Bench Racing & The Morning Reads

Daytona American Superbike Qualifying

Daytona Beach, FL March 10, 2011
FIVE BMW S1000RR RIDERS QUALIFY FOR AMA AMERICAN SUPERBIKE AT DAYTONA

After the first round of Qualifying practice on Thursday, March 10,
Yamaha-mounted Josh Hayes turned a 1:38.804-second lap to grab the pole position in American Superbike qualifying at Daytona International Speedway, ahead of Suzuki ridersTommy Hayden (1:38.889) and Blake Young (1:39.167). Larry Pegram circulated the 3.51-mile Long Course in just 1:39.290 on the Foremost Insurance-sponsored BMW S1000RR grabbed the fourth spot, securing a shot at the early lead in Saturday’s race, only 0:00.490 seconds behind Hayes.
Other BMW S1000RR riders on the Daytona grid tomorrow will be Team Iron Horse BMW/ESP-sponsored Chris Peris (1:40.431), in 7th position on the Evan Steele-prepared entry. In 9th position will be Jeremy Toye (1:40.923), riding the Lee’s Cycle-prepared/ San Diego BMW-sponsored S1000RR Superbike.
Rounding out the BMW pilots flying low at the Speedway are Gary Orr, owner of San Diego BMW Motorcycles, qualified in 24th spot with a best lap of 1:47.588, and Go 4 One-sponsored rider Eric Pinson in 26th place on the AMA American SuperBike grid with a best time of 1:49.435.

Second round qualifying is running at this time, live timing can be seen at: http://live.amaproracing.com/rr/

Tom Cutter

Four BMW's made the grid for the AMA National Guard American Superbike race to run this afternoon.

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=43637

Tom Cutter

Saturday, 12 March

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

au.eurosport.com Toseland praying for Spanish sunshine

eurosport.yahoo.com: Crutchlow blown away by Silverston redevelopmnet

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MD5dpU7XXnU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dSrUDo_S2cU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4i3g6SVbOLs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SGAsfl6vgOs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


MotoGP

motogp.com: Pre-season finale under Qatar floodlights

motomatters.com: Earthquake threatens Japanese MotoGP round, but frankly, thatÔÇÖs just not very important right now

Formula 1

The nerds around this part of Fly-Over-Land use crank phones but if you have the right kind of phone and youÔÇÖre an F1 fan you may be interested in this. forumula1.com : coming soon the Formula1.com 2011 application

independent.co.uk: Michael Schumacher sets pace during Formula One testing

On the Street

asphaltandrubber.com: Horex VR6 begins road testing

siliconrepublic.com: motorcycle hearse business for sale on DoneDeal.ie

visordown.com: Scooter sales on the up

orlandosentinel.com: Young motorcycle builders have their own unique Bike Week event

The Mothership

A Super-Fast Lightweight. BMW M Bike Carbon Racer.
ÔÇó 11.03.2011
ÔÇó Press Release

Munich. A healthy number: almost three-quarters of all Germans regularly hop onto a bicycle.* And after experiencing the new BMW M Bike Carbon Racer this summer, that number is definitely going to increase. This bike unites the highest level of riding comfort with an exceptional design. The Munich-based company BMW, which has over 60 years of experience in bicycle manufacturing, will present the first racing bike from the exclusive BMW M Series in June 2011.


<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VShzPR6Glww" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

FWIW

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-LCsiWL6gn0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tQ5uHbGiZE4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<!--copy and paste--><object width="446" height="326"><param name="movie" value="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="bgColor" value="#ffffff"></param> <param name="flashvars" value="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/dynamic/DebRoy_2011-medium.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/DebRoy-2011.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=432&vh=240&ap=0&ti=1092&introDuration=15330&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=830&adKeys=talk=deb_roy_the_birth_of_a_word;year=2011;theme=how_we_learn;theme=new_on_ted_com;theme=words_about_words;theme=a_taste_of_ted2011;event=TED2011;&preAdTag=tconf.ted/embed;tile=1;sz=512x288;" /><embed src="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf" pluginspace="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" bgColor="#ffffff" width="446" height="326" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/dynamic/DebRoy_2011-medium.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/DebRoy-2011.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=432&vh=240&ap=0&ti=1092&introDuration=15330&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=830&adKeys=talk=deb_roy_the_birth_of_a_word;year=2011;theme=how_we_learn;theme=new_on_ted_com;theme=words_about_words;theme=a_taste_of_ted2011;event=TED2011;"></embed></object>

Reference::

[url=http://forums.bmwmoa.org/showthread.php?t=33345]Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

MSF Question of the Day: Which of the following is correct when riding with a passenger?

MSF Tip of the Day: Riding comfort. Dress in layers so you can remove and replace clothing as needed

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

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

From Motorcycle Picture of the Day

A few Daytona Superbike pics









.

Sunday, 13 March

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

worldsbk.com: The return of Roberto Rolfo to superbike

gapone.comMelandri ÔÇô a long war with Biaggi

moto.it: [interview Althea: "The Ducati Checa is not official"
Genesio Bevilacqua, owner of the Althea team stands in an exclusive interview a few pebble in the shoe, but ultimately can not hide his love for the red Ducati | C. Baldi


MotoGP

autosport.com: Hopkins hopes for Suzuki race chance

Formula 1

theglobeandmail.com: Formula One resorting to gimmicks to spice things up on the track

autoevolution.com: HRT F111 unveiled in Barcelona

formula1.com: Rosberg leads a washed out final day at Barcelona

Other Racing

asphaltandrubber.com: AMA Pro Racing gets off to a shaky start with Daytona 200

speedtv.com: AMA SBK ÔÇô Daytona Saturday notebook



On the Street

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PJ-g_JSvxa8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

webbikeworld.com: motorcycle helmet ÔÇô Bell Revolver review
I the new Bell flip up a game changer?

motorcycle.com; 2011 Hyosung GT250 review



Reference::

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

MSF Question of the Day: If you plan to pass another vehicle, you should do which of the following?

MSF Tip of the Day: Weighting the inside axle of the gyro (aka the foot peg) helps turn your bike into the corner

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

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

From Le Container

Monday, 14 March

Members with Birthdays Today

MotoGP

motogp.com: Repsol Honda Team in good as Qatar test starts

autosport.com: Yamaha confident it is catching Honda

ducati.com: Progress for Ducati MotoGP tea m as Qatar test kicks off

Suzuki-racing.com: Bautista goes race distance in Qatar test opener


Formula 1

crash.net: McLaren has ÔÇÿa lot to doÔÇÖ ahead of Melbourne

HRTÔÇÖs testing delayed due to customs delay release of parts.

autosport.com: Trulli ÔÇô Lotus progress is enormous

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BKF-lvJwOjU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

On the Street

HFL: The deal with the naked Motus

<object width="640" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kvS0hKnYDJE&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kvS0hKnYDJE&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object>

[Reference::

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

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

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

What is about Nortons and girls?

Tuesday, 15 March

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

worldsbk.com: Garnier alpha Racing BMW gears up for Superstock


MotoGP
autosport.com: Dtoner fastest in final MotoGP test

rizila-suzuki.motogp.co.uk: Rizla Suzuki finishes testing in a productive style

motogp.com: Challenging final day for Rossi

Other Racing

bmw-motorsport.com: BMW Team RLL ready to get 2011 season staaatred

On the Street

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4DMoUD0RrIc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

world.honda.com: March 14, 2011 About the major earthquake in northern Japan

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yhesWHfOs0E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

FWIW

Video on TED | David Brooks 0 The social animal
<!--copy and paste--><object width="446" height="326"><param name="movie" value="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="bgColor" value="#ffffff"></param> <param name="flashvars" value="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/dynamic/DavidBrooks_2011-medium.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/DavidBrooks-2011.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=432&vh=240&ap=0&ti=1094&introDuration=15330&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=830&adKeys=talk=david_brooks_the_social_animal;year=2011;theme=new_on_ted_com;theme=a_taste_of_ted2011;theme=how_the_mind_works;event=TED2011;&preAdTag=tconf.ted/embed;tile=1;sz=512x288;" /><embed src="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf" pluginspace="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" bgColor="#ffffff" width="446" height="326" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/dynamic/DavidBrooks_2011-medium.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/DavidBrooks-2011.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=432&vh=240&ap=0&ti=1094&introDuration=15330&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=830&adKeys=talk=david_brooks_the_social_animal;year=2011;theme=new_on_ted_com;theme=a_taste_of_ted2011;theme=how_the_mind_works;event=TED2011;"></embed></object>

Reference::

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

MSF Question of the Day: If riding directly beside another rider in a group, which of the following is true?

MSF Tip of the Day: Learn to SEE better. Practice Search-Evaluate-Execute until it's 2nd nature


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

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

Wednesday, 16 March

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

worldsbk.com: Laverty sees SBK potential in 2011

crash.net: Vermeulen hints at Donington Park return


MotoGP

The FIM had delayed its decision until Tuesday when they released this simple announcement..
Fim-live.com
MotoGP: Japanese Grand Prix postponed for reasons of force majeure
15/03/11 - 15:52
Due to the disasters that have hit Japan in the last few days and a consequent request from the organiser, the Japanese Grand Prix, at the circuit of Twin Ring Motegi (120 km north of Tokyo), originally scheduled on April 24, has been postponed to 2 October 2011.

motogp.com: HRCÔÇÖs Shubei Nakamoto on recent events

hondaproracing.com: Honda finishes preseason testing on top

yamaha-racing.com: Speis satisfied after final pre-season tests session in Qatar

teamtech3.fr: Edwards and Crutchlow eager to kick off 2011 MotoGP challenge

ducati.com: Ducati MotoGP Team completes Qatar test ahead of opening round

In my book the 2011 Championship is StonerÔÇÖs to loose. The most likely candidate to snatch it from him right now is Pedrosa but he will be busy fighting off Spies and Hayden. RossiÔÇÖs true physical condition is a big question mark. He should finish the season strongly but when the corner on the season progress for him is turned will be too late. Until then the pressure is on Hayden who I think will surprise many despite the early season problems for the Ducati team. I donÔÇÖt know where to put Lorenzo in the championship hunt but I donÔÇÖt think it is on any of the season podium steps.

Now that I have displayed my ignorance with that prediction I think I will have a cup of Official Fly-Over-Land coffee (Only $0.79 if you are a mug club member.) before I make my F1 picks.

Formula 1

The FIA and Formula One have made no announcements about Japan beyond support for the people. The Japanese round of F1 is not until October 9 at the Suzuka track.

jamesallenonf1: FIA race director Charlie Whiting spells out rear wing rules

retuers.com: Team prospects for 2011.

telegraph.co.uk: Vettel signs contract extension with Red Bull until 2014

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/w55PuOGjyJE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The teams are getting ready to ship their cars to Australia for the delayed start to the 2011 season. This means it is time to embarrass myself with my F1 prediction. I expect Red Bull to do the double this season with Sebastian Vettle defending his title. If he doesnÔÇÖt it will be Lewis Hamilton who does him and not Mark Webber. Alonso and Ferrari will struggle to stay in the hunt. Michael Schumacher has an outside chance at a season podium but expect him to finish 5th in the drivers championship. My dark horse pick is a very long shot ÔÇô Barrichello in his Williams. Heidfeld could finally win his first race but that remains a maybe in my book.

On the Street

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FhDVDyOBaFo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

whig.com: Rising fuel prices push travelers to lower cost options

Well some travelers. Something tells me the CEO of Harley-Davidson is not worried.
cyrilhuzeblog.com: Harle-Davidson CEO got $6.4 million pay package in 2010

BMW AG has published its annual report. To give some perspective Norbert Reithofer received $6 million in compensation and another $4 million in retirement compensation for running the entire BMW AG corporation. BMW got a deal or Harley-Davidson is a very generous employer. I will leave you to draw your own conclusions. While you do that I am going to talk to the pit crew members and ask them as share holders ( I am not ) what they think.

motorcyclenews.com: Suzuki [UK] reduces parts prices
Suzuki is ÔÇ£realigningÔÇØ its parts prices to capture more of the parts market for themselves and their dealers. WouldnÔÇÖt it be nice if this was the start of an industry trend?

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ro1bCH709y0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

motorcycle-usa.com: Japanese motorcycle industry assess damage

sportrider.com: Is motorcycling doomed
Sport Rider reflects on a recently released J.D. Power report on the industry

The Mothership

BMW Group Annual Report 2010
ÔÇó 15.03.2011
ÔÇó Press Release
Attached please find the Annual Report 2010 for download. The Annual Accounts Press Conference will be held on 15 March 2011 at 10.00 a.m. and will be broadcasted on our web. The Financial Analysts?? Meeting will be held on 16 March 2011 at 10.00 a.m. and also be broadcasted on our web.
BMW Group Annual Report 2010 (PDF, EN , 5.34MB)


FWIW

The BMW Group Annual report is 282 pages. I have scanned much of it focusing on anything related to the motorcycle segment. The report has evolved in how it deals with the motorcycle segment. It now reports more Husqvarna numbers and gives a bit less detail on the BMW numbers. Here are the cliff notes on my first look through the report.

First lets look at some numbers.
Note: BMW did not own Husqvarna in 06 and 07 so no numbers are reported for those years for Husqvarna.

Motorcycle Sales
Year / BMW / Husqvarna
06 /100,064 /
07 / 100,467 /
08 / 101,685 / 13,511
09 / 87,306 / 13,052
10 / 98,047 / 12,066

Motorcycle Production
06 / 103,759 /
07 / 104,396 /
08 / 104,220 / 14,232
09 / 82,631 / 10,612
10 / 99,236 / 13,035

Motorcycle Segment Revenue
2009 1,304 million euro
2010 1,069 million euro

Motorcycle Segment before tax profit
2009 11 million euro
2010 65 million euro

Combined sales for 2010 are up 9.7% with BMW +12.3% and Husqvarna ÔÇô 7.6%

Europe remains the major aggregate market for BMW. On a by country basis Germany (16.6%) is number one, Italy (15.4%) and the U.S. (10.1%) are the top and only three in double digits.

Comments and Observations

World Market
The report paints a dark picture of the world motorcycle markets that it participates in. For motorcycles over 500cc they report industry world wide sales for 2010 were down 11.7% over an already weak 2009. BMWÔÇÖs two largest markets are Europe and the U.S. which they say were down 10.3% and 14.8% respectively for this class of motorcycle.

BMW on the other hand reports a 12.3% increase for the Roundel bikes. This is a significant departure from the market in general. Husqvarna is down 7.6%. This is the wrong direction, but at a slower rate than the market in general and within some of the numbers has some positive signs.

Revenue
This is the punch line of the State of the Segment address and investors will stand up and cheer. Profit, after all, is why they invest. I donÔÇÖt own any BMW stock so I will just babble on for a bit more.

The report points to currency fluctuations and increased costs of raw materials as the key issues they have had to deal with. They have been dealing with these issues for years and it is stock annual report rhetoric.

With those two in mind the figures that jump out at me is the difference between units sold for any given year and units produced. In a very turbulent market while bucking the market trend BMW has gained control of their inventory. This is something other motorcycle manufacturers are still struggling with. Fluctuating currencies and ever increasing are much easier to deal with when production and sales are closer together.

Look at 2008. Production was 2535 units ahead of sales. In 2010 the number is down to a difference of 1189 motorcycles. This decrease takes on even more importance when you consider that the production numbers include K 1600 units made to meet various testing requirements and begin ramping up to fill the pipeline for dealer deliveries.

Forecast
BMW is cautiously optimistic that it will show an increase in sales again in 2011 albeit at a slower rate than in 2010. They point to the K 1600 GT and GTL as key to this sales increase on the BMW side of the ledger. Interestingly they make reference to the ÔÇ£near productionÔÇØ Concept C scooter as another thing they are building their forecast on.

What is Missing?I
have not found some of the detail that we have come to expect from the annual report. In previous years we were given information on production by model in the narrative. It may be there but I have not found it. I had hoped to get a handle on the impact of the S 1000 RR; how many units were produced and its percentage of total sales. It would help analyze the bikes impact on the companyÔÇÖs move into a new market segment while giving us a grasp on how the traditional touring bike segment is holding up.

I also had anticipated more to be said about Husqvarna and its role within BMW AGÔÇÖs overall strategy for the motorcycle segment.

This was a quick first look at 282 pages of report. Anyone spending more time with the report will find more to discuss. The Financial Analysts?? Meeting scheduled for today will add to our knowledge too.

Reference::

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

MSF Question of the Day: If you wait one hour for each drink before riding, which of the following is true?

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

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

Correction:
In a spirit of truth and honesty here is the un-photo-shop version of yesterdays Bike Candy.



Now to todayÔÇÖs bike candy. I use lower case b and c because it is only part of a BMW motorcycle that makes up todayÔÇÖs Bike Candy. The web is quick to fill with odd applications of motorcycles. Lately fire department motorcycles have been a hit. The German manufacturer Rosenbauer via Bikes in the Fast Lane gives us todayÔÇÖs treat; an R1200 engine used to run an auxiliary pump to be used by fire departments in the field.

Thursday, 17 March

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

worldsbk.com: Haga comments on Japanese disasters

MotoGP

motomatters.com: 2011 MotoGP season preview

autosport.com: Honda not expecting to dominate and former 500cc champ Kevin Schantz thinks rider rivalry may hurt Honda

bbc.co.uk: Crutchlow losses fingertip ahead of debut race in Qatar

fim-live.com: Losail floodlights to illuminate 2011 MotoGP season start

bikesportnews.com: Ducati donÔÇÖt expect Rossi to be fit for months

Formula 1

independent.co.uk: FIA defend Formula One overtaking inovation

1968 British Grand Prix
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/80--9hz4P-o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Other Racing

racedeadline.com.au: Husqvarna takes 12 hour win

On the Street

Japan Disaster
Yamaha suspends production at Japanese plants
Suzuki closes Japan manufacturing plants until March 21
JAMA: Facilities reducing power consumption throughout Japan

crowdrise.com

motorcyclenews.com: Kawasaki W800 is top retro

lecontainer: How to make bicycle wheel rims

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/K3wlJHIUHWg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

asphaltandrubber.com: The top 15 motorcycling roads according to AMA members

Moto Guzzi launched a blog to celebrate their 90 years of heritage: http://motoguzziheritage.com/

The Mothership

BMW Group aims to further increase earnings in 2011

15.03.2011
Press Release

EBIT margin of over 8% expected in Automobiles segment
Sales volume of well in excess of 1.5 million vehicles targeted
Margin of 8% to 10% for Automobiles confirmed for 2012

Munich. The BMW Group can look ahead with confidence at the current financial year thanks to its attractive range of models. ÔÇ£We intend to further improve our Group earnings in the current yearÔÇØ, stated Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG on Tuesday in Munich. ÔÇ£We aim to achieve an EBIT margin of over 8% in our Automobiles segment. Sales volume is expected to rise to well over 1.5 million units, a new all-time high, with the BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands all achieving new sales volume recordsÔÇ£, he added. With this performance, the BMW Group intends to reinforce its position as the worldÔÇÖs leading manufacturer of premium cars.
In the financial year 2012, the BMW Group aims to achieve an unchanged EBIT margin of eight to ten percent in the Automobiles segment and a return on equity of at least 18% in the Financial Services segment. ÔÇ£We believe there is also good chance of achieving our target corridor of 8% to 10% in the Automobiles segment beyond the year 2012ÔÇØ, continued Reithofer. This target is based on the assumption that the global economy will continue to make stable progress. It is also possible, however, depending on political and economic developments that the actual EBIT margin will be higher or lower than the targeted range for the period after 2012.

The company achieved new records for revenues and group profit in 2010. Revenues climbed by 19.3% to euro 60,477 million (2009: euro 50,681 million). The profit before tax (EBIT) rose steeply to euro 4,836 million (2009: euro 413 million). The Group reports a profit before financial result (EBIT) of euro 5,094 million (2009: euro 289 million) and a record net profit for the year of euro 3,234 million (2009: euro 210 million).

In the light of this strong performance, the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board will propose to shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 12 May 2011 that the dividend be increased to euro 1.30 (2009: euro 0.30) per share of common stock and euro 1.32 (2009: 0.32) per share of preferred stock, in both cases representing new all-time highs.

ÔÇ£We are extremely pleased with developments over the past financial year. We have set new records for revenues and group earnings and have more than achieved our targets for the full year. Continued rigorous implementation of our Strategy Number ONE has enabled us to make good progress in terms of profitability and efficiency. Our attractive range of models and strong sales volume growth have also contributed to the growth in earningsÔÇ£, continued Reithofer.

In terms of sales volumes, the BMW Group registered the second-best ever performance in its history with the total number of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand vehicles delivered to customers rising by 13.6% to 1,461,166 units (2009: 1,286,310 units). As a result, the BMW Group easily achieved its target of raising sales volume for the full year 2010 to over 1.4 million units.
complete press release

BMW partners with Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron

Practice your Italian..BMW Motorra Riding Accademy videos.

FWIW

Group n. A number of persons or objects gathered, located, or classified together.

It will be in the 70s here today. Yesterday the streets were full of the rumble of Harleys and four cylinder high reving inline four bikes. Many of these riders were group riding. I received this in a PM titled How fast is too fast article from a member.

The various DOT manuals and the MFS have protocols riders should follow when in a group. A great deal of emphasis is placed on things such as where you place your bike in relation to others and following distances. The importance of them is to maintain the safe cohesion of the group as it traverses a route.

When you are group riding how fast is too fast? More importantly when and what should you act on you decision of what that is?



Reference::

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

MSF Question of the Day: Wet pavement is particularly dangerous in what situation?

MSF Tip of the Day:

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

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

More candy from this box can be found at BIKEEXIF

Friday, 18 March

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

crash.net: Kawasaki, BMW Italia testing at Aragon

eurosport.com: James Toseland ÔÇô A true test

worldsbk.com: Brit talent gets ready for Donington

MotoGP

hondaproracing.com: Honda riders ready to race

ducati.com: good start I Qatar for the Ducati MotoGP Team
Rossi had a strong showing on the first day. How he does over the length of a race weekend will tell us more about his shoulder than all the press releases in the world.

suzuki-racing.com: Arm-pump hinders Bautista in Qatar

teamtech3.fr: Edwards and Crutchlow satisfied with early pace

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IPA-2lD8fDg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Formula 1

autosport.com: F1 tyre calls now in driversÔÇÖ hands

bbc.co.uk: Schumacher ÔÇô Mercedes can fight for race wins in 2011
Wins yes, championships not yet.

jamesallenonf1.com: The FOTA take on the adjustable rear wing debate

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KKGPcv26E7g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Other Racing

visordown.com: no more Brno MotoGP?
-related-
praguepost.com: Motorcycle Grand Prix in trouble

On the Street

thevintegent.com: The best BMW never made

bmwcatalog.info: Future BMW scooter finally revealed

roadracingworld.com: Husqvarna Motorcycles N.A. adds even more staff

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FjlHo92spA8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9dKR_UOYGMs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/EmjG40LEcpY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

dealernews.com: Kawasaki suffers no ÔÇÿdirect effectsÔÇÖ from earthquakes

smartplanet.com: Zero Motorcycles raises $26 million ÔÇô ramps up U.S. production

The Mothership

Emergency aid for Japan. The BMW Group donates Ôé¼ 1 Million to help disaster victimsÔǪBMW Group Facebook

Reference::

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

MSF Question of the Day: What should you do to keep from accidentally applying too much throttle?

MSF Tip of the Day: Do U know? On a cold day (40F) riding @ 60MPH, the temp feels like 25F or just below freezing. Dress properly for the chill.


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

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

Images from the 2011 Concours at Amelia Island.

Saturday, 19 March

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

worldsbk.com: Camier looks forward to Donington

MotoGP

motogp.com: Repsol Honda dominate with 123 in Qatar


Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa maintained the top two spots of the timing sheets in both Free Practice sessions Saturday at the Commericalbank Grand Prix of Qatar.



BMW 1 Series M Coupe to serve as MotoGP Safety Car.
18.03.2011
Press Release
Munich. The motorcycle road racing world championship ÔÇô or MotoGP ÔÇô ranks among the worldÔÇÖs most popular and spectacular sporting events. The involvement of BMW M GmbH in motorcycle racingÔÇÖs top-echelon event now enters its 13th year. To ensure the safety of the practice runs and the race itself, BMW M GmbH is providing the official Safety Car along with a raft of other high-performance vehicles for use by the Dorna Sports management team and IRTA officials...more


Formula 1

bbc.co.uk: Pirelli announces tyre markings

jamesallenonf1.com: Fans react strongly to the adjustable rear wing reality.
This is a farce perpetrated on the fans in the name of competition. Two races into the season it will no longer be a story because we will have started debating what is called racing this year. I still believe more could have been done to increase competition by taking away the blue flag than anything else the FIA has come up with to date.


Other Racing

fim-live.com: Japan earthquake donation

MW Team RLL locks out second row on the GT grid in Sebring.
18.03.2011
Press Release
Sebring, 18th March 2011. BMW Team RLL secured promising grid positions for the first race of the 2011 American Le Mans Series (ALMS) in Sebring (US) today. Dirk Werner (DE) finished third in the GT class, setting a lap time of 2:01.841 minutes at the wheel of the no. 55 BMW M3 GT in the 15-minute qualifying session for the classic 12-hour race in Sebring (US)...more



MINI WRC TEAM. Press Kit...available for


On the Street

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9UjM9UI40jk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BPulJzMIzck" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The Mothership





BMW COMMENCES BUSINESS OPERATIONS IN IRAQ
17.03.2011
Press Release
BMW Group Middle East
Corporate Communications
Media Information
13 January 2011

BMW COMMENCES BUSINESS OPERATIONS IN IRAQ
New car showroom and after sales facilities set up
Erbil - BMW Group has expanded its Middle East importer network by announcing the appointment of Al Uroush Automotive as the official dealer of BMW cars in Iraq..[url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/me/pressDetail.html?outputChannelId=31&id=T0100578EN&left_menu_item=node__2201&status=published]more


FWIW:

It is with great regret that I report that technicians pronounced VAIO PGC-K20 dead at 09:35 on Friday, 18 March. After over 8500 posts, numerous articles for various publication and daily work load VAIO PGC-K20 was not able to be revived after shutting down the previous evening. Numerous problems with the motherboard have been sighted as the final cause of the lap tops long expected demise.

Technicians are attempting to harvest the hard drive and the data it holds. Many items had been moved to online storage sites but the computers demise occurred just prior to a major upload of data to back up sites scheduled for Sunday.

Publication of a streamlined version of Bench Racing and the Morning Reads will be moved to a Dell Ispiron MINI taken from the publisher's tank bag. Numerous websites, feeds and links were lost due to the demise of the VAIO and the publisher's blatant procrastination to carry out a disaster plan.




Reference::

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

MSF Question of the Day[/url]:

MSF Tip of the Day: .


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

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

Gotta get you a USB memory stick, John.
With regrets on the passing of your VAIO.

Oh No! Missing my Bike Candy!

Maybe buy into that WOOT of the Day!

Sunday, 20 March

Members with Birthdays Today

MotoGP

reuters.com: Stoner on pole in Qatar MotoGP opener

hondaproracing.com: Hondas take the top two spots at Qatar qualifying

[rul=http://ducati.com/racing/motogp/news/third_row_for_rossi_in_qatar__hayden_thirteenth/2011/03/19/584/index.do]ducati.com[/url]: third row for Rossi in Qatar, Hayden thirteenth

Alvaro Bautista is recovering in the Hamad Medical Corporation Hospital in Doha, Losail after a successful operation to repair his broken left femur. Bautista suffered a broken left femur from a fast crash in the closing stages of the third practice session in Qatar, which immediately ended his participation in this weekend&apos;s first race.

Rizla Suzuki will not be able to replace the injured Bautista for the Qatar Grand Prix, after exhausting all possible scenarios to get the Rizla Suzuki GSV-R on the grid. John Hopkins will replace Bautista in Jerez

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yHqSP0pMOyM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

motogpinfor.com: FIM approves more rules for 2012 Moto3

Formula 1

fia.com: pdf ÔÇô Q&A with Charlie Whiting about the moveable wings

telegraph.co.uk: Bernie Ecclestone faces questioning over F1 sale investigation


Other Racing

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nNmQVOddj64" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Half time in Sebring: BMW Team RLL runs in second and third.
19.03.2011
Press Release

Sebring, 19th March 2011. BMW Team RLL successfully made it through the first half of the 12-hour race in Sebring (US): Both its BMW M3 GT cars ran within the top-3 of the GT category at the season opener of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) after six hours. Andy Priaulx (GB) was at the wheel of the second-placed no. 56 BMW M3 GT, when halftime was reached at the ÔÇ£Sebring International RacewayÔÇØ. The second BMW M3 GT, driven by Dirk Werner (DE), followed closely behind in third.
more

BMW claims one-two in Sebring and kicks of 2011 season in style.
20.03.2011
Press Release

Sebring, 19th March 2011. Perfect start to the season for BMW Team RLL in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS): The no. 56 BMW M3 GT, driven by Dirk M??ller (DE), Joey Hand (US) and Andy Priaulx (GB) claimed GT victory in the 12-hour race in Sebring (US) after 312 laps. Dirk Werner (DE), Bill Auberlen (US) and Augusto Farfus (BR) came second with the no. 55 BMW M3 GT, making it a clean sweep for BMW Motorsport in this classic endurance race.

With this strong result, the BMW drivers scored valuable points for two championships. The race at the ÔÇ£Sebring International RacewayÔÇØ not only counts towards the American Le Mans Series, but also the 2011 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup.
more

Mario Theissen: "This was a perfect start for us". more

On the Street

webbikeworld.com: Permanent anti fog coating developed

HFL: Why the BMW F800R is the most disappointing bike IÔÇÖve ridden so far this year

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aYchgDvceyM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Reference: :

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

MSF Question of the Day: Which of the following is true of lane sharing?

MSF Tip of the Day: If you ride in a wet, rainy area, you'll really appreciate a rain suit, which slips on easily over your other protective gear.

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

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

From 2-ventiler.de

Sunday- Update

James Toseland has broken his wrist during testing at Motorland Aragon Spain during testing with BMW Motorrad Italia. He will miss the upcoming WorldSBK round at Donington Park. It is hoped that he will be able to return for the Assen round in mid April. No news about a possible standin at this time.

BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike Team - Test - Motorland Aragon
ÔÇó 20.03.2011
ÔÇó Press Release

Motorland Aragon, March 20, 2011. The BMW Motorrad Italy Superbike team carried out two days of testing at the Circuit Motorland Aragon (Spain) on the 17th and 18th March to continue the development of the S 1000 RR with which it is competing in the World Championship. The second round of this championship is on Sunday, March 27 at the Donington circuit in England.After scoring its first World Championship points, the Italian team has been doing a development programme at the Spanish circuit, which neither of its riders, James Toseland or Ayrton Badovini, know.

Unfortunately early in the afternoon of the second day of testing James was the victim of a highsider at the exit of turn ten, and ended up lying on the track after hitting his helmet and his right wrist violently. Help was immediately at hand and he was taken to Alcaniz Hospital where he underwent checks that showed he had not suffered any injuries to his head, but had a small fracture to the wrist. Toseland immediately returned to Britain and went to a specialist hospital in Manchester where they worked on his right wrist.

However, it was an excellent result from the test for Ayrton Badovini who completed about 100 laps. He was continuing the development work after the teamÔÇÖs results were not as good as expected.

Ayrton said: "I am very pleased with the test, we tried some new solutions that have improved the way the bike feels, and the new geometry makes the bike more responsive to changes and I can ride it better. Also what is very important to me is the team is coming together very well with the engineers and technicians understanding how to work together. I'm sorry about JamesÔÇÖs incident and wish him a quick recovery so he can return as soon as possible, because it 's very important to us his work together with him! "

Working together at the test with the Superbike riders have been the team's Superstock riders Lorenzo Zanetti and Sylvain Barrier. They have worked long and hard setting times lower than those of other riders who were testing at this circuit last November.

Serafino Foti, Sporting Director of BMW Motorrad Superbike Italy team, said: "The incident has ruined JamesÔÇÖs two days of testing that were showing good results. Unfortunately he will now not be able to race at Donington, but I hope he can return for Assen, which is a track he likes a lot. Ayrton went very well, doing a great job and at the end of the test we are very pleased with the results he obtained. ÔÇ£The Superstock riders, Lorenzo and Sylvain, worked very hard clocking virtually the same times as those set by their major competitors in this category, and this is very encouraging".

Monday, 21 March

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

jamestoseland.com: 20.03.11 | Toseland out of action for at least six weeks

A specialist in Manchester has confirmed that James Toseland will be out of action for at least six weeks after operating on the Double World Superbike Champion’s right wrist last night. The BMW Motorrad Italia rider was rushed into surgery after flying in to Manchester to have the damage assessed following a crash during an official team testing session at Aragon in Spain.

The Yorkshireman’s crash came halfway through the final day of the two-day test and until that point had been an extremely positive exercise for the team. Toseland and the team had been making good progress with the set-up of the BMW Motorrad Italia bike, the weather was good and spirits were high.

The injury is a devastating blow to Toseland, who will now definitely miss at least the next two rounds of the series at Donington Park in the UK and Assen in the Netherlands. He has wires in the wrist that cannot be removed for at least six weeks, but is hopeful of a return to the Italian round at Monza in May.

However, the 30-year-old – who has been plagued by injury-blighted seasons for the last couple of years – has been extremely lucky, thanks to fast medical expertise from a friend. Based on the results of an X-ray in Spain, showing a small fracture, the BMW Motorrad Italia rider had been given the all-clear to ride at Donington Park, but the scan had failed to pick up on the main problem.

“My main priority was being fit enough to race at Donington,” said James, “so I was really pleased when I was told in Spain that I would be ok. But when I got back to the hotel, the pain in my right wrist was unbelievable and, considering that I had a race coming up in a week’s time, I sent the scan on to a specialist I know in Manchester.
“From looking at the scan, he thought I’d be alright, but as he’s a friend, he left a wedding anniversary party to come and check the wrist properly. They took a new X-ray from a different position in Manchester and found that I had badly displaced bones in my wrist. At that point, things were getting critical as there was no blood flow in the wrist, meaning that the bone could die if I wasn’t operated on immediately.

“I had expected him to confirm that everything was alright and give me the all-clear, so it came as a bit of a shock, to be honest. I guess I’ve been lucky, but it’s a massive disappointment from a racing point of view. I’m so sorry to everybody who has continued to support me.”


MotoGP

Official Video Podacst – Qtar 2011

bbc.co.uk: Csey Stoner wins opening MotoGP of the season in Qatar

hondaproracing.com: Great race win in Qatar

: Stoner dominates in Qatar with decisive first victory of 2011

[url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2011/yamaha+review+Qatar+race]motogpo.com\: Lorenzo proud, Spies satisfied in Qatar

ducati.com: Rossi and Hayden fight hard in race 1

teamtech3.fr: Edwards and Crutchlow make positive start in Qatar

Formula 1

telegraph.co.uk: Team lotus civil war breaks out with Tony Fernandes and David Hunt

dailymail.co.uk: Can a Formula 1 car be an object d’art?

On the Street

world.honda.com: “About the impact on production of major earthquake in nothren Japan”

<object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TfhgDpIdGM0?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TfhgDpIdGM0?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></object>

kimt.com: Teens learn motorcycle safety

The Mothership: :

A rider’s eye view of the new BMW Series 1 M MotoGP Safety Car





What they might see in the rear view mirrors…if they had them.



Reference: :

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

MSF Question of the Day: When selecting a lane position in which to ride, what should you do?

MSF Tip of the Day: What part of the lane you ride in depends on various traffic and environmental situations. Learn more. P.15 http://bit.ly/MSFMOM

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

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

A sight we won’t see for some time; James Toseland and his S 1000 RR at Motorland Aragon prior to the crash that will have him in the pits for the next two races.

Get CLOSE to the Racing Action!

Subject: Get CLOSE to the racing action!

I Just got this from Kathy Toth of MARRC (the club that provides corner workers
to Summit Point as well as NJMP and Daytona for selected
events.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Calling Cornerworkers
Summit Point opens their season with WERA on April 2 and 3. If you want the best
seat in the house, come out and cornerwork. Not a cornerworker? Not a problem.
We have a school every Saturday of an event. Can't make it the 2nd? Here are the
dates for the rest of our season at Summit:
May 28 - CCS Summit Cyclefest
June 4 - WERA
July 2 - CCS
July 30 - WERA Endurance/Nationals
August 27 - CCS Summer Cyclefest
September 17 - WERA

Feel free to contact me at cwschoolchair@marrc.org to register or with any
questions.
See you at the races!!!

Kathy Toth
MARRC Cornerworker
MARRC CW School Instructor
MARRC CW School Committee Co-chair
MARRC Director of Training

from: Tom Cutter
Yardley, PA

Tuesday, 22 March

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

BMW Motorrad Motorsport - WSBK - Donington - Preview
21.03.2011
Press Release
Great Britain ÔÇô Donington.
Preview.


25 ÔÇô 27 March 2011
02 of 13 race weekends


Munich/Stephanskirchen, 21st March 2011. Following a successful start to the season on Phillip Island (AUS), the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team now heads to Britain for the second round of the 2011 FIM Superbike World Championship. Donington is the venue for the first European races of the season from 25th to 27th March. The iconic "Donington Park Circuit" is located about 60 kilometres north of Birmingham in the county of Leicestershire.

The BMW Motorrad Motorsport team was able to celebrate its first podium finish of the season at the curtain-raiser in Australia, in the form of works rider Leon Haslam (GBR). The new member of the team finished third in his first race on the BMW S 1000 RR. The team in Stephanskirchen and Munich have used the break since the first race weekend to perform an intense analysis of the data acquired in Australia, in order to further optimise the bikes of Leon and his team-mate Troy Corser (AUS). Leon is currently lying in fourth place on 27 points in this season's Riders' Championship, while Troy is in 14th place with six points. In the Manufacturers' Championship, BMW lies in fourth place on 27 points.

Both BMW Motorrad Motorsport riders have a close personal connection to Donington. This is Leon's home track. He lives nearby and his father Ron Haslam runs a racing school at the circuit. Troy met his wife Sam in Donington.


Leon Haslam:
ÔÇ£Racing in England any time of the year is a great occasion for both the British fans and myself, so for sure I canÔÇÖt wait to be back at Donington. The weather conditions in the UK are not always in our favour but the track is only 20 minutes from my house and I have a lot of support in that area.

This track requires extremely hard braking. Actually, when it comes to braking, Donington is one of a kind. I have completed countless laps there in the past ÔÇô including on production bikes. I know this circuit like the back of my hand so I really am looking forward it and I hope we can make that next step forward with the bike and continue to push at the front.ÔÇØ


Troy Corser:
ÔÇ£I am really looking forward to Donington Park. Like Phillip Island, itÔÇÖs another track which I enjoy racing at and normally perform well at so weÔÇÖll have to wait and see what happens. WeÔÇÖve identified a few issues from Phillip Island that we need to address before Donington, but otherwise I am confident we can make that next step further and be competitive.

The layout of the circuit is great ÔÇô really fast and flowing ÔÇô especially through Craner Curves. I am just looking forward to racing there again and seeing how we perform.ÔÇØ


Bernhard Gobmeier, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director:
ÔÇ£After returning from the successful start to the season in Australia, we have worked very hard in Munich and Stephanskirchen in order to prepare for the European season, which gets underway with the races in Donington. It goes without saying that we not only want to kick on from the good results achieved in the first races, but want to do even better. Our goal is to regularly be stood on the podium and to be capable of winning under our own steam.

In Australia, we determined some areas on the BMW S 1000 RR that we must improve. We have worked very hard during the break, and are confident that we can iron out the existing problems and take the next step forward. We will certainly travel to England full of optimism. I am already looking forward to watching Leon and Troy attack on a circuit that means so much to the two of them."


Background:
The "Donington Park Circuit" is a permanent fixture on the race calendar for the FIM Superbike World Championship. The series has been coming to the iconic circuit in the heart of England since 1988. The racetrack was opened in 1931 and has been modified on numerous occasions since. The diggers also moved into Donington in 2010, which is why it did not host the Superbike World Championship for a change. This year, however, the World Championship returns to Leicestershire, with races 37 and 38 of the series scheduled for "Donington Park Circuit".

Few riders are as familiar with the track as BMW works rider Leon Haslam, who grew up there and still lives close to the circuit. Team-mate Troy Corser also feels at home in Donington. The Australian already has already picked up two victories there.

Donington is actually a flowing circuit, but it does have some "stop-and-go" sections that require the riders to brake hard. This plays an important role in the set-up of the bikes. One particularly tricky left-hander is the fast "Craner Curves" section, in which the bike must remain stable. In general, the riders can expect a technically demanding mixture of fast corners alternating with slower sectors. These include the "Melbourne Hairpin", a tight chicane taken in first gear, and the left-hander "Goddards".

Another important factor to take into consideration is the weather. As this year's Superbike World Championship arrives in Donington at the end of March, cool temperatures and possible rain could provide an additional challenge.

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/h51Wzptxldg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

worldsbk.com: Haslam and charity to share success in 2011

MotoGP

gpone.com: Stoner ÔÇô Rossi will improve soon

gpone.com: Lorenzo ÔÇô ÔÇ£Feels like a winÔÇØ

motomatters.com: 2011 MotoGP Qatar ÔÇô race day notes and queries

Formula 1

mirror.co.uk: Sebastian Vettel warns of driversÔÇÖ strike over safety fears

reuters.com: McLaren make ÔÇÿdramatic changesÔÇÖ for season opener


Other Racing

Press Release: KWS Motorsports and Millennium Technologies Dominate the WERA National at Roebling Road Raceway!

Charleston, SC ÔÇô March, 2011 ÔÇô KWS Motorsports customers and sponsored riders dominated the action at the first WERA National of the year at Roebling Road Raceway this weekend with seven wins and fifteen podiums! Tim Hunt, Jake Lewis, and Trey Yonce all came away with multiple wins!

Luie Zendejas continued to develop the BMW S1000RR with KWS MotorsportÔÇÖs Michael Godin and Ohlins USAÔÇÖs Eric Knight. Zendejas made progress every time he went on track with the ultra-fast BMW, turning his best time ever at Roebling with a lap of 1:11.975 on his way to a podium finish in Open Superstock, Formula One, and WERA Superbike.

Luie Zendejas ÔÇô ÔÇ£The BMW Motorcycles of Riverside S1000RR that KWS Motorsports built ran great all weekend and I am very happy with the progress we are making with the bike. We went faster than we have ever gone at Roebling and got three podium finishes. I still feel there is so much more potential in the Millennium Technologies sponsored S1000RR and with help from KWS and Ohlins USA, I feel confident that we will be on the top spot of the podium soon!

On the Street

caradisiac.com: BMW Concept C revealed in Paris
-related-
visordown.com: BMW Scooters testing

dealernews.com: Royal Enfield unveils to limited edition models

After successfully setting the Australian land speed record for an electric vehicle at Speedweek 2010 Jon Eggenhuizen returns with a brand new build for 2011. This time CATAVOLT aims to break the 200mph barrier. CATAVOLT will also compete in the upcoming TTXGP Australian races using a prototype hub motor from Enertrac. Stay tuned for more exciting CATAVOLT news...

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2fiBc0qQao4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

motorcyclistonline.com: Motorcyclist Magazine presents The Complete IdiotÔÇÖs Guide to motorcycles, Fifth Edition

webbikeworld.com: Four motorcycle video cameras reviewed and compared.

The Mothership

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced the start of recruitment for the companys new intake of apprentices. The successful applicants will join the apprenticeship programme at the end of August 2011 working alongside skilled craftspeople in the paint, wood, leather, motor vehicle, engineering and business areas[/url=https://www.press.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/pressclub/p/rr/pressDetail.html?outputChannelId=4&id=T0101016EN&left_menu_item=node__5450&status=published]more[/url]

DriveNow - the unique and innovative car sharing venture. Here you can see how it worksvideo

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Z9QPa5vxybs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Reference: :

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

MSF Question of the Day: What is the best way to stay out of trouble while riding?

MSF Tip of the Day: Weighting the inside axle of the gyro (aka the foot peg) helps turn your bike into the corner.

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

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

Wednesday, 23 March

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

eurosport.com: Corser eyes Donington Park

fim-live.com: World Superbikes return to Donington

worldsbk.com: Checa flying high and preparing for Donington

roadracingworld.com: Vermeulen will return to action at Donington Park

Suzuki-racing.com: Fabrizio set for Donington

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/V1SrpygtnDg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


MotoGP

bridgestonemotorsport.com: Qatar Grand Prix debrief with Hirohide Hamashima


Formula 1


autblog.com: How to setup a F1 race car


On the Street

Bikes in the Fast Lane: Europe ÔÇô Female motorcycle riders will be paying higher insurance fee

cyrilhuzeblog.com: Norley 2 Caf?® Racer



moto-staion.com: Wunderlich BMW R 1200 Speed Cruiser ÔÇô The HP2 boxer low rider



motocyclisonline.com: Cities supporting 2011 motorcycle and scooter ride to work day

utlitmatemotorcycling.com: Japan ÔÇô Honda Motorcycles extends halt

visordown.com: Are Triumph considering another superbike?

Reference: :

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

MSF Question of the Day: To avoid being thrown off the motorcycle when riding over an obstacle, what should you do?

MSF Tip of the Day: If you must shift in a turn, do it smoothly. A sudden change in power to the rear wheel can cause a skid.

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

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

BIKEEXIF : Honda CR 750

On the MSF question of the day, they misquoted their own manual and printed a choice that is physically impossible as correct.

The choice they gave was: Rise off the seat with your weight off the footrests.

What they should have said was: Rise off the seat with your weight ON the footrests.

If you have risen off the seat and taken your weight off your footrest, you are trying to support your whole weight with your arms on the handlebars. That is not a formula for staying on the bike in a bump.

Their own manual says, "Rise slightly off the seat with your weight on the footrests to absorb the shock with your knees and elbows, and avoid being thrown off the motorcycle."