BMW factory rider since six seasons: "Congratulations to Aaron. It was a great race and a wonderful atmosphere. I found weather and track conditions to my liking and the bike worked flawlessly as usual. I had some extra speed left, but the season hasn??t even started really and I simply wanted to end this stage of my pre-season without taking unnecessary risks. The Tough One in the UK is next on the agenda this coming Saturday, that??s when the going gets tough for me indeed."

Results "Elite class" Bassela Race
1. Aaron Bernardez, KTM, 2:10:11
2. Simo Kirssi, BMW Husqvarna Motorsport, 2:11:47
3. Maurizio Micheluz, TM, 2:14:24
4. Rafa Garcia, Husqvarna, 2:20:18
5. Ot Ingles, Husqvarna, 2:24:02




WSBK et al.

Interview with BMW World Superbike S 1000 RR team about the upcoming 2010 Season



IOMTT

asphaltandrubber.com: BMWand KTM take on the 2010 Isle of Man TT

On the Street

motorcyclenews.com: BMW issues new software patch for S1000RR

33,352 Motorrad readers sorted through 199 motorcycles to make their picks for motorcycle of the year.
ÔÇó BMW won the Best Sportsbike category with the BMW S 1000 RR,
ÔÇó the Best Touring Motorcycle category with their K 1300 GT (the R 1200 RT finished in 3rd place),
ÔÇó the Best Enduro/Supermoto category went to the R 1200 GS (4th place for the R 1200 Megamoto and 5th for the F 800 GS).
ÔÇó They further won the Best All-Rounder category with the K 1300 S and
ÔÇó the Naked Category with the R 1200 R.

Finally, BMW won the Best Brand for 2010. They also won the Riders and Motorcycle Equipment - Textile Clothes category
Via Motorrad and Bikes in the Fast Lane

Here is BMW PressClubÔÇÖs version of the story.

BMW Motorrad wins vote for ÔÇ£Motorcycle of the Year 2010" in all categories with BMW representation.
ÔÇó 05.03.2010
ÔÇó Press Release
Munich/Dortmund: BMW Motorrad was voted ÔÇ£Motorcycle of the Year 2010" in the readers' vote of the motorcycle magazine MOTORRAD, with clear victories in all five categories in which BMW motorcycles were represented - the best result ever achieved by a manufacturer in the history of the vote.

ÔÇ£I am very glad to hear of the outstanding success of our motorcycles and would like to thank the readers of MOTORRAD most sincerely for their votes. As I see it, this is a great sign of confidence and reflects the enormous enthusiasm for our products. I am particularly pleased that BMW Motorrad was able to achieve a top ranking in reader popularity so quickly with the S 1000 RR - after all, we have entered new territory with this model," said Hendrik von Kuenheim, Head of BMW Motorrad, commenting on the result of the vote.

With BMW Motorrad represented in the ÔÇ£SportsÔÇØ category with a 4-cylinder supersports bike for the first time, the new BMW S 1000 RR won this hotly competed class the first time round, thereby underscoring its outstanding technical conception combining top-class 4-cylinder performance with Race ABS and Dynamic Traction Control DTC.

The ÔÇ£Touring bikeÔÇØ category was won by the BMW K 1300 GT, with the BMW R 1200 RT finishing in third place. ÔÇ£This excellent result underpins the outstanding importance of BMW motorcycles when it comes to fast, comfortable and in particular safe motorcycle travel," von Kuenheim went on to say.

The BMW R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure were able to re-assert their leading position in the market segment in the traditional MOTORRAD readership vote, finishing first in the category "Enduro/Supermoto". 4th position for the R 1200 Megamoto and 5th for the F 800 GS further highlighted the dominance of BMW motorcycles in this category.

Like last year, BMW Motorrad also won first place in the categories ÔÇ£All-roundersÔÇØ and ÔÇ£Naked bikesÔÇØ. Here it was the high-action BMW models K 1300 S and R 1200 R which once again impressed readers most.

In addition to individual rankings in the various categories, BMW motorcycles also dominated the relevant brand rankings, which were won in four cases.

Parallel to the voting for ÔÇ£Motorcycle of the Year 2010" the annual readerÔÇÖs voting ÔÇ£Best Brand 2010ÔÇØ took place. In 19 product categories the readers could vote for their most convincing brands in the main categories ÔÇ£Riders and Motorcycle EquipmentÔÇØ. BMW Motorrad RiderÔÇÖs Equipment won the category ÔÇ£Textile clothesÔÇØ.

The award ceremony was held at the ÔÇ£Motorr?ñder Dortmund 2010ÔÇØ trade fair on March 4th 2010 at 6 pm in the Restaurant Strobels in Dortmund. No less than 200 candidates in a total of eight categories entered the ÔÇ£Motorcycle of the YearÔÇØ vote to compete for the coveted titles: held in 2010 for the 12th time, it is regarded as the most important readersÔÇÖ vote for motorcycles and scooters in the whole of Europe. Over half a million have taken part in the vote since 1999.


The big BMW GS has seen its share of best bike awards over the years but is absent from the top rung of the podium and getting more competition in the show room from Ducati. Ducati News Today asks ÔÇ£Ducati Multistrada 1200 new class benchmark?ÔÇØ; while over at HFLM their wondering ÔÇ£[url=http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2010/03/hows-the-ducati-multistrada-12.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HellForLeather+%28Hell+For+Le ather%29]HowÔÇÖs the Ducati Multistrada 1200 off-road?ÔÇØ

I have two questions. What is the class? What is Triumph going to do next? Should BMW care?

Urban adventure bike is the answer to the first question. These are bikes with a very clear road focus in handling and design with an adventure bike esthetic. Triumph has done well with its Tiger in this class. This class draws on the advantages a GS type bike brings to urban motorcycle riding adventures and emphasizes the sporty handling when you hit the road. A quick pre-ride look at either of these bikes should be clear warnings for riders heading to the outback to enter with extreme caution.

The Italian challenge to the English bikes position in this class will not go unnoticed. Ducati have defined one end of the urban adventure bike class. Triumph has an excellent blue collar base bake for this class. They will do what blue collar workers do when facing competition. They will role up their sleeves refine their skills and do their best to improve their product.

Should BMW care? Yes is the short answer, and as can be expected I have a long version too.

Since BMW first hit riders up side the helmet with the R80GS and said lets go have some fun the various iterations of the BMW GS have been the class leader. The GS defined the class to begin with. It took best bike in many magazine ratings for its combination of sporting road handling and off road capability being described by some as a lithe panzer. It became the RTW touring benchmark long before Ewan and Charlie enshrined it as such in their Long Way ____ films.

The Long Way Round was a multi-episode advertisement for BMWÔÇÖs prowess in the RTW class. For me there was one major clink in that advertisement. It happened in Mongolia when ClaudioÔÇÖs frame broke. Claudio, the cameraman, was the real adventurer in the series for my money. Undoubtedly overloaded with equipment his bike suffered a frame fracture and was put out of service. BMW frame in the form of the GS is not broken by any stretch of the imagination but it is coming suffering some heavy strains.

The scrambler evolved into the dual sport which has now evolved into dual sport urban adventurers and adventure niches. The GS has been a part of and leader in all of these at one time or another. Its leadership is coming under attack in all of the class variations. KTM challenges the GS for dual sport buyers. Tigers and Multistradas want to eat it up on the asphalt. Yamaha has set its sites on the GS domination of the RTW market with their new Super T?®n?®r?®.

Benchmarks are the standard used to measure other similar things against. The questions for BMW is are they satisfied with building a historical benchmark or how will they define a new benchmark for the industry.

However you define it fans of the adventure bike class are riding in interesting times.

motorcyclistonline.com: Doing time with the BMW F800GS

A new saddle from britbrothers.com made the news for many sites this week. This one is for the motorcycle racer.



the modern rider experiences more movement across this area of the bike than any other. The result is a compromise, where each rider must learn to overcome its shortfalls by sacrificing aerodynamics and energy. To address this issue, the Brit Brothers have developed the 'Chicane Saddle' - A motorcycle racing seat designed to harmonize rider with machine. The innovative design incorporates toothed belts and tapered rollers which rotate under the riders weight. Combine this with inbuilt recoil and friction controls and you have a racing seat which can be individually tuned to the riders needs. The result allows the rider to achieve a smooth, arc-like, motion through corners and chicanes.

Corbin Meyers or Sargent have little to fear from the BritBrothers when it comes to touring saddles just yet, but for the serious sport rider this could be very interesting.

If the BritBrothers saddle is to challenging for your posterior Honda has a more comfortable concept for you. Honda is showing its



Big red is showing its 3RC ÔÇô Concept at the Geneva Auto show.



The 3RC is an urban warrior powered by an electric motor set low in the three wheeled chassis. When unoccupied the clear canopy covers the single rider cockpit protecting from the elements. When occupied it flips up and becomes the windshield. The rider is further protected from the elements and other impacts by the high sides. The concept was developed by HondaÔÇÖs Milan design studios as a single passenger zero emission urban transport vehicle.

motorcycle.in.th: KERS the future of motorcycle engine development

How do I say this politely? KERS sucked in F1. With the growing number of electric bikes from scooters to superbikes KERS is in our future. On the street in this type of application it makes sense.

Imperial Cycles is heading to Australia with its two wheeled version of urban transport.



jsonline.com: Heavyweight bike sales rumbling along, but in low gear.

fim-live.com: Three ÔÇ£LÔÇÖsÔÇØ for one campaign ÔÇô FIM launches ÔÇ£Women RideÔÇØ

sportrider.com: Motorcycle tyre guide

The Kneeslider has an interesting piece on Transonic Supercritical Fuel Injection. The article on their site is a good introduction before you follow the links they have provided to the SAE, Transonic Combustion and The Next Big Future

Bike Cruller

Via and the Universidad Coplutense Madrid Biblioteca Computense and the motorcycle blog 8Negro have some interesting historical pictures from the Spanish Communist Party archives. The pictures are from the period of 1936 to 1939 and show the parties Motorized Brigade of English bikes in action.

[mika]

World Superbike/MotoGP/AMA Calendar

WSBK et al.

motorcycle-usa.com: Aprilia World Superbike caught cheating?

worldsbk.com: Camier rues mistakes but writes his name large


MotoGP

bbc.co.uk: Joge Lorenzo hopes to be fit for final MotoGP test

IOMTT
AMA Pro Racing


Formula 1 and 

Formula 1.com: 2010 Season Preview
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Bahrain GP preview ÔÇô Team and driver quotes

Cosworth.com: Cosworth achives pre-season testing targets

nickheidfeld.com: Nick to be test and reserve driver for Mercedes GP Petronas

dailymai.co.uk: McLaren braced for day of reconing ÔÇô FIA to rule on car for Hamilton and Button
McLaren has an unusual rear wing that other teams have protested. The wing is attributed to give McLaren as much as a 6mph advantage on straights.

independent.co.uk: Lada make surprise move into F1


On the Street


motorcyclenews.com: 100bhp limit looms again.

Self regulation did not work. The EU is threatening a hp limit combined with mandatory ABS. Manufacturers such as BMW have continued to improve their engine line ups while holding the published horsepower down in attempt to stave off a hp war and government regulation. The introduction of the cam head in the R lineup but with no hp increase is one example. The rev limiting programming for the S1000RR is another.

FWIW

mc24.com: MV Agusta Rumors

MC24 thinks it has been dangerously quiet regarding Harley-DavidsonÔÇÖs efforts to sell MV Agusta. Since H-DÔÇÖs announcement that they would sell the Italian brand after holding it briefly various buyers have been speculated.

VW was high on the list of possible suitors. A casual comment made by its head that he liked Ducati sent wave of speculation out that VW wanted to get into the bike industry. When Ducati made it clear it wasnÔÇÖt for sale VW moved to the head of the MV list.

A group investors headed by the founder of shoemaker [rul=http://www.geox.com/]Geox[/url] Mario Moretti Polegato is surfacing as the potential buyer de jour replacing VW in the process. The son of a wine making family but no longer in the family business, Polegato is no. 287 on the Forbes richest people list. An avid rider who keeps 15 horses, he also admits having a fondness for sports cars - Lamborghinis and Ferraris - and motorcycles. "I like to smell the wind,ÔÇØ he is quoted as saying.. He has the bio of the kind of people that have kept the Italian motorcycle industry alive for years. H-D paid roughly Ôé¼109 million in cash and assumed debt. The cost of acquisition would be walking cash for a guy like this and a couple of his cronies.

Enter BMW. The Roundel continues to pop up as a savior for MV. The MC24 article points out that BMW and MV have done business before during the sale of Husqvarna. They go on to point out that BMW have people in place in the area. The rumor mill seems to assume this makes BMW and MV cozy. But the rumor mill forgets a couple of things.

BMW did its deal for Husqvarna with Claudio Castiglioni not H-D. That deal was done after Castiglioni undoubted tried to sell the company to BMW early in the decade then took it into bankruptcy had it taken over from receivership by the Malaysian car builder Proton then formed a new set of banking investors and purchased it from the Malaysians after a year for little more than a song. With multiple looks at the company books as a potential buyer and keeping tabs on the competition the boys from Munich only took Husqvarna.

The Husqvarna deal caught many of us by surprise. Yet when you stop and look at it the two bike builderÔÇÖs product lines mixed well together. Husky was producing approximately 12,000 units per year when the sale took place. This has grown to roughly 16,000 units.

I donÔÇÖt see the MV Agusta or Cagiva as being a fit with BMW. MV was only selling in the range of 5,000+ units before the H-D deal. MVAG is a high end brand. With the exception of Rolls Royce Motorcars BMW AG does not deal in high end brands and if for no other reason than that it does not fit into the BMW Motorrad scheme.

Cagiva remains part of the MVAG holdings. Cagiva has sport bikes that could expand the BMW sport bike line. Rumors of H-DÔÇÖs plans for that brand had models that would compete directly with the BMW line of bikes such as a new Elephant. Cagiva would bring little to build in an on going way BMWÔÇÖs offerings. Even in the diminished superbike market the S1000RR, if it reaches a 10% share of that market, will by itself outsell MVAG by roughly 3,000 units.

MVAG may hold great fascination but from BMWÔÇÖs perspective it would seem to be throwing good money after bad. The current European economic climate does not allow for vanity. The acquisition of Husqvarna took the prize that builds BMW footprint. Rumors of BMW being a savior will spring again until H-D finds a buyer but that is what they will remain, rumors.

xkcd.com

motobastards.com


Bike Cruller

I lost the information on this Caf?® Racer while watching a movie. When I track it down again I will post it.

[mika]

World Superbike/MotoGP/AMA Calendar

WSBK et al.




MotoGP

crash.net: FB Corse to face MotoGP timing test

Wayne Gardner ÔÇô The Lone Rider

1986 Documentary on Aussie GP500 Motorcycle Racer Wayne Gardner, the year before he won the Championship. Honda NSR 500

Part 1


Part 2


Part 3


IOMTT


AMA Pro Racing


Formula 1 and 

Talking Tech
f1technical.net: Wheel rims and tethers

guardian.co.uk: How and why F1 rules will affect drivers

formula1blog.com: F1ÔÇÖs new Mercedes safety car for 2010

On the Street



Check out the Honda Collection Hall featuring the historic Honda motorcycles of the past fifty years. From the original Honda Cub to Nicky Hayden & Valentino Rossi's championship RC211V and everything in between.



Riding low with a slammed suspension and featuring the classic 2.1-gallon peanut tank, the Forty-Eight backs up its bulldog appearance with the performance of its blacked out and polished rubber-mounted Evolution 1200cc V-Twin engine. The low solo seat, under-mounted mirrors, side mount license plate, clean rear fender and tall and fat front tire emphasize the Forty-Eights focus on chiseled customization

motorcycledaily.com: Honda CB1100 emerges from the shadows

bmwmotorrad.co.za: An interesting BMW motorcycle



Bike Cruller

[mika]

World Superbike/MotoGP/AMA Calendar

WSBK et al.

Ben Spies, World Superbike Champion, and 4-Time World GP podium-topper and racing deity Eddie Lawson sit down together and discuss a myriad of motorcycle topics -- including their ultra-competitive natures, their striking similarities, and what it takes to become a champion.



IOMTT

iomtt.com: Newsletter No. 3

AMA Pro Racing

BMWra.org/racing

Chris Peris To Compete With S1000RR
Today, March 07, 2010, 6 hours ago | Adam Arcane
Evan Steel Performance and Iron Horse BMW recently tested the BMW S1000RR Superbike in Arizona. The purpose of the test was to determine the competitiveness of the new BMW Superbike in the AMA American Superbike class.

Like many teams going into the 2010 racing season, ESP was forced to suspend their racing efforts due to a lack of budget. Not wanting to watch the entire AMA series from home, the team started looking at other partnerships and opportunities that could see them participate in a few AMA Superbike rounds. That search brought them together with John and Jennifer Cartwright of Iron Horse Motorcycles, a Tucson, Arizona BMW dealer.

Iron Horse BMW was looking to race one of their BMW S1000RR motorcycles to prove it's track worthiness to the local racer and track day crowd, a group of enthusiasts who might have overlooked the BMW in their search for a new ride. According to Cartwright, "we have this great new product in the BMW S1000RR and we were looking for a way to introduce the bike to the sportbike crowd who may have never set foot inside a BMW dealer before."

Cartwright rode an S1000RR across town to the ESP shop to inquire about taking one of his demo bikes to a track day. That conversation led to Evan Steel calling up former ESP rider Chris Peris to come down to a ÔÇÿTake it to the Track' event at the brand new Inde Motorsports Park in Wilcox, Arizona. Peris was familiar with the track, having set the motorcycle lap record there in recent months with a time of 1:55.60 on his AMA Superstock spec.--VIR podium finishing-- GSXR1000.

The day of the test, Peris rode a bone stock BMW S1000RR, complete with headlights and all street equipment- minus the mirrors and passenger footpegs. The only performance enhancing equipment fitted to the bike was a set of racing slicks. In the first 15 lap session, Peris was getting a feel for the motorcycle and how it reacted when he turned up the pace. By the fifth lap of his second session, he bested the lap record by over a second, turning a 1:54.07.

Evan Steel Speaks...

"The bike was hugely impressive for a stock machine, the fact that Chris was able to lap faster on it than on his race bike is incredible!" Chris added, "Wow. I've never ridden one of these new BMW's before, I can't believe I went faster on a stock bike with headlights, then I did on my own personal racebike. I can't wait to ride it after the ESP boys turn it into more of a racebike."

Based on the strength of their first outing with the BMW S1000RR, Iron Horse Motorcycles and ESP have decided to join forces, creating Team Iron Horse BMW/ ESP for the upcoming AMA Superbike race in Fontana with Chris Peris riding. Although the team would like to contest the remaining AMA Superbike rounds, the budget is not currently in place. Team Iron Horse BMW/ ESP is actively seeking sponsorship to campaign as many additional AMA rounds as possible in 2010.
Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Formula 1 and 

autosport.com: McL?aren inspection delayed until Bahrain

telegraph.co.uk: Sarah Moore hoping to become BritainÔÇÖs first ever Formula One racing driver

f1network.net: BMW Sauber Ferrari to be renamed Sauber Motorsport

On the Street

motorcycle.in.th: Traction control and how it works.

motorcycle-usa.com: Ducati Multistrad 1200 first ride

HFL: By the numbers ÔÇô retro roadster showdown

HFL: 2010 Honda CB1100 in motion
Just when I thought I was out they pull me back in.



This is from the release back in November but just popped up in my rss feed:

2010 BMW S1000RR Motorcycle Review
Read the full review at: http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacture...

BMW's motorcycle division hasn't enjoyed the worldwide performance reputation of its automotive sector, but that all changes with the incredible S1000RR, introduced to journalists last week at the equally impressive Portimao race circuit.


Bike Cruller

[mika]

WSBK et al.

Is a rider change pending at BMW Motorrad Motorsport? Caradisiac.com thinks so and drops some names in their speculation. I’ll add another to the rumor mill: Matt Maladin.

Maladin has been trashing AMA Pro Racing like mad in his Twitter posts since leaving the series. After a test with Reitwagen, the BMW satellite team and not getting a ride, it appeared he would be out for the season in any series. A post on March 7 is tantalizing when connected with the Caradisiac speculation.

MatMladin: nice 2 hear the series that was a huge part of my life may be on the up. some key personal changes seems 2 have turned the tide. fingers X'd

Is there a ride in the AMA series a possibility or are the key personal changes opening up the possibility of using his AMA Pro Racing experience to spring board him into Xaus’ ride?

Time will tell but it is clear that things have changed at BMW Motorsport and the minds behind the Roundel are taking SBK seriously. The addition of Tardozzi was the first step. Many saw it as an effort to put Corser on the podium and in the hunt for the championship. Corser clearly wants to win one more before he retires. For Tardozzi that would be a plus given his history with Corser but the mission he was undoubtedly given was to put the marque in the hunt for the constructors championship. You don’t do that by sitting out races. BMW lost valuable points potential in the constructor’s championship by having a bike sit on the side lines.

The article has another insight into how seriously the national arms of BMW are taking things when it asserts BMW Spain stepped up to halt an immediate change in riders. The Portimao race in Portugal is March 28 and the Valencia round follows April 11. Having a Spanish rider on the saddle of a S1000RR will translate into fans and sales for the Roundel on the Iberian Peninsula. What dumping their hero after those races will mean to sales in those countries is anyone’s guess. With the US round looming Memorial Day weekend ticket sales and fan attention to the S1000RR would definitely increase with an American rider joining Corser on the team.

In the end this could all turn out to be just a rumor. Xaus may dig in to find his inner rider regaining his confidence and a new fire as he rides. I like Xaus for some reason but much more than hoping for this I want the S1000RR to be more than a mid pack machine. After a lack luster more of the same first race weekend I am encouraged that a news source finds grist for the mill and suggests BMW’s plans are more than a methodical Teutonic five year plan trudge.

[mika]

World Superbike/MotoGP/AMA Calendar

WSBK et al.

The rumor continues to build.

moto22.com: Ruben Xaus could stay on foot after Valencia



If it happens BMW must find a rider with 4 cylinder SBK experience.

MotoGP

ultimatemotorcycling.com: Privateers privileges in 2012

IOMTT

AMA Pro Racing

Other

Bikes in the Fast Lane: A look at Livia Lancelot, female motorcross knight

On the Street

BMW Group increases sales by 14.0 percent in February
ÔÇó 09.03.2010
ÔÇó Press Release

Wide range of new models presented at the Geneva Motor Show

Munich. The BMW Group once again improved sales volumes substantially in February of this year. A total of 91,758 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce automobiles were delivered to customers (prev. yr. 80,474) ÔÇô representing an increase of 14.0%. The figure for the year to the end of February was 173,911 units ÔÇô 15.3% higher than the previous year (150,893).

Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing: ÔÇ£After a substantial increase in January, sales year on year were significantly higher as well in February. Last month we saw growth in Asia, in particular, but we also made gains in many markets in Europe, Africa and the Americas. In key sales markets such as the US, the automotive sector is also showing encouraging signs of a gradual recovery.ÔÇ£ Almost all markets are experiencing a definite upturn. In the US, the BMW brand was the segment leader in February with growth of 16.3%. In Germany, the BMW Group managed to increase volumes by 6.8% despite the downward market trend. In China, the company sold 96.7% more vehicles in the month under review.

Robertson added: ÔÇ£We are looking forward to the new BMW 5 Series and the start of deliveries on 20 March. There is already tremendous interest in this vehicle which accounts for almost one fifth of BMW retail volumes ÔÇô and is one of the brandÔÇÖs mainstays, alongside the 1 Series and the 3 Series. However, primarily due to the 5 Series model change, we expect temporary slower growth in total sales during the launch phase in spring.ÔÇØ

A total of 78,248 BMW brand automobiles were delivered to customers in February ÔÇô an increase of 13.7% (prev. yr. 68,823). For the year to the end of February, sales were 14.7% higher than the previous year (129,085) at 148,112 units.

Sales of the MINI brand also continued to perform well. Last month, 13,443 MINI cars, 16.0% more than in February 2009 (11,584), were delivered to customers worldwide. 25,645 MINI vehicles were sold in the year to the end of February. That represents an increase of 18.2% (prev. yr. 21,704). Ian Robertson: ÔÇ£Over the next few years the MINI product family will grow from three to six members. The MINI familyÔÇÖs fourth model, the new MINI Countryman, will arrive in showrooms in September and will play an important part in the premium brandÔÇÖs long-term growth.ÔÇØ

For the first time the new MINI Countryman is currently being presented at the Geneva Motor Show. Until 14 March, the BMW Group will be showcasing a wide range of new models and technologies at the show. Other highlights include the world premiere of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan as well as revised BMW 3 Series Coup?®, 3 Series Convertible and X5 models. The 2010 Geneva Motor Show also provides a showcase for two very innovative concept cars: With its BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid, BMW is presenting its concept for a ground-breaking full-hybrid model for the upper middle class segment. Also making its European debut is the BMW Concept ActiveE, a concept car based on the BMW 1 Series Coup?®, equipped with fully-electric drive and innovative energy storage technology. Two new BMW hybrid models will be available by mid-April, when the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 go on sale in Europe.

The Rolls-Royce brand delivered 67 automobiles in February (prev. yr. 67/+0.0%). For the year to the end of February, 154 Rolls-Royce cars were handed over to customers worldwide (prev. yr. 104/+48.1%).

Following a good performance in January, deliveries in the Motorcycle Segment again rose substantially in February by 24.6% to reach a total of 5,485 vehicles (prev. yr. 4,401). For the year to the end of February, that represents an increase of 14.4% to 9,299 motorcycles sold (prev. yr. 8,132). The revised R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure and R 1200 RT, all strong volume models, contributed to this growth as well as the newly introduced S 1000 RR.


motociclismo.es: BMW G450X 2010
The new BMW G450X, more effective and practical

motociclismo.es: Husqvarna unveils its new 2010 range

Visordown.com gets involved in the Top Ten fever that grips publications this time of the year. They do it with a twist naming their list of The Ten best motorcycle engines..ever!

You canÔÇÖt have a motorbike without a motor, and over the decades thereÔÇÖs been some truly glorious bike engines. This is our Top10 list of the greatest, most important and most innovative bike engines ever made, as we pay homage to horsepower.

visordown.com: Honda VFR1200F becomes UK top seller in Feb 2010
Is this because Brit riders are depressed and punishing themselves or did they see something in Shamu that the press did not? The article includes a breakdown by class for top seller in February. BMW took two classes with the GS and the R1200RT. For several years the GS was the top selling big bike in the UK.

I know we have some graphic design people on the forum. rolandsandsdesign.blogspot.com is looking for a graphic designer for RSD

sportrider.com: First ride ÔÇô 2010 Honda Bt700V/C ÔÇô ABS

This bike caused a stir on the forum when it appeared. I scanned the article and it is a detailed report but I did that after reading the last lines.

Though it's this comfortable ride that makes for a less than exciting experience when the road turns exciting, the NT is still surprisingly capable. That being said, the technology behind the NT700V is long in the tooth already and if it were me, I might be looking to spend my $9999 on other Japanese-or even German-alternatives.

IÔÇÖll leave it up you to decide if F800 riders need to worry.



world.honda.com: Honda to build second motorcycle production plant in India

Asphalt and Rubber takes on the restructuring of H-D in a three part series. This isnÔÇÖt a sound bite cure proposal, yet does it make sense? Take a look at part 1 and tell us what you think.
asphaltandrubber.com: Save Harley Davidson ÔÇô Step 1: Redefine and reposition the you market your brand

Some of the marketing department members that A&R laid off in their article must be working for Triumph now.
Bikes in the Fast Lane: Marlon Brando lands motorcycle marketing deal.

Bike Cruller

TodayÔÇÖs treat comes to you from the pen of stylist and designer Jean Fancois Vicente and was featured over at http://= http://thekneeslider.com/ar...The Kneeslider site. This design takes the concept Mac Motorcycles has in a slightly different direction. Since the 450 SuperSingle from Roland Sands appeared longings for a powerful sporting single that handles have been stirring in my mind. (More on that in another post.)

For more information follow the links and then tell me what do you think.

[mika]

World Superbike/MotoGP/AMA Calendar

Racing into the BMW MOA 2010 Rally :Rally Seminar

WSBK et al.

This could be interesting ÔÇô worldsbk.com: Live chat with Ruben Xaus on Yahoo-Eurosport

Following Eurosport's in-depth coverage of the opening round of World Superbike at Philip Island, YAHOO! EUROSPORT will be hosting a very special live chat with Catalan rider Ruben Xaus on the popular PIROTECNICA SUPERBIKE blog, hosted by former Superbike champion Fabrizio Pirovano.

The chat will take place on Friday, March 12th at 15.00 CET on the following address:

http://it.eurosport.yahoo.com/altri-sport/diretta/

Bmw Motorrad Motosport rider, Ruben XAUS will be there live to answer questions from Superbike fans.

This is the first in a series of live chats during the 2010 season which will enable all fans to interact live with one of the competitors of World Superbike.


Ben and Eddie ÔÇô Part 2



MotoGP

motorcyclenews.com: Lorenzo out of next pre season test?

IOMTT


AMA Pro Racing


Other Racing News

The Rumor
cradisiac.com: Troubles at BMW Endurance Racing France with rider contracts
The Follow Up Report
caradisiac.com: Endurance ÔÇô BMW without Lagrive: The official statement that points the finger at manager
As Reported on World-Endurance.com

fim-live.com: 2012 FIM International Six Days Enduro

Formula 1 and 

dailyexpress.co.uk: Get read for a classic era of Formula One
.ÔÇØÔÇÿThis is potentially the most exciting line-up since the late EightiesÔÇÖ

fia.com: Bahrain Grand Prix Preview

Drivers and teams are arriving at Bahrain. Included in McLarens kit is an alternate wind for their car. The FIA inspection was delayed due to flight problems. To be certain they are not kept from the grid due to a last minute wing ban they are bringing an alternative.

bridgestonemotorsport.com: All change for Formula One 2010

racecar-engineering.com: Xtrac breaks the mould by cutting F1 gearbox costs

crash.net: Stefan GP and USF1 the legacy of failure

crash.net: Coulthard ÔÇô New teams saga ÔÇÿirresponsibleÔÇÖ and ÔÇÿdegradesÔÇÖ F1

f1technical.net: Performing tyre changes in 3 seconds
f1technical.net: WhatÔÇÖs new with pit stops for 2010?

jamesallononf1.com: What a driver brings to car development

A grid slot is open for 2011. Competition and development for the race to win that spot continues as the 2010 season is about to begin. Racecarengineering.com looks at safety concepts Lola is developing as part of its efforts to win that spot.

Guardian.co.uk: Team guides
McLaren
Toro Rosso
Williams
Virgin
Sauber
Renault
Red Bull
Lotus
Force India
Mercedes
Ferrari
Hispania Racing Team

independent.co.uk: Driver guide

Out on a limb:

DriverÔÇÖs Champion: Sebastian Vettel
ConstructorÔÇÖs Champion: McLaren

Championships:
The field is studded with World Champion drivers and front running teams with great cars neither of which will decide the championship. When the dust settles from tyres the carbon fiber from crashes has been swept from the track and the chequered flag falls on the last deciding race the championships for the season will have been won on the pit wall not the track.

The team with the best race day strategist, what ever job title that person holds for the team, will win the drivers championship. The best team management team will win the constructors championship.

Webber and Vettel will push each other but in the end I think this is VettelÔÇÖs year. Hamilton will come up short in the driverÔÇÖs competition but will be the one credited for winning the constructorÔÇÖs title for McLaren.

Most Improved Team: Renault
Force India is a contender for this very subjective accolade but only a contender. Look for Kubica to take podiums and points through the season. Petrov will be no slouch either. With new team ownership and Renault focusing on the engine bay where their attention has always belonged this will be the turn around story of 2010.

Biggest Disappointment for 2010: Mercedes GP
Pick any team sport to follow and there is a team that is riddled with star players management and a big wallet that is unable to produce even with those assets in hand. That is the 2010 F1 role for the Silver Arrow this season.

Dark Horse 2010: Sauber
The satellite Ferrari engine has proved a good one for teams to press for contention in races. SauberÔÇÖs Ferrari engine should give them the horses they need to race on race day. Tyres are going to play a big part once again in F1 like it or not. Sauber is the easiest car on tyres while having decent speed. With the reduction in tyre numbers for a race weekend the tyre management will be a very important issue. Q3 will find Sauber on the best compound for grip, assuming they make it that far, allowing them to snag a position that will put them in the hunt if not the lead.

The Little Four:
IÔÇÖm a U of Mn alum. We played football in the Big Ten. The truth be told of the leagues history and it is a story of the Big 4 and the little six or some other variation of that combination of numbers in any given season. So it is with F1 in 2010 with Sauber Lotus HRT and Virgin.

Sauber is in the little four by virtue of being a rookie team in name only. Force India or Toro Rosso could be listed in this group but by virtue of their tenure in F1 they avoid being listed in the mix. Of the four Sauber is the break away team. Lotus appears to be the cream of the remaining three.

I fear that the performance in the group will be down right ugly. What that means for the teams will be the season long grist for journalists and fans. Teams come and go in F1 and perhaps some of these should go but will they take Cosworth and others with them in the process? The Max and Bernie show gave us the return of Cosworth as an engine supplier. Will Cosworth survive its association with them? Could Williams be taken down in the process?

Most Dangerous Team:
Massa and others have been vocal about the danger the new teams present to racing. Pointing to disparity of speed driver skills and development the fear is F1 becomes NASCAR and the crash and burn takes out teams and drivers that should be up front in the process. Taking it to the next level Massa has understandably expressed his concern for the safety of life and limb of drivers because the danger the new teams present. But F1 danger comes in many forms.

While youÔÇÖre watching for crashes on the track over the season watch Virgin closely potentially the most dangerous team on the grid. Yes this is in large part due to the fears Massa raises but Richard Branson and Virgin are the most dangerous team for the future of F1. Virgin is on a budget.

Branson has put the team on a budget and that is unheard of in F1. If that isnÔÇÖt bad enough he has set the goal of turning a profit with the team. The finances of F1 have always been something of a mystery so how he calculates profit and loss is his own. The cause and effect will roll out over the season and the balance of this Formula.

Computer modeling instead of wind tunnel testing and development is a key part of the budget constraint. If Virgin can demonstrate the wisdom of this (I believe podiums are not required for this) the economics of F1 will fundamentally change. Sponsor dollars are not unlimited. Wind tunnels moved car development from the track to the windy tube and drastically increased expenses in the process. IF Virgin shows any success the shift will be to computers and who does the best job of data gathering and writes the best simulation program.

This story line will not be settled by sound bites after Bahrain but will play out over the season. It has the real potential of being the change that turns F1 on its head once again.

On the Street

motorcyclenews.com: Online reservation system for Yamaha Super Tenere open [at least in Europe]

londobikers.com: BMW Motorrad technicians are first to pass the highest technical grade in the UK



FWIW


xkcd.com

motobastards.com


Bike Cruller

Kawasaki V12 2300cc by Allen Millyard

ÔÇ£Allen Millyard is keen on motorcycles in the same way you might say the Pope is keen on religion. In Allen's lounge, where you might expect to find a coffee table, he keeps a big Suzuki and a 1,000cc Kawasaki. They have to go there, because a brand new motocrosser has just arrived in the dining room. And if you think that's strange, wait until you see the Gilera, Malaguti and Hondas upstairsÔÇØ comes from one of the opening paragraphs of a Telegraph.co.uk 2004 article on Allen Millyard, the builder of todayÔÇÖs Bike Cruller. Some of you may have seen the bike in a feature Motorcyclist did in February of 2009 which gives more details on the bike itself. The pictures here come from a series of image posts on the blog BSA Bits Scraps and Allsorts.

[mika]

World Superbike/MotoGP/AMA Calendar

WSBK et al.

worldsbk.com: BMW update

motoblog.it: WSBK: Xaus is recovering and will do well at Portimao ÔÇ£ensures TardozziÔÇØ

"Ruben can be fast and gets results and I've seen very well in these 2 days because I believe that will fit for the Portuguese leg of SBK." La S 1000 RR ricever?á molti aggiornamenti per la prossima gara anche se Tardozzi spera che questi update arrivino gradualmente. The S 1000 RR will receive several updates for the next race even if Tardozzi hoped that this update to come gradually

bmwra.org: Rumors around Ruben

MotoGP

motogp.com: Paul Denning details the new Suzuki GSV-R

ultimatemotorcycling.com: ÔÇÿFastÔÇØ Freddie Spencer GP history


Rmdmotors.com
ÔÇ£Once in a lifetime opportunity to own Freddie SpencerÔÇÖs 1983 Championship NS500 and his 1985 NSR250 championship bike. Both bikes will be sold as a pair only, will not separate. Both bikes are located in the USA. Serious inquires only!ÔÇØ



AMA Pro Racing

To: AMA Pro Road Racing Entrants, Riders and Crew
From: AMA Pro Member Services
Date: March 9, 2010
Subject: AMA Pro Road Racing Entry Deadlines Extended

The pre-entry deadlines for the remaining AMA Pro Road Racing events have been extended. Updated Season Entry Forms for the 2010 AMA Pro Road Racing season are now available on the AMA Pro Competition Section at http://www.amaproracing.com/competition/.

Questions and inquiries about the entry process can be placed to AMA Pro Racing Member Services at (386) 492-1014 ext. 151.

Formula 1 and 

formula1.com: Quick change ÔÇô Formula 1 pit stops 2010 style

timesonline.co.uk: F1 pit crews face life in a faster lane

Tech Talk
Ferrari F10 ÔÇô aerodynamic wheel device
Ferrari F10 ÔÇô secured wheel nuts

On the Street

roadracingworld.com: R&G Racing to outfit California Superbike School BMW S1000RR fleet

webbikeworld.com: A womenÔÇÖs perspective on motorcycle engines

motoflash.ro: BMW S1000RR wins Masterbike 2010

motorcyclenews.com: 210bhp with no tuning!

motorcyclenews.com: BMW wont make a naked S1000RRyet

londonbikers: BOS release can for the BMW S1000RR

motociclismo.es: BMW GS 30th Aniversiary

Ducati Piaggio Merger rumors

moto22.com: Piaggio could buy Ducati

it.reuters.com: Rumors of Piaggio and Ducati merger baseless

motosiclismo.es: Piaggio denies going to buy Ducati

Milana Finaza is one of the sources for the Piaggio Ducati merger rumors. I found these on their site.

Ducati remains aligned with prices on Opa, Piaggio continues to take on speculative rumors

Piaggio denies that marriage with Ducati is at stake

dealernews.com: 2010 Royal Enfield modes receive modern engine

BMW Group posts positive earnings for 2009

ÔÇó 11.03.2010
ÔÇó Press Release

Profit before tax up by 17.7% to euro 413 million
Unchanged dividend of euro 0.30 per share proposed
Reithofer: Profitable volume growth targeted for 2010

Munich . The BMW Group recorded positive earnings for the financial year 2009 as planned despite the ongoing worldwide financial and economic crisis. Profit before tax rose by 17.7% to euro 413 million (2008: euro 351 million). Net profit amounted to euro 210 million (2008: euro 330 million/-36.4%) due to the higher effective tax rate. Revenues decreased moderately by 4.7% to euro 50,681 million (2008: euro 53,197 million). Based on the proposal of the Board of Management and Supervisory Board, the dividend will remain unchanged against the previous year at euro 0.30 per share of common stock and euro 0.32 per share of preferred stock.

ÔÇ£We performed well in 2009 despite difficult market conditions worldwide. Our cost management and efficiency improvement measures had a positive impact, even though the effects of the worldwide financial and economic crisis were still being feltÔÇ£, stated Norbert Reithofer, the Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG on Thursday in Munich. ÔÇ£We are proposing a dividend for 2009 despite the difficult economic climate, demonstrating the confidence we have in our operating strength, and we also want our shareholders to participate in the companyÔÇÖs performanceÔÇ£, continued Reithofer.

Automobiles segment records fourth-quarter EBIT of euro 93 million

Earnings of the Automobiles segment fell in 2009 due to lower unit sales brought about by the weak economies worldwide. Nevertheless, thanks to a more stable market environment towards the end of the year, the segment was able to generate a fourth-quarter profit before financial result (EBIT) of euro 93 million. For the full year, the segment recorded negative EBIT of euro 265 million (2008: positive EBIT of euro 690 million) and a loss before tax of euro 588 million (2008: profit before tax of euro 318 million). Revenues fell to euro 43,737 million (2008: euro 48,782 million).

In total, the BMW Group sold 1,286,310 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand vehicles in 2009 (2008: 1,435,876 units/-10.4%). This performance enabled the BMW Group to increase its market share in the premium segment and, as previously announced, to retain its position as the worldÔÇÖs leading premium manufacturer.

A total of 1,068,770 BMW brand cars (2008: 1,202,239 units/-11.1%) were sold in 2009, putting the BMW brand once again well ahead of relevant competitors in the premium segment. Strong sales increases were achieved by the BMW 7 Series (52,680 units/+35.7%), the BMW X6 (41,667 units/+56.8%) and the BMW Z4 (22,761 units/+26.4%). In Germany, both 7 Series (7,439 units/+74.8%) and the BMW X5 (10,933 units/-31.9%) and X6 (4,940 units/+51.0%) finished the year as clear leaders in their relevant segments. Since their launch at the end of October 2009 up to the end of the year, 8,499 units of the BMW X1 and 3,052 units of the 5 Series Gran Turismo had been sold worldwide.

The MINI brand sold 216,538 units worldwide in 2009 (2008: 232,425 units/-6.8%). The model mix remained at a high level: more than one half of the brandÔÇÖs customers (53.6%) opted for the MINI Cooper, with 26.2% selecting the MINI Cooper S and 20.2% the MINI One.

Rolls-Royce sold 1,002 motor cars (2008: 1,212 units/-17.3%) during the year, thus remaining the clear market leader in the ultra-luxury segment. The new Rolls-Royce Ghost made a good start, with 167 vehicles handed over to customers in December 2009.

The BMW Group grew strongly in 2009 in the emerging markets of China (90,536 units/+37.5%), Brazil (6,398 units/+118.8%) and India (3,619 units/+24.4%), achieving new sales records in all three markets. "We plan to grow our sales again in China, Brazil and India in the current year ÔÇ£, stated Reithofer. Germany was the largest single market for the company in 2009 for its BMW and MINI brand cars, with a total of 258,012 units (2008: 284,786 units/-9.4%) sold. With 33,517 cars handed over to customers, the MINI brand recorded its most successful year in Germany to date. The BMW Group also plans to increase sales in the German market during 2010, and hence, to increase market share in the premium segment.

In the USA, the BMW Group sold 241,727 vehicles (2008: 303,190 units/-20.3%) during the past year. The BMW brand, with 196,502 units sold, remained the best performing European premium car brand in the USA. The BMW Group forecasts that sales will increase in the US market during the current year.

EBIT of euro 19 million for Motorcycles segment in 2009

The earnings performance of the Motorcycles segment in 2009 was also adversely affected by difficult business conditions. EBIT fell to euro 19 million (2008: euro 60 million). Segment revenues totalled euro 1,069 million (2008: euro 1,230 million). With 87,306 units (2008: 101,685 units/-14.1%) sold worldwide, BMW Motorcycles recorded a moderate drop in sales volume compared to the market as a whole.

Sharp rise in earnings of Financial Services segment

Earnings of the Financial Services segment rose considerably in 2009 following a significant burden last year due to additional charges for residual value and credit risks. The EBIT rose to euro 355 million (2008: negative EBIT of euro 216 million). Segment revenues totalled euro 15,798 million (2008: euro 15,725 million). The increase in the credit loss ratio to 0.84% (2008: 0.59%) was in line with expectations.

The volume of new retail customers contracts declined by 15.8% to euro 24,709 million. The proportion of new BMW and MINI brand cars financed by the Financial Services segment amounted to 49.0%, up by 0.5 percentage points compared to the previous year.

Workforce of approximately 96,000 employees at end of 2009

The BMW GroupÔÇÖs workforce decreased over the past year as a result of a combination of natural attrition, pre-retirement part-time working arrangements and voluntary employment contract termination agreements. The BMW Group workforce comprised 96,230 employees at the end of the year (December 31, 2008: 100,041 employees/-3.8%) worldwide. The number of trainees remained at a high level, namely 3,915 compared to 4,102 one year earlier.

BMW Group cautiously optimistic for 2010

The worldwide financial and economic crisis will continue to have an impact on the automobile industry during the current year. The BMW Group will, however, grow profitably thanks to new models and the expected gradual global economic recovery in 2010. ÔÇ£We are heading into the new year cautiously optimistic. Our new models will provide us with a tailwind over the course of the year. We fully intend to remain the worldÔÇÖs leading provider of premium cars in 2010 and plan to increase sales within the single digit percentage range to over 1.3 million vehiclesÔÇ£, added Reithofer.

One of the most important model developments in 2010 is the new BMW 5 Series which will be launched at the end of March, thus providing further momentum from the beginning of the second quarter. The new BMW X1 and BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo models ÔÇô both of which were very successfully launched at the end of 2009 ÔÇô will also have a positive impact on sales performance in 2010. The MINI Countryman will be introduced onto the markets during the current year.

Bike Cruller

TodayÔÇÖs cruller was built at ÔÇØOfficinie RessoPuro. It has been featured on several websites on various days this week. There is a short write up over at bikeexif.com.

[mika]

World Superbike/MotoGP/AMA Calendar

WSBK et al.

fim-live.com: Vermeulen reveals fitness worries

Formula 1 and 

Friday practice times:
Session 1 classifications Session times
Session 2 classifications Session times

This is the first race to have former drivers as part of the race steward team.
Steward Biographies
Paul Gutjahr
Alain Prost
Enzo Spano
Mazen Al-Hilli

The hope is this will help with seeing what is just a racing incident and what is a violation.

fia.com: Bahrain GP Press Conference 1
11/03/2010
2010 BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX
THURSDAY PRESS CONFERENCE ÔÇô March 11, 2010

DRIVERS: Fernando ALONSO (Ferrari), Jenson BUTTON (McLaren), Lewis HAMILTON (McLaren), Felipe MASSA (Ferrari), Michael SCHUMACHER (Mercedes GP)


formula1.com: Cause and effect
The official F1 site runs through the key rule changes for 2010 and some of their expected impacts. What remains to be seen is how they actually play out on race weekend.

jamesallenonf1.com: The blogger mentions Prost briefly then moves on to speculation that the 107% rule will come back to F1

BMW Sauber F1 2010 footage
Part 1


Part 2


bbc.co.uk: USF1 Team could face action over failure to be ready
reuters.com: USf1 could face sanctions for absence
With the failure of USF1 to show for the season opener at Bahrain officially the team is potentially subject to penalties. This non-event event was full expected. What is unknown and thus unexpected is what the FIA will do next.


On the Street

bmwra.org: Nate Kern at Daytona on stock RR


HFL: WhatÔÇÖs up, you zany Germans

motorcyclistonline.com: Honda VFR1200F vs. the World

Bikes in the Fast Lane: Pakistan ÔÇô that is how you patrol on a motorcycle

Bikes in the Fast Lane: LEO caught at 149mph is immoral, gets job back

motorcyclenews.com: Police sell Pans off cheap and replace with Pans

motorcycle-usa.com: Dr. Frazier preps KRX250 Adventure Tourer

cycrilhuzeblog.com: Paul Teutut Sr lawsuit against Paul Teutul Jr ÔÇô judge gives them 60 days to settle out of court

Bike Cruller

The Battle for Europe goes to a new level and motorcyclists should love it.

The 750cc class of bikes was replaced by the book ends of liter bikes, 600s and the various variants. The class in between has been the haunt of bikes like the F800 series form BMW. The practical daily realities of European riders and looming legislation have caused bike builders to reconsider the middle ground. Now Yamaha fires a major shot in this market and at BMW. Fans of the middleweight class of bikes the war for your dollars is heating up and in the process the selection and quality of those offerings will too.

From Yamaha FZ8 Fazer8 Press Release

[mika]

World Superbike/MotoGP/AMA Calendar

WSBK et al.

Rumors continue to surround Ruben Xaus

racereport.nl: Veneman BMW test in Valencia, Xaus riding in Potimao

motorsport-total.com: BMW Xaus ÔÇô TardozziÔÇÖs main site

motorsport-artuell.com: Rolan Resch, the Austrian pilot for Reitwagen, is working flat out on his return to WSBK

motorcyclenews.com: WSB paddock still waiting on Aprilia engine verdict

Magazine: Phillips Island 2010


MotoGP

Moto2 replaced 250GP to get more teams on the field and cut costs. The grid is fully subscribed and according to this from asphaltandrubber.com Moto2 Costs Ôé¼700,000 per Season ÔÇô Moto2 Bikes Are Over 10x Cheaper than 250GP
Now will it be a winner with the fans?

IOMTT


AMA Pro Racing


Formula 1 and 

The new F1 Formula, the 2010 F1 season and Bahrain GP weekend are underway. Reminds me of the first days of school for a campus that has K-12 all on the same grounds.

fia.com: Friday Bahrain Press Conference

formula1.com: Friday ÔÇô selected driver quotes

autosport.com: Hill set to join stewards panel at two races

guardian.co.uk: Renault claims the McLaren wing design on car is illegal

QUALIFYING:
Classification
Lap Times
Maximum Speeds
Sector Times
Speed Trap

bbc.co.uk: Qualifying as it happened

autosport.com: Vettel surprised to take pole position
autosport.com: Massa takes second on his return to the grid
autosport.com: Alonso confirms FerrariÔÇÖs pace

Other Racing News

fim-live.com: 24 Hours of Le Mans 2010 musical chairs for riders as the season starts on the Bugatti track
ÔÇØ As a new challenger on the World Endurance scene, the team BMW Michelin is a true eye-catcher. But the BMW S 1000 RR was not the only thing people were talking about.ÔÇØ

motoblog.it: Team BMW Motorrad Italy Superstock 2010 video presentation

On the Street

motorcycledaily.com: BMW and Aprilia dominate Masterbike test

dealernews.com: S1000RR ad becomes BMWÔÇÖs most popular YouTube video ever

caradisiac.com: Bimota Db6 Delirio Superlight 2010 light is right.
With a dry weight of 158lbs Super Light only begins to describe the DB6 Delirio Superlight. But you better bulk up your wallet.

Bike Cruller

BMW released a C1e concept not long ago. The scooter made my 12 Bikes of Christmas list and generated mild interest from others. If anyone in management for BMW Motorrad follows this thread. Please BUILD THIS BIKE



TodayÔÇÖs cruller is the result of a project created by four students of International School of Design with headquarters in Valenciennoise (Department of the North - France): Arik Schwarz (designer fourth year), Beno?«t Czyz (fourth year), Charles Edouard Berchi (third year) Vincent Montreuil (third year). I progettisti la definiscono ÔÇ£un incrocio tra le doti di una supermotard e la sportivit?á di una roadsterÔÇØ e la loro interpretazione "non ha stravolto le linee classiche e aggressive dell'immagine BMW, ma ha solo messo in risalto i contenuti tecnici e un lavoro improntato sul design asimmetrico" . The designers call it "a cross between the qualities of a supermotard and sportsmanship of a roadster and their interpretation" has not distorted the classic lines and aggressive image BMW, but has only highlighted the technical content and work imprinted on the asymmetrical design. Il telaio ?¿ in alluminio, con parti in tubi di acciaio e carbonio. The frame is aluminum, with parts in steel and carbon. Le celle a combustibile sono alimentate da idrogeno contenuto in un serbatoio da 20 litri. Fuel cells are powered by hydrogen contained in a tank of 20 liters. Le batterie di accumulo sono al litio e fosforo. The storage batteries are lithium and phosphorus. L'elettronica ?¿ presente nel controllo dei freni, del motore e delle sospensioni che sono elettromagnetiche. The electronics is in the control of the brakes, engine and suspension are electromagnetic.







The result of their efforts is stunning in my mind. The future of bikes after the ICE age looks bright!


Via: Motociclismo.it

[mika]

WSBK et al.

motorsport-magazin.com: [Aprilia] Working at the edge of the regulations

Formula 1 and 

Saturday leftovers:

wired.com: McLaren cribs from planes, flutes to build faster F1 cars

uk.reuters.com: Andretti could team up with Lotus again

FIA.com: 2010 BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX
SATURDAY POST-QUALIFYING PRESS CONFERENCE ÔÇô March 13, 2010

DRIVERS:
1. Sebastian VETTEL (Red Bull), 1m54.101s
2. Felipe MASSA (Ferrari), 1m54.242s
3. Fernando ALONSO (Ferrari), 1m54.242s

In racing success is always a matter of perspective.
uk.reuters.com: Branson says his F1 team are bang on trackÔÇÖ

flagworld.com: FIa asks mansel to F1 steward in 2010



Sunday Race Day ÔÇô Bahrain GP

Heat!

Heat and the ability of cars and drivers determined the out come of the race. Heat has to be the factor attributed to VettelÔÇÖs manifold failure. This in turn caused loss of power and his drop from the lead. In tact he and his car were the combination to beat on this day. Hydraulic failures were suffered throughout the field. While some of these may be mechanical in nature, breaking of connections or hoses, heat is a contributing factor in all causing or exacerbating the problem.

17 cars finished the race:

Points Positions
1. F Alonso ÔÇô Ferrari
2. F Massa ÔÇô Ferrari
3. L Hamilton ÔÇô McLaren
4. S Vettel ÔÇô Red Bull
5. N Rosberg- Mercedes
6. M Schumacher ÔÇô Mercedes
7. J Button ÔÇô McLaren
8. M Webber ÔÇô Red Bull
9. V Liuzzi ÔÇô Force India
10. R Barrichello ÔÇô Williams

Other Finishers
11. R Kubica ÔÇô Ranualt
12. A Sutil ÔÇô Force India
13. J Alguersuari ÔÇô Toro Rosso
14. N Hulkenberg ÔÇô Williams
15. H Kovalainen ÔÇô Lotus
16. S Buemi ÔÇô Toro Rosso
17. J Trulli Lotus

DNF
18. P de la Rosa ÔÇô BMW Sauber
19. B Senna ÔÇô Hispania
20. T Glock ÔÇô Virgin
21. V Petrov ÔÇô Renault
22. K Kobayashi ÔÇô BMW Sauber
23. L di Grassi ÔÇô Virgin
24. K Chandhok - Hispania

Race commentary can be seen at bbc.co.uk. I will post more information later.

Other Racing News

moto-station.com: Endurance: Charpentier on BMW at Le Mans?

On the Street

motociclismo.es: K1300GT wins B.O.Y in Touring Class and S1000RR is runner-up to Aprilia in Sport for the Spanish magazinesÔÇÖ rating contest.

motorcycledail.com: Yamaha introduces FZ8 and Fazer 8 to Europe
Another take on these bikes. Still no news about an American release.

yankodesign.com: Air cones for road safety

Q: What is a CEO worth to a troubled company?
A: clutchandchrome.com: Harley-DavidsonÔÇÖs six million dollar CEO

Bike Cruller

The BMW R1

BMW Motorrad may currently be causing a sensation in the sportsbike market with the S1000RR, but did you know that nearly 20 years ago they were developing and testing a prototype sportsbike which never made it into production?more at bmwmotorrad.co.za





R1 Project 1989-1992 The R1-reserchteam: Georg Emmersberger (Desmodromics), Heinz Hege and Ralf Lewien designed this BMW R1 Prototyp, that unfortunately never will come in production.
Tech specs:
Performance: 135 -140 Hp (100 - 103 KW). max rpm 11.000
Engine:
4-stroke two-cil. boxerengine, liquid cooled. Four valves per cil. ; DOHC DESMODROMIC VG
Bore-stroke: 98 x 66 mm. 996 ccm.
Bosch Fuelinjection; electronic ignition, 6 gear, cardan.
Dry weight 165 kg. From the R1 till 1992 only 4 prototypes were made. One of them is ridable.









Via:
http://members.chello.nl/~wgj.jansen/text/BMWR1.html

[statdawg]

17 cars finished the race:

Points Positions
1. F Alonso ÔÇô Ferrari
2. F Massa ÔÇô Ferrari
3. L Hamilton ÔÇô McLaren
4. S Vettel ÔÇô Red Bull
5. N Rosberg- Mercedes
6. M Schumacher ÔÇô Mercedes
7. J Button ÔÇô McLaren
8. M Webber ÔÇô Red Bull
9. V Liuzzi ÔÇô Force India
10. R Barrichello ÔÇô Williams

Its spring F1 is back

[mika]

WSBK et al.

The rumor mill grinds away with questions and observations.
speedweek.de: Frustration and intrigue at BMW

MotoGP

motogp.com: Official Repsol Honda presentation in Madrid

Formula 1 and 

FIA.com
DriverÔÇÖs Championship
ConstructorÔÇÖs Championship
Race Classifications
Race Lap Chart
Bahrain GP Race Delegates Technical Report
Sunday Press Conference
POST-RACE PRESS CONFERENCE ÔÇô March 14, 2010
1. Fernando ALONSO (Ferrari), 1h39m20.396s
2. Felipe MASSA (Ferrari), 1h39m36.495s
3. Lewis HAMILTON (McLaren), 1h39m43.578s

Formula1.com
Paddock postcard from Bahrain ÔÇô Celebrating F1ÔÇÖs 60th

Tech Talk
Ferrari F10 ÔÇô modified front wing
Red Bull rB6 ÔÇô new exhaust positioning
McLaren MP4-25 front chassis duct/rear aero package

uk.reuters.com: Team by team analysis of Bahrain Grand Prix

jamesallenonf1.com: Lotus show that new teams can mean business

Based on real time race coverage I reported Vettel had a manifold failure but
autosport.com: Vetel hit by engine, not exhaust issue

Ferrari.com: Bahrain GP ÔÇô Good first one
McLaren.com: Barhrain GP 2010
Mercedes-gp.com: Double points finish in Bahrain opening race
Renaultf1.com: 2010 Bahrain Grand Prix Sunday
Williamsf1.com: Bahrain GP Race
lotusracing.my: Dream start for Lotus Racing
virginracing.com: Bahrain GP
hispaniaf1team.com: BRT F1 Team completes first 20 laps in race conditions[/url]

bridgestonemotorsport.com: Bahrain grand Prix Report



When all is said and done for this race weekend this is my favorite picture and car to take to the Bahrain track this weekend.

Other Racing News

fim-live.com: Pedrosa on trial in Madrid

On the Street

Sticking with F1 but on the historical side FangioÔÇÖs Afla finally on track for Phillips Island.

Featured in a previous Bike Cruller here is a follow up video for the BMW HP Kunst.


thevintagent.blogspot.com: WorldÔÇÖs fastest Velocette

utlitmatemotorcycling.com: Kawasakia look back in time

Bike Cruller

TodayÔÇÖs cruller is a Montes Scorpion that was found on CraigÔÇÖs List in this condition.



Click through to Motorcycle Picture of the Day to see it in its current condition.

[mika]

WSBK et al.

crash.net: Resch unlikely for Portimao return


cdnsuperbike.com: ItÔÇÖs official ÔÇô Szoke to race Hondas in 2010

worldsbk.com: Superstock classes set to start in Portugal

motorsport-aktuell.com: Lammert had to tremble

In the UK
bmwra.org: Richard Cooper Ob S1000RR in the UK
Richard ÔÇ£MiniÔÇØ Cooper will mount a S1000RR in the UKÔÇÖs Metzeler National Superstock Championship

MotoGP

motorcyclenews.com: Pedrosa reveals 2010 targets

motorcyclenews.com: 2010 is make or break, admits Marco Melandri

superbikeplanet.com: Injured Lorenzo to test at Qatar

fim-live.com: Bautista eager for Qatar test

rizla-suzuki-motogp.com: Fianl test awaits Rizla Suzuki in Qatar
First images of the Rislz-Suzuki

IOMTT

Champions [TTXGP] return for 2010 Isle of Man TT

AMA Pro Racing


Formula 1 and 

mag.gpweek.com: Free online and slick coverage each Monday of the F1 Season while doing some bike coverage to boot!

renaultf1.com: Monday Debrief: Interview with James Allison

The build-up to the race in Bahrain was excellent, underlining that Michael SchumacherÔÇÖs return meant there were four world champions taking part. Great!
Many, me included feared that there would be carbon fiber all over the track with so many new teams and drivers. Saturday Button warned that everyone should look out in turn one. None of this happened. If we are to believe the press it was the most boring racing in F1 recorded history. That may be.

Bernie had other plans or was so bored he left half way through the race. Monday he publicly chided the teams that they are here to entertain us with racing.

Talk of rules changes was unpacked along with all the cars as each team setup at the Bahrain circuit. The opening change discussion focused on reinstating a 107% rule in no small part due to HRT not making the practice sessions. Of the new teams they would have been the only one to have been kept off the race track by any application of the rule that I tested. The FIA may be supportive of installing the rule again but Lotus isnÔÇÖt so it ainÔÇÖt going to happen. The teams have to approve unanimously approve of rules changes.

Pit stops and tyres need to be changed according to Whitmarsh. He sees putting a two stop minimum as putting pit strategy and pit passes back in the race. Toss in messing with the tyre compounds to make it difficult to race with one and that will cure the F1 parade blues. I think there is some merit to this. I play chess and like strategy wars but only as part of racing. Racing is on the track for me, not the pits.

Schumacher has declared that ÔÇ£overtaking is basically impossible.ÔÇØ Hamilton is one of many that believe the rule changes have not done a thing for overtaking. They may well be right but I am not as quick to judgment; more on that in a bit.

The teams have gone to their home bases to celebrate lick their wounds and prepare their cars and shipping crates for the Pacific round. A FOTA conference call reportedly is scheduled for Thursday to discuss the problems and try to sort that association into a unified front to negotiate with the FIA and Bernie.
Bahrain was the first day of school. Nothing ever happens on the first day of school and everything happens on the first day of school.

The first day of school kids sort themselves out. Who grew over the summer? Who has new clothes? What are the teachers like and what the heck do they mean with the class syllabus they gave out? You go home after the first day and think it was a big waste and youÔÇÖre just happy there werenÔÇÖt any fights. Just when you think itÔÇÖs safe to go to bed the answers to all those questions hits you and you realize everything changed on the first day of school.

The first day of the 2010 F1 school year may have been boring but there were points handed out. Rules will be discussed and made to work for the rest of the school year but points will make all the difference in how the season plays out.

The number crunchers in the press box are ready to anoint Alonso the Driver Champion and Ferrari the Constructor Champion. But there is that pesky Vettel kid. Can the boys with the prancing red horses count on him breaking a spark plug every race. For 30 plus laps he made them look silly and even finished up in the field with a broken car.

Sibling rivalries are already underway after the first day. Button was very pleased to go to Bahrain as the reigning F1 champion but this is a ÔÇ£what have you done for me todayÔÇØ sport and the pressure to catch up to his teammate Hamilton is already on. Points!

That Williams team everyone wanted to ignore for years suddenly has points in the first race. Sure it was a tenth place finish but the front nine and the one behind have to wonder what Barrichello will be able to achieve as Williams sort out the chassis and their new Cosworth engine. Points!

McLaren continues with wind tunnel developments but they have to wonder if it is money well spent. Those Virgin guys fielded a car designed with a computer and qualified fast enough to bet a 107% rule if it were in place. They are at their home base sorting their car out too. How long before they play a role in determining or challenge for those precious points?

What about those Renault boys? They played nice. They were expected to after the ruckus they made last year. They didnÔÇÖt get any points. They are a racing family that plays hard even when they play by the rules. When will the kid gloves come off and the racing gloves come on with them. The list goes on from there.

The Bahrain GP was the first day of the 2010 school year. Nothing much happened and everything happened. It was a quiet first day as these days go. The second day of school takes place in Melbourne the weekend of March 28th. That is when the school year with all its ups and downs really begins.

Vettel is still my pick for DriverÔÇÖs Champion. He always has shown he has the skills to win in F1 and even be champion but lacked a certain maturity. He is still a kid but it looks like he really matured over the off season. Now if his car doesnÔÇÖt let him down.
Ferrari looks to be the constructor team to beat. IÔÇÖm a tifosi at heart but am not ready to anoint them just yet as the Constructor Champion favorite.

I am really looking forward to Oz and the following races. Sorry Bernie F1 teams and fellow F1 fans; if you want to see on track passing watch WSBK.




williamsf1.com: Bahrain GP Review

f1sa.com: Indianapolis admits USA Formula 1 Grand Prix return possible

Other Racing News

egrandprix.com: TRUST.EGRANDPRIX.ORG (TEO) >>> Race to Own!

fim-live.com: 2010 FIM Ice Racing World Championship Finals, Assen

asphaltandrubber.com: Hungarian GP in limbo after bank pulls funds

Cosworth.com: Cosworth and Lotus back in the IndyCar Series

Ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell's chequered history of prangs is laid bare as she joins Jeremy Clarkson on the Top Gear sofa for a celebrity interview before a lap of the track in the Suzuki Liana.



On the Street

BMW S1000RR is King



Cycle Canada editor Neil Graham got some great footage of the 2010 MV Agusta F4 at its world launch, and spoke with Brand Manager Matt Stutzman about the bike's history and the company's upcoming move into the Canadian market.
Check out cyclecanadaweb.com for Graham's F4 review.


Go Daddy CEO Bob Parsons & his wife Renee Featured on Ace of Cakes - Life Size Ducati Cake


knucklebusterin.com: Hints for buying used morotcycles circa 1947



Running the 1921 Triumph motorcycle recently added to the Pioneer Flight Museum collection.


motorcycle-usa.com: OHV groups prevail in Montana land use case

FWIW


xkcd.com


motorsport.com: USF1 hoping to race in 2011


Lie-Gate
As the electorate ponders their choices in the upcoming election write in candidate hopeful Visian revealed he was ÔÇ£in the bagÔÇØ when he missed an opportunity to debate the international issues of the day facing international association.

VisianÔÇÖs, a.k.a. as Ian Schmla;kj or something like that, late entry into the BMW MOA Presidential race already was having troubles growing out from under the shadows of his failed run for the junior position of President of the United States. When I contacted the Whitehouse about this recent revelation the declined comment beyond saying ÔÇÿthe person in question was dropped from the PresidentÔÇÖs list of FaceBook friends and his Twitters were being blocked.

Other concerns had been raised about the spoiled ballot problem and the legendary problems with spelling of the BMW MOA membership.

Originally claiming to be off-line when the debate opportunity occurred and facing an uphill struggle with the memberships spelling abilities; will the revelation that the dark horse write in hopeful is a closet white bread bagger and the resulting and growing Lie-Gate scandal help or end his run for this prestigious position?



motobastards.com


Bike Cruller

One of the early bikes in my riding history

[mika]

WSBK et al.

roadracerx.com: Tuesday conversation with Troy Corser

MotoGP

fim-live.com: Capirossi predicts busy test

MotoGP is pluggin its Qatar Test VideoPass

IOMTT


AMA Pro Racing


Formula 1 and 

autosport.com: Sauber poised to request name change
The devil is in the details of the contract and Concorde Agreement. The key line in the article deals with SauberÔÇÖs concern with loosing TV money. When Honda exited and sold the team to Brawn there was a fight over money due the Honda team from 2008 to be paid in 2009. Brawn lost that battle. Sauber has been careful to protect his interests in the team during the entire BMW exit process and to reinforce his argument that this is not a new team but a continuation of an existing team.

planetf1.com: Branson ÔÇô Virgin can do a Red Bull
An interesting glimpse into the mind and plans of Sir Richard

jamesallenonf1.com: Shcumachers race sums up F1ÔÇÖs problem

jamesallenonf1.com: Getting rid of aero in F1, the counterargument


Other Racing News

BMW Motorrad USA Invites GS Owners to Defend U.S. Title at the 2010 BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy Challenge

ÔÇó 16.03.2010
ÔÇó Press Release

Information from editor: For related images, visit the "Photo" tab and search via keyword: GS Trophy

Selection Process Will Be Held April 29-May 2 during Adventure Riders/GS Challenge at RawHyde Adventures

Woodcliff Lake, NJ  March 16, 2010 BMW Motorrad USA is calling upon all of its dirt-loving enduro riders to help defend the U.S. Team championship in the 2010 BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy. The world-famous biennial International GS Trophy returns in November, with three riders selected from each of several countries around the world to compete on new R 1200 GS bikes for victory in a vicious series of off-road competitions and challenges in exotic and faraway South Africa.

Two BMW GS owners and one journalist will be selected from the USA for this once-in-a-lifetime, all expenses paid trip. Their selection will be made during the Adventure Riders/GS Challenge at the RawHyde Adventures facility in Southern California from April 29 ÔÇô May 2. This yearÔÇÖs ÔÇ£Double JeopardyÔÇØ event at RawHyde is now revamped to include two sequences: the Adventure Riders Challenge, open to all enduro riders, and the GS Challenge qualifier from which two BMW riders will be selected to compete in South Africa.

ÔÇ£The competition finalists will not only need strength and endurance, superior riding skills and guts, but they must also be able to navigate their route ahead, pace themselves and collaborate with teammates,ÔÇØ commented Laurence Kuykendall, Community and Communications Manager for BMW Motorrad USA. ÔÇ£It also helps to have a sense of humor under adversity,ÔÇØ Kuykendall added, ÔÇ£because, after all, this is all about fun, isnÔÇÖt it?ÔÇØ

Interested BMW GS riders can learn more about the Adventure Riders Challenge and how they can participate in the competition to ride (and win) in South Africa by visiting
www.adventureriderchallenge.com or emailing info4rawhyde@earthlink.com. Registration forms can be downloaded from: http://www.adventureriderchallenge.c...dy_applctn.pdf.

In 2008, the high-stakes competition between riders representing five countries took place in the burning sands of Tunisia and was won by Team USA members Brad Hendry (Thornton, CO), Jim Stoddard (Middlegrove, NY), and Jason Adams (Rosendale, NY) along with journalists Jimmy Lewis (Dirt Rider), Ryan Dudek (Cycle World), and photojournalist Jonathan Beck. The GS owners and journalists represented the United States in the 1,900-kilometer desert rally, involving 30 participants from five nations, seeking to demonstrate their skills over challenging terrain on identically prepared BMW F 800 GS motorcycles.

The foreign press is recruiting riders for their nations.

On the Street

BMW released its annual report today. It is available for download from the BMW Group PressClub USA in pdf form.

[ur Statement and Charts by Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of
Management of BMW AG, Annual Accounts Press Conference 2010
Click through for the complete statement

Statement and Charts by Dr. Friedrich Eichiner, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Finance, Annual Accounts Press Conference 2010
Click through for the complete statement text.

ÔÇ£This brings me to the Motorcycles segment. BMW Motorrad fared well despite the very difficult market, gaining market share in 2009. Retail was down 14% year on year to more than 87,000 units. In contrast to BMW, the whole world market for motorcycles shrank by more than 30%.

BMW Motorrad reacted flexibly to this situation. Production was quickly adapted to demand and margins remained stable as a result.

BMW Motorrad increased its share in its seven key markets, namely: the UK, Italy, France, Spain, the USA, Japan and Germany. EBIT generated by the Motorcycles segment declined to 19 million euros.

In 2009, we laid a solid foundation on which to achieve further growth. BMW Motorrad isat the starting gate with numerous new models in the lineup, including: the Enduro, Tourer, Urban, Sport and HP in the spring of 2010ÔÇØ


bmwra.org: Attention dual sport/off road riders:

BMW National Adventure Riding Series 2010
BMW Motorrad USA Posts Strong February Sales
ÔÇó 16.03.2010
ÔÇó Press Release

Woodcliff Lake, NJ  March 16, 2010 The U.S. motorcycle market continued to struggle as it declined 36% in February 2010 compared to the same month last year. Against this challenging backdrop, BMW Motorrad USA posted a 52 percent increase in retail sales in the same period.

The spike in February retail sales is largely attributed to the long-awaited availability of the production version of the BMW S 1000 RR Superbike, the most powerful and sophisticated sport bike ever produced. Dealers had confirmed deposits on over 600 bikes and deliveries to customers began in late January and continued through February. Other top-selling models included the R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure as well as the popular R 1200 RT.

BMW Motorrad USAÔÇÖs strong February sales continued the companyÔÇÖs industry-leading performance in this difficult market. Despite a U.S. motorcycle market that declined 41 percent and lost nearly 360,000 units last year, BMW motorcycle sales only declined 22 percent. This followed on the heels of 2008 when BMW Motorrad USA was one of only two motorcycle manufacturers to post positive growth.
ÔÇ£Superior products in all segments of the market, a dedicated and expanded dealer network, and attractive financing programs from BMW Financial Services will help keep the positive momentum going in 2010,ÔÇØ commented Mac McMath, BMW Motorrad USA Sales Manager.

HFL: KTM Free ride ÔÇô electric supermoto and enduro coming to Tokyo
jsonline.com: Harley shares hit three month high on takeover rumor
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cnbc.com: Harley-Davidson shares gain on takeover chatter
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marketwatch.com: Harley ÔÇô Davidson shares up on takeover talk

Bikes in the Fast Lane: Thailand ÔÇô Using motorcycles for protest marches

clutchandchrome.com: Harley refused two offers for Buell Motorcycles

motorcycle.in.th: Why blueprinting an engine

caradisiac.com: Airbag Spidi Neck Brace



xkcd.com

motobastards.com


Bike Cruller

BMW Racing Team Daffix Michelin work on their S1000RR during tire testing at Le Mans