Morning Reads: 7 September 2007

[mika]

Today’s Birthdays / Calendar

BMW in the News

motorcyclist-online.com[/url]
BMW HP2 Sport 1200

topspeed.com
Rolls – Royce auctioned for $14.3 million

TED: Ideas worth spreading
TED Blog,Conferences, Themes, Talks and Speakers



Page 2:
BMW Press: News and press releases from the official BMW sources

News:

aprilianews.blogspot.com
Aprilia of the week.

thekneeslider.com
Ducati Monza 250 Custom

Bikes in the Fast Lane
KTM is making toasters.

insidebikes.com
KTM sets X-bow prices

Faster and Faster
NMG: The 120km/h battery powered trike

msgroup.org
Seven things you probably could care less about

Preview of the new Ducati DesmosediciRR
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topspeed.com
2008 Suzuki V-Strom 650 review


Packer News

jsonline.com
Packers Plus Online


The News-Record – Gillette Wyoming


Rumors:

I wish they would make up my mind.
motorcyclenews.com
2008 Honda VFR800 motorcycle is left unchanged


Feature:

visordown.com
Under the hammer

“MOST OF us have owned a secondhand bike at sometime in our riding career, either bought from a dealer, as they offer warranty and finance packages, or from a private individual. But have you ever considered buying a bike at auction? “

Visor down gives some tips for doing just that.


Blog Update

Foreign Language Blogs


Over Heard in New York | Voice of the City


Riding Skills:

Money does not equal skill

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M.R. Traveler

Strangemaps.com
173 - The Hungry Gulf Crocodile
172 – A Texan’s Map of the United States


Today’s RoadFood.com



Woot

Todays Woot

The Blog


xkcd A webcomic of Romance, Sarcasm, Math and Language

Sluggy Freelance


Bike Candy:

http://www.microlightsport.co.uk/Catalogue/New/bmwengine.htm

THE END

 

[mika]

Page 2

BMW Press: News and press releases from the official BMW sources

World of BMW News

Under Asian Skies


BMW GroupPress Club:

BMW, El Placer de Conducir v?¡a Internet


Mexico, D.F., 3 of September of 2007. BMW Group Mexico expands the experience from navigation to a new border, through a novel redesign of its Web site www.bmw.com.mx. Integra new formats of design, interaction and mainly, a direction to the user who allows to find the information him that interests to him, of a simple and practical way through a process of consultation without equal, settling down a new standard in developments Web in the automotive industry Premium.
Design
Created on a greater platform of a designed bandwidth and on the basis of the new standards of communication online of BMW AG., bmw.com .mx incorporates a greater and better integration of new formats online of presentation of the vehicles, consolidating the values of technology and design; creating a experience multimedia that allows the user at any moment to know and to interact with the mark and its products.

Oriented the user
The bmw.com vestibule .mx appears under a concept of use of new formats like videos, designs animated in 3D that help the navigator to experience the pleasure to lead.

Also, to facilitate to the user the purchase process, bmw.com .mx offers opportune and excellent information like prices, configuradores and financial computers, that provide the tools necessary to choose the vehicle that wishes to acquire.

Navigation
He was never simpler to find the pleasure to lead via Web. The new design of bmw.com .mx was created to offer to the navigator the immediate access to the information that it requires of opportune and effective way.

ÔÇ£The Web site of BMW Mexico www.bmw.com.mx is the reflection of the values of the mark: to please, sportsmanship, design, luxury and technology, oriented the navigator to create a experience to them of the mark, through a total interaction via InternetÔÇØ, commented Karin Goyer, Director of Marketing research of BMW Group Mexico.

About BMW Group Mexico
BMW Group Mexico initiated its activities in Mexico at the end of November of 1994. At the moment it commercializes the marks BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad. Account with 31 Distributors located as much in the D.F as in the main cities of the Republic: Monterrey, Guadalajara, Tampico, Culiac?ín, Tijuana, Chihuahua, Tower, Forecastle, Hermosillo, San Luis Potos?¡, Morelia, Leon, Quer?®taro, Aguascalientes, Veracruz, Puebla, Cuernavaca, Villahermosa, Canc??n, M?®rida, the Cabos and Toluca. Generating but of 1.000 uses in all the Network. 14 of these distributors offer the MINI mark and 12 offer products of BMW Motorrad. In addition, it counts on an organization on watch and postsale in all the country, that offers attention to clients during the 24 hours of the day. For greater information of products and services www.bmw.com.mx can consult, www.mini.com.mx, www.bmw-motorrad.com.mx.


PressClub USA

BMW MOTORRAD'S NEW BMW ZUMO NAVIGATOR FOR MOTORCYCLES RAISES THE BAR IN MOTORCYCLE NAVIGATION... AGAIN

Woodcliff Lake, NJ  September 5, 2007 Ever since the introduction of BMWs original Motorrad Navigator several years ago, sales of maps to BMW riders have fallen dramatically. Subsequent generations of Navigator II, Navigator II Plus and Navigator III GPS systems further revolutionized long distance route finding for riders with their fast processing speed, fuel and water-resistant casing, and unique mounting cradle that enhanced portability as well as operation with gloved fingers. Now, BMW Motorrad has raised the benchmark in motorcycle navigation equipment yet again with the introduction of the BMW Zumo Navigator.
More compact and rugged than its predecessors, the BMW Zumo Navigator is packed with preloaded maps, high-end navigation features and an ample display screen to give riders the confidence to take the road less-traveled on their next trip.

Other key features of the new BMW Zumo Navigator include:
* Slick full black body design.
* Glove-friendly touch screen.
* Left hand controls, designed for motorcyclists.
* Special programming lock ÔÇô limits reprogramming while in movement.
* BMW specific software.
* BMW Dealer database.
* Mounting base plate compatible with BMW mounting brackets.
* TMC ÔÇô Traffic Receiver included with 3-month subscription.
* Custom BMW caps included ÔÇô set of three designs.
* Water resistant, shockproof and specially designed for motorcycles.
* Vibration-tested and built with fuel-resistant plastics to withstand the elements.
* Replaceable lithium ion rechargeable battery (included) for use off the bike up to 5 hours.
* Bluetooth wireless technology for phone communication.
* MP-3 Player for storing music.
* Compass feature equivalent to Navigator III.
* Shock-resistant, sporty carrying case.
* High brightness, sunlight-readable, UV-resistant display screen.
* Motorcycle console for trip information, including fuel gauge to remind riders to ÔÇ£fill up.ÔÇØ

Slightly less expensive than its predecessors, the BMW Zumo Navigator is available at authorized BMW motorcycle dealers at a manufacturers suggested retail price of $969.00. Specially engineered by Garmin for BMW, it has many proprietary features not available on standard Garmin Zumo systems, including a 3-year warranty.


BMW TO LAUNCH MOTORCYCLE RIDER TRAINING PROGRAM AT THE BMW PERFORMANCE CENTER

Woodcliff Lake, NJ  September 5, 2007 Motorcycle enthusiasts will be able to take advantage of official BMW Motorrad rider training for the first time ever in the U.S. with the launch of the new BMW Motorcycle Rider Training program at the BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina, it was announced today by Arturo Pineiro, Vice President, BMW Motorrad USA. Led by professional instructors utilizing BMW motorcycles exclusively, the new program will offer on- and off-road courses year-round designed to increase safety and confidence in an environment that maximizes the riders potential. Classes will begin Friday, September 7, and are available to BMW owners and non-owners.
ÔÇ£Since 1999 the BMW Performance Driving School has successfully proven that drivers are ready to take their skills to the next level, and we are pleased to now offer this new experience for motorcycle enthusiasts,ÔÇØ said Pineiro. ÔÇ£Riders will acquire the practical and technical skills to make every ride safer and more enjoyable wherever their next destination may be.ÔÇØ

The BMW Motorcycle Riding Program will offer a range of classes that will include time in the classroom and on the course with various models of BMW motorcycles, including the BMW R 1200 GS, F 650 GS, G 650 X challenge, G 650 X country or a studentÔÇÖs own BMW motorcycle. The following programs will be available at launch:

* On-Road School: This one-day class lets students ride on the BMW Performance Driving School course for exercises including braking techniques, steering, accident avoidance, a slalom course, cornering styles, road hazard maneuvering and low-speed maneuvering. The on-road course also involves some dual-sport drills, which will help riders handle inevitable occurances such as gravel or unpaved road;

* Off-Road School: This one-day course is patterned after the curriculum at the BMW Enduro Park in Hechlingen, Germany, and is designed for the rider who is new to off-road riding or may already have experience but would like more training. Students experience the BMW Performance CenterÔÇÖs off-road course with surfaces including dirt, gravel and grass, and focus on exercises such as riding position, braking, slalom, stopping on a hill, recovery from a hill, hill climb and descent and riding ruts and logs. In addition, riders will do ÔÇ£Enduro-laps,ÔÇØ which are lead-follow laps in which students follow instructors through a series of wooded trails or exercises in order to practice techniques they have learned;

* On- and Off-Road School: This two-day program combines the experiences and skills learned at each of the one-day schools for a comprehensive training program. The first day is spent with the on-road curriculum while day two focuses on off-road training exercises.

Costs range from $480 per day ÔÇô for participants using their own BMW motorcycle ÔÇô up to $650 per day for participants renting a BMW motorcycle. BMW Performance Motorcycle Riding Program courses are recommended for those with intermediate riding experience, and all participants are required to wear full protective gear, including helmet, gloves, riding jacket, riding pants and boots that protect the ankles.

 

[mika]

OUTSTANDING DESIGN: BMW GROUP DESIGNWORKSUSA DEVELOPS NEW DESIGN LANGUAGE FOR SAECO

Outstanding design: BMW Group DesignworksUSA develops new design language for Saeco.
Unique, holistic, and sophisticated: Strategic partnership helps manufacturer of fully automatic coffee machines acquire a new design identity and win a red dot product design award 2007.

Munich. Coffee is booming. Whether "to go" or enjoyed within an exclusive atmosphere, the pleasure of drinking this stimulating hot beverage is becoming more and more popular. This new-found lust for coffee is also increasingly wetting people's appetite for exceptional products. This significance is underlined by the Saeco company's latest product statement. In collaboration with BMW Group DesignworksUSA's Munich studio, the leading manufacturer of fully automatic coffee machines for domestic use has revised the look of its entire product portfolio. The brand's passion for coffee making is reflected in the appearance of the three new product lines: Primea, Talea, and Odea. The high demands made on each individual product have been translated into a clearly differentiated and unique design language. The integrated approach to the product experience and the high quality of design have now also been honored by the internationally renowned red dot award for outstanding product design. The new model Saeco Talea Touch has been presented with the red dot design award 2007.

The coveted award for one of the first products boasting the new design underlines the success of the joint collaboration between Saeco and BMW Group DesignworksUSA. In order to unfold its entire brand potential, the Italian premium manufacturer has opted for a comprehensive reorientation in the design of its automatic coffee machines, and has chosen a partner offering competence in design strategy, product design, interface design as well as colour and material design. Experts at BMW Group DesignworksUSA were deeply involved in the entire product development process in order to utilize the new design language in asserting the qualities of the newly developed automatic coffee machines and the fundamental values of the Saeco brand.

BMW Group DesignworksUSA: Multifaceted competence.
The global design consultancy and BMW Group subsidiary with studios in Munich, Los Angeles and Singapore, partners with a number of leading organizations, in the field of IT and consumer electronics, lifestyle and sport as well as in the yacht and aviation industry. Unique to BMW Group DesignworksUSA, they have both an automotive and industrial design studio, enabling the transfer of collective knowledge and inspiration from automotive design to product design and vice versa.

Thanks to the multifaceted experience of BMW Group DesignworksUSA, it was possible to fulfill the high demands expected of an integral and premium quality brand identity for the Saeco company. The basis of the close and extensive cooperation was a mutual approach in strengthening design as a crucial instrument in achieving Saeco's corporate goals. During a process lasting several years, an integral and sophisticated design language was developed for use on all new product lines.

A harmonious combination of design and technology.
The complex and far-reaching concept required that the various aspects of reorientation were brought together. During intense consultation and coordination the project's objectives were determined, derived from the brand, and geared towards each target group. The harmonious interplay between technology and design was a very special challenge. The objective of Saeco's project demanded the strengthening of the product identity in all respects: including product architecture, gesture, color, material, surfaces, operation and interface.

Coffee drinking as an experience:
This demand on automatic coffee machines was implemented with respect to quality, functionality, and polarization. A high degree of individuality, emotion, and easy-to-operate technology are characteristics of the three new product lines Primea, Talea, and Odea by Saeco. They put on a convincing show with the superior presentation of a new generation of fully automatic coffee machines. Even the brewing of a simple espresso with a Saeco automatic coffee machine does full justice to today's demands on hospitality and ambience.

Let it flow:
The contour lines symbolize the flow of coffee. With this unmistakable design theme Saeco wishes to express its passion for coffee making and the unique positioning of the product. The prominent two color tone and the animated enclosing surfaces encompassing the round control elements in the middle of each coffee machine are a supplementary and prominent design feature.

Convenience of operation right from the word go:
The interface concept combines the advantages of direct operation, direct selection of a desired type of coffee, with extensive possibilities of individualization and different types of specialty coffee. Additional outstanding features of the new models are a clear, intuitive user interface and distinctive user semantics. Symbols and instructions are elegantly styled and easy to understand.

Striking appearance:
Thanks to the sophisticated design, the beholder perceives every one of the new generation of Saeco fully automatic coffee machines as a gem equally as beautiful as a sculpture. The interplay between the inner and outer housing creates a unique frontal view. High-finish surfaces, elegant flow of lines, refined details and high-quality execution characterize the new models' impressive appearance. Special features such as Saeco Brewing System (SBS) are accentuated by additional visual and technical highlights.

Three product lines, one brand identity.
Each of the model series Primea and Talea features four different versions with the Odea line comprising three variants. The design of all three lines of automatic coffee machines follows a consistent design language; its concise basic elements creating a brand identity. Consequently, each product is instantly recognizable as a Saeco coffee machine. The visual differentiation of the product lines corresponds with a model-specific orientation towards each customer group and its individual requirements.

Primea: The new generation of fully automatic coffee machines is spearheaded by the Primea Cappuccino line. It is the most exclusive product line, capable of brewing the most varied coffee and milk specialities at the push of a button. Optimized mixing is facilitated by the direct addition of milk from an integrated container. The outstanding character of this product line is reflected in its design by distinctive styling and exceptionally high-quality materials and contrasting colors.

Talea: Typical attributes of the Talea line are elaborate and subtle design as well as convenience of operation: including a touch-screen display for the model Talea Touch and a milk island, an additional milk frothing system. The design is recognizable through exclusive and distinctive styling and a well-balanced combination of colors.

Odea: The compact Odea line is both simple and dynamic. The Odea line's modern character excels through concise styling underlined by an eye-catching use of color.

Authentic design as the factor of success of premium brands.
With their commitment to the development of the new Saeco product identity, experts at BMW Group DesignworksUSA have once again given proof of their outstanding conceptual and creative know-how. This know-how is based on long-standing experience with premium products and leading brands. The cooperation with premium manufacturers from various industries places the highest demands on design quality. A design language is necessary to express the uniqueness of the brand and provide the customer with an exceptionally high-quality product. Therefore, the desires and needs of consumers are emphasised not only when designing a product, but also when developing design concepts and strategies. As a result of these capabilities, BMW Group DesignworksUSA provides its clients with valuable incentives for product conception, a factor of success in achieving corporate goals.

When designing the new line-up of automatic coffee machines by Saeco, both the growing design affinity of the target group and the technical characteristics of the products as well as the values of the brand were taken into consideration. Modern automatic coffee machines serve their users as a symbol of their lifestyle. They enrich everyday life not only in terms of functionality, but also through an eye-catching design. In this way coffee enjoyment and excellent design both blend together into an integral product experience.

The design language of the new Saeco automatic coffee machines is characterised by a close relationship with their product attributes. Flowing lines separate the inner housing from the protective casing and direct attention to the central elements situated one above the other; these being the coffee bean container, control unit and dispenser. The sight of the flow of coffee then becomes a magnificent experience, perceptible even when the machine is not in use. In this way the product is also making a brand statement. Focusing on the passion for coffee is an elementary part of Saeco's corporate philosophy. The design of the new automatic coffee machines immediately reflects this demand authentically and comprehensibly. The premium character of the products is not only based on individual elements but on the coherent overall concept.
Design development: Five phases on the way to market readiness.

The synthesis of authentic design, optimised functionality, and emotional elements matures only in an elaborate and painstaking process. From the initial idea to the finished product, this process can be described as including five phases: product identity, design concept creation, design development, design refinement and design implementation.

Product identity:
In order that the design should reflect vital statements pertaining to the product and brand, it is vital that objectives are first thoroughly examined. The designers must acquire a concise understanding of all design-relevant factors. These include crucial basic conditions from the field of marketing, sales, and production, but also other factors such as functional and technical requirements as well as production-related premises in context with the product. These are complemented by the competitive position and corporate goals, core competences, and brand values as well as product and brand history.

Complex tasks include the translation of brand attributes into design characteristics. The meaning of brand characteristics is defined and the interpretation transformed into product-distinguishing attributes. Likewise, the desires and needs of the consumer world are analysed, its lifestyle comprehended and conveyed to the overall character of the product. This process includes the presentation, evaluation, and refinement of various alternatives. The visual characterizations and references derived from this search process serve as design criteria and are essential in taking further action.

This fundamental phase can last from just a few weeks to several months. The interplay between technical concepts and necessary basic product architectures, and the product's appeal and design direction is one of the most challenging tasks. After all, it is essential that all available technical innovations are realized in such a way as to enable the potential user to experience them as perfectly functioning, sensible, and visually appealing features. Even at this early stage decisive factors are initiated. For example, the design of control elements depends to a large extent on how diversified the new product's functions are intended to be. This all leads to design-strategic considerations disclosing future options. The aim at the end of this phase is to obtain a convergent and coherent image of all influencing factors and potentials and their effect on the design of the product. The results of this process are developed in collaboration with Saeco marketing.

Design concept creation:
Phase two of the design process leads to a contention of different concepts for the new product design. Knowledge gained from the first phase is implemented within a spectrum of design themes, whereby design becomes a tightrope walk within a creatively intuitive and at the same time profoundly methodical procedure. The maximum spectrum of ideas is demonstrated using design sketches. Finally a concept is chosen which, under consideration of all relevant criteria, provides the best representation of the aspired product perception. When designing the new Saeco models, the shared characteristics of all three product lines were conceived and the scaling of the design theme defined for the positioning of each one.

Design development:
The chosen concept is then developed using a 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) model. On the computer the designer deconvolves the design concept through the presentation of all design-relevant surfaces. This step is crucial to the final form-finding and design quality. During this stage the designer specifies the shape and theme of the product by means of the exterior geometry and in close compliance with the engineering concept. The virtual model serves the designer as a basis for the physical validation of the selected design concept. During this phase technical requirements and design intention are brought together.

Detail development:
During the next stage on the way to series production all aspects regarding details including: control buttons, textures, color scheme, and product graphics are considered and the design specifications harmonized with the product requirements. In order to fulfill ambitious design intentions, innovations in the manufacturing process and in production methods are also often necessary. It is at thjs point that the product begins to take its final shape. Thanks to the constant communication between designers, engineers, and production specialists, it is ensured that the design can be employed for series production in as many details as possible. Therefore, even subtle details such as the dynamic design of the drip tray or the perfectly modelled transitions between inner and outer housing surfaces also correspond with the designers' vision of the finished product. At the close of this fourth phase, the final design is defined in a so-called "design freeze". The design data (3D CAD) is then handed over to the engineers.

Design implementation:
During this phase certain adjustments are necessary due to modifications made in the manufacture of the product. In the final phase the main emphasis is therefore placed on a minimum in modification in order to achieve maximum design and surface quality.

The structure and design process clearly demonstrates how the intensity of the collaboration between BMW Group DesignworksUSA and Saeco has affected the design quality of the new fully automatic coffee machines. The integral design language and the realization of the premium standard in all product details are a result of this exceptionally close and significant cooperation between both partners.

 

[mika]

BMW AT THE 2007 FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW
BMW EfficientDynamics and the implementation of this superior strategy in
a wide range of new models - these are the highlights of BMW's presentation at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Consistently introducing new engines together with a broad range of innovations for enhanced efficiency, Germany's outstanding premium car maker is able to offer vehicles in a growing number of segments ranking right at the top in terms of both driving dynamics as well as all-round economy and emission management.

In the 2008 model year, some 40 per cent of all new cars sold by the BMW Group in Europe will have a CO2 emission rating of not more - at the very most - than 140 grams per kilometre. This outstanding achievement is made possible by an unusually wide range of new models offering unprecedented fuel economy without requiring any concessions in terms of that sheer driving pleasure so typical of BMW.

Even from the start in entering the 2008 model year, no less than 22 BMW Group cars will have a CO2 emission rating of no more than 140 grams per kilometre - among them three models in the MINI range. And the impressive line-up of these particularly fuel-efficient low-emission models will be presented to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show from 13-23 September 2007, ranging from the BMW 118d with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of just 4.5 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 62.8 mpg imp) and a CO2 rating of 119 grams per kilometre through the BMW 320d Coup?® (4.8 litres/58.8 mpg imp, 128 grams of CO2) all the way to the new BMW 520d Saloon and the new BMW 520d Touring setting new standards for all-round economy and emission management in their segments with fuel consumption of just 5.1 and, respectively, 5.3 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 55.3 and 53.3 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 136 and, respectively, 140 grams per kilometre.


BMW Sauber F1: Website

BMW Motorsport

BMW Yachtsport

BMW Golfsport

BMW Oracle Racing

BMW Sport website

 

[PAULBACH]

V-Strom vs F650s vs F800s vs V-Strom 1000

2008 Suzuki V-Strom 650 Review

Featuring the engine from SV650, Suzuki V-Strom 650 doesnÔÇÖt see BMW F650 as an opponent. In fact it sees it but through its rear view mirrors as the V-Strom has the needed power and smoothness to eliminate F650ÔÇÖs every capability.

Wonder how it will compete with the F-800 series. Hmmm

Maybe the best comparison is with the 1,000cc version of the V-Strom

Any opinions?

 

[PAULBACH]

Coffee Problem Solved!

BMW Coffee Pot?

When will it come out in 1200cc version?

 

[J Brase]

BMW Coffee Pot?

Seems a Kool Ade dispensor might be more appropriate.

John

 

[PAGoldsby]

BMW Coffee Pot

BMW Coffee Pot?

When will it come out in 1200cc version?

Now with simulated "leaking FD" effect!