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Bench Racing & The Morning Reads

Friday, 22 October

happy_birthday.jpg


Members with Birthdays Today

WSBK et al.

asphaltandrubber.com: 2011 World Superbike test dates announced

MotoGP

supebikeplanet.com: Expletive deleted; if you love somebody, set them free

gpone.com: Ducati show interest in Redding

]visordown.com: Honda tease Moto3 class entry

Formula 1

Friday
Press Conference
TEAM PRINCIPALS: Eric BOULLIER (Renault), Stefano DOMENICALI (Ferrari), Christian HORNER (Red Bull), Martin WHITMARSH (McLaren)

Practice Results:
Session 1
Session 2

Selected Team comments
Ferrari
Renault F1
ATT Williams
HRT

formula1.com: Friday Practice ÔÇô selected driver quotes

jamesallenonf1.com: Drivers concerned about pit lane entry and dangerous turn 16 in Korea

FIA.com: Korean GP Media Kit

Thursday Press Conference

Silly Season
bbc.co.uk: Felipe Massa says he will stay at Ferrari for 2011
By implication Kubica will be staying at Renault

Will Lotus be staying with Lotus or Renault?
grandprix.com: Fenandes under pressure to drop Lotus name?

Other Racing

fim-live.com: 8 hours of Doha ÔÇô A great final race for the 2010 title in Qatar

visordown.com: Death of the Dakar
Visordown takes a long look at what happened behind the scenes resulting in the cancelation of the 2008 Dakar.

On the Street

HFLM: Michael Lock on what the motorcycle industry doesnÔÇÖt need right now.

latimes.com: Former Ducati North America CEO Michael Lock talks bikes

motorcycle-usa.com: 2010 Q3 Motorcycle sales down 18.3%

2010 MOTORCYCLE SALES YTD JAN - SEP
2010 YTD Sales 2009 YTD Sales % Change
Totals: 555,440 679,806 -18.3

ATVs: 186,688 244,309 -23.6

Scooter: 23,432 26,288 -10.9

On-Hwy: 265,095 309,422 -14.3

Dual: 19,969 23,174 -13.8

Off-Hwy: 60,256 76,613 -21.4

Motorcycle Totals: 368,752 435,497 -15.3


ultimatemotorcycling.com: 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R preview
The 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R is the ultimate entry-level motorcycle for sportbike fans, but also a blast for veteran riders.

webbikeworld.com: Honda VFR1200F review

Touratech preps for BMW GS Trophy
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bmwmcmag.com: Touratech prepares for 2010 GS Trophy

motorcyclenews.com: Speed Triple ÔÇô your questions answered

ultimatemotorcycling.com: 2011 Kawasaki Versys preview

HFLM: Triumph Tiger and BMW F800GS, separated at birth?

SoloMotoTreinta ÔÇô Triumph Tiger 800, 800 XC official picture slideshow
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motostation.com: BMW G 650 Maxitest Xmoto: The reviews
- The Test
- User Reviews

motorcycle.com: Kawasaki 2011 KLR 650 review

motorcyclistonline.com: Castiglioni buys back MV Agusta for the price of a Latte!

ITN News
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How to set motorcycle suspension
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<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,16,0" width="496" height="309" id="fullscreen" align="middle"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://iptv.mercedes-benz.tv/player.swf?clipId=1301&channelId=0&lang=en" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#333333" /><embed src="http://iptv.mercedes-benz.tv/player.swf?clipId=1301&channelId=0&lang=en" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" bgcolor="#333333" width="496" height="309" name="fullscreen" align="middle" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" /></object>

The Mothership


Woot of the Day

FWIW


Bike Candy


Via: bikeexif.com ÔÇô URS Racing Sidecar Rig

1058675261_CVTaY-O.jpg


1058675244_CS2ay-O.jpg


1058675261_CVTaY-O.jpg


Check out bonhams.com for the auction notes that give more history and has many more detailed pictures of the this rig.
 
Saturday, 23 October

Members with Birthdays Today

happy_birthday_10-728921.gif


Note: This was a daily part of the Morning Reads threads I did for a long time. I used cake pictures back then and set the goal of never repeating a picture. I have not included it because I have wanted to keep this simple and to the point. Yet fellow members are why we come here. The problem was not only the work but if I missed a day I would get notes complaining they were passed over.

Karma over a this thread. Go there to put your name in the running for a free subscription to Motorcycle Consumer News. I thought about doing it in this thread but why disappoint gentle readers of the thread when potentially I could disappoint the entire forum.
:ha

WSBK et al.

twowheelsblog.com: Davide Tardozzi still out of a job
Translated interviews with Tardozzi on quanteruote.it referenced in the piece and a previous interview.

MotoGP

Interesting read.
roadracerx.com: Honda Road Racerhead #43
ÔÇ£As anyone likely to be reading this knows, all three Grand Prix rider championships have now been decided with two rounds still remaining, but thereÔÇÖs one important crown thatÔÇÖs still remaining to be determined: the constructors championshipÔÇØ

asphaltandrubber.com: Ben spies looking for contract renewal with Yamaha

Formula 1

Vettel pips Webber for the first Korean GP Pole.

Sebastian Vettel will start from pole position after an extremely tight qualifying session. Mark Webber was just 7/100ths of a second slower in second place with Fernando Alonso a further 9/100ths adrift of Webber.

Car setup seems key for qualifying. Red Bull and Ferrari appear to have opted for a bit more down force than others. This yielded better sector times but limited their straight line speed as a trade off. Kubica was fastest in the warm up session times but was not able to do much in qualifying. If he can keep his wheels on for the race he could be the wild card that Alonso will have to deal with while chasing the RB twins.


Classification
Lap Times
Maximum Speeds
Sector Times
Speed Trap

formula1.com: Vettel flies to Korean pole for Red Bull

formula1. com: Selected quotes from Qualifying.

The Stewards are investigating Schumacher and Barrichello (bbc.co.uk). The latter filed a complaing that the former was blocking during qualifying.

autosport.com: Webber gets engine boost for Korea
Webber elects to take a new engine for qualifying and the race with no penalty. Teams are limited in the number of engines they may use during a season. Webber took a chance and passed up a previous change to hold one in reserve. The rule is intended to help force down the costs of racing but may prove to be a strategy bump to help win the DriverÔÇÖs Championship.

bbc.com F1 drivers criticize ÔÇÿdangerousÔÇÖ new Korea track

reuters.com: HRT F1 team fined $5,000 for tyre warmer blunder.
It would have only cost them a six pack of Sam Adams and a jar of mustard from the Mustard Museum if they had only made a tire warmer blunder instead.

On the Street

FEMA is trying to avert a motorcycling disaster. This time itÔÇÖs not the Federal Emergency Management AgencyÔÇÖs proposed actions that are in the news but the Federation of European Motorcyclist Association that is in the news.
motorcyclenews.com: Brussels threat to trailies
Related
fema-online.eu: EUROPEAN COMMISSION REJECTS SWITCH-OFF OPTION FOR MOTORCYCLE ABS

Back in the US of Athekneeslider.com: More owner modified off road Sportsters  is Harley Davidson going to get on board?

stayontheblack.com: UK roads continue to get safer.
UK motorcycle deaths are down 6% but in 42% of the reported driver/rider error was sighted as the cause. This emphasizes the need for on going training. What were the other causes?

utlimatemotorcycling.com: New California motorcycle exhaust law

BMW-TV: S1000RR burnout XXXL
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<object width="480" height="269"><param name="movie" value="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/video/xdxgfp?additionalInfos=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/video/xdxgfp?additionalInfos=0" width="480" height="269" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object><br /><b><a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xdxgfp_bmw-30-ans-de-gs_auto">BMW - 30 ans de GS</a></b><br /><i>Uploaded by <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/bestoflo">bestoflo</a>. - <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/us/channel/auto">Watch auto videos</a></i>

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Bikes with grunt showdown - Motorcycle USA pits the Star VMAX against a competitor in a comparison review.
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From Ottonero Caf?® Racer site ÔÇô Dax Paradise
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And the conversion of a Enfield Mini Bullet to
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The Mothership

Live chat with coÔÇôorganiser of the GS Trophy 2010 (Tom Wolf). Make use of this unique opportunity to ask enduro legend Tomm Wolf your own personal question. 29. October from 10 ÔÇô 11am CET.
http://apps.facebook.com/bmwqanda/

BMW on demand pilot project
More and more customers want to use cars flexibly. The BMW Group is therefore bringing a new mobility service into being with which vehicles in the premium segment can be rented on an hourly basis. From now on, with "BMW on Demand", customers will be able to hire vehicles with the highest quality features from the current BMW model range by the hour at BMW Welt Munich. The pilot project will initially run over a period of twelve months, and will be extended to other locations in Munich in a second phase[url https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/pt/pressDetail.html?outputChannelId=34&id=T0087617PT&left_menu_item=node__2217]more[/url]


Woot of the Day

FWIW

From Hare To Heir

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Bike Candy

You will not see this bike in a showroom near you unless youÔÇÖre not in the US.

2011 NEW Kawasaki W800 details official video
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Sunday, 24 October

Formula 1

Qualifying Press Conference

Qualifying penalties: Suti[/rl] gets a speeding ticket, [url=http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/f1_media/Documents/kor-document-33.pdf]Schumacher gets a reprimand but no grid penalty for blocking Barrichello, Rosberg and Mercedes received a penalty for forcing heavy breaking by another driver, Force IndiaÔÇÖs Sutil gets away with impeding Kubica in Q2 or at least that is how Kubica sees things.

reuters.com: Schumacher masking his feelings, says Todt


motorsport.com: Heidfeld eyes openings at Renault and Force India.
Fast Nick is out of a job in a couple of races but has hopes. He had been linked with Renault prior to Petrov landing the job their. Wit Petrov out Heidfeld could have another chance at joining former teammate Kubica. Force India is the more likely spot if he has one.


Korean Grand Prix Race Notes

Four of the five championship contenders make up the two first rows; Red BullÔÇÖs Vettle and Webber row one followed by Alonso and Hamilton in row two. Four dry practice and qualifying sessions emphasized the importance of where you sit on the grid. A new track with big concerns about the clean v dirty side of the track for the start should make the start and race to turn one very interesting. Should being operative because the grid is wet on race day and all bets are off.

The drivers are sent out to explore the track ÔÇô odd way to discuss the formation lap. A few ÔÇÿminor spinsÔÇÖ spins are reported and it is announced that the race will be delayed by ten minutes.

The race will start behind the safety car. So much for the race to turn one.

Rain is falling hard and is expected to last the race. Everyone is on full wets at the start.

Here are the top ten drivers standings going into this race:

Pos Driver Nationality Team Points
1 Mark Webber
Australian RBR-Renault
220
2 Fernando Alonso
Spanish Ferrari
206
3 Sebastian Vettel
German RBR-Renault
206
4 Lewis Hamilton
British McLaren-Mercedes
192
5 Jenson Button
British McLaren-Mercedes
189
6 Felipe Massa
Brazilian Ferrari
128
7 Nico Rosberg
German Mercedes GP
122
8 Robert Kubica
Polish Renault
114
9 Michael Schumacher
German Mercedes GP
54
10 Adrian Sutil
German Force India-Mercedes
47

The safety car is off and the first Korean GP is underway.

Gallons and gallons of spray in the air as the monster rain tires do their job. No news as to how long they may deploy him to lead the race parade.

The race electronics do not care if it is dry or wet, full race or SCD to start the race and posts sector times intervals who is going purple at any one time.

Lap 2/55
Senna pits and takes a new set of tires.

Vettel sets the first ÔÇÿfast lapÔÇÖ over a minute of his qualifying pace.

Lap 3/55
The race has been red flagged.

Ferrari pit communications with Massa have told him that they donÔÇÖt expect rain to stop or let up for at least 20 minutes. No indication has been given by the race officials as to how long they plan to delay this race.

The cars are still out on the track working their way back to the grid where mechanics are getting ready to greet them.

Fast Nic is listed with the current Fast Lap on Lap 2 with a 2.48.413 for a time. VettelÔÇÖs pole time was 1.35.585. Not much for Heidfeld to brag about but he is the current track race record holder of all time.
:ha

Now we are being told drivers and teams will be given a ten minute warning to the resumption of the race. It will resume behind with the Safety Car deployed.

Everyone is back at the grid. Tire warmers go on and the drivers sit.

Kubica gets out of his car and heads to the garage. Born in Poland he always displays a rather cool demeanor but underneath which you sense an inner drama grown under the Italian sun where he race Karts. Off to the garage to release some of that pent up energy? Other drivers are doing the same. Will I head back to bed?

01.44 the track status has been changed to yellow. Sad state of affairs when the most my fingers can babble about is the color of the track status indicator. 01:46 and it is green again.

01:55 the ten minute warning is given. The race will resume at 02:05 F-O-L time.

1061032998_RfXVw-O.png


This photo of the five championship contenders has been in the press since it was snapped as the race weekend began. Jenson Button must finish at least sixth if he is to have any chance of remaining in the frame and hold onto his title.

Tire blankests are coming off and the grid clears.

The safety car moves out and the ÔÇÿraceÔÇÖ is underway once again. The delay time will not count against the 2 hour race time limit. I am not certain how much official time was used up during the first laps but there is a chance this will be a timed race.

Lap 4/55
Di Grassi is in the Virgin pits for a new set of full wets.

Lots of spray from the tires but it seems better than the first start. There have been reports of something called blue sky but they are not to be trusted.

Lap 5/55
Behind the safety car, Heidfeld looses his fast lap status to Luzzi who posts a 2.40.286.

Yamamoto spins but is able to return to the field.

Barrichello has been told by his pits to expect rain for at least the next 25 minutes.

Lap 6/55
Barrichello sets a new fast lap braking the 2:40 barrier with a 2:39.488. Stunning!

Lap 7/55
Vettel is still in P1 with Webber Alonso Hamilton Rosberg Massa Button Kubica Schumacher and Barrichello rounding out the top10. Less than 9 seconds separate P 1 and P9. Vettle has not found a way around the safety car and open up a gap from the field.

Lap 8/55

Alguersuari in p15 sets a new fast lap with a blistering 2:37.789 as he battles with Sutil in P14. Who said dueling for position slows you down? He may hold fast lap but he is unable to advance as the field flies around in grid order behind the safety car.

Lap 9/55
The track is improving with each round the field makes. Schumacher in P9 continues to all his skills to hold off Barrichello in P10. He must be careful not to be seen as blocking after receiving a reprimand yesterday from race officials. He must be within the rules for now. Not reports of officials investigating his actions.

Lap 10/55
Trulli sets a new fast lap with a 2:37.428. What is up with Vettel? The pole holder and race leader seems content to let the back of the pack define what is fast in Korea. Perhaps he is being a bit conservative. Webber his teammate has a new engine. As long as he can hold on to P1 there is no need to strain his older engine to hold off his teammate.

The plotting thickenens.

Lap 11/55
Di Crassi in P24 takes the fast lap laurel truly having the last position still showing on the grid set the pace.

Lap 12/55
We are entering the pit window. Who will pit and who will stay out and for how long.

What is amazing so far is that even with the blistering pace, now set by Di Grassi, we still have all cars show as on the track and racing. With the exception of YamamotoÔÇÖs brief spin this has been an incident free race.

Lap 13/55
P 24 De Grassi is in the pits. Has he used his car up with the blistering pace he has been setting? No not the car but the tires. A new set of full wets after he used up the last ones. He returns to the field in P24 just 24.5 seconds behind race leader Vettel.

Lap 14
Schumi sets fast lap at 2:35.400. The crafty veteran has always been a rainmeister. This should end any question of his blocking Barrichello to hold position. Schumi is RACING!

(note to self: should have made a 50/50 blend of decaf)


Lap 15/55
The field has broken out into debating! With track conditions and fast lap times improving drivers are debating when the safety care should be sent to the barn. Many drivers say conditions are still to wet but the plucky Hamilton says the track is almost dry enough to go to intermediates.

Lap 16/55
Luzzi runs wide but gathers it up and does not loose his place in the parade, or should I say race?

Lap 17/55
The safety car will pit at the end of this lap. Must need a potty break or something.


Lap 18 Vettel leads the field into turn one for the first time without the safety car.

Schumacher passes Kubica for P8 then joins a three way duel with Button and Massa for P 6

Vettel finally sets a true fast lap with a 1:57.805 well off his pole time but he is on full wets and a still wet track.

Lap 19/55
WEBBER spins and hits the wall ÔÇô Rosberg follows suit and both are out of the race!
Where is my lovely statistician to tell us what this means for the championship hunt? Oh thatÔÇÖs right I donÔÇÖt have one. The simple answer is Webber is unlikely to be on the top of the heap at the end of this race unless there is a bigger heap at the wall.

Race central says Webber would be 3rd in the championship standings if there were no change from the current race standings.

P1 Vettel followed in order by Alonso Hamilton Mass Button Schumacher Kubica Hulkenberg Barrichello and Sutil. Timing shows a 9,7 second gap from P1 to P10.

Lap 21
Potty break over the SCD sign goes up and the field will form behind the safety car as Webber and Rosberg make their way back to the pits on scooters and their cars are craned from the track.


Hukkenberg, what a great name for F1. The Hulk gives a certain muscle to the sound of a very genteel field. Tack that circle track races.

Lap 23
McLaren tells Button to expect more rain soon.

Lap 24/55
The safety car is in the pits and Vettel goes purple with a 1:54.438. Slowly he is opening a lead on Alonso and the rest of the field.

Trulli and Senna make contact  Trulli heads to the pits for a new nose. He is directed into the garage but stays in the carhe is backed out and he joins the fray once again. The incident will be investigated.

Lap 27/55
Schumi has passed Button fro P5. Not good news for the current champ. He needs to maximize points with Webber being out. No time to give up position even if it is to the rainmeister Schumacher.

Trulli pits once again and gets out of the car. His race is over but the investigation will not end. He could suffer penalties in the next race.

Lap 28/55
Hamilton goes purple with a 1:53.914 but he is shown 2.7 seconds behind Alonso who is now 3.9 seconds behind the race leader.

Lap 29/55
Vettel responds to Hamilton setting a new fast lap only to have Alonso quickly best his time. Even with the new fast lap Alonso is shown 3.9 seconds off the lead pace.

Button pits and returns to the field in P15. The field is starting to cycle in for pit stops so this may not be as bad as it sounds once all is done. He comes out of the pits sporting a set of intermediates on his McLaren.

Lap 31
Buemi crashes out of the race.
The safety car comes out.
P3-9 dive into the pits.
Vettel and Alonso have yet to make their mandatory pit stop while the rest of the field have done theirs.

Lap 32
The lead pair dive into the pits.
Problems for Alonso with the right front change. ÔÇô Wheel nut problems.
Vettel holds on to P1 but Hamilton has passed delayed Alonso for P2. This is allowed under the rules.

Lap 33
Behind the safety car the top 10 are
Vettel
Hamilton
Alonso
Massa
Schumacher
Barrichello
Petrov
Hulkenberg
Kubica
Kobayashi

Lap 34/55
SCD will end with this lap.

Lap 35/55
As racing begins again Hamilton is shown 0.8 seconds adrift of Vettel the leader.
He runs wide in turn 1 and gives up position to Alonso.

As the lap ends Alonso is shown 1.5 seconds off VettelÔÇÖs pace but in second place after his pit problems.

Lap 36/55
Button runs wide and into the grass while fighting Sutil for position. Button is now shown in P15.

Lap 39/55
Kovalainen pits to take a drive trough penalty for speeding on his last stop.

Ferrari tells Alonso to be careful of his tires in turns 7 and 8.

Lap 40
Hamilton sets a new fast lap. Only to have Massa respond with his first real fast lap.

Track status is Yellow

Petrov lost the back end of his car in Turn 17 and went into the wall. He is out of the race and with no deal inked with Renault for 2011 is he going to be out of F1 when the season is over?

Lap 42/55
The track status is still shown as yellow. This must be a local yellow because Vettel and Alonso are trading fast laps again. 4.3 second separates the current podium positions.

Massa is up to P4 but can do little more than that for now. He is 8.2 seconds behind Vettel and 4.5 behind Hamilton.

Lap 44/55
Vettel is complaining about visibility as dusk begins to settle in on the track. This combined with even a little spray takes out any room for error for the current race leader.

Lap 46
Engine problems for Vettel
Alonso passes
Flames are coming out the back of the Red Bull as Vettel pulls over and retires.

Live timing is cruel because he was passed by the leader and stopped he was immediately shown as one lap down. Then his name and number continued to drop until he hit P15 where he will finish well out of any points.

Red Bull could have wrapped up the ConstructorÔÇÖs Championship today but have posted two DNFs instead.

Lap 47
Sutil tries to pass Kobayashi but looses control and is out of the race with suspension damage.

Lap 49/55
Into the last leg of this race the field is
Alonso
Hamilton
Massa
Schumacher
Barrichello
Hulkenberg
Kubica
Luzzi
Kobayashi
Heidfeld P10
Alguersuari
Button
Kovalainen
Senna
Yamamoto.

Alonso has a 2.8 second lead over Hamilton and 15.4 seconds on his teammate Massa.


Another good showing so far for BMW Sauber F1 with both cars in points paying positions. Kobayashi is stepping up to his role as team leader.

Lap 51
The Hulk pits for a new set of tires.

Lap 52/55
Replays show Button surviving a spin.
Hulkenbergs tires looked well past their prime causing crews up and down pit lane to wonder how their driverÔÇÖs tires are doing.

Lap 53

Alonso has taken a 10 second lead over Hamilton and a 27.6 second lead over Massa.

Assuming no changes in the next two laps he will leave Korea as the Championship leader with 231 points to WebberÔÇÖs 220, HamiltonÔÇÖs 210 and Vettel with 206.

The Sutil ÔÇô Kobayashi incident will be investigated after the race.

Lap 55

Alonso takes the win with Hamilton and Massa rounding out the podium finishes.

P4 and beyond
Schumacher
Kubica
Luzzi
Barrichello
Kobayashi
Heidfeld
Hulkenberg
Alguersuari
Button Kovalainen
Senna
Yamamoto
DNFs start at P14
Sutil
Vettel
Petrov
Glock
Buemi
Di Grassi
Trulli
Webber
Rosberg

On the Street

onewheeldrive.net: The end of motorcycling not a chance
ÔÇ£The industry may be hurting, but motorcycling and the enthusiasm for it is not only alive and well, it is adapting and growing.ÔÇØ
I certainly hope so!

ultimatemotorcycling.com: 2011 Yamaha EC 03 preview

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Woot of the Day


Bike Candy

One of the greats!

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Sunday EXTRA 24 October

BMW is upping their WSBK buy in with a second team fielded by BMW Italia. . BMW Italia fielded the team that took the World Supersport 1000 series with the S1000RR and Aryton Badovini as rider. He will make the move form WSS to WSBK with the team. He will be joined by James Toseland according to a report by bikesposrtnews.com: Toseland confirmed at BMW Italia squad for 2011 WSB season

While the idea of a BMW Italia team with Badovini and Toseland as riders is fascinating the BSN article holds some potentially more important news/rumor and a question.

News/Rumor: BMW will be picking up members of the disbanded Ducati WSBK team.

If true this is the biggest news in the BSN report. Staff from the former Ducati team will bring a wealth of knowledge experience and seasoning to a BMW effort. There is no indication if the Ducati members come if they will stay with BMW Italia (most likely) or all or some could go to BMW Motorrad Motorsport.

I was skeptical about the hiring of Davide Tardozzi. If you were excited about BMW hiring Davide Tardozzi before last season and disappointed when he was canned then bringing Ducati WSBK team members and experience to either team should really excite you if it is true.

The promise that came with Tardozzi was the experience the team needed to move to the next level. My problem with that promise was an open question of what he would manage. Taking the day to day operations off Berthold HauserÔÇÖs shoulders was the only real gain I saw. Beyond that, he and BMW were in the same spot; building a team from scratch. No matter how excellent a manager is if he does not have the staff he needs under him he will have marginal success as a manager.

Both the BMW Motorrad Motorsport Team and BMW Italia team have another year of experience under their belts. The addition of Ducati talent and experience to the membership of either or both teams will be a huge boost to the BMW effort if it is managed correctly. That is now in the hands of Bernhard Gobmeier the new head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport.

The question centers on what bike the BMW Italia team will race.

Clearly it will be the S1000RR. That is a given, but what spec will it be? The BSN article talks about a 2010 works team bike with 2011 specs. What does that mean? Time will tell.

This post is based on one article. No official announcements have been mad that I was able to find at this time. Enter the EICMA and the BMW Husqvarna press conference. Is this where BMW will make its plans for both teams a matter of public record? Until there is a formal announcement we will have to settle for rumors from dinner tables.
 
Monday, 25 October

Members with Birthdays Today

WSBK et al.

worldsbk.com: Aragon will be a new WSBK adventure.

speedweek.de: Things are getting testy at BMW

apshpaltandruber.com: ToselandÔÇÖs fall from grace ÔÇô Signs with BMW

gathering speed

MotoGP

speedweek.de: Spies ÔÇô Contract to 2013?

superbike-news.com: Stoner to Honda in 2011

solomoto.es: How the calendar is set.

gpone.com: Suter BMW to test at Valencia with Redding

Formula 1

formula1.com: Korea Analysis ÔÇô Alonso back in the drivers seat

autosport: Barrichello ÔÇô Full race distance unsafe
Related
jamesallenonf1.com: Bad light doesnÔÇÖt stop play - how race control makes key decisions

: Motoring.co.za: F1 title battle set to go down to very last lap

reuters.com: Analysis ÔÇô Webber needs Red Bull to focus on him


On the Street

Givi tankbag system explained
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visordown.com: BMW Offroad School [UK] review

Woot of the Day

FWIW

History has many stories of leaders with great visions for the future. They devised grand strategic plans and gathered people to implement the tactical side. The success of these leaders is often found in how they manage the tension between the grand strategic plan and the practical realities the tactical leaders face in their part of the grand scheme.

WSBK and the various national SBK championships share the term SBK and the S1000RR, yet I would argue they are worlds apart from each other in the form and level of competition teams face in the various tactical arenas. WSBK, for all its denials, is more a prototype class built on a street model while the various national championships are based in street bikes designed to race.

BMW has built an award and sales winning street bike in the S1000RR. The bike has taken numerous national championships and the WSS 1000 Championship. While that grand record has played out the WSBK team has had a dismal beginning. One podium in two seasons and able only to beat Kawasaki in the manufacturers standings the teams record is far from stellar by comparison. But is that comparison fair?

In a mid season interview, fired team manager, Davide Tardozzi was asked what his assessment of the future was for the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team. He quickly dealt with the present team development efforts and set two benchmarks for the future; 2011 ÔÇô finish within the top four teams, 2012 ÔÇô battle for the title and win.

Senior management in BMW Motorrad clearly has a strategic vision for the S1000RR, Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport and now others. It is committing its resources to support this effort as is the auto segment in their racing forms.

What remains to be seen is if senior management has the temperament and management skills to bring its strategic vision to reality. It has hired and fired on of WSBKÔÇÖs great tactical leaders. In the coming seasons we will see if it can meet or exceed the goals set by him. Will they find the balance between relentlessly pushing their team and patience? Or will they fall pray to the mistake that has brought so many visionary leaders down; micromanagement. Tardozzi set the benchmarks for himself, the team and now BMW senior management. Time will tell how they fair.

Bike Candy

Why is it that with motorcycles as in dating there are so many eye catching things that on further inspection you know you could not live with but still leave you with a certain longing? Via Rooke Customs and Bikeexif.com

Rooke Customs Vettel 15

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Tuesday, 26 October

Members with Birthdays Today

WSBK et al.

motorsport-magazine.com: Xaus back on a Ducati in 2011?

worldsbk.com: Season review ÔÇô The winning RSV4 bike

MotoGP

roadracerx.com: Team Speak ÔÇô Estoril MotoGP preview

gpone.com: Burgess ÔÇô ÔÇ£Ducati will listen to RossiÔÇØ
Related:
sportrider.com: Jeremy Burgess talks about his move to Ducati

Formula 1

jamesallenonf1.com: The technical challenge of tuning a car in to a new circuit

The James Allen piece gives an interesting perspective to the preparations that go into preparing to race on a new circuit and hints at the possible missteps teams may take. Putting a motorcycle perspective on this, last year in WSBK this was the case for BMW at every race.

Other Racing

bikeadline.com: Husqvarna celebrates the 78th World Championship title

allaboutbikes.com: Cyril Despres wins Rally of Morocco

fim-live.com: international Six Days Enduro ÔÇô A brief history

Husaberg Retrospective of the EWC
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On the Street

ultimatemotcycling.com: motorcyclists tread on the Road of Bones

sportrider.com: 2010 Bike of the Year

moto.it: Long test ÔÇô 6000km with the Ducati Multistrada

HFLM: Michigan State Police prove Harleys suck

sucatinewstoday.com: Ducati Diavel details detailed

: How many triples does it take to topple a driver?

[url=http://modvrocker.com/]Mods vs. Rockers 2010 Rally Day 1

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The first time through the sound track has a quaint appeal but is irritating giving you a burnup on your ears.

yankodesign.com: Catapult drive lever bike

The Mothership

:scratch

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Link to the next in what looks like will be a series of Vodcasts

:scratch

I guess IÔÇÖm not hip enough to get this. I have been loosing weight donÔÇÖt you know.

Woot of the Day



Bike Candy


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Wednesday, 27 October

Members with Birthdays Today

Mia_happy_birthday.gif


WSBK et al.

There is still no official announcement about signing James Toseland to the BMW Italia Team. In a brief article from worldsbk.com he talks about the 2010 season.

Superbike Crash Compilation 2010
This video is not for the faint of heart.
Note: I was not injured while watching this video
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:ca
cdnsuperbike.com: BMW Team Documentary Series Premiers November 5th
radx.ca ÔÇô Fast Company trailer
WSS



MotoGP

bridgesotnemotorsport.com: MotoGP heads to Estoril for the penultimate round of 2010

rizila-suzuki-motogp.co.uk: Capirossi to ride at Estoril despite injuries.

Formula 1

autosport.com: Heidfeld confident of a 2011 ride.
ÔÇ£I think it will happen, but you cannot be 100 per cent sure," Heidfeld told AUTOSPORT about his chances of getting a race seat for 2011.
Unfortunately at the moment in Formula 1 it is not solely about how you drive the car and what you can win in terms of talent, speed and clever engineering skills. Other factors play a role as well ÔÇô and some of these things I cannot deliver compared to others.ÔÇØ

bmw-motorsport.com: Theissen and Vettel visit Formula BMW Talent Cup

Other Racing

facebook: GS Trophy riderÔÇÖs profiles

1064877978_Rrwma-S.jpg


At INTERMOT KTM introduced the 1190 RC8 Track. This is a track only version of the RC8.

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Technical Specifications: 2011 KTM 1190 RC8 Track

Specification

Motor:
V-twin at 75 ??, 4 times
180 hp / 10,250 rpm
123 Nm / 8,000 rpm

Displacement: 1.195cc

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Chassis: CrMo Steel Tubular

Suspensions: Horquila 43 mm inverted fully adjustable WP-USD / WP Monoshock 120 mm travel

Front / rear brake: 2 discs of 320 mm, Brembo monobloc calipers and 4 piston radial-mount / 220 mm disc, 2 piston Brembo caliper

Weight in running order 182 Kg

Tyres: 120 / 70 ZR 17 - 190 / 55 ZR 17

Seat height: 805 / 825 mm

Tank: 16.5 liters (3.5 reserve)

Price: Undeclared


Here is the RC8 street legal version in a track KTM video.

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On the Street

motorcyclenews.com: World exclusive first ride 2011 Aprilia RSV4 SE ÔÇÿSeriously ImpressiveÔÇÖ

Video ÔÇô Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC Official Video
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HFLM: The facts behind European alleged ban on switchable ABS

Test Ride: 2012 Yamaha Super T?®n?®r?®
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Video of the K1600 GT/GTL introduction at Intermot
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MotoUSA 2010 Royal Enfield Bullet Classic C5 Review
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motorcyclistonline.com: First ride ÔÇô Triumph Speed Tripple

visordown.com: Bike sales in Europe down a third since 2008

The Mothership

[urk=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/us/pressDetail.html?outputChannelId=9&id=T0087938EN_US&left_menu_item=node__2222]bmwgroup.com[/url]: BMW to Conduct Voluntary Emissions and Safety Recalls
ÔÇó 26.10.2010
ÔÇó Press Release

Woodcliff Lake, NJ ÔÇô October 26, 2010... BMW of North America has notified the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of its intent to conduct a voluntary recall of some model year 2007-2010 BMWs equipped with twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engines, all of which feature BMWÔÇÖs High Precision Injection direct fuel injection system. It has also asked for approval from the California Air Resources Board to conduct this action. Affected vehicles may experience a failure of the high-pressure fuel pump.

Symptoms include long-crank engine starting times along with the illumination of the ÔÇ£Service Engine SoonÔÇØ light. In certain cases, the driver may experience reduced engine performance in a Safe Mode accompanied by a tone and the illumination of the ÔÇ£Engine MalfunctionÔÇØ light.

Based on the individual service history of the vehicle, the action will entail replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump and/or a software update.
Approximately 130,000 vehicles are potentially affected with about 40,000 expected to require a new high pressure fuel pump. Affected BMW models include:
ÔÇó MY 2007ÔÇô2010 335i models.
ÔÇó MY 2008ÔÇô2010 135i, 535i and X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Coupes
ÔÇó MY 2009 ÔÇô 2010 Z4 Roadster sDrive35i


In a separate action, BMW has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it will voluntarily recall approximately 20,800 MY 2008 X5 Sports Activity Vehicles equipped with normally-aspirated inline six-cylinder engines to replace the low-pressure fuel pump. In this case, should the fuel pump experience a failure, the engine will stop running and the driver will lose power assist for the steering and brakes although both the steering and the brakes remain operational.

Letters will be sent by First Class mail to owners of affected vehicles in the coming weeks, requesting the scheduling of a service appointment with an Authorized BMW Center to have the update performed.
No injuries have been reported with either of these issues.
In the case of either issue, if the customer experiences a problem, they should contact their authorized BMW Center. Customers with additional questions should contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-563-4269 or email CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.


bmwgroup.com: BMW ÔÇô the number one choice for the UKÔÇÖs policing needs

ÔÇó 26.10.2010
ÔÇó Press Release
BMW has been approved as a key supplier for all 52 Police forces around the country by the National Policing Improvement Agency. The announcement means some of BMWÔÇÖs class-leading products will become standard issue to the UKÔÇÖs Policemen and women as part of the four-year deal.

bmw-motorrad.co.za: BMW R 1200 R takes pride of place at London Fashion Week exhibition


Woot of the Day

FWIW

There are tifosi and then there are TIFOSI. Ferrari fans come in all forms and backgrounds; even woodworkers.

Listed on ebay

ÔÇ£Ferrari 365 V12 Engine
This is a rare handcrafted wooden Ferrari V12 engine. The entire engine, including the manifold is handcrafted out of wood. The engine is based on the Ferrari 365GTB V12 engine. It's about the same size as the original engine and weights about 25kg or 50lbs.

The engine is in Sydney, Australia. I prefer pickup but can have it ship anywhere in the world if desire. If you are in Sydney, inspection welcomes.
Please ignore the shipping cost below as it is grossly inaccurate.ÔÇØ

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Bike Candy

Via thechicaneblog.com and other links, a flash back to my youth in Madison Wisconsin.

I was six and a fan in the stands full of racing dreams when this took place in my home town.

Register Now for the Madison All-American Soap Box Derby!

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The guidelines for building your car ÔÇô
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The winner will receive a kiss from a former Lufthansa stewardess
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Ich! Girl germs!!! At six I just wanted to racesilly kid.

Images courtesy Wisconsin Historical Images' flickr photostream.[/img]
 
Thursday, 28 October

Members with Birthdays Today

WSBK et al.

easier.com: Troy Corser and Leon Haslam will be visiting the NEC show in Birmingham to do a bit of promoting. This is the big show for England that runs from November 27 to December 5. I wonder if Toseland will be an official member of BMW Italia by then and make an appearance too?

On the Street

ACEM.eu newsletter was in my email Wednesday. This is the European motorcycle manufactures association of which BMW is a member. It opens with an editorial regarding ABS brakes and environmental regs. The European market as a whole accounts for well over 70% of BMWs sales. What goes on in Brussels has a major impact on their Motorrad plans and thus indirectly on us. Scroll down after the editorial to find a number of interesting reads and links including 

In many markets BMW has been able to buck the downward spiral in motorcycle sales trend. Q3 results should be out soon. For the industry in Europe the trend continues to be bad. acem.eu: more

HFLM: Dainese D-Air; satellites, accelerometers and the safest suit ever

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Honda has finally leaked a full and final sketch of its V4 Adventure bike.
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ÔÇó MotorcycleUSA enlists the help of professional EnduroCross racer, Kyle Redmond, to show us what it takes to make it through those rough rock corners.

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Kawasaki Ninja 250R has owned the small sport bike market for some time. In recent years the other UJM manufactures have not really fielded anything beyond things such as YamahaÔÇÖs TU 250 and HondaÔÇÖs Rebel Now Honda is upping the fun without pushing the ante up at the same time.
sportrider.com: Honda announces their new CBR 250 R
A new addition to the entry level sport bike market.
Related
webbikeworld.com: Nighthawk replacement coming to the U.S. in 2011?

The bottom line on this is motorcycle writers and riders have told manufacturers ÔÇÿif you build it they will come.ÔÇÖ They listened when we asked for classic bikes and we stayed at home; at least our wallets did. Time will tell if a sparked up 250cc class will put more bums in saddles.

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visordown.com: Hells Angels take legal action over log misuse

Recall for Kawasaki
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
KAWASAKI / VULCAN 2009-2010
Manufacturer: KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP., U.S.A. Mfr's Report Date: OCT 14, 2010
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V507000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A


Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Potential Number of Units Affected:
Summary:
KAWASAKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 VULCAN MOTORCYCLES. THE ENGINE MAY STALL IF THE RIDER IS COASTING WITH THE CLUTCH PULLED IN DUE TO AN IMPROPER SETTING OF THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU).
Consequence:
ENGINE STALLING COULD CREATE A POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ECU WITH ONE CONTAINING REVISED SETTINGS TO ADDRESS THE ENGINE STALLING. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KAWASAKI CONSUMER SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT 866-802-9381.
Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .



Woot of the Day


Bike Candy

I found a link to this video in my PM box.

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I did a search on Motogrotto, the prominent plate name in the video and found them in Easton P.A.

The bike is currently up for auction on ebay if youÔÇÖre interested.

The beginning copy on the listing reads:

1975 BMW R-Series 75 R90Ss CUSTOM R90S CAFE FALL CLASSIC @ MOTOGROTTO


VIN: 4990078
Mileage: 33,333 miles
Warranty: No
Vehicle title: Clear
Condition: Used


HELLO,THIS BIKE IS NOT FOR ROOKIES...YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE...
PLEASE READ ENTIRE DESCRIPTION BEFORE PLACING BIDS OR ASKING QUESTIONS TO AVOID ANY CONFUSION.HEY THANX...MOTOGROTTO...THE BMW BOXER AIRHEAD RESTORATION STATION...SPECIALIZING IN PEACE OF MIND AND PURE MOTORCYCLING SATISFACTION EASTON PA 18040

This is a numbers matching 75 R90S customized with a Ducati 900SS fairing Tarozzi clipons and rear sets and a bullet tail piece.The bike has 33,000 miles with a fresh valve job with Black Diamond valves BMW Motorsport ceramic emblems custom VDO gauges made by Morris @ West valley instruments in California.It has many new, custom and hand fabricated parts,you will be the only kid on the block with one of these.Led Zeppelin rear turn signals.New sealed battery Avon roadrider tires rebuilt brakes 40mm calipers stainless lines. New exhaust Dunstall style mufflers fresh fluids throughout.New centerstand and hardware new sidestand and spring.Deep oil pan.Stock suspension with a stock R90S motor clear title and matching numbers with the sought after 33/11 rear.This is a fair weather machine and should not be ridden in the rain due to the air cleaners on the carbs.This is an awesome ride with an aggressive riding position.It is not perfect but you could never come close to building this for what the reserve is.Elegance and engineering captured in unison.This is not your Grandpa's R90S...This is a bike that runs like a Rocket and is in great shape check it out


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I canÔÇÖt afford it even at the low reserve price; whatever that is. I do have some money from my share of selling my daughterÔÇÖs caf?® bike. We poured the concrete on my friend DaveÔÇÖs garage. It is actually more of a building than a garage. He is an independent MC/small engine mechanic part time and is setting up shop on his land. If he let me have a corner to build aÔǪCurse you Chris for feeding my addiction!

:bikes
 
Thursday, 28 October -- Update

BMW is not waiting until next weeks EIMCA in Milan to announce the new World Superbike team. No surprise here. Even with this announcement next week's press conference is a opportunity for BMW Motorrad Motorsport to answer questions.

BMW Motorrad - Team BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike
ÔÇó 28.10.2010
ÔÇó Press Release
BMW Motorrad Italia enters Superbike World Championship.
The winning team of the 2010 Superstock 1000 FIM Cup will debut with riders Ayrton Badovini and James Toseland.

Munich/San Donato Milanese, 28th October 2010. BMW Motorrad has announced the entry of Team BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike in the 2011 FIM Superbike World Championship. The team will debut with riders Ayrton Badovini (ITA) and James Toseland (GBR) and will receive technical support from the BMW Motorrad Motorsport factory team, which is providing engines and electronics for the BMW S 1000 RR. The team will be led by Andrea Buzzoni, Director of BMW Motorrad Italia and Manager of the Superbike project;Serafino Foti, who will serve as Sporting Director; and Gerardo Acocella as Technical Director.

In 2010, BMW Motorrad Italia made its debut in international competition and won both the ridersÔÇÖ and constructorsÔÇÖ titles in the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup, with Ayrton Badovini as lead rider for the team. The Italian squad will also continue in this series with Lorenzo Zanetti (ITA).

ÔÇ£BMW has it in its DNA to constantly seek maximum performance and innovative solutions, comparisons and teamwork, respect and trust, as well as a clear strategic orientation towards the objective,ÔÇØ says Christian Kremer, CEO of BMW Group Italia. ÔÇ£We will be entering the FIM Superbike World Championship with the same professionalism and enthusiasm demonstrated to date; and we are sure that this effort will lead to new and important results.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£From next season, our BMW Motorrad Motorsport factory team will be joined in the FIM Superbike World Championship by a factory-supported BMW line-up in the shape of the BMW Motorrad Italia SBK team. The team has experience in motor racing ÔÇô and in this championship specifically,ÔÇØ says Hendrik von Kuenheim, General Director BMW Motorrad. ÔÇ£Last year in the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup, BMW Motorrad Italia demonstrated their ability to achieve success with the BMW S 1000 RR in impressive fashion. Although the challenge in the Superbike World Championship is that much tougher, IÔÇÖm convinced that BMW Motorrad will benefit from this new addition to the field. After all, competition is the lifeblood of business. We would like to wish the team every success.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£After winning the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup, we are continuing with a renewed challenge in the sporting arena,ÔÇØ adds Andrea Buzzoni. ÔÇ£We planned this ambitious project with enthusiasm and determination and we are happy to find the same enthusiasm in BMW AGÔÇÖs top management. Our Italian squad will receive technical support from Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport. The collaboration between the two teams will allow a profitable exchange of experience, know-how, solutions and ideas for development, all with the common objective of constantly improving performance. We are delighted to be able to assure Ayrton, who has given us such satisfaction in our racing competition debut, a well-deserved promotion. Ayrton will be riding alongside two-time world champion James Toseland, who has shown great motivation and enthusiasm for the project.ÔÇØ


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San Donato (ITA) 28 October 2010. Team BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike. Andreaa Buzzoni, Director of BMW Motorrad Italia, Team BMW Motorrad Italia Superstock Rider Lorenzo Zanetti, Team BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike Rider James Tosland, Team BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike Rider Ayrton Badovini and Serafino Forti, Sports Director Team BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike on the BMW S 1000 RR
 
Friday, 29 October

TodayÔÇÖs is a split post and dominated by BMW. I am in the process of downloading a bunch of pictures but do not have the time or energy to process them right now. I will soon; my apologies for that.

Members with Birthdays Today

WSBK et al.

Carlos Checa rode his Althea Racing Ducati to the best time, Thursday the first day of renewed testing at Motorland Aragon. He notched a 1.58.3 before leaving for Estoril. This was a full second faster than second-placed Michel Fabrizio (Suzuki Alstare) and followed by Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia), who was one-tenth away. The remaining testers, including BMWÔÇÖs Corser and Haslam, were unable to crack the two minute mark. Leon Haslam, again running a 2010-spec BMW S 1000RR, was concentrating on getting to know his new machine and crew.

Thursday
Unofficial day 1 times: 1. Checa (Ducati) 1'58.3; 2. Fabrizio (Suzuki) 1'59.3; 3. Biaggi (Aprilia) 1'59.4; 4. Haga (Aprilia) 2'00.3; 5. Camier (Aprilia), Sykes (Kawasaki) 2'00.4; 7. Corser (BMW), Fuijwara (Kawasaki), Baroni (Ducati) 2'00.6; 10. Haslam (BMW) 2'01.0.

With Checa gone it was time for Champion Max Biaggi to lead the timing charts with a fastest time of the day with a 1ÔÇÖ58.7 but still four tenths of a second off ChecaÔÇÖs Thursday time.

Troy Corser and three other riders were tied for second place, with a time of 1'59.2: Michel Fabrizio, Noriyuki Haga (Aprilia Pata Racing), who had a minor crash, and Tom Sykes (Kawasaki), the real surprise of these tests.

Leon Camier lapped in 1'59.3 on the second Aprilia, while Leon Haslam continued acclimatization work with his new BMW machine and almost got under the 2 minute mark. Fuijwara was eighth quickest on the second Kawasaki.
.
Friday
Day 2 times (unofficial): 1. Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia) 1'58"7; 2. Fabrizio (Suzuki Alstare) 1'59"2; 2. Corser (BMW) 1'59"2; Haga (Aprilia Pata Racing) 1'59"2; Sykes (Kawasaki) 1'59"2; 6. Camier (Aprilia Alitalia) 1'59"3; 7. Haslam (BMW) 2'00"0; 8. Fuijwara (Kawasaki) 2'00"2

Saturday is the final day of this round of testing.

Riders and teams are trying to pull the best out their bikes the test times should be taken with a big grain of salt. Several of these riders are new to their teams and machines. The S 1000 RR is a new spec for 2011 as are some of the others. Yet with that said, Kawasaki has impressed with its initial test performances with their new bike. Instead of just focusing on catching up with the leaders this season, BMW may sense a threat from behind from Kawasaki for the first time in their WSBK career.

BMW continues to test two different bikes. The first is what is described as 2010 bike and the other the 2011 which Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport will be campaigning. I have not been able to find any explanation of their thinking but suspect some combination of three possibilities.

To know where you are going you need to know where you came from. Leon Haslam will play a very different role in 2011 than Ruben Xaus did in 2010 and beyond. For the sake of continuity and development he needs to understand the 2010 bike to some extent. To the extent that the 2010 bike being used in testing truly resembles the bike raced last season this will help him understand the past and bring him in step with the teamÔÇÖs development plans.

Secondly the new spec 2011 bike is a new jumping off point for development. The 2010 bike will provide benchmarks from a known source to compare and to help understand the data received in testing the new bike.

Finally, BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike with riders Ayrton Badovini and James Toseland will receive technical support from the BMW Motorrad Motorsport factory team, which is providing engines and electronics for Motorrad ItaliaÔÇÖs S 1000 RR. Some of the testing that is going on in Aragon may be testing of the base package that will be provided to the Italian team.

After the previous round of testing Troy Corser commented that HaslamÔÇÖs initial feed back on the S 1000 RR validated what he and Xaus had felt. This seems to have helped support a sense of confidence that he is displaying. HaslamÔÇÖs comments on testing will be worth parsing both for a sense of the 2011 bike but also for his reaction as a rider to the shift in teams. Hauser and Tardozzi knew clearly who the number 1 and number 2 riders were on the 2010 team. These first rounds of testing lead me to think the new management will not have such an easy time making that distinction.

Source: worldsbk.com


BMW Italia has made the following announcement on their PressClub page of their entry to World SBK in 2011. Please forgive the google translation from Italian to English

BMW Motorrad Italy, after winning the title Superstock 1000 FIM Cup 2010, World Superbike Championship debut in 2011, with the two riders James Toseland and Ayrton Badovini

ÔÇó 28.10.2010
ÔÇó Press Releases

BMW Motorrad Italy in 2010 he began participating in international competitions of speed and winning the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup with exceptional results. In 2011, the BMW Motorrad Superbike Team Italy will participate in the World Superbike Championship with riders James Toseland and Ayrton Badovini and continue participation in the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup with Lorenzo Zanetti.

The BMW Motorrad Italy Superstock Team, the first participation in an international competition, dominated the FIM Cup title by winning the Drivers' and Constructors' Title: Ayrton Badovini, top driver of the Italian team, had previously won the Drivers' title in the seventh round of the season, and then win the next race weekend in the constructors' title and, finally, he equaled the record of nine consecutive victories in an international competition of speed previously set by Colin Edwards and Neil Hodgson. Also winning the first international title of speed in the history of BMW Motorrad.


In 2011 BMW Motorrad Italy, with the support of the Mother House, which will provide engines and electronics to BMW Motorrad Superbike Team Italy will take part in the World Superbike Championship with two riders James Toseland and Ayrton Badovini.

James Toseland is a pilot with a huge international experience, which ran both in MotoGP and Superbike where he won two world titles in 2004 and 2007.
Ayrton Badovini was a young driver with a good international experience, this year in the Superstock Championship 1000 has shown maturity in the management of tenders as well as being extremely fast and consistent.
BMW Motorrad Superbike Team Italy will also continue to participate in the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup with a motorcycle headed by Lorenzo Zanetti. A young driver who has shown in the last Cup FIM to be very promising.

The BMW Motorrad Superbike team will be led by Italy Serafino Foti, with the position of Director of Sport. While Gerardo Acocella, former head coach STK Team, will play the role of Technical Director.


Christian Kremer, President and CEO of BMW Group Italy
"BMW has in its DNA, the constant search for maximum performance and innovative solutions, the continuous interaction and teamwork, respect and trust, as well as a clear strategic direction to the goal. Precisely these are the foundations on which value-based strategy NumberOne which is the basis of any strategic choice of BMW.

This strategy has led the Management of the Italian branch in the decision to enter the world of competitive sport of speed, in 2010, and continuing, in line with the strategic values, with the decision to participate in the forthcoming World Superbike Championship 2011, with an obvious and important growth of the commitment and responsibilities.

Entering the world of sports competitions was also dictated by the need to position the new BMW S 1000 RR, BMW Motorrad's first supercar, and credited towards an audience of experts and enthusiasts.

In light of the results are very satisfied both in terms of sports and business.
From the sporting point of view the victory of the Superstock 1000 FIM CUP 2010 showed that the BMW Motorrad Team STK Italy has been able to capitalize on the potential for a winning product, the S 1000 RR, and thanks to the work of the team, has put together an outstanding package that together with the skills of the pilot led to a fantastic result.

From the commercial point of view the S 1000 RR has achieved success in the year of launch, becoming the sport's best-selling.

We will face the new challenge of the World Superbike with the same professionalism and the enthusiasm shown so far, definitely take advantage of new and important satisfactions. "


Hendrik von Kuenheim, President of BMW Motorrad
"From next season the FIM World Superbike Championship for Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport will join a team supported by the Parent, the BMW Motorrad Superbike Team Italy.

The team, led by Andrea Buzzoni and Serafino Foti, has already gained significant experience in racing. In 2010 in the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup Team BMW Motorrad Italy have demonstrated their ability seizing an outstanding success with the S 1000 RR.

As competition in the World Superbike Championship ever harder, I am sure that BMW Motorrad will benefit from this new entry. After all, the competition is the lifeblood of business. We wish the team every success

Andrea Buzzoni, Italy and Director of BMW Motorrad Superbike Project Manager
"After winning the challenge of the market, becoming the first brand in Italy and sales volumes have also won the FIM Cup in our debut year in competition, we continue with a renewed challenge in terms of sport. We started thinking about the project SBK before the summer, an ambitious project, both for the difficulties inherent to the limited time available, and we managed to achieve thanks to the strong determination, passion and expertise of those involved.

Once you have built up our enthusiasm has joined the enthusiasm and the direct support of top management of the headquarters that has embraced the project, practical support, with the objective of strengthening the presence of a professional BMW racing.

The BMW Motorrad Superbike Team Italy will be technically supported by BMW Motorrad Motorsport with the supply of engines and electronic hardware. The collaboration between the two teams will enable a fruitful exchange of experiences, know-how, solutions and ideas for development with the common goal of continual improvement of its performance.

The team that will address the two leagues will be composed by the same team that won the 2010 Superstock Championship, suitably supplemented by Daniele Casolari structure that brings a solid expertise and long experience in competitions. Serafino Foti will be the Director of Football, Gerald "Dino" Acocella will be the Technical Director: are two extraordinary people and professionals. Under their guidance the team will be very concentrated during the winter, the development work and preparing the bike for the next season.

We are happy to provide to Ayrton, who gave us much satisfaction to our debut in competitive sports, a well-deserved promotion. We are also happy to assist with Ayrton an experienced pilot who has already won two times World Superbike Championship: James "Jack" Toseland who has shown great motivation and enthusiasm for the project.

I am sure that the technical potential of the S 1000 RR combined experience of team members will give us great satisfaction in our second year of sport. "

Serafino Foti, Sporting Director of BMW Motorrad Superbike Team Italy
"The year 2010 was a very positive result obtained, which earlier in the season certainly did not expect, was exceptional. We have worked continuously and carefully through a close-knit team, competent, solid and had a clear goal.
The experience and knowledge in the development of the bike will be of great help in the preparation of the motorcycles for next season, because we face with other manufacturers officially involved, the satellite teams and private teams who all have extensive experience in a top-level league.

Our two drivers are a further guarantee of competitiveness, James Toseland and Ayrton Badovini do not need any introduction, together will surely do very well. "

James Toseland, Pilot BMW Motorrad Superbike Team Italy
"I am very pleased to have entered the family of BMW Motorrad Italy, from the first meeting at the Milan office, I felt right at home.
As for the bike, I saw the enormous potential of the S 1000 RR in the track and I expect a very busy winter with the test program. I'll have to get used to a new four-cylinder engine as well as learn how to maximize effectiveness.

The next challenge is to contribute to the development of the BMW Superbike and the work of the coming winter will be aimed at achieving the best condition to face the 2011 season.

The races are tied to the team and I am very confident of the quality of the team and the BMW Motorrad engineers that Italy has selected for this project.
I would also like to thank Italy for BMW Motorrad has shown me the confidence that engagement. "


Ayrton Badovini, Pilot BMW Motorrad Superbike Team Italy
"By 2010 I achieved two goals: to win the Superstock Championship and return to Superbike.

It is not a dream but the result of continuous work and meticulous preparation for the race but also of concentration and attention to every detail, have made a difference in the race, as well as the result of continuous and flawless support I received from all Team members.

I know very well the S 1000 RR as well but I know I'll have to prepare for a challenging season, along with rivals and of great experience and ability.
I am sure that James and the team works intensively in the coming months to get ready at the beginning of the season. "


I wonder how Badovini reads this? I read this as Toseland #1 and Badovini #2 on the BMW Italia team.



The Mothership

BMW Motorrad to start motorcycle sales in India by December 2010. Two importers with three sales outlets appointed.
ÔÇó 28.10.2010
ÔÇó Press Release

Munich. BMW Motorrad starts its sales activities on the Indian motorcycle market with two official importers as of December 2010. With "Deutsche Motoren" in Delhi in the north of India and "Navnit Motors" in Mumbai on the west coast and Bangalore in the southern part of the country, BMW Motorrad is relying on two experienced BMW Group partners. With these three sales outlets the German motorcycle manufacturer is represented in the strategically important regions.
Hendrik von Kuenheim, General Director BMW Motorrad: "The BMW Group has already established itself very successfully in India with a local BMW automobile production and a sales network for BMW Group automobiles. Now the market for premium motorcycles is beginning to develop, too. The sales activities now commencing with our two experienced BMW Group partners are of long-term significance to BMW Motorrad. We are confident our motorcycles will swiftly become established in timely preparation for the growing market."

As the most innovative manufacturer of large-volume premium motorcycles in the segments enduro, touring, sports touring and sports, BMW Motorrad is opening a new chapter in its successful market strategy by starting sales activities in India. The motorcycles will be produced at the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin and supplied to India as CBU (completely built up) units.

BMW Motorrad will initially offer the current models of the R and K series as well as the superbike S 1000 RR, i.e. premium vehicles in each of the relevant categories. The BMW motorcycles of the R series such as the legendary enduro bike BMW R 1200 GS enthuse customers with their unique and distinctive boxer engine in particular.

The BMW K models are regarded as the benchmark in the segment of large-volume 4-cylinder motorcycles due to their technological innovations and superior engine output. Both series also offer the very finest quality in chassis technology and an exemplary standard of safety with the BMW Motorrad ABS. The S 1000 RR, BMWs first superbike, became the most admired sports bike of its class in the motorcycle season 2010
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Woot of the Day


Bike Candy

1067663412_MhXzH-S.jpg
 
BMW G 650 GS ÔÇô the success story of the BMW Motorrad single-cylinder engine continues.

With the new BMW G 650 GS, BMW Motorrad has added yet another attractive member to its BMW GS family. With its lean, wiry offroad stature, the new single-cylinder enduro cuts a cheeky, light, and adventurous figure. At the same time it stands out clearly from its rivals in terms of quality, equipment, and comfort. In conjunction with its relatively low weight and the low seat height, it presents an attractive means of entry to the passion of motorbiking and the fascinating world of BMW GS adventure.

New edition based on a tried and tested platform with high torque and low consumption single-cylinder engine.

The new G 650 GS has opted for a technology on a widely used basis: the popular and successful BMW F 650 GS with single-cylinder drive of many yearsÔÇÖ standing. This liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with double overhead camshafts has a displacement of 652 cc, delivers 35 kW (48 hp) at 6500 rpm, and develops a maximum torque of 60 Nm at 5000 rpm. As an optional accessory, the vehicle is also available in a power reduction version, delivering 25 kW (34 hp) at 6500 rpm and 47 Nm at 4500 rpm.
Thanks to electronic fuel injection, twin-spark ignition, the high geometrical compression ratio of 11.5:1, and a closed-loop catalytic converter, this tried and tested single-cylinder engine is designed for the maximum level of riding pleasure with the best possible efficiency and high environmental compatibility. It shines forth with exemplary low consumption values of, for example, only 3.2 litres per 100 km at a constant 90 km/h.
In conjunction with the claw-shifted five-speed gearbox, the free revving single-cylinder engine in the new BMW G 650 GS provides for a thrilling experience, in particular on snaking country roads. Its beefy torque curves and good response also allow detours handled with supreme ease beyond the asphalt of roads.

Robust suspension technology for great riding pleasure on the country road and on easy terrain.

The suspension of the new G 650 GS was developed primarily for running on country roads and takes the form of an agile chassis with a bridge frame of steel tubing and a bolt-on framework tail that has already seen excellent service on the earlier BMW F 650 GS.
Whereas the front wheel is controlled by torsionally rigid telescopic forks, the rear system takes the form of a solid dual swing arm of square steel sections in conjunction with a monoshock linked via a lever system. Besides the optimal riding stability up to the maximum speed of 170 km/h (power reduction 145 km/h) the new G 650 GS presents a thrilling performance of playful handling on the country road. Adequate spring travel ensures a high level of riding comfort and appealing off-road qualities despite its low seat height.

Powerful deceleration is provided by the brake system consisting of a single brake disc at the front and rear. The BMW Motorrad ABS, available as optional factory-fitted equipment, can be deactivated for off-road riding.

Typical enduro design and colour concept in the style of the BMW GS family.

The body of the new G 650 GS was completely redesigned. In particular the front section makes the single-cylinder enduro light, sporty, and dynamic. The asymmetrical headlamp and the self steering front wheel cover give the G 650 GS its look of absolute independence.

A clear design of lines, the targeted use of coloured areas and all black plastic parts uphold the visual impression of a robust enduro outfit. The overall impression of sportiness is boosted further by the engine, exhaust covers, frame, swinging arm, and slide tubes, which are all black, contrasting with the plain colours of aura white and orange-red as well as the matching two-tone seats.

The new BMW G 650 GS will be produced at the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin Spandau.

The following presents an overview of the essential features of the new BMW G 650 GS:

Reliable, high torque, and low consumption single-cylinder engine with 652 cc displacement.

Engine power 35 kW (48 hp) at 6500 rpm and maximum torque 60 Nm at 5000 rpm.

Tried and tested suspension concept with bridge frame and swinging arm of steel, telescopic forks, and monoshock (spring travel front 170 mm, rear 165 mm).
Cast light alloy wheels in new design. Diameter front 19ÔÇØ, rear 17ÔÇØ. Wider rear wheel rim for even better riding stability.

Stable brake system with single brake disc at front and rear and OFF/ON BMW Motorrad ABS (optional factory-fitted equipment).

Redesigned body scopes incl. windshield with GS moulding and two-tone seat.
Lean and ergonomic 14 litre tank.

Three different seat heights: standard 780 mm, low slung 750 mm (as optional factory-fitted equipment), high seat (black) 820 mm.

Sporty cockpit design with asymmetrical headlamp and instrument panel.
Luggage carrier with lockable storage compartment.

Smoky grey indicators.

New handlebar fittings.

Extensive optional factory-fitted equipment: BMW Motorrad ABS (ON/OFF), heated grips, anti-theft alarm system, centre stand, socket, low slung.

Extensive optional accessories with the familiarly high BMW Motorrad standards.






The new BMW R 1200 R. The new BMW R 1200 R Classic.

29.10.2010
Dossier de imprensa

BMW R 1200 R and BMW R 1200 R Classic ÔÇô the new dynamic roadsters from BMW Motorrad.

With the new BMW R 1200 R and R 1200 R Classic, BMW Motorrad is continuing its long tradition of roadster building and presents the revised successor models to the successful R 1200 R. Both combine a modern sporty and accentuated classical motorcycle design, once again with considerably greater quality and driving dynamics for even more riding fun.

Generating perceptibly higher torques, the new boxer engine provides an extra boost to temperament. Whereas the boxer in the predecessor model had already provided superior propulsion under all conditions, the new BMW R 1200 R models can deliver more on top. Derived from the BMW HP2 Sport, their new boxer with 1170 cc and DOHC valve gear corresponds to the engines already installed in the BMW R 1200 GS and BMW R 1200 RT.

Thanks to ultra modern technology in conjunction with two different design concepts, the new BMW roadsters are setting discrete emphasises in the segment to a degree greater than before.

Whereas the basic version of the BMW R 1200 R emphasises the sporty all round character with new cast light alloy wheels, the R 1200 R Classic presents wire spoke wheels for a deliberate touch of refined nostalgia.

This demarcation between the two new roadster models is also continued in the colour of the paintwork and other equipment details. For instance, the R 1200 R Classic pays homage to the classic roadsters with metallic sapphire black paintwork in conjunction with a centre stripe in plain alpine white extending over the tank and front wheel cover.
The basic version of the R 1200 R is available in mat metallic smoky grey, metallic light grey, or metallic red apple: three colour schemes representing a dynamic, elegant, and modern interpretation of the roadster.

These three colour variants when combined with wheels and drivetrain in N??rburg silver highlight the sporty, dynamic side of the roadster. The R 1200 R Classic, on the other hand, deliberately goes for a refined contrast and emphasises components like the Telelever, drivetrain, cylinder head covers, frame, and fork with silver. Their classical, refined quality also finds expression in the completely chromium-plated exhaust system and the mirrors with a chromium look, whereas the basic version provides a sporty touch in the form of a rear silencer in brushed stainless steel and black rearview mirrors.

Despite the differences in visual appeal presented by the R 1200 R and R 1200 R Classic, they are nevertheless united in their technology.

For instance, maximised rigidity and strength is provided by the tried and tested, two part main/rear frame, which has a weight-saving structure of steel tubing is designed with the engine as a load-bearing element for maximum stiffness and rigidity. The front suspension of the new BMW R 1200 R trusts in the BMW Telelever in conjunction with a new fork structure. Its high quality, technical grace and the enlarged diameter of the standpipe (from 35 to 41 mm) contribute decisively to shaping the face of the new R 1200 R. The rear suspension takes the form of the tried and tested single arm with BMW Paralever.

Both the R 1200 R and the R 1200 R Classic can be fitted optionally with electronic suspension adjustment ESA. This serves to vary the spring base and the suspensionÔÇÖs pressure and rebound stages at the rear wheel, and the suspensionÔÇÖs rebound stage at the front wheel ÔÇô a system that has established itself as the solution for optimised road handling and comfort.

The maximum safety standard is ensured by the established and proven brake system, which can be fitted in the factory with the optional BMW Motorrad integral ABS (in the partially integral version) and automatic stability control ASC.

In its role as a traditional system provider, BMW Motorrad has also developed for the new R 1200 R and R 1200 R Classic extensive ranges of optional equipment and tailored optional accessories for further individualisation.

The following presents an overview of the essential features of the new BMW R 1200 R and BMW R 1200 R Classic:

Clear differentiation between the R 1200 R and R 1200 R Classic in the form of characteristic colour concepts and equipment features.

New dynamic drive, now with double overhead camshafts in each cylinder.
Maximum torque raised to 119 Nm at 6000 rpm, and rated power raised to 81 kW (110 hp) at 7750 rpm.

Maximum engine speed now raised from 8000 to 8500 rpm for an even wider utilisable speed range.

Perceptible improvements to torque values for even greater roadster pleasure on country roads.

Spontaneous response with optimised controllability and clearly improved load-alteration effects.

Cylinder-head covers now with two instead of the previous four mounting bolts and a new, dynamic styling.

Shorter, sportier rear silencer in brushed (R 1200 R) or chromium-plated
(R 1200 R Classic) stainless steel.

Electronically controlled exhaust flap for a superior powerful sound.

Cast light alloy wheels (R 1200 R).

Wire spoke wheels with light alloy flat collar rims (R 1200 R Classic).
ESA (electronic suspension adjustment) (optional factory fit).

BMW Motorrad integral ABS in the partially integral version (optional factory fit).
Automatic stability control ASC (optional factory fit).

Redesigned cockpit with two round analogue instruments.
New hydraulic reservoirs with a smoked glass look.

Extensive range of optional equipment and tailored accessories at the familiarly high BMW standards.



Pictures to follow latter today.
 
Saturday, 30 October

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Members with Birthdays Today

Today is the thread’s birthday also.

WSBK et al.

Checa is at Estoril so we don’t know how he would have done. His SBK testing time finally fell to Biaggi who posted a 1’58.0 for his best time Saturday. Leon Haslam beat Michael Fabrizio and Troy Corser (by three tenths of a second) for the day. However; all three were topped by Sykes and his Kawasaki. Again, keep in mind this is testing not racing and we don’t know the full intent of any of the teams in these sessions. Yet the Kawasaki team looks to be doing more than motoring around for the pleasure of photographers.

Unofficial times: 1. Biaggi (Aprilia) 1'58.0; 2. Sykes (Kawasaki) 1'58.6; 3. Haslam (BMW) 1'59.0; 4. Fabrizio (Suzuki) 1'59.2; 5. Camier (Aprilia) 1'59.2; 6. Corser (BMW) 1'59.3; 7. Haga (Aprilia) 1'59.6; 8. Fuijwara (Kawasaki) 2'00.2
Leon Haslam’s comments prior to the Aragon test sessions.
"BMW have put absolutely everything in place to make the machine a winner so it's just a case of fully understanding, 100 per cent, a direction and a base setting," explained Haslam.

He continued: "The initial test at Magny-Cours achieved just about everything we wanted. We literally started with a blank piece of paper. We've looked at options for brakes, suspension, full geometry options, the full range of electronics settings and so on.

"Hopefully by the time we get to February next year and the final pre season testing in Australia we will be just finely tuning the settings and be in a position to challenge for wins at the opening round at Phillip Island."

James Toseland has broken cover in the press if not yet on the track. Speaking with worldsbk.com Toseland said, "It was an inconsistent year in 2010, so in the current climate I am thankful to BMW for seeing some potential there to put me in such a good team. I am going to go into next season injury free and with everything fully mended, and with a winter plan of training and physio completed. I intend to give it my best shot."

Next up for Toseland is a visit to BMW's base in Germany, before on- bike testing starts in earnest. "I am going to Germany for about a week to go to their training camp. Whatever it takes to get ready for next year. It is not easy getting a job in racing nowadays, so I am intent on making sure it all works out well."

Keeping jobs may be even harder for all the members of BMW’s two teams if Kawasaki has anything to say about it at the World SBK level. On the national level in Germany BMW will face a two team challenge from KTM in 2011 with two ‘official’ orange teams entering.


MotoGP

Lorenzo is back on top for Friday as MotoGp heads into the weekend in Portugal. Hayden was second in this session and Spies a not to distant fifth. Teammate Colin Edwards was shrugging off a crash on the rainy track. All the way back in the thirteenth slot Dani Pedrosa was pleased how he was doing in practice as his fitness continues to improve after his injury.

1 99 Jorge LORENZO
SPA Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha 302.2 1'48.522
2 69 Nicky HAYDEN
USA Ducati Team Ducati 311.6 1'48.657 0.135 / 0.135
3 46 Valentino ROSSI
ITA Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha 301.7 1'48.883 0.361 / 0.226
4 27 Casey STONER
AUS Ducati Team Ducati 299.6 1'49.061 0.539 / 0.178
5 11 Ben SPIES
USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha 304.6 1'49.721 1.199 / 0.660
6 33 Marco MELANDRI
ITA San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda 307.5 1'49.784 1.262 / 0.063
7 14 Randy DE PUNIET
FRA LCR Honda MotoGP Honda 298.4 1'50.043 1.521 / 0.259
8 58 Marco SIMONCELLI
ITA San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda 304.2 1'51.283 2.761 / 1.240
9 4 Andrea DOVIZIOSO
ITA Repsol Honda Team Honda 291.9 1'52.294 3.772 / 1.011
10 65 Loris CAPIROSSI
ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Suzuki 284.9 1'52.575 4.053 / 0.281
11 40 Hector BARBERA
SPA Paginas Amarillas Aspar Ducati 285.8 1'53.131 4.609 / 0.556
12 5 Colin EDWARDS
USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha 264.5 1'53.510 4.988 / 0.379
13 26 Dani PEDROSA
SPA Repsol Honda Team Honda 277.8 1'53.592 5.070 / 0.082
14 41 Aleix ESPARGARO
SPA Pramac Racing Team Ducati 281.9 1'53.769 5.247 / 0.177
15 7 Hiroshi AOYAMA
JPN Interwetten Honda MotoGP Honda 272.9 1'54.389 5.867 / 0.620
16 19 Alvaro BAUTISTA
SPA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Suzuki 287.5 1'54.410 5.888 / 0.021
17 71 Carlos CHECA
SPA Pramac Racing Team Ducati 266.6 1'54.444 5.922 / 0.034

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Formula 1

formual1.com: Brazil preview quotes

Nay saying is the order of the day in F1 news as Citizens of Rome begin to speak out against a Roman GP and Mosley argues that an Alonso title would devalue F1 ( and he should know about devaluing F1 if anyone does). Jensen Button tries to make nay saying a positive by saying he refuses to throw in the towel on his 2010 Driver Championship defense. Finally, Bernie says nay to slowing down at 80.

:scratch
f1sa.com in a report from GMM says Bulgaria may be on the 2012 F1/MotoGP calendars with a self heating track.

jamesallenonf1.com: Stewart, Hill and Watson salute the F1 mechanics.

Other Racing

Hope springs eternal…
1068974532_9x8w2-M.jpg

:rofl

On the Street

HFLM: KTM line leaks before EIMCA

Triumph is taking the Motorcycle Show Season seriously. They have put out a series of videos to promote their line.

The first film has been seen here before but worth another look if only to set up the rest of the films.
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motorcyclenews.com: The BMW powered Husqvarna’s will be in the English Husqvarna dealerships this weekend.

Once seemingly moribund Kawasaki is launching and attack on the track that challenges BMW and in the show room to take back sport bike market share poached by the Roundel.
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I am a strong believer in the use of helmets. Helmets save us from many head injuries they are not perfect. In reality at times they are nothing more than buckets to hold a scrambled brain after the impact. HFLM looks at the possibility that disconnecting the shell of the helmet could improve its safety.
Related
technologyreview.com: A helmet to prevent paralysis

What makes the perfect adventure bike?
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ultimatemtorcycling.com: 2011 Ducati traction control


bikeadvice.in: Long stoke – short stroke engines explained.

nytimes.com: Pontiac, 84, dies of indifference

trendhunter.com: Ferrari World UAE officially opens its doors

The Mothership

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:heart
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:heart

Woot of the Day

FWIW

BMW’s press kits for the G 650 GS and the two R 1200 R bikes seem to reveal incremental changes rather than new for 2011 bikes. After INTERMOT does BMW have anything left up its sleeve for the EIMCA?

Last year we were given the Concept 6. Before that BMW used the Milan show to give us the Low Rider concept. This year my bet is on the G 450 for the real world and hope for another concept for us to dream about. .

What do bloggers know anyway…

Titled, “That doesen’t look so hard

1068974572_CpXji-M.jpg


The post alongside read, “When you leave the electrics out of the picture, this Jaguar E-Type V12 looks like a very enjoyable project”

I thought of a old friend from college days. If he hadn’t sold his house his red six cylinder E type would still look like this. Easy ha!
:ha

Bike Candy

Via:returnofthecaferacers.com

1068980773_xuNr9-L.jpg


1068974489_WZACc-M.jpg


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Satruday update

Persistent torrential rain at the at Estoril led to the qualifying sessions for the MotoGP being cancelled on Saturday. Unlike F1 which recently had their Saturday qualfiying moved to Sunday due to weather MotoGP is not set up to do the same. The starting grids for each race will be based on the combined times from the three free practice sessions.

Lorenzo (Fiat Yamaha) will start from pole position, his seventh of the season, with Hayden (Ducati Team) Rossi (Fiat Yamaha) completing the front row.

Lorenzo agreed that Race Direction had made the correct decision, "The conditions out there were very bad. With the wind and so much water on the track it would have been very hard to ride, so maybe it was better to cancel the practice. For us it's good because we have now taken our seventh pole position of this year, but maybe this was one of the easiest poles we'll ever get! Now we just have to see tomorrow what the weather does."

Casey Stoner (Ducati Team), Ben Spies (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) and Marco Melandri (San Carlo Honda Gresini) will comprise the second row, with the top six all taking their positions on the starting grid courtesy of their times from Friday afternoon's practice. Returning from his collarbone injury, Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) will start from 12th position with his countryman Carlos Checa, in to replace Mika Kallio at Pramac Racing, set to start 17th in his first GP since 2007. Loris Capirossi and ?ülvaro Bautista (Rizla Suzuki) will start tomorrowÔÇÖs Portuguese Grand Prix from 13th and 14th positions on the grid respectively

The weather forcast for SundayÔÇÖs race is better. Windy and with a 10% chance of rain.
 
Sudnay, 31 October

Triples everywhere and they werenÔÇÖt even playing baseball in Estoril.

Fiat Yamaha Team scored a triple by securing the Rider, Manufacturer and Team Championships this weekend and in the process hit another triple being the first team to do it three times. To do this Lorenzo took his eight win of the season and Rossi took second. Repsol Honda took the third step on the podium but with Andrea Dovizioso this time, snatching the spot away from Simoncelli on his Honda.

Hayden salvaged a tough weekend for Ducati taking fifth while Stoner lost the front end and was out of the race after 24 laps.

Forum fav Speis was unable to start the race after injuring himself on the way to the grid. Colin Edwards managed a 7th place on the other Team Yamha Tech 3 bike. Speis will head to Spain for an MRI to see if he will be able to compete in Valencia next weekend.


1 25 99 Jorge LORENZO
SPA Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha 151.7 46'17.962

2 20 46 Valentino ROSSI
ITA Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha 151.3 +8.629

3 16 4 Andrea DOVIZIOSO
ITA Repsol Honda Team Honda 150.3 +26.475

4 13 58 Marco SIMONCELLI
ITA San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda 150.3 +26.534

5 11 69 Nicky HAYDEN
USA Ducati Team Ducati 150.3 +27.154

6 10 14 Randy DE PUNIET
FRA LCR Honda MotoGP Honda 150.2 +28.297

7 9 5 Colin EDWARDS
USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha 150.1 +30.109

8 8 26 Dani PEDROSA
SPA Repsol Honda Team Honda 149.3 +44.947

9 7 33 Marco MELANDRI
ITA San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda 147.8 +1'13.649

10 6 40 Hector BARBERA
SPA Paginas Amarillas Aspar Ducati 147.6 +1'17.721

11 5 19 Alvaro BAUTISTA
SPA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Suzuki 147.6 +1'17.908

12 4 7 Hiroshi AOYAMA
JPN Interwetten Honda MotoGP Honda 146.8 +1'33.025

13 3 65 Loris CAPIROSSI
ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Suzuki 146.5 +1'39.752

Not Classified
71 Carlos CHECA
SPA Pramac Racing Team Ducati 144.9 15 Laps
27 Casey STONER
AUS Ducati Team Ducati 147.0 24 Laps

Not Starting
41 Aleix ESPARGARO
SPA Pramac Racing Team Ducati 0 Lap
11 Ben SPIES
USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha 0 Lap


The season closes next weekend at Valencia.
 
Tuesady, 02 November

1068822555_hJC5U-Th.jpg
Members with Birthdays Today

MotoGP

motogp.com: Spies focused on vlencia return despite ankle dislocation

roadracerx.com: Team Speak ÔÇô Estoril MotoGP

eurosport.com: What StonerÔÇÖs crash means for Rossi

2011 down 1 ÔÇô motomatters.com: Interwetten Honda MotoGP withdrawal confirmed


Other Racing

BMW-Motorrad.co.za: A first class finish
Colorado-based rider Gerry Signorelli may have discovered racing a little later than his competitors, but after his debut season with the BMW S 1000 RR, he is more than making up for lost time. In October 2010, his Racing for a Wish team celebrated winning the ÔÇÿMasters of the Mountain RegionÔÇÖ in the US, and was champion in the Open Superstock, Open Superbike and ÔÇÿKing of the Mountain GTOÔÇÖ classes. more

On the Street

Ducati Diavel: Built to have a commanding presence, though lightweight and agile like all Ducatis, the Diavel will take the man-motorcycle relationship to the next level in absolute comfort.
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Staying in Italy but moving from power cruising to sport bikes

2011 MV Agusta F3 ÔÇô official picture compilation
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MotoUSA tire review ÔÇô Metzeler Sprtec M5 Interact
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Woot of the Day

FWIW


From: BiksSportNews.com
By David Miller


BMW's Leon Haslam has said the power delivery on his new BMW World Superbike is brutal compared to the Alstare Suzuki he rode for the 2010 season and getting to grips with the amount of electronic help available is his biggest task.

Haslam, who finished runner-up to Max Biaggi in the championship this year, said he struggled with set-up on the bike for the first two days' testing at Motorland Aragon but changes to the front end saw him drop a second off his laptimes on day three.

"It's pretty brutal and aggressive compared to the Suzuki. But the electronics are there to help and I am going to have to use them a lot more than I did this year. It's a hell of a bike, to be fair, and there's a lot of potential in it," said Haslam, speaking to bikesportnews.com this afternoon.

"We seemed to spend a lot of time in and out of the pits for the first two days at Aragon, and the tyres were getting ripped by the abrasive surface, but we found something on the third day and I went a second a lap faster so we were on a par with everyone else, give or take."


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Bike Candy

Via: motorcyclecannonball.com

The #2 Motorcycle Cannonball Rider Erik Dunk on his 1915 Harley Davidson on day 11, Monday, Sept 20, 2010 near High Plains New Mexico. 1955 Panhead rider is Carl Olsen

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EICMA - It's SCOOTER Time

Speech of Hendrik von Kuenheim, General Director BMW Motorrad at the EICMA 2010.
ÔÇó 02.11.2010
ÔÇó Discurso

Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear motorcycle friends,

A very warm welcome also from my side to BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna Motorcycles at the EICMA.

We can look back at a very exciting motorcycle season 2010.

Together with our customers and friends, we celebrated 30 years of GS, 10 years of BMW Motorrad Days, the first pole position and podium placements in the Superbike World Championship, a confident title win in the Superstock World
Championship by Ayrton Badovini of Team BMW Motorcycle Italy, the title win in the Enduro World Championship Class 1 by Antoine Meo of our Husqvarna Factory Team and lots of other international and national motorsports successes in both on-road and off-road sport.

What is more, teams from 10 nations will be starting this month in South Africa and will be competing in the international "BMW Motorcycle GS TrophyÔÇ£.
This tough event, similar to a rally, will be a major challenge for both riders and motorcycles and, for us, it will be the final highlight of the 30-year celebrations for BMW's most successful motorcycle.

And after the INTERMOT in Cologne, the EICMA here in Milan is a further highlight in this season which has been a very successful one for us. We enjoy coming here again each year to present new motorcycles.

In a time in which the motorcycle market worldwide is greatly in decline we continue to expand. BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna Motorcycles are investing above average in new products and the future.

And so we are in the fortunate situation that we do not have to focus with our premieres on only one of the two large motorcycle trade fairs of the year.

Just a few weeks after the world premiere of BMW's first six-cylinder motorcycles, we are able to present to you, once again, some new BMWs and Husqvarnas.

Of course, our luxury and innovative six-cylinder touring bikes are the focus of our trade-fair presentation here as well. The K 1600 GT and the K 1600 GTL are symbols for the start of another model offensive for BMW Motorrad.

This year the market has well rewarded us for our offensive product strategy:
As of September, BMW Motorrad sales have exceeded those of 2009 by 17 %. To date we have delivered over 81,500 motorcycles to our customers worldwide. This means almost 12,000 units more than last year.

Never before have we sold more motorcycles in a September than in September 2010.

And initial projections for October indicate another clear growth as compared to October 2009.

BMW Motorrad is able to clearly expand its market share in a very difficult market environment:

For example, our market share in Italy increased from 13, 8% in 2009 to 18.2 % to 2010. This means that, currently, every one in five new motorcycles over 500 cc sold in Italy is a BMW. Our market share was 8.2 % 10 years ago ÔÇô really a striking trend!

And Italy's top-selling motorcycle over 500 cc is the BMW GS.

Our market shares are 20 % or more in Germany, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands as well. South Africa leads the way. BMW Motorrad currently has an almost 40 % share of the market there.

This market performance shows that success can be achieved even in difficult times if you act proactively and if you continually invest in your products and your future.

Ladies and Gentlemen, so that is why we are able to present to you today besides the two six-cylinder touring bikes no less than four new BMWs and three new Husqvarnas.

The new entry-level model from BMW Motorrad is the G 650 GS. We have revised the small GS radically for the large-displacement single-cylinder market - a market that is still rather important. In a new, attractive enduro design, the G 650 GS continues the success story of BMW's single-cylinder bikes.

This evergreen of BMW's range offers not only a powerful, economical engine but also extensive optional extras. For instance, in comparison with its direct competition, it is the only bike available with ABS.

With BMW's typical standard of safety, versatility and comfort, this motorcycle allows a broad range of uses from everyday riding through to long distance bike travelling at a very attractive price-performance ratio.

Ladies and Gentlemen, at the EICMA it has almost become a matter of course that we present something new in relation to the BMW Boxer engine. The DOHC Boxer engine which we first presented here in 2009 is now also available on the new R 1200 R.

Even before this, the R 1200 R was considered to be one of the best all-round bikes on the market. For instance, it won the tough, international ÔÇ£AlpenmastersÔÇØ comparison test twice. With its new engine and some other modifications it has now added to its repertoire even better dynamics, ridability and emotionalit.
In conjunction with the technical modifications we have updated the design and greatly boosted the quality rating of the Boxer roadster.

Moreover, since the market for naked bikes has shifted increasingly towards two sub-segments in recent years, we are now, for the first time, offering two different roadster variants.

The puristic color and equipment concept of the basic version of the R 1200 R specifically meets customer wishes for an ultra-modern and sporty-dynamic naked bike.

By contrast, the R 1200 R Classic with its exclusive features and the traditional color concept in black and white is targeted fully at fans of up-market classic roadsters.

These new Boxer models, the single-cylinder GS and the K 1600 six-cylinder touring bikes are to be launched on the market in spring 2011.

Earlier than this, we will fulfill the wishes of many GS customers for a virtually entirely black R 1200 GS. The world's top-selling motorcycle can be ordered as "Triple Black" special model already now and is to be delivered as of January.

Apart from the standard spoked wheels, the "Triple Black" technically corresponds to the R 1200 GS. Its exclusive color scheme serves to emphasise the masculine touch of this large touring enduro.

So much for the new BMW production models in brief.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
in 2008 and 2009, BMW Motorrad presented a big surprise at the EICMA. That will be the case this year as well. But before I reveal more about this to you, I'd first like to call upon Klaus Allisat to speak.

Since September this year, Klaus Allisat has headed Husqvarna Motorcycles. He will now present the new products from our small but topnotch motorcycle brand from Northern Italy.

Mr. Allisat, you didn't have far to come here today from Lake Varese. It's not very difficult to see that the cover here conceals a surprise. What have you brought with you for our guests?

Thank you very much Mr. Allisat!
Ladies and Gentlemen, this highly emotional study from Husqvarna is still a vision, but it shows that Husqvarna can do far more than develop excellent off-road motorcycles.

In the years to come, we want to substantially boost sales of BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna Motorcycles. In this, our aim is not growth at any price but profitable, sustained growth.

With this in mind, we are considering what other business segments could be suitable over and above the existing product portfolio of both brands.

We shall be positioning ourselves on a broader basis and will be entering market segments in which BMW Motorrad or Husqvarna were not active to date. In this way, we will be appealing to customers who have not considered our brands beforehand.

The best example of this is our S 1000 RR - the shooting star of this season. With the Double R, BMW Motorrad has managed at first go to conquer second place in the segment of super sports bikes. And it is well on the way to becoming the world's top-selling super sports bike worldwide.

But today ÔÇô Ladies and Gentlemen - is the day on which we announce the entry into a completely different market.

Individual mobility has changed greatly in recent years, specifically in congested urban areas. Available road space has not been able to keep pace with the risen passenger-car traffic during this process.

This trend is continuing and is creating new opportunities for powered two wheelers. Against this backdrop, we intend to expand our range of products again:

BMW Motorrad enters the Big Scooter market!

At first, we shall offer two innovative premium scooters with internal-combustion engine. With regard to their individual concept they will differ from each other so greatly that we will be able to appeal to a broad group of customers.

Moreover, we have in mind a particularly low-emission drive system with electric motor for the future.

The BMW Scooters will unite the excellent riding characteristics of the motorcycle and the special agility and conceptual comfort of the scooter ÔÇô Big Scooters "Made by BMW Motorrad".

With the ÔÇ£BMW Motorrad Concept CÔÇØ we are giving you today a first concrete outlook on this new, outstanding generation of Big Scooters. The "C" stands for "Commuter" and indicates the primary field of use in urban areas.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
David Robb and his design team created the innovative and ÔÇô in my opinion ÔÇô outstanding and very emotional design of the Concept C.

David, may I now ask you to explain a few essential aspects of the new scooter design from BMW Motorrad.

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BMW Concept C. The scooter of the future made by BMW Motorrad.

ÔÇó 02.11.2010
ÔÇó Press Kit

Munich. Recent years have seen radical changes in the world of individual mobility, specifically in the conurbations, and the number of registrations has rocketed for virtually all individual transport concepts. However, the space available to traffic has not grown to the same extent, so individual mobility must come to terms with the new circumstances.

Against this background, BMW Motorrad will be expanding its present motorcycle adventure world to include the big scooter. This new product segment will first give rise to two innovative premium scooters with internal combustion engines. The differing characteristics of this concept will appeal to a broad target group. In addition, some thought is being given to a future alternative drive with electric motor.

BMW Motorrad will be combining in these scooters the outstanding handling of the motorcycle with the particular agility and conceptual comfort of the scooter for the maximum experience of dynamic riding ÔÇô a big scooter made by
BMW Motorrad. There are plans to manufacture these future production vehicles at the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin.

BMW Motorrad is continuing its strategy of strong and sustainable growth and so will be intensifying its traditional work in the enduro, touring, and sport touring fields. Following its successful entry to the super sport segment, BMW Motorrad will now be expanding its range yet again to include a highly promising business line.

This path leads straight to the big scooter segment. These high displacement vehicles with dynamic handling characteristics have gained considerable popularity all over the world. Moreover, they present an interesting alternative to returnees who up to now were undecided about motorcycles after long periods of abstinence.

BMW Concept C. New dimension in the field of big scooters.

New ideas and concepts on the subject of two-wheeled mobility are a decades old tradition at BMW Motorrad. Countless times, concept studies and drafts have been presented that reflect the power of innovation and future orientation of BMW Motorrad.

With its Concept C study, BMW Motorrad is yet again embarking on a new path and demonstrating a fascinating mobility option for the future. Here, C stands for ÔÇ£commuterÔÇØ. Particularly in view of the traffic development in urban areas, it presents the prospect of an innovative, sporty big scooter for the future premium segment.

As usual at BMW Motorrad, there is more to this study than just an attempt to present a big scooter for the highest demands. Rather, the designers and engineers of BMW Motorrad focused above all on the emotive component in addition to the technical function and quality ÔÇô and the thrill from the very first moment on.

BMW Concept C. Emotion, dynamic handling, and function in the design.
When unveiling its Concept C at EICMA in Milan, BMW Motorrad will be directing the maximum possible emotion to its interpretation of this subject, which will bear witness to the primary claims of maximum, all round functionality.

Concept C as a vision of the big scooter is immediately recognisable as a member of the BMW Motorrad family. For instance, it also presents the so-called ÔÇ£split faceÔÇØ, a visual tripartite of dynamic response extending from the front silhouette to the front wheel cover and beyond. In the style of highly sporty
BMW Motorrad models, such as the S 1000 RR, Concept C also features a twin-tipped front spoiler.

Unlike the L shaped side view presented up to now by big scooters, with their predominantly vertical body lines and colour scheme, Concept C has ventured on a new, much more sporty and dynamic path. The body lines sweeping up to the vehicleÔÇÖs rear underscore this big scooterÔÇÖs active riding character. The high rear section emphasises the lightness and agility of Concept C's powerful two-cylinder engine. Sportiness and dynamism are also underscored by the close cut, speeder-style windscreen.

The functional side of this scooter is expressed in stylish design elements, such as the aluminium look of the bash plates with the air intake adopted from the BMW GS.

The black chromium of the suspension and frame parts form a thrilling, dynamic relationship with the aluminium chromium, silver, and blue paintwork of the body parts. In addition, the black satin sections present a high-contrast emphasis on the vehicleÔÇÖs central area. This highly technical and high-quality elegance is borne further by finely worked details, such as the fuel tank cover reminiscent of aircraft and the short, sporty muffler. The visionary facet of Concept C is presented by the tyres with flanks and treads of blue.

BMW Concept C. Pioneering technology that fuels enthusiasm.
Concept C presents unusual and innovative solutions that offer a wide prospect of what in future can become reality in this segment.

For instance, Concept C features a highly complex monolever mechanism with hollowed-out shaft connected to a suspension strut visible from the outside. In this study, front-wheel control takes the form of an upside down fork.
The stable twin disc brake at the front features two radial brake callipers that also underscore the dynamic sportiness of Concept C. In addition, the single disc brake at the rear and the BMW Motorrad ABS provide the maximum possible safety during braking manoeuvres.

The dynamic and equally comfortable driving force behind Concept C is provided by a new, two-cylinder inline engine in conjunction with CVT (continuously variable transmission). Engine power, torque, and therefore performance will be moving towards the top of the segment.

Light is cast on a more distant point in the future by the LED headlamp integrated into the face panelling. This future vision is also continued by the deliberate absence of conventional rear view mirrors, which will be replaced in Concept C with two video cameras in the rear. These record the area behind the vehicle and transfer the images to two LCD monitors in the cockpit within view of the rider. The road speed, engine speed, and other data appear on a third LCD display integrated at the centre of the cockpit.

BMW Concept C. Perfected rider equipment and stowage space concept.
Concept C also testifies to thoughts and ideas extending beyond the actual vehicle. In line with the BMW Motorrad philosophy, a big scooter realised in the Concept C style will also come with a range of adequate rider equipment. In the best BMW Motorrad tradition, the development of a big scooter will also include a suitable stowage space concept.
 
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