linklistHeadline = 'News'; news = new Array(); newsMap = new Array(); news['article_0'] = new Array(); news['article_0']['articleId'] = 308; news['article_0']['day'] = '30'; news['article_0']['month'] = '01'; news['article_0']['year'] = '2012'; news['article_0']['title'] = 'New Head of Design for BMW Motorrad'; news['article_0']['link_text'] = 'New Head of Design for BMW Motorrad'; news['article_0']['subtitle1'] = 'Edgar Heinrich takes over the BMW Group\'s BMW Motorrad Design Studio'; news['article_0']['content1'] = 'Munich. Edgar Heinrich (53) will be taking over the BMW Group\'s BMW Motorrad Design Studio as of July 1st 2012. He succeeds David Robb. After completing his university degree in design, Edgar Heinrich started his career as a motorcycle designer with BMW back in 1986. Within the BMW Group’s BMW Motorrad Design Studio he was Head of Vehicle Design Motorcycles under the overall direction of David Robb from 2007 to 2009.

In July 2009 his career took him to India. As Vice President Product Design with the Indian vehicle manufacturer Bajaj Auto LTD he currently heads up the styling and model studio, responsible for brand definition and brand strategies for two-wheel and four-wheel design.

During his time with BMW Motorrad, Edgar Heinrich was responsible for such vehicles as the first 4-valve boxer models R 1100 RS and RT, the K 1200 S and R, the HP Megamoto and the victorious Paris-Dakar racing machines. The successful R 1150 GS and R 1200 GS were also created on his drawing board.

Under his direction, the motorcycle design team created the S 1000 RR, the F 800 / 650 series, the G 450 X and also the BMW Custom Concept study. Heinrich was even involved at the start of the design development of the 6‑cylinder touring bikes and the new maxi-scooters.

Motorcycles take up a large part of his leisure time, too. His passions include modifying sports bikes, restoring and collecting vintage models and in particular riding motorcycles himself - both on and off the road.

As Edgar Heinrich himself says: \"I am very pleased to be returning to BMW Motorrad and having the great opportunity to be involved in shaping the two-wheel future of the BMW Group with an outstanding team.\"

\"Edgar Heinrich is an excellent motorcycle designer and passionate motorcyclist who has already made key contributions to BMW Motorrad design in the course of his many years of experience. I very much look forward to collaborating with him to take BMW Motorrad design to ongoing success in the future,\" said Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design.

David Robb (56), the previous head of the BMW Group Motorcycle Design Studio, has left the company. He was in charge of BMW Motorrad design for 18 years. Under his leadership, the design team elaborated the development of the BMW Motorrad product portfolio from three to a current total of six model lines, as well as creating the extensive product range of BMW Motorrad rider equipment and motorcycle accessories.

The first motorcycle designed under David Robb\'s direction was the BMW K 1200 RS. This was followed by such models as the first BMW cruiser R 1200 C, the innovative K series with transversely mounted 4-cylinder engine, the F series with 2-cylinder parallel twin and the most successful BMW motorcycle of all time, the travel enduro R 1200 GS. The design concept of the latter is regarded to this day as the benchmark in the category of big enduro bikes. Recently there were additional highlights such as the BMW motorcycles with in-line 6-cylinder engine, the K 1600 GT/GTL, and the BMW superbike S 1000 RR. The first BMW maxi-scooters C 600 Sport and C 650 GT only recently saw their world premiere in autumn 2011.

Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design: \"I would like to thank David Robb for his many years of successful work and wish him all the very best for the future.\"'; news['article_0']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_0']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/P90089412-zoom.jpg'; news['article_0']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/P90089412-zoom.jpg'; news['article_0']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_0']['content2'] = ''; news['article_0']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_0']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_0']['content3'] = ''; news['article_0']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[308] = 0; news['article_1'] = new Array(); news['article_1']['articleId'] = 306; news['article_1']['day'] = '26'; news['article_1']['month'] = '01'; news['article_1']['year'] = '2012'; news['article_1']['title'] = 'BMW K 1600 GT wins International Bike of the Year award'; news['article_1']['link_text'] = 'BMW K 1600 GT wins International Bike of the Year award'; news['article_1']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_1']['content1'] = 'At a press conference hosted by MotorWereld Magazine at the Brussels Motor Show, the BMW K 1600 GT was declared the 2011 International Bike of the Year. The new BMW K 1600 GT claimed a convincing victory with 41 points, while fourth place actually went to the luxurious K 1600 GTL, which was scored separately and earned 18 points. Last year’s winner – the S 1000 RR – came fifth, making it three BMW bikes in the top five.

The 2011 International Bike of the Year (IBOTY) is selected by a jury of 25 of the world’s leading motorcycle magazines, who nominated a total of 23 new bikes. Now in its 27th year running, more than ever the IBOTY reflects a true global motorcycle marketplace with jurors from all continents and 30 countries throughout the world.

The IBOTY jury praised the BMW K 1600 GT as follows: “blending comfort, performance and the excellent use of innovative technology. The glorious six-in-line engine offers power, refinement and plenty of fun. Boasting every feature that you can dream of, from traction control, ABS, sat-nav, electronically-adjustable suspension, adaptive headlight to ride modes and much more make the BMW K 1600 GT the pinnacle of two-wheel touring. On the road the bike really shows what it is made of thanks to its responsive chassis and remarkably light handling. It’s a truly unique riding experience with the capability to awe the most demanding touring rider and surprise unsuspecting sports riders on their favorite, twisty mountain road.”

This is the second consecutive victory for BMW Motorrad in the International Bike of the Year after winning the highly-acclaimed award last year with the S 1000 RR sports bike. It’s also the first time in more than 10 years for a manufacturer to receive the IBOTY award back-to-back. As well as the RR and the K 1600 GT, BMW Motorrad has also enjoyed IBOTY wins with the R 1200 GS in 2004 and the R 1100 RS in 1993.

Magazines participating in the latest IBOTY were (in alphabetical order): Australian Motorcycle News (Australia), Auto By (Japan), Autocar India (India), Bike (Scandinavia, all editions), Bike (UK), Cycle World (USA), Der Reitwagen (Austria), Inmoto (Italy), KicXstart (the Netherlands), Kiwi Rider (New Zealand), La Moto (Spain), Maximoto (France), Moto Culture Asia (Malaysia and Singapore), Moto (Greece), Moto Journal (Canada, French speaking), Moto & Loisirs (Belgium, French speaking), Moto Mag (Israel), Motoraj (Czech Republic), Motoron (Turkey), MotoSi (Slovenia), MotorWereld (Belgium), PS Magazin (Germany), Revista Moto (Mexico), SuperBike (South Africa), Swiat Motocykli (Poland)'; news['article_1']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_1']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/ibotyGT12.jpg'; news['article_1']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/ibotyGT12.jpg'; news['article_1']['image12'] = '/us/en/promos/media/ibotyGT122.jpg'; news['article_1']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/ibotyGT122.jpg'; news['article_1']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_1']['content2'] = ''; news['article_1']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_1']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_1']['content3'] = ''; news['article_1']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[306] = 1; news['article_2'] = new Array(); news['article_2']['articleId'] = 307; news['article_2']['day'] = '26'; news['article_2']['month'] = '01'; news['article_2']['year'] = '2012'; news['article_2']['title'] = 'Custom cool with BMW'; news['article_2']['link_text'] = 'Custom cool with BMW'; news['article_2']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_2']['content1'] = 'A pair of BMW Motorrad enthusiasts from Camden, London, are quickly becoming some of the country’s best-known custom builders. Untitled Motorcycles are a two-man team, made up of Adam Kay and Rex Martin They have taken a series of battered, unloved BMW motorcycles and transformed them into beautiful customized machines. With orders coming in from around the world, the boys at Untitled have big plans for 2012.

Adam says: “We wanted to work with BMW motorcycles because we are true enthusiasts for the marque. Rex has been riding them for many years and he got me into them in 2009. The brand is often ignored by specialist builders.”

Their first BMW build was a 1979 R80/7 , followed by an R80/7scrambler and an R80/7 street. After that came commissions from BMW owners. The pair is now working on a BMW customization for an American customer.

“Rex owns Victory Motorcycles in Camden, which services and maintains old British and European motorcycles,” says Adam. “I went to see him back in 2009, because I wanted to customize a BMW after seeing some on the internet that looked great.

“That visit led to us collaborating on the customization of the R80/7 and over the six month project, I started a blog and Facebook page about it. It got so much interest that Rex and I decided to customize the two further bikes, and then we started on the commissions.”

Untitled Motorcycles’ creations are classic and minimalist. With a focus on urban cool rather than speed, the bikes have an unmistakably retro look and a flawless finish. Adam and Rex source many of their machines at online auction site Ebay, where it is easy to find many great BMW motorcycles in need of some loving restoration.

“Our philosophy for customization is to create a machine that is highly individual but maintain the usability which is one of the best features of BMW motorbikes. We find inspiration in classic British machines, as well as American dirt bikes and flat trackers. We believe that our work speaks for itself through the beauty of handmade parts and BMW’s great engineering,” says Adam.

Their projects have captured a significant amount of attention, with the modified motorcycles featured on blogs and in a number of magazines. They have also become friendly with another pair of cool customizers, Fred and Hugo from French outfit Blitz Motorcycles, whose all-matte black BMW R60/2 was a huge hit at BMW Motorrad Days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in 2011.'; news['article_2']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_2']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/custom12.jpg'; news['article_2']['image11_text'] = 'The R80/7 scrambler (left) and street.'; news['article_2']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/custom12.jpg'; news['article_2']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_2']['content2'] = ''; news['article_2']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_2']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_2']['content3'] = ''; news['article_2']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[307] = 2; news['article_3'] = new Array(); news['article_3']['articleId'] = 305; news['article_3']['day'] = '06'; news['article_3']['month'] = '12'; news['article_3']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_3']['title'] = 'BMW K1600 Series Take Top International Prize'; news['article_3']['link_text'] = 'BMW K1600 Series Take Top International Prize'; news['article_3']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_3']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorrad’s K 1600 GT and GTL luxury tourers have been named as the best bikes of 2011. The six-cylinder machines beat tough contenders from some of the biggest brands in the business to take the top spot in the annual Supertest World Association award.

The Supertest World Association (SWA) is made up of 14 top international motoring magazines. The members used a ranking system to decide the winner, awarding three points to their first choice motorcycle, two to the second and one to the third. The K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL garnered the best scores overall.

Introduced in March this year, BMW’s luxury tourer has already proved a huge hit, impressing riders and critics alike with class-leading handling and road-holding qualities, thanks to advanced suspension, excellent weight distribution and clever use of lightweight materials. For example, its 102.6kg, 1600cc engine is lighter and smaller than the other bikes it was up against in the class – something achieved through the use of materials such as magnesium and aluminum. But its low weight and compact size for an inline ‘Six’ – it is just 560mm wide – do not mean a compromise on power. It puts out 160hp at 7,500rpm, and has a maximum torque of 175Nm at 5,000rpm. The combination of impressive power delivery and a low center of gravity make it a dynamic and exciting machine to ride – something those voting clearly appreciated.

Conceived for long-distance riding, fully loaded with a passenger, the K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL are two bikes for all seasons and all conditions. A choice of three ride modes – Rain, Road and Dynamic – are combined with electronically adjustable suspension and an ABS system which leave no doubt as to why this technologically advanced BMW emerged as the winner. It also boasts headlight options which automatically adapt to suit the riding conditions and terrain – literally seeing around corners – a feature which uses unique patented BMW technology.

The victory in the vote is the second annual title awarded to the BMW Motorrad brand by the SWA in as many years. In 2010, the unstoppable S 1000 RR made history when it was also named Bike of the Year – the first BMW to receive the honor. While the RR’s achievement marked the first time a BMW Motorrad machine had ever taken the top title in an SWA vote, the K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL snatching it for a second time serves to cement the brand’s position as a true class leader.'; news['article_3']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_3']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/GTL1211.jpg'; news['article_3']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/GTL1211.jpg'; news['article_3']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_3']['content2'] = ''; news['article_3']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_3']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_3']['content3'] = ''; news['article_3']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[305] = 3; news['article_4'] = new Array(); news['article_4']['articleId'] = 303; news['article_4']['day'] = '15'; news['article_4']['month'] = '11'; news['article_4']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_4']['title'] = 'Urban Mobility – our future is on two wheels'; news['article_4']['link_text'] = 'Urban Mobility – our future is on two wheels'; news['article_4']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_4']['content1'] = 'More than 50 per cent of the world’s population now lives in cities and this figure is rising all the time. A rapidly growing world population is causing cities to swell into huge areas of urban sprawl. ‘Mega-cities’ is the term now being used to describe these rapidly expanding population centres and in the years to come, people are going to have to learn to be as space efficient as possible, not just in the way they live, but also in their transportation needs.

It is estimated that by 2050, over 70 per cent of the world’s population will live in cities. Clearly, conventional transport options such as petrol-driven cars won’t be compatible with our ‘mega-cities’ of the future, the answer will lie with efficient, affordable, clean technology that takes up little road space and allows us to get wherever we want to go, with the least amount of fuss? This is something the BMW Group has been working on for some time...

Individual mobility is what the BMW Group is all about and its strategy is to provide new innovative concepts to help keep us moving – wherever we live – now and in the future. From BMW’s new mobility brand (www.bmw-i.com ) to BMW Motorrad and its new Maxi-Scooter range, the debate on the subject of future mobility is very much alive within the BMW Group.

Things have to change of course, as many cities are already struggling to meet the needs of an ever increasing number of citizens. The planners, designers, manufacturers and politicians are all trying to find a way to rethink the way we live, but the simple fact is that in many of our cities, the two words ‘urban’ and ‘mobility’ are a contradiction in terms, with high levels of congestion and pollution, and overstretched, overpriced public transport networks failing to alleviate the gridlock.

Think about it: cars are actually parked about 90 per cent of the time and even though there are attempts to make their manufacture and use more environmentally friendly, the simple fact is that they take up the space of around three to four powered two-wheelers (PTWs) and create congestion – whether moving or stationary.

Charges apply for city driving in many countries and capitals around the world, with various ‘green’ initiatives introduced in an attempt to cut pollution. Quite rightly, there is often exemption for PTWs, as their benefits are numerous, including the small amount of space required on the road and for parking; a low level of fuel consumption; and their great versatility.

There is, without a doubt, a great future for PTWs, especially in the context of the growing debate on environment and transportation in cities. Urban mobility cannot be achieved by public transport alone – the infrastructure generally just isn’t there to deal with all the people and their varying needs. Greater commuting distances mean that walking and cycling are increasingly difficult, while much of the traffic congestion is caused by cars just driving around looking for a parking space. The knock-on effect in terms of journey times, hours worked and work/family balance cannot be underestimated.
'; news['article_4']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_4']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/urbmobi.jpg'; news['article_4']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/urbmobi.jpg'; news['article_4']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_4']['content2'] = ''; news['article_4']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_4']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_4']['content3'] = ''; news['article_4']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[303] = 4; news['article_5'] = new Array(); news['article_5']['articleId'] = 300; news['article_5']['day'] = '24'; news['article_5']['month'] = '10'; news['article_5']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_5']['title'] = '2012 RR – the new ultimate RRiding machine'; news['article_5']['link_text'] = '2012 RR – the new ultimate RRiding machine'; news['article_5']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_5']['content1'] = 'In 2009, BMW Motorrad launched the original S 1000 RR. It soon became a massive success story – not just in terms of sales, but also on track, where it dominated national superstock and superbike championships all over the world, winning no less than 13 titles and well over 120 race victories in its first full year of competition.

Improving a machine that made such a huge impression in the Supersport segment was never going to be easy, but the new RR is already being called a revelation by those who have been lucky enough to ride it. With a whole host of technical improvements and visual design updates, the 2012 RR promises to be an even harder act to follow than its predecessor.

We caught up with RR Product Manager and former racer Sepp Mächler at Valencia circuit in Spain, as he prepared to unleash the new RR to the world’s media.

What are you most proud about with the RR project to date?
>> There are many things to be proud of with this project, right from the beginning. Firstly, I’m proud that we delivered the horsepower that we always promised with our RR. I’m also delighted at how successful we have been with the RR in comparison tests which are the real ‘benchmark’ for potential customers. As for all the titles that RR racers won in national championships worldwide, this is the ‘icing on the cake’.

The series production RR has been a massive success, but did you expect it to win so many accolades in its first two years?
>> After the first comparison test at Almeria circuit in Spain in December 2009 I knew that the original RR could become very successful with customers. But what was
more important to me was that this success would continue throughout its second year on sale.

Approximately how many RRs have been sold worldwide so far?
>> Around 20,000.

Its success in racing championships worldwide shows just how good the ‘stock’ RR is? Was this a surprise?
>> No, we knew that a good rider could just take it and win. Ok, it sounds very easy but in the stock class we are the benchmark. The first time we raced the stock bike was at the Barcelona 24 Hours at Catalunya circuit in July 2009. We finished in first and second place in the Superstock class – an amazing result considering that one of the RRs used in this race had already completed 25,000 kilometres of hard use by our team of test and development riders! It was also the first win on a bike with ABS and DTC.

There are changes in almost every area of the new RR. Was it important to show continued innovation in this segment?
>> For sure, but our main aim is to give the rider a better feeling in every situation that they encounter, be it on the road, on the track, or even in the rain. To give a rider the feeling of control is the best way to improve their confidence and help them relax. This way, they will always ride better.

Have you involved owners and racers in feedback and development?
>> Definitely. It is important to be on the pulse and understand all the different needs of our target market. Outside of our development teams, we have involved normal customers, dealers and of course, racers.

How much synergy is there between motorsport teams and the model line product engineers?
>> We listen very closely to our racing colleagues in many teams, especially the BMW Motorrad Italia superstock team or the IDM Team BMW Motorrad Wilbers Suspension. We help these teams out and they give us quick and reliable feedback, which helps reduce development times. For example we wanted to improve the application of the Race ABS and DTC [Dynamic Traction Control] and throughout the 2011 season we have been racing in the IDM German Superbike Championship with Race ABS.
'; news['article_5']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_5']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/sep1.jpg'; news['article_5']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/sep1.jpg'; news['article_5']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_5']['content2'] = ''; news['article_5']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_5']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_5']['content3'] = ''; news['article_5']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[300] = 5; news['article_6'] = new Array(); news['article_6']['articleId'] = 304; news['article_6']['day'] = '22'; news['article_6']['month'] = '11'; news['article_6']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_6']['title'] = 'Email Fraud Warning'; news['article_6']['link_text'] = 'Email Fraud Warning'; news['article_6']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_6']['content1'] = 'BMW of North America will never ask you to send or confirm personal information by email, including but not limited to: your name, address, passwords or financial information. If you receive an email from someone purporting to be BMW, or a division of BMW, such as the Security Department or Lottery Department, asking for this type of information, DO NOT RESPOND TO IT. It is most likely a fraudulent email, the sole and only purpose of which is to elicit your personal information. To be safe, we recommend you add the sender to your blocked email or SPAM email list.

RECENT FRAUDULENT EMAILS

Email from \'The International Awareness Promotion Department of the BMW Automobile Company\'
You may have received an email claiming to be from BMW\'s International Awareness Promotion Department stating that you have won a prize. Please be informed that BMW of North America does not have an International Awareness Promotion Department, nor do any of its affiliate companies. This is a fraudulent email. DO NOT RESPOND TO IT.

Email from \'BMW USA Security Department Assistant\'
You may have received an email claiming to be from BMW USA Security Department Assistant stating that you have to click on a link to confirm your account within 24 hours for security reasons or else your account will be suspended. Please be informed that BMW of North America does not have a BMW USA Security Department Assistant, nor do any of its affiliate companies. This is a fraudulent email. DO NOT RESPOND TO IT.

Email from \'BMW\'s Lottery Department\'
You may have received an email claiming to be from BMW\'s Lottery Department stating that you have won a prize. Please be informed that BMW of North America does not have a lottery department, nor do any of its affiliate companies. This is a fraudulent email. DO NOT RESPOND TO IT.

Email from \'BMW Grand Promotions UK\'
You may have received an email claiming to be from BMW Grand Promotions UK stating that you have won a prize. Please be informed that BMW of North America does not have a Grand Promotions department, nor do any of its affiliate companies. This is a fraudulent email. DO NOT RESPOND TO IT.

Email from \'BMW Group Promo\'
You may have received an email claiming to be from BMW Group Promo stating that you have won a prize. Please be informed that BMW of North America does not have a Group Promo department, nor do any of its affiliate companies. This is a fraudulent email. DO NOT RESPOND TO IT.'; news['article_6']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_6']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_6']['content2'] = ''; news['article_6']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_6']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_6']['content3'] = ''; news['article_6']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[304] = 6; news['article_7'] = new Array(); news['article_7']['articleId'] = 301; news['article_7']['day'] = '24'; news['article_7']['month'] = '10'; news['article_7']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_7']['title'] = 'Million mile riders'; news['article_7']['link_text'] = 'Million mile riders'; news['article_7']['subtitle1'] = 'Million Mile High Mileage Award Recipients'; news['article_7']['content1'] = 'Travelling epic distances is nothing new to BMW Motorrad adventurers – but while many ride tens, or even hundreds of thousands of miles, two American women have racked up a record few could even contemplate. Ardys Kellerman and Voni Glaves are officially recognised as the first female BMW riders in North America to cover one million miles (1.6 million kilometres). The distance, which is more than 40 times the circumference of the globe, took decades to accumulate and between them, the women have used 31 different motorcycles.

“I’ve had 15 bikes and Ardys has had 16,” says Voni. “My favourite tends to be whichever one I’m riding at the time, but I do have one which really stands out. More than 350,000 of my million miles were completed on my BMW R 1100 RS, which I bought brand new in 1993, when the oilhead was first introduced. I keep coming back to BMW because my mechanic husband Paul has learned so much about how they work that I\'d have a hard time changing brands! They\'ve been amazingly reliable for us and I appreciate the technology – especially ABS brakes.”

Voni, 64, and Ardys, 79, met up to ride their millionth mile together, and the odometers finally clicked over this landmark achievement at Red Mountain Overlook in Colorado. Confirmation of their successful target has already been awarded by BMW Motorrad USA and the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America, after the pair sent off paperwork confirming each of their 100,000 mile milestones. The Iron Butt Association also plans to make it an official record. “Our record is for being the first two women in North America to do this – we might be the first in the world, but I don’t know how we can confirm it,” explains Voni.

Both have ridden for more than 25 years, with Voni getting her first bike in 1977 and Ardys in 1985. Voni has a trademark colour of red – most of her bikes, including her current F 800 S, are red, as is all her riding gear. The friends are both retired now, but Ardys formerly worked as an electronics technician, and is a licensed pilot, while Voni was a teacher, working with special needs pupils.

“Arriving at work riding a red motorcycle and wearing red leathers did attract student attention,” she says. “My high school students, with special needs, were quite proud of me and learned lots of extraneous information about geography when we\'d track my weekend and summer trips. More than once I gave them the assignment of writing about their summer vacations just so I could share mine! “I still hear from students now and again and they are universally proud of me and didn\'t doubt for a minute I\'d make this milestone!”

Voni’s 35-year journey to one million miles has taken her through all 50 states, all the Canadian provinces, five countries in southern Africa, and New Zealand. Asked what she will do next, the proud grandma to two motorcycle-mad boys jokes ‘two million miles’. But despite her achievement, Voni says she doesn’t think of herself as an extreme rider.

“I don’t see myself like that, but I do like to set personal challenges that are a bit beyond what I think I can do. And then do them. I challenged my students to do the same – and they have. I didn’t set out to ride a million miles, but I really just enjoyed riding and travelling by motorcycle. I found myself going everywhere on my BMWs. When I reached 600,000 miles some friends told me I was close to a million kilometres – well, that seemed doable and after that, a million miles started to seem possible too. Every one of my miles was accident free, so I’d like to continue to safely explore this vast country of ours close-up, on two wheels.”

Both Voni and Ardys are experienced long distance endurance riders. Voni finished the 11-day Iron Butt Rally in 2003, while Ardys has completed the same event on four separate occasions. '; news['article_7']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_7']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/mmmiles1.jpg'; news['article_7']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/mmmiles1.jpg'; news['article_7']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_7']['content2'] = ''; news['article_7']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_7']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_7']['content3'] = ''; news['article_7']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[301] = 7; news['article_8'] = new Array(); news['article_8']['articleId'] = 302; news['article_8']['day'] = '24'; news['article_8']['month'] = '10'; news['article_8']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_8']['title'] = 'Traveling trans-America, BMW style'; news['article_8']['link_text'] = 'Traveling trans-America, BMW style'; news['article_8']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_8']['content1'] = 'In 2002, after having smashed the Guinness World Record for the fastest circumnavigation of the world by motorcycle, adventure riders Kevin and Julia Sanders planned their next challenge – the “Trans-Americas by Motorcycle\". This ultimate endurance ride covers around 27,000 kilometres of tough riding and extreme weather conditions through Alaska, Canada, USA, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Argentina. The previous record had stood at 47-and-a-half days but Kevin and Julia beat this by more than 12 days.

The double Guinness world record holders realised that a trip of this magnitude would definitely appeal to adventure riders the world over, albeit taken at a more relaxed pace, with time to look around and experience other cultures and lifestyles. Thus, the Trans Americas Expedition was born, with the first one leaving in 2003. Every two years since then, this ride of a lifetime from the top to the bottom of the world has opened the door to a new world of overlanding opportunities for many.

The current Trans Americas Expedition – the fifth so far – is the first one that Kevin won’t be leading, as he had only just returned from the amazing eight-and-a-half month Discover Our Earth round-the-world adventure as the Trans Americas was due to leave. In charge of this latest epic voyage is expedition leader Richard Millington. An extremely experienced rider, he is enjoying guiding the 2011 group across some of the most inaccessible parts of The Americas.

Globebusters trips are always dominated by BMW motorcycles but this time they are being ridden by every one of the 14 participants, with two R 1150 GS machines, three F 800 GS, while the rest are R 1200 GS and GS Adventure models of various ages, from 2005 to 2011.

The international group includes explorers from America, Hungary, Australia, Canada, Switzerland and The Netherlands. Four of those riding are former policemen, and there are also two pillion riders – one taking part in the entire tour, and another who will join in from the Northern Andes section onwards.

It is the kind of route where motorcyclists can forget about the day-to-day pressures of the commute. However, roadworks and traffic lights can sometimes be replaced by more exotic hold-ups – like waiting for a family of bears to cross the tarmac. “We’ve had a bear bonanza on this trip,” says Richard. “Even as far south as Utah, we were still seeing bears. On the whole they were not interested in us, and if you keep your distance you’re fine. However, the mother of two cubs seen by two of our team, Drew and Andy, was clearly nervous. They’d had to stop sharply for the bears and were closer than was ideal.

“At one point, the mother bear stood up on her hind legs and roared at them just to make it clear that she would protect her cubs. They both took more than a few steps back at that point!”

Bears are not the only potential danger on the journey. The group had to safely negotiate their way across the notorious ‘Banana Bridge’, a rickety old crossing at the border of Costa Rica and Panama. “When we arrived at the bridge, we could see new steel pylons rising from the water, so we’ll probably be the last Globebusters group to cross the old bridge,” explains Richard. “It was originally built for trains, but the line is now defunct and is shared by pedestrians, trucks, buses, cars – and occasionally a host of BMW bikes.\"'; news['article_8']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_8']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/xper1.jpg'; news['article_8']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/xper1.jpg'; news['article_8']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_8']['content2'] = ''; news['article_8']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_8']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_8']['content3'] = ''; news['article_8']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[302] = 8; news['article_9'] = new Array(); news['article_9']['articleId'] = 299; news['article_9']['day'] = '18'; news['article_9']['month'] = '10'; news['article_9']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_9']['title'] = 'Constant Innovation for Added Rider Protection'; news['article_9']['link_text'] = 'Constant Innovation for Added Rider Protection'; news['article_9']['subtitle1'] = 'BMW Riders\' Apparel'; news['article_9']['content1'] = 'We are all aware of our vulnerability as riders, but as any motorcyclist will tell you, the rewards of our two-wheeled passion far outweigh the risks. Furthermore, the risks themselves can be greatly reduced by adapting your riding technique to the conditions, using a motorcycle equipped with active safety features (such as ABS and traction control) and, importantly, wearing the best riding equipment you can afford.

As one of the pioneers in rider safety, BMW Motorrad has for many years been making motorcycle clothing and equipment that offers the highest levels of comfort and protection. When you’re enjoying exploring the power of an S 1000 RR on a track day, you don’t want to think about whether your leather suit is as high-performance as your motorcycle. Likewise, when riding your GS, RT or GT through heavy rain or sleet on a slippery mountain road, all your focus should be on the road ahead, rather than wondering if your riding kit will help keep you protected, should an accident occur.

Whatever and wherever you ride, there is a comprehensive choice of BMW Rider Equipment to suit, and rest assured that whatever the style of the clothing, there is safety and technical performance already ‘built-in’. Naturally, only the finest materials are used, such as Schoeller® Keproshield in the Streetguard 3 suit – a protective composite specially designed for motorcycling which has brought about a 20% improvement in abrasion, impact, tear and frictional heat resistance over predecessor products.

Of course, nobody likes to think about the possible effects of a motorcycle accident, but minimising the forces of a collision that are transmitted to the rider is critical – this is why NP protectors feature in just about every BMW Motorrad riding suit. BMW Motorrad has worked with specialists in bio-mechanics, medicine and accident research to develop a new and even safer generation of protectors. Despite being extremely soft and flexible, they provide a level of protection that’s second to none,

absorbing the impact by moulding themselves to vulnerable parts of the body and also providing significantly better coverage of the joints, combining active safety with high comfort levels.

The lower the residual force transmitted to the body, the more effective the protector is. Put another way, a good protector should absorb as much impact energy as possible, and then release it gradually so the level of force to which the wearer is subjected does not spike. The new NP protectors from BMW Motorrad do this between 200 and 700% more effectively than competitor products – and comfortably outperform the requirements of the CE standard.

An item like the BMW Motorrad sleeveless protector jacket with NP back protector is among the few products on the market that fulfil the higher performance level 2 criteria. It’s also the only certified back protector currently available that also protects the collarbone. And up until now, even the best motorcycling equipment has left the top of the back and neck unprotected, but the Neck Brace system – developed by BMW Motorrad and KTM in conjunction with a team of experts – finally remedies this. It minimises the risk of damage around the neck, cervical vertebrae and collarbone, yet the rider has no loss of freedom of movement while wearing it – on or off-road.
'; news['article_9']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_9']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/apparel1011.jpg'; news['article_9']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/apparel1011.jpg'; news['article_9']['image12'] = '/us/en/promos/media/apparel10112.jpg'; news['article_9']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/apparel10112.jpg'; news['article_9']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_9']['content2'] = ''; news['article_9']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_9']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_9']['content3'] = ''; news['article_9']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[299] = 9; news['article_10'] = new Array(); news['article_10']['articleId'] = 297; news['article_10']['day'] = '03'; news['article_10']['month'] = '10'; news['article_10']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_10']['title'] = 'The new BMW G 650 GS Sertão'; news['article_10']['link_text'] = 'The new BMW G 650 GS Sertão'; news['article_10']['subtitle1'] = 'The sporty BMW single cylinder enduro for off-road and everyday. '; news['article_10']['content1'] = 'With its new BMW G 650 GS Sertão, BMW Motorrad has added a new, sporting chapter to the history of single cylinders in the BMW GS family. Whereas the G 650 GS thrilled riders with its lean, wiry off-road stature, the G 650 GS Sertão promises even more sporting characteristics, even greater off-road capabilities, and an even stronger desire for adventure.

And all of this without any sacrifice to the established virtues of a BMW single cylinder endure such as everyday practicality, appealing price-performance ratio, and playful riding properties.

Chassis for greater off-road practicality, optimized touring properties, and dynamic design.

On the technical side, the new G 650 GS Sertão uses the established liquid cooled, high-torque single cylinder engine of the G 650 GS with two overhead camshafts, fuel injection, and double ignition. Its 652 cc displacement delivers 50 hp at 6500 rpm and a max torque of 44 ft/lb at 5000 rpm.

Whereas the G 650 GS chassis was developed primarily for country roads and light off-road use, the Sertão presents far greater off-road practicality in the form of longer spring travels and tighter tuning. In addition, it is fitted with wire spoke wheels.

Also the new color concept underscores the dynamic character of the single cylinder enduro.

>> The essential features of the new BMW G 650 GS Sertão at a glance:

High-torque and low-consumption single cylinder engine with 652 cc displacement. Max torque of 44 ft/lb at 5000 rpm and max output of 50 hp at 6500 rpm.

Off-road chassis concept with long spring travels (front/rear 8.3\").

Wire spoke wheels with light alloy rims. Wheel sizes 21“ front and 17“ rear.

Dynamic color concept in Aura White / Arroyo Blue with Sertão lettering and seat in black/grey.

Light dry weight of 390 lbs.

Luggage carrier in black.

Extended top front wheel cover.

Two seat heights: 33.9\" (standard) and 35.4\" (special accessory).

High windscreen.

Hand protectors.

Engine guard of aluminum.

Disengageable BMW Motorrad ABS.

Extensive range of special accessories.'; news['article_10']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_10']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/sertao1.jpg'; news['article_10']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/sertao1.jpg'; news['article_10']['image12'] = '/us/en/promos/media/sertao2.jpg'; news['article_10']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/sertao2.jpg'; news['article_10']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_10']['content2'] = ''; news['article_10']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_10']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_10']['content3'] = ''; news['article_10']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[297] = 10; news['article_11'] = new Array(); news['article_11']['articleId'] = 298; news['article_11']['day'] = '10'; news['article_11']['month'] = '10'; news['article_11']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_11']['title'] = 'Born in Berlin'; news['article_11']['link_text'] = 'Born in Berlin'; news['article_11']['subtitle1'] = 'BMW plant in Berlin Spandau'; news['article_11']['content1'] = 'Wherever you are in the world, your BMW motorcycle almost certainly started life on the assembly line of the BMW plant in Berlin Spandau. Since 1969, BMW motorcycles have been produced in this special factory for export all over the world and in 2012, more than 100,000 of BMW Motorrad’s finest machines will be shipped from this very plant to around 130 countries across the globe. Just how your favourite motorcycles are actually assembled, is a story in itself...

With around 1,900 employees the BMW factory in Berlin produces up to 510 motorcycles a day from the entire model range, as well as about 24,000 brake discs for the car division. Annual motorcycle output is now around eight times higher than when production first started in autumn 1969. A total of 12,000 motorcycles were assembled in Berlin in 1970 – the first full year of production.

The foundation of every motorcycle is laid in the machining shop, where core parts, such as engine cases, cylinder heads, crankshafts and connecting rods, as well as frame elements, tanks and chassis components are produced. Computer-controlled machining centres process components with high precision, ensuring the first-class quality that BMW bikes are renowned for, thanks to state-of-the-art machining and measuring technologies, as well as the highly-qualified associates who operate them.

For BMW engine assembly around 150 technicians working in two shifts build up to 450 high-performance engines every day, from Boxer twins and ‘fours’ up to the magnificent inline six-cylinder engines found on the K 1600 GT and GTL machines. Using more than 600 different small parts and components, technicians are supported by 21 automatic workstations. It takes around 90 minutes to assemble a Boxer engine and around 160 minutes to put together the new six-cylinder engine.

In the paint shop, five computer-controlled robots apply paint to several thousand motorcycle components a day. These components can have more than 70 different shapes and sizes, and are coated with water-based paint in more than 30 shades. However, in many cases, the skill and dexterity of experienced ‘human’ painters is still required. For example, a steady hand is imperative when it comes to applying the traditional trim lines as well as tape applications to the tanks and side panels.

A complex supply network is essential to a smooth production process, with the logistics department coordinating the material flow and ensuring that the components are available in the right amount and quality, in the right place at the right time. Almost 10,000 different components, delivered by 500 external partners from 33 countries, are fitted into the right sequence for the production process. Due to the process coordination, painted components, groups of parts tailored for order from the pre-assembly and the pre-fitted components all arrive at the conveyor on time.

The assembly lines are where the motorcycles are actually put together. They are fixed on mounting hangers on 300 rotating ‘hooks’ moving in a flexible conveyor system. In this system, the machines are automatically transported through a 500-metre-long assembly line. Every mounting hook automatically rises to the most favourable working height at almost 150 assembly stations, where all order-related data, as well as fastening torques and default settings, are conveyed automatically to the particular station. Depending on the model, it takes from 220 to 360 minutes
'; news['article_11']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_11']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/borninberlin1.jpg'; news['article_11']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/borninberlin1.jpg'; news['article_11']['image12'] = '/us/en/promos/media/borninberlin2.jpg'; news['article_11']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/borninberlin2.jpg'; news['article_11']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_11']['content2'] = ''; news['article_11']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_11']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_11']['content3'] = ''; news['article_11']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[298] = 11; news['article_12'] = new Array(); news['article_12']['articleId'] = 280; news['article_12']['day'] = '07'; news['article_12']['month'] = '05'; news['article_12']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_12']['title'] = 'BMW plant Berlin celebrates production of two millionth motorcycle'; news['article_12']['link_text'] = '2,000,000th BMW Motorcycle Leaves the Berlin Plant'; news['article_12']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_12']['content1'] = 'On Friday 6 May the two millionth motorcycle left the assembly line of the BMW plant in Berlin Spandau. Since 1969, BMW motorcycles have been produced in the factory in Berlin Spandau for export all over the world and this significant milestone in the company’s history was marked by a special ceremony attended by the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit, and numerous invited guests.

The special anniversary bike – an R 1200 GS – was unveiled to a selection of VIPs and journalists by streetbike freestyle legend Chris Pfeiffer, after which it was handed over to René Gurka, Manager of Berlin Partner GmbH to be raffled in the industry quiz ‘Ich bin ein Berliner’ as part of the ‘be Berlin’ campaign to promote the city.

“I’m really proud to present the two millionth BMW motorcycle here today. I have a really busy schedule but this kind of thing doesn’t happen every day so I really wanted to be here,” said Pfeiffer, who then parked up the GS and leapt onto his F 800 R stunt bike to perform a special show in front of the invited guests and members of the Berlin plant workforce.

Always the professional, Chris showed many new tricks, and one real surprise – a burnout with his rear tyre rubber spelling out ‘2,000,000’ on the asphalt.

The mood was one of celebration and recognition of this significant achievement of two million machines leaving the assembly lines in Berlin.

“BMW has always remained loyal to Berlin when others left the city,” said the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit. “Together, BMW and Berlin have been through thick and thin and we will continue to do that successfully. With this generous donation of a special R 1200 GS and its involvement in the ‘be Berlin’ campaign, BMW is supporting our aim to improve Berlin’s perception as an attractive, innovative and future-oriented city.”

In the course of the presentation ceremony, Hendrik von Kuenheim, Head of BMW Motorrad, said: “The BMW Group is committed to motorcycling and its big tradition within the company. BMW motorcycles embody ‘sheer riding pleasure’ in its most direct form and these machines are ambassadors of the BMW brand – and at the same time ambassadors of Berlin – all over the world. BMW bikes are exported with ‘Berlin’s air in the tyres’ to 130 countries and the long-standing relationship between Berlin and the BMW Group looks set to continue for a long time.”

With 1.900 employees the BMW factory in Berlin produces up to 510 motorcycles a day from all model series, as well as about 24,000 brake discs for the car division. The annual motorcycle output in 2010 amounted to 97,076 machines, whereas in the first year of production in 1969, a total of 12,000 motorcycles were produced in Berlin.

“Berlin will remain the heart of BMW’s motorcycle manufacture. We are investing about 30 million Euros in our factory per annum to continue to be competitive and in front,” said Hermann Bohrer, Head of the BMW factory in Berlin.
'; news['article_12']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_12']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/IMG_5777.jpg'; news['article_12']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/IMG_5777.jpg'; news['article_12']['image12'] = '/us/en/promos/media/IMG_5773.jpg'; news['article_12']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/IMG_5773.jpg'; news['article_12']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_12']['content2'] = ''; news['article_12']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_12']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_12']['content3'] = ''; news['article_12']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[280] = 12; news['article_13'] = new Array(); news['article_13']['articleId'] = 296; news['article_13']['day'] = '27'; news['article_13']['month'] = '09'; news['article_13']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_13']['title'] = 'Under the hammer – BMW auction in Munich'; news['article_13']['link_text'] = 'Under the hammer – BMW auction in Munich'; news['article_13']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_13']['content1'] = 'On October 1, the world renowned auction house known as Bonhams returns to the BMW Museum for an exclusive single marque auction. The auction will feature BMW motorcycles, cars and BMW automobilia.
In this auction, 23 BMW motorcycles will go under the hammer at the stunning BMW Museum in Munich. From a magnificent 1925 R 32 to a modern classic 1992 K1, the motorcycles presented cover a large portion of BMW Motorrad history.

The R 32, the first BMW motorcycle, which was launched at the Berlin motor show in 1923, is sure to create worldwide buyer interest, as will the 1926 R 42 and the 1927 R 47. These three historic models are beautifully restored and are extremely sought-after examples of early BMW technical development.

Also in the catalogue is a 1970 ex-Georg Averbacher 500cc Rennsport outfit. This machine is an integral part of BMW’s unrivalled dominance of the World Sidecar Championship between 1954 and 1974 and is sure to attract a lot of attention.

Swiss engineer Fritz Egli – the world famous frame designer and motorcycle producer – has put his name to many desirable models. In 1994 the unique Egli-BMW K 1100 RS was built for a German BMW Motorrad dealer. It was the only one produced and it too will find a new owner at the Bonhams BMW auction.

Other notable motorcycles to be auctioned are a 1936 R 35 single, a 1928 R 62, a 1939 R 66, a very rare 1936 R 17 and a 1953 R 68 – the first 100 mph (160 km/h) production BMW motorcycle.

In 2009 the BMW Museum hosted Bonhams’ auction of the Willy Neutken’s collection – at the time the world’s largest private collection of BMW motorcycles. A packed audience of over 1,000 people gathered in the fabulous surroundings of the BMW Museum in Munich to witness a total sell-out auction of the Willy Neutken’s Collection and in that event an R 32 sold for a record price of over €100,000.

“That was a fantastic auction with the R 32 reaching a record price and many others very good figures. We are looking forward to this BMW auction with a deal of excitement. There are many beautiful examples up for auction and we are sure they will attract attention from around the world,” said Ben Walker, Bonhams’ motorcycle representative.

For more information on the forthcoming auction, visit www.bonhams.com.'; news['article_13']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_13']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/auction9112.jpg'; news['article_13']['image11_text'] = '1925 BMW R32'; news['article_13']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/auction9112.jpg'; news['article_13']['image12'] = '/us/en/promos/media/auction9111.jpg'; news['article_13']['image12_text'] = '1994 unique Egli-BMW K 1100 RS'; news['article_13']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/auction9111.jpg'; news['article_13']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_13']['content2'] = ''; news['article_13']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_13']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_13']['content3'] = ''; news['article_13']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[296] = 13; news['article_14'] = new Array(); news['article_14']['articleId'] = 295; news['article_14']['day'] = '27'; news['article_14']['month'] = '09'; news['article_14']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_14']['title'] = 'Second consecutive French Superbike Championship for BMW and S 1000 RR'; news['article_14']['link_text'] = 'Second consecutive French Superbike Championship for BMW and S 1000 RR'; news['article_14']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_14']['content1'] = 'There’s a new French Superbike Champion riding a BMW S 1000 RR after Sébastien Gimbert lifted the 2011 title in the final round of this year’s series at the Albi circuit in south-west France.

This is the second consecutive year that an RR rider has won the title after Gimbert’s team-mate Erwan Nigon won it for the first time in 2010. This season has been a constant battle between the two BMW Motorrad France team riders, who have shared 11 wins out of a possible 13 (Gimbert 7 and Nigon 4) and have never been out of the top three in the series.

Coming into this final round though, the 2011 championship was still in the balance, although it was only Sébastien or Erwan who were in with a shout of title glory. Gimbert arrived in Albi 29-points in front of his team-mate and 61 points ahead of third-placed Kawasaki rider Julien Da Costa.

With a maximum of 51 points available, Erwan Nigon did everything he could, including qualifying on pole position and winning the first race, but a technical problem just three laps into race two forced him into the pits and his hopes of retaining a second French Superbike title were dashed.

That said, having ridden conservatively in race one,

where he finished in second place, Gimbert really went for it in race two, setting the fastest lap time and eventually winning by more than four seconds over second-placed Julien Da Costa.

This result means that Gimbert finishes as clear victor for 2011 on 286 points, 48 in front of new vice champion Nigon, with Julien Da Costa another 27 points behind on 211.

“Everything went well right from the first practice, but I wasn’t able to relax and enjoy things for two reasons,” said Sébastien. “First of all, I wanted to win the title, but I also had one eye on the forthcoming Le Mans 24 Hours race, which is also incredibly important. I didn’t want to make any big mistakes that would put me out of contention for this event, not to mention the FSBK title itself!

“I was leading the first race, but I was desperate for Erwan to pass me so I could tuck behind him and follow him home, without risking anything. This worked well and I was happy to finish second. In race two, I got a reasonable start and moved into the lead past Da Costa. I had no idea what had happened to Erwan but the race seemed to last forever. It was great to get the win and eventually lift the title, and I’ll definitely be returning to defend it next year.”

After the victory celebrations, thoughts soon turned to Endurance racing and the forthcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans, which takes place on 24th and 25th September at the historic Bugatti racetrack in the north-west of France. The BMW Motorrad France 99 team is currently leading the Qtel FIM Endurance World Championship after a great performance at the 8 Hours of Suzuka last month.'; news['article_14']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_14']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/rrrwinfrance.jpg'; news['article_14']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/rrrwinfrance.jpg'; news['article_14']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_14']['content2'] = ''; news['article_14']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_14']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_14']['content3'] = ''; news['article_14']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[295] = 14; news['article_15'] = new Array(); news['article_15']['articleId'] = 293; news['article_15']['day'] = '19'; news['article_15']['month'] = '09'; news['article_15']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_15']['title'] = 'F 800 R wins French Road Rally Championship'; news['article_15']['link_text'] = 'F 800 R wins French Road Rally Championship'; news['article_15']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_15']['content1'] = 'Nicolas Derrien, riding the Panda Moto dealership BMW F 800 R has won the Road Rally Championship of France. The six-round Championship is staged on closed public roads and on racetracks around France and riders compete against the clock on a variety of special stages, having to negotiate the twisting and highly technical roads within the target time.

The multi-day rallies take in beautiful French countryside and are watched by large and enthusiastic crowds all along the route. Competition starts early in the morning and often runs well into the night, as special night stages are a popular feature. The bikes bristle with extra bright lighting that sets them apart from all other sports motorcycles. It is a test of riding ability as well as motorcycle reliability, with riders sometimes covering 1,000km under rally conditions.

There are various classes in the rallies that cater for everyone. As well as those going for the outright victory there are classes for classics, small-capacity machines and even motorcycles and sidecars. Taking off at set intervals there is always on-road action to keep the spectators enthralled.

Nicolas Derrien, riding the Panda Moto dealership’s F 800 R, was always in contention in the highly competitive series. In each rally Derrien rode the F 800 R magnificently and was always riding under pressure. One mistake in navigation or riding and the quest for championship victory would have been lost. In the end took the title by only two points from Julien Toniutti on a KTM. “It is a great result for Nicolas and the hard-working team at Panda Moto.

As well as being a very successful French BMW dealership we pride ourselves on being innovative enthusiasts. The F 800 R with its balance and power was perfect for Nicolas to show his riding talents,” said a very excited Jean-Luc Dupont, Dealer Principal of Panda Moto.

Nicolas Derrien and the F 800 R proved themselves against the best riders in this exciting and distinctive form of motor sport.'; news['article_15']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_15']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/F800R919.jpg'; news['article_15']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/F800R919.jpg'; news['article_15']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_15']['content2'] = ''; news['article_15']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_15']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_15']['content3'] = ''; news['article_15']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[293] = 15; news['article_16'] = new Array(); news['article_16']['articleId'] = 294; news['article_16']['day'] = '19'; news['article_16']['month'] = '09'; news['article_16']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_16']['title'] = 'Get with the STYLE'; news['article_16']['link_text'] = 'Get with the STYLE'; news['article_16']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_16']['content1'] = 'Motorcycle clothing has to serve many functions, from keeping the rider warm (or cool), dry, comfortable and protected against almost every eventuality. The fact that it also looks good is an added – and intentional – bonus.

As popular as BMW rider clothing is, the designers have also turned their talents to the leisure sector, creating a comprehensive range of lifestyle clothing and accessories to ensure that BMW Motorrad fans look as good off their motorcycles as on them!

Known under the ‘umbrella’ title of BMW Motorrad STYLE, this latest fan collection consists of an extensive range of jackets, long-sleeve shirts, T-shirts, belts, caps, as well as many other lifestyle products, such as wallets, pens and cups. Grouped into four BMW Motorrad STYLE segments: ‘Logo’, ‘Heritage’, ‘GS, and ‘DoubleR’, each collection is clearly defined by its own colour scheme.

The BMW Motorrad STYLE Logo collection will appeal to fans who like to show the BMW logo and wordmark, with emphasis on the characteristic brand colours of blue, black and white. From shirts and tops for women, to shirts, jackets and trousers for men, a multitude of accessories is also available, including caps, rucksacks, towels, umbrellas and even flags.

The BMW Motorrad STYLE Heritage collection will appeal to those who like classic BMW bikes and enjoy the brand’s rich history. The fashionable clothing and lifestyle products feature various motifs from a number of eras, as well as original advertising copy. The colours across the range are predominantly black, grey and Bordeaux, and a range of styles have been created in special cuts for men and women. All these clothing items can be accessorized with Heritage scarves, belts, neckerchiefs, leather wallets, key pouches and more.

For GS fans, a dedicated GS fan collection exists, with quality and toughness to match the legendary range of motorcycles. ‘GS Enduro’ lettering and the ‘Big Earth’ motif are recurring elements of the collection that includes hoodies, jackets, bodywarmers, shirts, caps, tubes, and much more.

The DoubleR collection gets its inspiration from the incredible S 1000 RR Supersports bike from which it gets its name. As you would expect, the primary colours in this collection are the same black, blue, white and red seen in the BMW Motorrad Motorsport Superbike World Championship team and the products include softshell jackets, T-shirts, caps, neck scarves, belts, key straps, pins and stickers.

This is just a small taster of what is available in the BMW Motorrad STYLE fan collection. There is so much more to see, as this year’s collection alone grew by more than 70 products. The best way to see the collection at your leisure is to visit your local BMW Motorrad dealership for a closer look.'; news['article_16']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_16']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/apparel919.jpg'; news['article_16']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/apparel919.jpg'; news['article_16']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_16']['content2'] = ''; news['article_16']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_16']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_16']['content3'] = ''; news['article_16']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[294] = 16; news['article_17'] = new Array(); news['article_17']['articleId'] = 291; news['article_17']['day'] = '13'; news['article_17']['month'] = '09'; news['article_17']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_17']['title'] = 'More awards for BMW K 1600 GT and GTL models'; news['article_17']['link_text'] = 'More awards for BMW K 1600 GT and GTL models'; news['article_17']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_17']['content1'] = 'In its first year on sale the formidable S 1000 RR won many awards from the motorcycle media worldwide for its technology, performance and sheer riding pleasure. Now it’s the turn of BMW Motorrad’s six-cylinder models – the K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL luxury tourers – to bask in the spotlight.

First it was American magazine Robb Report, which gave its ‘Best of the best 2011’ award to the K 1600 GT and GTL. Then US magazine Cycle World named the K 1600 GTL the “Best Touring Bike of 2011” and the K 1600 GT the “Best Sport-Touring Bike of 2011.” Then, US publication Motorcyclist chose the BMW K 1600 GT as the “Best Touring Bike”. Now, influential online magazine Motorcycle.com is the latest to publish its own ‘Best of 2011’ awards and the two BMW six-cylinder machines enjoy maximum success, winning ‘Motorcycle of the Year’, ‘Best Touring’, ‘Best Sport Tourer’ and ‘Best New Technology’ awards.

Since 1994, Motorcycle.com has been the definitive information resource for motorcycle enthusiasts around the world and is home to thousands of reviews and performance tests. Over two million motorcycle enthusiasts per month rely on the site for the latest information when shopping for a new bike.

The prestigious ‘Motorcycle of the Year’ award was shared by the BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL models, as the two inline six-cylinder machines have been unrivalled in their use of technology, their performance in the touring category and have also received universal praise for the development and use of an all-new six-cylinder engine.

Editors said: “BMW’s new K 1600 platform is nothing less than impressive, whether discussing its marvellous inline-six motor, its lengthy list of technologically advanced features, or its beguiling sporting performance for a comfy touring mount of its size. And, amazingly, the K 16’s underpinnings give it the ability to compete simultaneously with luxury-touring bikes and serious sporty tourers. The K16s are stunning, spectacular, appealing, capable and effective, easily earning a combined place as our Motorcycle of the Year.”

Winner of the ‘Best Touring’ machine was the K 1600 GTL, thanks to its combination of light weight and high horsepower, as well as the use of a multitude of advanced technological features that have breathed new life into the touring segment. Editors said: “With the introduction of the K 1600 GTL, BMW upped the ante and redefined what a touring bike can be. By equipping the K 1600 GTL with an awesome inline six-cylinder engine and keeping its weight relatively low, BMW set a new standard in the realm of plush touring bikes.”

The ‘Best Sport-Tourer’ accolade was awarded to the K 1600 GT, which editors described as “amazingly comfortable, yet startingly sporty... an exceptional sport-touring machine that, after just one ride, will have you scheming up a way to afford its $21k asking price”.

Having earned a Best New Technology award from the September issue of Motorcyclist magazine, the BMW Adaptive Headlight was also awarded top honours in the ‘Best New Technology’ category from Motorcycle.com. Putting an end to the problems associated with night-time riding, and allowing riders to not only see further, but be seen earlier by other road users, editors commented that: “BMW’s adaptive headlight isn’t just one of the best things to happen to conventional motorcycle light technology, it’s one of the best things in recent years to happen to motorcycling altogether.”

Runner-up in the ‘Best New Technology’ category was the BMW K 1600 GT/GTL Multi-Controller, which received an Honorable Mention as a one-stop device for operating all the menu options on the K 1600 Series on-board computer display, “allowing a rider to remain focussed on the road ahead rather than fiddling with a multitude of buttons and switches in the cockpit”.'; news['article_17']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_17']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/K161.jpg'; news['article_17']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/K161.jpg'; news['article_17']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_17']['content2'] = ''; news['article_17']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_17']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_17']['content3'] = ''; news['article_17']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[291] = 17; news['article_18'] = new Array(); news['article_18']['articleId'] = 292; news['article_18']['day'] = '13'; news['article_18']['month'] = '09'; news['article_18']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_18']['title'] = 'Riding two-up – GS style'; news['article_18']['link_text'] = 'Riding two-up – GS style'; news['article_18']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_18']['content1'] = 'Adventurers Pascal Bosshard and Arja Gullvik have journeyed round the world together, spending hours each day sharing the same motorcycle – their BMW R 1200 GS. But while some couples would have found so much time together tough to take, Pascal and Arja have seen their relationship go from strength to strength.

“Riding together on the same motorcycle for twelve straight months, spending 24 hours a day together we had nowhere to escape to, you can’t hide from confrontation and each challenge we had to deal with together,” says Pascal. “Through all of this we formed a special closeness in our relationship. Traveling creates many more opportunities to get to know each other in a shorter amount of time. You learn quickly what the other person is really like and how they react to different situations.

“Deciding to travel together was one of the easiest choices we ever made. We happily share a common personal outlook on life and making the decision to travel long-term was ultimately about time – our only real commodity.”

The twosome, based in Australia, decided to take a route to Europe via South-East Asia. But despite being blissfully happy together, both admit that there is a third ‘person’ in their partnership – their beloved motorcycle, whom they have named Francois.

“I tested many motorcycles until I found one that was truly confidence-inspiring and forgiving for an inexperienced off-road rider,” explains Pascal. “When I found Francois, who hadn’t a name at that time, he was the demo model at our local BMW dealership in Sydney. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up and thus the deal was made. We christened him Francois, as we toasted with a bottle of Château St François white wine in his honor.”

“Now, Francois is definitely a part of us. After almost 65,000kms around the world, and through 25 countries, he has been exceptionally reliable given everything we’ve thrown at him. He coped fine with Cambodian dust tracks, over rugged rocky Nepalese mountain passes, through deep river crossings in India, in sand-storms in Pakistan, and on all kinds of roads imaginable.”

The trio’s trip has taken them from below sea level to altitudes of more than 5,600m, and from temperatures ranging from -10°C to 47°C. Their adventures have also incorporated a few frightening moments – there were occasions in both India and Cambodia where they had to dodge head-on collisions. Another time, in the Nepalese mountains, a combination of a steep uphill gradient, hairpin bends, rocks and a deeply-grooved track led to them almost losing control. In Thailand, Pascal suffered a bee sting and his whole arm swelled up so much that using the clutch was nearly impossible.

“One of the hardest things about riding two-up is knowing that I have the responsibility for both of us,” says Pascal. “We do think about what it would be like to travel on separate bikes,” he adds, “But financially and logistically it would be more complicated. Arja doesn’t have a motorcycle licence and isn’t physically able to ride Francois. The R 1200 GS is just too big and tall for her. She’s shown interest in gaining her motorcycle license but for the moment at least we are content with our mode of travel: riding two-up.”
'; news['article_18']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_18']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/twoup1.jpg'; news['article_18']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/twoup1.jpg'; news['article_18']['image12'] = '/us/en/promos/media/twoup2.jpg'; news['article_18']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/twoup2.jpg'; news['article_18']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_18']['content2'] = ''; news['article_18']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_18']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_18']['content3'] = ''; news['article_18']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[292] = 18; news['article_19'] = new Array(); news['article_19']['articleId'] = 290; news['article_19']['day'] = '22'; news['article_19']['month'] = '08'; news['article_19']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_19']['title'] = 'BMW S 1000 RR Takes First World Championship Lead'; news['article_19']['link_text'] = 'BMW S 1000 RR takes first world championship lead'; news['article_19']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_19']['content1'] = 'Team BMW Motorrad France 99 has snatched the top spot in the FIM Endurance World Championship standings after a top-class performance at Japan’s prestigious Suzuka eight-hour race. The amazing achievement marks the first time the S 1000 RR has taken the lead in a world championship. The team was already in a great position, after taking a podium in the first race of the season, the 24-hour Bol d\'Or in Magny-Cours, France. They followed up the win with another victory at the eight-hour race in Albacete, Spain.

The team’s position at the top of the table was secured at the endurance classic in Suzuka, when French riders Erwan Nigon and Sébastien Gimbert, and Australian Damien Cudlin managed to secure fourth place. The race is held in particularly high esteem within the Endurance World Championship, as it attracts a large number of Japanese riders and teams on full factory bikes. This makes it particularly challenging for regular starters to finish anywhere inside the top ten. The three BMW Motorrad teammates made it through the entire race at Suzuka without ever dropping outside the top six, and were the only EWC regulars able to match the Japanese factory teams.

Erwan Nigon says: “The bike was perfect, the tyres were efficient, the race strategy was a good one, my teammates were fast and we finished fourth, so it was a perfect weekend! I\'ve always loved this circuit but I love it even more now! We had no technical problems during the race, really pushed hard to keep fourth place and I\'m happy to secure this result for BMW Motorrad France, who trusted in me for two
years. We are now leading the Endurance World Championship, but have to work hard to prepare for the 24-Hour Le Mans.”

“It\'s the first time I have had such a good result at Suzuka,” adds Sébastien Gimbert. “Everything went well for us: Michelin brought a good tyre choice; we made some changes on the bike that improved the set-up; and my teammates were as fast and consistent as always. It was a perfect result, but what’s important for us is that we are now top of the Endurance World Championship standings. The team is well organised and can approach Le Mans with confidence.”

Damian Cudlin says the team’s position is a ‘just reward’ for their hard work. “I got a good start and was immediately battling in the top six. It was important for me to do a good first stint, without any mistakes, to set us up for the rest of the race. I made up some places, eventually getting involved in the battle for fourth position.

“We all pushed really hard for this fourth place, with the aim being to build a lead over the fifth-placed Honda RT Sakurai team in the closing stages. Once we managed this, it was just a case of staying consistent all the way to the chequered flag. I\'m really happy with the result; it was a hard race in hot conditions and to leave as world championship leaders is just reward for all the hard work that\'s gone into this season from the team, Michelin and BMW Motorrad.”

Marcel Driessen, Director BMW Motorrad France, adds: “This is an unbelievable result for BMW. To take fourth place on our debut at Suzuka is incredible enough, but to also take the lead in the World Championship standings is simply fantastic. The team has done a great job with the RR this season, but we cannot rest on our laurels. We need to continue to work on the bike, to ensure we have the most competitive package possible for our home race at Le Mans and the season finale in Qatar.

Congratulations to the team and our riders on leading the championship, and let\'s hope we can maintain this position until the end of the season.”

The next round of the FIM Endurance World Championship is the Le Mans 24 Hours, in France, on 24-25 September, where Team BMW Motorrad France will start with a six point lead in the championship.'; news['article_19']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_19']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/French991.jpg'; news['article_19']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/French991.jpg'; news['article_19']['image12'] = '/us/en/promos/media/French992.jpg'; news['article_19']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/French992.jpg'; news['article_19']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_19']['content2'] = ''; news['article_19']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_19']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_19']['content3'] = ''; news['article_19']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[290] = 19; news['article_20'] = new Array(); news['article_20']['articleId'] = 289; news['article_20']['day'] = '18'; news['article_20']['month'] = '08'; news['article_20']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_20']['title'] = 'Meet the ‘Slugger’ – turbo boxer extraordinaire'; news['article_20']['link_text'] = 'Meet the ‘Slugger’'; news['article_20']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_20']['content1'] = 'Just imagine... over 200 horsepower at the rear wheel and a higher torque figure than the formidable six-cylinder K 1600 GT. This is no ordinary boxer – it’s a turbo-charged special known as the ‘Slugger’, created by Swedish custom bike builder Stellan Egeland.

In a discipline traditionally dominated by American V-twin motorcycles, Stellan came to the attention of many custom fans – including those in the BMW community – several years ago when he created a project bike known as the ‘Harrier’, loosely based on the BMW R 1200 S. This bike took second place in the European bike building championship and went on to enter the world championship of custom bike building in Sturgis, USA.

The Harrier was sold to an enthusiast in California and is now in a showroom in Beverly Hills, but Stellan missed riding it so much, he decided to start building a simpler version of the Harrier. But, as is often the case with custom bike builders, he got carried away and an even more radical project started taking shape. Finding spare time is not easy for a guy who works from 7am to 11pm most days, but after five months and a total of 854 hours of painstakingly detailed work in his spare time, the ‘Slugger’ was finished.

It looks like no other motorcycle. Stellan chooses BMWs to customise in the first place purely because he likes the look of the boxer engine. He makes no design sketches as he is able to visualise exactly what the finished product will be. The Slugger looks huge, but a lot of care has been taken to keep the weight down, such as grinding away any excess material from the turbo and using titanium wherever possible, like on the exhaust. As such, the Slugger only weighs 173 kg dry, or 190 kg with a full tank of fuel.

When he sits on the bike, the weight distribution is exactly 50/50 front to rear. The fuel tank is located under the seat and a pressure pipe from the turbo (in the form of an oval aluminium tube) can now be seen where the tank used to sit. There is a carbon-fibre scoop used to direct air to the intercooler, which is located just in front of the seat, under the scoop. All the milled parts are supplied by Swedish performance parts specialists ISR, who have made the special hub steering system and all the brake parts. Another Swedish company – Őhlins – has supplied the suspension. As is usually the case in the bike building world, hardly anything has been left standard – just the rear wheel and transmission in this case!

For Stellan, this high-tech, futuristic machine is designed to be ridden, not just looked at: “My intention with the Slugger was primarily power, but I also like the look of technology and tubing all over the place, so the turbo got to be a big part of the design. As for performance, we’ve seen 202 hp at the rear wheel at 7,050 rpm, but even more useful is the torque. From 5,000 to 8,000 rpm, we get around 200Nm at the rear wheel, and that is really fun to use when you ride it. The acceleration is impressive and it pulls extremely hard, no matter what speed you are running at. I don’t know what the top speed of the Slugger is, but I guess that it wouldn’t take too long before you hit the rev limit, or blow off the back of the bike, since it is naked!”

Despite all the trick components, its base is still an HP2 Sport, and as anyone who has ever ridden BMW Motorrad’s finest ever sports boxer will testify, handling and road-holding are everything – something which is important to Stellan too.'; news['article_20']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_20']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/slugger1.JPG'; news['article_20']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/slugger1.JPG'; news['article_20']['image12'] = '/us/en/promos/media/slugger2.JPG'; news['article_20']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/slugger2.JPG'; news['article_20']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_20']['content2'] = ''; news['article_20']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_20']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_20']['content3'] = ''; news['article_20']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[289] = 20; news['article_21'] = new Array(); news['article_21']['articleId'] = 288; news['article_21']['day'] = '18'; news['article_21']['month'] = '08'; news['article_21']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_21']['title'] = 'BMW Custom Motorcycles – a look at the other side'; news['article_21']['link_text'] = 'BMW Custom Motorcycles'; news['article_21']['subtitle1'] = 'BMW motorcycle culture has flourished and developed over the last 88 years. Owners almost always become lifelong enthusiasts and develop a special relationship with their bikes and the BMW brand.

As BMW Motorrad has expanded into new market segments, it has been able to offer a comprehensive range of dynamic models to suit all tastes and riding styles. In doing so, it has opened up the doors for many new customers, many of whom are only discovering the brand for the first time. A good example of this is the launch of the class-leading S 1000 RR superbike. Whereas before BMW Motorrad’s adventuring touring credentials were perhaps best known among non-owners, it is now a new breed of sports riders who have been venturing inside BMW Motorrad dealerships for the first time and been discovering how the brand’s class-leading technology has transferred successfully to both the track and the road in the RR.

BMW riders have always enjoyed personalising their motorcycles, giving them a distinctive look or a touch of practicality to suit a particular rider’s needs. There are, however, a much smaller but equally enthusiastic group of riders who are focused on the world of Choppers, Cruisers, Bobbers, Trikes and even Quads – and some of these have been captured in a new book entitled ‘BMW Custom Motorcycles’.

Their ‘secret’ world has now been brought to light by New Zealander author and BMW aficionado Uli Cloesen in his 123-page high-quality colour hardback book, which covers the full range of possibilities for those who enjoy practising this interesting motorcycle art form. From stylised home-built R 25/3 singles to stunning production-built quads from Grueter & Gut in Switzerland, the book is packed full of memorable BMW ‘specials’.

The book also includes BMW choppers inspired from the American ‘Easy Rider’ culture to the more modernist European ‘Harrier’ produced in Sweden by renowned bike builder Stellan Egland. There is also the Spanish D 1200 R of Carlos Beltram and Pablo Gonzalez de Chaves, as well as minimalist Bobbers created from R 75/5 machines. Amalgams of pre and post WW11 machines are also looked at with technical notes from their builders included.

In 1997 BMW Motorrad entered the important Cruiser market with the
R 1200 C, a unique Cruiser with a distinctive BMW look and feel. It opened the marque up to a large group of riders who in turn took to further modification. These models are covered, as is the Lo Rider concept that was shown at EICMA in 2008. This bike was put out there to gauge public reaction, which was amazingly positive. Perhaps we may see it – or a version of it – in the future as BMW Motorrad further expands its model portfolio?

The new book is a look at a side of BMW motorcycles that in the past has been neglected. With beautiful photographs from around the world BMW Custom Motorcycles for the first time fills this gap. For custom owners and builders it will inspire further creation and for others it is simply a glimpse into an unknown world.

BMW Custom Motorcycles (ISBN 978-1-845843-25-0) is published by Veloce and is available at good bookstores and all the usual online retail outlets.
'; news['article_21']['content1'] = ''; news['article_21']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_21']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/bcm1.jpg'; news['article_21']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/bcm1.jpg'; news['article_21']['image12'] = '/us/en/promos/media/bcm2.jpg'; news['article_21']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/bcm2.jpg'; news['article_21']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_21']['content2'] = ''; news['article_21']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_21']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_21']['content3'] = ''; news['article_21']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[288] = 21; news['article_22'] = new Array(); news['article_22']['articleId'] = 287; news['article_22']['day'] = '25'; news['article_22']['month'] = '07'; news['article_22']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_22']['title'] = 'A Polar GS Adventure for Michael Martin'; news['article_22']['link_text'] = 'A Polar GS Adventure'; news['article_22']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_22']['content1'] = 'Scaring away polar bears and leaving a stationary motorcycle running for hours at a time to beat engine failure were all part of the adventure on Michael Martin’s latest trip. The explorer is known for visiting the world’s deserts and capturing stunning photographs. But on his latest journey, he tackled a different kind of barren landscape – Canada’s frozen Northern Territories and the North Pole. The German native, who has spent much of his life travelling the world on BMW GS motorcycles, faced temperatures of -48°C and treacherous ice roads.

Michael admitted that the sub-zero climate was much tougher to cope with than the hot and arid conditions he’s used to, saying: “Riding in the snow is a problem. It’s very difficult to ride out there, I can’t recommend it – the ground is very slippery and it’s just so cold. I much prefer the heat of the deserts.”

The trips formed part of Michael’s latest project, Planet Desert, which will see him take a total of 40 journeys to deserts all around the globe. Almost all of the expeditions will be undertaken on his faithful R 1200 GS Adventure, although it was not possible to take the motorcycle to the North Pole. “But I rode on nearly every other trip,” he says. “I love the freedom and the flexibility it gives me and the GS allows me to be very close to the people and the landscape. Plus, I have more fun!”

The coldest temperatures that Michael and his bike faced were while he was riding Canada’s ice roads, over the Mackenzie River. “Because it was so cold – always between -45 and -48°C – the problem was getting the bike to start. Once it was going it was very reliable and worked great, but no battery in the world would start in those temperatures. This meant that when you stopped riding the bike you kept the motor running, even if it was for three or four hours. The truck drivers out there are familiar with the problem and they never switch their engines off.”

Despite having to cope with such extreme conditions, Michael said he is enjoying his latest expeditions. “One of the highlights is the wildlife; I’ve seen many polar bears, narwhals and seals. The polar bears are fearless. They come to the camp and you have to scare them away by making lots of noise. The problem was that they were really curious about us and I was quite nervous because they are known to be very vicious animals.”

Michael’s other high spot has been exploring the North Pole itself: “the landscape was so impressive”, while the ice roads and unbearable cold were low points. He wore heated clothes and underwear as well as polar-style outerwear to try and keep warm, but during the nights was protected by just a tent, and sometimes even slept outside in a sleeping bag.

The research and exploration for Planet Desert will take Michael until 2014 and he is already preparing to leave for his next adventure. The explorer took time off to go to BMW Motorrad Days, in Garmish-Partenkirchen from 1-3 July, where he gave presentations on his voyages to the deserts of America and Africa. But he had little time to relax after the event: “Later this month, I am headed to Russia. I am looking forward to it and I feel I am prepared – I have been travelling for so long and have so much experience that I do not really need to prepare.”
'; news['article_22']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_22']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/arctic4001a.jpg'; news['article_22']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/arctic4001a.jpg'; news['article_22']['image12'] = '/us/en/promos/media/arctic4001.jpg'; news['article_22']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/arctic4001.jpg'; news['article_22']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_22']['content2'] = ''; news['article_22']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_22']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_22']['content3'] = ''; news['article_22']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[287] = 22; news['article_23'] = new Array(); news['article_23']['articleId'] = 285; news['article_23']['day'] = '14'; news['article_23']['month'] = '07'; news['article_23']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_23']['title'] = 'German Festivities at the MOA International Rally'; news['article_23']['link_text'] = 'German Festivities at the MOA International Rally'; news['article_23']['subtitle1'] = 'Join BMW Motorcycles\' Oktoberfest in July Party
Friday, July 22. The Fun Starts at 5:00 PM.
Food, Drinks and Music.
Entertainment by the Famous German Event Band \"Blechblos\'n\"
'; news['article_23']['content1'] = 'We are bringing Bavarian-style rally festivities to this year\'s MOA Interational Rally in Bloomsburg, PA. You are all welcome, whether you ride a BMW or not, to drop by our tent for the Oktoberfest in July party. Come for the traditional German food, drinks and entertainment. The event is open to all and rally registration not required to attend Oktoberfest in July.

We have an amazing treat for you. We have invited a very famous event band from Germany called \"Blechblos\'n\" to join us for the first time in the USA. This madcap eight-person group is quite possibly the hottest rally band you will ever see and is one of the biggest draws at the Oktoberfest in Munich as well as outdoor festivals all over Europe. The fabulous \"Blechblos\'n\" concert attendance is free. Tickets for our Oktoberfest in July dinner will be sold at the BMW demo truck starting at 9 AM Thursday, July 21 to 4 PM Friday, July 22. See you at the MOA Rally in Bloomsburg, PA.
'; news['article_23']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_23']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/banner722.jpg'; news['article_23']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/banner722.jpg'; news['article_23']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_23']['content2'] = ''; news['article_23']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_23']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_23']['content3'] = ''; news['article_23']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[285] = 23; news['article_24'] = new Array(); news['article_24']['articleId'] = 286; news['article_24']['day'] = '14'; news['article_24']['month'] = '07'; news['article_24']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_24']['title'] = 'BMW Motorrad USA Seminars '; news['article_24']['link_text'] = 'BMW Seminars at the MOA Int\'l Rally'; news['article_24']['subtitle1'] = 'At the 2011 BMW MOA International Rally'; news['article_24']['content1'] = 'THURSDAY, July 21

>> 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
BMW Riders\' Apparel and Lifestyle
Presenter: Laurence Kuykendall
Room: Horticulture

>> 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
BMW K 1600 Series - Complete Overview
Presenter: Sergio Carvajal
Room: Agriculture


FRIDAY, July 22

>> 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM
Understanding BMW\'s
New Communication Choices
Presenter: Frank Stevens
Room: Industrial Exhibits, Upstairs Room

>> 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
BMW Riders\' Apparel
and Lifestyle
Presenter: Laurence Kuykendall
Room: Freedom Hall

>> 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Multimedia History of the K Bikes –
From K 100 to K 1300S & K 1600 GTL
Presenter: Shahram Shiva
Room: Industrial Exhibits, Upstairs Room


SATURDAY, July 23

>> 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM
The Future of BMW Motorcycles
with Pieter de Waal
Presenter: Pieter de Waal
Room: Industrial Exhibits, Upstairs Room

>> 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
The Year of the RR – The Backstory on S1000 RR\'s Incredible World Dominance
Presenter: Laurence Kuykendall
Room: Horticulture

>> 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM
BMW K 1600 Series - Complete Overview
Presenter: Sergio Carvajal
Room: Agriculture
'; news['article_24']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_24']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_24']['content2'] = ''; news['article_24']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_24']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_24']['content3'] = ''; news['article_24']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[286] = 24; news['article_25'] = new Array(); news['article_25']['articleId'] = 283; news['article_25']['day'] = '27'; news['article_25']['month'] = '06'; news['article_25']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_25']['title'] = 'BMW Motorrad USA High Mileage Program'; news['article_25']['link_text'] = 'Do the Distance and Get the Award'; news['article_25']['subtitle1'] = 'Do the Distance and Get the Award'; news['article_25']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorcycles are the first choice for serious long-distance riders. Whether the riders blaze their own paths traversing the globe on GS bikes or riding paved scenic roads across the USA, Europe, Asia or Africa on boxer-twin, four-cylinder or six-cylinder touring machines, the blue and white BMW roundel is the only marque they trust.

To celebrate, support and acknowledge these riders who put hundreds of thousands of miles on BMW bikes, BMW Motorrad USA has been offering a special high mileage recognition award program for over 30 years. Any rider, through a dealership, that can prove they have been riding BMW bikes for 100,000 miles (160,000 kilometers) or more, will receive a medallion and a certificate.

This High Mileage Award draws its inspiration from a similar program first initiated by BMW in Germany back in 1929. Inspired by the original German award scheme, the US initiative first began with Butler and Smith, who imported BMW bikes to the USA from the early 1950s to 1980. When BMW North America took over the US motorcycles division in October 1980, a dedicated High Mileage Program was launched soon after and has been in operation ever since.

In the beginning 100,000 miles was quite an achievement, but BMW riders are an ambitious lot and before long, there were some famous ‘Million-Mile’ recipients. In 1998 Joseph A. Bensusen became the first BMW enthusiast to achieve the 1,000,000-mile award with 1,381,660 miles (2,223,566 kilometers) ridden on BMW Motorcycles.

In 1999 David Swisher also reached the 1,000,000-mile (1,600,000 kilometers) award. Since then there have been seven others in the million-mile club in the USA: Ray Randolph and Dave McQueeney in 2001; Richard Schwatlow in 2003; Raymond Gilbert in 2005; John Hermann and Lyle Grimes in 2006; Paul Mihalka and Ken McHugh in 2007; and Robert E Higdon in 2008.

In 2006 David Swisher received the first ever 1,300,000 miles award, but then went on to beat his new record within just one year and in 2007 grabbed another first – the 1,400,000 miles (2,253,081 kilometers) award. A year later, Dave McQueeney succeeded in doing 1,400,000 miles as well.

The USA High Mileage Award is a dealer-based program, as the distance traveled needs to be verified by dealers in line with machine history and service schedules. The re-launched award package itself includes a medallion in die cast metal showing the mileage achieved, plus a high quality certificate in a premium frame, a metal bike emblem to place on the motorcycle and a covering letter.

Currently BMW Motorrad USA receives about 200 High Mileage Award requests a year, but with the launch of the new six-cylinder K 1600 GT and GTL touring machines, it is expecting this number to greatly increase in the next years as more and more riders discover just how easy and how much fun it is to go further and faster on BMW bikes.

To learn more about the High Mileage Program, please contact your dealer.

'; news['article_25']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_25']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/hm1.jpg'; news['article_25']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/hm1a.jpg'; news['article_25']['image12'] = '/us/en/promos/media/hm2.jpg'; news['article_25']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/hm2.jpg'; news['article_25']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_25']['content2'] = ''; news['article_25']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_25']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_25']['content3'] = ''; news['article_25']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[283] = 25; news['article_26'] = new Array(); news['article_26']['articleId'] = 284; news['article_26']['day'] = '27'; news['article_26']['month'] = '06'; news['article_26']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_26']['title'] = 'High Performance and High Mileage'; news['article_26']['link_text'] = 'High Performance and High Mileage'; news['article_26']['subtitle1'] = '100,000 Performance Miles'; news['article_26']['content1'] = 'It’s not only BMW GS and RT riders that cover enormous distances on their motorcycles, K Series riders do too. Shahram Shiva is a huge fan of K Series BMW bikes and has just received his 100,000 miles (160,000 km) High Mileage Award from BMW Motorrad USA.

The award is given to those who have ridden 100,000 miles or more on their own BMW bikes. Shiva put 10,000 miles on a K 1100 RS, before trading it for a K 1200 RS which he still owns and has ridden over 75,000 miles on so far. When he saw a Lava Orange Metallic K 1300 S, he knew he had to have it and this latest addition to his collection has already been ridden more than 15,000 miles to date. Shiva explains his enduring love of the powerful, four-cylinder K series BMWs.

What is it particularly about the K series BMWs that appeals to you?
I consider the K-S to be the ultimate motorcycle. What most of us K-S fans love about our bikes is that they are extremely fast, stable sport bikes that can also do long distances and handle bad weather with ease. The BMW K 1300 S is unique as a sport bike because it matches great power (175hp) with ESA II, heated grips, an alternative front suspension that not only prevents the bike from nose-diving every time you hit the front brakes, but also assists in holding the line so beautifully while cornering.

What made you buy the K 1300 S?
I consider the K 1300 S to be truly a ‘do-it-all’ monster that does everything so very well. It\'s my track bike, street fighter, genuine sport bike, commuter, luxury tourer, head-turner, and best of all an extremely fast road bike with excellent ergonomics. Unlike the great S 1000 RR with various power modes and an engine that comes alive above 7,000 rpm, the K 1300 S is all power all the time. With its massive 103 lb/ft of torque it’s also really lively to ride on the streets. Unlike a typical litre-class sports bike where the fun starts at the racetrack at very high rpm, on the K 1300 S you can feel the rush with the rev-happy, torquey engine on the street.

Do you modify your bikes or leave them as standard?
I have two K bikes and both are highly customised. The first is a 1999 K 1200 RS triple black that I have a weird emotional attachment to. It’s called ‘Nandi’ and it now has 75,000 miles. Nandi is modified in both looks and performance. All the touring bits were removed from the bike and the bars are at the original low/sport position. It has a custom BMW Black Sapphire paint job with most of the aluminium parts, including the rims, powder-coated in black. It has a performance chip and air filter plus a full Remus exhaust. Nandi has been the star of one of my websites (www.K12RS.com) for nearly 10 years.

I also have a 2009 K 1300 S in Lava Orange Metallic that I have named ‘Orange Power’. It has also been modified to be as light and fast as possible. All the black plastic pieces have been swapped with BMW HP carbon fibre parts and the parts that BMW currently doesn’t offer in carbon, are fitted from the German company www.ilmberger-carbon.de. I have two favourite accessories on the bike, the BMW MotoGP LCD 2D branded dash, and BMW’s sport silencer by Akrapovic that’s really stunning. ‘Orange Power’ is the polar opposite of ‘Nandi’; ‘Nandi’ is stealthy and understated – you can call it a ‘sleeper’ – but ‘Orange Power’ grabs attention everywhere I go.

What is the response to BMW bikes in the USA?
Surprisingly good. The US motorcycle market in the past few years, especially since the stock market meltdown of 2008, contracted by about 50%, meaning that in 2010, US two-wheel buyers bought about 50% less bikes than in 2007. However, if you focus only on US BMW motorcycles sales, you’ll notice that they totally bucked the trend in both volume and market share. This is really unprecedented and a sure sign of riders’ trust in the brand, but it also has to do with BMW’s hot new model range. '; news['article_26']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_26']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/ss1a.jpg'; news['article_26']['image11_text'] = 'Shiva’s 2009 K 1300 S is called ‘Orange Power’'; news['article_26']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/ss1a.jpg'; news['article_26']['image12'] = '/us/en/promos/media/ss2a.jpg'; news['article_26']['image12_text'] = 'Shiva\'s 1999 K 1200 RS is called ‘Nandi’'; news['article_26']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/ss2a.jpg'; news['article_26']['image13'] = '/us/en/promos/media/ss3a.jpg'; news['article_26']['image13_text'] = 'Shiva’s K 1300 S was recently featured in a fashion shoot in New York City'; news['article_26']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/ss3a.jpg'; news['article_26']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_26']['content2'] = ''; news['article_26']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_26']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_26']['content3'] = ''; news['article_26']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[284] = 26; news['article_27'] = new Array(); news['article_27']['articleId'] = 282; news['article_27']['day'] = '18'; news['article_27']['month'] = '06'; news['article_27']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_27']['title'] = 'Forty-thousand kilometers down, ten thousand to go...'; news['article_27']['link_text'] = 'Forty-thousand kilometers down'; news['article_27']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_27']['content1'] = 'After months on the road a team of motorcyclists are finally beginning the last leg of an epic journey. Having already conquered Europe, Africa, South and Central America, the riders from across the world have just navigated their way through Australia and are now bound for the most challenging part of their adventure – Asia.

Led by Welsh motorbike expedition company Globebusters, this latest Antipodean stretch included a collision with a kangaroo, travel fatigue and seemingly endless stretches of unchanging terrain. But the BMW Motorrad machines that almost all the travellers are using have continued to perform amazingly well. “It’s been a demanding journey so far,” says Kevin Sanders, Globebusters expedition leader. “The bikes have done about 40,000 km in the past six months, 12,000 kms of which were in Australia. When the bikes arrived in Sydney, they all went to Procycles BMW. The team there worked on Good Friday to ensure we could leave on Saturday morning. That’s dedication for you!”

Australia is the fourth of five sections of the trip. It began in Europe in November 2010, then moved to Africa, followed by South and Central America. The explorers are riding a mix of R 1200 GS Adventure, R 1150 GS Adventure, F 800 GS and F 650 GS bikes. While all have done well, Kevin says the clear stars are the bigger GS models. “In my mind there’s no doubt that a R 1200 GS Adventure is the bike to go for, if you are planning your ‘once in a lifetime’ trip. I’ve travelled on them constantly since the mid-nineties and I’ve never had one of my bikes fail on me. They are just fantastic, proven machines.”

While parts of Australia proved hard going, Kevin says nothing could detract from the beauty of Uluru, also known as Ayres Rock. “On our second night we rode out to watch the sun set at Uluru. I think we all found it a magical experience. There is truly something about that place that is in another dimension, you cannot help but feel a moment of calm and serenity as the sun slowly lights the rock different shades of red, pink, gold, and orange. Many of the ancient aboriginal sites have an aura about them which is hard to describe.”

The veteran traveller was joined by wife Julia, with whom he runs Globebusters, throughout Australia. The pair had spent many weeks apart while Julia took care of the logistical side of the epic trip from the couple’s office in the UK. “Julia coming out to join us was a personal highlight for me,” says Kevin. “There were a number of highlights of the country itself – I think the emptiness of it all was just mind-blowing. On leaving Sydney, we had the most stunning riding. The Great Alpine Way and the ride across the Snowy Mountains through Kosciuszko National Park was as good as any roads I have had the pleasure to ride.”

One of the more unnerving moments of the journey came when one rider hit and killed a kangaroo. The animals are a frequent hazard on the country’s outback roads. “Luckily, although the bike and rider crashed, it was only minor damage to both, but it was a wake-up call to everyone who had been pushing the speeds on the isolated roads,” says Kevin.

Some of the long distances also tested the group, as they covered up to 725 km per day during the most gruelling sections. But problems were few and far between, and despite the intense emotions associated with such a long trip, the riders have remained on good terms throughout.

“We’re still all speaking to each other, which in itself is a bit of a feat,” jokes Kevin. “We have a multi-national team here, German, Austrian, Italian, America, Canadian, British and it’s interesting to see the different character traits of each nationality. We all do have a very individual sense of humour. But I think that is what keeps the interest and camaraderie going – try explaining Cockney rhyming slang to the Americans or getting some of the Germans to have a full ‘English / Australian’ breakfast of bacon and eggs – it’s very funny, but we all get '; news['article_27']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_27']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/40K1.jpg'; news['article_27']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/40K1.jpg'; news['article_27']['image12'] = '/us/en/promos/media/40K2.jpg'; news['article_27']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/40K2.jpg'; news['article_27']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_27']['content2'] = ''; news['article_27']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_27']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_27']['content3'] = ''; news['article_27']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[282] = 27; news['article_28'] = new Array(); news['article_28']['articleId'] = 281; news['article_28']['day'] = '17'; news['article_28']['month'] = '05'; news['article_28']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_28']['title'] = 'BMW Motorrad Communication System'; news['article_28']['link_text'] = 'BMW Motorrad Communication System'; news['article_28']['subtitle1'] = 'Enjoy a more connected riding experience'; news['article_28']['content1'] = 'The roar of the engine and the sound of the wind rushing by are an integral part of the motorcycle experience. We don’t want to change that experience – we just want to make it even better. For example, background noise can often make communications difficult, but with the BMW Motorrad communication system, that simply isn’t an issue any more. The key is its location: the device is actually fitted to the inside of the helmet, and so the shell absorbs almost all the external noise. Riders are connected in a variety of ways, with the system allowing them to talk directly to their passenger, take calls, and listen to music, all while GPS guides them safely to their destination. And all without having to take their eyes off the road for a second. Discover it for yourself: the BMW Motorrad communication system adds a whole new dimension to riding safety and excitement.

>> Function

Easy operation for maximum safety and practicality.
All the functions of the BMW Motorrad communication system can be accessed via three buttons on the left-hand side of the helmet. As such, it is exceptionally easy to operate and increases rider safety.
The system must be fitted by a dealer initially, but once installed, users can easily pair it with whatever devices they wish.

Bluetooth® technology for wireless communications.
All the cabling required for the BMW Motorrad communication system is built into the kit that fits the Schubert C3 and C3W helmets. Data is transmitted wirelessly via Bluetooth, for maximum freedom of movement and practicality. This also means the system is fully compatible with the BMW Motorrad Navigator lll, lll plus and lll plus 2008, the BMW Motorrad ZUMO, and most Bluetooth-enabled.

>> Technical Data

Weight: approx. 5.29 ounces (150 g)
Maximum connections: 3 per headset
Range: 33 feet (10 m)
Range with reduced sound quality: approx. 100 - 328 feet (30 -100 m)
Transmitting power: up to 2.5 mW
Battery life: approx. 10 -12 hrs
Operating conditions (temperature/humidity): 14°F to 158°F (-10°C to +70°C/max.) 90% (non-condensing)
Waterproof rating: very good/IXP6
Bluetooth standard: 2.0
Bluetooth profile: A2DP, HSP, HFP
Helmet: System:


>> BMW Communication System
$411 (plus sales tax where applicable)
'; news['article_28']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_28']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/vis_comm_data.jpg'; news['article_28']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/vis_comm_data.jpg'; news['article_28']['image12'] = '/us/en/promos/media/vis_comm_function.jpg'; news['article_28']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/vis_comm_function.jpg'; news['article_28']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_28']['content2'] = ''; news['article_28']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_28']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_28']['content3'] = ''; news['article_28']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[281] = 28; news['article_29'] = new Array(); news['article_29']['articleId'] = 279; news['article_29']['day'] = '03'; news['article_29']['month'] = '05'; news['article_29']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_29']['title'] = 'BMW HP Carbon Fiber Parts & Accessories'; news['article_29']['link_text'] = 'BMW HP Carbon Fiber Parts & Accessories'; news['article_29']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_29']['content1'] = 'Exotic, expensive and undeniably cool, carbon fiber products not only look great but they are becoming increasingly available on the current range of BMW motorcycles. Once the preserve of expensive supercars and Formula One teams, owners of high-performance BMW bikes such as the S 1000 RR, K 1300 S and K 1300 R now have access to a range of high-tech carbon parts, specifically designed to make their motorcycles stand out from the crowd.

For the RR, a wide-range of carbon fibre High Performance parts have been designed so that owners can customise their own machines and give them an even more sporty and exclusive look. Naturally, the HP carbon parts weigh less than the standard items they are designed to replace, but as the RR is one of the lightest machines in its class, weight reduction certainly won’t be the main reason why riders buy these special accessories!

Simply put, carbon fiber looks fantastic, as the composite material’s woven panels are clear to see and offer a significant visual enhancement over the standard item. There is a wide choice of parts available, opening up enormous potential for owners to individualize their RR. These include: HP Carbon front wheel cover; rear wheel cover; badge carrier; tank cover; tail-hump cover; chain guard; heel guard; and engine spoiler.

BMW Motorrad is the only manufacturer to offer its carbon parts with a high-quality, three-coat, high-gloss paint finish, which is UV-resistant and offers outstanding impact resistance and protection against discoloration. All parts come with fitting instructions and can be easily installed by owners.

It’s not just RR owners that have access to these exclusive carbon parts though... Thanks to a combination of in-house technical expertise and a desire to offer the highest levels of quality and customization, owners of the K 1300 R and K 1300 S can also choose from a wide range of carbon fiber add-ons for their machines. These include (for the R) a sports screen; clutch cover; engine spoiler; front wheel cover; seat cover and heat protector for the silencer. K 1300 S owners can opt for an HP carbon tank cover, airbox cover and heat protector for the silencer.

Of course, this composite material is not just pleasing to the eye, it’s incredibly strong, yet flexible and lightweight, which is why you’ll also see it on certain BMW sports cars such as the high-performance M3 and M6 models that use carbon fiber roofs to offer substantial weight savings over the standard items.

As well as the obvious synergy with its automotive division, BMW Motorrad has several highly skilled experts in carbon fiber structures, who are involved in the development process right from the beginning of the design phase of each individual component. The result is extremely high quality parts for your motorcycle with exceptional engineering levels. Just how far you go to personalize your machine is entirely up to you...

Please visit this link to see the range of exclusive BMW Motorrad HP carbon-mounted parts: http://www3.catoya.com/asp/_1123/flash
.'; news['article_29']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_29']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/carbon1.jpg'; news['article_29']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/carbon1.jpg'; news['article_29']['image12'] = '/us/en/promos/media/carbon2.jpg'; news['article_29']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/carbon2.jpg'; news['article_29']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_29']['content2'] = ''; news['article_29']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_29']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_29']['content3'] = ''; news['article_29']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[279] = 29; news['article_30'] = new Array(); news['article_30']['articleId'] = 278; news['article_30']['day'] = '07'; news['article_30']['month'] = '04'; news['article_30']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_30']['title'] = 'Guinness World Record for F 800 GS brothers'; news['article_30']['link_text'] = 'Guinness World Record for F 800 GS brothers'; news['article_30']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_30']['content1'] = 'Two Canadian brothers have set a world record for their 18,000km journey around China on BMW motorcycles. Originally from Toronto, Colin and Ryan Pyle completed their epic motorcycle journey when they returned back to their starting point of Shanghai on Sunday October 17th, 2010, after 65 days on the road circumnavigating China on their BMW F 800 GS machines. Their journey was a unique one, as they have become the first riders to fully circumnavigate China by motorcycle in one single journey.

On March 9th, the two brothers received confirmation by the Guinness World Records organisation that they had indeed set a world record for their motorcycle journey around China. According to the Guinness World Records, the name of the record they received was for the “Longest Journey by Motorcycle in a Single Country”.

Ryan and Colin join fellow GS riders Kevin and Julia Sanders, who also hold world records in endurance motorcycling. In 2002, Kevin and Julia smashed the Guinness World Record for the Fastest Circumnavigation of the World by Motorcycle, taking 12 ½ days off the previous record. They averaged 1,000 miles a day on the bike and rode 19,461 miles in 19½ days. Their second World Record is \"The Trans-Americas by Motorcycle\" and is the ultimate endurance motorbike ride through North, Central and South America, covering almost 27,200 kilometres (17,000 miles) of tough riding, rugged terrain and extreme weather conditions. Kevin and Julia smashed the previous record of 47½ days, completing the ride in just 35 days.

\"It’s an honour to be recognized by Guinness World Records for what was 65 of the most exhilarating, exhausting, and rewarding, days of my life,” said Ryan, who has spent the last decade in China building a career as a documentary photographer. “We have taken our BMW motorcycles through the toughest terrain in the world, and we’re alive to tell the story! On October 17th 2010, some 65 days after we departed, Colin and I rolled back in to Shanghai exhausted and unsure of how the outside world would react to our trip; so it was great to learn that the fine people at the Guinness World Records office were pretty impressed by our journey – so much so that Colin and I are now officially Guinness World Record holders!”

During their remarkable 17,674km odyssey the brothers encountered some of the most intense changes in culture, weather, altitude and terrain that exist in the world. They tackled heavy rains, flooding, landslides, freak hailstorms, extreme altitude (above 5,000m/16,000ft), sand, gravel, thousands of kilometres of road construction and even bureaucratic and military interference.

Colin and Ryan intend to produce both a documentary film and a written book (entitled The Middle Kingdom Ride) on their experiences in China, which have been far from regular. They plan to showcase much of China’s change and development from factory to farm, and the film will help put China on display by exploring the visual and cultural wonders of this amazing place, with its massive population, crowded cities, abundant minorities and stunning natural landscape.

As any long-distance motorcyclist will know, if you open yourself up to the experiences of adventure travelling, the chances are that your journey will prove to be colourful and dramatic, intense and fulfilling, with moments of danger, humour, sadness and gratification along the way, but it will be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do, according to Ryan.

“When Colin and I began this journey of ours last March there were more questions than answers. How would we circumnavigate China? Is it even possible? What bikes would we use? Would the traffic in China be the end of us? Obviously Colin and I are over the moon to have been awarded a Guinness World Record for the most kilometres completed in a single country, in a continuous journey and without backtracking and repetition. It is an amazing recognition of what was a most insane journey.”'; news['article_30']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_30']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/guiness1.jpg'; news['article_30']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/guiness1.jpg'; news['article_30']['image12'] = '/us/en/promos/media/GuinnessCertificate.jpg'; news['article_30']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/GuinnessCertificate.jpg'; news['article_30']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_30']['content2'] = ''; news['article_30']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_30']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_30']['content3'] = ''; news['article_30']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[278] = 30; news['article_31'] = new Array(); news['article_31']['articleId'] = 277; news['article_31']['day'] = '22'; news['article_31']['month'] = '02'; news['article_31']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_31']['title'] = 'The Life of Leon Haslam'; news['article_31']['link_text'] = 'The Life of Leon Haslam'; news['article_31']['subtitle1'] = 'BMW World Superbike Racer'; news['article_31']['content1'] = 'Preparations for the start of the 2011 Superbike World Championship are gathering steam, with the BMW Motorrad Motorsport factory team riders concluding several days of testing at Eastern Creek and Phillip Island circuits. With only around three weeks until the first round of the 2011 WSBK series, new signing Leon Haslam speaks exclusively to BMW Motorrad about entering the most exciting year of his career to date

>>How’s life as a married man?
It’s pretty much the same really. We went away to Sweden for the wedding which was amazing, it was really relaxing and remote and we just chilled out. We both wanted a winter wedding and as we enjoy our winter sports, we did some snowboarding as well. For the honeymoon we went out to Borneo and again that was incredible. During the off season it’s just nice to get away and recuperate ready for the start of the new WSBK season. The wedding and the honeymoon allowed me to relax and recharge my batteries.

>>You’ve followed the development of the S 1000 RR closely over the past two years. Do you feel that it is truly competitive now?
For me the RR is a proven package. It’s the best selling bike from last year, it’s been winning championships and races all round the globe and in stock trim you will struggle to find a better package. On a racing level, the bike has only been developed over the last two years, but the potential is undoubtedly huge with this motorcycle. Last year both Troy and Ruben were competitive, pushing machinery and manufacturers who have been developing and racing for decades. I think it would be a lie for anyone to say they weren’t impressed by the job BMW did last year.

>>Are you surprised at the speed of the learning curve?
We are playing catch-up in some respects, purely down to the limited amount of racing experience we have as a manufacturer in WSBK, but the experience and expertise of the BMW family across the entire brand indicates that this team has a huge amount to bring to this championship. There is no doubt that I am riding for the Championship this year – it would be an insult to BMW to say that I wasn’t, and an insult to myself. It’s a really exciting project to be part of and testing already indicates that I can do the times I was doing last year on the Suzuki. I still feel we have a lot more to come in order to push the bike forward before the first race at Phillip Island.

>>The rider that secures BMW Motorrad its first WSBK victory will be immortalised in the brand’s history. How much of an incentive is that for you?
I just want to win races. I am with a team that wants to win races and we are pushing on every level to make that a reality. BMW has always been associated with success and prides itself on the machinery it supplies across all sectors. This team has a definite winning mentality and that can only be good for me. I am not thinking about the first win, I am thinking about winning every race we enter. As a racer I am in this sport to win and I came to BMW because they have the ambition and resource to make that possible.

>>Have you been able to form an early impression from testing of how good the RR is yet?
Yes. It was obvious from the first time I met the team and rode the bike that we have a great motorcycle in the RR. There is so much we can try and so many parts being developed, to the point where every time I step on the bike I have the ability to try something new. That’s a great feeling because you cannot afford to stand still for a minute in this game and every test so far we have been quicker. We spend a lot of time running through information and identifying areas of improvement but you have to do that with a new motorcycle because you are constantly finding new areas to work on.

>>So your confidence is high at this point then?
I am confident that when we pull everything together at Phillip Island for that first round we will have an exceptional package. The key aspect with this package for me is that we do a lot our development in-house which means that things are done in days rather than weeks and the development curve is a lot steeper than our rivals. We have a great stock motorcycle to work from – one which is only a few seconds off the actual Superbike at certain circuits – so we know we have a superb package to work with.

>>Is the RR a totally different package to the Suzuki?
With Suzuki we really hit the ground running, we had a good package which was right at the top of its development cycle from the first race of 2010. For the first few rounds we had one of the strongest motorcycles on the grid, but everyone soon developed their machines and progressed ahead of us as the season went on. We just couldn’t see a way to develop the Suzuki any further – the package just wasn’t evolving at the rate of the other leading machines on the grid. What we had at the first race was pretty much the same package we ended the year on.

>>Things must seem different now?
Here with BMW we could do a three-day test and every day I could have the opportunity to try something new, all in an aid to develop and that can only be good for me. I am really enthusiastic about the rate of development here and that’s what wins races and world titles. I think we can really challenge from the first race of the season and improve the machine with every race. That in itself is a great feeling. There are seven manufactures all pushing for the title next year – all proven race winners – so we have a tough job ahead of us but one which we are more than capable of.

>>Is there a lot you feel you can still learn from an experienced racer like Corser?
Troy has got the bike to where it is now, there is no doubt about that, so yes I think I have already learned a lot from Troy. I think he will be a good source of information as the year rolls on. Personally I think the strongest thing for me and the team now are the new ideas coming to the table. We have new team personnel this year, new mechanics, my chief engineer Giacomo has joined me from Suzuki and he has a lot of ideas already. It’s easy to forget that only Troy and Ruben have raced the BMW at this level and the team only have their feedback to go on when it comes to racing. Another benefit and good source of information will come from James Toseland, Aryton Badovini and the BMW Motorrad Italia team stepping into the series this year. The team is undoubtedly strong, they will have access to all the parts and materials we do, they are all new to the bike and will have some good ideas to work with. I’m sure they can benefit us as well. Ayrton has shown his ability to make the BMW work at a stock level, winning 9 out of 10 races last year. James’ pedigree speaks for itself. He is a two-time world champion at this level and has recent MotoGP experience so he knows how to develop machinery. I think collectively BMW have a great stable of riders this year and a good blend of qualities to develop the machine.

With the first round of the 2011 WSBK series literally within touching distance, we bring you part two of our exclusive interview with new BMW Motorrad Motorsport rider Leon Haslam, who is looking forward to the most exciting year of his career to date

>>How much pressure do you feel, knowing that there are now four BMWs on the grid, rather than two?
From my point of view the level of pressure is no different. BMW have put together a great team of riders so the competition to be the best BMW will be hot for sure. Out of our four riders we have four World Superbike titles, and a Superstock Cup title so the competition is going to be fierce! The BMW Italia team is not inferior to ourselves either; they have good machinery and a high level of support from the factory. I am not going to feel like we have underachieved if they do beat us on occasions. The key thing for everyone is to develop the S 1000 RR and now we have four capable riders who can do that. Personally I will be trying to beat the person or be the person who is leading the race. That’s all I am concerned about and if I do that then I don’t need to worry about anything else.

>>Your dad has a reputation from working on development programmes as a racer, what are his thoughts on the S 1000 RR?
My dad loves riding; he still rides on his race school and loves riding trials bikes. He has a wealth of experience from riding so many different machines and has a reputation for being one of the best development riders in the world. He has the inept ability to relay what he is feeling on the bike into words and subsequently in actions to get what he wants. I know he’s my dad but he is one of the only people I know who has such a keen eye for settings and development. His opinion is something I really value. For example he can go out and watch from trackside and then come to me after a session and totally reiterate what I was feeling from what he saw. His feedback completely lines up with everything that both Troy and I are saying and that can only be a good thing.

>>What were your impressions of the Motorland Aragon circuit that you’ll be racing at in June?
It’s a great track. We didn’t have the best of tests as we were having issues with the tyres but the circuit was good. That said, we ended the test only 0.2 seconds off the time of Biaggi and given the issues we had that was a good result. Biaggi has been riding the Aprilia throughout 2010 and obviously won the championship, so to be so close to him was a good feeling. I am definitely looking forward to racing there because I know our package will be a lot stronger by that point (WSBK visits Aragon on 19 June).

>>It’s great for you to have two rounds in the UK. Are you looking forwards to returning to Donington again?
It’s fantastic. Racing in England is a great occasion for the British fans and for me, so I can’t wait to be back racing at Donington. The weather conditions in the UK are not always great but it’s only 20 minutes from my house and I have a lot of support in that area. I know the track like the back of my hand so I really am looking forward to being there. It’s got to be better for me than racing at another Italian circuit in Biaggi’s ‘back yard’, so that will hopefully help in my title quest this year.

>>You’re a keen off-road fan. Have you tried any of the BMW G 450 X or Husqvarna models yet?
I just picked a G 450 X up recently and I have been running it in on the field at home. It’s unbelievable actually, it really surprised me by how much power it has and the usability of it. I am definitely going to have a few fun days on that for sure. I have always loved riding off road and I can’t wait to get this bike run in and then really see what it can do.

>>There are more RRs in the British Championship this year. Just how good do you think the production bike is?
As a stock bike it has really wiped the floor with the competition, it has won championships across the globe and been the weapon of choice for many on the racing scene. The bike has a great reputation in the UK, especially having won the British Superstock championship with Jon Kirkham and the BSB-EVO championship with Steve Brogan. As a road bike it’s great, it’s one of the most powerful on the market, it has loads of electronic aids and technologies to benefit the rider and it has definitely raised the bar in terms of the competition for other manufacturers.

>>Are you learning German or is everyone speaking English in the team?
I was over in Germany for a couple of weeks before Christmas doing the training camp and we did have German lessons there. I am also spending a lot of my time in Italy at the moment as well so I am learning Italian as well. I have got to admit it’s all a little bit confusing at the moment learning both languages and distinguishing between the two. Still I am quite lucky in the fact that the team speaks good English. This year BMW has taken on two new mechanics on my side of the garage who are English so we have a nice blend of nationalities. Whether it’s Italian, German or English, everyone understands racing and gets on really well so the language barrier won’t be a problem I’m sure.'; news['article_31']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_31']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/Leon1.jpg'; news['article_31']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/Leon1.jpg'; news['article_31']['image12'] = '/us/en/promos/media/Leon2.jpg'; news['article_31']['image12_text'] = 'Leon Haslam (L) with Troy Corser'; news['article_31']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/Leon2.jpg'; news['article_31']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_31']['content2'] = ''; news['article_31']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_31']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_31']['content3'] = ''; news['article_31']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[277] = 31; news['article_32'] = new Array(); news['article_32']['articleId'] = 276; news['article_32']['day'] = '14'; news['article_32']['month'] = '02'; news['article_32']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_32']['title'] = 'K1600 Series Pricing'; news['article_32']['link_text'] = 'K1600 Series Pricing'; news['article_32']['subtitle1'] = 'K 1600 GTL MSRP $23,200. K 1600 GT MSRP $20,900'; news['article_32']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorrad USA has announced pricing for the highly anticipated 2012 model year K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL tourers. The K 1600 GT will have a base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $20,900; while the K 1600 GTL will have a base MSRP of $23,200. (Additional destination charge of $495 is not included in MSRP). Both new models will be available for purchase through authorized BMW Motorrad USA dealers this Spring.

Both Base models come equipped with:

• Xenon headlight with dynamic leveling
• Heated seat
• Heated grips
• Cruise control
• Multifunction display, on-board computer and multi-controller
• Integral ABS
• Luggage rack
• E-Gas throttle with three power modes
• White LED turn signals
• Power adjustable windshield

The Base Model K 1600 GTL also includes:

• Bluetooth
• Audio system with tuner, Sirius satellite radio with one-year complimentary subscription, iPod/USB integration, 3.5mm Aux input, GPS preparation
• Top case in body color
• Comfort backrest for top case
• Comfort windshield
• Comfort footrests
• Chrome body kit

The Standard Package – only offered on the K 1600 GT – will have a MSRP of $23,045 and will include:

• Preparation for GPS
• ESA II (Electronic suspension adjustment II)
• Safety package (Xenon adaptive headlight, dynamic traction control, tire pressure monitor)

The Premium Package – available on both models – will be offered at an MSRP of $24,540 for the K 1600 GT and $25,845 for the K 1600 GTL.

Premium package equipment for the K 1600 GT includes:

• Audio system with tuner, Sirius satellite radio with one-year complimentary subscription, iPod/USB integration, 3.5mm Aux input, GPS preparation
• Safety package (Xenon adaptive headlight, dynamic traction control, tire pressure monitor)
• GT Luxury Package – ESA II, power central locking system, anti-theft alarm

Premium package equipment for the K 1600 GTL includes:

• Safety package (Xenon adaptive headlight, dynamic traction control, tire pressure monitor)
• GTL Luxury Package – LED fog lights, ESA II, power central locking system, anti-theft alarm

Color options for the K 1600 GT are light grey metallic and vermillion red metallic. Color options for the K 1600 GTL are royal blue metallic and mineral silver metallic.

New Benchmarks for Grand Touring Motorcycles

The 2012 BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL have set a new benchmark for grand touring motorcycles by offering the world’s most advanced technology available on two wheels. These innovations include:

• The world’s lightest and most compact six-cylinder engine on a production motorcycle. At 226 lbs (including clutch, gearbox and alternator) and less than 22 inches wide, the six-cylinder engine in the K 1600 models is comparable in size to four-cylinder power plants.
• The world’s first Xenon adaptive headlight on a motorcycle. Innovative electronics automatically compensate for the lean angle around corners and ensure the beam of the headlight is always directed at the road ahead.
• The world’s most advanced audio and communications system on a motorcycle.
Bluetooth for wireless communication, Sirius satellite radio with a complimentary 12-month subscription, integration for iPod, USB stick and auxiliary input, AM/FM tuner, pre-wired for Navigator 4.
• A multi-controller on the left-hand grip, which allows riders to operate the motorcycle’s systems and adjust its settings without taking their hands off the bars.

Pre-Sale Program to End February 28

Due to extraordinary customer response, the K 1600 GT/GTL pre-sale program will end February 28 to enable BMW Motorrad retailers to fulfill pre-orders in a timely manner.

“The positive response to our pre-sale program speaks volumes about the reputation of our dealers and the strong confidence consumers have in BMW’s technology and quality,” commented Todd Andersen, Marketing Manager, BMW Motorrad USA.'; news['article_32']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_32']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/K16400.jpg'; news['article_32']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/K16400.jpg'; news['article_32']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_32']['content2'] = ''; news['article_32']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_32']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_32']['content3'] = ''; news['article_32']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[276] = 32; news['article_33'] = new Array(); news['article_33']['articleId'] = 272; news['article_33']['day'] = '25'; news['article_33']['month'] = '01'; news['article_33']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_33']['title'] = 'BMW S 1000 RR voted International Bike of the Year'; news['article_33']['link_text'] = 'S 1000 RR voted International Bike of the Year'; news['article_33']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_33']['content1'] = 'The S 1000 RR has won the International Bike of the Year (IBOTY) award for 2010. The 26th edition of the prestigious annual competition awarded top honours to BMW Motorrad’s Superbike, marking yet another significant achievement in its short history in the marketplace.

The annual International Bike of the Year award is particularly special because it has been in existence since 1985 and is truly an international award, voted for by some of the most influential people in the business – motorcycle journalists themselves. The jury of the International Bike of the Year 10/11 was composed of 14 members representing leading motorcycle magazines from all over the world. The voting process is simple: each editor chooses their three favourite motorcycles, the first choice gets five points, the second gets three points and the third bike gets one point. The motorcycle with the most points wins.

In this year’s IBOTY, the RR was literally streets ahead of its rivals, winning the competition with 57 points, 24 ahead of its nearest rival (Ducati Multistrada 1200 S) on 33 points, with the Honda VFR 1200 and Yamaha XTZ1200 Super Ténéré tying for third place on 9 points each.

The jury of the IBOTY described the RR as “A bike that combines a technological breakthrough with remarkable performance and everyday usability. This bike performs as well on the racetrack as it does on the open road. With the new S 1000 RR, BMW has written a new chapter in the history of production bikes: this is the very first bike to so convincingly integrate electronics that improve riding pleasure and safety in equal measures.”

The IBOTY award crowns a tremendous year for BMW Motorrad’s RR that has included accolades from motorcycle magazines worldwide, as well as race wins and even championships secured in many race series across the globe. It has also been an extraordinary sales success story, with 10,209 units delivered to customers in its first full year of marketing. That makes it the fourth most popular BMW model, behind the two R 1200 GS variants and the R 1200 RT touring machine. Interestingly, more than 90% of RR customers opt for the innovative Race ABS and the dynamic traction control (DTC) system, showing that performance and safety are high on the list of priorities for sports bike riders.

The Belgian magazine MotorWerled, together with 14 other bike magazines chose the RR as their best bike of the year. These magazines included: Australian Motorcycle News; PS Magazin (Germany); Moto Magazine (Greece); Moto Motor Magazine (Israel); Autocar India; Superwheels (Italy); Auto Door (Japan), KicXstart (The Netherlands); Bike (Scandinavia); MotoSI (Slovenia); La Moto (Spain); Bike (UK); and Cycle World (USA).

It’s the third time BMW Motorrad has won the IBOTY award (the last time was in 2004 with the BMW R 1200 GS) and it was presented on the occasion of the press day of the European Motor Show in Brussels on 14 January, where Thierry Sarasyn, chief editor of MotorWerled handed over the award to Philipp von Sahr, President & CEO of BMW Group Belux.

International Bike of the Year 2010:

1. BMW S 1000 RR - 57 pts
2. Ducati Multistrada 1200 S - 33 pts.
3. Honda VFR 1200F DCT / Yamaha XTZ1200 Super Ténéré - 9 pts.
4. Aprilia RSV4 APRC - 8 pts.
5. Kawasaki Z1000 / MV Agusta Brutale 1090 RR - 4 pts.
6. Kawasaki 1400GTR - 2 pts.

IBOTY roll of honour

’10 – ’11 BMW S 1000 RR
’04 – ’05 BMW R 1200 GS
’93 – ’94 BMW R 1100 RS
'; news['article_33']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_33']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/RRWins1.jpg'; news['article_33']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/RRWins1.jpg'; news['article_33']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_33']['content2'] = ''; news['article_33']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_33']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_33']['content3'] = ''; news['article_33']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[272] = 33; news['article_34'] = new Array(); news['article_34']['articleId'] = 273; news['article_34']['day'] = '25'; news['article_34']['month'] = '01'; news['article_34']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_34']['title'] = 'BMW K1300S Wins RIDE Magazine\'s RIDER POWER Award'; news['article_34']['link_text'] = 'BMW K1300S Wins RIDE Magazine\'s RIDER POWER Award'; news['article_34']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_34']['content1'] = 'BMW K1300S voted Britain\'s number one bike out of the top 100 bikes by RIDE Magazine.

Quotes from RIDE:

\"If the K1200S was good, the subtly revised and updated K1300S is better. A little more power, slightly smoother, a slightly more sophisticated Electronic Suspension Adjustment setup, all the small improvements introduced in 2009 add up to a bike that’s substantially better overall.\"

\"Of course, the main attraction is the belting motor. It’s a prodigious beast that delivers. Significant acceleration at any time, in any gear, really flying when it’s spinning above 7000rpm.\"

\"But the appeal of the K1300S is how easy it makes rapid real-world speeds.\"

\"It’s not a cheap bike when adding extras such as ESA II, traction control, ABS, heated grips, luggage, quickshifter, onboard computer, and BMW Nav. But it’s worth it.\"

\"There are some used bikes out there, but many of owners are hanging onto them. After all, when a bike’s this good, why would you part with it?\"

Ride Explains the RIDER POWER Award:

\"The unmissable 32-page RiDER Power report as Britain\'s most important survey of motorcycle owners reveals the best bikes on the road in 2010. RiDER Power reveals the bikes you rated as the most reliable, cheapest to run and easiest to maintain, as well as the most comfortable, more powerful and best handling.\"
'; news['article_34']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_34']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/K1300SwinsRide.jpg'; news['article_34']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/K1300SwinsRide.jpg'; news['article_34']['image12'] = '/us/en/promos/media/K1300SwinsRide1.jpg'; news['article_34']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/K1300SwinsRide1.jpg'; news['article_34']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_34']['content2'] = ''; news['article_34']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_34']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_34']['content3'] = ''; news['article_34']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[273] = 34; news['article_35'] = new Array(); news['article_35']['articleId'] = 274; news['article_35']['day'] = '25'; news['article_35']['month'] = '01'; news['article_35']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_35']['title'] = 'A Dakar to remember'; news['article_35']['link_text'] = 'A Dakar to remember'; news['article_35']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_35']['content1'] = 'It’s the hardest race in the world, but after more than 9,500 km of action, spread over 13 Stages across South America, the Dakar 2011 is finally over. Just to finish this arduous and machine-destroying rally is a remarkable achievement, and that’s exactly what is being celebrated by all the BMW riders that took on the challenge of this legendary motorsport event that began and finished in Buenos Aires.

Following ten months of preparation and two weeks of the hardest racing imaginable, two riders from ‘Team BMW Motorrad by speedbrain’ arrived at the finish line of the Dakar 2011 and in doing so reached their first milestone in the young history of the squad.

In the end, a top 15 finish on the BMW G 450 RR rally bike for Dutch rider Frans Verhoeven and a 30th placing for Portuguese rider Pedro Bianchi Prata are creditable achievements but don’t even begin to tell the full story. Anyone who takes a closer look at the race statistics will notice that both team and bikes were fully competitive – it’s just that Lady Luck wasn’t kind to the Bavarian newcomers.

In reality, the recent Dakar turned out to be a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows for the young team. The first setback came back in October, when new signing David Fretigne crashed during a test race and wasn’t able to fully recover in time for the start of the rally.

Brazilian rider Ze Helio deputised for injured rally ace Fretigne and posted some impressive early Dakar results, including finishing the first Stage in eighth place (and one of three BMW riders in the top ten) even though he hadn’t ridden the G 450 RR since last August. Cheered on by the local fans, Ze Helio finished Stage three in sixth position, moving up to fifth place in the overall classification. Unfortunately, the likeable Brazilian’s Dakar effort came to a premature end just 50 kilometres into Stage 6, from Iquique to Arica, when he crashed and broke his collarbone.

There was another truly heroic effort from Portuguese rider Paulo Goncalves, who started the 2011 Dakar incredibly strongly, with a top five finish on the first special Stage and a podium finish on the challenging sandy and stony third Stage, which promoted him to fourth in the overall standings.

Then, on the fifth and very demanding Stage of Dakar 2011 Gonvalves took a convincing victory aboard the speedbrain-developed BMW G 450 RR and landed the first Dakar Stage victory for BMW in 10 years. His team-mate Frans Verhoeven missed second place by just one second, nearly making it a ‘one-two’ for the team.

However, on Stage 6 – the same Stage where Ze Helio broke his collarbone – Goncalves suffered from electrical problems all day which cost him many hours of vital racing time and put him right down in the rankings. Two days later – during Stage eight from Antofagasta to Copiapo – things got even worse for the young Portuguese rider while riding through a highly dangerous part of the Stage littered with hidden stones called ‘Fesch Fesch’. Having gained ground following his electrical problems and actually leading the Stage after 50 kilometres, Goncalves hit one of these hidden stones and when he tried to pick himself up, he recognised a heavy pain in his shoulder. Sure enough, it was another broken collarbone and the race was over for him.

In the very same Stage, and just a few kilometres down the road, his team-mate Frans Verhoeven crashed. Although he wasn’t injured, he did hit a stone quite hard, resulting in a hole to his engine case. Pedro Bianchi Prata (the third rider in the team) stopped and helped, so he lost valuable time as well. Following the lengthy repair, Verhoeven got going again, but it cost him nearly five hours – effectively ending his title hopes there and then.

However, Verhoeven is a tough character – both mentally and physically – and his never-give-up attitude was clear on Stage 9 when he finished a 235 km Special around Copiapo in second place, scoring his best result of the rally so far. With many riders struggling in the big dunes with navigation problems, Verhoeven found the conditions to his liking and put in a commanding performance on the BMW rally bike.

A navigational error on Stage 10 left the Dutchman in 12th place on the day and 22nd overall, so the hope of a top 15 finish seemed a long way off. However, a seventh place finish on Stages 11 and 12 were followed up with a super-strong performance on Stage 13 from Cordoba to Buenos Aires. Verhoeven lived up to his intentions and took the Stage victory for the team!

It was a fitting end for the new team, after all the blood, sweat and tears of 9,000 kilometres of racing across the South American Continent – and Verhoeven was delighted to claim the second Stage victory, saying that he “entered the day determined to post a top result for the team. The bike worked awesome and made this win possible.\"

Pedro Biancho also said farewell to the Dakar 2011 with a satisfying result, finishing in the top 30 among over 90 riders who actually made it to the finish of this marathon event. This final Stage marked a forgiving end for the team, and emphasised how competitive the speedbrain-developed BMW G 450 RR really is.

This was a view shared by team principal Wolfgang Fischer, who acknowledged Verhoeven and Goncalves’ heroics in recording a Stage win each, plus three additional podium finishes.

“Altogether our team riders recorded 17 finishes inside the top ten, which is a solid foundation from which to build,” he commented. “The 14-man crew of riders, mechanics and helpers came from seven different nations and worked very well together. Everyone was fully concentrated on his job, there was a positive never-give-up attitude and a strong team spirit. We’re fully motivated and will keep working hard to achieve good results in this year’s FIM Rally World Championship. I’d like to thank all our sponsors and partners, first of all BMW and Monster Energy, for their vote of confidence and support. Our injured riders Paulo Goncalves, Ze Helio and David Fretigne are recovering well and will soon be ready to get on the gas again.”

Privateer BMW G 450 X rider Simon Pavey finished the 2011 Dakar Rally in 70th place overall, and third in the ‘Malles Moto’ class, claiming his sixth finishers medal (five on BMW bikes). Despite many days of bad luck, hardship and a serious crash, Simon never threw in the towel. We’ll bring you his story next week.

For more information on this year\'s Dakar effort and the BMW G 450 RR-based rally bike, please visit www.speedbrain-rally.com.'; news['article_35']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_35']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/dakar11-1.jpg'; news['article_35']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/dakar11-1.jpg'; news['article_35']['image12'] = '/us/en/promos/media/dakar11-2.jpg'; news['article_35']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/dakar11-2.jpg'; news['article_35']['image13'] = '/us/en/promos/media/dakar11-3.jpg'; news['article_35']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/dakar11-3.jpg'; news['article_35']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_35']['content2'] = ''; news['article_35']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_35']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_35']['content3'] = ''; news['article_35']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[274] = 35; news['article_36'] = new Array(); news['article_36']['articleId'] = 271; news['article_36']['day'] = '20'; news['article_36']['month'] = '01'; news['article_36']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_36']['title'] = 'Concept C - Designed for Commuting'; news['article_36']['link_text'] = 'Designed for Commuting'; news['article_36']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_36']['content1'] = 'Ever since it was unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, the BMW Motorrad Concept C has shown powered two-wheeler fans that it’s possible for a big scooter to look desirable and sporty without losing any of its legendary functionality. The success of this design study has delighted many within BMW Motorrad, as it prepares to enter yet another new market segment. In an exclusive interview, Vice President of Design David Robb explains how the Concept C came to be.

It’s a beautiful looking machine. You must be pleased at the initial reaction from the show visitors, enthusiast forums and world’s media?
Yes, it’s been very nice. BMW as a group has been looking at different forms of individual transportation and we’ve seen people moving out of larger cars and onto two wheels. Our question was how can we bring the BMW values into a segment that we haven’t been in before and make them immediately visible?

It must have seemed like a real challenge to breathe new life into the scooter segment, but how confident was the team that the Concept C would be so well received?
I’ll be really candid here. In the very beginning I was concerned. We looked at the product brief and I couldn’t really see what it was about this product that would be a BMW. Usually we have a ‘clean sheet’ and we come up with things that are technically unique, that solve some kind of problem, offer some kind of functionality or make the experience unique. At the very beginning the brief that we had didn’t offer that – truly, I didn’t see it – it wasn’t there.

So, what did you do?
The big challenge was with everybody involved – engineers, marketing and our designers. How do you take a familiar package and turn it into a product that exudes what BMW is about? For us it was always going to be a big scooter – a substantial vehicle in the class – but if you have a look at the other scooters in the segment, they have a very upright look, their front sides are very vertical, the colours go down, underneath your legs and behind the seat. We wanted to break the familiar pattern that people have become used to, so when you look at the Concept C you can really see that it has a BMW ‘feel’ to it.

How was the futuristic look achieved?
There was a very comic-book feeling to some of the design sketches, which was intentional, to set a mood. The word ‘scooter’ makes you think of something functional, like a shopping cart, and we didn’t want that. We wanted a vehicle in this class that you can look at and go ‘wow, that’s cool, I’d buy one of those’. That’s the point, this segment can be exciting. Certainly there’s a rational side to it which people want, but that doesn’t mean that it should be boring or unexciting or dull.

It certainly has presence – the lines scream Superbike rather than scooter?
It’s definitely a Superbike kind of stance. If you would go out on the road and saw this thing coming up behind you, you’d think it was a big motorcycle. Stop at a traffic light and up comes this big scooter. You not talking cheap or flimsy – it’s pretty substantial and that’s not a bad thing.

Yep, it looks good enough to put the smiles back into the daily commute?
It’s nice that you say that. Like I said at the beginning I couldn’t see that values that we have in our marquee transferring to this segment, because we hadn’t taken that trip yet. When we talk about how sporting our products should be, how much excitement they should offer, at the very beginning you can have excitement in the city – it doesn’t need to be dull, so it’s great when you look at the bike and it makes you smile – that’s exactly what we hoped for.

There’s no denying that it also looks fast?
That’s intentional. When you see the bike on its own, it appears to be somewhat large, but when you see someone sit on it, all of a sudden you realise that it’s quite compact. We took a look at what is currently on the market, learned what we could and then decided to take things a bit further. It’s very comfortable though, and also offers great weather protection.

How many of the design-led features could stay in the series production models?
The Concept C was built to show the idea of what BMW could imagine a commuter for the city to be – and it’s not a production bike of course, just a design study. However, we’ve been open about that fact that there will be two production models – based on what you see – although they won’t be as ‘off the wall’, with LED headlights, blue tyres and video cameras! We won’t have that in production, but when the production vehicles do come out, you will definitely recognise where they came from.

Do you think some of these features could become commonplace in the future?
LED light technology will be coming, but not in the next couple of years, and not without a price. The interesting thing about the video cameras isn’t a technical issue, it’s actually a legal issue. The law says you have to have a way of looking behind you, regardless of what happens, so if a video camera fails and you can’t see behind you, the law says that’s not legal. At the moment, if you break a mirror, you go to the nearest dealer and have a new mirror put on. If your electrical system dies, what do you do? Do you have a flip-out mirror and then have to pay for the cost of both?

What about the cool blue tyres?
Blue tyres are interesting. I remember when I was a kid, you could buy coloured tyres for your cycle, which was fashionable for a while until you discovered that they really didn’t grip that well! The point is that it’s a show bike, and it’s there to show what’s possible, how far you can go, and to get people talking. Who knows, if enough people talk about it, then maybe you could get a tyre manufacturer interested? But at the moment the technology of compounds is very sophisticated.

How was the amazing paint finish achieved?
At great expense! What you see is a very difficult, very sensitive type of paint finish that has a number of coats. It takes an extraordinary painter to do it – it’s almost like black magic. You have to have the right amount of moisture in the air, it can’t be too wet or too dry, and what you see is a paint that has been sprayed on, but when you look at it, it looks like aluminium panels. The bottom panel is like cast aluminium, the top panels are like polished aluminium, but it’s all just plastic with paint. I think we had a couple of M3 show cars done in the same finish and I’m sure the paint costs around 500 Euros per kilogramme!

What about the actual colour?
The colour selection was intentional. It’s low on pigment and the lack of colour points to the fact that it’s clean, high-tech and all about engineering – we don’t need flashes of purple and green to get your attention! It’s the individual elements that are so exciting, so you can get the overall look to ‘sing’ with, for example, only a touch of blue. We also use neutrals in a very sophisticated way – you look at the overall finish and go “that can’t be cheap!” It looks expensive, technical and, clearly, a lot of thought has gone into it. All these things are intentional, it’s what we call a first, second and third read: the first read is when you go “wow that’s a scooter I’ve never seen before”; the second read is when you say “wow, it’s probably a BMW” and the third read is when you say “it’s definitely a BMW because nobody else does it like this”.

These Concept bikes don’t come cheap then?
These things are expensive. There’s only one Concept C in existence, as we can’t afford to double these things up! There is only one Concept 6 too, but it’s been around the world. Since it was unveiled at EICMA in 2009, it’s been on display at motorcycle shows and exhibitions in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Japan and at BMW Motorrad Days in Garmish-Partenkirchen. That study got a lot of mileage!

Do you think the customer base will come from non-BMW riders though?
I\'m convinced we\'re going to see riders from many areas taking a very close look at this unique vehicle. Current BMW riders know what to expect from the marque, and considering this segment as an extension to the GS or RT they already have, should probably come easy to them as a second or even third bike. As with the S1000RR and K1600GT/ GTL, I think the number of riders of non-BMW bikes interested in this competitive product will be very high. Interesting, will also be how many car drivers will see this as a viable and exciting new form of city and local transportation.
'; news['article_36']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_36']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/C-C1.jpg'; news['article_36']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/C-C1.jpg'; news['article_36']['image12'] = '/us/en/promos/media/C-C2.jpg'; news['article_36']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/C-C2.jpg'; news['article_36']['image13'] = '/us/en/promos/media/C-C3.jpg'; news['article_36']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/C-C3.jpg'; news['article_36']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_36']['content2'] = ''; news['article_36']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_36']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_36']['content3'] = ''; news['article_36']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[271] = 36; news['article_37'] = new Array(); news['article_37']['articleId'] = 275; news['article_37']['day'] = '25'; news['article_37']['month'] = '01'; news['article_37']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_37']['title'] = 'The Stylish New BMW Motorrad Concept C'; news['article_37']['link_text'] = 'The Stylish New BMW Concept C'; news['article_37']['subtitle1'] = 'Putting the ‘Fun’ Back into Functional'; news['article_37']['content1'] = 'With ever increasing traffic and population levels, the journey to the city centre is a miserable affair for many commuters. But it doesn’t have to be like that, as far as BMW Motorrad is concerned. Its latest vision for the future is designed to not only look good, but also to provide the kind of ride that will put a big smile on your face, so that you arrive at the office feeling on top of the world and in control, rather than stressed out and world-weary.

Since its unveiling at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan in early November, everyone has been talking about the new BMW Motorrad Concept C maxi-scooter, which effortlessly blends style with functionality, and offers freedom, flexibility and fun in a great looking package. The world of large-capacity ‘twist-and-go’ maxi-scooters is up until now unchartered territory for the company, but it’s how millions of people around the world choose to get around town, so BMW Motorrad is naturally keen to get a piece of the action with its own take on the ‘twist and go’ powered two-wheeler.

“The Concept C is the interpretation of BMW Motorrad for a new, modern, innovative scooter. Our objective was to find the ideal combination between the typical features of a scooter – which are handling and agility – with the typical features of a motorcycle, which are stability and joy of course. This scooter made by BMW Motorrad has got a completely new engine, very exciting design and innovative technical features, and last but not least, it’s made in Berlin, so it belongs to the family,” says Peter Maier, Product Manager Mobility Concepts BMW Motorrad.

The ‘family’ resemblance and familiar design cues are clear to see and were fully intentional, according to Vice President of BMW Motorrad Design, David Robb.

“The first thing that you see is that it’s a typical BMW, but how can that be when we’ve never done something like this before? Well, what you have is high-tech precision and very high quality – and that’s typical BMW – with polished aluminium, just a touch of colour and BMW features that you don’t see on any other motorcycles.”

These design features make the Concept C immediately recognisable as part of the BMW Motorrad family. The so-called \"split face\" and twin-tipped front spoiler will be familiar to fans of the sporty S 1000 RR superbike, while the body lines sweeping towards the rear of the ‘CC’ highlight its active riding character, lightness and agility.

Any designer tasked with such an exciting project will surely want the finished product to stand out from the crowd and breathe new life into the market segment. With its blue/black tyres, black chrome suspension and frame parts, polished aluminium, short, sporty muffler, close cut, speeder-style windscreen and aggressive looking air intakes, the CC’s sportiness and dynamism are clear to see. However, this hasn’t been at the expense of functionality, safety or innovation, as the ABS-equipped brakes, LED headlights and dual LCD video cameras (instead of conventional rear-view mirrors) all testify.

With almost nine decades of experience building motorcycles, BMW Motorrad has decided that the time is right to enter this new territory with its own take on the maxi-scooter concept. Having made a very successful debut into the Supersport segment with its S 1000 RR, BMW Motorrad’s premium scooter of the future now looks set to shake up the maxi-scooter segment when it goes into production. For those who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes on the Concept C, its unveiling at EICMA was an emotional moment, and the next exciting step on the brand’s Unstoppable journey, as David Robb confirms.

“What’s fascinating for us is to go into a new segment and make something that’s typically BMW, so the excitement that we associate with BMW Motorrad, we’re taking to the city – whether it’s fascinating blue tyres or polished aluminium – we feel that this is pretty exciting for the city.”'; news['article_37']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_37']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/conceptC1.jpg'; news['article_37']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/conceptC1.jpg'; news['article_37']['image12'] = '/us/en/promos/media/conceptC2.jpg'; news['article_37']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/conceptC2.jpg'; news['article_37']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_37']['content2'] = ''; news['article_37']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_37']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_37']['content3'] = ''; news['article_37']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[275] = 37; news['article_38'] = new Array(); news['article_38']['articleId'] = 270; news['article_38']['day'] = '20'; news['article_38']['month'] = '01'; news['article_38']['year'] = '2011'; news['article_38']['title'] = 'BMW Motorrad USA Posts Growth for 2010'; news['article_38']['link_text'] = 'BMW Motorrad USA Posts Growth for 2010'; news['article_38']['subtitle1'] = 'BMW S 1000 RR Superbike Is Bestseller in Debut Year'; news['article_38']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorrad USA posted a nearly four percent growth in sales in 2010, despite a continued double digit downturn in the U.S. motorcycle market. BMW sales were bolstered by the February launch of the BMW S 1000 RR superbike, which has redefined the limits of sportbike performance.

The most powerful production 1000cc sport bike in the world, the S 1000 RR quickly surpassed the BMW R 1200 GS to be the best selling bike in BMW’s model lineup for 2010. In its debut year, the BMW S 1000 RR earned numerous awards from the U.S. media, including Robb Report’s “Best Sportbike,” Cycle World’s “Best Superbike for 2010,” and Motorcyclist’s coveted “Motorcycle of the Year” Award. Other popular core models in BMW’s lineup – the R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure, and R 1200 RT – benefitted from the introduction of a new engine and posted strong sales, as well.

BMW executives credited the company’s sales performance to a stable of leading-edge products as well as to a strong dealer network.

“BMW dealers did a tremendous job in 2010, despite the headwinds they faced with a tough economy,” commented Mac McMath, National Sales Manager, BMW Motorrad USA. “While many dealers in the country struggled last year, BMW dealers remained committed to the job at hand and worked tirelessly to capture every sale they could.”

According to McMath, BMW is anticipating another strong year in 2011 as supply improves to meet continued demand for the S 1000 RR and as the new six-cylinder touring bikes make their debut.

“The new K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL should give motorcyclists a compelling reason to head down to their local BMW dealer this spring,” McMath added. “We expect strong sales from these bikes as nearly 400 customers have placed deposits for them since we kicked off our pre-sale program in late December.”

McMath also predicts continued growth in 2011 from strong consumer interest in new and re-launched models, such as the F 800 R naked bike, G 650 GS dual-sport and R 1200 R.
'; news['article_38']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_38']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_38']['content2'] = ''; news['article_38']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_38']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_38']['content3'] = ''; news['article_38']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[270] = 38; news['article_39'] = new Array(); news['article_39']['articleId'] = 265; news['article_39']['day'] = '13'; news['article_39']['month'] = '12'; news['article_39']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_39']['title'] = '2011 R 1200 R & R 1200 R Classic'; news['article_39']['link_text'] = '2011 R 1200 R & R 1200 R Classic'; news['article_39']['subtitle1'] = 'The New Roadsters From BMW'; news['article_39']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorrad is continuing its long tradition of roadster building with the new BMW R 1200 R and R 1200 R Classic and presents the revised successor models to the successful R 1200 R. Both combine a modern sporty and classical motorcycle design with greater riding enjoyment.

Generating higher torque, the new boxer engine provides an extra boost of power. The new BMW R 1200 R models deliver greater power and acceleration at the top rpm range, whereas the boxer in the predecessor model had already provided superior acceleration under all conditions. Derived from the BMW HP2 Sport, the new boxer with 1170 cc and DOHC valve gear, is the same as the engines in the BMW R 1200 GS and BMW R 1200 RT.

Thanks to ultra-modern technology, the new BMW roadsters are unique in the roadster segment. Whereas the basic version of the BMW R 1200 R emphasizes the sporty all-around character with new cast light alloy wheels, the R 1200 R Classic presents wire spoke wheels for a touch of refined nostalgia.

The distinction between the two new roadster models also includes the color of the paintwork and other details. For instance, the R 1200 R Classic pays homage to the classic roadsters with metallic sapphire black paintwork in conjunction with a center stripe in plain alpine white extending over the tank and front wheel fender.

The basic version of the R 1200 R is available in mat metallic smoky grey or metallic red apple: two color schemes representing a dynamic, elegant, and modern interpretation of the roadster.

These two color variants when combined with wheels and drivetrain in Nürburg silver highlight the sporty, dynamic side of the roadster.

The R 1200 R Classic, on the other hand, offers a refined contrast and emphasizes components like the Telelever, drivetrain, cylinder head covers, frame, and fork in silver. Their classical, refined quality is also expressed in the completely chrome-plated exhaust system mirrors, whereas the basic version provides a sporty touch in the form of a muffler in brushed stainless steel in addition to black rearview mirrors.

Despite the differences in visual appeal presented by the R 1200 R and R 1200 R Classic, they are the same technically.

A two-part main/rear frame offers a weight-saving structure of steel tubing and 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 uses the BMW Telelever in conjunction with a new fork structure. Its high quality enlarged diameter of the fork tubes (from 35 to 41 mm) contribute decisively to shaping the face of the new R 1200 R. The rear suspension is equipped with a single swing arm with BMW Paralever.

Both the R 1200 R and the R 1200 R Classic can be optionally equipped with electronic suspension adjustment (ESA). This allows adjustment of the spring pre-load and the suspension’s compression and rebound damping at the rear wheel, and the suspension’s rebound damping at the front wheel – a system that provides optimized road handling and comfort.

Improved braking performance in emergency applications or varying road conditions can be achieved with the addition of optional BMW Motorrad integral ABS (partially integral version) and automatic stability control ASC.

Extensive optional equipment and accessories for the new R 1200 R and R 1200 R Classic are also available.

The following is an overview of the primary features of the new BMW R 1200 R and BMW R 1200 R Classic:

* Unique color concepts and equipment features to differentiate the two models.
* More dynamic response, now with double overhead camshafts in each cylinder.
* Maximum torque raised to 88 lb/ft at 6,000 rpm, and rated power raised to 110 hp at 7,750 rpm.
* Maximum engine speed now raised from 8000 to 8500 rpm for an even wider usable power range.
* Increased torque values for improved engine performance.
* Cylinder-head covers now with two instead of the previous four mounting bolts and a new, dynamic styling.
* Shorter, sportier muffler in brushed (R 1200 R) or chrome-plated (R 1200 R Classic) stainless steel.
* Electronically controlled exhaust flap for an improved sporty 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 installed equipment).
* BMW Motorrad integral ABS in the partially integral version (optional factory installed equipment).
* Automatic stability control ASC (optional factory installed equipment).
* Redesigned cockpit with two round analog instruments.
* New hydraulic reservoirs with a smoked glass look.
* Extensive range of optional factory equipment and accessories.'; news['article_39']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_39']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/R1200R11.jpg'; news['article_39']['image11_text'] = '2011 R 1200 R'; news['article_39']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/R1200R11.jpg'; news['article_39']['image12'] = '/us/en/promos/media/R1200R-Classic.jpg'; news['article_39']['image12_text'] = '2011 R 1200 R Classic'; news['article_39']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/R1200R-Classic.jpg'; news['article_39']['image12_save'] = '/us/en/promos/media/R1200R-Classic.jpg'; news['article_39']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_39']['content2'] = ''; news['article_39']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_39']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_39']['content3'] = ''; news['article_39']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[265] = 39; news['article_40'] = new Array(); news['article_40']['articleId'] = 266; news['article_40']['day'] = '13'; news['article_40']['month'] = '12'; news['article_40']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_40']['title'] = '2011 BMW G 650 GS'; news['article_40']['link_text'] = '2011 BMW G 650 GS'; news['article_40']['subtitle1'] = 'The Success Story of the BMW Motorrad Single Cylinder Continues'; news['article_40']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorrad has added yet another attractive member to its BMW GS family with the introduction of the new BMW G 650 GS. With its lean, wiry off-road stature, the new single-cylinder enduro cuts a light and adventurous figure and 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 offers an attractive means of entry to the passion of motorcycling and the fascinating world of BMW GS adventure.

New updated version with a high torque and low consumption single-cylinder engine.

This liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with double overhead camshafts has a displacement of 652 cc, delivers 48 hp at 6500 rpm, and develops a maximum torque of 44 lb/ft.

Due to electronic fuel injection, twin-spark ignition, high compression ratio of 11.5:1, and a closed-loop catalytic converter, this single-cylinder engine is designed for maximum riding pleasure with the best possible efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Low consumption values of only 3.2 liters per 100 km at a constant 90 km/h (approximately 66 mpg city) are possible.

In conjunction with the claw-shifted five-speed gearbox, the high-revving single-cylinder engine in the new BMW G 650 GS offers increased performance on winding back roads. Its beefy torque curves and quick response also allow detours to be handled with supreme ease beyond asphalt roads.

Suspension technology.

The suspension of the new G 650 GS was developed primarily for riding on back roads and utilizes a bridge frame of steel tubing and a bolt-on rear frame. The front wheel is controlled by torsionally rigid telescopic forks, the rear system a solid dual swing arm of square steel sections in conjunction with a monoshock linked via a lever system.

The brake system consists of a single brake disc at the front and rear. The BMW Motorrad ABS, available as optional factory-installed equipment, can be deactivated for off-road riding.

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

The body of the new G 650 GS is completely redesigned. The front section makes the single-cylinder enduro light, sporty, and dynamic.

The engine, exhaust covers, frame, swing arm, and fork tubes, which are all black, contrast with the colors of aura white and orange-red as well as the matching two-tone seat.

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

The following is an overview of the primary features of the new BMW G 650 GS:

* Reliable, high torque, and low consumption single-cylinder engine with 652 cc displacement.
* Engine power 48 hp at 6500 rpm and maximum torque 44 lb/ft at 5,000 rpm.
* Bridge frame and swing arm of steel, telescopic forks, and monoshock (spring travel front 6.7 inches, rear 6.5 inches).
* Cast light alloy wheels in new design. Diameter front 19”, rear 17”. Wider rear wheel rim for better riding stability.
* Brake system with single brake disc at front and rear and OFF/ON BMW Motorrad ABS (optional factory-installed equipment).
* Redesigned windshield with GS molding and two-tone seat.
* Narrow and ergonomic 3.7 gallon tank.
* Three different seat heights: standard 30.7 inches, low suspension 29.5 inches (as optional factory-installed equipment), high seat (black) 32.3 inches.
* Sporty cockpit design with asymmetrical headlamp and instrument panel.
* Luggage carrier with lockable storage compartment.
* Smoky grey turn signal lenses.
* New handlebar mounts.
* Extensive optional factory-installed equipment: BMW Motorrad ABS (ON/OFF), heated grips, anti-theft alarm system, center stand, power socket, low suspension.
* Extensive optional accessories.'; news['article_40']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_40']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/G650GS11.jpg'; news['article_40']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/G650GS11.jpg'; news['article_40']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_40']['content2'] = ''; news['article_40']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_40']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_40']['content3'] = ''; news['article_40']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[266] = 40; news['article_41'] = new Array(); news['article_41']['articleId'] = 267; news['article_41']['day'] = '13'; news['article_41']['month'] = '12'; news['article_41']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_41']['title'] = 'Best of the Best 2010'; news['article_41']['link_text'] = 'Best of the Best 2010'; news['article_41']['subtitle1'] = 'What a Great Year it’s Been for BMW'; news['article_41']['content1'] = 'What a year it’s been for BMW Motorrad, with new models unveiled, special anniversary celebrations, superb sales and sporting success, and the promise of even more excitement to come in 2011. There’s never enough space to list all the many achievements of course, but here’s a brief, end-of-year report on our ‘best of the best’ in 2010.


Sport
The accolades for the awesome S 1000 RR in its first full year of competition are almost too numerous to mention, but here are a few of the highlights:

In the 2010 Superbike World Championship. Ruben Xaus and Troy Corser posted a total of eight top-five-finishes, and Troy clinched the team’s first pole position and podium finishes. In the high-profile Superstock 1000 FIM Cup that supports the WSBK championship, BMW Motorrad Italia’s Ayrton Badovini took the S 1000 RR’s first international title and set a new motorsports record when he won nine out of ten races – including an astounding seven victories from the first seven rounds – and securing the title with three rounds yet to race.

The RR claimed its first national title as early as August, when Gregory Fastré won the Belgian Superbike Championship. This was followed by complete dominance in the French Superbike Championship (Erwan Nigon and Sébastien Gimbert); clear victory in the Stock Extreme category of the Spanish Superbike Championship for Team Motorrad rider Javier Forés; victory in two of the UK’s most competitive race series, with Steve Brogan taking the inaugural British Superbike-EVO Championship and Jon Kirkham dominating the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship.

The 2010 Finnish Superbike Championship was won by Sami Penna in his debut season using the RR, while over in Canada, three BMW riders occupied the top five of the 2010 Canadian Superbike Championship behind seven-time champion Jordan Szoke. The International German Superbike Championship saw Belgian rider Werner Daemen claim second place overall, while in the USA, BMW riders – more often than not supported by their local dealers – took many wins in regional and State championships.

On the road, Scottish rider Keith Amor had a stunning victory in the North West 200 Superstock race on an RR back in June, while late in November, American racer Jeremy Toye added his name to the RR success story with a hard-fought third place podium finish at the Macau Grand Prix.

Off-road sport was also packed full of success stories for BMW Motorrad. Simo Kirssi celebrated his third German Cross Country title and his second aboard the powerful BMW G 450 X back in August, while in early October the ‘flying Finn’ ended his BMW supremacy with one more title after winning the 2010 European Cross Country Championship in his last ever race aboard the BMW G 450 X. In total, Kirssi won 16 of the 24 cross country races he officially entered since 2008, taking two German and three European titles during that period.

In early June, BMW Husqvarna Motorsport’s Andi Lettenbichler claimed a superb runner-up result at the 10th running of the Erzberg Rodeo’s Red Bull Hare Scramble. Completing the gruelling event in a time of just under two hours, Letti was one of only 16 finishers. In early July, ‘Letti’ grabbed a podium spot after five days of the Red Bull Romaniacs Extreme Enduro – one of the most brutal races worldwide – and then another podium finish was secured by him at the Roof of Africa in late November.

In Stunt Riding, Chris Pfeiffer and his BMW F 800 R successfully defended his 2009 German Stuntriding Open title at the Hockenheimring, where the Bavarian rider proved he has still got what it takes to beat the rest of the world’s best freestyle riders.


Fashion/Lifestyle
It has been well documented that product placement is one of the best ways to get your brand noticed and the dedicated followers of fashion among us cannot failed to have noticed how often BMW bikes have been used as a backdrop for magazine and fashion-shoots, often accompanied by gorgeous girls in beautiful clothes.

Top designers such as Thomas Kirchgrabner for LISKA, Marcel Ostertag, Karl Lagerfeld and Kinga Horvath have supplied bespoke designer clothes for fashion shoots that have appeared in magazines worldwide and have included celebrity models such as Leslie Porterfield and Najet El Kamel. The venues have been equally spectacular and have featured the top-secret BMW wind tunnel in Munich; World Superbike pit-lane and grids around the world; downtown Dubai; and even the Rowenta elite Model Look Germany 2010 competition in Berlin.


Celebration and dedication
2010 has been a year of celebrations, activities and getting involved – locally, nationally and internationally – with BMW Motorrad. Because the 30th anniversary of the GS is being celebrated in 2010, a special limited edition GS range was unveiled, and was an instant success, as was a special ‘Thank You GS’ online photo-book, which has received nearly 1000 entries from dedicated owners worldwide. Believe it or not, there is even a special wine that has been produced for Adventure riders, available from the Californian vineyard of GS owner Mike Kuimelis.

The announcement of the second BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy in South Africa attracted twice as many entries as the inaugural event in Tunisia in 2008. After intense ‘national’ qualifiers all over the world, 10 teams from 12 nations battled over seven days in November in South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique to win the coveted Trophy title and become known as the best GS riders in the world. In the end, Team UK won, but the South Africans and Scandinavians pushed them all the way, with only one point separating first and second places.

BMW Motorrad Days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen celebrated 10 years of success in July with record crowds, fantastic weather and an action-packed event programme. Those who were unable to make it to Germany for the anniversary celebration were encouraged to follow all the information on the new BMW Motorrad Facebook site, including live chats with celebrities who came along to join the biker party. Launched in March, the official Facebook page was designed to keep fans up to speed with all the latest news and developments from BMW Motorrad. So far, it has been a massive success story, with well over 100,000 regular visitors.


Tour/Adventure
All over the world, BMW riders are achieving personal goals by riding further than they thought possible, visiting areas where people have never seen motorcycles before and experiencing the world on two wheels as never before. Joined by a firm belief that a full life is preferable to a long life, adventure riders are using BMW bikes to push their own boundaries and discover new horizons.

Serious distances are being ‘racked up’ too, such as those achieved by Darren Sandler, who in February celebrated the fantastic achievement of riding 200,000 miles (320,000 kilometres) in just under five years on his K 1200 LT. Or what about 80-year-old Dave Swisher, who has covered a staggering 1.5 million miles (2,400,000 kilometres) in less than 30 years on BMW motorcycles. To put that distance in perspective, that’s the same as riding to the moon and back more than three times!

For those who want to see the world, a big variety of touring companies exist to help you realise your dreams, while sharing the experience with other like-minded riders. One of the stand-out Adventure Tour companies in 2010 has to be GlobeBusters, who took a team of BMW GS riders on a 13,000-mile (20,000 kilometres) journey all the way from London to Beijing in China, defying revolutionaries, raging rivers, collapsed roads and corrupt officials.

The ten-week, 17,000km journey connected BMW riders worldwide with a love for travel. However, the GlobeBusters team is currently attempting something even more ambitious – to lead the biggest group endurance ride the world has ever seen. “Discover our Earth” covers 40,000 miles (65,000km) and five continents in around 250 days. The 30 international GS riders set off from Austria on 21 November and will be on the road until July 2011. Wish them well and be sure to follow their trip online.


Awards
As predicted, the awards and accolades came thick and fast in 2010, kicked off by five of the best for BMW Motorrad at the Motorräder Dortmund expo in March, where Germany’s ‘Motorrad’ magazine celebrated the best bikes of 2010. For the first time ever, BMW Motorrad swept the board, taking all five motorcycle awards. The S 1000 RR won the hotly-contested Sports category in its first year; the K 1300 GT won the Best Touring Bike category, with the R 1200 RT in third place; and the R 1200 GS / Adventure were class leaders in the Enduro /Supermotard segment. The K 1300 S won the Best All-Rounder category, with the R 1200 R scooping the top award for the Best Naked Bike.

BMW Motorrad’s communication agency (Serviceplan) also collected a few awards of its own at the Spotlight international advertising film festival. It won Gold in the Visions category for a Ruben Xaus video, as well as Bronze in the ‘No Limits’ and ‘Public’s Choice’ categories for the same film; and Bronze in the ‘Web and Mobile’ category for its “Dinner for RR” clip. This clip received more than 1.1 million clicks in less than a week after it was launched on BMW.TV/com and has since gone on to become the most successful BMW film on You Tube ever.

In July the S 1000 RR was awarded the ‘2010 Sportsbike of the Year’ title by the United Kingdom’s Fast Bikes magazine, beating off all the competition from Japan, Italy and the UK – including the Honda Fireblade, Ducati 1198 S Corse, Aprilia RSV4 R and Triumph Daytona 675 – to win this prestigious award.

The following month, the RR was honoured with three ‘Best of’ awards from the American media. Robb Report named the S 1000 RR as the best sportbike in its annual ‘Best of the Best’ issue in June. In July, Cycle World followed by awarding the RR ‘Best Superbike for 2010’; and in the September issue of Motorcyclist, editors chose the RR for its coveted ‘Motorcycle of the Year’ Award.

More good news came in early November, when the RR was crowned Motorcycle News’ Machine of the Year. Judged and presented by the UK’s biggest-selling motorcycle publication, the RR blew the judges away and secured the most competitive award category of all: MCN’s ‘Machine of the Year’, as well as ‘Best Sportsbike over 751cc’. BMW’s R 1200 RT, the best-selling touring motorcycle in the UK, also won the ‘Tourer of the Year’ award.

Meanwhile, Down Under, it has recently been announced that the RR has won three out of four possible prestigious awards from the top two selling magazines in Australia. Two Wheels Magazine has awarded the RR as its ‘Readers Choice Bike of the Year’, while Australian MC News has also given the RR awards for ‘Readers Choice Motorcycle of the Year’ and ‘Motorcycle of the Year’.

All these accolades go to show just how big a success story the RR has been with the media, owners and motorcycle sports fans worldwide. What we’re all really waiting for though is the RR’s first Superbike World Championship victory. Roll on 2011...


The future
The first of this year’s big motorcycle shows gave us a glimpse of the future, when the awe-inspiring six-cylinder K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL luxury tourers were unveiled at Intermot in Cologne in October. Technically advanced, incredibly powerful and very attractive to look at, it will seem like a long wait until the New Season Start arrives and these incredible machines can be seen on the road.

At Milan’s EICMA show in November came yet another welcome surprise, when the covers were lifted off the Concept C design study that showed BMW Motorrad’s intention to bring us a range of big scooters in the near future. Clearly showing that a functional machine such as a scooter can look fantastic and perform like a sports bike, this sleek, desirable and futuristic head-turner is proof of BMW Motorrad’s ambitions to continue to enter new market segments.

With a revamped R 1200 R and a second, ‘classic’ variant, as well as a new G 650 GS single-cylinder enduro bike on the way early in 2011, things are looking very exciting for BMW Motorrad fans across the globe. The Unstoppable success story continues apace and many enthusiasts are currently convincing themselves – and their partners – that there is surely enough room for more than just one BMW motorcycle in their garage... '; news['article_41']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_41']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/Best1.jpg'; news['article_41']['image11_text'] = 'S 1000 RR Won 2010 FIM Superstock Championship '; news['article_41']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/Best1.jpg'; news['article_41']['image12'] = '/us/en/promos/media/Best2.jpg'; news['article_41']['image12_text'] = 'International GS Trophy'; news['article_41']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/Best2.jpg'; news['article_41']['image13'] = '/us/en/promos/media/Best3.jpg'; news['article_41']['image13_text'] = 'Five of the \"Best of\" for BMW'; news['article_41']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/Best3.jpg'; news['article_41']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_41']['content2'] = ''; news['article_41']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_41']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_41']['content3'] = ''; news['article_41']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[267] = 41; news['article_42'] = new Array(); news['article_42']['articleId'] = 268; news['article_42']['day'] = '13'; news['article_42']['month'] = '12'; news['article_42']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_42']['title'] = 'The long road trip to a short drag strip'; news['article_42']['link_text'] = 'The long road trip to a short drag strip'; news['article_42']['subtitle1'] = 'S 1000 RR Drag Racing'; news['article_42']['content1'] = 'Many great ideas are formed when a group of motorcycle enthusiasts sit in a bar and share a few drinks. But the idea to ride a BMW drag bike seven hundred miles from Greenville, South Carolina, to West Palm Beach, Florida, was one of the more crazy ones. Forget the fact that most drag bikes are highly modified and precisely tuned for a single purpose – accelerating from a standing start for a quarter mile (400 metres). Cornering performance is never a thought. Drag bikes spend most of their time going straight or on a dyno. They arrive at the drag strip in a trailer and are ridden at slow speeds through the pits and then onto the track. Actually RIDE it to the track? Out of the question.

Out of the question most of the time...

This time the bike is the BMW Performance Center S 1000 RR drag racer. Although the bike looks every bit a drag bike with its nine-inch extended swingarm, this speed machine is completely street legal.

The bike is the brainchild of Justin Kingsland, BMW’s Southeast Region Area Manager in the US. Justin was inspired by the handiwork of Brock Davidson, the record-setting championship drag racer who now runs the Brock’s Performance speed emporium in Dayton, Ohio. Brock noticed the new BMW S 1000 RR in World Superbike racing and was taken back by the power-to-weight ratio on the spec sheet. He had to have one. And he had to work his magic on it to see what the bike could do in the quarter mile.

Brock developed bolt-on performance upgrade components for the BMW including a full exhaust system and the aforementioned extended swingarm. The bike made waves in the drag racing world running an 8.49 elapsed time (e.t) in the quarter mile, which was the quickest lap ever with a non-modified motor at the time.

The performance caught the eye of Justin at BMW, who constructed a copy of the bike – using Brock’s off-the-shelf components – to use as the centrepiece of an interactive travelling road show.

Consequently Brock (the expert tuner and now official BMW Motorrad drag bike builder) and his team were invited to demonstrate and showcase the BMW S 1000 RR at the recent Palm Beach International Raceway Citrus Nationals drag racing event in Florida.

As well as making performance runs in this exhibition event, the idea was for BMW Performance Center staff members to prove the machines’ true ‘streetability’ by riding the drag bike all the way to Florida, accompanied by an X6 M Series chase car so that the journey and the weekend’s activities could be filmed for the American S 1000 RR Facebook site, as well as Brock’s Performance Facebook site and the BMW Motorrad USA E-newsletter which is sent to over 77,000 BMW fans every month.

In Florida, the team from Brock’s Performance and a crew from the BMW of Miami dealership manned the midway display and a BMW Performance Center exhibition area so that drag racing fans could find out more about the new technology BMW is unveiling with its latest sports products. In total, 14 staff were on hand to showcase the RR’s speed and serious customizing potential, and with tens of thousands of fans expected at Palm Beach Raceway, the opportunity to put some BMWs on the strip and in front of potential owners was too good to miss.

The racing team – consisting of ace drag racer Jeremy Teasley and Keith Dennis – fielded three race bikes plus a stock RR. Unfortunately, Keith was falling ill with the flu towards the end of the weekend, so it was up to Jeremy to go fast on the RRs – and he delivered, setting new performance standards on all three race-prepped machines.

Perhaps the most impressive of these was the BMW Performance Center RR’s 8.447 e.t. achieved after the 13-hour, 700 mile (1126 km) trek to the track, with nothing more than a quick sprocket change, filling the tank with racing gas and tightening the lowering strap on the front end. It was its quickest run ever. To date, no stock bike with bolt-on components and without internal engine modifications has come anywhere near the performance numbers recorded, as even most stock-engine race bikes are simply unable to go this fast, even when using nitrous oxide.

Put in perspective, the Performance Center BMW is a 100% street bike which is also used for displays, bike nights, dealer open houses and to occasionally turn up at a local drag strip to show what a stock RR ‘dragster’ will do with the proper bolt-on parts and a talented rider at the controls. This bike still has the mirrors on (they are folded in at the track), and its original gearshift assist, rather than a push button changer that is more common in this sport. Jeremy’s best pass of 8.447 at 161.71 mph (260.25 km/h) is a time ticket that many full race dragbikes with racing slicks and wheelie bars would be proud to own. Believe it or not, the weather conditions at West Palm actually held the PC BMW back, as the best MPH to date of 163.61 mph (263.60 km/h) in the quarter mile, recorded at the Manufacturer’s Cup Finals in Georgia in early November is still secure and held by an 18-year-old young lady by the name of Dystany Spurlock from Richmond, Virginia.

BMW of Miami brought a near-stock RR to the track to demonstrate the difference in quarter mile times between an off-the-showroom-floor version and a stock wheelbase double R set-up properly for drag strip use. Between the slipper-clutch, high centre of gravity and extremely high power-to-weight ratio, even a stock-wheelbase sportbike racing expert like multi-time national champion Keith Dennis struggled with the OEM RR, posting a best time of 10.01 at 150.68 mph (242.49 km/h).

For comparison, Jeremy rode the Brock’s Performance SuperSport-prepared RR. SuperSport rules allow for almost no modifications to the bike save for an exhaust system, lowered suspension and ceramic wheel bearings. Jeremy blasted a mind-boggling 8.752 at 163.12 mph (262.51 km/h) on the SS-prepped machine.

“Jeremy’s 8.75 e.t. on the stock wheelbase RR is so ridiculously fast that even most people in our drag world can’t comprehend the time,” said Brock. “You would have to spend many thousands of dollars to modify the engine of a Hayabusa to get it to go that fast, and even then, the bike would be nearly impossible to ride due to excessive wheelies, not to mention it being prone to overheating and being miserable to ride around on the street.”

“Our bike has 100% stock engine components and can be ridden anywhere on pump gas,” he continued. “Zack Millholland just broke 200 mph on it in October at the Maxton Mile in an official land speed racing competition. There is nothing that the RR can’t do – and it does everything very well.”

The third BMW S 1000 RR in action at PBIR is known as Christine, and is the flagship of Brock’s Performance BMW racing efforts. Long and low, Christine is a seriously fine-tuned machine in both the engine and chassis departments. She has a button shifter to control the OEM gear shift assist, which means that the rider is not burdened with the need to get his or her foot on the peg to change gears (just push the horn button). There is also a heavy spacer in her BST front wheel to help keep the front end on the ground for quicker times. These two small changes can usually save as much as 10 to 15 hundredths of a second over a quarter mile.

Jeremy set a record of 8.446 on Christine at Palm Beach International Raceway – a seriously impressive time. A point of note was that this time was recorded on Saturday when the atmospheric conditions were at their worst, with a heat index over 106 degrees F (41 degrees C) and corrected Air Density reading close to 2600 feet at a track that is located nearly at sea level. Jeremy personally believes he can get Christine into the high 8.20 range with a great run in perfect conditions, but since focus was placed on the other two machines on Sunday, the team had to “settle” for only an 8.44 elapsed time.

What’s also interesting is that none of the BMW bikes use any form of power booster other than VP MR12 race gas; there is no nitrous or turbo-charging, just stock engine horsepower. “Any BMW we bring to the track could be returned to its stock form by simply replacing the stock components that were removed and no one would ever know the difference,” said Brock. “We didn’t drill anything and we didn’t cut a single wire.”

In the pits the three RRs were swamped with drag race fanatics, all keen to find out more about these seriously quick motorcycles. The BMW display also saw record numbers of people sign up for test rides at their local dealers.

It wasn’t just BMW bikes that impressed the crowds at the Citrus Nationals event, as there were plenty of tuned-up cars in action too. And even though he was suffering with the flu, Keith Dennis didn’t want to miss out on the four-wheeled action, and managed to get the X6 M Series chase vehicle out on the strip, recording an impressive 12.83 e.t. at over 108 mph (174 km/h) in the quarter mile. Not bad for an SUV that weighs over two tons...

When BMW built the new S 1000 RR they wanted to build the best sportbike they could. Digging deeper beyond the aggressive styling and sophisticated electronics the bike is just plain light and powerful. As is turns out, light and powerful is the perfect combination for drag racing.

To see pictures from Palm Beach, check out Brock Davidson’s album at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000550137534#!/album.php?aid=45960&id=100000550137534 and to see video footage from the event, please visit http://www.youtube.com/user/brocksperformance '; news['article_42']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_42']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/drag1.jpg'; news['article_42']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/drag1.jpg'; news['article_42']['image12'] = '/us/en/promos/media/drag2.jpg'; news['article_42']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/drag2.jpg'; news['article_42']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_42']['content2'] = ''; news['article_42']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_42']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_42']['content3'] = ''; news['article_42']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[268] = 42; news['article_43'] = new Array(); news['article_43']['articleId'] = 269; news['article_43']['day'] = '13'; news['article_43']['month'] = '12'; news['article_43']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_43']['title'] = 'THANK YOU GS FANS!'; news['article_43']['link_text'] = 'THANK YOU GS FANS!'; news['article_43']['subtitle1'] = 'Three Decades of the GS'; news['article_43']['content1'] = 'Three decades ago a new, radical machine from BMW created one of motorcycling’s most popular classes. A big, all-terrain machine known as the R 80 G/S could tackle anything from urban and long-distance riding to off-road enduros. In the 30 years since then, the GS has been much copied and this segment of the world market has grown tremendously, although BMW – as a pioneer with each new model – continues to set the standards for others to follow. With more than half a million customers around the world having discovered the joy of GS ownership, BMW Motorrad had a mission in 2010 – to celebrate every model variant of this incomparable go-anywhere boxer machine and its hundreds of thousands of loyal owners.

To mark three decades of BMW Motorrad’s most successful model series ever, a limited-edition GS range was launched. The special edition “30 YEARS GS” models feature the celebrated BMW Motorsports colours of the legendary 1980s R 80 G/S Rally Raid machines that took riders such as Hubert Auriol and Gaston Rahier to victories in gruelling Paris-Dakar races, almost three decades ago.

As well as an eye-catching retro colour scheme, each “30 YEARS GS” version of the BMW R 1200 GS/Adventure, F 800 GS and F 650 GS has a range of additional features and equipment and are painted in Alpine White, with three-coloured decals in the BMW Motorrad Motorsport livery.

BMW Motorrad also created a special online ‘THANK YOU GS’ Photobook and all owners – past and present – were invited to get involved. This ‘user generated’ online special was designed for GS riders to upload their photos, stories and experiences, so that fans all over the world can flick through this unique digital photobook and see some of the best pictures of GS riders worldwide.

To date the ‘THANK YOU GS’ Photobook has been a tremendous success, with more than 900 riders – including many GS ‘celebrities’ – having uploaded contributions. With just a few weeks left in this anniversary year, BMW Motorrad’s mission is to hit the magic 1000 number, so a special competition has been launched as an end-of-year incentive.

If you have some great pictures of you and your GS – and a few words to describe what GS motorcycling means to you – then BMW Motorrad is waiting for your contribution. Once the target of 1000 entries has been reached, the 30 best GS photos will be chosen by a panel of judges and the winners will receive a 2011 BMW Motorrad Calendar as well as the special edition 30 YEARS GS magazine that has been published by BMW Classic to celebrate this iconic marquee.

To enter the competition and become part of the THANK YOU GS photobook, all you have to do is visit www.bmw-motorrad.com/30yearsgs website, register your details and then share your GS experiences with the world. Good luck!

There were many more activities related to the 30th anniversary of the GS, especially at the BMW Motorrad Days festival in July. GS owners arrived in Garmisch-Partenkirchen on all sorts of models spanning the past three decades, and enthusiasts were able to see a special 30 Years of GS exhibition where all the important models in the history of the BMW GS range from 1980 to 2010 were on display, including some of the successful Paris Dakar factory race bikes from the late 1990s.

There was also a special competition for outstanding GS models, where awards went to the oldest GS, the GS with the highest mileage and the most impressive GS creation. The three winners in each category received a cup and vouchers for BMW Motorrad Rider Equipment.

The prize for the oldest GS in its original state went to Johann Filleboeck, owner of the 431st serial production BMW R 80 G/S. The prize for the bike with the highest mileage went to Heidi Lupko, who has covered a record-breaking 525,174 kilometres on her BMW R 80 GS Basic over 13 years. Choosing the most unusual GS creation was more difficult. Celebrity jury members Hubert Auriol, Charley Boorman, Karl H. Gerlinger, Jutta Kleinschmidt and Laszlo Peres finally awarded first prize to Ulrich Beppler\'s GS, which was upgraded with exquisite components such as carbon parts.

In addition to the award ceremony, there were also two prize draws for special models. During the Friday evening party Georg Opalka won a BMW F 800 GS \"30 Years GS\", while Wolfgang Kracker was the happy recipient of a BMW R 1200 GS \"30 Years GS\" on the Saturday evening.

And finally, as a fitting end to the 30 Years of GS celebrations, ten teams from 12 nations made the trip to Africa in early November to contest the second International GS Trophy event. Each participating country had already launched their own series of GS ‘challenges’ in order to find the best team of riders to represent their nation at this prestigious event. The lucky ones that were selected from the national trials were invited to Africa for a week of adventure riding, special tests, teamwork challenges and problem solving – all designed around having fun, getting back to nature and promoting this iconic genre of adventure motorcycle.

This year’s mammoth seven-day off-road adventure ran for 2,000km across three South African nations and involved a host of challenges, tests and trials in order to determine which team would be crowned Trophy champions. Vying for the coveted title of ‘The world’s best GS riders’ were teams from the USA, Canada, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, Denmark/Sweden/Norway/Finland, the UK/Northern Ireland, Switzerland/Austria and, of course, South Africa.

The 2010 event was an unrivalled success story, as each team fought hard and bravely to try and make the Trophy their own. In doing so, they put on an amazing show of teamwork and solidarity that united a worldwide network of GS riders who were following the event closely via www.facebook.com/bmwmotorrad and www.gstrophy.com. In the end, a victorious Team GB won the 2010 International BMW GS Trophy title after a three-way battle, which saw the hard-fought seven-day off-road challenge won by a single point!

Now the dust has settled, the organisers hope that GS riders all over the world will have a go in one of the national qualifying events for the 2012 GS Trophy. With enduro training available at BMW off-road schools in most countries, why not set yourself a goal to become part of this dedicated, loyal and increasingly international community who all share a passion for the iconic BMW GS.

To see some video highlights of this year’s International GS Trophy, simply visit http://bmw.tv/com/article/BMW+Motorrad+GS+Trophy+2010/New/video.do?articleID=9858&spaceID=2&channelID=2

To enter the competition and become part of the THANK YOU GS photobook, please visit www.bmw-motorrad.com/30yearsgs '; news['article_43']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_43']['image11'] = '/us/en/promos/media/GSTY1.jpg'; news['article_43']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/promos/media/GSTY1.jpg'; news['article_43']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_43']['content2'] = ''; news['article_43']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_43']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_43']['content3'] = ''; news['article_43']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[269] = 43; news['article_44'] = new Array(); news['article_44']['articleId'] = 262; news['article_44']['day'] = '06'; news['article_44']['month'] = '12'; news['article_44']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_44']['title'] = 'S 1000 RR and Toye on the podium at Macau GP'; news['article_44']['link_text'] = 'S 1000 RR and Toye on the podium at Macau GP'; news['article_44']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_44']['content1'] = 'Every November the streets of the former Portuguese colony of Macau (now a Special Administrative Region of the Peoples Republic of China) have come alive to the thrills and spectacle of motor racing. It began in 1954 as a cars only event but in 1967 motorcycles were added to make Macau the only car and motorcycle street race in the world.

The 6.2 km (3.8 mile) circuit twists and turns through the streets with only metal barriers for protection. Tight first gear corners, long fast straights and a rise and fall of 30 metres, test man and machinery to the limit.

This year for the first time, BMW Motorrad machines were among the action, with no less than seven S 1000 RRs battling it out for the honours in one of the world’s great road races. The RR has proved itself countless times during 2010 on racetracks across the world in Superbike and Superstock competitions, and in Macau it was American racer Jeremy Toye who added his name to the RR success story with a hard-fought third place podium finish.

The Lee’s Cycles / San Diego BMW entry was on the pace right from the first practice session. The world’s leading exponents of the art of street racing were all there and Toye and his S 1000 RR were matching them lap after lap, session after session, and he finally qualified a respectable fourth place on the front row of the starting grid.

The race began with Toye in the heat of battle and up into third place behind British favourites Michael Rutter and Stuart Easton. Unfortunately the race was Red Flagged on lap seven after American Chris Peris came off and hit the unforgiving wall that lines the track. Fortunately he was ok but the race required a restart.

This situation caused the team a deal of trouble in deciding which tyres to select for the S 1000 RR for the remainder of the race. With a limited choice available they chose to go with a used race tyre to hopefully last the nine remaining laps, as the only other option was a soft qualifier...

The restarted race followed a similar pattern, with Toye sitting just off Rutter and Easton. The tyre was holding but the electronics were causing concern for a while until the situation appeared to resolve itself. Jeremy just concentrated on riding smoothly and kept getting quicker and quicker. In a last lap frenzy, his superior speed allowed him to secure the final podium position, thus not only becoming the first BMW rider to reach such heights but also the first American for 10 years to stand on the rostrum at Macau.

“I don’t know where to start, I’m so happy,” said Toye at the end of the epic weekend. “With the competition here, any weakness will show, and with open rules we tried to build a Lear Jet on two wheels! I cannot thank my team enough, as the S 1000 RR had awesome power all weekend.”

The S 1000 RR has taken all before it on the track and also winning many media awards but for Jeremy Toye it was the sheer enjoyment of pushing himself and the RR to new levels of performance – and a place in BMW Motorrad history. BMW Motorrad factory rider Leon Haslam’s father, Ron Haslam, enjoyed six wins in Macau. Who knows, maybe somebody can persuade ‘pocket Rocket’ Leon to contest this race on an RR in 2011.
'; news['article_44']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_44']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Macau1.jpg'; news['article_44']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Macau1.jpg'; news['article_44']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_44']['content2'] = ''; news['article_44']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_44']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_44']['content3'] = ''; news['article_44']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[262] = 44; news['article_45'] = new Array(); news['article_45']['articleId'] = 263; news['article_45']['day'] = '06'; news['article_45']['month'] = '12'; news['article_45']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_45']['title'] = 'An international GS Trophy success story'; news['article_45']['link_text'] = 'An international GS Trophy success story'; news['article_45']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_45']['content1'] = 'Now that the dust has settled in southern Africa and the participants from all around the world are safely home with their families, the organisers of the second International BMW Motorrad GS Trophy can relax, safe in the knowledge that the 2010 event was an unrivaled success story.

Ten teams from all over the world fought hard and bravely to try and make the Trophy their own, and in doing so, put on an amazing show of teamwork and solidarity that united a worldwide network of GS riders. Now back at BMW Motorrad HQ in Germany, GS Trophy 2010 Project Manager Michael Trammer gives an exclusive interview about this amazing African adventure.

Just how big a logistical exercise was involved in getting everyone to Africa on time and in good shape?
Fortunately everybody arrived in Johannesburg in a good shape, although I can’t say the same about all their luggage, some of which arrived one day later. But we had enough spare helmets and rider gear to go around, so everybody was able to start the GS Trophy on the Sunday.

How many media colleagues were present and did they also participate?
Each of the teams was accompanied by a journalist who was part of the team but did not take part in the special tests. We had a rule that the journalist would become part of the team if one of the members got injured and this actually happened to team Japan. As well as the journos, the GS Trophy was also documented by several film teams and photographers.

Did the Touratech-equipped BMW bikes stand up to the tough challenges of Africa?
Absolutely. In fact, we brought far too many spare parts with us. In the end, all we needed were some rims, clutches, a radiator and a few small parts. Apart from one bike being totally destroyed by a crash, there were no problems and no serious injuries either.

How many event staff were involved in total?
In addition to the 40 participants there were 53 others involved. We also had 14 support cars and 65 bikes with us. It sounds like a lot of people, but on reflection everyone was needed – it’s a big event and they all did a great job!

How did the competitors cope in the heat?
We had temperatures ranging from a chilly 10 degrees in the mountains of Mpumalanga up to a toasty 38 degrees in sandy Mozambique. However, because it is the rainy season the temperatures were not too high, which was fortunate for the competitors, who had enough exhausting challenges to cope with!

Was the inclusion of the photo competition a good thing, and a popular decision among competitors?
Yes it definitely was a good idea. The teams were very ambitious and took a lot of really nice pictures. Furthermore, this competition also affected the final results and when you consider that in the end there was only one point difference between the winning UK team and the South Africans in second, things could have easily been different...

Was there a lot of camaraderie between the teams?
The team spirit between all the teams was incredible – in fact, we were all just one big family, despite the fact that there was a competition going on. That’s exactly what the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy is all about though and we’re both happy and proud that this event created such impressive team spirit, camaraderie and many new friendships.

Were the locals pleased to see the Trophy passing through?
During the 2,000 km round trip we’ve seen many people and experienced different cultures. We made many contacts with locals and if you followed the same routes now, you would see many people with GS Trophy caps and T-Shirts. Even the border guards in Swaziland and Mozambique shared our enthusiasm.

Was southern Africa everything you imagined it to be?
We were very lucky that co-organizer and chief marshal Tomm Wolf and his team scouted the routes in such a perfect way, because every participant can truly say that they’ve really experienced Africa. As you can see from the pictures, South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique offer everything a GS rider can dream of!

Did the winning team surprise you, or were they strong from the start?
Team UK was strong from the beginning. I really like their attitude as they were very relaxed, yet always competitive. Worthy winners in my opinion!

Were there any problems with the bikes?
Not really. We were well prepared and the bikes performed admirably, so no ‘night shifts’ were needed by our mechanics from Touratech. Also, the Metzeler Karoo tyres easily lasted the distance.

How did the competitors cope with the early starts?
Due to the long and hard riding days, participants actually went to bed quite early, so the early alarm calls were acceptable. Plus, when I played Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the jungle” through a loudspeaker at 0530, everybody got up quickly!

Were you surprised at how many people around the world were following the Trophy on Facebook?
The number of our fans on Facebook increased from 30,000 to nearly 140,000. I think the families and friends of the participants and all the GS fans worldwide appreciated the opportunity to follow the GS Trophy daily, as well as being able to watch the videos and read the reports. We hope it helped them feel part of the adventure.

Did the teams also support each other?
There were always two teams riding together and every day these teams changed. As hoped, they helped each other in every possible situation and shared techniques for sand riding, helped pull each others bikes out of mud holes and much more besides.

What was the high point of the Trophy for you?
The high point was that nobody got seriously injured and that we returned to Johannesburg safely. Also, I have to say that it was great to see the satisfaction of the competitors who took part in this amazing event. It was a privilege to be part of this awesome community.

And the low point?
The low point for me was that I was not allowed to ride a bike because of a broken collar bone. That’s all!

Was there a big difference in the riding ability of the competitors?
All of the competitors were very skilled riders. Of course there were some differences but not big ones. Due to the fact that we had rationalised our national qualifying procedure, the level was really high.

Was it the first time in Africa for many of the riders?
Yes it was! I think none of the participants has been to Mozambique or Swaziland before.

What were the funniest moments of the Trophy for you?
We really laughed a lot, but it was especially funny when the Italian team capsized their canoe on the Pongola river

It must have been great to have such a close finish at the end?
Yes. The completion was thrilling and intense right until the end. Congratulations to the teams from GB, South Africa and Scandinavia for putting on such a fight. That said, every participant can consider themselves a winner.

Do you think that this is the kind of event can run and run?
That’s what we really hope. It’s worth a try for every GS rider in the world to have a go in one of the national qualifying events and to try to become a finalist for the 2012 GS Trophy. But even if you should miss this goal you can still be a part of it through the increasing internet community. We’ll see you in 2012 somewhere on planet GS!

To see some video highlights of this year’s International GS Trophy, simply visit http://bmw.tv/com/article/BMW+Motorrad+GS+Trophy+2010/New/video.do?articleID=9858&spaceID=2&channelID=2
'; news['article_45']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_45']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/GST121.jpg'; news['article_45']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/GST121.jpg'; news['article_45']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_45']['content2'] = ''; news['article_45']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_45']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_45']['content3'] = ''; news['article_45']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[263] = 45; news['article_46'] = new Array(); news['article_46']['articleId'] = 264; news['article_46']['day'] = '06'; news['article_46']['month'] = '12'; news['article_46']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_46']['title'] = 'International BMW GS Trophy won by Team GB'; news['article_46']['link_text'] = 'International BMW GS Trophy won by Team GB'; news['article_46']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_46']['content1'] = 'A victorious Team GB have won the 2010 International BMW GS Trophy title after a nail biting, three-way battle, which saw the hard-fought seven-day off-road challenge won by a single point!

This year’s mammoth seven-day off-road adventure ran for 2,000km across three South African nations and involved a host of challenges, tests and trials in order to determine which team would be crowned Trophy champions. The inaugural event took place in Tunisia in 2008 and was won by the USA. This year, twice as many teams lined up to represent their nations and do battle in the heat and dust of southern Africa.

The British team, made up of amateur GS-owning riders Alastair Allan, Mark Kinnard, and Kevin Hammond, rode BMW F 800 GS adventure-sports bikes across South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique. Against the best GS riders selected from all over the world, the plucky British trio built up an early lead which developed into a thrilling three-way battle with the Scandinavian and South African teams, all the while dodging lions and elephants and tackling some of the most beautiful, but challenging, off-road terrain imaginable.

The gruelling competition, involving ten teams from all over the world, pushed the riders to their limits. A range of challenges tested their riding skills, endurance and ability to work together as a team. The competition lasted seven days, one of which was Team GB member Kevin Hammond’s 50th birthday. The ‘birthday boy’ was treated to the toughest day of the whole event which ended with a 30km ride across the deepest sand in the competition – all in temperatures over 35ºC!

The non-stop GS Trophy schedule mixed long days in the saddle (up to 300km on gravel roads in a single day) with a range of tricky challenges including steep hillclimbs, obstacle courses, slow-speed races, river crossings and tractor pulls – the latter of which came easily to Team GB’s two farmers! And there were no luxury hotels or tales of indulgence along the way; the teams camped under the African stars at night.

Kevin and the team rose to the challenge with gusto, going on to win the hotly contested title with a slim one-point lead over second-placed Team South Africa! A combined Scandinavian team took a well-earned third.

Team member Mark Kinnard, 42, said: “It was very tight going into the very last day. We said on the final night that whatever the outcome, we would be very happy. Winning is terrific, of course, but it was the experience – the country, the friendships, the shared highs and lows – that will stay with us long after the glow of victory will fade.”

Kevin Hammond, 50, was equally pleased to have taken part in the event: “It really was tough! The GS Trophy tested our skills and pushed us to the limit. It was very hard work and we had some crashes, but we’d all love to go back and start all over again! Reaching the Indian Ocean when we finished the desert crossing was fantastic, seeing that incredible blue of the water together with the first cold beer of the day, it was just unbelievable.”

This was a view shared by third team member Alastair Allan, 42, who commented: “What can I say? Job done! It’s been a fantastic adventure. We all got on like a house on fire and that’s what made it a great event to take part in. And I think the fact that the team got on so well is the key to our success. It was an unbelievable test and a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

GS Trophy 2010 final standings:

1. UK 152
2. South Africa 151
3. Nordic 149
4. Canada 124
5. USA 107
6. Alps 105
7. Spain 101
8. Germany 95
9. Italy 86
10. Japan 54'; news['article_46']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_46']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/GST120.jpg'; news['article_46']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/GST120.jpg'; news['article_46']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_46']['content2'] = ''; news['article_46']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_46']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_46']['content3'] = ''; news['article_46']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[264] = 46; news['article_47'] = new Array(); news['article_47']['articleId'] = 261; news['article_47']['day'] = '22'; news['article_47']['month'] = '10'; news['article_47']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_47']['title'] = 'S 1000 RR – the Unstoppable success story gathers speed'; news['article_47']['link_text'] = 'S 1000 RR – the Unstoppable success story gathers speed'; news['article_47']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_47']['content1'] = 'S 1000 RR – the Unstoppable success story gathers speed

2010 is the year that the BMW S 1000 RR really made its mark on Superbike championships all over the world. With the racing season just about finished, we bring you right up to date on the phenomenal success the RR has achieved on tracks worldwide, no doubt helping it fly out of BMW Motorrad dealerships almost as quickly...

WSBK

In Magny-Cours, France, Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport finished what was overall a successful second season in the 2010 Superbike World Championship. Ruben Xaus and Troy Corser posted a total of eight top-five-finishes, and Troy clinched the team’s first pole position and podium finishes. In the championship standings Troy finished 11th (165 points) and Ruben finished 15th (106 points). In the manufacturers’ standings BMW ended the season sixth with 201 points.

Significant progress has been made throughout this year and things are looking even more exciting for 2011 as British star Leon Haslam will be racing the works S 1000 RR in the Superbike World championship alongside experienced racer Troy Corser, who has signed up for the 2011 season. With current WSBK runner-up Haslam joining the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team at the next important phase of its development, everyone will be focussed on achieving the S 1000 RR’s first win at the highest possible level.

Superstock 1000 FIM Cup

BMW Motorrad Italia’s Ayrton Badovini took the BMW S 1000 RR’s first international title and set a new motorsports record when he won nine out of ten races to take the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup, the high-profile series which runs at World Superbike rounds. The S 1000 RR rider took an astounding seven victories from the first seven rounds and secured the title with three rounds yet to race. He went on to win the next two races and take second place in the series final, setting a stunning legacy.

USA

In the USA, the vast area covered means that many riders are restricted to regional, rather than national championships, but as you can imagine, there is an incredible amount of activity and success going on Stateside. Here’s a brief summary:

BMW dealerships across the States have been very active in fielding racing teams. For San Diego BMW Motorcycles, Jeremy Toye has raced an RR in the California State Championship in the Formula 1 class, enjoying two wins, one second place and going faster on his RR than any bike he has raced before – breaking two lap records along the way to lifting this title.

For the same dealership, Gary Orr has won the California State Championship Formula 40 class, as well as enjoying four wins in the Formula 40 WSMC championship, 3 wins in the Solo GTO Series and a win in the Open Superbike class – earning him the ‘Top Rookie’ accolade for his efforts.

On the USA’s east coast, Eric Helmback has ridden an RR for BMW Motorcycles of Manhattan and has had considerable success with five wins posted in the GTO class of the CCS/ASRA championships. With support from Morton’s BMW Motorcycles of Virginia, BMW Motorcycles of Manhattan and BMW Motorcycles of Atlanta, Nate Kern has finished on the podium in every GTO, Unlimited Superbike and Unlimited Grand Prix class he has entered on the S 1000 RR, recording an amazing 14 wins out of 23 starts and lifting the title in all three classes.

For Iron Horse BMW Motorcycles of Arizona, Chris Peris has been extremely active on the RR, entering races in AMA Superbike, WERA Open Superbike and Formula 1, CCS Unlimited GP and Unlimited Superbike, and ASMA Formula 1. He has enjoyed 13 race wins in total, and has set four lap records. Although he has only raced a few times in this year’s AMA Superbike Championship, Chris is planning on doing the full season in 2011, so watch this space.

On the drag strip, the team at Brock’s Performance in Ohio has been working tirelessly on the design, development and testing of an RR drag bike, since taking delivery of their first S 1000 RR in March 2010. By May, test rider Ryan Schnitz had run an 8.49 second elapsed time at the AMA Drag Bike event in Michigan on a lowered and stretched RR, using only bolt-on components to an otherwise stock machine. This was universally recognised as the new performance standard for all to follow and completely unheard of from a one-litre power plant, in a drag race world dominated by large displacement Hayabusas and ZX-14s.

And on the salt, San Jose BMW Motorcycles’ Willie Hodgson took part in the first-ever S 1000 RR land speed record attempt at the BUB Speed Trials at Bonneville Salt Flats. His aim was to beat the existing record of 192mph, but due to poor traction on salt at the time of the race, Willie managed a very brave 189mph. Naturally, the SJ BMW team is planning to go back next year to challenge the record.

Andy Sills was at Bonneville too, where he set a world land speed record of 196.117mph in the 1000cc production class. Andy was borrowing an RR loan bike from San Diego BMW Motorcycles in California and set this remarkable speed on their completely stock demonstration machine. The record has since been broken, but no doubt Andy will be trying to win it back next year...

FRANCE
The RR has completely dominated the French Superbike Championship, but it took until the final race of the 14-race series for Erwan Nigon to be crowned champion, as he was challenged all the way by his own RR-riding team-mate, Sébastien Gimbert.

With seven victories, five second places and one third place in 2010 – as well as six pole positions achieved out of a possible seven – Erwan Nigon is a worthy champion. However, his team-mate Sébastien Gimbert was only 12 points adrift in the runner-up position, and his constant hard-fought title challenge allowed BMW Motorrad France to post a ‘one-two’ in the 2010 series – the best possible results in its first year of SBK racing.

Winning this championship and also the Manufacturers’ Championship is a remarkable achievement, given the fact that the S 1000 RR has only been on sale in France since 5 December last year. As a team, to score 12 victories (including 10 double podiums) out of 14 races is seriously impressive, and will be hard to improve upon in 2011, but no doubt they will be trying.

SPAIN

Team Motorrad rider Javier Forés is the new champion in the Stock Extreme category of the Spanish Superbike Championship, after his fifth consecutive victory for the Motorrad Competición team delivered him the 2010 title at Albacete on September 12, with two rounds of the 2010 campaign still to go. Forés’ record in 2010 has been flawless: five pole positions, five fastest laps and five victories, with several class lap records and an unbeatable total of 125 points.

His team-mate Enrique Rocamora is currently fourth in the rider points, just 11 behind second-placed Santiago Barragan, so with two races remaining in this series, a BMW ‘one-two’ is still possible. Furthermore, Rocamora’s efforts have helped BMW to secure the Manufacturers’ Championship, with 191 points – 89 in front of their nearest challenger Ducati, with Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki even further back. The final race in the CEV Spanish Championship will be held on November 14 in Valencia.

UK

The RR has dominated two of the UK’s most competitive race series and won both hotly-contested championship titles. Jentin Racing-BMW Motorrad rider Steve Brogan clinched the inaugural Mirror.co.uk British Superbike-EVO Championship by winning 12 of the year’s 26 races – a stunning achievement especially when entering a brand-new class.

The S 1000 RR had an even greater hold of the Metzeler National Superstock 1000

Championship, in which it took eight wins from 13 races. The popularity and performance of the customer-spec S 1000 RR is such that in Superstock (the class where race bikes are closest to road-bike specification) ever-more teams adopted the bike as the year went on. On the starting grid for the final race, one quarter of the bikes were RRs. In addition, the S 1000 RR set five new Superstock lap records in the 2010 season.

The S 1000 RR secured the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship in the

hands of Jon Kirkham and the Samsung Mobile Racing team. Kirkham won the Championship with two races to go. In total he took six wins, six pole positions and two new Superstock lap records. Richard Cooper and Tristan Palmer – fellow S 1000 RR riders from the Jentin Racing-BMW Motorrad team – each took a pole position, race win and class lap record.

GERMANY

The Hockenheimring was the final stop for the International German Superbike Championship (IDM) over the weekend of 18-19 September. The eighth event of the series saw Belgian rider Werner Daemen finish on the podium in the Superbike class and claim second place in the championship overall. His Dutch team-mate Barry Veneman finished his impressive debut IDM season in fifth place.

These results were good cause for end-of-season celebrations within the team, which has clearly improved since its debut year with the RR in 2009. Last year, they ranked third in the championship and manufacturer standings, but in both categories, Team Alpha Technik – Van Zon – BMW climbed one place higher, with Daemen just 19 points behind title winner and former World Supersport Champion Karl Muggeridge. As for winning the 2010 IDM Manufacturers Championship, the team missed out by just one point – which will no doubt make them even hungrier for success in 2011.

FINLAND

A BMW dealer-supported team won the 2010 Finnish Superbike Championship in its debut season using the S 1000 RR. The Motomarket dealership from Turku, in the southwest of the country, entered a two-rider team in the championship, although there were five BMW riders in total contesting this year’s series. Sami Penna joined forces with 16-times Finnish Ice Racing Champion and three-times Finnish Road Racing Champion Kari Vehniäinen to contest the six-round, nine-race series.

Along the way, the team riders achieved 10 podium places on their S 1000 RR machines – including six wins – and in the end it was Sami Penna who lifted the title. He beat his nearest challenger, Topi Haarala, by 32 points. Rounding off the top three was the second Motomarket Team rider Kari Vehniäinen, just one point behind Haarala.

CANADA

While a BMW rider couldn’t win the 2010 Canadian Superbike Championship, having three S 1000 RRs finish in the top five is surely the next best thing? All year, seven-time champion Jordan Szoke was the man to beat, but nobody actually managed this – his perfect season of seven race wins from seven starts had never before been accomplished in the 30-year history of this championship.

However, Orion Motorsports / BMW Motorrad Canada’s Andrew Nelson did the next best thing on his RR. His second consecutive runner-up finish was enough to move him up to second in the final championship standings, his best ever year-end ranking.

Two-time national champion Francis Martin took sixth on his radX HD / BMW Motorrad Canada RR, despite riding with a sprained left ankle sustained in a crash in the penultimate Superbike race of the year. This relegated him to third in the final standings, just 10 points behind Nelson.

With Jodi Christie finishing fourth overall in the 2010 series, it was Francis Martin’s RR team-mate Michael Ferreira who ended the season fifth in the Superbike standings, thanks to an excellent podium finish in the final race at Atlantic Motorsport Park on 8 August. All told, three out of five isn’t bad!

Elsewhere...

Let’s not forget Scottish rider Keith Amor’s stunning victory in the North West 200 Superstock race on a BMW S 1000 RR back in June. In Australia Craig Coxhell still has the opportunity next month to win the Superstock title, and over in New Zealand Sloan Frost was the winner of the winter Superbike series.

It’s fair to say that BMW Motorrad’s first ever supersport machine has been a phenomenon in the racing world. From its showroom launch in early 2010 to ruling the racetracks of this world, the incredible rise of the S 1000 RR shows no signs of slowing down. With a class-leading technical package which delivers unrivalled performance – right out of the crate – more and more racers are choosing the RR for their own championship hopes.

Journalists love the RR, showroom sales are booming and the awards have been flowing in 2010. All that’s missing now is that elusive first Superbike World Championship victory, but when that happens, there will be no stopping the success story of the S 1000 RR. For BMW Motorrad, its sports bike fans, and racers the world over, 2011 can’t come soon enough...'; news['article_47']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_47']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/P900605871.jpg'; news['article_47']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/P900605871.jpg'; news['article_47']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/BMW_Monza_Gara_Podio1.jpg'; news['article_47']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/BMW_Monza_Gara_Podio1.jpg'; news['article_47']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_47']['content2'] = ''; news['article_47']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_47']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_47']['content3'] = ''; news['article_47']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[261] = 47; news['article_48'] = new Array(); news['article_48']['articleId'] = 260; news['article_48']['day'] = '21'; news['article_48']['month'] = '10'; news['article_48']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_48']['title'] = 'Organizing a GS Trophy to Remember'; news['article_48']['link_text'] = 'Organizing a GS Trophy to Remember'; news['article_48']['subtitle1'] = 'We speak with GS Trophy organiser Tomm Wolf and local Trophy host Jan du Toit about what participants can expect to find when they arrive in southern Africa in just about a month for the second BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy.

Jan du Toit’s relationship with BMW and the GS model range goes back a long way. Not only has the South African been riding BMW motorcycles since 1986, but the first ever GS Challenge was actually staged on his farm in 2004, after having been initiated by Pieter de Waal (now Vice President, BMW Motorrad USA) and Deon Meyer (currently a best-selling crime author). With his Country TRAX business, Jan and his team of instructors have trained countless numbers of people to ride off-road, and he is extremely proud to host the second GS Trophy at his farm near Amersfoort in Mpumalanga.

“It is a huge privilege for us to host the second GS trophy here. In fact, it’s actually nostalgic that the Trophy is coming back to Country TRAX. The first GS Challenge was held here and I have since been involved with all the GS Challenges in South Africa and even one in Germany with Tomm Wolf. We’re hoping to offer Trophy participants a truly African experience with all the diversity this continent offers, including four seasons in one day, the ‘Big 5’ (lion, African elephant, Cape Buffalo, the leopard and the rhinoceros), not to mention snakes and mosquitoes!”

Jan grew up on a farm where the nearest asphalt was 40km away. During the 1980s, he used every opportunity he had to explore his surroundings and the rest of South Africa on BMW motorcycles, starting on the R 100 RT, then a K 100 LT and since 1999 on a GS. The GS and more recently an HP2 Enduro took him to the rest of Africa, where he discovered many amazing places to ride off-road.

This experience and knowledge has helped Jan ensure that the lucky participants arriving at this year’s GS Trophy will get to experience a unique, authentic and diverse experience that will include visiting three African countries with around 2,000 km of riding, taking in five Game Reserves, two Nature Reserves and six different venues in total, with elevation ranges from sea level to around 2,000 metres. Furthermore, the individual challenges have been carefully planned in what Jan calls a “joint effort between Tomm’s German precision and my African unpredictability!”

Above all though, he is hoping that every participant will return home safely after a life-changing experience. This is something that organiser Tomm Wolf is certain of, having fallen in love with the African continent himself after many recent visits for BMW Motorrad, including the launch of the R 1200 GS in 2004, participating in the South African GS Challenge three times and having also taken part in Instructor Training there.

“I know and love this country very much – in fact it’s just perfect for riding GS bikes,” said the German off-road specialist who still instructs at the Hechlingen Enduro Park and can always be found at BMW Motorrad Days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen providing experiences for those new to BMW Motorrad’s Enduro range.

“I can be very happy that my hobby and my job has allowed me to ride all over the world, in every continent. When I was young I travelled to many North African countries and I also had the possibility very early on to enter Russia with BMW for the ‘Ride Paris – Beijing’. During the ‘Iron Curtain’ years I visited a lot of Communist countries like Hungary and Romania, and as a training instructor for BMW Rider Training I also visited North and South America and Asia.”

Tomm met Jan du Toit during 2004 and since then has been to Africa many times to participate in GS Challenges there. Consequently, it wasn’t a difficult decision to recommend South Africa as the ideal venue for the second International GS Trophy event. And having also participated in the 2008 Trophy in Tunisia, Tomm had many ideas on how he’d like to make this year’s event a very different experience.

“The GS Trophy in 2008 was a very nice event, but in only one country with nearly only one landscape. This year, we will be traveling around 2,000 km in extremely different styles of landscape. South Africa will be open and very wide; we’ll experience mountains, forests and great enduro landscapes in Swaziland, while in Mozambique, it will be sand all the way.”

There are many other differences with the 2008 event, according to Tomm’s plans, such as more traveling in small groups, where the participants will encounter various special stages in which they will not only have to demonstrate their riding skills, but also navigation skills and technical knowledge. For sure the teams will be fighting against each other but they will all be working to reach the end together as one big unit. Along the way, they will be passing through amazing landscapes, crossing rivers, muddy sections and sand, in very high temperatures and high humidity. Participants will need to be at their best – both physically and mentally – according to Tomm, who believes that everyone who is lucky enough to take part will keep these special memories forever.

“In my opinion the GS Trophy is the ‘Olympic Games’ for GS riders all around the world,” he says. “We are all very enthusiastic riders and sportsmen, and when I remember back to the first GS Trophy it was such an amazing experience to come together with people from so many different cultures and backgrounds, but all sharing the same love for GS bikes. To be able to ride these wonderful bikes in such amazing landscapes with people from many different countries is quite unique and makes you feel part of something special – especially in the 30th anniversary of this iconic motorcycle.”'; news['article_48']['content1'] = ''; news['article_48']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_48']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/GS_TROPHY.JPG'; news['article_48']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/GS_TROPHY.JPG'; news['article_48']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_48']['content2'] = ''; news['article_48']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_48']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_48']['content3'] = ''; news['article_48']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[260] = 48; news['article_49'] = new Array(); news['article_49']['articleId'] = 259; news['article_49']['day'] = '18'; news['article_49']['month'] = '10'; news['article_49']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_49']['title'] = 'Coming Soon... 2011 BMW R 1200 GS Triple Black'; news['article_49']['link_text'] = 'R 1200 GS Triple Black'; news['article_49']['subtitle1'] = 'Special Edition Model Offers A Distinctively Dark Look'; news['article_49']['content1'] = 'The BMW R 1200 GS goes to “the dark side” in 2011 with a special edition model – the R 1200 GS Triple Black. Building upon a sapphire black metallic body color, the R 1200 GS Triple Black adds a series of specially developed dark components limited exclusively to this model. The result is a dark, distinctive R 1200 GS with unmistakable presence on or off the road.

Special Edition Features:
* Sapphire Black Metallic Body Color
* Black Cross Spoke Wheels
* Special Asphalt Grey Metallic Swing Arm, Rear Frame and Valve Covers
* Black Front Fork and Engine
* Black Seat with Embroidered “GS” logo
MSRP: $18,385* (plus shipping and handling)

*Price includes Premium Package Equipment: Enduro ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment), Heated Grips, On-Board Computer, Hand Protection, Integral ABS, and Saddle Bag Mounts.

The R 1200 GS Triple Black will make its U.S. debut in January 2011.'; news['article_49']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_49']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/P90067710-zoom.jpg'; news['article_49']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/P90067710-zoom.jpg'; news['article_49']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_49']['content2'] = ''; news['article_49']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_49']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_49']['content3'] = ''; news['article_49']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[259] = 49; news['article_50'] = new Array(); news['article_50']['articleId'] = 258; news['article_50']['day'] = '05'; news['article_50']['month'] = '10'; news['article_50']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_50']['title'] = 'The new K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL'; news['article_50']['link_text'] = 'The new K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL'; news['article_50']['subtitle1'] = 'The Most Sophisticated Touring Bike of All Time'; news['article_50']['content1'] = 'BMW K 1600 GT and BMW K 1600 GTL – fascination with six cylinders.

Ever since BMW Motorrad presented the concept study Concept 6 in autumn 2009, the new 6-cylinder in-line engine installed in it has caught the imagination of many motorcycle fans. For over seven decades now, 6-cylinder in-line engines have stood for fascinating engine technology in automobiles at BMW more than with any other brand. With the new K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL, BMW motorcycles are now available for the first time with a 6-cylinder in-line power unit developed in-house. The two touring motorcycles have a supreme, impressive and equally distinctive appearance, creating a desire to travel at first sight.
Riding dynamics, long-distance suitability and comfort.

For decades, 6-cylinder in-line engines have exercised a special fascination. In addition to their perfect running smoothness they also offer supreme output and torque, giving the rider powerful emotional impressions.

In addition to safety, equipment and comfort, prestige and dynamic performance are the key criteria for a supreme touring bike. With the most compact in-line 6-cylinder engine in serial motorcycle production to date, the K 1600 GT and the K 1600 GTL penetrate a whole new dimension in terms of riding properties, long-distance suitability and comfort. They combine maximum agility and riding dynamics with a luxurious overall package. With an engine output of 118 kW (160 bhp) and a maximum torque of 175 Newton metres (129 Lb. ft.), their 6-cylinder engine provides superb propulsion in all conditions.

Lightest and most compact serial production 6-cylinder in-line engine in a motorcycle > 1000 cc.
Previously, the in-line arrangement of six cylinders resulted in either very long or very wide constructions, depending on the installation position, which led to drawbacks in terms of chassis geometry, weight distribution and centre of gravity. This where the K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL break new ground.

Weighing 226 pounds, the engine is by far the lightest serially produced 6-cylinder in-line engine for motorcycles in the class > 1000 cc. What is more, the engine is significantly narrower in construction width than all other 6-cylinder in-line motorcycles in serial production to date. This extremely compact construction and reduced width was achieved in particular by means of a cylinder bore of 72 millimetres in conjunction with a spacing of just 5 millimetres between the cylinder the cylinder sleeves.

Both the low engine weight and the consistent lightweight construction of the vehicle as a whole contribute to the low weight of the vehicle. At 703 lbs. (K 1600 GT without panniers) and 767 lbs. (K 1600 GTL with panniers and topcase) the new touring bikes are in the lower range of the segment.

Three modes to choose from and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) for maximum safety when accelerating.
The rider of the K 1600 models has three different engine characteristics directly available at the press of a button at the right-hand end of the handlebars so as to be able to adapt to different uses such as touring on the road, riding on wet surfaces and sporty, dynamic motorcycling - the modes \"Rain\", \"Road\" and \"Dynamic\". Available as a factory option, the traction control function DTC is combined individually with the different modes, fully harmonised with them so as to provide maximum riding safety.
E-gas.

The control of the central throttle valve with a diameter of 52 millimetres is effected via an e-gas, also known as a ride-by-wire system. The rider\'s wishes are registered by means of a sensor in the accelerator twist grip. The engine control then adjusts the position of the throttle valve accordingly.
Chassis with ideal mass concentration for dynamic riding properties.

The essential chassis elements of the BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL are the light alloy bridge-type frame, and the Duolever and Paralever for wheel control at front and rear. Because of the special requirements of a touring bike with a 6-cylinder engine, particular attention was paid to balancing the masses.

All in all, the interplay of chassis and engine position, together with the seating position of the rider, not only makes for a low overall centre of gravity with a very favourable concentration of masses, it also provides an ideally balanced wheel load distribution for excellent riding properties. The combination of ride stability, riding dynamics and lightness of handling in all riding and load conditions sets a new benchmark in the touring bike segment.

Electronic Suspension Adjustment ESA II for optimum adaptation to all uses and load states.
The new 6-cylinder touring bikes also benefit from the innovative Electronic Suspension Adjustment II (ESA II), which is offered as a factory option.

With this system, globally unique on the motorcycle market, the rider can conveniently press a button to electronically adapt not only the rebound damping properties of the front and rear spring strut but also the spring rest (\"spring preload\") of the rear spring strut as well as the latter\'s spring rate and therefore the \"hardness\" of the suspension. This makes for outstanding stability and impressive responsiveness in all load states.

The additional adaptation of the spring rate allows the damping settings \"Sport, Normal, Comfort\" to be spread widely in ESA II, giving them clearly perceptible characteristics during riding. So in \"Sport\" mode, the K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL are even more dynamic and precise and in \"Comfort\" mode they are more comfortable - while still retaining excellent stability.

Adaptive headlight - a world first for increased safety at night.
With the new BMW Motorrad touring bikes, the first ever \"Adaptive Headlight\" in the motorcycle sector is available as a factory option as a supplement to the standard xenon headlamp. In addition to standard pitch compensation, the light of the main headlamp is also balanced in relation to banking angle. This produces significantly improved illumination of the road when cornering and therefore an enormous increase in active riding safety.

Integrated operating concept with Multi-Controller, TFT color screen and menu guidance.
The instrument panel of the K 1600 models comprises two classic circular instruments for the speedometer and tachometer and a 5.7-inch TFT color display. The design of the information display is also completely new in the motorcycle field. Among other things, it enables the attractive presentation of text and graphics over several lines.

Another world first is the Multi-Controller as part of an integrated operating concept, first introduced in the BMW R 1200 RT at the end of 2009. In addition to audio system control, the K 1600 models also have a menu for operating the comfort functions and on-board computer.

Innovative design with outstanding wind and weather protection.
Particular attention was paid during development to the combination of innovative design, optimum wind and weather protection and the very highest level of functionality. A very good example of this is the electrically adjustable windshield with memory function.

The bike\'s aerodynamic qualities in terms of reduced air swirl - especially in the pillion passenger area - were developed in sophisticated wind tunnel tests. But the windshield not only protects the rider and pillion passenger: it automatically returns to the starting position when the ignition is switched off, acting as an anti-theft system for the optionally available navigation system.

BMW K 1600 GT with active riding ergonomics for proactive touring.
The design of the ergonomic triangle from the position of the footrests, seat top and handlebars makes for a highly proactive seating position in the K 1600 GT, while still retaining a high level of long-distance comfort. The rider and pillion passenger enjoy a comfortable knee angle but the seating position is geared towards the front wheel for a dynamic riding style. The seat is height-adjustable in the rider area so that it can be adapted to individual needs.

The K 1600 GT is has a very extensive range of standard features consisting of xenon headlamps, heated grips and seat, cruise control and on-board computer. In conjunction with the supreme riding qualities of the new BMW Motorrad 6-cylinder engine, this motorcycle leaves nothing to be desired as far as the proactive touring rider is concerned.

BMW K 1600 GTL with very comfortable, relaxed ergonomics set-up for long trips with pillion passenger.
The luxurious touring bike BMW K 1600 GTL meets the very highest demands. Rider and pillion passenger benefit from the very relaxed, upright seating position as is especially appreciated over long distances. The ergonomic design is geared towards maximum comfort and derives from a single-section, dual level seat in conjunction with rider footrests which are further forward and lower, as well as handlebars which reach further backwards. The standard topcase rounds off the range of comfort features for the pillion passenger.
Like the K 1600 GT, the K 1600 GTL has a very extensive range of standard features consisting of xenon headlamps, heated grips and seat, cruise control and on-board computer. The overall impression of the fascinating 6-cylinder motorcycle in combination with a carefully conceived storage concept, a standard audio system and numerous design elements make the BMW K 1600 GTL the flagship model among the BMW Motorrad touring bikes.

Individual paint finish concepts adapted to the character of each bike.
As touring bikes, the new BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL stand for a perfect synthesis of supremacy, dynamic performance and comfort. This is also reflected in the coloring of the two models.
In the K 1600 GT, the body colors of Light Grey metallic and Vermilion Red metallic create a fascinating contrast with the frame and wheels in Ostra Grey and the engine in Platinum metallic matt. The coloring especially highlights the bike\'s technical components. The lines are concentrated and give the motorcycle a marked sense of agility.

With its emphasis on comfort and equipment, the K 1600 GTL has a powerful presence and elegance with elongated lines. This was achieved by means of a harmonious interaction between body colors and the coloring of the engine and chassis components. Here, Mineral Silver metallic or Royal Blue metallic 2 provide a perfect match for the Magnesium metallic matt of the painted frame and wheels. The engine in Platinum metallic matt ensures an appealing overall impression.

An overview of highlights of the BMW K 1600 GT/ K 1600 GTL:
* Supreme in-line 6-cylinder engine with a high level of pulling power, especially in the lower and medium engine speed range.

* Engine output 118 kW (160 bhp) at 7,750rpm and maximum torque 175 Nm (129 Lb. ft.) at 5,250 rpm.

* Over 70 per cent of the maximum torque is already available from 1,500 rpm.

* The lightest and most compact 6-cylinder in-line engine in serial motorcycle production > 1000 cc weighing just 126 lbs. and measuring 555 mm in width.

* Consistent lightweight construction throughout the entire vehicle (magnesium front panel carrier, aluminum rear frame, crankshaft etc.).

* E-Gas.

* Three modes to choose from (\"Rain\", \"Road\", \"Dynamic\")

* High active safety due to standard BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part integral).

* Dynamic traction control DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) for maximum safety when accelerating (optional
extra).

* Chassis with Duolever and Paralever and ideal mass concentration for dynamic riding properties combined with optimum comfort.

* Electronic Suspension Adjustment ESA II for optimum adaptation to all uses and load states (optional extra).

* World premiere in a motorcycle: Adaptive Headlight (optional extra) for increased safety at night in conjunction with standard xenon headlamp and fibre optic rings.

* Integrated operating concept with Multi-Controller, TFT color display and menu guidance for the first time.

* Audio system with preparation for navigation device and controllable interface for iPod, MP3, USB, Bluetooth and satellite radio (USA and Canada only) (standard in the K 1600 GTL).

* Innovative design with outstanding wind and weather protection.

* K 1600 GT with active riding ergonomics for proactive touring.

* K 1600 GTL with a very comfortable, relaxed ergonomics set-up for long trips with pillion passenger as well as luxurious touring equipment.

* Central locking for storage compartments, panniers and topcase (optional extra).

* Extensive fittings and individually tailored accessories at the familiar high level of BMW Motorrad.'; news['article_50']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_50']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/K161.JPG'; news['article_50']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/K161.JPG'; news['article_50']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/K162.JPG'; news['article_50']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/K162.JPG'; news['article_50']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/K163.JPG'; news['article_50']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/K163.JPG'; news['article_50']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_50']['content2'] = ''; news['article_50']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_50']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_50']['content3'] = ''; news['article_50']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[258] = 50; news['article_51'] = new Array(); news['article_51']['articleId'] = 256; news['article_51']['day'] = '21'; news['article_51']['month'] = '10'; news['article_51']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_51']['title'] = 'In search of ‘K’ roads'; news['article_51']['link_text'] = 'In search of ‘K’ roads'; news['article_51']['subtitle1'] = 'K1300S CA/NV/UT Multimedia Run'; news['article_51']['content1'] = 'All motorcyclists like to have something to look forward to, and planning the next ‘big trip’ is usually top of the list of priorities. For K Series enthusiast Shahram Shiva, swapping the busy streets of New York for the deserted roads of Nevada, the picturesque national parks and the awe-inspiring Californian Pacific Coast Highway was a long-held dream.

But what good are dreams if you don’t try to realise them? So, after weeks of planning, Shiva set off on his ideal bike – a 175 hp BMW K 1300 S – and headed West to hunt out the kind of roads that high-performance K Series BMWs were made for. Armed with the latest cinema grade HD video camcorder, laptop and camera, Shiva’s aim was to not only document the trip in detail, but carry out live-blogs, regular Facebook updates, and prepare helmet-cam and other video footage for YouTube and various other BMW enthusiast websites.

Along the way, Shiva was joined by another well known K Series rider – FIM land speed record holder Andy Sills – whose extensive knowledge of Nevada’s backroads helped Shiva to find the kind of ‘blacktop tarmac’ and picturesque scenery to truly make this a trip to remember.

Now, two weeks later, and safely back in New York with great memories from this journey, Shiva is hard at work compiling images and editing film footage from the trip: “There is lots to report,” said the founder of BMWSuperBikes.com, a popular and respected global community for K and S Series BMWs. “I have been posting images from the ride on both my BMWSuperBikes.com community and Facebook page. However, I am very excited to start work on the videos and share those as well. I have two special video interviews. One is with the master K bike customizer Larry Romestant in the Los Angeles area and the other is an extensive interview with Chris and Willie Hodgson of San Jose BMW about the first ever race of the S 1000 RR at the famed Bonneville salt flats.”

Overall, Shiva’s K Series journey covered 2,600 miles (4,200 km) over just 10 days of spirited riding. He has a large selection of onboard HD videos that he is currently editing and is looking forward to sharing these with the BMW community, who he believes will be interested in seeing these parts of the USA from a motorcyclist’s perspective.

“I travelled on what I think are some of the best roads in the world, including the Malibu canyons, Death Valley, Pacific Coast Highway, Nevada’s truly awesome and flawless backroads, central California’s desolate farm roads and Yosemite’s scenic and twisty mountainous roads. I rode in elevation from sea level to 10,000 feet (3,050 metres) and in temperatures ranging from 40 to 119 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 48 degrees Celsius).

“The K 1300 S performed flawlessly,” added Shahram. “With so much power available – even at very low RPM – combined with powerful brakes and its long wheelbase, the K1300 S was always poised, no matter the speed or the condition of the road. It performed as beautifully in Malibu’s famed canyons as it did on the perfectly straight roads in the middle-of-nowhere in Nevada, where in places you could see for at least 20-miles in front of you.”

More pictures, video links and news from Shiva’s K 1300 S ‘High Desert Mavericks’ run will be coming in the next two weeks. For more information on his journey and the K and S series BMWs and their owners, check out the www.bmwsuperbikes.com community. For an exclusive clip of San Jose BMW’s Chris and Willie Hodgson with the S 1000 RR at Bonneville Salt Flats, please click on the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0lYDRIyzo8&hd=1'; news['article_51']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_51']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/K111.jpg'; news['article_51']['image11_text'] = 'K Series enthusiast Shahram Shiva finds the kinds of roads he’s been dreaming of riding on his K 1300 S'; news['article_51']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/K111l.jpg'; news['article_51']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/K222.jpg'; news['article_51']['image12_text'] = 'Shiva (right) with another well known K Series rider – FIM land speed record holder Andy Sills.'; news['article_51']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/K222.jpg'; news['article_51']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_51']['content2'] = ''; news['article_51']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_51']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_51']['content3'] = ''; news['article_51']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[256] = 51; news['article_52'] = new Array(); news['article_52']['articleId'] = 257; news['article_52']['day'] = '21'; news['article_52']['month'] = '09'; news['article_52']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_52']['title'] = 'A brief history of the legendary GS'; news['article_52']['link_text'] = 'A brief history of the legendary GS'; news['article_52']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_52']['content1'] = ' September 1980, BMW presented the R 80 G/S to the press. At the time, off-road motorcycles were rarely much bigger than middleweight capacity and clearly defined in their role. BMW’s radical machine forced the birth of a versatile new genre – the R 80 G/S could tackle anything from urban and long-distance riding to off-road enduros. Three decades later, the GS has been much copied and big all-terrain machines have created one of motorcycling’s most popular classes. BMW Motorrad pays homage to this iconic model series...

The BMW G/S model was conceived in 1978 during a period of declining sales, following nearly a decade of growth. On 1 January 1979, a new management team aimed put the BMW motorcycle business back on track. The first model presented to them by the development department, was a large-capacity off-road prototype.

The prototype was built without a formal development brief and was immediately used by the test department to accompany the works team in cross-country motor sport events.


A cross-country tradition

Cross-country racing had become familiar territory to BMW. In the Twenties and Thirties the company had been successful in six-day events, and in the Fifties and Sixties BMW won a series of titles. From 1970 to 1972 Herbert Schek claimed three cross-country championships on a modified BMW R 75/5 road bike. In 1978, the rules again allowed 4-stroke motorcycles to compete in championship events. Laszlo Peres from the BMW test department came second in the German Championship on a self-built 800cc machine that weighed only 142kg.

Peres’ success created an appetite for more and in 1979 BMW established a works team to compete officially in cross-country competitions. The reward for this commitment was the German Championship – won by Richard Schalber in 1979 and Werner Schütz in 1980. In addition, Rolf Witthöft won the European Championship, also in 1980.

Building a successful sports model is one thing, developing an economically viable production machine presents a far-reaching challenge. The new machine had to be suitable for everyday use and the selling price had to be competitive.


Seeking a market position

A concept gradually emerged of a machine with all-terrain capability, combined with high performance and on-road ride comfort. A careful market study of enduro riding revealed that a mere two per cent of kilometres ridden were across really difficult terrain; and 98 per cent were on normal roads, unsurfaced tracks or narrow paths. The idea of a comfortable, large-capacity enduro/street machine was born. Its concept was reflected in the G/S model designation – G for Gelände (terrain) and S for Strasse (road). It created a new market and a demand that has so far proved virtually inexhaustible.


Technically sophisticated rear-wheel drive

BMW management gave the go-ahead for series production and Rüdiger Gutsche, head of chassis development, was put in charge of the project. The focus of development was on new single-arm rear wheel suspension. This feature was new technical territory and the question was whether such a design would be able to withstand heavy stress.

Initial trials were promising and in January 1980 BMW press spokesman Kalli Hufstadt and journalist Hans Peter Leicht set off on two pre-production machines for a 2,000-kilometre ride through Ecuador. During the trip the motorcycles had to combat extreme weather and atrocious road conditions but the men and their machines emerged with no more than a few slight injuries. The development work of the BMW engineers had paid off and the backroom staff were able to start fine-tuning the new, and now proven, G/S machine.


The press impressed

By 1 September 1980 everything was ready. The BMW R 80 G/S was introduced to the international press in the French city of Avignon. Less than 21 months had elapsed since the project was launched and those involved at BMW were anxious to see the reaction. With a dry weight of just 167kg, it was the lightest 800cc motorcycle available. It had a ground clearance of 218mm – and its spring travel of 200mm at the front and 170mm at the rear delivered off-road qualities to satisfy most riders.

The enthusiasm among journalists at the launch of the new motorcycle was universal. One magazine described it with tongue in cheek as ‘the best road motorcycle from BMW’, so impressed were they by its handling qualities. A summary of all the G/S test rides indicated that the new BMW concept had produced ‘A motorcycle for all terrain’. The 800cc BMW R 80 G/S was not only the largest capacity of any enduro machine with road capability, but with a maximum speed of 168km/h it was by far the fastest.


Customers go for the G/S

On 19 September, when it was shown to the public at the IFMA (international motorcycle show) there was a huge crowd around the BMW stand. The public were anxious to see the ‘Bavarian all-rounder’, which had already received so many compliments in the press. Enthusiasm on the stand was converted into orders and by the end of 1981 a total of 6,631 machines – more than twice the number originally planned – had left the workshops in Berlin. One in every five BMW motorcycles sold was a G/S. It meant that the enduro tourer was making a decisive contribution to BMW’s steadily rising sales figures – and to this day, 30 years after the launch – the market segment has maintained its enormous importance for BMW.


Success in the desert

BMW set its sights on the toughest and most prestigious off-road event in the world, the Paris-Dakar Rally. First staged in 1979, the race distance was 9,500km – and a mere 30 per cent of the route was on surfaced roads. In 1979 Fenouil, the only BMW rider, retired with a technical fault. In 1980, Hubert Auriol signed on as the second BMW France rider alongside Fenouil and was in the lead after 11 stages, but in the 12th he was disqualified for unauthorised assistance. By finishing in fifth, Fenouil earned a succès d’estime.

The following year BMW went to the start with three motorcycles prepared by HPN. Auriol was the first to reach Dakar and he was to repeat BMW’s overall victory in 1983. In 1984 and 1985 the Belgian Gaston Rahier also won the Paris-Dakar. With four victories in the Paris-Dakar, BMW had provided impressive proof of the off-road potential of the G/S.


Riding the G/S into the distance

While BMW offered a substantial range of accessories for the G/S, a second market established itself, specifically designed to meet the demands of long-distance travel. In 1984 BMW brought out a special ‘Paris-Dakar’ model. A 32-litre tank with the striking Paris-Dakar logo, a single seat and generous luggage rack gave it the appearance of a competition machine.

The G/S sold supremely well and success attracted not only admirers, but also imitators. It was clear that BMW could not rest on its laurels and would have to defend its position as market leader.


The successors

The result of further development was presented to the public for the first time in Florence on 24 August 1987. The successor models were called the R 80 GS and R 100 GS – the oblique stroke in the designation had been dropped. With the 1000cc R 100 GS, BMW was once again able to offer the largest engine enduro machine on the market. However, it was not the engine – already sufficiently well known from the road models – that attracted attention. Once again it was the rear suspension and frame that had seen substantial modifications.

In addition to the ‘Paralever’ – as the new suspension arm was named – there were numerous detail improvements incorporated in the new GS. For example, the frame and rear end were given additional reinforcement and a new Marzocchi telescopic fork was fitted to the front wheel. The front brake disc was enlarged and a larger Brembo brake calliper fitted. The wheels were of the new cross-spoke type and enabled the use of tubeless tyres. The tank capacity was increased to 26 litres and the longer and wider saddle promised more comfort – as did a small windscreen, which was introduced as standard on the R 100 GS and available as an accessory for the R 80 GS.


The entry-level model

Alongside the two big machines, and specifically for the German market, BMW introduced a 27bhp entry-level model, the R 65 GS. However, the bike was only granted a brief production life. In three years no more than 1,727 units had been sold and the R 65 GS was removed from the range in 1990. A 10th birthday upgrade In 1990, on the 10th anniversary of the GS series, extensively redesigned versions of the R 80 GS and R 100 GS were presented at IFMA in Cologne. The basic models now had a fixed cockpit fairing with external tubular frame. Also new was an adjustable wind deflector and suspension strut, a rectangular headlamp, and instruments borrowed from the K series.


A new dimension

The R 1100 GS made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1993. With its audacious styling and impressive size – compared with the R 100 GS – the new model was 65mm higher and kerb weight had increased by 23kg. The R 1100 GS hit the enduro market like a bombshell. Many observers openly expressed doubts as to whether a motorcycle of such dimensions would be at all suitable for adventure touring. But public demand for the new ‘Über-Enduro’ was enormous – by the end of 1994, the production line at BMW’s Spandau plant had despatched 9,500 units.


The Telelever

At high speeds, the height and aerodynamics of the R 1100 GS might have made it difficult to ride. The problem was solved by a chassis design taken from the R 1100 RS where the frame had been constructed in three sections – with the engine and gearbox housing forming a single, stressed unit. The rear wheel was fitted with an improved Paralever single swing-arm and the front with BMW’s new Telelever. The latter, which had also been introduced a year previously on the R 1100 RS, was a combination of telescopic fork and a leading link between the bridge of the fork and the frame. In conjunction with an anti-dive feature this technical solution guaranteed outstanding responsiveness and a high degree of rigidity, thereby preventing a hardening of the suspension when the brakes were applied.


Farewell to the twin-valve boxer

The end of the air-cooled, twin-cylinder horizontally-opposed engine was imminent. This engine design, which since 1923 had been inseparably linked with BMW motorcycles, was no longer able to meet the severe restrictions on noise and exhaust emissions. Thus at IFMA in 1994, BMW introduced a Classic Edition of the successful twin-valve engine. The GS Special – in elegant black with silver transfers – continued to be manufactured until January 1996. At that point, the era of BMW’s twin-valve enduro models appeared to have finally come to an end.

Despite this, BMW went back to work and produced the R 80 GS Basic. With its 19.5-litre tank and white paintwork it was outwardly reminiscent of the original G/S of 1980, albeit fitted with second generation Paralever technology. In a few months over 3,000 units had left the Berlin factory. The last R 80 GS Basic and thus the last BMW twin-valve boxer engine machines came off the line on 19 December 1996.

In September 1998, at INTERMOT in Munich, the R 850 GS was launched as the little brother to the 1100. The engine (from the R 850 R Roadster) was introduced in 1994 and developed 70bhp (52kW) but was also available in a downgraded 34bhp version. The R 850 GS was only produced for three years and in 2000 a single-cylinder model, the F 650 GS, replaced it.


Historic triumph in the desert

In 1998 BMW celebrated a comeback in cross-country sport when, after a gap of 13 years, it again entered a works team in the Paris-Dakar Rally. This time, the four-man team was not riding big boxer machines but single-cylinder motorcycles based on the F 650 GS. Their expectations were deliberately modest and the main objective was to finish the course. Results proved disappointing and a mediocre 35th place and three retirements were added to the record.

The major competition the following year came from Austria: 75 riders, nine of them in the works team, were riding KTMs. No less than 12 trucks provided servicing facilities. However, the small BMW team held their own against superior forces. Richard Sainct, who had only joined the team in 1999, won the motorcycle category, repeating the success of Auriol and Rahier in the 1980s, to give BMW its fifth victory in the event. The fact that all four BMW starters completed the course was proof of the reliability of the single-cylinder enduro bike – and the excellence of the riders.

In 2000, BMW entered six motorcycles. In addition to four single-cylinder models there were once again two boxers on the starting line. The two R 900 RRs had been built by HPN and their high-revving 900cc power unit developed 90bhp at 8,200rpm. BMW once again celebrated a historic triumph in the Dakar when Richard Sainct repeated his success and BMW also took 2nd, 3rd and 4th places. Between the three single-cylinder models, Jimmy Lewis had ridden his boxer into third position.


The F 650 GS

When BMW introduced the F 650 GS in January 2000, under the fairing was a completely reworked F 650 Funduro. For the first time on any single-cylinder motorcycle BMW had fitted digital electronics to control the ignition and fuel injection. The F 650 GS was also the first single-cylinder motorcycle to employ a three-way catalyst as standard. This meant that BMW was once again a pioneer in environmental protection and in 2000 was the only manufacturer whose entire range was fitted with the most effective form of exhaust gas cleaning.

The F 650 GS was introduced in two variants to include a F 650 Dakar model for more intensive off-road use. The concept of the ‘small’ enduro caught on quickly and by the end of 2000 BMW had manufactured over 18,000 F 650 GS machines.


Model development with the boxer GS

After six years, and over 40,000 sales, the R 1100 GS was replaced by the R 1150 GS. Output was increased by 5bhp between 3,000 and 6,500rpm and torque was consistently in excess of 90Nm, which gave the R 1150 GS superior acceleration in all riding situations. The chassis and frame were subject to numerous detailed modifications, beginning with the improved Telelever fork, through a shorter Paralever suspension arm, to an optimised rear-end frame. In addition there was a reworking of the design, which set the R 1150 GS apart from its predecessors in terms of appearance. With the R 1150 GS, BMW asserted its lead in big enduro tourers and was able to stay ahead of competitors who were also crowding into the lucrative market segment.


The ultimate GS for adventure and global touring

For global travellers BMW brought out a new model in the spring of 2002, which was named the R 1150 GS Adventure. In doing so, BMW not only offered a comprehensive range of special equipment and accessories but also modified the standard GS features. Suspension play was enlarged by 20mm on each wheel to 210mm at the front and 220mm at the rear. On the rear wheel a Showa suspension strut with travel-dependent damping was used. The front wheel was fitted with the EVO brake and as an option BMW offered Integral ABS anti-lock braking system.

Further modifications were principally designed to enhance the comfort of the rider; for example, the windscreen and front mudguard were lengthened and widened. This gave better protection from wind, weather, spray and mud. Hand protection and protection from handlebar jolting were standard features and under-the-engine protection was also strengthened. In place of the 22-litre fuel tank, customers could opt for a 30-litre tank. Adequate stowage space was provided by a set of aluminium cases specially designed for the Adventure – the two side cases and a top box provided 105 litres of space. There was even a large cylinder protection bracket, protective grille for the headlamp, and a fog lamp also with protective grille.

With these special accessories BMW could once again claim to be a system provider and offer the globetrotting community ‘one-stop shopping’ as a complete solution.


A new benchmark – the R 1200 GS

In summer 2004, BMW presented a new generation of its classic enduro model. Rather than facelift the existing R 1150 GS, the company decided to create a new motorcycle, the R 1200 GS, which would offer all the advantages of the predecessor models but in a far more dynamic form.

The new model was an industry surprise and weighed only 199kg dry – a reduction of 30kg compared with the R 1150 GS. However, the low weight was not achieved through compromise. On the contrary, the R 1200 GS surpassed its famous predecessor in every respect and set new standards of agility, handling and reliability. With a capacity of 1200cc the boxer engine was the largest ever fitted in an enduro machine. With an output of 100bhp (74kW) and a maximum torque of 115Nm, the GS guaranteed a supreme power curve and sufficient pulling power at all engine speeds – on or off-road. Thanks to the first-time use of a counterbalanced crankshaft in a boxer, the engine generated less vibration than its predecessors despite being larger in cylinder capacity.

An important factor for long-distance travellers was that the engine, although tuned for super-grade unleaded petrol, would happily run on normal fuel without any manual adjustment. Fuel consumption was been improved by eight per cent compared with earlier models, and power output and torque were raised by nearly 18 per cent.

The R 1200 GS had an unmistakable appearance and every detail of the new bike underwent modification and weight optimisation. All these improvements were also featured just over a year later on the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure, which now replaced the BMW R 1150 Adventure. With all this going for it, the R 1200 GS couldn’t fail to be a success, and after just three years, sales of the two large BMW enduros had already topped the 100,000 mark.


HP2 Enduro

For many boxer fans, this was a dream come true. Never before had a boxer model been this athletic and had such radical off-road capabilities. There had already been plans for a radical off-road boxer years before, but not until the lightweight R 1200 GS was a suitable technical basis available for developing such a machine.

The engineers had already gained experience with the tubular space frame from working with the R 900 RR, while for the engine and driveline they were able to draw on the R 1200 GS. The air spring strut and TDD telescopic fork gave the bike competitive speed on the worst imaginable off-road trails. Here the HP2 Enduro went way beyond all previous GS models. The handling, heavily influenced by the 21-inch front wheel and the light weight of the bike, was unrivalled too. But obviously such a machine could neither be cheap nor meet a wide spectrum of wants and needs. The production run was consequently limited to 2005 and 2006.


F models continue to be as popular as ever

In 2008, the F 650 GS and its sister model the F 650 Dakar, were replaced by a brand new F 800 GS twin-cylinder model. The new models are powered by a parallel twin-cylinder engine taken from the F 800 S and F 800 ST street models, which were launched in 2006.

The F 800 GS enduro is not only equipped with the same engine as the 800 series street machines but also with the same tubular space frame. With a 21-inch front wheel, large ground clearance and more than 200 millimetres of spring travel, it can take on any type of terrain, while on the road its agile, 85hp engine powers it vigorously up to the 200km/h mark.

However, with the parallel twin-cylinder engine, liquid cooling and chain drive to the rear wheel, this was a completely different technical concept from that of the tried-and-tested boxer models. The particular strengths of the twin-cylinder 800 model are its compact and robust design, outstanding fuel economy and agile performance.

In 2008, the company then brought out a new version of the F 650 GS. In fact, the displacement of this model – 798cc – was the same as that of the F 800 GS. The only difference was that it was a little more softly tuned than in the F 800 GS version, making it more suitable for less experienced riders or those with a more leisurely riding style. The single-cylinder F 650 GS predecessor is still in production in Brazil, but only for specific markets.


The GS models just keep getting better

In 2007 the R 1200 GS underwent a facelift that introduced a large number of detail improvements. It became more agile with the incorporation of the six-speed transmission from the HP2 Sport street bike. The GS now shared its pistons and camshaft with the R 1200 R and RT, raising maximum output to 105hp at 7,500rpm. Seat and handlebar comfort was further improved and visually, the revised GS can be identified by the striking light-alloy side covers on the fuel tank and LED rear light.


Modernised yet again: the GS at 30

To mark its 30th birthday, the evergreen GS boxer engine was given a sporty makeover, with the 2010 models inheriting the high-tech cylinder heads of the meteoric HP2 Sport. Since an all-out focus on maximum power would have conflicted with the versatility that continues to be the hallmark of the boxer engine, the increase in output is relatively moderate, to 110hp at 7,750rpm. A more important priority was to ensure a further increase in torque over a wide rpm range. The increased compression ratio allows the GS to achieve outstanding fuel efficiency.

The GS and its sister model, the Adventure, have for many years been not only the most popular BMW motorcycles, but in some countries the best-selling motorcycles overall. Clearly, the fathers of the original R 80 G/S had the right instinct when they went against the trend and opted instead to create an all-rounder with strong touring qualities.

Thirty years have passed since the launch of the BMW R 80 G/S. In three decades that segment of the world market has grown tremendously and BMW, as a pioneer with each new model, has set the standard for a harmonious synthesis of off-road and on-road qualities. BMW still represents the benchmark in this market segment today. Indeed, more than 500,000 customers around the world can vouch for the talents of the GS models and their incomparable boxer engine.

Thanks to this range of models and a pride in 30 years of achievement, BMW Motorrad can look with optimism at the future of the enduro market. '; news['article_52']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_52']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/GS111.jpg'; news['article_52']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/GS111.jpg'; news['article_52']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/GS333.jpg'; news['article_52']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/GS333.jpg'; news['article_52']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_52']['content2'] = ''; news['article_52']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_52']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_52']['content3'] = ''; news['article_52']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[257] = 52; news['article_53'] = new Array(); news['article_53']['articleId'] = 255; news['article_53']['day'] = '21'; news['article_53']['month'] = '09'; news['article_53']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_53']['title'] = 'THANK YOU GS – 750 and counting...'; news['article_53']['link_text'] = 'THANK YOU GS – 750 and counting...'; news['article_53']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_53']['content1'] = 'Without a doubt, the GS is enjoying its 30th anniversary year, with magazines all over the world celebrating three decades of this iconic, go-anywhere, all-purpose motorcycle that has transformed the lives of many owners.

As part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of its GS model range, BMW Motorrad created a special online ‘THANK YOU GS’ Photobook, with a view to encouraging past and present owners across the globe to get involved and submit their pictures and stories of what GS ownership means to them, and where their bikes have taken them.

To date, hundreds of GS enthusiasts have uploaded their photos, stories and experiences to the ‘THANK YOU GS’ digital photo-book, which can be seen online at the www.bmw-motorrad.com/30yearsgs website. The entries have come from all over the world and include a massive variety of pictures and stories of this inspirational model series – and its inspirational owners.

To date, the digital photo-book has grown to almost 750 pages and the hope for BMW Motorrad is to reach a massive 1,000 pages before the end of the year. If you haven’t taken a look at the contents yet, be prepared for a truly exciting journey, featuring snapshots of the lives of GS owners all over the world.

From Argentina to Australia, in deserts, up mountains, through snow and mud, and across rivers, the GS has made its mark, from the southernmost part of the Americas (Tierra del Fuego) to beyond the Arctic Circle in the north. All models are featured in this online special, from the earliest R 80 G/S (many of which are still going strong and have travelled hundreds of thousands of kilometres) to the latest 2010 models making their first journeys into the ‘great unknown’.

When you read hundreds of messages from passionate owners (in English, Spanish, French, German and many other languages) it’s evident that the bond between owners and their machines is very strong – simply because this motorcycle has taken them to places they have always dreamed of visiting and shown them that with a GS, the world truly becomes a smaller place.

Many of the messages help to explain why the GS stands apart from all other two-wheelers as a unique symbol of adventure, discovery, spirit and reliability. One owner says that it “doesn’t matter which GS you choose, she’ll lead you everywhere, anywhere, always – massive and reliable, like a camel in the desert.” Another adds that “no matter the place, no matter the weather, the GS is part of me”.

This theme is echoed many times over, with one contributor saying that his GS is “unstoppable over every terrain, reliable under every circumstance – it’s a bike for life”. Another owner’s posting shows a passion that is normally only reserved for wives or girlfriends: “You’ve taken me to an unforgettable place. You keep my faith. You are my destiny. You brought me life. I trust you. We are friends.”

The GS riders that have contributed so far come from across the world and are all ages – from young to old – but each of them share the same spirit of adventure, wanderlust and belief that the world is there to be explored, with nowhere too far away to reach. If you haven’t visited the THANK YOU GS online special yet, prepare to be inspired, and if you’re a GS owner that still hasn’t contributed, then why not share your memories and pictures with your fellow riders all over the world, and become part of an enduring legend.

To become part of the THANK YOU GS photobook is easy: all participants have to do is visit http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/30yearsgs and have a look though the online special. In order to post content, it is necessary to register details, but this only takes a few minutes. After that, you will be able to log into the site and share your GS experiences with the world.'; news['article_53']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_53']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/GSty2.jpg'; news['article_53']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/GSty2.jpg'; news['article_53']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_53']['content2'] = ''; news['article_53']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_53']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_53']['content3'] = ''; news['article_53']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[255] = 53; news['article_54'] = new Array(); news['article_54']['articleId'] = 254; news['article_54']['day'] = '28'; news['article_54']['month'] = '08'; news['article_54']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_54']['title'] = 'High-Desert Mavericks: K 1300 S Multimedia Run'; news['article_54']['link_text'] = 'High-Desert Mavericks: K 1300 S Multimedia Run'; news['article_54']['subtitle1'] = 'Special K'; news['article_54']['content1'] = 'Shahram Shiva is a lot more than your average K Series fan. He is the founder of BMWSuperBikes.com, a very popular and highly respected global community for K and S Series BMWs. In addition he has written countless magazine articles, conducted seminars on the history of the K Series and is well known for his motorcycle photography and video work. His K bike blogs are read by tens of thousands of fans across the globe but over the next days, he will be taking his office ‘on the road’ for a trip that will appeal to fans of BMW Motorrad’s four-cylinder models everywhere.

Shiva’s dream of seeking out the kind of roads that are ideally suited to the high-performance capabilities of the K Series will take him in the direction of the American State of Nevada, en route to the famous annual Speed Trials at the mystical Bonneville Salt Flats in the neighbouring State of Utah. Riding a K 1300 S, Shiva will be joined by another well known K Series rider – FIM land speed record holder Andy Sills – who has been competing at the Bonneville Salt Flats on BMWs for several years.

Andy Sills became known in the BMW community in 2005 for setting the FIM land speed record of approximately 176 mph (283 km/h) on the then new K 1200 S at Bonneville, during BUB’s Speed Trials. Sills subsequently ran a specially modified, turbo-powered K 1200 S in 2007, hitting speeds of 200 mph (322 km/h). In addition, Sills has logged tens of thousands of miles on Nevada’s roads, and is an expert in touring in this area.

For Shiva, the State of Nevada offers some of the best roads in the country for riding K Series BMWs. With its rich national parks system, it’s also an ideal place for scenic motorcycle photography and footage – something which the multimedia specialist is looking forwards to documenting. Furthermore, the trip will coincide with this year’s Speed Trials at Bonneville, where several BMW bikes will feature in the action.

“With so much focus on the S 1000 RR during 2010, it’s easy for people to forget just how fantastic the high-tech, comfortable and powerful K Series bikes are – especially on the kinds of roads that we’ll be exploring,” said Shiva. “This is a trip I\'ve been meaning to do for two years, ever since I went to Bonneville Salt Flats in 2007 to cover Andy’s world land speed record attempt on a turbo powered K 1200 S. While in Utah and Nevada for Bonneville, I got to appreciate not only the great condition of the roads but how suitable they are for spirited K bike riding. I plan to do as much live-blogging possible, with regular Facebook updates, daily YouTube videos and of course quality photos. I\'ll have onboard HD helmet-cam footage, plus cinema grade HD video camera.”

Shiva’s ride will also include meeting up with fellow K Series owners in Los Angeles; a visit to K Series tuner Larry Romestant (www.specialks.net/ ) for a video interview and look at his workshop; a ride from LA to Las Vegas to Bonneville with other K or S bike riders; multimedia coverage of the 2010 BUB Speed Trials at Bonneville Salt Flats, where a San Jose BMW S 1000 RR will make its debut on the salt; a K 1300 S ‘High-Desert Multimedia Run’ where Andy Sills and Shiva will ride two K 1300 S bikes through some of the best roads in Nevada; a ride to Andy’s hometown of San Francisco; and a final stage ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles via US 1 – the famed Pacific Coast Highway.

“Our intent is to create something new here for the K bike fans,” said Shiva. “We’re aiming to provide high-grade, spirited and exciting videos, mixed with amazing locale and seemingly endless high-desert roads. K fans should also expect quality onboard footage, plus cinema grade HD and pictures. We’re also very excited to add to our itinerary the coverage of the Bonneville event and San Jose BMW’s S 1000 RR record attempt. This will be the first ever attempt of racing an RR on salt.”

We’ll bring you pictures and a review from Shiva and Sills’ forthcoming K Series ride. For more information on their journey, check out the www.bmwsuperbikes.com community or see http://facebook.com/bmwsuperbikes. For news and results from Bonneville, please visit the http://www.speedtrialsbybub.com/2010_event/index-2010.html website.
'; news['article_54']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_54']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/specialK11.jpg'; news['article_54']['image11_text'] = 'Shiva in action on a K 1300 S'; news['article_54']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/specialK11.jpg'; news['article_54']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/specialK22.jpg'; news['article_54']['image12_text'] = 'Andy Sills speed tests the K 1200 S at the Bonneville Salt Flats'; news['article_54']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/specialK22.jpg'; news['article_54']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/specialK33.jpg'; news['article_54']['image13_text'] = 'Shahram Shiva, the founder of BMWSuperBikes.com'; news['article_54']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/specialK33.jpg'; news['article_54']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_54']['content2'] = ''; news['article_54']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_54']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_54']['content3'] = ''; news['article_54']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[254] = 54; news['article_55'] = new Array(); news['article_55']['articleId'] = 253; news['article_55']['day'] = '13'; news['article_55']['month'] = '08'; news['article_55']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_55']['title'] = 'BMW S 1000 RR Superbike Clinches Three “Best of” Honors in U.S.'; news['article_55']['link_text'] = 'S 1000 RR Clinches Three “Best of” Honors in U.S.
'; news['article_55']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_55']['content1'] = 'Woodcliff Lake, NJ – August 13, 2010... In its debut year, the BMW S 1000 RR superbike has earned three superlative awards from the U.S. media. Robb Report named the BMW S 1000 RR the best sportbike in its annual \"Best of the Best\" issue in June. In July, Cycle World followed suit by awarding the BMW S 1000 RR \"Best Superbike for 2010\"; and in the September issue of Motorcyclist, editors chose the BMW S 1000 RR for its coveted \"Motorcycle of the Year\" Award.

\"It is a tremendous honor to receive this type of recognition from these well-respected publications,\" commented Pieter de Waal, Vice President, BMW Motorrad USA. \"The positive response we\'ve had from the motorcycling community reaffirms our commitment to continually raise the bar for performance and value in this competitive market segment.\"

According to editors of the Robb Report, \"the BMW S 1000 RR is perhaps the greatest motorcycle-branding success story of the last 10 years. From the moment that the S 1000 RR made the leap from the drafting board to the showroom floor, the sportbike transformed existing perceptions of the Bavarian brand, winning over a new generation of enthusiasts.\"

Cycle World editors offered similar praise after test riding the bike at Spain\'s Aragon racetrack, commenting \"On the road in our own little fiesta of speed, we found it almost as refined and comfortable as the established superbike players. And just to rub it in, the base-model BMW is actually a bit cheaper than some of its Japanese equivalents...As both an introductory effort and a portent of that it\'s likely unleashed in the marketplace, the BMW\'s the most beautiful thing to blow out of Bavaria since Beethoven.\"

In its annual \"Motorcycle of the Year\" issue, editors of Motorcyclist wrote, \"To call it a good first effort doesn\'t begin to do it justice. It flat out raises the bar. Yet it does so in a way that is inimitably, undeniably BMW.\"

BMW Motorrad launched its most anticipated new sport bike in recent history at Italy\'s famed Monza racetrack, during the World Superbike race weekend, in May 9, 2009. When it arrived in U.S. dealerships in January 2010, a significant number had already been sold to customers through a successful pre-sale program. The S 1000 RR, weighing only 404 lbs and delivering a massive 193 hp, is one of the most potent, sophisticated and lightest sport bikes ever produced. It holds the distinction of being the most powerful production 1000cc sport bike in the world and has a manufacturer\'s suggested retail price of $13,800.

In addition to the class-leading power plant, the BMW S 1000 RR possesses new technical features, such as the first-ever four-stage Race ABS system with settings for Rain, Sport, Race and Slick conditions. The groundbreaking new ABS system weighs only about 5.5 lbs complete -- nearly 20 lbs lighter than the competition.

For blogs, S 1000 RR events, images, tech specs, and news and about the new BMW S 1000 RR, visit the exclusive S 1000 RR microsite http://www.bmwplanetpower.com/.

The site provides links to other key websites, including:

S 1000 RR Official Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/BMWS1000RR

S 1000 RR Official Web Site at www.S1000RR.com

BMW Motorrad Motorsports at http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/motorsports/motorsport_main.html

BMW XPLOR Rider Community at www.bmwxplor.com

BMW Motorrad USA at www.bmwmotorcycles.com
'; news['article_55']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_55']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/S1000RRwins.jpg'; news['article_55']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/S1000RRwins.jpg'; news['article_55']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_55']['content2'] = ''; news['article_55']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_55']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_55']['content3'] = ''; news['article_55']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[253] = 55; news['article_56'] = new Array(); news['article_56']['articleId'] = 252; news['article_56']['day'] = '02'; news['article_56']['month'] = '08'; news['article_56']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_56']['title'] = 'BMW S 1000 RR wins Fast Bikes magazine’s Sportsbike of the Year Award'; news['article_56']['link_text'] = 'S 1000 RR wins Fast Bikes magazine’s Sportsbike of the Year'; news['article_56']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_56']['content1'] = 'The BMW S 1000 RR has been awarded the 2010 Sportsbike of the Year title by the United Kingdom’s Fast Bikes magazine. BMW Motorrad’s new sportsbike beat all the competition from Japan, Italy and the UK – including the Honda Fireblade, Ducati 1198 S Corse, Aprilia RSV4 R and Triumph Daytona 675 – to win this prestigious award.

Ten bikes were taken to the Circuit d\'Alcarràs near Barcelona. With identical Bridgestone BT-003RS control tyres fitted to every machine, the Fast Bikes team of experienced testers completed an impressive 984 laps of hard riding. The judging and eliminations took place over many long nights of discussion until the panel of experts declared BMW’s first ever supersports machine the winner.

Alastair Fagan, lead tester on Sportsbike of the Year, said: “There aren’t enough superlatives to throw at the BMW. We need to invent some new words, but ‘utterly special’ will suffice for now.”

The testers praised the S 1000 RR for its advanced traction control, getting the lowest lap time of the entire competition and for making 179bhp on their dyno test. Fast Bikes Editor Richard Newland said “this really is a phenomenal achievement and a truly incredible bike.”

In addition to being Fast Bikes’ 2010 Sportsbike of the Year, the S 1000 RR also came out top in Spanish magazine Motociclismo’s prestigious ‘Masterbike’ challenge. ‘Masterbike’ is the world’s largest group test and involves 20 of the world’s best sportsbikes being judged by 16 motorcycle publications from the around the globe, including the UK’s Motorcycle News.

Furthermore, the RR was voted the ‘Best Sports Motorcycle 2010’ by readers of German magazine PS and was also voted ‘Motorcycle of the Year 2010’ in the readers’ vote of German motorcycle magazine Motorrad last March. In the USA, Cycle World magazine also chose the S 1000 RR as the Best Superbike of 2010.

Adrian Roderick, General Manager of BMW Motorrad UK, said: “The S 1000 RR is BMW’s first all-out supersport machine and we are over the moon with the reception it has received. It has been a massive sales success in the UK. In the first half of 2010 it was the best selling bike in the over 125cc category. The feedback we get on the S 1000 RR, from owners and the media alike, makes all the hard work and development worthwhile”. '; news['article_56']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_56']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/FastBikes.jpg'; news['article_56']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/FastBikes.jpg'; news['article_56']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_56']['content2'] = ''; news['article_56']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_56']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_56']['content3'] = ''; news['article_56']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[252] = 56; news['article_57'] = new Array(); news['article_57']['articleId'] = 251; news['article_57']['day'] = '26'; news['article_57']['month'] = '07'; news['article_57']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_57']['title'] = 'S 1000 RR: The New Generation of Drag Bike'; news['article_57']['link_text'] = 'S 1000 RR: The New Generation of Drag Bike'; news['article_57']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_57']['content1'] = 'The dynamic and powerful S 1000 RR has stunned the motorcycle world with its class-leading power in a package that can dominate on the track and also be equally at home on the road.

In the USA, American Brock Davidson saw a very different potential in the RR. The class-leading power and dynamic chassis could well be turned into a very potent weapon in a class of racing that is measured in micro components of time – drag racing.

Brock Davidson heads up Brock’s Performance in Dayton, Ohio. He founded this company in 2002 with the aim of creating engineering excellence for both road and track. Brock’s performance-enhancing products like BST carbon fibre wheels, titanium exhaust system and the extended swingarms have helped create a unique BMW quarter-mile sprinter. As well as the extended wheelbase bike there is the ‘Stock’ version. Depending on the rules of the competition, either or both can have track time over a weekend.

Both produce 203hp (at the rear wheel) with their Dynojet PCV fuel injection module and modified mapping to match Brock’s beautifully produced exhaust system. It is not only in the way this machine looks that the BMW impresses. The standard version has hit the finish line at 8.95 seconds while the 1663.7 mm wheelbase bike has managed a very impressive 8.497 seconds in the ¼ with both reaching trap speeds approaching 257 km/h. The long-wheelbase bike also boasts a 0-200 km/h reading of just 5.2 seconds!

The first outing for the Brock’s Performance RR was at an AMA meeting in Michigan, with Ryan Schnitz in the seat. The extended swingarm model had the crowd stunned. Here was the fastest bike of its class in the world and this was its first trip up the strip! For Brock it was a vindication of his original hunch:

“The BMW has a better power-to weight ratio than any bike we have ever run and we can see it not only grabbing the headlines but riders looking for performance – be it on the drag strip, track or indeed the road. There is no better way to develop specialist parts than in competition,” said Brock at the end of a successful weekend.

The stunning debut had four-times AMA National Champion, Keith Dennis signing on as team rider and he had the standard wheelbase version in action at a recent event in Alabama where, again, the RR stood out.

“We are going to further develop the BMW with nitrous injection for ‘Real Street’ competition and do more work on engine hard-part development after we see what it can take in pure stock form,” says Brock. “So far, the engine has been stronger than anything we have been able to throw at it from a normally aspirated standpoint. We have ‘torture tested’ both of these bikes like no others on the dyno and racetracks during accelerated product development and performance testing, and they are extremely impressive. Every component has been engineered to the highest standards, but nitrous oxide is an entirely different beast that was not in the original BMW design criteria, so it’s our job as an aftermarket manufacturer to take it from here to please the stupid fast crowd,” said Brock, with an eye to the future.

It is not only on the strip where heads are turned. “We are always very busy at our display area, where the BMW always creates a storm of interest. We were at the recent World Superbike meet at Salt Lake City in the BMW Motorrad area and did that grab us some interest!” said Brock.

Drag racing might not have been on the BMW Motorrad agenda but thanks to Brock Davidson the S 1000 RR now has a new area of motor sport in which to display its unique style and dynamic power.

For more online information on various ‘go-faster’ parts that are available, please visit www.BrocksPerformance.com '; news['article_57']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_57']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/brock1.jpg'; news['article_57']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/brock1.jpg'; news['article_57']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/brock2.jpg'; news['article_57']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/brock2.jpg'; news['article_57']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_57']['content2'] = ''; news['article_57']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_57']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_57']['content3'] = ''; news['article_57']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[251] = 57; news['article_58'] = new Array(); news['article_58']['articleId'] = 250; news['article_58']['day'] = '26'; news['article_58']['month'] = '07'; news['article_58']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_58']['title'] = 'Around the world with the S 1000 RR'; news['article_58']['link_text'] = 'Around the world with the S 1000 RR'; news['article_58']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_58']['content1'] = 'In only its second season in the Superbike World Championship, the S 1000 RR is already having a big impact. Furthermore, all around the world, motorcycle racers are discovering that BMW’s new Superbike has exactly what it takes – straight out of the box – to win races. Here’s a summary of BMW S 1000 RR success so far in 2010...

WSBK
The thousands of passionate BMW fans that gathered at the historic Monza circuit early in May and who were watching around the world were in for a treat, as BMW Motorrad Motorsport rider Troy Corser achieved the team’s first ever World Superbike podium. After a four-way battle at the front between himself, Max Biaggi, Leon Haslam and Cal Crutchlow at the high-speed circuit, Corser secured his 129th WSBK podium – but importantly – the first ever for the S 1000 RR and BMW Motorrad Motorsport.

Since then, Corser has gone on to record another podium finish – at Misano at the end of June – as well as achieving the team’s first ever pole position. Roll on Silverstone in August...

Superstock 1000 FIM Cup
After six rounds of 10 in this year’s Superstock 1000 FIM Cup, the S 1000 RR has been in a class of its own with BMW Motorrad Team Italia’s Ayrton Badovini being equally Unstoppable in this important race series that supports the Superbike World Championship at all its European rounds.

Six convincing wins from six races so far in 2010 means that Badovini currently has a maximum 150 points in the rider standings – currently more than twice that of second-placed rider Michael Magnoni. His team-mate Daniele Beretta also showed his potential by finishing on the podium in Monza and finishing fourth in Brno, elevating him to tenth in the standings.

With these impressive results, BMW leads the Manufacturers Standings by a clear margin over distant challengers Honda and Suzuki. The Superstock 1000 FIM Cup returns at the beginning of September at Silverstone. Who would bet against Badovini securing the championship at this round?

France
After four rounds of the 2010 French Superbike Championship, it’s success all the way for BMW Motorrad France team riders Erwan Nigon and Sébastien Gimbert. After 8 races out of 14, their race results on the track prove conclusively just what the BMW S 1000 RR is capable of in the right hands: After five wins, two second places and a third place, Nigon tops the points table with 184 (out of a possible 200). Team-mate Sébastien Gimbert is second on 143 points, with one win, five second places, a fifth and ninth place to his credit.

The two BMW riders have done incredibly well so far this year and now both occupy strong positions at the top of the championship, which means that BMW Motorrad France is extremely confident for the forthcoming rounds of the 2010 French Superbike Championship, which continues at Magny-Cours on the 17th and 18th of July.

Spain
The 2010 ‘CEV Buckler’ Spanish Superbike Championship has completed just four rounds so far in 2010, but BMW S 1000 RR rider Javier Forés is already staking his title ambitions by securing four consecutive victories so far in 2010 for the Motorrad Competicion team.

In the ‘Stock Extreme’ class, the Valencian rider’s maximum points gives him an advantage of 40 points over Ducati rider Xavier Del Amor. His team-mates Enrique Rocamora and Alberto Lopez are fourth and seventh in the overall championship standings.

These great results from the Motorrad Competition team have helped extend BMW’s lead in the Manufacturer Standings. Despite this being the first time that the S 1000 RR has competed in this championship, BMW currently has 155 points, 76 more than the nearest manufacturer Ducati, with the Japanese manufacturers trailing even further behind. The next race takes place at Albacete on 12 September.

Germany
Belgian rider Werner Daemen recently scored a double victory at the Salzburgring on his BMW S 1000 RR in a successful weekend of racing in the German Superbike Championship (IDM).

The Team alpha Technik - van Zon - BMW rider performed flawlessly and elevated himself to second place in the overall points table. His pole position, two race wins, fastest lap and a podium from his team-mate Barry Veneman also means that the BMW team is now leading the Manufacturers Standings by 28 points over KTM, with Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki rounding out the top five.

The next round of the 2010 IDM German Superbike Championship will take place on the first weekend of August at the Schleizer triangle.

Australia
Lap record, top qualifier and two race wins. That’s not bad for only the second outing on a new bike and a considerable achievement for Craig Coxhell and the CJC Racing S 1000 RR team at Round 3 of the Australian Superbike Championship, held at Queensland Raceway in Australia’s Sunshine State.

In the team’s first outing in Darwin they’d managed to get inside the top ten in the Superbike class on a practically standard and untested bike. With the bike in Superstock trim and unsure of when new parts would be available, the team decided to switch to the Superstock class. In doing so, they still managed to finish 6th and 7th outright – winning the Superstock class in both races – and were also the first Superstock bike to get into Superpole shoot-out in the history of this qualifying format in Australia.

This was the first podium for BMW in Australia on the new S 1000 RR but definitely not the last. The championship continues on August 20-22 back at Queensland Raceway.

UK
In the 2010 British Superbike Championship EVO class (which allows homologated machines with full Superbike racing rolling chassis, but ‘stock’ engines in order to keep costs manageable), Jentin Racing – BMW Motorrad rider Steve Brogan is second in the overall points standings after six of 12 rounds having scored five race wins so far.

In the Metzeler Superstock 1000 national championship, the S 1000 RR is again in front with Jon Kirkham leading the 2010 series by 34 points, with two race wins and three third places to his credit. Other BMW riders battling in this competitive series include Tristan Palmer – who has scored two podiums and is currently forth in the championship – and former BMW BoxerCup rider Richard \'Cooperman\' Cooper.

Canada
Along with many other markets worldwide, BMW Motorrad Canada is fielding an S 1000 RR team in its own national superbike championship. Both riders from BMW’s 2009 race team – Francis Martin and Michael Ferreira – are the riders hoping to bring a superbike victory to BMW Motorrad Canada in 2010 and after five rounds of this year’s series, Francis Martin is getting close. The former double Canadian Superbike Champion has finished on the podium four times in five races and currently lies second in the overall points, with team-mate Ferreira in sixth.

The final two rounds of this year’s series will take place from 5-8 August at Shubenacadie in Nova Scotia, so here’s hoping that Francis Martin gets his first victory on the S 1000 RR.

Northern Ireland
In June, Scottish rider Keith Amor scored a stunning victory in the North West 200 Superstock race on a BMW S 1000 RR. Held in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, this race takes place on public roads running between the three seaside towns of Portstewart, Coleraine and Portrush, and is one of the fastest in the world, with top speeds up to 204 mph (328 km/h) recorded through the speed trap.

Thirty-eight-year-old Amor from Falkirk in central Scotland rode a BMW S 1000 RR to victory for the WA Corless/Jackson Racing team – his first ever International road race win and the first on public roads for the S 1000 RR. Keith also rode a BMW S 1000 RR in the event’s two ‘Superbike’ races, finishing in fourth and sixth places respectively, recording 195mph (313.8 km/h) through the speed trap.

Elsewhere...
All around the world, BMW S 1000 RRs are being raced in various championships. In Argentina, René Zanatta is racing in the national Superbike championship, while Daniel Cassano and Mariano Cordasco are racing the BMW in the ‘Stock Bikes’ category.

In the USA, the vast area covered means that many riders are restricted to regional, rather than national championships, but as you can imagine, there is a lot of activity and success going on stateside – enough to bring you a whole story in the near future! '; news['article_58']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_58']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/1334_n.jpg'; news['article_58']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/1334_n.jpg'; news['article_58']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_58']['content2'] = ''; news['article_58']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_58']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_58']['content3'] = ''; news['article_58']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[250] = 58; news['article_59'] = new Array(); news['article_59']['articleId'] = 249; news['article_59']['day'] = '20'; news['article_59']['month'] = '07'; news['article_59']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_59']['title'] = 'BMW Motorrad Roadside iPhone App'; news['article_59']['link_text'] = 'BMW Motorrad Roadside iPhone App'; news['article_59']['subtitle1'] = 'BMW Motorrad USA Introduces Roadside iPhone Application
Innovative app provides customized experience for BMW Motorcycle Riders. '; news['article_59']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorrad USA today introduced a personalized iPhone application for its Roadside Assistance service in the United States. BMW Motorrad USA Roadside Assistance comes standard for three years with every new BMW Motorcycle purchase. The free iPhone application, developed in partnership with Allstate Roadside Services, may be customized by BMW Motorcycle Riders and includes advanced functionality to enhance the overall BMW Motorrad ownership experience.

Key features of the new application include:
• Compatibility with any registered BMW Motorrad model in the United States (models from 1981 onward).
• Expedited handling of BMW Motorrad USA Roadside Assistance requests.
• Automatic sharing of GPS location and motorcycle details (color, model, etc.) between the BMW Motorrad USA Roadside Assistance call center and the Motorcycle rider.
• Direct telephone access to BMW contact information, including authorized BMW Motorrad Dealers, BMW Motorrad Customer Relations, and of course BMW Motorrad USA Roadside Assistance.

“BMW Motorcycle riders appreciate the best technology on their bikes. This App compliments the innovation that is put into every BMW Motorcycle produced.” said Jorge Soriano, BMW Motorcycle Aftersales Manager.

Simply download the “Motorrad Roadside” App to your iPhone and register your bike.
After downloading the application, BMW Motorrad owners will access a number of custom settings so that their BMW Motorcycle(s) are properly managed in the application. Currently, up to four BMW Motorcycles may be imported to a single installation of the application. Each bike may be nicknamed, a unique photo may be associated to each bike, and the Vehicle Identification Number and color of each are also stored by the application.

The new \"Motorrad Roadside\" application is available on iTunes.
'; news['article_59']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_59']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Roadside1.jpg'; news['article_59']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Roadside1.jpg'; news['article_59']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Roadside2.jpg'; news['article_59']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Roadside2.jpg'; news['article_59']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Roadside3.jpg'; news['article_59']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Roadside3.jpg'; news['article_59']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_59']['content2'] = ''; news['article_59']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_59']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_59']['content3'] = ''; news['article_59']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[249] = 59; news['article_60'] = new Array(); news['article_60']['articleId'] = 248; news['article_60']['day'] = '07'; news['article_60']['month'] = '07'; news['article_60']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_60']['title'] = 'New paint colors for the 2011 model year'; news['article_60']['link_text'] = 'New paint colors for the 2011 model year'; news['article_60']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_60']['content1'] = 'For the 2011 motorcycle season an extensive range of facelift measures will be integrated in the existing BMW Motorrad program for the model year 2011. In addition to wide-ranging expansion of the special audio equipment features in the BMW R 1200 RT, it is in particular the unusual variations in the BMW Motorrad paint color program which will provide a whole new and fascinating look for numerous models next year.

For example the BMW F 800 ST will also be available in the new season in an elegant Sapphire Black metallic and Light Grey metallic/Sapphire Black metallic/Granite Grey metallic for comfortable and sporty touring. This season thus sees the last opportunity to secure the F 800 ST in the paint finishes Night Blue metallic and Champagne metallic as these will no longer be available.

The BMW K 1300 S also gains a striking new outfit and will get off to a great start in 2011 in Magma Red non-metallic/Sapphire Black metallic and Lupine Blue metallic/Alpine White non-metallic/Sapphire Black metallic. The paint finishes Lava Orange metallic and Sapphire Black metallic/Granite Grey metallic/Magma Red non-metallic will no longer be available.

The new colors for the S 1000 RR are as striking as the machine itself as it conquers roads and race tracks alike in Shine Yellow metallic and Light Grey metallic. The colors Mineral Silver metallic and Acid Green metallic are no longer available.

From model year 2011 the audio platform of the BMW R 1200 RT, available as a special equipment feature ex works, will be extended to include a number of interesting functions. One particularly useful feature is an integrated Bluetooth interface, for example, but the existing directory functions have also been further optimised. '; news['article_60']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_60']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_60']['content2'] = ''; news['article_60']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_60']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_60']['content3'] = ''; news['article_60']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[248] = 60; news['article_61'] = new Array(); news['article_61']['articleId'] = 247; news['article_61']['day'] = '02'; news['article_61']['month'] = '07'; news['article_61']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_61']['title'] = 'BMW K 1600 GT and BMW K 1600 GTL – fascination with six cylinders'; news['article_61']['link_text'] = 'BMW K 1600 GT and BMW K 1600 GTL'; news['article_61']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_61']['content1'] = 'BMW K 1600 GT and BMW K 1600 GTL – fascination with six cylinders.

Since BMW Motorrad presented the concept study Concept 6 in autumn 2009, the six-cylinder in-line engine featured in it has captured the imagination of many motorcycle fans. With BMW, six-cylinder in-line engines have stood for fascinating engine technology in automobiles for over seven decades, in a way which is unique among brands. In the near future, BMW motorcycles will also be available with an internally developed six-cylinder in-line engine.

With the BMW K 1600 GT and the BMW K 1600 GTL, BMW Motorrad is penetrating a whole new dimension in the Touring world of experience . Both motorcycles stand for a supreme, impressive and equally distinctive appearance, arousing a desire to travel at first sight.

This press release contains a range of information on all aspects of BMW Motorrad\'s new touring bikes. Additional data and background information will be added for the world premiere.

Riding dynamics, long-distance suitability and comfort.

For decades, six-cylinder in-line engines have offered a special fascination. In addition to their perfect running smoothness they also offer supreme output and torque, giving the rider powerful emotional impressions, too. And of course the sound of a six-cylinder engine is beyond compare.

In addition to safety, equipment and prestige, the key criteria for a supreme touring bike are comfort and dynamics. With the most compact in-line six-cylinder engine in serial motorcycle production to date, the K 1600 GT and the K 1600 GTL penetrate a whole new dimension in terms of riding properties, long-distance suitability and comfort. They combine maximum agility and riding dynamics with a luxurious overall package. With an engine output of 118 kW (160 bhp) and a maximum torque of approx. 175 newton metres, their six-cylinder engine provides superb propulsion in all conditions.

BMW K 1600 GT with active riding ergonomics for proactive touring.

The dynamic touring bike BMW K 1600 GT is characterised by an active seating position which nonetheless offers a high level of long-distance comfort. The reason for this is the favourable set-up of the ergonomics triangle made up of footrests, seat and handlebars. The K 1600 GT has a very extensive range of standard features ex works consisting of xenon (HID) headlight, heated grips and seat, cruise control and on-board computer. These features in conjunction with the supreme riding qualities of the new BMW Motorrad six-cylinder engine leave nothing to be desired for the proactive tour rider.

BMW K 1600 GTL with very comfortable, relaxed ergonomics set-up for long trips with pillion passenger.

The luxurious touring bike BMW K 1600 GTL meets the highest demands. Rider and pillion passenger benefit from the relaxed, upright seating position as is especially appreciated over long distances. The ergonomics design is geared towards even further enhanced comfort and derives from a two-level seat in conjunction with rider footrests which are positioned further forward and lower down, as well as handlebars which reach further back. The standard topcase rounds off the range of comfort features for the pillion passenger. Like the K 1600 GT, the K 1600 GTL has a very extensive range of standard features consisting of xenon headlight, heated grips and seat, cruise control and on-board computer. The overall impression of this fascinating six-cylinder motorcycle with a carefully conceived storage concept, audio system as standard and numerous design elements make the BMW K 1600 GTL the flagship among BMW touring bikes.

An overview of highlights of the BMW K 1600 GT/GTL.

* Supreme in-line six-cylinder engine with a high level of pulling power, especially in the lower and medium engine speed range.
* Engine output 118 kW (160 bhp) at approx 7 500 rpm and maximum torque approx. 175 Nm at approx. 5 000 rpm.
* Over 70% of maximum torque available from 1 500 rpm.
* Lightest and most compact six-cylinder in-line engine in serial motorcycle production, weighing just 102.6 kg and measuring 560 mm in width.
* Consistent lightweight construction throughout the entire vehicle (magnesium front panel carrier, aluminium rear frame, crankshaft etc.).
* E-Gas (ride-by-wire).
* Three modes to choose from (\"Rain\", \"Road\", \"Dynamic\")
* High active safety due to standard BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part integral).
* Traction control DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) for maximum safety when accelerating (optional extra).
* Chassis with Duolever and Paralever and ideal concentration of masses for dynamic riding properties combined with optimum comfort.
* Electronic Suspension Adjustment ESA II for optimum adaptation to all uses and load states (optional extra).
* World premiere in motorcycles: Adaptive Headlight (optional extra) in conjunction with standard xenon headlight and lighting rings for increased safety at night.
* Integrated operating concept for the first time with Multi-Controller, TFT colour screen and menu guidance.
* Audio system with preparation for navigation device and controllable interface for iPod, MP3, USB, Bluetooth and satellite radio (only USA and Canada) (standard in the K 1600 GTL).
* Innovative design with outstanding wind and weather protection.
* K 1600 GT with active riding ergonomics for proactive touring.
* K 1600 GTL with very comfortable, relaxed ergonomics set-up for long trips with pillion passenger, as well as luxury touring features.
* Extensive fittings and individually tailored accessories at the familiar high level of BMW Motorrad.'; news['article_61']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_61']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/k1600gt.jpg'; news['article_61']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/k1600gt.jpg'; news['article_61']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_61']['content2'] = ''; news['article_61']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_61']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_61']['content3'] = ''; news['article_61']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[247] = 61; news['article_62'] = new Array(); news['article_62']['articleId'] = 246; news['article_62']['day'] = '30'; news['article_62']['month'] = '06'; news['article_62']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_62']['title'] = 'GS Anti-Concours at BMW MOA Rally'; news['article_62']['link_text'] = 'GS Anti-Concours at BMW MOA Rally'; news['article_62']['subtitle1'] = 'Entry Form & Event Calendar'; news['article_62']['content1'] = 'Dear GS Fanatics,

As all of you know, this year is the 30th anniversary of the GS, and we intend for the BMW MOA National Rally in Redmond, Oregon from July 15 – 17 to be the epicenter of our celebration. The theme for this is “A Clean GS is a Dirty Shame.”

Below link is a PDF text of a flyer which will be distributed at the MOA Rally to all attendees, but particularly for GS owners. They will be invited among other things, to participate in a GS “Anti-Concours.” We offer those who might be attending the rally an advance warning of this event so you can be absolutely certain to leave the Quick Detailer and polishing rags at home.

For more please read the linked files below. The “flyer” includes the total GS-related activities plus all BMW Motorrad USA events including the demo truck schedule and seminars.

See you there!
Laurence Kuykendall
Community & Communications Manager
BMW Motorrad USA

>>> GS Anti-Concours Entry Form
http://tiny.cc/Entry_Form
Please print this flyer, fill it out and bring with you to the GS Anti-Concours registration table at the MOA Rally in OR.

>>> BMW Motorrad USA Event Flyer for 2010 MOA RALLY
http://tiny.cc/Event_Flyer'; news['article_62']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_62']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/GS-Anti-Con.jpg'; news['article_62']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/GS-Anti-Con.jpg'; news['article_62']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_62']['content2'] = ''; news['article_62']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_62']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_62']['content3'] = ''; news['article_62']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[246] = 62; news['article_63'] = new Array(); news['article_63']['articleId'] = 245; news['article_63']['day'] = '28'; news['article_63']['month'] = '06'; news['article_63']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_63']['title'] = 'Corser and BMW S 1000 RR on the podium again!'; news['article_63']['link_text'] = 'Corser and BMW S 1000 RR on the podium again!'; news['article_63']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_63']['content1'] = 'In hot and humid conditions at Misano circuit, BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s Troy Corser scored the team’s second podium finish of 2010, clearly showing the continuing progress of the ever-improving S 1000 RR in this year’s Superbike World Championship.

Having qualified in pole position after setting the fastest ever WSBK lap around Misano, Corser made a great start to race one and led comfortably for 16 of the 24 laps, before championship leader Max Biaggi slipped past. Corser then tracked the four-times 250cc World Champion and looked fast and confident on the S 1000 RR before a rare mistake on lap 18 allowed Carlos Checa through.

These were the positions that race one ended in, with Corser happy to have scored the team’s second podium finish of the year, but frustrated to be still chasing that elusive first victory for BMW Motorrad Motorsport. Team-mate Ruben Xaus was forced to retire from race one after eight laps with a suspected mechanical problem, although this later proved to only be a split oil pipe.

In race two, Ruben’s bad luck continued as he was hit from behind by another rider at the start, hurting his leg and losing his knee slider from the impact, making it too painful to continue racing. Meanwhile, Troy Corser’s superb form was clear to see on the S 1000 RR, as he was involved in a race-long battle for second place with Haslam, Fabrizio, Crutchlow and Checa, while Max Biaggi took off at the front and secured a double victory. Troy eventually finished this exciting race in 10th place after pushing hard and missing a gear on the final lap which led to him running across the gravel trap, before fortunately recovering to finish the race in the top ten. His great result in race one however, means that he is now sixth in the overall points table.

Troy Corser: “I am really happy with the way this weekend has gone. It has been our best performance so far on the S 1000 RR, with our first ever pole position and a podium finish in Race one. But at the same time I am also a little disappointed because I felt we had the pace to win both races today. In Race One I felt comfortable leading the race and had it not been for a mistake towards the end of the race I think I would have won the race. It was just a case of trying a little too hard. In Race Two we made some slight changes to the setup to give more grip to the rear wheel, but this meant we lost some feeling from the front tyre and this affected the handling of the bike. Unfortunately at the end of the race I hit a false neutral on the down change which meant I missed my braking marker, forcing me into the gravel. I had to settle for 10th. But another really good weekend and we can now look forward to Brno.”

Ruben Xaus: “This was a day to forget. It started with the technical problem we had in race 1. After the start of the second race I braked hard into the corner but was hit by another rider moving me out. I managed to stay on the bike but at the next direction change I again was hit hard by another rider crashing into my left leg. Again, I stayed on the bike but really felt a strong pain in the leg which made my muscles react very slow. I started missing the gears, and very soon I missed a gear in the corner, and my knee touched the tarmac heavily. I lost my knee pad, and that was it. I will now try to recover for the tests in Imola.”

Berthold Hauser –BMW Motorrad Motorsport - Motorsport Director “I must give my congratulations to the entire team. Everybody has done a great job over the course of the weekend, and we were rewarded with the results. It was a weekend with ups and downs, but the positives definitely outweigh the negatives. We took our first ever pole position, got another podium finish, and in terms of lap times we are up to speed. Everyone in the team worked really hard this weekend and Troy rode unbelievably well achieving some amazing results. I feel really sorry for Ruben and his crew – this weekend, luck was not on his side. But that’s racing, and we will not hang our heads. I am happy with everyone’s efforts this weekend”

Race one: 1. Biaggi ( ITA – Aprilia), 2. C. Checa (ESP – Ducati), 3 Troy Corser (AUS – BMW Motorrad Motorsport), DNF – R Xaus (ESP – BMW Motorrad Motorsport).

Race two: 1. Biaggi ( ITA – Aprilia), 2. L. Haslam (GB – Ducati), 3. M. Fabrizio (ITA – Ducati), 10 Troy Corser (AUS – BMW Motorrad Motorsport), DNF – R Xaus (ESP – BMW Motorrad Motorsport).

Points: 1. Biaggi 307, 2. Haslam 270, 3. Checa 172, 6. Troy Corser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 149, 14. Ruben Xaus (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 53'; news['article_63']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_63']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/corserpodium2.jpg'; news['article_63']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/corserpodium2.jpg'; news['article_63']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_63']['content2'] = ''; news['article_63']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_63']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_63']['content3'] = ''; news['article_63']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[245] = 63; news['article_64'] = new Array(); news['article_64']['articleId'] = 244; news['article_64']['day'] = '25'; news['article_64']['month'] = '06'; news['article_64']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_64']['title'] = '\'Discover Our Earth’ - 40,000-mile Global Tour'; news['article_64']['link_text'] = '\'Discover Our Earth’ - 40,000-mile Global Tour'; news['article_64']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_64']['content1'] = 'Have motorcycle, will travel...
Celebrating 30 years of touring with ‘Discover Our Earth’

For the last 30 years BMW Motorrad partner Edelweiss Bike Travel has operated exciting and creative motorcycle tours, first in the European Alps and then expanding to all five continents. Now the Edelweiss team from Mieming, Austria, has come up with a definitive ride designed to capture the imagination of all motorcyclists – a 40,000 miles (65,000 kilometres) tour around our entire globe on a 248-day route that includes all five continents!

Operated in conjunction with GlobeBusters, this ambitious two-wheeled expedition starts on November 14, 2010 at the Edelweiss headquarters in the Tyrol Alps and journeys to Paris, France, before continuing all the way south to Dakar, Senegal. This first section runs for five weeks and crosses the Sahara on paved roads.

From there, participants and their dual-purpose machines are flown to Buenos Aires, Argentina for the second section of the trip, which runs through most of South America, ending in Bogota, Columbia nine weeks later. After crossing the Panama Canal the third stage heads up to Los Angeles over the next five weeks. Then they will fly across the Pacific Ocean all the way to Australia, where four weeks and 7,000 miles (11,500 kilometres) of adventure await.

The fifth and last section will see participants travel from Beijing, China all the way back to Edelweiss’s home base in Austria. This route will cover most of Asia from east to west, as well as a large part of Europe. If all goes to plan, on July 20, 2011 there will be celebrations as the expedition team returns safely back home!

Twenty-three lucky participants of the expedition have recently met for the first time at the company’s headquarters in Austria. They came from Canada, the US, Brazil, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy, either by air (those from the Americas) or on their own motorcycles. Over two days, the 23 prospective world tourers now know more about how and where they will ride, how their expedition bike should be equipped for the journey, what riding skills they need to practice or acquire, what they should pack, where the route runs, where they will stay, what they should – and should not – eat, and so on.

Tough riding conditions and extremes of temperatures aside, one of the biggest challenges of this expedition will be for the participants to spend eight months together, riding long distances, eating, talking and drinking together and helping each other through this once-in-a-lifetime experience. If this information has whetted your appetite for a life-changing touring opportunity, then the good news is that for those adventurers who are dreaming about joining the trip, there is still space for two riders for the entire ‘round the world’ journey. For those with less time, then limited space exists on section 1 (Europe/Africa), section 2 (Latin America) section 3 (Central America) and section 4 (Australia), although section 5 (Asia/Europe) is full.

Those who are interested, but need a little more time to plan and save for this kind of trip will be pleased to know that there will be a second ‘Discover Our Earth’ expedition late in 2012. For more information, please visit www.edelweissbike.com'; news['article_64']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_64']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Edelworld.jpg'; news['article_64']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Edelworld.jpg'; news['article_64']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_64']['content2'] = ''; news['article_64']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_64']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_64']['content3'] = ''; news['article_64']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[244] = 64; news['article_65'] = new Array(); news['article_65']['articleId'] = 242; news['article_65']['day'] = '09'; news['article_65']['month'] = '06'; news['article_65']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_65']['title'] = 'Victory for Pfeiffer and BMW F 800 R at German Stuntriding Open'; news['article_65']['link_text'] = 'Victory for Pfeiffer and BMW F 800 R at German Stuntriding Open'; news['article_65']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_65']['content1'] = 'Chris Pfeiffer and his BMW F 800 R have won the German Stuntriding Open, held last weekend at the Hockenheimring, where the Bavarian rider successfully defended his 2009 title.

\"I am very happy to win. There were many of the world’s best riders competing, a lot of new, extremely difficult tricks taken to the stage and the final proved to be quite a tense affair,\" said Pfeiffer after the event.

Saturday saw the qualifying heats held on a 30 x 80 metres area, after which eight out of 41 participants would earn the right to progress to Sunday’s final. The main event was staged on the start/finish straight of the well-known Hockenheimring road racing circuit and, having won the qualifying heats on the Saturday, Chris would start last. This allowed him to watch his rivals, see the tricks that they were showing and note how the judges responded to their performances.

Following Rafal Pasierbeck, Sebastien Desbonnet and Thomas Sagnier, Pfeiffer knew he had to take some risks and do something special to be sure of progressing to the ‘superfinal’. True to form, Pfeiffer delivered his best performance with his newest trick on the BMW F 800 R – the ‘180 brake slide roll back’. Although he hadn’t been totally confident it was going to work, the defending champ took the necessary risk and mastered it perfectly, then moving to a ‘no hands wheelie circle’.

\"Yep, that was great,\" explained a jubilant Pfeiffer after his performance. \"I was really flowing afterwards, barely making a mistake. I made it to the superfinal together with Pasierbek, Desbonnet and Sagnier.\"

The second performance lasted four-and-a-half minutes again, with Chris underlining what a class act he is.

\"Looking at the other riders, my second run wasn’t the most difficult, but almost error-free again. It was pretty stylish and I earned the highest points score once more and repeated last year’s victory,\" confirmed the new (and old) champion.

Stuntriding German Open
1. Chris Pfeiffer, GER, 56.0
2. Sebastien Desbonnet, FRA, 50.0
3. Rafal Pasierbeck, POL, 49.5
4. Thomas Sagnier, FRA, 46.0
5. Martin Kratky, CZE

Pfeiffer also took the German title on Sunday morning. This championship was decided in one run.

Stuntriding German Championship
1. Chris Pfeiffer, 27.0
2. Bastian Buchan, 20.0
3. Andreas Halcour, 19.5
4. Stephan Günther, 19.0
5. Arjan de-Graaf, 16.5'; news['article_65']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_65']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Pfeiffer1.jpg'; news['article_65']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Pfeiffer1.jpg'; news['article_65']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_65']['content2'] = ''; news['article_65']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_65']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_65']['content3'] = ''; news['article_65']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[242] = 65; news['article_66'] = new Array(); news['article_66']['articleId'] = 241; news['article_66']['day'] = '02'; news['article_66']['month'] = '06'; news['article_66']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_66']['title'] = 'World’s toughest motorcycle expedition enters China'; news['article_66']['link_text'] = 'World’s toughest motorcycle expedition enters China'; news['article_66']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_66']['content1'] = 'Through snow-laden passes, collapsed roads, landslides, corrupt officials and some 6,000 miles (10,000 kilometres) of the toughest riding imaginable, the GlobeBusters Silk Road motorcycle expedition has now ridden over the Irkeshtam Pass and made the border crossing into China. This is definitely not your ‘average’ motorcycle tour.

The group of 17 riders from a variety of different backgrounds left London’s iconic Ace Café around six weeks ago, knowing that what they were about to undertake was one of the world’s toughest motorcycle rides. However, the reality was that it was even more challenging than the Expedition Leader and Co-Founder of GlobeBusters, Kevin Sanders, could have imagined.

Speaking from Kashgar (China), Kevin said: “Conditions have been far worse than when I did the research trip last year – politically Kyrgyzstan was rather difficult, severe rains meant our road in Tajikistan was, quite literally, missing and late snow blizzards caused a ‘whiteout’ while we were trying to get the team across the Irkeshtam Pass into China”.

At one point Kevin was unsure whether the team of BMW riders would even get as far as China, especially when the group seemed to be stuck in limbo at the Uzbek border. “Heavy-handed search techniques by corrupt officials made it pretty frustrating. One of our riders was stripped down to his underpants, while border guards meticulously searched his motorcycle gear, removing armour and zipping out liners. Ludicrously, we were trying to leave Uzbekistan, not enter it, and it took us the whole day!”

These are extremely testing conditions for a motorcycle group, some of whom have never been on the road longer than a few weeks before, as Kevin explains: “This group of riders, especially the less experienced, have shown guts, determination and sheer grit to get through near impossible riding conditions at high altitudes and in freezing temperatures to arrive in China . . . and still be in one piece! It’s a privilege to lead them”.

The GlobeBusters Silk Road route has taken one of the highest altitude roads in the world – The Pamir Highway, it has tracked the Afghan border and has taken the riders across the rigorous police state of Turkmenistan. The team now has a week in Kashgar to check over their BMW R 1200 GS and F 800 GS bikes and then complete the final formalities before entering Tibet.

If all goes to plan, Everest Base Camp will see the largest number of British registered motorcycles ever to arrive at the foot of the world’s highest mountain. Kevin remarked, “The bikes have performed exceptionally, especially the R 1200 GS Adventure, but that does not surprise me. My current bike has done 35,000 miles (60,000 kilometres) in eight months, with nothing to complain about. It’ll be a huge milestone to see a massive line of BMW bikes at Everest!”

Follow the Silk Road Expedition through the GlobeBusters Travel Blog on www.globebusters.com For quick updates, go to the GlobeBusters Adventure Motorcycle Expeditions page on Facebook or catch up with the latest video footage on www.youtube.com/globebusters For intrepid motorcyclists, a few final places remain on the 2011Silk Road Expedition.
'; news['article_66']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_66']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/ChinaRace1.jpg'; news['article_66']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/ChinaRace1.jpg'; news['article_66']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/ChinaRace2.jpg'; news['article_66']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/ChinaRace2.jpg'; news['article_66']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_66']['content2'] = ''; news['article_66']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_66']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_66']['content3'] = ''; news['article_66']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[241] = 66; news['article_67'] = new Array(); news['article_67']['articleId'] = 243; news['article_67']['day'] = '02'; news['article_67']['month'] = '06'; news['article_67']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_67']['title'] = 'The sky’s the limit'; news['article_67']['link_text'] = 'The sky’s the limit'; news['article_67']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_67']['content1'] = 'What goes up must come down, as Sir Isaac Newton famously observed, but not necessarily in exactly the same way, as adventurer Squash Falconer recently proved. The 29-year-old is the first British female to climb Mont Blanc and paraglide from the summit, after riding all the way to southern France from her home in Derby on a BMW F 650 GS motorcycle.

Her unique achievement combined three of her passions in life: climbing, paragliding and motorcycling. “I’ve been riding a motorcycle from as early as I can remember,” says Squash. “I was brought up on a farm and had an electric trike at four, then tried quad bikes and motorcycles – I love everything about them,” she explains.

Her mountain-climbing career started after she had completed her first ski season in Les Arcs at 18. “I could see Mont Blanc from my chalet window,” she says, “and I remember thinking it would be cool to climb it one day.”

She later joined friends on a climb up Acongagua in Argentina, then conquered Mustagata in the Himalayas and Cho Oyu in Nepal. “I got the bug after the first mountain, but I wasn’t keen on walking back down,” she admits, “so I snowboarded down Mustagata and bum boarded down Cho Oyu!”

By the time Squash had got her motorcycling licence at 23, she had also started to learn how to paraglide and the idea for her record-breaking challenge emerged. “I remember joking, wouldn’t it be great to ride to the south of France, climb Mont Blanc and paraglide down from it? People thought I was mad, but I had all the skills to do it. And last year, I decided to just go for it.”

Supported by her local BMW motorcycle dealer, Pidcock Motorcycles, and Ozone Paragliders, Squash left for France last September to meet up with her climbing partner, Irwyn Jehu. Despite her excitement and enthusiasm, Squash was fully aware of the dangers in attempting to reach the summit, let alone paraglide from it. “Only around 30 per cent of people who attempt to summit Mont Blanc succeed,” she says.

The weather conditions also play a crucial part. “There can be as few as five days a year on which you get perfect weather conditions for paragliding from the summit. You also have to be in the right shape mentally and physically – there were so many factors that needed to be just right.”

After two attempts and as the end of the climbing season approached, Squash started to wonder if it would be possible. The first climb was all about acclimatisation, and the second included a night sleeping under the stars on the mountainside, with a 3am rise for the final ascent, followed by a potentially fatal fall. On her third attempt, climbers on the other side of the mountain were turning back due to avalanche warnings. Nevertheless, Squash and Irwyn made it to the top.

“We were the first to reach the summit that day, but the wind was blowing too strongly,” she says. “I felt scared about the paraglide, but I also didn’t want to climb back down. All of a sudden the wind dropped, I set my wing out, held my breath and off I went. It was incredible.”

Despite the feelings of euphoria, Squash quickly had to focus on her 22-minute descent and landing safely, which was tricky due to the midday sun falling on the slopes and heating up the ground.

The easiest part of her ambitious endeavour was the 750-mile (1,200 kilometres) trip from Derby to Chamonix and back. She spent three days travelling to Mont Blanc, favouring the minor routes over the toll roads: “I really enjoyed the ride; the BMW F 650 GS was so comfortable and I felt fresh as a daisy when I arrived. I had allowed myself a rest day to recover from the journey, but I didn’t need it!”

This was the first time that Squash had ever rode a BMW motorcycle, but after watching TV documentaries Long Way Round and Long Way Down, she was aware of the brand’s reputation. “I liked the upright riding position of the bike, it had good balance and was effortless to ride. It had great acceleration and power, but the absolute lifesaver was the heated handle grips. Comfort was the most important thing for me,” she said.

Although climbing up Mont Blanc and paragliding from the summit might be difficult to top, Squash is already thinking of ideas for her next fundraising expedition. After Mont Blanc, she raised almost £1,000 for Cancer Research, and a charity ball following her Mustagata climb raised £13,000 for cancer and diabetes charities, and the Mount Everest Foundation.

“My ultimate ambition would be to ride to Nepal and climb Everest. People say I’m mad, but they said that about Mont Blanc,” she says, laughing. “Anything’s possible, if you just go for it.” And with an ethos like that, she will undoubtedly succeed in inspiring other motorcyclists, climbers and gliders to scale mountains of their own.
To see Squash’s amazing video, visit www.squashfalconer.com
'; news['article_67']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_67']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/sky1.jpg'; news['article_67']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/sky1.jpg'; news['article_67']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/sky2.jpg'; news['article_67']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/sky2.jpg'; news['article_67']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_67']['content2'] = ''; news['article_67']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_67']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_67']['content3'] = ''; news['article_67']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[243] = 67; news['article_68'] = new Array(); news['article_68']['articleId'] = 240; news['article_68']['day'] = '24'; news['article_68']['month'] = '05'; news['article_68']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_68']['title'] = 'Playmate Of The Year gets a BMW S1000RR'; news['article_68']['link_text'] = 'Playmate Of The Year gets a BMW S1000RR'; news['article_68']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_68']['content1'] = 'Playmate: Hope Dworaczyk

Car: BMW S1000RR

Details: Though motorcycles are often given to PMOYs, the BMW S1000R is the first bike-for-car substitution. Perhaps it’s because the S1000RR is no ordinary bike. With 193 hp and a 192-mph top speed, this is the fastest literbike ever produced. '; news['article_68']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_68']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/playmate.jpg'; news['article_68']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/playmate.jpg'; news['article_68']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_68']['content2'] = ''; news['article_68']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_68']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_68']['content3'] = ''; news['article_68']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[240] = 68; news['article_69'] = new Array(); news['article_69']['articleId'] = 239; news['article_69']['day'] = '24'; news['article_69']['month'] = '05'; news['article_69']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_69']['title'] = 'K 1300 R with Loomit Graffiti Backdrop'; news['article_69']['link_text'] = 'K 1300 R with Loomit Graffiti Backdrop'; news['article_69']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_69']['content1'] = 'One of the earliest pioneers of this multi-coloured public, yet secretive urban art form is simply known as Loomit. The German started experimenting with painting and street art at the age of 14 and has travelled all over the world, leaving his mark in many cities in Europe, North and South America, Africa and Asia. Now based in Munich, one of his works in the Kultfabrik (the artists’ quarter and cultural centre of the city) was recently used as a backdrop for a photo-shoot involving BMW Motorrad’s Urban naked roadster – the K 1300 R.


CREDITS
• Photography: Markus Hofmann (www.white-photo.com)
'; news['article_69']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_69']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Graph.jpg'; news['article_69']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Graph.jpg'; news['article_69']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_69']['content2'] = ''; news['article_69']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_69']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_69']['content3'] = ''; news['article_69']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[239] = 69; news['article_70'] = new Array(); news['article_70']['articleId'] = 232; news['article_70']['day'] = '10'; news['article_70']['month'] = '05'; news['article_70']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_70']['title'] = 'First ever WSBK podium for BMW Motorrad Motorsport! '; news['article_70']['link_text'] = 'First ever WSBK podium for BMW Motorrad Motorsport! '; news['article_70']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_70']['content1'] = 'The thousands of passionate BMW fans that gathered at the historic Monza circuit and were watching around the world were in for a treat today. Not only did Troy Corser achieve the team’s first ever World Superbike podium, but Ruben Xaus posted his best ever result for the team, with a sixth place in race one. Furthermore, BMW Motorrad Italia’s Ayrton Badovini won his fourth consecutive Superstock 1000 Cup race of 2010 at his ‘home’ round, with a total of four BMW S 1000 RRs finishing in the top six.

For the first time in 2010, Ruben Xaus had out-qualified his team-mate, and while Troy Corser made a fantastic start to race one and was up into third place from 12th on the grid, the Australian struggled with grip during the latter stages and finished in eighth place. Ruben hadn’t made the best start but concentrated on chasing down the leading ‘freight train’ of riders all slip-streaming each other and reaching impressive speeds of up to 328 km/h. From 10th place in the early stages, Ruben battled his way up to sixth by the end of 18 laps of the 5.793 km Italian circuit.

In race two, a first corner pile-up took out several riders, with Xaus caught up in the action and forced off the track. This left Corser as the remaining BMW rider, and he soon became involved in a four-way, high-speed battle at the front between himself, Biaggi, Haslam and Crutchlow. When Crutchlow crashed out of contention with just five laps remaining, Corser sensed a rostrum finish. He didn’t disappoint and secured his 129th WSBK podium – but importantly – the first ever for the S 1000 RR and BMW Motorrad Motorsport.

Troy Corser: “I’m so happy for the team, who have put so much work in, not just this year but last year too. The bike’s been progressively getting better and better but we were struggling a bit with braking this weekend. We made a change after race one, which made it easier for me to get the bike to stop. We had the speed – the S 1000 RR was as fast as anything out there – but it took me a few laps to get used to the brakes. I dedicate this result to all the team – this podium has been a long time coming but it’s definitely not going to be the last one!”

Ruben Xaus: “I felt so good in race one, everything was working so well and I achieved my best ever position aboard the BMW. I knew I had a good chance to go even better in race two but I was hit from behind on the first lap and I crashed. I am so disappointed with the way I went out of the race because I never even got chance to get going – there was nothing I could do. However I would like to congratulate Troy and the team for their first podium and I hope we take this form to South Africa.”

Berthold Hauser – BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “I am absolutely lost for words – what can I say? Someone needs to wake me up because this feels like a dream. Our aim this year was to get on the podium and we have achieved that, which really is unbelievable at this stage. We can now go on from here and hopefully get more. I need to thank the team for all their hard work as they have put everything into this project. All that hard work is now clear for everyone to see!”

Race one: 1 Biaggi (ITA – Aprilia), 2 Toseland (GB – Yamaha) 3 Crutchlow (GB – Yamaha), 6 Ruben Xaus (ESP – BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 8 Troy Corser (AUS – BMW Motorrad Motorsport)

Race two: 1 Biaggi (ITA – Aprilia), 2 Haslam (GB – Suzuki) 3 Troy Corser (AUS – BMW Motorrad Motorsport), DNF Ruben Xaus (ESP – BMW Motorrad Motorsport)

Points: 1. Haslam 181, 2 Biaggi 178, 3 Rea 110, 7 Troy Corser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 92, 15 Ruben Xaus (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 35'; news['article_70']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_70']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/podium1.jpg'; news['article_70']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/podium1.jpg'; news['article_70']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_70']['content2'] = ''; news['article_70']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_70']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_70']['content3'] = ''; news['article_70']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[232] = 70; news['article_71'] = new Array(); news['article_71']['articleId'] = 236; news['article_71']['day'] = '10'; news['article_71']['month'] = '05'; news['article_71']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_71']['title'] = 'Badovini Goes 4 from 4 in World Superstock'; news['article_71']['link_text'] = 'Badovini Goes 4 from 4 in World Superstock'; news['article_71']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_71']['content1'] = 'In the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup, BMW Motorrad Italia leave their home race with a perfect record of four wins from four races. Ayrton Badovini (ITA) won the race, while team mate Daniele Beretta finished the race third.

Hendrik von Kuenheim, General Director BMW Motorrad said: “Four wins from Ayrton Badovini in four races, and a podium for Daniele Beretta is a convincing performance. Congratulations to BMW Motorrad Italia’s Superstock team. So far, the BMW S 1000 RR is in a class of its own in the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup.”

Ayrton Badovini now leads the overall riders’ standings with the maximum possible 100 points, ahead of compatriot Michele Magnoni (47) and Frenchman Maxime Berger (46). In the manufacturers\' standings, BMW also leads with 100 points ahead of Honda (73).'; news['article_71']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_71']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/badovini_finish.jpg'; news['article_71']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/badovini_finish.jpg'; news['article_71']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_71']['content2'] = ''; news['article_71']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_71']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_71']['content3'] = ''; news['article_71']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[236] = 71; news['article_72'] = new Array(); news['article_72']['articleId'] = 238; news['article_72']['day'] = '10'; news['article_72']['month'] = '05'; news['article_72']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_72']['title'] = '30th Anniversary GS Anti-Concours at the MOA Rally'; news['article_72']['link_text'] = 'GS 30th Anniversary Anti-Concours at the MOA Rally'; news['article_72']['subtitle1'] = 'Saturday, July 17, 2010, MOA Int\'l Rally in Redmond, OR'; news['article_72']['content1'] = 'GS riders are the ultimate real riders, and the 30th anniversary of the GS Anti-Concourse is about real bikes. In the GS Alternate Universe there will be no awards for clean bikes. No pretty ribbons for fancy paint jobs. No nervous owners standing by with Quick Detailer Mist & Wipe and polishing rags waiting for the judges to show. The focus is performance, utility and usability. We want bikes that are used by their owners for what the GS was intended. Bikes too clean will be disqualified!

Timing/Structure

BMW MOA International Rally, Redmond, OR, July 15-17, 2010

Thursday & Friday, July 15 & 16
• GS Anti-Concours participants registration at the GS Desk located by the BMW Demo Truck.

Saturday, July 17
• 9-10AM – Participants line up with their bikes. Lines are divided by category.
• 10AM-1PM – Judging takes place.
• 1-1:30PM – Winners are announced – prizes are distributed.

Entrants are limited to 300 persons. To avoid confusion and disappointment on the morning of the event, participants are required to register in advance at the GS Anti-Concours Desk located by the BMW Demo Truck during Thursday and Friday, July 15 and 16. Lists will be broken out by category and a registration number/sticker provided to the participant. The contest itself is on Saturday, July 17.

Bike Categories:

• AIRHEAD -
o R 80 G/S
o R 100 GS
o Predecessor off-road BMW’s predating GS

• OILHEAD
o R 1100 GS
o R 1150 GS and R 1150 Adventure

• HEXHEAD
o R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure
o HP2 Enduro

• VERTICALS
o F 650 GS and F 650 GS Dakar
o G 650 Xchallenge and Xcountry
o G 450 X
o G 650 GS
o F 650 GS/F 800 GS twin


> > > Cattle Call for Judges:

BMW Motorrad USA is looking for the “Dirty Dozen:” twelve judges for the 30th Anniversary of the GS Anti-Concours at the MOA National in Redmond, Oregon to choose the top BMW GS bikes in the USA.

Potential judges must meet the following requirements:

• MOA member in good standing
• Available to spend the time required to judge on Saturday AM
• GS or BMW enduro current owner (year and model not important) however judges cannot have a bike in a category of the Anti-Concourse that they are judging
• Special expertise or experience with the GS lifestyle
• We like the look of you (send picture of you/your GS and a few words about yourself)

Judges will receive special recognition and the honor of being part of GS history!

Please send your application and photos to Jane Schluter, GS Event Coordinator at
< < < schlutesy@gmail.com > > >.

'; news['article_72']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_72']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/GS-Anti-Concours.jpg'; news['article_72']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/GS-Anti-Concours.jpg'; news['article_72']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Redmond_Logo.jpg'; news['article_72']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Redmond_Logo.jpg'; news['article_72']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_72']['content2'] = ''; news['article_72']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_72']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_72']['content3'] = ''; news['article_72']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[238] = 72; news['article_73'] = new Array(); news['article_73']['articleId'] = 237; news['article_73']['day'] = '10'; news['article_73']['month'] = '05'; news['article_73']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_73']['title'] = '3 Riders Selected To Defend U.S. Title in 2010 GS Trophy '; news['article_73']['link_text'] = '3 Riders Selected To Defend U.S. Title in \'10 GS Trophy '; news['article_73']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_73']['content1'] = 'Riders from all over the United States competed to win in two off-road riding contests held at the RawHyde Adventures facility in Castaic, CA: the Adventure Rider Challenge (ARC) on Friday, April 30th, and the GS Challenge on Saturday, May 1st . The top three riders in the GS Challenge go on to South Africa to defend the U.S. Title in the 2010 BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy this November.

The three riders qualifying to represent Team USA in the upcoming International GS Trophy in South Africa include first-place finisher Iain Glynn, of Seattle, WA; second-place finisher Bill Dragoo, of Norman, Oklahoma; and third-place winner Shannon Markle, of Laramie, Wyoming.

This year’s ARC -- an annual competition produced by RawHyde Adventures in Castaic, California – drew 65 competitors and 110 other riders from 13 states. The competition consisted of two segments. The first was the \"Renegade Run,\" which sent three-man teams down a treacherous ravine after which they were required to hit targets with an air rifles, pistols, knives and a bow and arrow. The second segment was a longer course filled with jumps, logs, mud holes, a curved narrow ledge, bridges, sand pits, and other obstacles to test the skills of the most seasoned off-road riders. Judges scored the riders’ performances and deducted points for hitting cones, leaving the course, falling, and dabbing a foot on the ground.

“The course designers created a test track that almost every entrant could at least finish, but how you rode these sections was scored to find out who could do it the cleanest. I\'ve been spending a lot of time on trails bikes lately, and I always try what I can on the big BMW, and in this case, it worked out well,\" commented Myers.

Meanwhile, Glynn, Dragoo and Markle will prepare to defend the U.S. Team championship in the 2010 BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy, a world-famous biennial off-road competition held November 13-21 in South Africa. Teams of three riders from 10 countries will compete in six stages aboard BMW F 800 GS and R 1200 GS motorcycles

The top 20 finalists in the GS Trophy Challenge received a commemorative bottle of wine donated by Sonoma, CA winemaker Mike Kuimelis. The top three finalists received magnums.

“Mike is a winemaker from the very best wine region in California and he came to the BMW off-road school one day,” said Jim Hyde, president of RawHyde Adventures. “We quickly became friends and began discussing the possibility of making a wine for RawHyde just for adventure riders. Our graphic artist created a special label and a commemorative bottle of wine was born.”

Glynn, a 25-year-old customer service and technical support representative for Touratech-USA, proved that his third try at the ARC competition was the charm.

“I have a long and sordid history with this event,” commented Glynn, who rode his 2005 BMW R 1200 GS to a first-place finish. “My goal was not to flip the bike upside down and ruin my weekend. The only reason I won is because I’m short. I could either ride with my feet on the pegs or jump off the motorcycle and disqualify myself.”

For Dragoo, 54, earning a spot on Team USA was a dream come true after two previous attempts at the Challenge. The accomplished rider and journalist/author placed second in the first round and second in the second round of the GS Trophy Challenge on his R 1200 GS, earning him the second position on the team.

“I came into this competition totally relaxed with no real expectation of winning,” admitted Dragoo. “In fact, I was coming out of the outhouse when they called my name! I was completely surprised!”

Markle, 37, confessed he is the greenhorn in the group and had entered this – his first – ARC competition on the spur of the moment.

“I’ve only owned my R 1200 GS Adventure since last May,” said Markle, “but I bought it, coincidentally, from a guy who got it from Brad Hendry’s [a previous Team USA member] shop. I had an opportunity to talk to Brad about his experience at the GS Trophy in Tunisia, never realizing that I would later qualify to follow in his footsteps.”

“The competition finalists heading to South Africa will not only need strength and endurance, superior riding skills and guts, but they must also be able to navigate their route ahead, pace themselves and collaborate with teammates,” commented Laurence Kuykendahl, Community and Communications Manager for BMW Motorrad USA. “Of course, they’ll also need a sense of humor under adversity and extreme conditions. They’re going to battle sun, sand and scorpions in addition to some of the world’s best off-road riders.”

In 2008, the high-stakes competition between riders representing five countries took place in the
burning sands of Tunisia and was won by Team USA members Brad Hendry (Thornton, CO), Jim
Stoddard (Middlegrove, NY), and Jason Adams (Rosendale, NY) along with journalists Jimmy
Lewis (Dirt Rider), Ryan Dudek (Cycle World), and writer/photographer Jonathan Beck. The GS
owners and journalists represented the United States in the 1,900-kilometer desert rally, involving
30 participants from five nations, seeking to demonstrate their skills over challenging terrain on
identically prepared BMW F 800 GS motorcycles.
'; news['article_73']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_73']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/GSTrophy1.jpg'; news['article_73']['image11_text'] = 'From left, Iain Glynn (Seattle), Bill Dragoo (Norman OK) and Shannon Markle (Laramie WY) are Team USA and the top three finishers for the 2010 BMW GS Trophy'; news['article_73']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/GSTrophy1.jpg'; news['article_73']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_73']['content2'] = ''; news['article_73']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_73']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_73']['content3'] = ''; news['article_73']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[237] = 73; news['article_74'] = new Array(); news['article_74']['articleId'] = 235; news['article_74']['day'] = '10'; news['article_74']['month'] = '05'; news['article_74']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_74']['title'] = 'Kirssi strikes back on G 450 X at Walldorf'; news['article_74']['link_text'] = 'Kirssi strikes back on G 450 X at Walldorf'; news['article_74']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_74']['content1'] = 'BMW Husqvarna Motorsport’s Simo Kirssi re-established himself as a title contender at round two of the German Cross Country Championship last weekend. Following his average start to the campaign four weeks ago, the Finn responded at Walldorf with a convincing victory. As the former series champ powered away aboard his BMW G 450 X, his fellow competitors were left battling for the remaining positions.

Kirssi wasted no time on the deep Thuringia soil and immediately made it clear who would be in command. Having opened a decent gap on the first lap, Kirssi powered away and increased his lead with each lap. The 30-year old dominated the difficult course, characterised by plenty of up and downhill sections, and only briefly surrendered the lead after coming in for fuel. Following this, Kirssi was dominant for the second part of the two-hour moto and crossed the finish line nearly two minutes ahead of round one winner Stefan Svitko, who maintained his championship lead.

Several thousand fans came to see the racing at Walldorf and were eventually greeted with improving weather conditions and even some sunshine during the closing stages of the race.

Simo Kirssi: “That’s how I like it – right from the start! Everything was plain perfect today: the bike, the team and the track. I do enjoy riding at Walldorf – it’s a challenging track, sort of Enduro style with lots of fans, but this year things were particularly tricky. Because of the rain there was a very limited choice of lines, and the cross section was difficult also. Fortunately I made no mistakes and even had some reserves left. There was only one moment when Stefan came close, but I was pretty much in control the whole time.\"

German Cross Country Championship, Rd. 2, Walldorf, XC Pro class results

1. Simo Kirssi (FIN), BMW Husqvarna Motorsport, 16 laps
2. Stefan Svitko (SLO), KTM, 16
3. Marco Straubel (GER), KTM, 16
4. Steffen Albrecht (GER), Yamaha, 16
5. Chris Weiß (GER), TM, 16
6. Andy Boller (GER), KTM, 15
7. Hans Vogels (NL), Husaberg, 15
8. Erik Müller (GER), Kawasak, 15
9. Samuli Aro (FIN), KTM, 15
10. Andreas Weber (GER), Kawasaki, 15


'; news['article_74']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_74']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Kirssi.jpg'; news['article_74']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Kirssi.jpg'; news['article_74']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_74']['content2'] = ''; news['article_74']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_74']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_74']['content3'] = ''; news['article_74']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[235] = 74; news['article_75'] = new Array(); news['article_75']['articleId'] = 233; news['article_75']['day'] = '10'; news['article_75']['month'] = '05'; news['article_75']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_75']['title'] = 'BMW racing past honored'; news['article_75']['link_text'] = 'BMW racing past honored'; news['article_75']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_75']['content1'] = 'The S 1000 RR has made a most impressive start to 2010 with three consecutive wins for BMW Motorrad Italia’s Ayrton Badovini in the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup, as well as factory rider Troy Corser achieving his best result of fourth place in Valencia and qualifying on the front row at Assen, not to mention leading both Superbike World Championship races at the historic Dutch circuit.

With wins in national and regional superbike races in France, Spain and the USA, the S 1000 RR’s on-track success is for many a new experience but BMW Motorrad has a past that was forged on the racetracks of the world. Some of this impressive history was recently on show ‘Down Under’ at Motorcycling Australia’s Broadford Bike Bonanza.

Held at the State Motorcycling Sports Complex at Broadford (an hour’s ride north of Melbourne) the weekend was a salute to the past in both road racing and off-road forms of the sport. Hundreds of motorcycles from the very beginning of two-wheeled motorsport up to the 1980s were there, and their enthusiastic owners – having restored these treasured machines – were delighted to be able to show the thousands of spectators how their motorcycles could perform.

On the road racing circuit BMWs were one of the highlights of the weekend of historic activity. Ken Blake was one of Australia’s best and most loved motorcycle racers of the 1970s, and although he raced in many classes riding different motorcycles, he always had a passion for BMW. He won the 1977 Castrol 6 Hour production race with Joe Eastmure on an R 100 S after finishing on the podium in the previous years on the legendary R 90 S. He was unfortunately killed in July 1981 at the Isle of Man.

This year Motorcycling Australia honoured Ken’s heroic racing efforts with a collection of memorabilia and importantly many of the motorcycles he rode at his time at the top of Australian motorcycling. One of these was the Ecco Engineering R 75 that featured in what is now regarded as Australia’s first Superbike race in 1978.

The bike is the work of Australian engineer Graeme ‘Gyro’ Carless, a man with a passion for BMW. He developed the bike from a 1969 R 75/5 into a motorcycle that was competitive with the Japanese motorcycles of the era. Since Ken Blake’s death the bike has not been raced and only rarely taken out on demonstration laps.

This was a special event and ‘Gyro’ prepared this important motorcycle so that spectators could see and hear the methanol-fuelled BMW at its best. On track it bellowed with a distinctive note as rider Greg Johnson worked it up to full pace. It was a non-competitive event but Greg had the cylinder heads kissing the tarmac as he took the R 75 around the tight and undulating track, with the polished aluminium fairing glistening in the sunlight. He was taking spectators back to another era and reviving strong memories of the late Ken Blake and the last time BMW was competitive on track in Australia.

When not on track the R 75 was on display with other machines that were part of Ken Blake’s life and Australian motorcycling history. They attracted a large crowd all weekend, but the stunning BMW R 75 was the one that they wanted to both see and hear. It did not disappoint.

'; news['article_75']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_75']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/OldRacing1.jpg'; news['article_75']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/OldRacing1.jpg'; news['article_75']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_75']['content2'] = ''; news['article_75']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_75']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_75']['content3'] = ''; news['article_75']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[233] = 75; news['article_76'] = new Array(); news['article_76']['articleId'] = 234; news['article_76']['day'] = '10'; news['article_76']['month'] = '05'; news['article_76']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_76']['title'] = '7 out of 7 for Kern and the BMW S 1000 RR!'; news['article_76']['link_text'] = '7 out of 7 for Kern and the BMW S 1000 RR!'; news['article_76']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_76']['content1'] = 'Championship Cup Series racing recently returned to Carolina Motorsports Park in South Carolina, USA and Nate Kern was there on his BMW Motorcycles of Atlanta S 1000 RR to show why this is the most potent 1000cc motorcycle any rider can buy. Entering seven races, Kern won all seven, against many full race-prepped AMA level race bikes.

Winning GTO, Unlimited Superbike, Unlimited Supersport, and Unlimited Grand Prix on the Saturday, Kern followed that up with wins on the Sunday in the same Unlimited classes.

Having been racing his beloved BMW Boxer Twins for so long, Nate has had to make the transition back to riding a ‘conventional’ motorcycle again, although the challenge seems to have come easy to him and like many other racers that have made the switch to the four-cylinder BMW S 1000 RR, he feels that the package has an incredible amount of potential as a race machine.

On a bumpy Carolina Motorsports Park track, getting the bike’s suspension set-up correctly was critical for success. Fortunately, Nate was helped by a celebrated former World Superbike mechanic with lots of AMA and Isle Of Man TT experience, who rebuilt the fork three times, making it stiffer and stiffer until it was perfect for the track conditions. Furthermore, adding a tooth to the rear sprocket gave Nate an additional 800 rpm and saved a second from his lap times.

The changes obviously worked, because apart from the first race when he received a ‘stop and go’ penalty for a jump start, Nate won every race by eight seconds! Nate had started the weekend doing lap times of 1:41, but he was able to get this down to 1:32s, and even in the GTO race where he received the stop and go penalty, Nate still won by several seconds, catching the lead pack of four riders for the win.

Nate was racing with the BMW in ‘RACE’ mode with the DTC off and ABS on due to bumpy track surface, and on the dyno, his basically stock S 1000 RR was making 191 hp at the rear wheel on regular fuel Throughout the weekend, motorcycle fans and other riders flocked to see the S 1000 RR that had dominated the racing at Carolina Motorsports Park, proving once again that BMW has hit the target with its 1000cc four-cylinder Superbike.

All in all, it was a fantastic weekend for BMW in South Carolina, and one that Nate Kern won’t forget in a hurry, although it’s just the first step in a new chapter for the American rider that has a long history with the brand, right from the early days of BoxerCup and Power Cup racing:

“I am getting along great with this amazing RR and could have never imagined 12 years ago when I first rode a motorcycle, that this would happen,” said Nate, who has been involved with the promotional and Guerilla marketing of the RR in the USA since February 2009. “I’ve enjoyed exposing this powerhouse of a machine to the American sportbike market and am very proud to say that our work helped the USA to become the most pre-sold RR country in the world.

“I still get an amazing amount of emails from pre-order RR customers and have really enjoyed being ‘hands on’ in helping to sell this class-leading bike to customers. Getting out on track and demonstrating these things in person at events like this has helped make an even bigger impact. To be able to articulate the amazing electronics and capabilities of the chassis and motor as I am putting my helmet on, then go and win and then come back and share with spectators I never met before why and how it worked so well is as good as it gets!”
'; news['article_76']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_76']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Nate1.jpg'; news['article_76']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Nate1.jpg'; news['article_76']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_76']['content2'] = ''; news['article_76']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_76']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_76']['content3'] = ''; news['article_76']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[234] = 76; news['article_77'] = new Array(); news['article_77']['articleId'] = 230; news['article_77']['day'] = '04'; news['article_77']['month'] = '05'; news['article_77']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_77']['title'] = 'THANK YOU GS!'; news['article_77']['link_text'] = 'THANK YOU GS!'; news['article_77']['subtitle1'] = 'Photobook'; news['article_77']['content1'] = 'THANK YOU GS!

At Avignon in France in September 1980, BMW presented its revolutionary 800cc all-terrain motorcycle to the press. This radical new machine forced the birth of a versatile new genre – the R 80 G/S could tackle anything from urban and long-distance riding to off-road enduros. During the next 30 years, the GS would be much copied by other manufacturers, but as any owner will tell you, nothing comes close to the feeling you get from riding a BMW GS.

As part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of its GS model range, BMW Motorrad has created a special online ‘THANK YOU GS’ Photobook and all owners – past and present – are invited to get involved.

The ‘user generated’ online special has been designed for GS riders to upload their photos, stories and experiences with their GS. This will create an endless THANK YOU GS digital photobook which users can flick backwards and forwards through to see some of the best pictures of GS riders from all over the world. The special site also includes a potted history of 30 years of the GS, with facts, figures and excellent pictures from the past three decades.

There are already some well-known GS ‘celebrities’ who have uploaded contributions, such as Guinness World Record holders for endurance motorcycling Kevin and Julia Sanders; adventure motorcycling author Robert Wicks; adventure tour operator Ricardo Tomas; and many more. However, BMW Motorrad is interested in all GS riders, so if you have some great pictures of you and your GS – and a few words to describe what GS motorcycling means to you – then BMW Motorrad is waiting for your contribution.

To become part of the THANK YOU GS photobook is easy: all participants have to do is visit www.bmw-motorrad.com/30yearsgs and have a look though the online special. In order to post content, it is necessary to register details, but this only takes a few minutes. After that, you will be able to log into the site and share your GS experiences with the world.

With thousands of riders having covered millions of miles on their GS bikes, there are surely few places that haven’t been visited by owners of this iconic motorcycle. So, if a BMW GS has made your travel dreams come true and opened up your horizons to an unstoppable world of experience, then tell BMW Motorrad about them by visiting www.bmw-motorrad.com/30yearsgs and share your GS adventures with other GS riders from all over the world.'; news['article_77']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_77']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/GS1.jpg'; news['article_77']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/GS1.jpg'; news['article_77']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_77']['content2'] = ''; news['article_77']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_77']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_77']['content3'] = ''; news['article_77']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[230] = 77; news['article_78'] = new Array(); news['article_78']['articleId'] = 231; news['article_78']['day'] = '04'; news['article_78']['month'] = '05'; news['article_78']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_78']['title'] = 'S 1000 RR stuck on you!'; news['article_78']['link_text'] = 'S 1000 RR stuck on you!'; news['article_78']['subtitle1'] = 'RR Tattoo'; news['article_78']['content1'] = 'S 1000 RR stuck on you!

The art of tattooing has been practised for centuries worldwide and although they aren’t for everyone, those who go ‘under the needle’ to have their favourite design, message or even the name of their loved ones permanently tattooed onto their skin tend to come back for more, time and time again. Just ask someone like Emily Van Houten, who has tattoos on both of her upper arms, on one of her forearms, on her feet, her thigh and lower back.

With her latest artwork, the German model could well be starting a major new trend, as she is almost certainly the first person to have a BMW S 1000 RR tattoo. Proudly emblazed on her right shoulder, the striking RR logo was completed by tattoo artist Christian Renner, in conjunction with a special photoshoot that took place at the Kultfabrik, an area of Munich famed for its artists and nightlife.

For Emily, the ‘pain was definitely worth the gain’, as she now has something that many people will be interested in, given the fact that the BMW S 1000 RR is the bike that everyone’s talking about this year.

“I really hope I am the first and only one with the S 1000 RR tattoo,” says Emily, who got her first tattoo – a ‘tramp stamp’ at the age of 15 and has been busy collecting more ever since. “Actually it wasn’t painful at all, as the shoulder is a good spot. I love all my tattoos and don’t really have a favourite, because they all have different meanings to me. For the S 1000 RR tattoo, I just thought it would be a great idea that would remind me of a very special and fun photoshoot! I’m not a rider myself – I’m too scared – but I do like motorcycles so I guess I would call myself a fan. As for the S 1000 RR, I just love it! It’s sporty and beautiful, a great motorcycle!”

For fashion photographer Markus Hoffman, who took the pictures of Emily Van Houten with the S 1000 RR, it was an unusual shoot, as he is normally used to working with models with flawless skin who conform to a certain stereotype.

“This project was a completely new experience for me as a photographer. Emily van Houten is a lovely person but she is not a ‘normal’ model. She has tattoos all over her body and many piercings, which for a fashion model is usually an absolute ‘No Go’. It was great working with her though and I wish that some of the professional models I work with had her will and her commitment.

“The shoot took place in the Kultfabrik, which is located in the east of Munich and contains many discos, restaurants, studios, and galleries. We rented a hall and the nearby ‘Tattoo Cafe 818’, which is owned by BMW rider Christoph Dodl. This is the studio where Emily got her tattoo. It was nice and clean and as the day passed, more and more artists, musicians and customers showed up, to either get a new tattoo or just to drink a cup of coffee. It was a very relaxing atmosphere.”

Markus is planning to publish these pictures in the K-Magazin (a publication dedicated to the Kultfabrik) as well as selected tattoo and lifestyle magazines. The photoshoot also captured the attention of the head of sales and marketing of the Kultfabrik, Florian Reif (who just happens to be an S 1000 RR fan) who turned up to have a closer look at Emily and the BMW Superbike. Like Markus Hofmann, Florian doesn’t have any tattoos, but that could soon change after witnessing Emily’s unique display of body art.

“This photoshoot was a totally crazy idea, but since the model and the machine are both incredibly ‘hot’, then why not!” he said. “To my shame I have to admit that I still haven’t got any tattoos. I’ve been planning to get one for several years, but I just can’t find the right design or theme. I’ve been into motorcycles since my early youth, probably because of the impressive power and speed they have. The S 1000 RR is really fantastic – it looks really fast and the technical details speak for themselves. Owning a bike like this would be a perfect dream for every man – it’s certainly the kind of bike I would buy. BMW is building some amazing bikes at the moment.”'; news['article_78']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_78']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Tat1.jpg'; news['article_78']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Tat1.jpg'; news['article_78']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_78']['content2'] = ''; news['article_78']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_78']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_78']['content3'] = ''; news['article_78']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[231] = 78; news['article_79'] = new Array(); news['article_79']['articleId'] = 227; news['article_79']['day'] = '26'; news['article_79']['month'] = '04'; news['article_79']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_79']['title'] = 'Motorcycle Styling - Lines of Thought'; news['article_79']['link_text'] = 'Motorcycle Styling - Lines of Thought'; news['article_79']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_79']['content1'] = 'One of the most modern motorcycle plants in the world, the BMW Berlin factory employs 1,800 people and produces up to 550 motorcycles daily for riders around the world. Along the innovative, automated production line and among the many computer-generated machines and robots, you will find six talented employees with extremely steady hands.

The four women and two men in the Berlin plant’s Paintshop are responsible for applying the decal lines that adorn BMW motorcycle fuel tanks and other components. Each line is painted by hand, resulting in a unique result every time. Such attention to detail highlights the supreme craftsmanship and respect for tradition that exists at BMW. That’s why the manufacturer is proud to display its decal line painting service at the BMW Motorrad Days festival this July.

The process, known as ‘hand-lining’, has been around since the first BMW motorcycle, the BMW R 32, rolled off the production line in 1923. Initially it was a decorative element that highlighted the style and shape of the model. With the exception of one year in the 1970s, when the designs were applied as stickers, the distinctive lines have been painted by hand for 87 years, using little more than a paintbrush.

Dörte Einicke, Head of Corporate and Associate Communications at BMW Berlin plant, explains the current process: “First, the motorcycle parts are prepared with lacquers and a base coat. Then the artists paint on the outline of the design using a stencil,” she adds. “The decorative lines are painted freely by hand, using a special brush made with badger hair. For protection of the motorcycle parts and the lines, a clear coating is applied over the top.”

Although it takes great skill and dexterity to complete, there is no vocational qualification or special training for the hand-lining work. The experts at the Berlin plant had previously worked in another area of motorcycle production and were taught how to do it on site. “In order to learn the art of hand-lining, they had to show an interest in it, first and foremost,” explains Dörte. The training can take between nine and 12 months before an individual employee is ready to start work on serial production.

The BMW hand-lining team will be one of many attractions at the tenth annual BMW Motorrad Days event on 2-4 July. Not only will visitors be able to see them in action, but they will also get the chance to have their motorcycles hand-painted by the experts and with a design of their choice. “There are no limits to visitors’ imaginations – the team have even painted a child’s pushchair,” says Dörte. There are some exceptions, however, such as motorbike helmets, which cannot be painted for safety reasons. A fixed price is charged for the hand-lining service and the money raised will be donated to charitable causes.


For more information and a virtual tour of the BMW factory in Berlin, please visit the www.bmw-werk-berlin.de website, where actual tours of the plant can also be booked. Watch this space for additional articles over the next two months, revealing more details of the BMW Motorrad Days event programme, partners, special guests, various behind-the-scenes stories of interest, and much more. Please visit www.bmw-motorrad.com for regular updates.
'; news['article_79']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_79']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/linesthought.jpg'; news['article_79']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/linesthought.jpg'; news['article_79']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_79']['content2'] = ''; news['article_79']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_79']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_79']['content3'] = ''; news['article_79']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[227] = 79; news['article_80'] = new Array(); news['article_80']['articleId'] = 228; news['article_80']['day'] = '26'; news['article_80']['month'] = '04'; news['article_80']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_80']['title'] = 'BMW Tourers take on Tasmania'; news['article_80']['link_text'] = 'BMW Tourers take on Tasmania'; news['article_80']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_80']['content1'] = '197 participants on this year’s BMW TourenSport Safari left the Station Pier at Port Melbourne to board the Spirit of Tasmania ferry and travel the 240 kilometres across the Bass Strait to this amazing island for six days of riding on the fantastic roads of Tasmania.

Riding a variety of BMW motorcycles, the latest arrivals were those who had squeezed in a trip on route to Phillip Island circuit to watch the opening round of the 2010 Superbike World Championship. Once aboard though, everyone found their cabins, dumped their gear and made it down to the rider briefing that informed all the participants exactly what to expect during their next six days of adventure.

With the promise of decent weather and lots of riding ahead, many chose an early night in their bunks – especially as they were greeted by the swell in Bass Strait – although there were, of course, the usual suspects who preferred sleeping upright at the bar!

On the Monday morning at 5.30am the Spirit began its docking procedure in Devonport and the day began for all 197 Safari participants with a hot breakfast at Perry Bros Bakery just a few hundred metres from the dock. Bacon and egg rolls and hot coffee were consumed with gusto, and then it was on the bikes to begin the trip to Strahan over on the west coat.

The sun was up and all was looking good for a great day of riding, although the trip over to Cradle Mountain was decidedly chilly! From there it was a choice of the long way round via Reece Dam or the shorter way via Rosebery and by early afternoon most had arrived and checked into their accommodation in the picturesque town of Strahan.

Tuesday morning was a little cloudy, with light drizzle on the ride up and out of Strahan via Queenstown. But things soon brightened up and the skies cleared for a brilliant run via Bothwell and Richmond into Hobart. The evening rider briefing was at the Customs House Hotel, after which everyone dispersed, with new and old friends, for more drinks and dinner around historic Salamanca Place and Hobart harbour before what was to be another very exciting day.

Wednesday dawned bright and beautiful and many chose to join a Tasman Island Cruise out of Port Arthur. The BMW Safari had chartered two 44-seater boats and the trip along the sheer rock cliffs, with many caves and the sighting of seals, dolphins and other wildlife turned into the highlight of the day. The riding was exhilarating with a wide choice of routes to choose, going east, south and west out of Hobart. And with hardly a cloud in the sky, it was a great day to make the trip up to Mt Wellington, from where participants had fantastic panoramic views of Hobart, the Derwent River and Storm Bay, and the southern section of the vast World Heritage Tasmanian Wilderness areas.

Thursday was another weather treat for the whole Safari group and on the way up to Launceston the temperature was absolutely perfect. It was the A3 all the way and what a road that is – spectacular coast-line scenery and bends that just never seem to stop! Everyone made it safely to Launceston and to the Star Bar for that evening\'s rider briefing.

The following day brought yet more good weather and the BMW riders journeyed through the winery district of north eastern Tasmania and back via the Batman Bridge. It wasn’t a long a day in the saddle, as everyone needed to be on good form for that evening’s final dinner and prize awards at the Hotel Grand Chancellor. The next morning saw a late check-out and a final ride up to Devonport, to take the overnight ferry to Melbourne and a return to the rain that had kindly stayed well away from Tasmania.

The final word went to BMW Motorrad Australia’s Marketing Manager Miles Davis, who rode a BMW HP2 Megamoto during this year’s event. “The 2010 BMW TS Safari and the choice of Tasmania as the venue was considered to be another great week away and many are looking forward, very much, to the next event,” he said. “A big thanks and congratulations to all who took part, as it was everyone’s enthusiasm and camaraderie that made this a really enjoyable event for all who took part.”
'; news['article_80']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_80']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Tasmania.jpg'; news['article_80']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Tasmania.jpg'; news['article_80']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_80']['content2'] = ''; news['article_80']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_80']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_80']['content3'] = ''; news['article_80']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[228] = 80; news['article_81'] = new Array(); news['article_81']['articleId'] = 229; news['article_81']['day'] = '26'; news['article_81']['month'] = '04'; news['article_81']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_81']['title'] = 'Nothing clouds the start of GlobeBusters Silk Road Expedition'; news['article_81']['link_text'] = 'Nothing clouds the start of GlobeBusters Silk Road Expedition'; news['article_81']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_81']['content1'] = 'While most travellers have been talking about volcanic ash and longing to get back home from wherever they are in the world, the GlobeBusters Silk Road Expedition was waved off by hundreds well wishers from London’s Ace Café on Saturday 17 April under clear blue skies and safe in the knowledge that their crossing on Euro Tunnel had been booked months before.

The group of BMW riders left London’s iconic biker café to start one of the most extreme, exciting, and enviable motorcycle journeys imaginable – the GlobeBusters Silk Road London to Beijing Expedition.

This ambitious group journey will set a new high in motorcycle adventure travel. The groundbreaking 12,000 miles (20,000 kilometres) two-wheeled voyage will include riding the Afghan border in Tajikistan on one of the world’s highest altitude roads and reaching Mount Everest Base Camp at over 5,300 metres, before entering the mysterious city of Lhasa and then heading east to Beijing.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure rider Kevin Sanders, who is the Co-Founder of GlobeBusters and the Expedition Leader for this Silk Road journey, researched the whole route back in 2009 and knows only too well the difficulty of the challenges that lie ahead for the riders.

“I’ve got two Guinness World Records for global riding, but the London to Beijing route ranks as the most extreme ride that I have ever done,” he said. “There’s a reason why no other company in the world has attempted this ride. It’s tough, it’s unpredictable, it’s way off the beaten track and that makes it high risk. But as with all GlobeBusters expeditions, the pre-trip preparation is done in absolute detail.

“I’ve briefed the riders personally about what kit they need, what modifications to do to their bikes, and what they must have with them to give them the very best chance of successfully getting to Beijing. They know exactly what they will face – riding at over 5,000 metres altitude, freezing temperatures, and narrow dirt roads traversing some of the highest peaks in the world. For parts of the ride, not even the basics exist – no hot water, no familiar food, and sometimes no shelter.”

For all that, there are highlights on this trip that make it truly unique, according to Kevin: “Other than our research team, I don’t know anyone else who has ridden their own bike across the Tibetan Plateau to Everest Base Camp or Lhasa. GlobeBusters is about to change that!” says the record-breaking GS rider.

Although the next London to Beijing trip isn’t planned until April 2011, those that want to follow the current expedition over the next 10 weeks can catch up with all the latest information – including online podcasts, pictures and gossip – on the www.globebusters.com website. Alternatively, follow the trip on GlobeBusters Facebook.
'; news['article_81']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_81']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/GB1.jpg'; news['article_81']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/GB1.jpg'; news['article_81']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_81']['content2'] = ''; news['article_81']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_81']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_81']['content3'] = ''; news['article_81']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[229] = 81; news['article_82'] = new Array(); news['article_82']['articleId'] = 224; news['article_82']['day'] = '19'; news['article_82']['month'] = '04'; news['article_82']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_82']['title'] = 'Revving up for the 2010 GS Trophy'; news['article_82']['link_text'] = 'Revving up for the 2010 GS Trophy'; news['article_82']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_82']['content1'] = 'Two years ago, BMW Motorrad held its first ever international GS Trophy event in Tunisia, where GS riders from Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan and the USA met up in Africa for a week of adventure riding, special tests, teamwork challenges and problem solving – all designed around having fun, getting back to nature and promoting this iconic genre of adventure motorcycle.

With the legendary GS Enduro celebrating its 30th birthday in 2010, BMW Motorrad is planning an even bigger and better GS Trophy event for this year, which will take place from November 13 - 21 in South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique – surely some of the best places in the world to ride a GS motorcycle. The winners of the 2008 GS Trophy – the USA – have already confirmed their participation, along with teams from Spain, Italy, Japan, Scandinavia, Germany, the UK, South Africa and Canada.

Indeed, the planning for November has already started in the above countries, which are all launching their own series of national ‘GS’ challenges in order to find the best team of riders to represent their country at this prestigious event.

According to BMW Motorrad’s International GS Trophy organiser Michael Trammer, November’s South African GS Trophy adventure is definitely not a race, as hard work, technical riding skills, camaraderie and team spirit will be the most important elements for overall success:

“Our first International GS Trophy was held in 2008 in Tunisia and this event was designed to give amateurs with off-road experience the opportunity to take part in a large-scale enduro competition,” says Michael. “The lucky ones that were selected from the national trials were invited to spend 10 unforgettable days in the Tunisian desert, where they faced tough challenges which often pushed them to the limits of their capacity and beyond.

“For 2010, we’re looking to ensure that the finalists of this year’s GS Trophy are of a comparable standard, so although the national qualifying rounds will have their own distinctive character, there will be a series of tests that correspond to a standardised level throughout the world. This will help ensure that none of the finalists of the GS Trophy 2010 are faced with challenges that are insurmountable or dangerous. It’s our desire that whatever the final result, each participant will get to experience something they will never forget – ultimately, there will be no losers, as just to be selected to represent your country is a significant achievement.”

With every national qualifying event following a similar structure and the top three in each country being selected to take part in the main event in South Africa, BMW riders all over the world are hoping that their home markets join the nine nations that have already confirmed their participation at the 2010 GS Trophy in November. This unforgettable event will see some of the best amateur off-road riders from Europe, Japan, Canada and the USA meet up at the country that is hosting this year’s World Cup, for around eight days of adventure riding and team building in spectacular terrain.

Watch this space over the next few weeks for more information about the exact location and format for the 2010 GS Trophy, as well as updates from all of the national selection trials – some of which are taking place in April. If you are a BMW rider that lives in one of the participating countries that is holding a national GS challenge event, please contact your importer directly for more details about how you can take part in the selection procedures.
'; news['article_82']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_82']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/GST1.jpg'; news['article_82']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/GST1.jpg'; news['article_82']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_82']['content2'] = ''; news['article_82']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_82']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_82']['content3'] = ''; news['article_82']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[224] = 82; news['article_83'] = new Array(); news['article_83']['articleId'] = 225; news['article_83']['day'] = '19'; news['article_83']['month'] = '04'; news['article_83']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_83']['title'] = 'Inside Davide Tardozzi'; news['article_83']['link_text'] = 'Inside Davide Tardozzi'; news['article_83']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_83']['content1'] = 'The new team manager of BMW Motorrad Motorsport has been involved with the Superbike World Championship since it began. As a rider, the Italian entered the record books as the winner of the inaugural WSBK race at Donington (GB) in 1988. As a team manager, he won his first world championship in 1996, with Troy Corser. Fourteen years later – with eight WSBK riders’ titles and nine constructors’ titles won under his management – Davide Tardozzi speaks about his latest challenge with BMW Motorrad Motorsport

What is the key to being a successful manager?
To manage a successful team you need to be able to make people work together well. You can hire ten of the best mechanics but if they can’t work as a team then the team will fail. Also, I think it helps to be very open with everyone – it is obvious for everyone around me to see and understand what I am thinking and how I am feeling. I always tell the truth and I am passionate about what I do.

What in inspired you to enter motorsport?
Ever since I was 13 I have been into motorbikes. I grew up riding and tuning 50cc machines and started to do crazy things on the road. This was very dangerous so I decided to go racing and found out I was quite good. Since then I became more involved in motorsport, both as a rider and in recent years as a team manager.

What did you dream of becoming when you were growing up?
I used to play soccer when I was younger but motorbikes have always been in my blood, although I never imagined that I would become a racer. I first came to the racetrack when I was 19 with a friend and really enjoyed it, but as is often the case, finding enough money was a big problem, so it was not so easy in the beginning.

Where did you grow up?
I am from Ravenna, which is close to Misano, Imola and Mugello, so within 100 km I had three racetracks, which makes it very easy to think about racing! This area has produced many great racers over the years and MotoGP riders like Marco Melandri, Marco Simoncelli, Mattia Pasini, Di Angelis and of course Valentino Rossi are all from a similar region as it has such a big motorcycle contingency.

Why take on the BMW Motorrad Motorsport project after so much success with Ducati?
To better myself. I have spent the last 20 years of my life working at Ducati – both as a rider and as a manager – so I wanted to prove to myself that I could achieve the same success elsewhere. I see huge potential with the BMW S 1000 RR project on so many levels. I think that BMW is the only manufacturer that can compete with Ducati in terms of brand appeal and brand image. BMW, like Ducati, is an emotional brand, and that’s why I chose it, because what is racing without emotion?

How do you manage work and family?
I have a wife that has supported me as a racer and now as a manager – and fortunately she loves racing! I also have a 19-year-old son who is very supportive of my career but he has no interest in motorcycling at all. He is very passionate about soccer and plays for a team back home.

What do you do to relax?
In this job you’re thinking about it 365 days a year, but away from racing I just enjoy spending time with my family. My work commitments mean I am often away but when at home I enjoy spending time at the beach by my house with my friends and family, as well as my two fantastic dogs.

With so much success already achieved, what makes you keep going?
The challenge. I love to constantly challenge myself whatever I’m doing and that’s what keeps me going day after day, year after year. I always want something better today than yesterday and something better tomorrow than today. I love to win and I never want to stop winning – and that’s the challenge. Valentino Rossi is a perfect example of this – he has won so much already; he doesn’t need to keep winning, and he doesn’t need more money, but he keeps going because he loves to win. He is battling with himself everyday to be the best he can be and that is exactly the same as me.
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Boorman has close links to BMW bikes, thanks to his ‘Long Way Round’ circumnavigation of the world with Ewan McGregor in 2004, when the two actors rode BMW R 1150 GS Adventure machines. Boorman also participated in the 2006 Dakar Rally on a BMW F 650 GS, before linking up with McGregor again to ride the Long Way Down from John O’Groats to Cape Town in 2007 – this time on the formidable R 1200 GS Adventure.

With best-selling books, TV shows and DVDs documenting all of his adventures, Boorman has been touring the UK and Ireland with a special live show about all of his travels. The busy adventurer took time out of his 30-date tour to check out St John Wales’ latest lifesaving tool – the BMW R 1200 RT fully kitted out with lifesaving first aid equipment.

As a keen and experienced motorcyclist, Charley was delighted to show his support in launching the responder bike, which he believes will make a real difference to the community and could even save lives: “It’s fantastic because it can get to places quicker and can avoid traffic if there’s been a big crash. I think it’s really necessary to have a motorcycle in the fleet of St John Ambulance in Wales. The more bikes that are put into St John Wales, the more lives can be saved as a result,” he said.

The BMW R 1200 RT is the definitive sports touring machine and is bought by many riders wanting to travel long distances at high speeds in comfort, thanks to its excellent ergonomics, weather protection and fuel-efficient boxer engine. It is extremely well balanced with a low centre of gravity, which makes it easy to ride at slow speeds and in traffic.

The special R 1200 RT will be a vital asset to St John Wales and will enable volunteers to respond to incidents ranging from cardiac arrests to accidents in remote rural areas. It is also versatile enough to be used to reach emergency incidents in heavy traffic, and in congested areas it can transport blood samples and essential medical documents to and from hospitals.

Anthony Hughes, a member of St John’s Cardiff City Division that purchased the BMW R 1200 RT, will be providing first aid cover with the motorcycle at the forthcoming London Marathon on April 25. He thinks that the special R 1200 RT will enable St John Wales to treat casualties’ at large public events.

“It’s fantastic in heavy traffic and is extremely manoeuvrable, making it suitable for park environments such as marathons,” he said. “It is safer in heavy traffic and can access areas which a normal ambulance may struggle to get to.”

The first aid equipment on the bike includes defibrillators, oxygen cylinders, bandages and dressings. St John Wales is hoping to have a fleet of ambulance motorcycles and is currently fundraising to make this happen. The organisation currently has more than 4,500 volunteers who treat more than 10,000 people every year.
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BMW Motorrad Italia’s venture into the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup started in the best possible way at the Autodromo Algarve circuit in Portimao on Sunday 28 March, with team rider Ayrton Badovini winning the opening race of the season on board his BMW S 1000 RR at the Portuguese circuit.

During qualifying, Badovini had outsmarted his rivals by running on used tyres to concentrate on his race set-up. Then during the final session, he put on a new set of tyres and dominated on the S 1000 RR, setting the fastest time and securing pole position for the 12-lap race with a time almost half a second faster than his nearest challenger.

During the race, Badovini made a great start and soon pulled a gap on his main rival, Frenchman Maxime Berger. Unfortunately the team’s other rider, Daniel Beretta, went off in the early stages of the race but luckily was unhurt. Back at the front, on lap three Berger squeezed his Honda past Badovini’s BMW and the two riders then entertained the tens of thousands of spectators with spectacularly fast and close racing. Constantly applying pressure, 24-year-old Badovini and his BMW S 1000 RR managed to regain the lead on lap seven.

On lap 11 – and with just one lap remaining – Berger made another attempt to try and get past Badovini at the end of the long start/finish straight. However, he was going too quickly to scrub off enough speed to make the corner and went off the track. Badovini kept his cool, retook the lead and went on to score a debut world championship win for the S 1000 RR – finishing 2.7 seconds ahead of the Frenchman.

After the race, a delighted Ayrton Badovini commented: \"I guess it’s all going well! It was a difficult race because Berger has improved a lot since the test, but I used all my experience to put him under pressure. Our bike can still improve a lot and I am really confident of what we are going to achieve this season.”

This was a view shared by Serafino Foti, BMW Motorrad Italia’s Superstock team manager: \"We are all happy. Berger has shown, as expected, that he will be one of the top competitors throughout the season. Now we shall enjoy this win and I want to take this opportunity to thank all those who believed in this project. We’re already thinking about our strategy for the next round at Valencia.\"

Badovini’s win takes him to the top of the points table and BMW to the top of the Manufacturers’ championship standing, much to the delight of Andrea Buzzoni, director of BMW Motorrad Italia:

\"It was an exciting debut for BMW Motorrad Italia, as we were taking part in motorcycle racing for the first time. It was a very successful weekend for us, and great to see the team working effectively and professionally. Ayrton has shown a great ability to concentrate and stay cool in the race, although we are sorry for Daniel, who still has the chance to show his talent in the future.\"

The second round of the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup will take place on the weekend of the 9 – 11 April at the Valencia circuit in Spain.
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These features make the use of carbon fibre very popular in aerospace, civil engineering, the military, and especially the motorsports industry, where it can be found in a wide range of performance vehicles including sports cars and superbikes, as well as racing bicycle frames, powerboats and even safety helmets. Because this composite material is so pleasing to the eye, it is often used in the tuning and customising industry where the woven panels are left unpainted for maximum effect.

Of course, carbon fibre doesn’t only look great, its use is becoming increasingly important in vehicle production in terms of weight savings, and therefore lower emissions, with a potential weight reduction of 50 per cent compared to steel or approximately 30 per cent in comparison to aluminium. Simple and instant weight savings for interchangeable parts then; but its production process is anything but simple.

BMW only uses PAN (polyacrylonitrile-based) high-quality fibres in the spinning process to create the precursor monofilament yarn, which is then ‘carbonised’ under high temperature (more than 1000 degrees Celsius) with the exclusion of air oxygen so that the fibre yarn carbonises, rather than burns. For the carbonisation of the precursor yarn into carbon fibre, the yarn passes through several ovens set at different temperatures, and then runs through a ‘sizing bath’, which assures the perfect fibre-matrix adhesion needed for the lamination process. The yarn is then wound onto carbon fibre spools for further textile processes such as weaving or multiaxial production.

It’s all incredibly complicated but the end result is an incredibly strong, yet flexible and lightweight material that has many uses and looks great. You’ll see it on certain BMW sports cars such as the high-performance M3 and M6 models that use carbon fibre roofs that offer substantial weight savings over the standard items. And of course when carbon fibre was introduced into Formula One racing it revolutionised the sport, and just about everything on the F1 cars (except the engine) is now made of carbon fibre, resulting in stiffer, lighter and even faster cars.

Ultimately though, this amazing composite material is just a man-made fabric that comes on a roll and can be manipulated for use in a variety of different applications. Because its structures behave differently to steel or aluminium, it can be perfectly customised by BMW engineers to suit the performance of a particular component, whether it is flexibility in a certain direction, or high stiffness in another direction.

The jury is still out – in performance terms at least – when it comes to the use of carbon fibre in motorcycle sport. While some MotoGP bikes use carbon fibre frames and swing-arms to reduce weight, others remain unconvinced by the composite’s benefits because it’s harder to adjust and the way motorcycles behave while cornering have allowed riders and chassis engineers to make good use of the frame flex offered by metallic frame construction.

For series production motorcycles, such as the S 1000 RR and K 1300 R, a wide-range of carbon fibre High Performance parts have been designed so that owners can customise their own machines and give them an even more sporty and exclusive look. Naturally the HP carbon parts weigh less than the standard items they are designed to replace, but with a dry mass of just 183 kg, the S 1000 RR is one of the lightest machines in its class anyway, so weight reduction certainly won’t be the main reason why riders buy these special accessories!

There is a wide choice of parts available, opening up enormous potential for owners to individualise their S 1000 RR. These include: HP Carbon front wheel cover; rear wheel cover; badge carrier; tank cover; tail-hump cover; chain guard; heel guard; and engine spoiler. BMW Motorrad is the only manufacturer to offer its carbon parts with a high-quality, three-coat, high-gloss paint finish, which is UV-resistant and offers outstanding impact resistance and protection against discolouration. With the exception of the HP Carbon heel guard, all parts come with fitting instructions and can be easily installed by owners.

According to Johann Sievers-Paulsen, who is one of the BMW Group’s experts within this field, the synergy with the company’s car division in terms of research and development has allowed BMW to develop and offer very high-quality, direct carbon fibre replacements for the standard plastic parts.

“BMW Motorrad has several highly skilled experts for carbon fibre structures, who are involved in the development process right from the beginning of the design phase of the individual components. There is also a lot of synergy with the automotive division and we are in continuous discussions with them. This means that our High Performance carbon fibre parts mostly have the same requirements as the exterior automotive parts, which results in extremely high quality and engineering levels.”

So, top grade, exclusive HP carbon-mounted parts are now available for bikes like the BMW S 1000 RR and the K 1300 R, thanks to a combination of in-house technical expertise and a desire to offer the highest levels of quality and individual levels of customisation. Just how far you go to personalise your machine is entirely up to you...
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In 2010 a BMW motorcycle will be back at the ancestral home of road racing – the annual Isle of Man TT Festival. Fans of the German brand will be delighted to see the new BMW S 1000 RR in the line-up for the Senior TT and Superbike races in the capable hands of 34-year-old German privateer rider, Rico Penzkofer.

Having already made an impact with the BMW Motorrad Motorsport works S 1000 RR in the Superbike World Championship, a 193 hp production version of the bike has recently been successfully launched, with customers now taking delivery of their new machines worldwide.

The S 1000 RR is also featuring heavily in various national race series in 2010, such as the British Superbike and Superstock Championships, IDM German Superbike Championship, the CEV (Campeonato de España de Velocidad) Spanish Championship series, and the FIM Superstock 1000 World Championship. However, this will be the first time since Helmut Dähne successfully campaigned his R 90 S in the production class in the late 1970s that a BMW rider will be entering the main events at the Isle of Man TT.

Penzkofer is well acquainted with the BMW S 1000 RR, having ridden the bike in German Superbike races and on the unforgiving streets of Macau at last year’s Macau Grand Prix where he finished in a respectable 5th place. He has been a development rider in the S 1000 RR project and also rode the HP2 Sport boxer in many of the World Endurance Championship races, as the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team gained valuable track experience during the development of the RR.

Last year at the TT, Penzkofer made a strong debut in the two supersport races he contested, achieving a personal best lap of just under 120 mph (200 km/h). With a year’s experience, he is excited by the prospect of having nearly 220 hp of BMW power available to tackle the famous Mountain Circuit.

“To be riding the BMW S 1000 RR at the TT is a tremendous honour for me and after my debut last year I can’t wait to return to the Mountain Course. Riding the Superbike TT will obviously present a new challenge but the S 1000 RR is superb and that, combined with my own improved knowledge of the course, should give me a great chance of making an impression. Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus have proved in World Superbikes that the bike is competitive and I hope to do the same at the TT,” said Rico at the announcement of his entry.

BMW first competed at the Isle of Man TT in 1937 and has recorded 30 TT wins, with the majority coming in the sidecar class they once dominated. Last year was the 70th anniversary of one of BMW’s greatest victories – when Geog ‘Schorsch’ Meier rode the R 255 Kompressor to victory in 1939 and became the first non-British rider to win the event. However, there is another BMW rider that achieved more recent success at the Isle of Man TT. Dave Morris is the last man to win at the TT riding a BMW, and in 1997, 1998 and 1999, he rode his Chrysalis BMW F 650 to victory in the Singles TT.
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What started out as an intimate gathering of BMW enthusiasts in the Austrian Tyrol has grown to become one of the best-loved and eagerly awaited events on the international motorcycling calendar. BMW Motorrad Days now takes place in the Alpine resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and has become famous all over the world for its unique celebration of the BMW lifestyle. This year however, there are even more reasons to party as the annual biking festival will be commemorating its 10th birthday.

“Ever since 6,500 people came along to the inaugural ‘BMW Bikermeeting’ in Seefeld in Austria, the idea behind this successful event has always remained true to its origins,” says Hans de Visser, General Marketing Manager BMW Motorrad. “Quite simply, BMW Motorrad Days exists to bring together BMW riders and fans from all over the world to experience the world of BMW in a relaxed atmosphere and a picturesque setting, and have as much fun as possible!”

Without a doubt, this formula has been a ‘recipe for success’ as numbers have increased year on year, with many visitors returning time after time to meet up with old and new friends, and party throughout the first weekend in July, when BMW Motorrad Days traditionally takes place.

Someone who has been involved right from the very start is Franz Geisenhofer who is responsible for the organization of BMW Motorrad Days every year. As such, he has seen the event grow in size and stature over the past 10 years and is extremely proud of its success.

“Since we started in 2001 in Seefeld I’ve enjoyed the challenge of organising this event,” says Franz. “If you include everyone involved, such as my team, hostesses, security, police, sound and lighting team, cleaning team, and all the BMW Motorrad staff, there are around 250 people working hard to provide guests with a fantastic weekend of entertainment.

“The formula works well thanks to the special relationship that has developed over 10 years with the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Furthermore, the guests appreciate the extensive programme of activities on offer, as well as the friendly welcome they always receive from our event staff. Plus, the parties on the Friday and Saturday evening are legendary of course!”

2010 is a special year, because not only will everyone be participating in the 10th anniversary birthday party for BMW Motorrad Days, but there’s also a very important milestone for the brand’s most iconic model – this year BMW fans are celebrating 30 Years of the GS. Therefore, expect lots of festivities and special exhibitions at Garmisch for this best-selling and most-loved motorcycle.

For 2010, Franz wants even more visitors to savour the unique atmosphere of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where all the action will be taking place. With up to 40,000 visitors expected over the three days, he is advising those thinking of attending to book their accommodation as soon as possible.

“We’re expecting record numbers of visitors this year, so we’re planning for more parking space for motorcycles, a bigger area for the Enduro parcours and lots of other special events that we’re not able to talk about just yet! There is a great choice of accommodation available to suit all budgets, but it’s well known that those who leave it too late can be disappointed as every room in the area will be sold. Furthermore, there is also the world-famous ‘Passion’ taking place in Oberammergau at the same time, so demand for rooms will be high. Because of this, we’ve got a special booking facility for visitors arranged with the tourist office, so all BMW riders have to do to get details is send an email to bmw-motorrad@gapa.de and they will take care of the rest. But don’t delay, as they can only find rooms that are still available.”

Some of the highlights for Franz of the past 10 years of BMW Motorrad Days include the firework display to celebrate 25 years of GS in 2005, the spectacular freestyle shows from Chris Pfeiffer, the VIP special guests, the fantastic live bands, and of course the Friday and Saturday night parties in the big marquee. All this – and much, much more – will be provided over the weekend of 2-4 July 2010 so make sure you put this date in your diary and come along to help celebrate 10 years of BMW Motorrad Days. Don’t miss it.

This is the first in a series of themed articles that will be released over the next three months, revealing more details of the event programme, partners, special guests, various behind-the-scenes stories of interest, and much more. Please visit www.bmw-motorrad.com for regular updates.

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No fear, no limit is the daunting description of one of the most challenging enduro events on the European racing calendar – and it did not disappoint competitors at the Akrapovic Offroad Weekend in Istrien, Croatia. Not all would complete the 35km stretch of unforgiving terrain on 7 March, but one rider finished way ahead of the competition: three-times Austrian Cross Country (ACC) Champion Rudi Pöschl and his BMW G 450 X.

His victory at the eighth annual Akrapovic Offroad Weekend is a positive sign for the start of the 2010 enduro season. It follows a successful 2009 for the BMW rider, in which he achieved 24 podium finishes, including 13 wins, five second places and six third places. “With last year’s overall win in the Austrian Enduro Trophy and third place overall in the ACC, the performance of the Rudi Pöschl/BMW G 450 X combination was clearly proven,” says Friedrich Reichl, Motorcycle Manager at BMW Motorrad Austria.
But Pöschl wasn’t the only rider looking for his first podium finish of 2010 at the Akrapovic Offroad Weekend. The standard was high on the Saturday’s Hobby and Expert Cross Country Races, in which a total of 200 riders took part. Pöschl was beaten by Werner Müller on the 10km, two-and-a-half hour Expert course, and finished ahead of Markus Tischart and Mario Hirschmugel in fourth.

This left Pöschl in second place to start the No Fear, No Limit Hard Enduro Race on the following day. However, Müller was unable to start the race due to a torn clutch cable/lead, which allowed Pöschl to take full advantage. After almost two hours, the BMW rider completed the course ten minutes ahead of second-place Bernd Jagersberger and 37 minutes ahead of Erich Brandauer.

“For me, it went perfectly,” says Pöschl. “I got away well at the start and during the race I had no difficulties whatsoever. The BMW G 450 X ran like clockwork.”

Pöschl has been competing with the BMW sports enduro motorcycle since 2009, after he was initially persuaded by Reichl to switch manufacturers in autumn 2008. “The technical innovations of the G 450 X quickly convinced him that it was the right decision,” says Reichl. “The bike’s reliability, engine performance, handling, chassis and outstanding traction give Rudi the best technical conditions in which to improve on last year’s achievements,” he adds.

After the win in Croatia, Pöschl will continue to focus on his main goals for 2010: the ACC and the Austrian Enduro Trophy. Reichl believes he has the potential to win both series, as well as compete in additional enduro events such as the Erzberg Harescramble and the Grantibeisser-Light in Schrems.

“The key to Rudi’s success is his professional attitude to sport, his strong desire to win and his clever racing tactics,” says Reichl. “Although he works full time, he uses every spare minute to improve himself physically and technically. He is extremely disciplined and professional. That also makes the co-operation between Rudi and us so successful,” he adds.

First prize at this year’s extreme enduro event in Croatia was a complete exhaust system provided by leading manufacturer Akrapovic. The brand is renowned for producing high-quality motorcycle exhausts and works with several factory teams. It not only has a presence in all racing categories, but also associates itself with 32 world championship titles. It is perhaps the start of another promising partnership for the Austrian rider and his BMW motorcycle, not least a deserving reward for his latest achievement.

“This is the first time that I’ve taken part in this race,” says Pöschl, “and I really enjoyed it. I’ll definitely do it again.” No fear, no limit? No problem, it seems.'; news['article_89']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_89']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/G450winner1.jpg'; news['article_89']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/G450winner1.jpg'; news['article_89']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/G450winner2.jpg'; news['article_89']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/G450winner2.jpg'; news['article_89']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_89']['content2'] = ''; news['article_89']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_89']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_89']['content3'] = ''; news['article_89']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[221] = 89; news['article_90'] = new Array(); news['article_90']['articleId'] = 218; news['article_90']['day'] = '22'; news['article_90']['month'] = '03'; news['article_90']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_90']['title'] = 'BMW Motorrad USA Posts Strong February Sales'; news['article_90']['link_text'] = 'BMW Motorrad USA Posts Strong February Sales'; news['article_90']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_90']['content1'] = 'The U.S. motorcycle market continued to struggle as it declined 36% in February 2010 compared to the same month last year. Against this challenging backdrop, BMW Motorrad USA posted a 52 percent increase in retail sales in the same period.

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

BMW Motorrad USA’s strong February sales continued the company’s industry-leading performance in this difficult market. Despite a U.S. motorcycle market that declined 41 percent and lost nearly 360,000 units last year, BMW motorcycle sales only declined 22 percent. This followed on the heels of 2008 when BMW Motorrad USA was one of only two motorcycle manufacturers to post positive growth.

“Superior products in all segments of the market, a dedicated and expanded dealer network, and attractive financing programs from BMW Financial Services will help keep the positive momentum going in 2010,” commented Mac McMath, BMW Motorrad USA Sales Manager.'; news['article_90']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_90']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_90']['content2'] = ''; news['article_90']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_90']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_90']['content3'] = ''; news['article_90']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[218] = 90; news['article_91'] = new Array(); news['article_91']['articleId'] = 215; news['article_91']['day'] = '22'; news['article_91']['month'] = '03'; news['article_91']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_91']['title'] = 'BMW Motorrad Motorsport Ready for WSBK Round 2'; news['article_91']['link_text'] = 'BMW Motorrad Motorsport Ready for WSBK Round 2'; news['article_91']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_91']['content1'] = 'There are exciting times ahead for BMW Motorrad Motorsport as the Superbike World Championship circus comes to Europe and arrives at the 4.685-km Portimao circuit in Portugal for round two of the 2010 series.

If the second round is anywhere near as exciting as last month’s season opener in Phillip Island, Australia, then superbike fans are in for a real treat. With a photo-finish determining the winner of the first leg, and the top four riders finishing within 0.837 seconds of each other in a hard-fought second race, next Sunday’s two 22-lap races at the long, flowing circuit can’t come soon enough.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s Troy Corser is determined to build on the positive start he made to his 2010 campaign, where he finished in ninth and seventh on the BMW S 1000 RR superbike.

“I was really happy with the way everything went in Phillip Island,” said the BMW factory rider, who is currently seventh in the points table. “I have some new team members this year and I was really impressed with the way we gelled and managed the weekend in Australia. We pinpointed a few technical issues from race one and sorted them for race two, which allowed me to ride the bike as I wanted to and push through the field. We are due to try some new components and settings at Jerez on 22 and 23 March, which is a great circuit to test the bikes’ characteristics and usability. Following this test we will head straight to Portimao for round two and I’m confident we can continue our level of progression.”

Team-mate Ruben Xaus is determined to make amends for his misfortunes at Phillip Island, where he was ruled out of competing after suffering the effects of four practice crashes. He rates Portimao circuit as one of the most exciting tracks in the championship.

“Everything is feeling really good – my body is fully recovered and I am now completely focused on repaying the team and my fans with a positive weekend in Portimao,” said the popular Catalan rider. “I was unable to race in Phillip Island following my crashes that left me really beaten up, but now I have had time to recover – both physically and mentally – and I am ready to race. I have been with the testing team in Valencia and everything went really well. The team is learning all the time and we’re making some real steps forward. I’m just really looking forward to getting back on the bike and putting Phillip Island out of my mind.”

For Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport Berti Hauser, having Ruben and Troy fit and focussed on the tasks ahead is a big priority, and the team is now working hard on getting riders and machines ready for the first European-based round of the season.

“Obviously from a team perspective Phillip Island had its ups and downs. Ruben was unfortunate to fall in the Sunday practice – ruling him out of both races – but on the other side of the garage Troy produced a great result in race two, so we were extremely happy to end a tough weekend on a high note. Since Phillip Island we have been testing the S 1000 RR, which should make the bike more useable for Portimao. We have also developed a new engine specification over the winter, which will be ready for Portugal and will hopefully provide the power, torque and usability factors to further enhance the S 1000 RR’s performance.”

Practice begins at Portimao on the afternoon of Friday 26 March, with further qualifying and Superpole taking place on the Saturday and the first of two 22-lap races starting at 12noon on the Sunday (GMT+1). This event will also mark the first round of the FIM Superstock 1000cc Cup, where no less than seven riders will line up on the BMW S 1000 RR.

For more news, and a full race results service in English and German, please visit the www.bmw-motorrad.com website, where you can also subscribe to the BMW Motorrad Motorsport newsletter.'; news['article_91']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_91']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/WSBK1.jpg'; news['article_91']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/WSBK1.jpg'; news['article_91']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_91']['content2'] = ''; news['article_91']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_91']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_91']['content3'] = ''; news['article_91']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[215] = 91; news['article_92'] = new Array(); news['article_92']['articleId'] = 216; news['article_92']['day'] = '22'; news['article_92']['month'] = '03'; news['article_92']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_92']['title'] = 'The BMW Group Wins Six Prizes for Outstanding Product Design'; news['article_92']['link_text'] = 'The BMW Group Wins Six Prizes for Outstanding Product Design'; news['article_92']['subtitle1'] = '2010 Red Dot Awards'; news['article_92']['content1'] = 'International jury of experts awards the BMW F 800 R, the BMW S 1000 RR motorcycles, also the Rolls-Royce Ghost, the BMW 5 Series Sedan, the BMW X1, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo,

The presentation of the red dot award 2010 once again provides impressive confirmation of the outstanding quality of BMW Group design. Six current models of the BMW Group will receive the internationally renowned award this year, with the new Rolls-Royce Ghost winning the special “red dot: best of the best” award for the very highest level of design quality in the category Automobiles, Transport and Caravans. Other BMW Group models to be awarded the red dot as a mark of outstanding design are the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, the BMW X1 and the motorcycle model BMW F 800 R. There were also honourable mentions from the international jury of experts for the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and the motorcycle model BMW S 1000 RR. The awards will be presented at the gala held at the Aalto Theatre in Essen on July 5th 2010.

The red dot award is one of the most important awards in the world for product design. It was first awarded in 1955 and recognises outstanding design work in a wide range of categories including not only automobiles, architecture, household and home electronics but also fashion, life science and medicine. This year the jury, made up of international design experts, rated 4252 products from 57 nations. Their assessment is based on 17 criteria ranging from degree of innovation to functionality and ecological compatibility. In the category automobile, transport and caravan the jury issued 24 red dot awards this year - three of the award winners received the special “best of the best” rating.

This highest red dot seal of quality is given for recognition of unusually high-quality and groundbreaking design. The award-winning Rolls-Royce Ghost is an automobile whose unique character is expressed by an exclusive, unmistakable appearance. It is a symbol of clarity whose design reinterprets the classic values of the brand in a modern style for the 21st century. Its flowing lines reflect the dynamic performance of the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever built. Large spaces which cover the entire body and are structured by horizontal lines and highlight the solid, luxurious and supreme character of the vehicle.

An authentic visualisation of the vehicle’s properties is also provided by the design of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan. Charismatic presence and stylish elegance in its shaping reflect the sedan’s uncompromising premium quality and its high level of driving comfort. The car’s sporty properties are reflected in dynamic lines and an athletic overall impression. What is more the high-quality aesthetic appeal of the BMW 5 Series Sedan, now also a 2010 red dot award winner, shows perfectly balanced proportions and precisely finished details.

The BMW X1 is distinct and yet characteristic of the brand. This applies both to its driving properties and its visual appearance, which has likewise been awarded a red dot award in 2010. The BMW X1 combines thrilling agility, versatile sporty flair and modern functionality: for the first time it is possible to savour the unique driving pleasure of a BMW X model in a vehicle of the premium compact segment. The BMW X1\'s highly distinct appearance is based on its elongated lines, giving it a look which conveys self-assured elegance. The characteristic design features of the BMW X1 include a powerfully shaped, long engine compartment lid, a striking upright BMW kidney grille, broadly flared wheel arches, short overhangs, a long wheelbase, an elaborately modulated rear and the flat standing rear window. The front, side and rear sections are seamlessly joined, with striking lines creating flowing connections between the body elements.
Striking design.

With the red dot award 2010 for the BMW F 800 R, BMW Motorrad likewise continues its successful series of entries in renowned design competitions. The medium-category naked bike launched in the spring of 2009 brings the design concept of the large 4-cylinder roadsters (K 1300 R) to a new segment. A sporty touch and high-quality details determine the character of this model. The outstanding quality of the design also extends to the optionally available accessory components such as a windshield, a pillion passenger seat cover, radiator trim panels and an engine spoiler.

The motorcycle model BMW S 1000 RR is characterised by impressive riding qualities and a striking design. The innovative supersports bike, which received an honourable mention at the red dot awards 2010, has a design which is typified by a short, low front section and a high, compact rear and which conveys a striking visual lightness. The asymmetrical headlamps and side trim elements as well as the visually separated front section - the so-called “split face” - are characteristic BMW Motorrad design elements which are reinterpreted here. The fact that the seating position is focused towards the front wheel indicates that the BMW S 1000 RR is entirely geared towards the rider and towards sporty use.

The second honourable mention at the 2010 red dot awards goes to the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo. This completely new vehicle concept combines essential features of a prestigious sedan, a modern Sports Activity Vehicle and a classic Gran Turismo, impressively implemented by means of innovative design solutions. The diverse qualities of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo in the areas of dynamic performance, space comfort and versatility are reflected in the characteristic BMW proportions, the four doors with frameless windows, a coupé-like flowing roof line and the dual-section rear opening.

Unique visual appearance.
The unique quality of BMW Group design is based on a design philosophy which runs across all brands, enabling the character of each brand and each model to be accurately gauged so that the individual qualities of each vehicle are precisely reflected in its design. In this way, vehicles are created which individually interpret characteristic brand design features and effectively express their model-specific qualities through their visual appearance. The resulting design quality gives rise to unique, unmistakable and fascinating products across all vehicle segments.

It is for this reason that a remarkably high number of new products of the BMW Group brands have been listed as red dot award winners for many years now. Last year they included the new BMW 7 Series, the new BMW Z4 and the motorcycle models BMW K 1300 S and BMW K 1300 R, while in the previous year the BMW 3 Series Convertible and the BMW G 450 X won the special award “red dot: best of the best”. In addition, the BMW X5, the BMW 1 Series Coupé, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé and the BMW HP2 Sport won the red dot award for outstanding design quality in 2008.'; news['article_92']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_92']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_92']['content2'] = ''; news['article_92']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_92']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_92']['content3'] = ''; news['article_92']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[216] = 92; news['article_93'] = new Array(); news['article_93']['articleId'] = 217; news['article_93']['day'] = '22'; news['article_93']['month'] = '03'; news['article_93']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_93']['title'] = 'London to Beijing '; news['article_93']['link_text'] = 'London to Beijing – connecting riders worldwide with a love of BMW bikes'; news['article_93']['subtitle1'] = 'Connecting riders worldwide with a love of BMW bikes'; news['article_93']['content1'] = 'When BMW riders Max Richard, Robert Czerucki and Aaron Sprague sit down to breakfast in North London on 17 April, it will mark the end of months of preparation for a unique motorcycling adventure across Europe, Central Asia and Western China. After a full English fry-up, the British property investor, Polish entrepreneur and American businessman will board their BMW motorcycles to start a ten-week, 17,000km journey that few riders have done before: London to Beijing, via Tibet.

From south-east England, the riders will travel through France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and into Turkey within the first week. Then they will join the historic Silk Road, which threads through Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and China. After crossing the border, they will head south to Tibet, reaching Everest Base Camp. Then it’s onward to Lhasa, before travelling north to Beijing, where they are due to arrive on 2 July.

Max, Robert and Aaron will be led by Kevin and Julia Sanders, owners of UK-based motorcycle adventure expedition company, GlobeBusters. “This is the first time we have taken a group on this route,” says Julia. Aside from the potential problems with paperwork, considering the numbers of borders they will cross, the ride poses geographical challenges, too.

“We are the first motorcycle company to take a group to China that travels though Tajikistan and across the Tibetan Plateau, known as the ‘Roof of the World’,” explains Julia. “It’s a groundbreaking new route and is in keeping with the pioneering spirit of GlobeBusters. The majority of the route through far Central Asia and Western China is on unpaved dirt roads and at altitudes of between 4,000m and 5,000m. In addition to freezing temperatures, the riders will be sleeping at remote locations, with little or no tourist infrastructure.

But camping in cold mountain climates and discovering Tibet on two wheels, is all part of the appeal for the group’s youngest rider, Max. “Life’s about adventure,” says the 30-year-old from south-east England, who now lives in Andorra. “I try to have a big adventure every year. I’ve driven all the way down to the Sahara in a camper van to go surfing, and travelled across land to Bali, Bangkok and Singapore. What I’m most looking forward to on this trip is visiting Tibet – it seems quite a mysterious yet peaceful place.”
London to Beijing will be Max’s first long-distance bike ride and his first experience of off-road motorcycling. “I’ve been riding since the age of 16, so I’ve done lots of road biking and I’m a keen mountain biker, so it seems like a natural progression for me to try off-roading,” he says. Max bought his F 800 GS especially for the trip after a recommendation from GlobeBusters. “They told me it’s the only bike that can go around the world,” adds Max.

So what is he most looking forward to about the trip? “Getting away from the internet and Western life in general, where everyone is concerned about what they’re wearing or what car they’re driving. I’m looking forward to going back to basics, where all I’m concerned about is getting from one point to the next.”

Escaping western culture is also part of the attraction for American rider Aaron. “I like to go places that are as extremely un-American as possible,” he explains, “I don’t want to see a McDonald’s anywhere! I want to see countries in real life, not as a typical tourist. And you get to see so much more on a motorcycle than by any other form of transport.”

The 36-year-old from Tampa, Florida, runs a national healthcare company and is responsible for the development side of the business. As the economic downturn has slowed the progress of future projects, it has given him more time to fulfil some personal ambitions, such as travelling the world on his F 800 GS.

After completing the six-month Trans Americas ride from Alaska to Argentina with GlobeBusters in 2009, Aaron quickly signed up to take part in the London to Beijing expedition. “I had looked at several different South America rides, but some weren’t challenging enough. I want a significant amount of dirt, a ride that really pushes you,” he explains.

The GlobeBusters trips provide the perfect balance of experience and organisation, allowing experienced off-road riders like Aaron to do the day-to-day riding themselves. “Julia and Kevin are the best team in the world,” says Aaron. “Julia is extremely organised in the management of the trip and Kevin has great off-road riding experience.”

Introduced to off-road riding at the age of eight, Aaron’s considerable experience helped him to choose the F 800 GS, which he bought in March 2009 and has already done 34,000 miles (55,000 kilometres). “I had the R 1200 GS Adventure and used it for off-roading round the US, but it was too big for lots of off-riding. I think the F 800 is a better dirt bike – I find it easier to manoeuvre. If it comes to a street bike that can do off-roading, or an off-road bike that is capable of going on the highway, then I’ll choose the latter.”

Like Max, one of the highlights of the London to Beijing ride for Aaron will be reaching Tibet. “I’ve been denied entry twice already,” he explains. “Once was during the Olympics in China and there was an uprising in Tibet. The second time was an anniversary of when the Dalai Lama left, and they weren’t letting anyone through. So, I’m hoping it will be third time lucky!” he says, laughing.

The thought of travelling through the former Soviet-ruled countries, such as Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, is also intriguing for Aaron. “It’s amazing we can go through these countries to get to Tibet. They are places I’d never go to on my own, so this is a great opportunity for me.”

If there are any problems understanding local people in any of the former USSR states, then Polish rider Robert will be able to help his fellow motorcyclists. Born in Warsaw, the 41-year-old remembers when Poland was under Soviet rule and learnt Russian at school.

“The other former Soviet-ruled countries such as Georgia and Azerbaijan are interesting for me,” he says. “I can communicate in Russian, which I think will be useful in these countries, but we’ll see!”

His wife also believes he might find it easier to cope with the less than luxurious accommodation throughout the trip than his fellow American and English riders. “She says that it will probably be a bit easier for a Polish guy to live without good food and high standard of facilities, compared to an English guy!”

The father of three has other motivations for taking part in the London to Beijing motorcycle ride. An experienced traveller, he has organised rides by himself around Europe, Russia and the Ukraine. The longest was a three-week trip from Warsaw to Egypt. “I find all countries with different cultures and religions exciting. I look forward to meeting people, seeing how they live, what they eat. It’s not just about seeing lakes, mountains and the geography for me,” he explains.

This won’t be Robert’s first visit to China, however, as he lived there as a child for four years, while his father worked for a shipping company. “Since then I’ve been back to cities in the east, like Shanghai and Taiwan on business, but everything is modern there. Now I want to see the countryside in the west, and compare the differences between the two.”

Robert also hopes the GlobeBusters expedition will help him to improve his English. Although he speaks it regularly for business, as CEO of a European company that distributes consumer electronics, he wants to improve his understanding of the language for social situations. “Travelling with an English-speaking company will help me to understand accents, and also technical words for motorcycling,” he says.

Robert will complete the ride on a BMW R 1200 GS Adventure. “It’s the perfect bike for trips like this,” he says. “It can carry luggage, and has good suspension on- and off-road. The powerful engine is also universal for different types of gasoline – it even performs well on poor-quality fuel, found in some remote countries.”

Despite their different backgrounds, varying levels of riding experience and diverse expectations of the trip, Robert, Aaron and Max do have some things in common, not least a sense of adventure and a love of BMW motorcycles. And all agree that one of the greatest challenges will be riding in high altitudes of 5,000m and above. “The things that are out of your control are most challenging,” says Max. “There’s nothing you can do about altitude sickness, except turn around and drive back down.”

You can track the GlobeBusters Silk Road East expedition as it happens on “Tales from the Road” at www.globebusters.com or by becoming a fan of the GlobeBusters Adventure Motorcycle Expeditions page on www.facebook.com Maybe you’ll even be tempted to join the next Silk Road East trip – it takes place from April to June 2011.'; news['article_93']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_93']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/LtoB1.jpg'; news['article_93']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/LtoB1.jpg'; news['article_93']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/LtoB2.jpg'; news['article_93']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/LtoB2.jpg'; news['article_93']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_93']['content2'] = ''; news['article_93']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_93']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_93']['content3'] = ''; news['article_93']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[217] = 93; news['article_94'] = new Array(); news['article_94']['articleId'] = 214; news['article_94']['day'] = '18'; news['article_94']['month'] = '03'; news['article_94']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_94']['title'] = 'Special BMW Racing Ticket Packages for World Superbike at Miller'; news['article_94']['link_text'] = 'Special BMW Racing Ticket Packages for World Superbike at Miller'; news['article_94']['subtitle1'] = 'May 29-31, 2010'; news['article_94']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorrad USA invites you to join us at Miller Motorsports Park on May 29-31, 2010 for the second year of WSBK races in the U.S. with a special ticket package for BMW owners and racing fans.

Be a part of the action with a special BMW Motorrad ticket package that includes:
• Three days (Saturday/Sunday/Monday) access to special seating at Stansbury Grandstands.
• Three days of access to the Racing Paddock.
• Lunches, snacks and beverages Saturday, Sunday, Monday in the BMW Hospitality Village adjacent to the Stansbury Grandstands.
• Exclusive access to BMW hospitality area for closed-circuit race viewing.
• BMW Streetbike Freestyle shows on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
• Exclusive autograph sessions with S 1000 RR racers Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus.
• BMW Motorrad gift bag

This package is normally valued at well over $300 and that doesn’t get you autographs from BMW WSB racers or from world famous Streetbike Freestyler champions.

Special BMW Ticket Packages are $195 each.

To Order BMW Motorrad Ticket Package
By telephone - call 435-277-8602 with password “S1000RR” or email Ryan Salazar at rsalazar@millermotorsportspark.com

Or via web - go to http://tiny.cc/BMWTix Enter password “S1000RR” to get the BMW ticket package pricing.

Accommodation arrangement for BMW Club members:
By special arrangement with the Utah Hotel and Lodging Association, BMW MOA and RA members will have access to a limited number of rooms set aside at Salt Lake City area hotels.
• Go to http://www.uhla.org/superbike/ Use the promo code “BMW”.
'; news['article_94']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_94']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/400.jpg'; news['article_94']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/400.jpg'; news['article_94']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_94']['content2'] = ''; news['article_94']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_94']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_94']['content3'] = ''; news['article_94']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[214] = 94; news['article_95'] = new Array(); news['article_95']['articleId'] = 210; news['article_95']['day'] = '15'; news['article_95']['month'] = '03'; news['article_95']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_95']['title'] = 'Top Five Awards for BMW Motorrad'; news['article_95']['link_text'] = 'Top Five Awards for BMW Motorrad'; news['article_95']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_95']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorrad boss Hendrik von Kuenheim had a very busy night at last week’s Motorräder Dortmund expo. It is the first big motorcycle expo of the year in Germany and forms part of the traditional start to the new European riding season, although this year the snow was still thick on the ground...

As part of the festivities, Germany’s ‘Motorrad’ magazine put some sparkle into the event with a lavish awards ceremony held in Dortmund on the evening of 4 March, to celebrate the best bikes of 2010. The prestigious awards in various classes and categories are all voted on by readers of Europe’s most popular motorcycling magazine. The readers take these awards very seriously and thousands cast their vote for what they think is the ‘best of the best’ from every manufacturer.

For the first time ever BMW Motorrad swept the board, taking all five motorcycle awards. The newly launched S 1000 RR won the hotly-contested Sports category in its first year; the K 1300 GT won the Best Touring Bike category, with the R 1200 RT in third place; and the R 1200 GS / Adventure were class leaders in the Enduro /Supermotard segment – surely the first of many accolades in the 30th anniversary year of the iconic GS.

The powerful and versatile K 1300 S won the Best All-Rounder category, with the R 1200 R scooping the top award for the Best Naked Bike. True, most of the voters would have been German but national pride only goes so far – the bikes have to perform in the real world too.

This is the best result ever achieved by a manufacturer in the history of the vote, much to the delight of Hendrik von Kuenheim, who was excited by the results and was not at all troubled by having to walk up to the podium on so many occasions. In fact he had a sixth award to receive as BMW Motorrad also won the Brand of the Year, which takes into account not only motorcycles but also clothing and accessories, dealership service and how the brand is perceived by the general public.

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

The industry faces many challenges in the years ahead but for BMW Motorrad it was a good way to kick-start the New Season in the important home market and also the rest of Europe. '; news['article_95']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_95']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/5_awards_DxO.jpg'; news['article_95']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/5_awards_DxO.jpg'; news['article_95']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_95']['content2'] = ''; news['article_95']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_95']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_95']['content3'] = ''; news['article_95']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[210] = 95; news['article_96'] = new Array(); news['article_96']['articleId'] = 213; news['article_96']['day'] = '15'; news['article_96']['month'] = '03'; news['article_96']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_96']['title'] = 'The Road to South Africa GS Trophy Leads Through SoCal'; news['article_96']['link_text'] = 'The Road to South Africa GS Trophy Leads Through SoCal'; news['article_96']['subtitle1'] = 'Defend your Country in the GS Trophy Challenge
April 29 to May 2, 2010
RawHyde Adventures, Castaic, CA'; news['article_96']['content1'] = 'We are calling on all dirt-loving enduro riders to rise to the challenge and help defend the U.S. by keeping the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy for Team USA.

RawHyde Adventures on April 29th will host the new Adventure Riders Challenge (ARC) in Southern California, giving you a chance to represent the U.S. in the biennial BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy. In 2008 this high-stakes competition between the riders of five countries took place in the burning sands of Tunisia; this November it will be in the wilderness of South Africa.

This year’s “Double Jeopardy” event at RawHyde is now revamped to include two sequences: the ARC open to all enduro riders, and the GS Challenge qualifier that will select two BMW riders to compete in South Africa, with all travel and expenses paid by BMW.

So not only do you get to hang out and ride with a few hundred adventure-minded buddies for a long weekend of back-country exploration in SoCal, you might get the chance to take the ride of a lifetime over 10,000 miles away.

You’ll need strength and endurance, but this and riding skill and guts will not be enough. You’ll need to be able to plan your way ahead, pace yourself and above all, collaborate with teammates. And a sense of humor under adversity is absolutely essential, because after all – this is all about fun, isn’t it?

Your first step to South Africa begins at: www.AdventureRiderChallenge.com
Download your registration form here: http://www.adventureriderchallenge.com/arcXdbljprdy_applctn.pdf

Good luck!
'; news['article_96']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_96']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/adv-rider.jpg'; news['article_96']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/adv-rider.jpg'; news['article_96']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_96']['content2'] = ''; news['article_96']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_96']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_96']['content3'] = ''; news['article_96']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[213] = 96; news['article_97'] = new Array(); news['article_97']['articleId'] = 211; news['article_97']['day'] = '15'; news['article_97']['month'] = '03'; news['article_97']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_97']['title'] = 'RR Racing in Germany - Standing out from the competition'; news['article_97']['link_text'] = 'RR Racing in Germany - Standing out from the competition'; news['article_97']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_97']['content1'] = 'When the BMW S 1000 RR lines up on the starting grid for this year’s German Superbike Championship (2010 Internationale Deutsche Motorradmeisterschaft – IDM), a broad smile is sure to appear on the face of 23-year-old Dominik Geiger. The graphic design student from Altoetting, Bavaria, created the striking white, blue and red artwork that will adorn the BMW superbike at eight races throughout Germany, the Netherlands and Austria.

Dominik’s design, which will also appear on the rider’s clothing and helmet, won first prize in a competition launched by BMW Motorrad at the Munich Academy U5 earlier this year. The brief was to create a concept that unified the rider and the machine, emphasised the design elements of the bike and incorporated the corporate colours of BMW Motorrad, namely white, blue and red.

Florian Baumeister, Head of Marketing Germany for BMW Motorrad, was impressed by the standard of entries submitted by 32 students in just six weeks. “The project was completed very professionally, and the results were both creative and versatile,” he said. The verdict among members of the judging panel was unanimous: “Dominik’s design showed the greatest understanding of the brief, through the details and colours he used to highlight elements of the bike’s shape.”

Dominik was inspired by his enthusiasm for motorsport racing (on both four and two wheels) and also by the presence of two BMW S 1000 RR motorcycles that the manufacturer installed at the university for the duration of the competition. “This was the best thing about it for me,” says Dominik. “From the start, it wasn’t an abstract kind of project, but accessible and something you could pick up and run with. How often do you get the opportunity to create a racing design for a global player like BMW for an international race championship?”

As Dominik started work on his concept, the shape of the exciting new BMW superbike was also a source of inspiration. “The more I worked with the S 1000 RR, the more I let the existing shapes come to the fore of my design. As I began to highlight single elements, I got a feeling for the overall style of the machine. The strongest emphasis was on the ‘gills’, which I strongly associate with BMW, particularly with the Z3, for example.”

Although the brief from BMW Motorrad was extensively detailed, the style rules of the S 1000 RR weren’t included to give the students some creative freedom. It was therefore exciting for Dominik to hear from the BMW Motorrad marketing team that he had unknowingly incorporated some of these rules into his concept, such as “tail up, nose down” and the emphasis of the arrow frame.

In order to get the design from drawing board to starting grid, Dominik is working closely with the manufacturer. “It’s been great fun to work with the team from BMW Motorrad Germany,” he says. “I’ve really been integrated into the implementation process. Some changes have to be made to meet IDM rules and series guidelines, but the result is still recognisable as my design. I think it’s great that Florian Baumeister and Kosta Lagoyannis have listened to my advice and ideas – the communication and the atmosphere of the project have been fantastic.”

When the final result is unveiled to BMW fans and motorcycling enthusiasts, and seen in action on 25 April (Eurospeedway Lausitz), Dominik hopes it will help to inspire the team alpha Technik van Zon BMW and the S 1000 RR to victory. The role of the talented young designer reflects a bold move by the manufacturer in its development of a truly iconic and innovative motorcycle. '; news['article_97']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_97']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/IDM_alphaRacing2010.jpg'; news['article_97']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/IDM_alphaRacing2010.jpg'; news['article_97']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_97']['content2'] = ''; news['article_97']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_97']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_97']['content3'] = ''; news['article_97']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[211] = 97; news['article_98'] = new Array(); news['article_98']['articleId'] = 212; news['article_98']['day'] = '15'; news['article_98']['month'] = '03'; news['article_98']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_98']['title'] = 'Exploring the ancient Middle East on the GS'; news['article_98']['link_text'] = 'Exploring the ancient Middle East on the GS'; news['article_98']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_98']['content1'] = 'Although Arne Lehmann is currently travelling around Australia in a camper van, his thoughts are already turning to his next adventure: a two-wheel trip from the United Arab Emirates to western Europe. Crossing continents, cultures and climates, it’s an ambitious plan for his first long-distance international bike ride.

But the adventurous 30-year-old BMW rider from Koblenz, Germany, believes in living for the moment: “When you are young, you want to do these things, but you don’t have the money. When you are older, you might have the money, but either you don’t want to do it anymore, or you can’t physically do it. I just spend my money now and take the risk!”

Currently based in Dubai, Arne aims to start the 10,500km journey to his hometown in west Germany in April. “I’m not sure how long it will take, perhaps between one to two months,” he says.

Starting from Abu Dhabi to Saudia Arabia, Arne will then drive over the truck route to Amman, Jordan. From there, he will take the King’s Highway, an ancient Middle Eastern trade route to Aqaba and Petra, then back to Amman before heading to Damascus, Syria and Beirut, Lebanon. Then Arne will enter Turkey and follow the Mediterranean coast to Antalya, ride further north to Istanbul before crossing Asia’s border with Europe into Greece.

A ferry ride from Patras, known as Greece’s gateway to the West, will take him and his R 1150 GS Adventure to Brindisi, Italy, which he intends to zigzag through, from the Amalfi Coast to Tuscany and Cinque Terre, before reaching southern Germany. “Hopefully, if I still have enough energy, I will ride through three or four Alpine passes and have a beer in Munich with some friends before driving to Koblenz,” he says.

Planning for the trip started six months ago and is all part of the fun for Arne: “I think the planning phase is amazing,” he says, “preparing the bike, adjusting it for the luggage weight and different road surfaces, checking equipment, speaking with other travellers and doing online research. It’s actually pretty cool.”

However, there are some elements that he doesn’t want to organise, such as where to pitch his tent each night and how many hours to ride each day. “I assume I will travel between 150 and 400km a day, but it all depends on the weather, the road conditions, my mood and the landscape.”

Striking a balance between riding and exploring is essential for this easygoing traveller. “I’d like to get to know the countryside, and the people, and go hiking from time to time to explore. Riding is one thing, but exploring is another – and how can you do it best? With a bike, of course!”

Despite his laidback approach, Arne is concerned over some of the strict border controls, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Syria, which could prove to be his greatest challenges. “The worst case scenario will be that I have to transport the bike to Jordan and resume my journey from there. Syria might be a bit difficult, as only bikes with 150cc are allowed and mine has 1150cc!”

On the subject of bikes, it’s clear that Arne is extremely attached to his BMW motorcycle. “I am 1.93m tall and the bike is the perfect size for me. I can still repair things by myself – for other models you need testers and laptops to check diagnostics and service. And it has a larger tank for all-purpose riding conditions.”

His knowledge of BMW models is more extensive than most riders due to his time spent working for BMW Motorrad in 2004. While studying business administration at the University of Applied Science in Koblenz, he completed a six-month internship at the manufacturer and was involved with the launch of the R 1200 GS in South Africa, the K 1200 S at the Nürburgring and the R 1200 RT for the Austrian, German and Swiss markets.

As well as preparing his bike for the journey, Arne is boosting his fitness levels with regular exercise and improving his product knowledge of the bike and organising necessary tools, so he can carry out any minor repairs if required. His self-reliant determination suggests he prefers travelling alone than with other riders and will serve him well on his expedition from east to west.

“If you travel in a group, you have to make compromises, but if you travel alone, it’s easier to rely on the help and support of the people you meet along the way. If sleeping in a hut next to a farmer’s house in Turkey is a possibility, who knows? I also want to relax, and just to enjoy riding. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip.”

After exploring central Asia on two wheels and having already conquered Australia in a camper can, where will Arne’s adventures on the open road take him to next? “During this tour, I will probably find some nice spots to travel to, or meet other bikers who can recommend some nice places,” he says, vaguely. Only one thing is for certain: “I can’t wait to plan the next trip, but I just don’t know where to.”'; news['article_98']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_98']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/exploring_mideast.jpg'; news['article_98']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/exploring_mideast.jpg'; news['article_98']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_98']['content2'] = ''; news['article_98']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_98']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_98']['content3'] = ''; news['article_98']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[212] = 98; news['article_99'] = new Array(); news['article_99']['articleId'] = 206; news['article_99']['day'] = '22'; news['article_99']['month'] = '02'; news['article_99']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_99']['title'] = 'Public shakedown for Reitwagen BMW at Phillip Island'; news['article_99']['link_text'] = 'Public Shakedown for Reitwagen BMW at Phillip Island'; news['article_99']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_99']['content1'] = 'As the excitement builds towards the opening round of the 2010 Superbike World Championship at Phillip Island circuit in Australia, the Reitwagen BMW team has remained one step ahead of all their factory-backed rivals by participating in a couple of public ride days at the same racetrack where the 2010 series will kick off next weekend.

With the BMW S 1000 RR recently having been launched to rave reviews at the Phillip Island circuit, participants at the Public Ride Days held at the 4.445-kilometre track on Monday and Tuesday this week were in for a treat as they shared track space with Double World Supersport Champion and Phillip Island race winner Andrew Pitt, as well as his new team-mate Roland Resch.

The Reitwagen BMW team has been in Australia for several weeks now, having decided against participating in the official three days of pre-season WSBK tests that took place at Portimao in January. Opting instead to remain in Australia and test at Eastern Creek, as well as participating in this public track days, both riders have been able to spend precious time on their bikes prior to the official WSBK test that will take place at Phillip Island on 21 and 22 February.

Development expert and top race tuner Peter Goddard has joined the Reitwagen BMW team as team Chassis Engineer. The former World Endurance Champion is looking forward to the season opener, and although he concedes that there is still lots of work to be done to make the race package truly competitive, he believes that the BMW S 1000 RR has serious potential.

“For a first true sports bike, BMW’s development team has done a brilliant job and come up with a strong package,” he said. “Compared to development projects that I’ve been involved with in the past – such as Benelli or Aprilia – the level of the S 1000 RR is very close to what you’d have with Honda, Suzuki or Yamaha in the first year of a bike’s development. As a superstock package, it’s also very strong – even with the standard gearing – and I’d be surprised if any of the other teams will be close to BMW in that series.”

The Reitwagen BMW Team is the first satellite team to run the new S 1000 RR in the 2010 Superbike World Championship and the team has dedicated workshop space at the BMW factory team’s HQ in Germany. As the newest team in such a hugely competitive series, every hour spent on the bike is vital, even when it’s in the middle of a crowded public session at Phillip Island.

“It was pretty crowded out there for Andrew and Roland, but they were able to take advantage of six, 20-minute sessions each day. Although they’ve only had a minimum amount of time on the new bikes, they were pretty much straight away confident, so we’re just chipping away at things, and making improvements where we can. Having a bike that the riders are happy with is vital, and fortunately we’ve got a reasonable base to work from. Our engine package is basically standard at the moment and we’re 10-15 horsepower down from where we’d like to be, but how you put the power down on the track is just as important. Our goals are clear for this project and although we’ve still lots to do before the first round, we’re glad of the support from BMW and look forwards to the challenges that lie ahead.”

This is a view shared by Andrew Pitt, who spent quite a bit of time at Phillip Island showing his new team-mate the best lines around the track, but was glad of the extra track time prior to the forthcoming official test.

“It was only a public ride day, so it wasn’t a proper test as such, but we were able to get some of the basics sorted out and make the bike more user friendly before the official test next week. We were lucky enough to have great weather, although having 40 other bikes out on track each session was a challenge, especially as our BMWs were a lot faster on the straights. Still, it’s been good to take advantage of these sessions, particularly as we’re starting this project from scratch and need all the help we can get!

“There are some really good guys involved in our team, the bike’s great and has lots of potential, but there’s no point kidding ourselves, as the other teams have had years of development and testing – you can’t just turn up with a new bike and expect to be right at the front. Furthermore, the championship is so competitive this year that we’re under no illusions about how much we have to do. That said, maybe Phillip Island will help me – it’s my home circuit and I know it pretty well, so I think that if we end up in the top ten then that will be a great result from pretty much a standard bike.”

Watch this space for a preview of the first round and feedback from the first official test from Phillip Island early next week.'; news['article_99']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_99']['image11'] = '/us/en/_teaserpool/standard_image/Phil1.jpg'; news['article_99']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/_teaserpool/standard_image/Phil1.jpg'; news['article_99']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_99']['content2'] = ''; news['article_99']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_99']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_99']['content3'] = ''; news['article_99']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[206] = 99; news['article_100'] = new Array(); news['article_100']['articleId'] = 207; news['article_100']['day'] = '22'; news['article_100']['month'] = '02'; news['article_100']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_100']['title'] = 'Sandblast Rally Success for BMW Riders'; news['article_100']['link_text'] = 'Sandblast Rally Success for BMW Riders'; news['article_100']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_100']['content1'] = 'A grand total of 14 riders representing the TEAM MAX BMW dealership in New Hampshire made the long journey to South Carolina to compete in the annual Sandblast Rally, which takes place on closed roads throughout the Sand Hills State Forest. It was the fourth time in the rally’s 14 year history that a team from the dealership was represented, but they had never encountered weather conditions like these before.

The rally cars and motorcycles that compete at the Sandblast Rally have to be fully street legal, registered and insured, and this is one of the reasons why it is attracting a growing contingent of BMW riders. Using a selection of BMWs – including six G 450 X machines, four HP2 Enduros, an R 1150 GS, an R 100 GSPD, and an F 650 GS Dakar – the BMW enthusiasts joined a selection of all-wheel drive vehicles and other motorcycle competitors to tackle several stages through the forests at speed, with driver and rider skills coming to the forefront on what are usually fairly sandy roads.

However, heavy rain had saturated the sand to the point where one stage had to be removed from the rally completely. On the roads themselves, the top layer of sand had eroded to leave a wet clay surface, and to make the event even more challenging, a foggy drizzle moved in just after the start to further impede comfort and visibility.

For TEAM MAX BMW, the drama began early. G 450 X rider Pete Canning passed the spectator area on Stage 2 with his brand new goggles slapping against the back of his helmet, rendered ineffective by rain and flying sand. As the G 450 X carrying Ben Stratton appeared over the rise, it was missing the front mudguard and Ben\'s eye protection was also entirely gone. A fuel bottle that had fallen out of the tail-bag of another rider in front of TJ Jarrett\'s G 450 X completely smashed up the bike\'s ‘beak’. However, despite everything, after the first two stages, all 14 TEAM MAX BMW riders were still upright and twisting their throttles hard.

The remainder of the Sandblast Rally offered up some good battles on each stage. With some of the stages being nearly 15 miles (25 kilometres) long, the experienced riders had the possibility to gain a lot of ground on their rivals. Jimi Heyder, riding a G 450 X in his first rally, aggressively climbed through the field on the early stages while Joe Warner on his HP2 Enduro ‘locked horns’ with a Husaberg rider throughout the day.

In the Service areas, bikes were refuelled, repairs made, power bars consumed and stories swapped. To the delight of Ben Stratton (who had damaged his mudguard in the early part of the rally and had constantly been peppered in the face with sand and mud) a new fender and headlight assembly was delivered to the service. This kind act was carried out by one of the crew of the BMW Motorcycles of Atlanta dealership, who had heard about Ben\'s situation and organised for this part to be taken off one of their spare bikes. This gesture of sportsmanship kept Ben in the rally.

Whereas a clear day may have offered enough light for the competitors to see beyond their headlights on the final stage, the bad weather conditions made it tough for the riders. Many of the rally spectators stayed right until the end though, and two of the crowd favourites belonged to TEAM MAX BMW, as the distinctive dual headlights and honking horn of Jason Adams’ BMW R 100 GSPD drew much applause and when Pete Canning came flying through the darkness on his G 450 X with no operating headlight at all, his bravery earned him the loudest cheer of the day.

By the time the rally was over, and after the bikes were loaded into vans and onto trailers, the consensus among all the riders was that Sandblast 2010 had proven to be the toughest rally yet. The team and the bikes had been up to the challenge, with a high number of finishers and podiums achieved by Max Stratton and Doug Morrison, who finished in second and third place respectively in the Heavy Class. A look at the results sheet revealed a solid effort by all the TEAM MAX BMW riders, much to the delight of Max Stratton.

“This year’s Sandblast Rally was a big success, and the variable weather conditions just made it all the more interesting,” he said. “We had lots of support in the crowd and a big team of volunteers helping out, without whom our rally efforts wouldn’t have been possible, so thanks to all of them. It was great to meet up with old friends again and have BMW bikes represented in three different classes in the kind of rally where you can turn up on the bike you ride every day, race it, and then ride home again. Thanks to everyone who came to support us!”

Sandblast Rally results:

HEAVY:
Max Stratton (HP2) – 2nd
Doug Morrison (HP2) – 3rd
Joe Warner (HP2) – 4th
Jason Adams (R100 GSPD) – 9th
Steve Mauk (HP2) – 10th
Jim Camp (F650 GS Dakar) – 11th
Jimmy Doustou (R 1150 GS) – withdrew

MEDIUM MODIFIED:
Ben Stratton (G 450 X) – 9th
TJ Jarrett (G 450 X) – withdrew

MEDIUM STOCK:
Peter Canning (G 450 X) – 5th
Andrew Phillips (G 450 X) – 9th
Rob Nye (G 450 X) – 11th'; news['article_100']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_100']['image11'] = '/us/en/_teaserpool/standard_image/pine1.jpg'; news['article_100']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/_teaserpool/standard_image/pine1.jpg'; news['article_100']['image12'] = '/us/en/_teaserpool/standard_image/pine2.jpg'; news['article_100']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/_teaserpool/standard_image/pine2.jpg'; news['article_100']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_100']['content2'] = ''; news['article_100']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_100']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_100']['content3'] = ''; news['article_100']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[207] = 100; news['article_101'] = new Array(); news['article_101']['articleId'] = 208; news['article_101']['day'] = '22'; news['article_101']['month'] = '02'; news['article_101']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_101']['title'] = 'On the road with the singer Jewel and her husband Ty Murray'; news['article_101']['link_text'] = 'On the road with the singer Jewel and her husband Ty Murray'; news['article_101']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_101']['content1'] = 'When multiple world champion bull-riding superstar Ty Murray announced that he was thinking of learning to ride a motorcycle, the last place you’d expect to find his wife Jewel Kilcher would be riding pillion. Knowing full well that she’d be in danger of losing this famous rodeo star to a new-found love for an ‘iron horse’, the acclaimed American singer, songwriter, actress and poet was determined to join him on her own bike and share this new world of adventure motorcycling.

After taking a motorcycle safety course in Texas, and with a desire to ‘hit the road’ the celebrity couple were advised by their instructor to consider the GS range of BMW bikes as the best option to allow them to realise their adventure travel aspirations. Jewel opted for an F 650 GS, while Ty secured the formidable R 1200 GS as his mount of choice.

After a few short familiarisation trips, the couple headed out on their first big trip at the end of the year and put around 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometres) on their bikes – all inside Texas, the second largest state in the USA. With plenty of bad weather around, they just kept trying to outrun the rain and fog, and headed wherever the sun was shining. This first adventure trip took them from the Permian Basin to the Big Bend National Park, across the south plains of the Brush Country, and down to the historic King Ranch in the south of the State. After this, they rode all the way down to Padre Island, before heading back up through the hill country and home to their 2,100-acre ranch in Stephenville.

For Jewel, discovering adventure motorcycling has provided some escape from her hectic schedule of recording, writing and performing, which she has been doing constantly for most of her life. Being able to put on a helmet and become ‘just another rider’ was a welcome relief for the successful singer who has sold millions of records and is recognised almost everywhere she goes.
“Since I was 18-years-old, I have driven and flown around the world non stop and the last thing I thought I’d ever want to do with my time off was travel more, but I was wrong,” said the award-winning entertainer who writes all her own songs. “Being on my bike is totally different because I feel anonymous – and I honestly feel like I did before I was famous. I have reconnected with my joy for travelling because it has brought back the innocence of discovery, which is a precious gift.”

Jewel’s F 650 GS is completely standard, albeit with lowered suspension so she can put her feet flat on the ground. Although she didn’t get any off-road training prior to setting out on this trip, she did visit the official BMW school in South Carolina while she was on tour there, and have some lessons with an instructor. Having grown up in Alaska, spending lots of time riding horses in the vast, open countryside, being able to explore the ‘Lone State’ on two wheels has helped her discover a love of adventure biking that she finds particularly appealing.

“We had already heard BMWs were the best made bikes, but didn’t know much about adventure biking. But the more we heard about it, the more we knew it was for us. When we discovered we could have a bike that would perform well, be reliable and safe, and allow us to indulge our love for taking off on long road trips comfortably – while still allowing us to turn down a dirt road when we ran across one – well, we were sold! Adventure biking is like being on a horse, except you see a lot more country, a lot faster. But you still get to experience nature, and the country you’re riding through – all the smells and sensations of camping, riding horses and hiking, all rolled into two wheels!”

At the age of 23, Ty Murray became the youngest millionaire in rodeo history and went on to become the most accomplished rodeo athlete in the sport\'s 100 year history, competing and dominating in three of the roughest and most dangerous rodeo events: bareback, saddle bronc, and bull riding. Having won seven ‘All-Around World Championship’ titles (an all-time world record in the sport of rodeo) and with a list of accolades almost too numerous to mention, Murray is now retired from competition and spends much of his time on his private ranch. With a deep love of the cowboy way of life and the great outdoors, Murray has quickly developed a bond with his GS and the places it has already taken him.

“The GS has surpassed my expectations in every way,” said the world champion bull-riding superstar who is often referred to as ‘King of the Cowboys’. “I had tried cruisers before but found the riding style uncomfortable. My instructor told me to go for a GS and I’ve never looked back since. There’s a connection between horses and motorcycles in terms of what you can experience, feel and smell when you’re riding, although you can see a lot more country on a bike. Unlike a horse, bikes don’t have an emotion that you have to deal with, so they are much easier to ride in that sense, plus I like the camping and cowboy element of adventure motorcycling, which is one of the best ways to experience the countryside.”

For someone who built his reputation in one of the toughest and most dangerous sports, sustaining a wide range of injuries, broken bones and undergoing reconstructive surgery on both knees and shoulders in the process – Ty Murray is obviously not fazed by the perceived dangers of motorcycling. In fact, he is just pleased to have found a shared interest that he can enjoy with his wife.

“It’s great to have discovered these extended trips that Jewel and I can do together,” he said. “For me, the love of riding is difficult to explain to anyone who hasn’t tried it before. It’s not about thrill seeking for me, but is about really focussing, paying attention and having a blast. We’ve both travelled for work our whole lives but being on a bike is different – it’s fun and engaging and, ultimately, great for a marriage!”

This is a view shared by Jewel, who discovered that riding her F 650 GS demands all her attention: The reason I find riding my bike so relaxing is because I can’t think of anything except riding. It’s like an active form of meditation. Your mind has to focus on the tasks at hand and so all your other worries and cares just fall away. When I drive a car, I am able to let my mind wander to worry about work, or even to write a song. But on my bike, safety is first, and it forces me to focus and live in the present, and so the scenery and the day and the air and curve in front of me fill all my senses – it’s great.

The next motorcycle trip Jewel and Ty are planning is to the neighbouring state of New Mexico for a bull riding event. And with the release of a new album planned for June, Jewel is determined – for the first time in her career – to go on vacation as soon as it’s on sale, and is planning a big trip with Ty from Texas to the town of Homer in Alaska, where she grew up. “We have given ourselves two months and are going with the attitude that we will take it one day at a time, and just see how far we go,” says Jewel. “If we make it, great, and if not, I know we will enjoy wherever we end up... That’s the great thing about biking – the adventure is the destination.”

Without a doubt, determination and a sense of adventure are two character traits Jewel has in abundance. Having made the journey to international stardom from singing in biker bars with her father as an eight-year-old, busking on street corners and living in a van in San Diego, to being discovered and signed just before her 19th birthday, Jewel has gone on to sell millions of records, support legendary artists such as Bob Dylan and Neil Young, write songs for motion pictures and even appear in films and on television regularly. Her creative talents have seen her publish a best-selling volume of poetry and she has even founded her own charitable organisation – Project Clean Water – which organises teams of scientists and engineers to bring safe, clean drinking water to impoverished communities worldwide.

With such busy careers, you might imagine that it is difficult for Jewel and Ty to find any time at all to travel together but this couple has a really refreshing attitude not often seen these days, as Jewel explains:

“Ty and I have really made it a goal of ours to enjoy life while we are young still. It is so easy to get caught up in our careers, in trying to stay ahead, or make more money. But we decided who cares about any of it if we aren’t enjoying what’s truly precious: each other and our health. So basically, we just make time. We turn things down so we can choose each other and get out and see this amazing world of ours while we still have the energy to see it!”

That’s adventure motorcycling in a nutshell, so what’s stopping you exploring your own unlimited horizons?
'; news['article_101']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_101']['image11'] = '/us/en/_teaserpool/standard_image/jewel11.jpg'; news['article_101']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/_teaserpool/standard_image/jewel11.jpg'; news['article_101']['image12'] = '/us/en/_teaserpool/standard_image/jewel1.jpg'; news['article_101']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/_teaserpool/standard_image/jewel1.jpg'; news['article_101']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_101']['content2'] = ''; news['article_101']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_101']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_101']['content3'] = ''; news['article_101']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[208] = 101; news['article_102'] = new Array(); news['article_102']['articleId'] = 209; news['article_102']['day'] = '22'; news['article_102']['month'] = '02'; news['article_102']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_102']['title'] = 'Eurobikers Charity Ride Back for More'; news['article_102']['link_text'] = 'Eurobikers Charity Ride Back for More'; news['article_102']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_102']['content1'] = 'Eurobikers Charity Ride Back for More

Final preparations are being made ahead of the annual Eurobikers charity motorcycle ride. The organisation, which first embarked on a charity ride in 2003, aims to raise funds and awareness for a different cause in Europe each year. For 2010, the group will ride to Kosovo to highlight the difficulties currently facing the country’s ailing hospitals and medical institutions.

Eurobikers is a unique group of people originating from all corners of society who decided to join together to “cross borders and link cultures”. Each year, they organise large motorcycle tours throughout Europe in an effort to raise awareness and funds for worthy causes. Previous projects have included rides to Bulgaria and throughout Eastern Europe. In late 2009 and 2010, the group had planned to travel outside of Europe, to South Africa, to seize on the opportunity presented by the soccer World Cup.

However, as Vice President of the Eurobikers Hermann Munzel explains, this wasn’t possible. “A group from Luxembourg divided from the main Eurobikers group and has subsequently taken part in several trips on their own, including a tour to South Africa,” he reveals. “We didn’t want to make the South Africa trip as there would have been confusion in the media, so we decided to do something completely different.”

The group had an alternative location in mind and quickly set about organising a new trip to Kosovo. On board a fleet of BMW motorcycles, the group will set off from Munich on Saturday 22 May. However, the actual international ‘launch’ start, where invited press will gather, will be in Zagreb a day later. From there the Eurobikers will head south east through Croatia towards Slovenia and eventually on to Sarajevo. The final destination will be Prizren, in the south of Kosovo, where the group will distribute aid.

According to Hermann, the area is in desperate need of their help. “I visited Prizren last autumn and was shocked at the condition in which I found the hospital, the psychiatrist reveals. “The halls were bare, the beds were very old, with just a pillow and some cloth, and the walls were empty. There wasn’t even any medical provision. It was almost like a prison, not a hospital.”

With such a broad membership, the Eurobikers benefit from a range of expertise that members bring to the equation. Health professionals, legal representatives and businessmen make up the bulk of the membership, so the process of raising funds and awareness as well as actively engaging local governments in constructive dialogue is made simpler.

“As well as actively raising funds and awareness of the problems with medical care in this part of the world, it’s important for us to also engage the help of larger organisations,” stresses Hermann. “I have invited several pharmaceutical companies to Kosovo so they can see for themselves what needs to be done. The bottom line is that something needs to be done. The infrastructure is the main problem and it’s difficult to find democratic bodies that support these projects. Raising awareness of the issue is the first step in doing this.”

Although the main goal is to improve medical facilities for Prizren’s residents, Hermann is hesitant to set specific targets. “I just don’t think it’s possible to put a figure on how much we intend to raise, but I am fairly confident that the Eurobikers will bring in around €8,000 in personal contributions,” he says. “We’ve already collected a lot of supplies and material from hospitals and have enough to fill six or seven trucks, which is fantastic early progress. The biggest achievement for us would be to strike up a partnership with a pharmaceutical company to ensure sustained help for the region.”

Of course, the Eurobiker tours aren’t just about charity work, although this naturally forms the foundation for the organisation. One of the qualities that sets the group apart from other charities is its love of motorcycles. For many Eurobikers the journey is almost as important as the destination. This is further demonstrated by how this motorcycle-based project has helped unify the region.

“The majority of the Eurobikers will be riding BMW motorcycles and are from western Europe,” says Hermann. “But this year, we will be accompanied by riders from Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Bulgaria and Albania. Politically, this is a great achievement and shows that there is solidarity in the region.”

So before a wheel has even turned on the ninth Eurobikers excursion, attention is already turning to 2011 and the organisation’s tenth anniversary. “We’ve already started to think about next year’s tour, but we don’t have anything specific in mind just yet,” concludes Hermann. “I’d like to expand our horizons and perhaps do something away from the Balkans. Perhaps a trip to Moscow would be really interesting. We’ll just have to wait and see, but our main focus at the moment is a successful trip to Kosovo.”

For more information on the Eurobikers, visit www.eurobiker-charity.de or to become involved in the 2010 trip to Kosovo, contact Dr Hermann Munzel on dr.hermann.munzel@t-online.de'; news['article_102']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_102']['image11'] = '/us/en/_teaserpool/standard_image/bulgaria1.jpg'; news['article_102']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/_teaserpool/standard_image/bulgaria1.jpg'; news['article_102']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_102']['content2'] = ''; news['article_102']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_102']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_102']['content3'] = ''; news['article_102']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[209] = 102; news['article_103'] = new Array(); news['article_103']['articleId'] = 205; news['article_103']['day'] = '10'; news['article_103']['month'] = '02'; news['article_103']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_103']['title'] = 'Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport Launches 2010 Superbike World Championship Campaign'; news['article_103']['link_text'] = 'Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport launches 2010 WSBK'; news['article_103']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_103']['content1'] = 'Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport officially launched its second season in the FIM Superbike World Championship with a presentation at BMW Group Classic in Munich on Friday. With riders Troy Corser (AU) and Ruben Xaus (ES) set to commence battle for the first World Championship points of the year at Phillip Island (AU) on 28th February, the team gave international media representatives the opportunity to get an idea of the current progress of the project.

In the presence of Infront Motor Sports CEO Paolo Flammini, Superbike World Championship Director Paolo Ciabatti and a selection of other guests, Corser and Xaus laid on a spectacular show at BMW Group Classic, riding onto the stage on two BMW S 1000 RR machines. Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport recorded 17 top-ten finishes in 2009, its debut season in the Superbike World Championship.

General Director of BMW Motorrad Hendrik von Kuenheim said: “Even back in the initial development phase of the BMW S 1000 RR we were clear that we wanted to build a supersport bike for the road with genes from the race track. Our aim was to be battling for pole position in the supersport segment straightaway – and we did that in impressive fashion. Never before has one of our new motorcycles enjoyed such positive press reviews. Showcasing the potential of this bike on the track as well as on the road is a logical move for BMW Motorrad. The Superbike World Championship pits us against our direct competitors, and we are looking to show that we can match or even get the better of them.”

Director BMW Motorrad Motorsport Berthold Hauser added: “Our goal is to close the gap to the leading teams. We are aiming to finish in the top five as regularly as possible and pick up our first podium. That’s the ambitious aim we have set ourselves for our second year in what is an extremely challenging World Championship. However, we are well aware that our competitors have not been standing still either. The Superbike World Championship brings us up against six motorcycle manufacturers who have established themselves on the race track. You can set yourself aims in sport and make plans to achieve them, but you cannot dictate results – those have to be earned out on the track. Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport is working flat out to make this possible.”

The team is sticking with the experienced rider pairing of Corser and Xaus for its second year in the Superbike World Championship. Together they have notched up no fewer than 507 starts and 44 wins in this series. The ambition of two-time world champion Corser remains undiminished: “I definitely want to win another World Championship before the end of my career. The next step along the road to achieving that goal is to collect as many top-five finishes as possible this season. You can sense the determination of BMW Motorrad to climb the ladder.”

Xaus is also aiming high for the coming season: “I’m very happy to be competing as part of such a strong works team and to be playing my part in this project from the ground up,” explains the Spaniard. “We are looking to take the next step in 2010 to ensure that our goals become reality in the not too distant future.”

A new addition to the team is Davide Tardozzi, a man with a proven track record in Superbike racing. The Italian will head up team management and operational control at the race tracks. Rainer Bäumel will continue as Head of Overall Project Management and Project Management Engineering.

Following the tests in Portimão (PT) and Valencia (ES), Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport is now preparing for the first race weekend of the Superbike World Championship in Australia. Further tests are scheduled at the Phillip Island Circuit on 20th, 21st and 22nd February ahead of the first race weekend of the season there commencing 26th February.'; news['article_103']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_103']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/2010WSBK.jpg'; news['article_103']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/2010WSBK.jpg'; news['article_103']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_103']['content2'] = ''; news['article_103']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_103']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_103']['content3'] = ''; news['article_103']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[205] = 103; news['article_104'] = new Array(); news['article_104']['articleId'] = 204; news['article_104']['day'] = '10'; news['article_104']['month'] = '02'; news['article_104']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_104']['title'] = 'BMW Motorrad USA Expands Dealer Network with the Opening of Eight New Facilities'; news['article_104']['link_text'] = 'BMW Motorrad USA Expands Dealer Network with the Opening of Eight New Facilities'; news['article_104']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_104']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorrad USA has announced the opening of eight new dealerships within the past five months to better serve BMW motorcycle customers in new and underserved markets.

“In 2010 and beyond we will continue to identify growth opportunities for the BMW brand in markets that do not currently have a BMW motorcycle dealership by partnering with new or existing motorcycle dealers in those areas,” commented Todd Andersen, BMW Motorrad USA Marketing Manager.

The newest authorized BMW dealerships include: Van-Wall Powersports in Perry, IA; BMW Motorcycles of Chattanooga in Chattanooga, Tenn.; Bergen County BMW Motorcycles in Rochelle Park, NJ; Montgomeryville Cycle Center in Hatfield, PA; BMW Motorcycles Tulsa in Tulsa, OK; BMW Motorcycles of Spokane/Westside Motorsports in Spokane, WA; BMW Motorcycles of Utah in Sandy, UT; and Kissell Motor Sports in State College, PA.

“Our dedicated dealer network was the key to our success last year,” added Mr. Andersen, citing the fact that BMW Motorrad USA outperformed the industry for the 2nd year in a row in 2009 despite an overall motorcycle industry decline of 41 percent. “Our dealers continued to serve our customers well thanks to new products like the K1300 GT, K 1300 S, and the new S 1000 RR Superbike, as well as attractive financing programs from BMW Financial Services.”'; news['article_104']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_104']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_104']['content2'] = ''; news['article_104']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_104']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_104']['content3'] = ''; news['article_104']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[204] = 104; news['article_105'] = new Array(); news['article_105']['articleId'] = 202; news['article_105']['day'] = '09'; news['article_105']['month'] = '02'; news['article_105']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_105']['title'] = 'Crossing Continents: Riding Trans Canada'; news['article_105']['link_text'] = 'Crossing Continents: Riding Trans Canada'; news['article_105']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_105']['content1'] = 'Canada – famous for bears, mountains, forests, native peoples and broad prairies. A land of vast open skies, broad vistas, huge distances and the latest destination in the portfolio of BMW adventure specialists GlobeBusters. The Trans Canada Expedition is a landmark journey that crosses the world’s second largest country, taking in some of the most breathtaking scenery that the planet has to offer – and you can be part of it in 2011.

When budding motorcycle explorers begin planning their journeys, it seems as though many share the same aspirations. Mongolia, Siberia, Africa and South America are all common destinations for those with a sense of adventure. Canada, however, is often overlooked – the misconception being that its vast landscape offers little but frozen wastelands and dense forest. But for those who have sampled what the country has to offer, these presumptions couldn’t be further from the truth.

Official BMW Motorrad partner GlobeBusters is one of the leading names in motorcycle adventure travel and has gained a reputation for producing some awe-inspiring adventures for hundreds of motorcyclists. The company organises adventures in the Americas, Africa and Asia, and having ridden many thousands of kilometres in Canada, founder and adventure travel legend Kevin Sanders explains the reason for introducing a Trans Canada trip to the portfolio:

“When you describe adventure travel in North America, people automatically think of the USA and iconic rides like Route 66,” he explains. “They often overlook Canada, which is a shame as it’s a fantastic country. We travel through Canada, north to south, on our Trans Americas ride, encompassing places like the Rockies and Alberta. The idea with the Trans Canada trip was to travel from west to east and really discover what this amazing place has to offer. It’s not just about fantastic scenery – the people are great too and there is so much on offer.”

Despite being over 18 months away, Kevin reports that there has been substantial interest in the first trip. Starting in Vancouver, participants will journey through the breathtaking Rocky Mountains and across the vast Canadian central plains before pushing north into bear, elk and caribou inhabited forests. Labrador City, St Johns and Newfoundland all await on the ride to Nova Scotia, the penultimate destination on the trip before riders arrive at the finish line in Halifax some five weeks later. The adventure is available to all riders, however off-road experience is highly recommended.

The man with the enviable task of researching the route was Craig Carey-Clinch – one of GlobeBusters’ latest recruits. “As the company has expanded, we’ve had to employ more people to help run the trips and also investigate new routes,” adds Kevin. “Craig, one of our team members, travelled throughout Canada planning this latest trip and ensuring that riders who decide to join us will not be disappointed.”

Craig identifies some of the highlights of his reconnaissance trip, which took place in 2009. “After Banff, the road steadily descended, leaving the Rockies behind and taking us out into the open prairie plains of eastern Alberta and Saskatchewan,” he comments. “This is the bread basket of Canada and endless roads track across vast miles of open prairie, broken by the occasional farm and town. This was a long ride along largely straight roads. But far from being boring, the endless skies above added their own interest as weather systems formed and dissipated within our sight. Not for nothing is Saskatchewan known as the ‘Land of the Living Skies’.

“Entering Quebec, we were immediately struck by the culture shock of being in a French speaking part of the world that has a Canadian air about it,” continues Craig. The dialect was also unfamiliar, which caused some amusing moments as we travelled. Our route again took us northwards, though territory that led through boreal forest along terrain that was moulded by glaciers. The road rose and fell, sometimes very steeply after cresting a ‘summit’. It was stunning riding in excellent surroundings.”

The Trans Canada tour is unique as it’s the first fully-supported ‘tourist’ ride from the west to the east of the country and places are sure to be taken up in a flash. “The good thing about the Canada trip is that nobody else offers it,” concludes Kevin. “A lot of tour operators and adventure travellers have exhausted most opportunities in the USA, so heading north over the border seemed like the logical thing to do and great fun too!


Visit www.globebusters.com for further information about the 2011 Trans Canada Expedition and other trips that GlobeBusters operate.'; news['article_105']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_105']['image11'] = '/us/en/_teaserpool/media/canada1.jpg'; news['article_105']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/_teaserpool/media/canada1.jpg'; news['article_105']['image12'] = '/us/en/_teaserpool/media/canada2.jpg'; news['article_105']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/_teaserpool/media/canada2.jpg'; news['article_105']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_105']['content2'] = ''; news['article_105']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_105']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_105']['content3'] = ''; news['article_105']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[202] = 105; news['article_106'] = new Array(); news['article_106']['articleId'] = 203; news['article_106']['day'] = '09'; news['article_106']['month'] = '02'; news['article_106']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_106']['title'] = 'BMW Motorcycles Book – updated & expanded'; news['article_106']['link_text'] = 'BMW Motorcycles Book – updated & expanded'; news['article_106']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_106']['content1'] = 'When the time comes to sell your house, quit your job, and leave it all behind to pursue your dream of travelling around the world on two wheels, the bike you’ll most likely select is a BMW. In BMW Motorcycles, author Darwin Holmstrom brings the story of these legendary machines to life, describing the forces that created BMW Motorrad’s two-wheeled line.

Now in paperback and fully-updated, this new 192-page edition published by Motorbooks International chronicles the history of these famous motorcycles, known throughout the world for their engineering excellence.

Holmstrom explores how BMW motorcycles grew from a sideline to a major part of the company’s business, how World War II nearly destroyed the company, and how BMW motorcycles evolved from predominantly touring bikes to cutting-edge modern machines that seamlessly blend tradition with contemporary styling and technology.

Chapters in the book include: The Great Depression and the Third Reich; After the War; Living in the Modern World; Flying Bricks and the Revenge of the Airheads; From Monolevers to Paralevers; The Oilhead; and New Life in a New Millenium. Filled with brilliant colour photography and text that examines these bikes in more than facts and figures, this insightful book offers a fresh perspective on some of the finest motorcycles ever built and includes many of the latest models including the S 1000 RR, F 800 GS, K 1300 Series and G 450 X sport enduro.

BMW Motorcycles is a must-have for all ‘Beemerphiles’ and is available now for a recommended retail price of £16.99 (UK), $24.99 (US), $31.99 (Can), or local equivalent (ISBN: 978-0-7603-3748-6). It can be purchased from all good bookshops or direct from the usual online retail outlets such as Amazon by clicking on the following link:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/BMW-Motorcycles-Darwin-Holstrom/dp/0760337489/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264589668&sr=1-3'; news['article_106']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_106']['image11'] = '/us/en/_teaserpool/media/Book.jpg'; news['article_106']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/_teaserpool/media/Book.jpg'; news['article_106']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_106']['content2'] = ''; news['article_106']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_106']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_106']['content3'] = ''; news['article_106']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[203] = 106; news['article_107'] = new Array(); news['article_107']['articleId'] = 198; news['article_107']['day'] = '29'; news['article_107']['month'] = '01'; news['article_107']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_107']['title'] = 'Young Talent on S 1000 RR for 2010 IDM German Superbike Championship'; news['article_107']['link_text'] = 'Young Talent on S 1000 RR for 2010 IDM German Superbike Championship'; news['article_107']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_107']['content1'] = 'Two aspiring and talented young riders will be campaigning BMW S 1000 RR machines for a second year, but with a new team in the 2010 German Superbike Championship (IDM). Filip Altendorfer and Toni Wirsing will represent the ‘Sport-Evolution BMW Motorrad Junior-Team’ that will race BMW motorcycles in the Superbike IDM 2010.

Both riders were part of the Alpha Technik van-Zon squads that contested the 2009 series and will now ride for the Sport Evolution race team from Coblence that is well known for nurturing and developing promising young talent. Having won the IDM Supersport Championship in 2008 with Arne Tode, the Sport Evolution team graduated to the Superbike class and made an instant impression with Tode – winning two races and finishing fifth overall in the series.

For 2010, Filip Altendorfer and Toni Wirsing will start their second full season riding BMW Motorrad’s S 1000 RR superbike. Both young racers bring a year’s experience of top-flight competition with them from the 2009 IDM series. Filip Altendorfer already showed his potential as an up-and-coming Superbike Junior rider last year when he scored a seventh place finish at the Nürburgring in May, eventually finishing in 16th place in the overall rankings. The 23-year-old from Raubling, who has made the journey to Superbike racing via the IDM 125cc and Yamaha R6 Cup classes, will be hoping that regular top 10 finishes will be achievable in this year’s eight-round, 16-race series.

Altendorfer’s team-mate, Toni Wirsing, made the step up to the IDM series via the 250cc European Championship. Although only 18-years-old when he first sat on a superbike in 2009, the youngster from Chemnitz was among the points in his first race, eventually finishing in 30th place. With the experienced team leader Dietmar Franzen managing the Sport Evolution team for 2010, both BMW Juniors will have an extremely promising foundation on which to develop their talent throughout the 2010 IDM season, which begins on 23 April at the EuroSpeedway in Lausitz.'; news['article_107']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_107']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/yngTalent.jpg'; news['article_107']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/yngTalent.jpg'; news['article_107']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_107']['content2'] = ''; news['article_107']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_107']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_107']['content3'] = ''; news['article_107']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[198] = 107; news['article_108'] = new Array(); news['article_108']['articleId'] = 199; news['article_108']['day'] = '29'; news['article_108']['month'] = '01'; news['article_108']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_108']['title'] = 'S 1000 RR Superstock Testing begins for BMW Motorrad Italia Team'; news['article_108']['link_text'] = 'S 1000 RR Superstock Testing begins for BMW Motorrad Italia Team'; news['article_108']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_108']['content1'] = 'With much of the focus for the S 1000 RR being centred around the second year of the BMW Motorrad Motorsport factory team’s Superbike World Championship campaign, it’s easy to forget the importance of the 2010 Superstock 1000 FIM Cup, which plays a vital supporting role to this year’s series and includes a BMW team for the first time.

Having timed its announcement of participation in the 2010 Superstock World Championship at the same time as the customer launch of the S 1000 RR in its domestic market, BMW Motorrad Italia has now confirmed its two-rider line-up for the 10-round series that will begin at Portimao in Portugal on the final weekend in March and run alongside the European rounds of the WSBK series throughout 2010.

FIM Superstock World Championship technical regulations allow teams a very limited number of technical changes, which means that the bikes that are raced are very close to the standard ones found in dealer showrooms. The competition level is very high and many fans see this championship as a true reflection of the ability of their own bikes under race conditions with professional riders at the controls.

The BMW Motorrad Italia Team will be participating with two promising young riders – Ayrton Badovini and Daniele Beretta – both of whom received their initial outing on the BMW S 1000 RR last weekend during the first tests at the Cartagena circuit in Spain. They have since travelled to Valencia and joined the official factory team for a test at the famous racetrack where the third round of the 2010 WSBK series will take place from 9-11 April.

Twenty-three-year-old Ayrton Badovini began his career racing mini-motos, followed by participation in various single-make series competitions, before switching to the Superstock 1000 championship in 2003. In 2007 he won his first world title and then entered the 2008 Superbike World Championship on a Kawasaki for the PSG-1 Team. After the team withdrew from the championship, Badovini found a slot on the X-One team in the World Endurance series on a Yamaha R1. His best finish was in Germany, where he took second place overall in the Eight Hours race at Oschersleben.

Daniele Beretta, age 20, also began his career competing on mini-motos and made his debut in the European Superstock 600 Championship in 2007, finishing in ninth place. The following year he improved, finishing in seventh place overall. In 2009 he joined the Superstock 1000 Championship team led by Serafino Foti – the new Team Manager of the BMW Motorrad Italia Superstock team – earning an excellent sixth place overall during his debut season.

BMW Motorrad Italia will capitalise on the experience of Serafino Foti in this championship, as he was team manager of Superstock champions Ducati for the past three seasons. With all the major manufacturers having competed in this series in 2009 (including Ducati, Honda, Suzuki Kawasaki, Yamaha, Aprilia and MV Agusta) BMW will have its work cut out in its first year of competition in the FIM Superstock Cup, although this doesn’t worry Foti, who is known to relish a challenge:

“I am highly motivated by this new challenge,” said the new Team Manager of the BMW Motorrad Italia Superstock team. “I know the riders very well and I am sure of their potential. In any case, this will be the first year for a new motorcycle that we must get to know and develop, so right from the first pre-championship tests, we will have to work hard on performance and getting along well together – both in the team and with the motorcycle.”

This was a view shared by Andrea Buzzoni, Director of BMW Motorrad Italia and manager of the Superstock project, who said. \"The BMW S 1000 RR is a splendid, high-performance sports bike and it represents the crowning of the strategy of dynamic expansion that BMW Motorrad has carried out in the past few years. I\'m really pleased that Serafino Foti will be the new team manager, as he has a wealth of experience to bring to this new project.

“At present, the team is hard at work in order to be ready for the 2010 season and together with Serafino, we have created an expert squad that is capable of confronting a new and exciting challenge with the BMW S 1000 RR. Ayrton and Daniele are two highly motivated riders who – together with the rest of the team – will be able to perform at their best in BMW Motorrad Italia’s debut in this competition. We are about to enter a racing season that will keep us intensely and passionately involved.”

For more information on the 2010 Superstock 1000 FIM Cup, please see the www.worldsbk.com website, which is available in Italian and English languages.'; news['article_108']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_108']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Superstock1.jpg'; news['article_108']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Superstock1.jpg'; news['article_108']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Superstock2.jpg'; news['article_108']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Superstock2.jpg'; news['article_108']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_108']['content2'] = ''; news['article_108']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_108']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_108']['content3'] = ''; news['article_108']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[199] = 108; news['article_109'] = new Array(); news['article_109']['articleId'] = 200; news['article_109']['day'] = '29'; news['article_109']['month'] = '01'; news['article_109']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_109']['title'] = 'Following the Dakar'; news['article_109']['link_text'] = 'Following the Dakar'; news['article_109']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_109']['content1'] = 'Following the Dakar

Jim Hyde has always harboured a dream to go and see the Dakar Rally in person, but while the race traditionally took place in Europe and Africa, this was never possible. However, since it moved to South America, the boss of California-based official BMW Motorrad partner RawHyde Adventures made sure that it was on his ‘to do’ list for 2010.

In fact, along with ten other GS riders, Jim has spent the last few weeks in South America following the 2010 Dakar Argentina/Chile rally route. On GS bikes of varying sizes, including the R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure, F 800 GS and F 650 GS, Jim and his group of intrepid adventurers have quite literally had the time of their lives, riding 3,000 miles – mostly off-road – and following the course of the toughest off-road race in the world. As Jim explains, it was really a dream come true for lots of different reasons.

“I have always equated the Dakar Rally as one of the things that really defines the word ‘adventure’, said the off-road professional. “The idea of taking a motorcycle and travelling thousands of miles through forbidding terrain in undeveloped parts of the world has always appealed to me. The reality began to sink in when we got our rental bikes, which were all BMWs. We had five riders on 1200 GSs, three guys on F 800s and three on the F 650 GS.”

Having arrived at their destination following an eight-hour flight from Los Angeles to Lima, Peru, and then a night flight to Cordoba, Argentina, the group of riders were keen to start riding their first stage, which was 350 miles of mostly off-road terrain to the town of La Rioja, situated in the ‘valley of the moon’. Their first sight of the Dakar ‘train’ was an awe-inspiring spectacle. With around 575 motorcycles, cars and trucks in the event, and plenty of ‘viewing stations’ to watch the race go by, the group was amazed to see thousands of people lining the streets, all screaming like maniacs for their favourite riders and drivers.

As a rider who is passionate about big GS bikes, Jim was disappointed that there were no riders on the big bikes, as changes to the rules meant that all the entrants were on 450cc rally bikes. However, as his group of BMW riders was kitted out in various combinations of rally clothing, they were often mistaken for the genuine rally participants, as Jim explains:

“Everywhere we went, people thought we were somehow connected with the race, and we didn’t speak Spanish well enough to let them know that wasn’t the case! It’s true that we did ‘look the part’ as our big BMWs were kitted out with knobbly tyres, we all had our rally suits on, and we were absolutely filthy from all the dust and mud. Every single time we stopped, we were ‘swarmed’ by the locals. Most of them wanted a picture with us, many wanted an autograph, and lots wanted to climb on our bikes for a picture, so it was truly an awesome experience for us to be a part of an event that has the power to generate such enthusiasm among the population of a country.”

Another ‘high’ point for the group was their first experience of coca leaves, which were necessary to combat altitude sickness when attempting to ride over one of the highest mountain passes in the world. The Passo de San Francisco is over 4,750 metres high, and worried that they could be liable for any accidents that occurred on the rented motorcycles, their Argentine guides for this section came equipped with several packages of the mild stimulant that minimizes the effects of altitude sickness. So, like the indigenous people have done for thousands of years, Jim and his companions chewed the coca leaves and attempted the pass, whereupon they encountered another motorcyclist who hadn’t taken this vital precaution. On finding him so delirious due to the effects of the high altitude that he could not stand, talk clearly, or continue riding his motorcycle, Jim had no choice but to put the man’s motorcycle in the group’s support truck and give him a lift on his own bike.

“Because there was no room in the truck for a passenger I had no choice but to take him on my GS,” he said. “However, the journey was about 75 miles (120 kilometres) on a really rough dirt road and he was so ill he could barely hold on. So there we were, riding two-up, with the big Dakar race trucks flying by every few minutes just a few centimetres away from us. It certainly made for a nerve-wracking couple of hours.”

The following day the group entered Chile and the Atacama Desert – the driest place on earth – where they spent three days shadowing the rally through a landscape with no birds, insects and nothing around for hundreds of kilometres. At Iquique, near the Peruvian border, the group visited the largest sand dune in the world (around 750 metres high) and the rally course went right over the top of it, so it was a fantastic place to see competitors on bikes, cars, buggies and in huge trucks hurtling down the incredibly steep dune in a cloud of dust and seemingly out of control.

During the remainder of their trip, Jim and his co-riders also witnessed many acts of camaraderie among the Dakar competitors, including one rider being towed to the finish line of a stage by a fellow competitor on a quad bike. They noticed that the rider on the motorcycle was so tired that he could barely stay on the bike and later found out that he had been towed for nearly 50 miles (80 kilometres) by the man on the quad – truly an heroic effort in such tough conditions.

After two weeks of spending around 12 to 14 hours a day in the saddle of their BMW bikes, it was time for the group to return to the USA. Summing up what had been an amazing first adventure in South America, Jim Hyde was delighted to have turned his Dakar dream into reality.

“All in all, it’s been an incredible adventure to ride the BMW GS bikes through South America and add two new countries to my list of life experiences,” he said. “I had never been to South America before but this trip was way more than just following the Dakar – we had an amazing interaction with the people, we ate all kinds of new food, learnt a lot about life below the equator and enjoyed a magnificent adventure. ‘Following the Dakar’ is something that we plan to do again, so 15 lucky people will have the chance to join us if the rally stays in South America next year.”

Find out what other adventures and training opportunities Jim and his team can provide on BMW bikes by visiting the www.rawhyde-offroad.com website.'; news['article_109']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_109']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/followDakar1.jpg'; news['article_109']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/followDakar1.jpg'; news['article_109']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/followDakar2.jpg'; news['article_109']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/followDakar2.jpg'; news['article_109']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_109']['content2'] = ''; news['article_109']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_109']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_109']['content3'] = ''; news['article_109']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[200] = 109; news['article_110'] = new Array(); news['article_110']['articleId'] = 201; news['article_110']['day'] = '29'; news['article_110']['month'] = '01'; news['article_110']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_110']['title'] = 'History of BMW Advertising Art'; news['article_110']['link_text'] = 'History of BMW Ad Art'; news['article_110']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_110']['content1'] = 'Advertising has been used since the earliest days of the motorcycle industry to attract buyers. Courtesy of BMW Motorcycle Magazine and the BMW Group Archive, here is a selection of BMW advertising stretching back to 1923

British-Canadian humorist and economist Stephen Leacock (1869-1944) had his own thoughts on the matter. “Advertising may be described as the science of arresting human intelligence long enough to get money from it”. And Henry Ford (1863-1947) simply said that “50 per cent of the money invested in advertising is wasted. But you never know which half it is”.

When BMW started to promote their first motorcycle in 1923, advertising was still restricted to traditional media such as newspapers and magazines. Of course the R 32 had to have a full-page ad, since the bigger an advert, the longer the reader looks at it. An image attracts more interest than simply text, so posters and magazine adverts were first designed by painters and poster artists, especially if you wanted – or could afford – a bit of colour.

The marketing people would come up with a slogan, while it was up to the typographer (this was before the days of the ‘art editor’!) to compose the layout. By the beginning of the Thirties the quality of film as well as camera technology made immense advances in action photography possible, and so more and more black-and-white pictures were to be seen in BMW adverts.

As the years went on, and as dictated by the Nazi regime, the emphasis would lay on the success achieved by BMW works riders on BMW motorcycles in both national and international contests. Between 1933 and 1945, during the National Socialism period in Germany, heroes had to be celebrated and their success used for propaganda purposes. BMW, like all other motorcycle and automobile manufacturers in Germany, had to follow orders...

When the devastating conflict was over and the country began to recover, BMW continued trying to capitalize on their sporting achievement. But now it was different. Instead of solo road racing, from 1954 on the Bavarians would leave their mark in World Championship Sidecar Racing. Not all adverts were track orientated – they deservedly boasted about Germany’s fastest production motorcycle, the famous R 68, with its genuine ton-up performance.

At the beginning of the Sixties there was even a whiff of humour to be seen in BMW ads – not only in the themes, but also in the headlines. Until then BMW motorcycles were only available in black. It seems that the Bavarians had been paying close attention to Henry Ford, who almost 50 years earlier had proclaimed: “People can have the Model T in any colour – so long as it’s black”.

But with the end of the decade, colour ads were to become a must for motorcycle manufacturers. Double-page spreads in black-and-white were already expensive enough and BMW just couldn’t afford to splash out. In the first half of the Sixties the Bavarians were pretty much unchallenged in the home big bike market. But with ambitious and colourful competition coming from Japanese manufacturers towards the end of the Sixties BMW had to react, especially when they announced the new /5 range for 1969.

In the USA, Japanese motorcycle manufacturers together with English rivals like Norton, BSA and Triumph, started to run lavish full-colour double-page spreads in Cycle and Cycle World. In good old Europe things were a bit more difficult for the advertising agencies commissioned by BMW. European Union bureaucrats decided that they needed to protect us from an excess of fun and prohibited adverts focusing on speed or suggesting that a fast bike was a guarantee of great sex.

BMW’s European ads were forced to focus on the pleasures of riding a Bavarian motorcycle, how comfortable your sweetheart would be on the pillion, and the reliability of shaft drive. That kind of worthy advertising may have been OK in Germany in the late Seventies but BMW was facing fierce competition at home and abroad. Their 1,000cc Boxer engines produced a nominal 70hp while the Japanese in-line fours slowly but surely approached the genuine 100hp mark. It was not surprising that thousands of unsold BMWs started to collect dust in warehouses both in Germany and the US.

With the emergence of the Honda CBX and Kawasaki Z1300 with their even more powerful in-line six-cylinder engines, the BMW advertising agencies once again had to use their wits. A double-page ad in one German motorcycle magazine showed a head-on drawing of a motorcycle with an in-line six engine on the left page, underneath the slogan: “The reason why we don’t realize nightmares” while on the opposite page a black-and-white picture of a BMW R 100 RS carried the legend: “We prefer a motorcycle for everyday life”.

The fine print of the advertisement stated that it would be easy for BMW to build a motorcycle like the Honda CBX, simply by adapting the 143hp M 60 engine used in their 3-series 323i car. “But we won’t do that. Such engines are for automobile use and would definitely overstrain the chassis of a motorcycle”, was the excuse printed underneath the drawing that every motorcycle enthusiast would readily identify as the silhouette of the Honda Six.

The fine print beneath the picture of the R 100 RS noted, among other things, that: “BMW will not follow the practice of adapting road racing motorcycles for day-to-day use”. Well, that was some 30 years ago. BMW today builds the most powerful street-legal motorcycle in the world – the S 1000 RR – with almost 200hp at the end of the throttle. Furthermore, those persistent rumours of a luxury in-line six BMW tourer have now been revealed in the shape of the new BMW Concept 6 that was unveiled late in 2009. This genuine straight-six will further expand the K Series range in the foreseeable future and it looks like the first model to be introduced will be an innovative and luxurious touring machine.'; news['article_110']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_110']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Ad1.jpg'; news['article_110']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Ad1.jpg'; news['article_110']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Ad2.jpg'; news['article_110']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Ad2.jpg'; news['article_110']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Ad3.jpg'; news['article_110']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Ad3.jpg'; news['article_110']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_110']['content2'] = ''; news['article_110']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_110']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_110']['content3'] = ''; news['article_110']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[201] = 110; news['article_111'] = new Array(); news['article_111']['articleId'] = 197; news['article_111']['day'] = '22'; news['article_111']['month'] = '01'; news['article_111']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_111']['title'] = 'S1000RR Training at California Superbike School'; news['article_111']['link_text'] = 'S1000RR Training at California Superbike School'; news['article_111']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_111']['content1'] = 'Rider training on the S 1000 RR

BMW Motorrad USA has teamed up with the California Superbike School to offer Rider Training on the S 1000 RR. Riders in the USA will have the opportunity to unleash the power of the most potent, sophisticated and lightest sports bike ever produced – under the guidance of trained professionals. Beginning in March, BMW’s S 1000 RR superbike will be available at training sessions offered by Keith Code’s world-famous California Superbike School.

The school has 48 events scheduled at racetracks around the country. Riders will have the option of using their own bike or renting one of the school’s 2010 BMW S 1000 RR motorcycles for single or two-day training sessions.

“We would not be content offering a motorcycle as powerful as the S 1000 RR without access to the best rider training,” said Todd Andersen, BMW Motorrad USA Marketing Manager. “We want S 1000 RR riders to have the skills and confidence to maximize their ownership experience with this state-of-the-art superbike.”

Recognized as the foremost motorcycle school in the world, the California Superbike School began in 1980 with the goal of becoming the most comprehensive professional school for the motorcycle enthusiast. In the three decades since its inception, CSS has taught 100,000 street riders and 15 U.S. Superbike Champions. Today, CSS is found on four continents, offering full rider training for riders of all types of motorcycles – from cruisers to superbikes.

The California Superbike School offers a stepped training programme comprised of four separate levels. Each is taught by trained, professional riding coaches to insure the student gains improved understanding and greater confidence. Keith Code, Director of CSS, has been a pioneer in the field of motorcycle training for a quarter of a century. His schools continue to grow in popularity with planned franchise expansion in Southeast Asia and Europe.

For more information about CSS sessions, please visit www.superbikeschool.com'; news['article_111']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_111']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/RRTrain.jpg'; news['article_111']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/RRTrain.jpg'; news['article_111']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_111']['content2'] = ''; news['article_111']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_111']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_111']['content3'] = ''; news['article_111']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[197] = 111; news['article_112'] = new Array(); news['article_112']['articleId'] = 196; news['article_112']['day'] = '22'; news['article_112']['month'] = '01'; news['article_112']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_112']['title'] = 'Fashion Designer meets BMW Superbike'; news['article_112']['link_text'] = 'Fashion Designer meets BMW Superbike'; news['article_112']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_112']['content1'] = 'The stars of the shoot
Fashion designer Marcel Ostertag meets BMW Superbike

Top fashion designer Marcel Ostertag recently got to grips with the new BMW S 1000 RR for a photo shoot with a twist. Clad in Ostertag’s creations, model Eva Maria Lutz brought the iconic motorcycle to life in a series of images that emphasise the beauty of both the clothing and the machine.

German designer Ostertag is no stranger to photo shoots. Having previously worked with the likes of Paul Smith, Dunhill and Burberry, he has since developed his own label. Ostertag’s creations have stunned the fashion industry and the rising star has even been credited with redefining German fashion. Photographs of his work have appeared in countless fashion magazines across the world.

The 30-year-old from Berchtesgaden returned to Germany after graduating from the University of Arts in Central St Martins College, London with a first prize for the best menswear collection. After developing his own label, Marcel presented his work at the Lancome Colour Award and at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, being the first menswear designer ever to have received this privilege. His reputation has gone from strength to strength and resulted in the opening of his first store in Vienna in 2006, followed by a second, in Munich. Marcel’s style has developed to become unique and irrepressible – qualities which made a collaboration with the S 1000 RR for a recent photo shoot a natural step.

All of Marcel’s collections are created by a small, close team in a studio in the ‘Glockenbach’ quarter in Munich’s city centre, where many artists and creative businesses can be found. Importantly, the production of his hand-made clothing is also carried out in Germany, and Marcel invests a lot of time in small details and in research, often visiting various countries, fabric fairs and vintage markets with his team to gather inspiration, which can be found in the city, in nature and even within the family. All these different influences help bring the Ostertag collection to life and give it that special quality that makes catwalks, image galleries and boutiques shine.

His refreshing style certainly impressed BMW Motorrad and a project between the two parties was arranged. Although it’s one of the most technologically advanced motorcycles ever produced, the S 1000 RR has gained praise from the international motorcycle press for its revolutionarily sleek, asymmetric design. It’s this triumph in design that made the S 1000 RR and Ostertag a match made in heaven. To complete the picture, Markus Hofmann – who perhaps understands the S 1000 RR better than any other photographer – was tasked with producing the stunning images that would be sent to motorcycle and fashion magazines across the globe including Fashion Today, Vogue, Maxim and OK!.

Hofmann is renowned for his work with animals, so it was no surprise that his most recent shoot, with the BMW S 1000 RR, produced some equally spectacular results! Hofmann produced a series of images which accentuate the design of BMW Motorrad’s first ever supersports bike.


The German has worked with BMW Motorrad on several previous projects, including the infamous S 1000 RR ‘cheetah’ shoot in 2009. Despite working with the 1000cc machine several times before, Hofmann is still bowled over by its engineering. “I believe I’ve photographed the S 1000 RR four times now, however it’s still an amazing experience,” he says. “Each time, the only thing I’d do differently with the shoot would be to take the bike home with me!”

“BMW Motorrad asked me to be part of the project because I had already collaborated with Marcel Ostertag previously,” continues Hofmann. “The idea was to simply connect the motorcycle with Ostertag’s collection. I was looking for very soft transitions between the motorcycle and the dresses in order for the two aspects to merge seamlessly. It was my job to ensure this worked in practice, while also complementing the work of Marcel.

“Ostertag is a very good designer and, like me, is a perfectionist when it comes to his creations. We were all very enthusiastic about the project, which ensured that the outcome was the best that it could be.”

Having worked together before, Hofmann and Ostertag were well aware of each other’s strengths and preferences. As a nature and wildlife specialist, Hofmann could relate to the spring/summer 2010 Ostertag collection very well.

“This season, the collection is dedicated to nature,” adds the designer. “Structures and colours, mixtures of stones and light, the contradictions of flora and fauna and of day and night served as a source of inspiration.”

These themes can be seen in the series of images produced during the shoot, the results being dark, emotive and natural photography that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the bike and clothing.

To achieve these results, Hofmann used a Canon 5D MK II which was able to offer depth and richness to the images, despite the dark background. Overall, Hofmann is happy with the end results. “I am naturally satisfied with the outcome, but for me it was more important that BMW Motorrad and Marcel were happy,” he concludes. “Once the project was completed, they were really pleased, which in turn pleased me!”'; news['article_112']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_112']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/RRFashion.jpg'; news['article_112']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/RRFashion.jpg'; news['article_112']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/RRFashion2.jpg'; news['article_112']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/RRFashion2.jpg'; news['article_112']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_112']['content2'] = ''; news['article_112']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_112']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_112']['content3'] = ''; news['article_112']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[196] = 112; news['article_113'] = new Array(); news['article_113']['articleId'] = 195; news['article_113']['day'] = '22'; news['article_113']['month'] = '01'; news['article_113']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_113']['title'] = 'Benefit from Real Police Riding Training'; news['article_113']['link_text'] = 'Benefit from Real Police Riding Training'; news['article_113']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_113']['content1'] = 'Most motorcyclists would agree that police motorcycle officers are some of the best riders on our roads. With razor-sharp skills, thousands of kilometres of riding experience gained every year and training programmes that allow them to derive the highest levels of performance from their machines without compromising safety, they are without a doubt among the most competent riders out on our congested roads today.

It stands to reason then that all motorcyclists could benefit from the same training that police riders receive, and this is exactly what official BMW Motorrad partner RawHyde Adventures is trying to achieve with its new Motor Officer Training Academy programme, which will offer top-level rider training to the general public, on BMW motorcycles.

Although RawHyde Adventures has built its reputation on its comprehensive range of off-road riding skills courses and tours, this rather radical departure from its usual programme offering is a result of initiatives from several key members of its staff. RawHyde’s Jim Hyde picks up the story:

“Two years ago we hired a police officer named Tim Rolsen as an instructor at our off-road training school, and though Tim is a very enthusiastic ‘off-roader’ he is also one of the senior trainers at the Los Angeles Police Department Motor School. As such, for the last two years we have been quietly working to put together a programme that allows regular riders to get ‘police level’ training. We have two other police officers on the RawHyde team, and together they make up our motor officers training programme staff.”

The fact is that everyone admires the way that ‘cops’ ride their bikes. Not only do they have the best safety record of any class of motorcyclist, but the confidence they exude as they ride in tight ‘side by side’ formation, and the uncanny abilities they have for close manoeuvring has to be seen to be believed. Jim believes that there is no reason that ‘ordinary’ riders can’t be taught to ride like a Motor Officer and develop the same levels of confidence and safety.

As such, over the weekend of 5-7 February, RawHyde will be introducing the very first BMW Motor Officer Academy school, which will follow a curriculum identical to what the Los Angeles police department uses. The course will take place at the BMW Academy in Castaic, southern California and after arrival on the evening of 5 February, training will take place from 0900 to 1730 on the Saturday and Sunday.

The two-day training course has an introductory price of $1,095 and the package includes all accommodation, meals, beverages, two full days of training and a souvenir sweat shirt! Rental bikes are available for those who need them, so for those who fancy taking part in some official police motor training for civilians, just call 00 213 713 5652 for details or email jashyde@earthlink.net for further information.

And just to whet your appetite, check this link out for an idea of what really good police style riding is all about

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2APKEnCLElU&feature=player_embedded'; news['article_113']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_113']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/police2.jpg'; news['article_113']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/police2.jpg'; news['article_113']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_113']['content2'] = ''; news['article_113']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_113']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_113']['content3'] = ''; news['article_113']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[195] = 113; news['article_114'] = new Array(); news['article_114']['articleId'] = 194; news['article_114']['day'] = '22'; news['article_114']['month'] = '01'; news['article_114']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_114']['title'] = 'Into the Wild'; news['article_114']['link_text'] = 'Into the Wild'; news['article_114']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_114']['content1'] = 'Chris Morgan is a man on a mission. With the help of his trusty BMW F 650 GS Dakar, a cameraman and a cast of endangered bears, the Englishman intends to raise awareness of some of the biggest ecological challenges the world currently faces. Through Wildlife Media, an organisation he set up two years ago to raise awareness and funds for global conservation issues, Chris is currently working on his biggest project to date – BEARTREK.

Wildlife Media is a not-for-profit wildlife conservation organisation with a difference. It creates progressive conservation projects in an eye-catching way to bring attitude and fun to wildlife conservation. This means getting out into the wilderness on a motorcycle, tracking down elusive animals, filming them in their natural habitat and showing the edited footage to a captivated audience. The ultimate aim is to raise awareness and funds in order to conserve the areas in which the extraordinary creatures live.

“We do this through beautiful, world-class films,” states Chris. “We mix conservation with adventure and other elements to bring notable stories to the public. I’ve been a wildlife biologist all my life and have done it professionally over the last 20 years. When I met Joe Pontecorvo several years ago – a hugely talented cinematographer and producer – the BEARTREK idea was born.”

Over the course of the BEARTREK project, Chris and Joe have travelled to the icy wilds of coastal Alaska in search of polar bears, the jungles of Borneo for traces of the smallest bear – the sun bear – and are about to embark on a trip to Peru, before heading to Italy to complete filming. “Our main ambition is to make BEARTREK into a feature film,” Chris continues. “We want to put it into movie theatres and when people spend their money to see it, almost all of the proceeds go back into conservation. In the meantime we are putting together shorter films to generate revenue for the main project and to engage the audience.”

Due to the remote locations, the shyness of the creatures that will ultimately be the stars of the film and the amount of organisation involved in filming on location, the BEARTREK project is proving to be slow going. “We’re about two years away from releasing the film and there is still plenty of work to do,” admits Chris. “The scale of the project is vast, but worthwhile. Borneo was an uncomfortable place to film in but the contrast with coastal Alaska was breathtaking and the film will show that. We’re about to head off to Peru for the next stage of the project and I’d really like to go to Italy for the final stage. There are wild grizzly and brown bears just one hour from the busy streets of Rome, so it’s a key location for us. I’m looking forward to riding my bike there, that’s for sure!”

The bike in question – a BMW F 650 GS Dakar is also bound to attract attention when BEARTREK hits the big screen. It’s a vital piece of equipment in the quest to film nature at its best, as Chris explains: “I bought it in 2001 and it’s still going strong after all the abuse I’ve given it over the years! Doing field work on a bike is the best way to get around. Travelling in dense forests and mountainous regions is often impossible in a four-wheeled drive vehicle, so the bike is vital. It’s just an extension of who I am and I’m lucky to need to ride a motorcycle for my job. I often get asked whether riding a bike through beautiful, remote habitats contradicts my conservation work, but I always stick to established tracks and believe that the positive aspects of my work justify the careful use of the bike.”

The nomadic lifestyle of a global motorcycle adventurer, conservationist and filmmaker is a world away from the career path that Chris originally intended to follow. Aged 18, the Englishman longed to be a graphic designer, but a trip across the Atlantic to North America changed his mind. “I travelled to the USA to work on a summer camp and I met a bear conservationist,” he explains. “After going on bear tracking trips with him I was transfixed. I had no idea you could do that kind of thing in life\"

After returning from working at the camp, Chris altered his ambitions and set his sights on working with bears, a career he has since successfully pursued for 20 years. However, his experiences ‘in the field’ showed him that conservation, in particular raising funds, was far from easy.

\"Everywhere I went, I could see biologists who were struggling to do this important work with limited funds and limited exposure. With Wildlife Media, I’m hoping to change that,” he says. “. It’s not just about communicating the conservation message. It’s about making the subject fun and engaging, hence why we put so much focus on the different cultures we encounter and the global travel that’s involved. This seems to give people a greater appreciation of conservation and why it is so important.”

Chris embarks on the next stage of the BEARTREK adventure in February and will once again take to his F 650 GS in search of bears, culture and adventure, this time in Peru. We’ll catch up with him upon his return to get an update on the progress of this remarkable project.

However, if you can’t wait until BEARTREK hits the cinema screen, visit www.wildlifemedia.org/home for an exclusive 90-second trailer of the eagerly-anticipated film.'; news['article_114']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_114']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/intothewild1.jpg'; news['article_114']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/intothewild1.jpg'; news['article_114']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/intothewild2.jpg'; news['article_114']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/intothewild2.jpg'; news['article_114']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/intothewild3.jpg'; news['article_114']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/intothewild3.jpg'; news['article_114']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_114']['content2'] = 'Chris Morgan is a man on a mission. With the help of his trusty BMW F 650 GS Dakar, a cameraman and a cast of endangered bears, the Englishman intends to raise awareness of some of the biggest ecological challenges the world currently faces. Through Wildlife Media, an organisation he set up two years ago to raise awareness and funds for global conservation issues, Chris is currently working on his biggest project to date – BEARTREK.

Wildlife Media is a not-for-profit wildlife conservation organisation with a difference. It creates progressive conservation projects in an eye-catching way to bring attitude and fun to wildlife conservation. This means getting out into the wilderness on a motorcycle, tracking down elusive animals, filming them in their natural habitat and showing the edited footage to a captivated audience. The ultimate aim is to raise awareness and funds in order to conserve the areas in which the extraordinary creatures live.

“We do this through beautiful, world-class films,” states Chris. “We mix conservation with adventure and other elements to bring notable stories to the public. I’ve been a wildlife biologist all my life and have done it professionally over the last 20 years. When I met Joe Pontecorvo several years ago – a hugely talented cinematographer and producer – the BEARTREK idea was born.”

Over the course of the BEARTREK project, Chris and Joe have travelled to the icy wilds of coastal Alaska in search of polar bears, the jungles of Borneo for traces of the smallest bear – the sun bear – and are about to embark on a trip to Peru, before heading to Italy to complete filming. “Our main ambition is to make BEARTREK into a feature film,” Chris continues. “We want to put it into movie theatres and when people spend their money to see it, almost all of the proceeds go back into conservation. In the meantime we are putting together shorter films to generate revenue for the main project and to engage the audience.”

Due to the remote locations, the shyness of the creatures that will ultimately be the stars of the film and the amount of organisation involved in filming on location, the BEARTREK project is proving to be slow going. “We’re about two years away from releasing the film and there is still plenty of work to do,” admits Chris. “The scale of the project is vast, but worthwhile. Borneo was an uncomfortable place to film in but the contrast with coastal Alaska was breathtaking and the film will show that. We’re about to head off to Peru for the next stage of the project and I’d really like to go to Italy for the final stage. There are wild grizzly and brown bears just one hour from the busy streets of Rome, so it’s a key location for us. I’m looking forward to riding my bike there, that’s for sure!”

The bike in question – a BMW F 650 GS Dakar is also bound to attract attention when BEARTREK hits the big screen. It’s a vital piece of equipment in the quest to film nature at its best, as Chris explains: “I bought it in 2001 and it’s still going strong after all the abuse I’ve given it over the years! Doing field work on a bike is the best way to get around. Travelling in dense forests and mountainous regions is often impossible in a four-wheeled drive vehicle, so the bike is vital. It’s just an extension of who I am and I’m lucky to need to ride a motorcycle for my job. I often get asked whether riding a bike through beautiful, remote habitats contradicts my conservation work, but I always stick to established tracks and believe that the positive aspects of my work justify the careful use of the bike.”

The nomadic lifestyle of a global motorcycle adventurer, conservationist and filmmaker is a world away from the career path that Chris originally intended to follow. Aged 18, the Englishman longed to be a graphic designer, but a trip across the Atlantic to North America changed his mind. “I travelled to the USA to work on a summer camp and I met a bear conservationist,” he explains. “After going on bear tracking trips with him I was transfixed. I had no idea you could do that kind of thing in life\"

After returning from working at the camp, Chris altered his ambitions and set his sights on working with bears, a career he has since successfully pursued for 20 years. However, his experiences ‘in the field’ showed him that conservation, in particular raising funds, was far from easy.

\"Everywhere I went, I could see biologists who were struggling to do this important work with limited funds and limited exposure. With Wildlife Media, I’m hoping to change that,” he says. “. It’s not just about communicating the conservation message. It’s about making the subject fun and engaging, hence why we put so much focus on the different cultures we encounter and the global travel that’s involved. This seems to give people a greater appreciation of conservation and why it is so important.”

Chris embarks on the next stage of the BEARTREK adventure in February and will once again take to his F 650 GS in search of bears, culture and adventure, this time in Peru. We’ll catch up with him upon his return to get an update on the progress of this remarkable project.

However, if you can’t wait until BEARTREK hits the cinema screen, visit www.wildlifemedia.org/home for an exclusive 90-second trailer of the eagerly-anticipated film.'; news['article_114']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_114']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_114']['content3'] = ''; news['article_114']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[194] = 114; news['article_115'] = new Array(); news['article_115']['articleId'] = 193; news['article_115']['day'] = '22'; news['article_115']['month'] = '01'; news['article_115']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_115']['title'] = 'World-class Aussie begins World Superbikes 2010 on BMW'; news['article_115']['link_text'] = 'World-class Aussie begins World Superbikes 2010 on BMW '; news['article_115']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_115']['content1'] = 'Another world-class rider will be lining up on a BMW S 1000 RR on the World Superbike Championship grid when the first round of the 2010 series kicks off at Phillip Island circuit in Australia. Having signed a two-year deal to race the S 1000 RR for the all-new Reitwagen BMW Team, Double World Supersport Champion Andrew Pitt got his first taste of the BMW Motorrad’s most powerful machine to date when he recently tested a series production S 1000 RR at Eastern Creek circuit, close to Sydney.

Along with his new team-mate Roland Resch, Pitt – who has 47 World Superbike races under his belt as well as 66 World Supersport races – rode a series production BMW S 1000 RR machine around the 3.93 km Eastern Creek circuit.

Despite using road-specification tyres and standard gearing, Andrew quickly found his rhythm and was soon in the 1minute 36 second bracket after a couple of sessions around the Australian circuit. Considering that the Eastern Creek lap record for production superbikes is just under 1 minute and 33 seconds, this is an extremely promising start for the 2001 and 2008 World Supersport Champion, who will be bringing a wealth of experience to the Reitwagen BMW Team during the 2010 and 2011 World Superbike Championships.

“After four years away I’m very happy to be back in World Superbikes and excited about riding for such a dedicated and passionate team,” said the 33-year-old who is based in Peel on the Isle of Man. “I’m looking forward to the challenge of a new bike and I’ve been working hard on my fitness because I’m more motivated than ever to have a successful two-years. The team also includes plenty of very experienced operators and BMW is obviously serious about the World Superbike programme, so I think this is going to be a great thing. The S 1000 RR is, on specification and results, a competitive machine already and I’m really looking forward to testing the bike next at Phillip Island.”

The Reitwagen BMW Team is the first satellite team to run the new S 1000 RR in the 2010 Superbike World Championship and the bikes will be prepared in a dedicated workshop at the BMW factory. The team decided against participating in the official three days of pre-season WSBK tests that are taking place at Portimao from Friday 22 to Sunday 24 January, because of the time involved in shipping the bikes across to Europe. Instead, the plan is to remain in Australia and join the two official tests that will take place at Phillip Island, prior to the World Superbike round at the famous circuit on the final weekend in February.

Although Pitt has not yet spoken to fellow Australian Troy Corser about the potential of the BMW S 1000 RR, he was well aware of the progress of the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team’s factory machines during the second half of the 2009 season. And the Australian connection with BMW doesn’t stop there either, as Pitt will also be joined by former World Endurance Champion and top tuner Peter Goddard as team Chassis Engineer. With former team owner Johan ‘Stiggy’ Stigefelt as the Reitwagen BMW Team’s new Technical Manager, Pitt and fellow rider Roland Resch will undoubtedly be in good hands as they face a full grid of riders in what many are predicting will be the most competitive season to date.

Currently, Andrew and Roland are both staying in New South Wales, where they will continue their training and testing together in the lead up to the start of the season, ensuring that they are both at peak fitness in order to tackle the 210-plus horsepower of their BMW S 1000 RR race bikes. As part of their training regime, both riders are using G 450 X sport enduro machines, loaned to them by BMW Motorrad Australia.'; news['article_115']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_115']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/AustrianRR.jpg'; news['article_115']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/AustrianRR.jpg'; news['article_115']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/AustrianRR1.jpg'; news['article_115']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/AustrianRR1.jpg'; news['article_115']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_115']['content2'] = ''; news['article_115']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_115']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_115']['content3'] = ''; news['article_115']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[193] = 115; news['article_116'] = new Array(); news['article_116']['articleId'] = 192; news['article_116']['day'] = '22'; news['article_116']['month'] = '01'; news['article_116']['year'] = '2010'; news['article_116']['title'] = '100,000 Miles and Still Riding'; news['article_116']['link_text'] = '100,000 Miles and Still Riding'; news['article_116']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_116']['content1'] = 'When American rider Barb Smith first started riding BMW motorcycles in the summer of 2005, she had no idea that less than four years later, she would be picking up a special 100,000 mile award (160,000 kilometres) from BMW Motorrad USA.

Having passed her motorcycle test in August 2002, she spent her first two years riding a Japanese cruiser, but after realising its limitations, the rider from Texas was persuaded by a friend that she was ready for a BMW. A new BMW R 1150 R in the summer of 2005 changed her riding forever. In March 2006 she did a ‘Saddlesore 1000’ event to become a member of the Iron Butt Association (IBA) and thus began her long-distance riding career.

In just three years, she put nearly 90,000 miles on this first BMW, criss-crossing the continent to attend motorcycling events, and to visit every National Park within easy reach of an interstate highway. However, for Barb it wasn’t really about accumulating these miles, it was all about escape...

“The BMW was an excellent conveyance to parts of the country I\'d always wanted to visit and see: Mt. Rushmore; Acadia National Park; the great plains of the Midwest; Rocky Mountains; mid-Atlantic seashore. It was about satisfying my wanderlust and need to travel.”

But before long this well-travelled motorcycle had almost 90,000 miles on it. So, after five sets of tyres, 15 oil changes and valve checks, three alternator belts – and just 10,000 miles away from earning the BMW Motorrad USA 100,000 mileage award – she found a willing buyer for this high mileage BMW. In July 2008, Barb ordered herself a new 2009 R 1200 R that arrived at the end of October and by May 2009, she had accrued 100,000 miles combined on the R 1150 R and her current R 1200 R.

The BMW Motorrad USA 100,000 mile award was presented to her on December 19, 2009 at the Gulf Coast BMW dealership in South Houston, Texas. Although the majority of the miles were done on her trusty R 1150 R, Barb is convinced that after a year in the saddle of her R 1200 R, the bigger Boxer is a marked improvement on the older model.

“Compared to the R 1150 R, the shifting is quicker and so much smoother on the 1200,” says Barb. “It has been a good workhorse and travel-mate for me over the one year that I\'ve owned it so far. Everything seems crisper on the 1200 – suspension, brakes et cetera – but then it was new and I was coming off an 1150 with nearly 90,000 miles on the odometer! I think the R 1200 R is more stylish than the 1150, and the side cases are better, more spacious.”

Barb’s R 1200 R is the factory-lowered version, which she believes is a significant nod to women and short riders, and that BMW Motorrad should be lauded for taking the lead in providing greater adjustability. Having previously owned cruisers, she believes that a test ride on a BMW motorcycle is the best way to explain the benefits of these German motorcycles and she recently had the opportunity to do this very thing with a friend who owns a Harley-Davidson.

“He\'d never ridden anything else, yet was intrigued with my BMW and with the number of miles and long days I can put in the saddle. His impression was that the riding position was too much like a sports bike-like and that he wouldn\'t be able to endure the riding position for very long,” said Barb.

“On Christmas day we headed out on two bikes, with him on my BMW. I had been trying to explain to him how the riding position on the BMW is much more comfortable, because rider weight is carried on the foot-pegs, not the lower back, but until he could experience that for himself, it was hard for him to believe. He put over 100 miles on the BMW – which was a good test ride – and confessed to being quite comfortable and liked how smooth the bike runs, how incredibly good the suspension is, and what very little air turbulence there is from the cockpit.”

Living outside of Houston, Texas, Barb is lucky because she can ride all year round and believes that the riding in the USA can be spectacular whichever direction you travel. This year, she has already made many riding plans, including attending the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America Rally in Redmond, Oregon.

“Getting there will be half the fun, since there\'s some spectacular riding country between Texas and Oregon,” says Barb. “I plan to take five days getting there, visiting several national parks along the way, and am already working on my routing. If 2010 becomes the perfect riding year, it would see me getting back up to the Northeast to do some riding in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York and possibly over to Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. But if that doesn\'t happen for some reason, wherever I ride will all be good memory makers.”
'; news['article_116']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_116']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/100K1.jpg'; news['article_116']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/100K1.jpg'; news['article_116']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/100K2.jpg'; news['article_116']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/100K2.jpg'; news['article_116']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_116']['content2'] = ''; news['article_116']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_116']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_116']['content3'] = ''; news['article_116']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[192] = 116; news['article_117'] = new Array(); news['article_117']['articleId'] = 190; news['article_117']['day'] = '15'; news['article_117']['month'] = '12'; news['article_117']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_117']['title'] = 'Triumphant Trans Americas riders'; news['article_117']['link_text'] = 'Triumphant Trans Americas riders'; news['article_117']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_117']['content1'] = 'The 2009 Trans Americas Expedition is now over and the group of 16 riders and four pillions have made it safely to Buenos Aires, Argentina, having ridden all the way from Prudhoe Bay in Alaska during the past five months. After more than 22,000 miles (36,200 kilometres) of tough riding, the BMW bikes are getting prepared for being freighted home and the group are already making plans for returning back to their ‘normal’ lives. Everyone who started this amazing trip finished it successfully, having ridden further and through more countries than ever before. BMW Motorrad caught up with expedition leader Kevin Sanders from official travel partner GlobeBusters, who reports on a ‘rollercoaster ride that lasted several months’.

How did it feel to get everyone safely to Buenos Aires?

After nearly five months on the road it is a huge relief that everyone who left Prudhoe Bay arrived in Buenos Aires. Statistically, that’s very rare – we have covered almost half a million miles together in total, so to all get to the end of the trip is a fantastic achievement, both for the riders and our GlobeBusters Support Crew. I feel proud to have led such a great group of people from the top of the world to the bottom, but there is also some sadness because the trip has become a way of life and knowing that the people you have shared the last five months with, is now over. After five months, you become a family, so it is always hard when it comes to an end. On the plus side, reunions are inevitable and it will be great to share the memories and ride some more miles with the Trans Am 09 team.

Did you do any press or PR activities along the way?

We did a lot of press in various Latin American countries. In Colombia, we did press conferences in Bogota and Medellin, and we had the television cover our visit. It was a huge thing for them to welcome such a large group of foreign motorcyclists and the Colombians were very happy to see that their country is back on the map again. In Chile, BMW organised a police escort into Santiago for us – the police use BMWs in Chile, so they have a very good relationship. We were also on the main morning news channel, a specialist motorcycle travel channel and the local radio. BMW Motorrad in Latin America were incredibly helpful and supportive of this trip.

What was particularly special about this years Trans Americas ride?

Firstly our route has changed and improved. This year, the Trans Americas had several new routes including Copper Canyon in Mexico and part of the Dakar Rally liaison routes in Northern Argentina and Chile. We also added in Colombia, which was fantastic and a very special place. The biking culture in Colombia is huge and they showed us such great hospitality and some of the best riding we have ever done in South America. We have ridden more dirt roads and more miles than any other Trans Am.

Secondly, we had the largest team of riders ever, with a mix of English, Irish, Scottish, French, Australian, USA and Finland. One of our riders was completing the Trans Americas for the second time, after first taking part in the original TA in 2005. We also had four pillion passengers and this seemed to compliment the group – having more ladies with us definitely helped to subdue the male ego!

Did the group work well together?

When you pull together so many people from different walks of life, you expect that there could be clashes of personalities and riding styles. But I can honestly say that this group of riders were very special. They really embraced the nature of the ride, relished the adventure and came together in times of adversity. When one rider had sprained his ankle, another would help park his bike or carry his luggage. When one rider had been sick, another would look after them by getting medicine or bringing food and water. When one rider found himself in a ditch, others would stop and help push his bike out. Everyone played their part and it was a joy to be part of it.

How did the bikes perform?

We had a good mix this year. R 1150 GS, R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure, F 800 GS and one Suzuki V Strom. We had regular servicing on route at BMW dealerships in Tucson in the USA, Bogota in Colombia and Santiago in Chile. Apart from crash damage, we hardly had any problems and none which truly stopped the bikes. The Suzuki also had problems with the fuel pump, but we could resolve it en route. That’s not bad considering the amount of mileage we covered in such a short time span. 22,500 miles (36,200 kilometres) per bike in five months is more than most riders do in five years! I\'d say that the BMW slogan ‘Unstoppable’ is well deserved!

I was personally riding a R 1200 GS Adventure and my wife Julia was riding a standard R 1200 GS. Both were new at the start of the trip and both performed without any problems. We both love these bikes and they are perfect for the job. On their return to the UK, they will be prepared for our next adventure across to China. I have total trust in both bikes.

Do you feel that the Trans Americas has changed a few lives along the journey?

The Trans Americas always changes a few lives. For most of the riders, it is the journey of a lifetime and it is not just time away on holiday. Most people have spent up to two years planning and preparing for the ultimate journey. They have seen such huge contrasts in human life across the Americas continent and many have been touched by the beauty of the smiles even when their lives are so much tougher than our own. It would take a hard and cold person not to re-evaluate their own values. A lot of the riders will go back home with a new vision and, given what they have seen and experienced, this may well make them think about the life they live at home.

What do you miss most when you’re away?

There are not too many things, as this really has become a way of life. I\'m lucky that my wife Julia is travelling with me; if she wasn’t, I would miss her a lot and many riders do sometimes find it hard to come to terms with being away from their family for so long. Most things I miss are small, like types of food you can\'t get – I do miss a good Indian curry and also strong tasting cheese! There is also no better place to sleep than your own bed and so it is always nice to go home to your own bed and have some down time in one place.

What\'s on the horizon for GlobeBusters?

Well, with all the bikes safely in the warehouse and the customs procedures complete, we will return back to South Wales for a well-earned rest and a quiet Christmas. 2010 will be a very exciting year. In April we will be running the very first ‘London to Beijing via Tibet’ trip, where we have 15 GS motorcyclists to lead across Europe, Central Asia and into China.
Then there is the big project we are working on with Edelweiss Bike Travel. In November 2010, it will be the start of the ‘Discover our Earth’ expedition. This is to become the longest organised motorcycle tour available and will cover five continents over eight months. To learn more click on www.edelweissbike.com

Going forward in 2011 and 2012, the Trans Americas runs again and we have a brand new trans-continental journey – London to Singapore via China, and other shorter expeditions such as Southern Africa and Trans Canada. Just check out the website or request our brand new brochure. As you can see, life is very, very busy!

'; news['article_117']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_117']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Team-at-End-of-Road.jpg'; news['article_117']['image11_text'] = 'The 2009 Trans Americas Expedition participants celebrate arriving at Tierra Del Fuego’s Parque Nationale'; news['article_117']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Team-at-End-of-Road.jpg'; news['article_117']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/IMG_1315.jpg'; news['article_117']['image12_text'] = 'Even group riding allows for moments of solitude; the view doesn’t get much better than when you’re riding on top of the world.'; news['article_117']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/IMG_1315.jpg'; news['article_117']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/IMG_0958.jpg'; news['article_117']['image13_text'] = 'Checking out the glaciers – while they are still there'; news['article_117']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/IMG_0958.jpg'; news['article_117']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_117']['content2'] = ''; news['article_117']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_117']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_117']['content3'] = ''; news['article_117']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[190] = 117; news['article_118'] = new Array(); news['article_118']['articleId'] = 191; news['article_118']['day'] = '15'; news['article_118']['month'] = '12'; news['article_118']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_118']['title'] = 'Let Chris ‘Teach’ you a lesson'; news['article_118']['link_text'] = 'Let Chris ‘Teach’ you a lesson'; news['article_118']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_118']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorrad is celebrating another victory after American stunt riding star Chris ‘Teach’ McNeil picked up the ‘Sickest Trick’ award at the final round of the XDL Sportbike Freestyle Championships in Indianapolis, USA. Aboard a BMW F 800 S, Teach wowed the crowds with a breathtaking manoeuvre that left the judges in no doubt that he deserved the accolade.

Held annually, the XDL Sportsbike Freestyle Championship is the premier stunt series in the USA and attracts some of the nation’s best freestyle riders. The rounds take place at different venues across the country, with the season beginning in April and culminating in the flagship event in Indianapolis. At each event, riders test their bikes – and nerve – to the limit in routines designed to impress a panel of judges. The more innovative, creative and heroic the tricks contained in the routine are, the more points contestants can expect to score. This means that riders are constantly pushing the boundaries and creating ever more impressive stunts to ensure they catch the judges’ eye. Forget wheelies and endos – the tricks on display are more likely to involve enforced high-sides, backward wheelies and gravity-defying bunny hops.

As the 2009 season drew to a close at the Indiana War Memorial, officials were inundated with bike fans keen to build stunt riding into their MotoGP weekends – a testament to the growing popularity of this incredible sport. The spectator areas were packed and, as the action got underway, jaws began to drop. The first day was dedicated to the Individual Freestyle. In this event riders have three minutes to put together a run that covers a list of required elements. The best 15 riders progress into the final where they are again given a chance to impress with their chosen routines. Aboard his BMW F 800 S, Teach put in a gallant performance, finishing in fifth place overall.

However, it was on the second day that Teach showed his true potential. The challenge was to perform the ‘sickest’ stunt over two runs and the BMW rider was in no doubt which trick to perform. “I decided to try a trick that eight or nine times out of ten ends with me crashing!” he says. “But when I get it right, there aren’t many tricks out there that can beat it. It’s basically a high-side into a bunny-hop, into a 180-degree endo. I approach the trick at about 45 mph then cut down to about 20 mph. The key to getting it right is carrying enough momentum and, thankfully, on the day of the competition I got it right twice.”

His ambitious manoeuvre was enough to convince the judges that he deserved the win and drew a rapturous reception from the crowd. “I was really happy to get the win and the crowds’ response was phenomenal. It’s great to get a reception like that as even though they might not understand what it takes to complete the trick, they can appreciate how good it looks!”

Even more remarkable than the trick itself was that Teach performs many of his stunts on a BMW F 800 GS, when sports bikes are usually preferred for freestyle riding. Nevertheless, the former school teacher regularly gets to grips with a bike which is more used to taking on global adventures and difficult terrain than it is travelling on one wheel or flipping through the air! “The F 800 GS is truly an awesome machine,” comments Teach. “I use an F 800 S for competitions like the sickest trick, but use the GS in displays because I love it so much. I just did a two-day adventure ride on it, and then on a bike which is about 95 per cent stock I can do pretty much my whole stunt routine. It’s so versatile, but I’m sure not many people use the bike for freestyle riding!”

So with the 2009 season complete, Teach’s attention now turns to the 2010 series. In a bid to win the championship, the stunt extraordinaire will be using BMW’s latest machine – the awesome S 1000 RR. Having honed his freestyle skills on sports bikes, Teach can’t wait to get his hands on BMW’s 1000cc beast. “There’s no doubt about it – next year I want to win the XDL,” adds Teach. “I’ve been close in the past and that’s just given me more motivation. I’m sure the S 1000 RR will be the perfect bike to try and the win the championship on and I’m really looking forward to putting a BMW on the top step of the podium once again.”
'; news['article_118']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_118']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/teach10.jpg'; news['article_118']['image11_text'] = 'Chris ‘Teach’ McNeil on his F 800 S at the XDL Sportbike Freestyle Championships in Indianapolis, USA'; news['article_118']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/teach10.jpg'; news['article_118']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/teach16.jpg'; news['article_118']['image12_text'] = 'Teach performs many of his stunts on a BMW F 800 GS'; news['article_118']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/teach16.jpg'; news['article_118']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/teach17.jpg'; news['article_118']['image13_text'] = 'on-road, off-road, one wheel or two, the F 800 GS is a true all-rounder.'; news['article_118']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/teach17.jpg'; news['article_118']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_118']['content2'] = ''; news['article_118']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_118']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_118']['content3'] = ''; news['article_118']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[191] = 118; news['article_119'] = new Array(); news['article_119']['articleId'] = 187; news['article_119']['day'] = '07'; news['article_119']['month'] = '12'; news['article_119']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_119']['title'] = 'BMW Motorrad on Roof of the world after podium glory'; news['article_119']['link_text'] = 'BMW Motorrad on Roof of the world after podium glory'; news['article_119']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_119']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorrad is celebrating a great result at the 2009 Roof of Africa. Riding a BMW G 450 X, South African Jade Gutzeit excelled in some of the toughest enduro conditions on the planet to finish the three-day encounter in third place. Elsewhere, the inimitable Andreas ‘Letti’ Lettenbichler was among the leading group of riders before an unlucky encounter with the challenging terrain ended his race – and hopes of a debut victory.


Held in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho in southern Africa, the ‘Roof’ is recognised as one of the most arduous enduro events in the world. The 42nd annual challenge took place between 26 and 28 November and once again attracted some of the world’s most talented off-road specialists. In the pre-event build up, the 2009 edition was hyped as being the toughest ever and, as the dust finally settled on the race, few could argue any against this belief!

The ‘Roof’ began with the traditional curtain-raiser – the Time Trial. Maseru was awoken by the thunderous roar of motorcycles speeding down one of its main dual carriageways as competitors began the three-lap stage. The Open class was an awesome spectacle – BMW Motorrad’s ‘Letti’ stamping his authority by taking advantage of the four-stroke power of his G 450 X. However, a navigation error meant that he finished the first day in 81st position. It was Jade, his BMW team-mate, who took first blood, being declared the top finisher of the day on corrected times, 30 seconds ahead of his closest challenger Chris Birch.

If day one belonged to the BMW G 450 X of Gutzeit, day two was Lettenbichler’s. Against a sea of lighter two-stroke machines, ‘Letti’ carved his way through the field – an impressive performance in his first ever appearance at the Roof. At the end of the stage, which included some treacherous mountain sections, ‘Letti’ had incredibly fought his way up to second place overall, just half a minute behind Chris Birch, who had taken the lead early on day two. Meanwhile, Jade remained in contention and ended the day in fourth place.

After ten hours of increasingly difficult riding, the field had been reduced dramatically and only a handful of the riders who took their place on the start line remained to complete day three. One of the riders forced to retire on day two was another BMW rider, Rudi Pöschl, who broke his toe following a collision with one of the course’s many rocky sections.

‘Letti’ continued his fine form into the third and final day. As soon as the action got underway, the German was on the prowl for his maiden victory. But with around 10km remaining and having just about mastered the toughest course in the event’s history, ‘Letti’s’ race was over. A stroke of bad luck resulted in a rock penetrating his bike’s engine casing and the subsequent oil leak forced his retirement.

This left Jade to fly the flag for BMW Motorrad. The South African had won the event in 2003 and finished as runner-up in 2008 so was all-too aware of what it takes to succeed in Lesotho. He used his vast experience to ride with distinction on the final day and finish in third place, just 12 seconds behind second-placed Rory Mead, who in turn was over two hours behind Birch, who won the event for the second successive year. A broken chain cost Jade valuable time and the second place his performance deserved, but competing at the Roof on a G 450 X for the first time, a podium finish is a fantastic return for Jade and the legendary German manufacturer.
“I’m really pleased with my performance this year,” comments Jade. “I knew that I’d be strong in the time trial as the G 450 X is really well suited to the fast, flowing nature of the course. I also knew that I had to take advantage of this because when the event became more technical on the second and third days, the guys on the lighter two-strokes would come into play.

“I’m a bit disappointed that I didn’t manage to finish second as I was chasing Rory really hard and had managed to pull about seven minutes back on him,” he adds. “But I lost that time with the broken chain and spent the closing stages trying to chase him down again. The margin was very close in the end, but I’m happy to be the highest-placed South African and to have ridden the G 450 X to the best ever finish for a four-stroke at the Roof.”

‘Letti’ adds: “It was a hard race, that’s for sure! I had a GPS issue on the first day and the one-hour penalty set me back, but the second day was perfect. I passed everybody except Chris Birch and felt really strong.”
Having been in such a strong position at the midway point, ‘Letti’ is understandably disappointed not to have finished the race. “On the last day I was pushing really hard and knew I could have a strong finish, but a stroke of bad luck meant that my race was over,” he continues. “It’s disappointing as I wanted to do well in my first time at the Roof, but now I’ve shown that I am able to ride at the front so I’ll definitely be coming back next year.”

Roof of Africa 2009 results

1. Chris Birch (NZ), KTM, 19:07:07.911

2. Rory Mead (NZ), Yamaha, 21:20:53.058

3. Jade Gutzeit (RSA), BMW, 21:21:05.087

4. Darryl Curtis (RSA), KTM, 21:40:52.992

5. Calvin Wright (RSA), KTM, 23:17:53.906

For further information on the Roof of Africa 2009, visit www.roof-of-africa.com'; news['article_119']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_119']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120709_1_1.jpg'; news['article_119']['image11_text'] = 'South African Jade Gutzeit on his way to a podium finish on the BMW G 450 X at the Roof of Africa'; news['article_119']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120709_1_1.jpg'; news['article_119']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120709_1_2.jpg'; news['article_119']['image12_text'] = 'Andreas Lettenbichler’s dream of a maiden victory was dashed by an encounter with a rock'; news['article_119']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120709_1_2.jpg'; news['article_119']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_119']['content2'] = ''; news['article_119']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_119']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_119']['content3'] = ''; news['article_119']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[187] = 119; news['article_120'] = new Array(); news['article_120']['articleId'] = 188; news['article_120']['day'] = '07'; news['article_120']['month'] = '12'; news['article_120']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_120']['title'] = 'Willy Neutkens BMW collection all sold'; news['article_120']['link_text'] = 'Willy Neutkens BMW collection all sold'; news['article_120']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_120']['content1'] = 'A packed audience of over 1,000 people gathered in the fabulous surroundings of the BMW Museum in Munich on Saturday 28 November to witness a total sell-out auction of the Willy Neutkens Collection of BMW Motorcycles.

The Collection comprised 94 Lots (91 motorcycles, a Ural side-car, a BMW stationary engine and a wooden model) and carried a pre-sale estimate of between €590,000 and €780,000. However, by the time the last lot was sold, the auction total was a massive €1,038,400, with 100 per cent of items sold.
Customers from across the world participated in the sale, with many making the pilgrimage to the home of BMW to attend in person. Bidders came from as far as Australia, New Zealand, USA and Hong Kong, with many going on to buy some of the exceptional motorcycles on offer.

A clear highlight of the sale was the 493cc BMW R 32 from 1924 (Lot 40) which was at the heart of a five-way bidding battle between three continents, eventually realising €109,250 against a pre-sale estimate of between €33,000 and €45,000.
Bids also came from the BMW Museum itself – the host of the sale – which secured the 1953 Ex-Works ISDT BMW 594cc R 67/2 for €26,450 (estimate €19,000 - 22,000). This historic competition machine beautifully complements the other motorcycles in its own impressive collection.

One of the sale’s most emotional and charming purchases involved a lady bidder who secured the 1982 BMW R 65LS for €2,530. Having bought the motorcycle when it was new – and proceeding to cover an incredible 170,000 kilometres on it over 14 years on Continental tours – she was delighted to be reunited with ‘her’ machine so many years later.

In all, over 320 customers had registered to bid, making this one of the most successful sales for the Bonhams motorcycle department, which conducted the sale. Malcolm Barber, the auctioneer on the day commented: “The BMW archivists, directors and management team at the Museum worked closely with our company following instructions from the Neutkens family to market and offer their collection for sale. The combined strengths of our respective companies ensured full marketing, an informative catalogue and a perfect setting to obtain this fabulous result.”

This was a view shared by Fred Jakobs, BMW’s Archivist for motorcycles at the museum, who said: “I was delighted with the outcome of today\'s sale, it was a pleasure for my company to work closely with Bonhams, as they presented a first-class auction. We too were delighted to have acquired the 1953 Ex-Works, ISDT BMW R 67/2 for our collection. It has come home and will be on display here at the museum next year as it is the ‘grandfather’ of our Enduro bikes.”'; news['article_120']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_120']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120709_2_1.jpg'; news['article_120']['image11_text'] = 'Just a few of the many machines in the Willy Neutkens collection of BMW motorcycles'; news['article_120']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120709_2_1.jpg'; news['article_120']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120709_2_2.jpg'; news['article_120']['image12_text'] = 'A clear highlight of the sale was the 493cc BMW R 32 from 1924 which eventually realised €109,250 against a pre-sale estimate of between €33,000 and €45,000'; news['article_120']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120709_2_2.jpg'; news['article_120']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120709_2_3.jpg'; news['article_120']['image13_text'] = 'Bids also came from the BMW Museum itself – the host of the sale – which secured the 1953 Ex-Works ISDT BMW 594cc R 67/2'; news['article_120']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120709_2_3.jpg'; news['article_120']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_120']['content2'] = ''; news['article_120']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_120']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_120']['content3'] = ''; news['article_120']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[188] = 120; news['article_121'] = new Array(); news['article_121']['articleId'] = 189; news['article_121']['day'] = '07'; news['article_121']['month'] = '12'; news['article_121']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_121']['title'] = 'BMW Motorcycle Magazine – an enthusiast’s dream'; news['article_121']['link_text'] = 'BMW Motorcycle Magazine – an enthusiast’s dream'; news['article_121']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_121']['content1'] = 'Hot off the press is the fifth edition of the BMW Motorcycle Magazine – the English language version of the BMW Motorräder publication that has been produced since 1999 by MO Medien Verlag GmbH, an independent publishing company based in Stuttgart that is one of the leading publishers for motorcycle magazines in Germany.

This is the fifth English-language version to be produced that focuses entirely on the Bavarian manufacturer and the wonderful world of BMW motorcycles. Containing tests of the latest models, background stories and features on some of the talented, adventurous and exciting people that make the brand what it is, BMW Motorcycle Magazine is published twice a year in an English edition and is not available at newsstands, but only to subscribers.

With more than 350,000 BMW bikes on the road in Germany alone, and so many more around the world, a dedicated magazine for fans of the German motorcycle manufacturer has already become a great success and distribution partnerships for the English language version have been formed in Great Britain, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia and elsewhere in Europe.

This latest 100-page perfect-bound issue is printed on high-quality gloss paper and packed full of a wide variety of news, views and reviews on BMW bikes and BMW bikers. Included in the contents of the latest issue are the following:

* Tests of the F 800 R, Chris Pfeiffer’s new bike and the latest BMW off-road riding kit

* News of the latest BMW DOHC Boxer engine; Joseph Fiennes, the anniversary of the /5 series; the BMW System 6 helmet, and various sporting successes

* Engineering articles on a Touratech BMW F 800 ‘Scrambler’; a special Edelweiss Racing two-valve Boxer; and a ‘stretch-limo’ three-seater BMW K 1300 R

* Features on historical BMW advertising campaigns dating back to 1923; Peter Nettesheim, also known as the ‘king of collectors’; the 37th Motorcycle Owners of America Rally in Tennessee; explorer and geographer Michael Martin’s latest Planet Desert project; and a ‘crash course’ on Adventure Maintenance

* Classic bikes featured include a fully restored, supercharged BMW WR 750 Kompressor

* Touring articles include a visit to the most northern state of Germany (Schleswig-Holstein) on a classic K1

And much more...

The latest issue of BMW Motorcycle Magazine offers all of the above content directly to subscribers, who can have the magazine delivered to their doors twice a year. Those in Great Britain should visit www.themagazineman.co.uk for details; the South African distributor is www.bmwbikemag.co.za and the Australian distributor is www.munichmotorcycles.com.au. Those in the USA and Canada should email bmwmagazine@epmperf.com and enquiries from Europe and the rest of the world should be directed to a.illg@mo-web.de or alternatively, please see the magazine’s dedicated website at www.bmw-motorcycle-magazine.com.'; news['article_121']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_121']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120709_3_1.jpg'; news['article_121']['image11_text'] = 'The cover of the fifth edition of the BMW Motorcycle Magazine'; news['article_121']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120709_3_1.jpg'; news['article_121']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120709_3_2.jpg'; news['article_121']['image12_text'] = 'Three-seater K 1300 R special'; news['article_121']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120709_3_2.jpg'; news['article_121']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_121']['content2'] = ''; news['article_121']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_121']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_121']['content3'] = ''; news['article_121']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[189] = 121; news['article_122'] = new Array(); news['article_122']['articleId'] = 183; news['article_122']['day'] = '01'; news['article_122']['month'] = '12'; news['article_122']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_122']['title'] = 'Franco Caimi and BMW G 450 X win Argentinean Enduro Championship '; news['article_122']['link_text'] = 'Franco Caimi and BMW G 450 X win Argentinean Enduro Championship'; news['article_122']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_122']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorrad colleagues and fans in South America are currently celebrating as BMW G 450 X rider Franco Caimi has won the prestigious 2009 Argentinean Enduro Championship.

Twenty-one-year-old Caimi has been a fantastic ambassador for the brand throughout 2009, having begun the year racing the G 450 X alongside Joel Smets and Dakar rider Andrés Memi in front of more than 70,000 fans at the Summer Enduro Gesell Le Touquet in Argentina. This demanding and exhausting race – which saw about 1,000 riders compete – saw Franco put in a great performance to fight from near the back of the field up to 11th place after falling during the first lap when another participant knocked him off his motorcycle.

The young rider from Mendoza followed this up several weeks later with victory in the first round of the first round of the Argentine Enduro Championship, where Franco left his competitors in no doubt of his ‘unstoppable’ ability on the G 450 X. He finished one minute and ten seconds ahead of his team mate Marcos Polo and over four minutes ahead of the third-placed rider Marcos Giustozzi, and the 2008 Argentine Enduro Champion Kevin Benavides.

Since then it has been a rollercoaster ride for Franco, who has dominated the ten-round 2009 Argentinean Enduro Championship, making it onto the podium no less than nine times, including four wins, two second places and three third places. In addition to this, Franco also found the time to travel to the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) in Portugal in October, where he was a Gold Medal finisher and the best Latin American rider out of 70 who made the long trip across the Atlantic Ocean to compete.

His 25th place in the E2 Class and 67th place in the overall results out of a total of 580 top riders show that he is a force to be reckoned with on the G 450 X. However, bringing BMW Motorrad Argentina its first enduro championship has been the ‘icing on the cake’ for the young rider, who says that he couldn’t have done it without the support of his BMW colleagues.

“The guys at BMW Argentina really helped me a lot throughout this year, and this really made a difference,” said Franco. “They were very involved with this project right from the beginning and they always tried their hardest to help me prepare so that I was in the best condition to race, as well as always being quick to help us with our many requests. The fact that I’ve won this championship is largely as a result of all their efforts, and it’s great that we’ve all worked together as one big team.”

Another thing Franco has been quick to credit is the performance of his BMW G 450 X, which he believes is a great package that aspiring enduro riders and racers should seriously consider, straight out of the crate.

“I’ve spent all this year training and racing on the BMW G 450 X and have found it a very user-friendly bike. Right from the beginning it was easy to ride and handle, and I soon felt completely at home on it. This has been the case throughout the world of course – not just only at amateur level, but also in top competitions, racing against Japanese and other European brands, and achieving very good results. Furthermore, apart from the standard modifications allowed, the G 450 X that I raced all through the year was very close to the standard version – I just had an Akrapovic exhaust and WP suspension. As for the engine, we didn’t touch it at all, as it has enough power – the key is learning how to make best advantage of it!

With this national championship series victory, and notable performance at the ISDE, Franco Caimi’s name will no doubt become more widely recognized among the international enduro community, which is something he has been working towards for many years. Although he’s still very young, Franco’s is no stranger to success. He’s been riding motorcycles ever since the age of four, when his father Mauricio – a rugby player – bought him his first motorcycle.

At the age of 12 he asked his father if he could prove his skills in a race and has never looked back. By the age of 17 Franco had won his local championship five times and was a twice ‘class’ winner of the Argentinean Championship. With the support of his family, he then started to race in Chile and participating in the Latin American Championship, winning it in 2006 and being selected as the most promising Latin American rider by journalists from 32 countries. By that time Franco already had raced at four ISDE events, achieving two Gold Medals, as well as being (at 16-years-old)) the youngest rider ever to win a gold medal in the history of the ISDE.

Now, having raced in six ISDE events and collected four gold medals, as well as winning the 2009 Argentinean Enduro Championship, the international stage surely beckons for Franco, whose ambitious spirit, professionalism and outstanding performances have made him a perfect ambassador for BMW Motorrad and the G 450 X. It’s worth remembering his name, because you’ll be seeing a lot of him in the future.
'; news['article_122']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_122']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120109_2_1.jpg'; news['article_122']['image11_text'] = 'BMW G 450 X rider Franco Caimi'; news['article_122']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120109_2_1.jpg'; news['article_122']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120109_2_2.jpg'; news['article_122']['image12_text'] = 'The new Argentinean Enduro Champion in action'; news['article_122']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120109_2_2.jpg'; news['article_122']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120109_2_3.jpg'; news['article_122']['image13_text'] = 'Flying high on the BMW G 450 X'; news['article_122']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120109_2_3.jpg'; news['article_122']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_122']['content2'] = ''; news['article_122']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_122']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_122']['content3'] = ''; news['article_122']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[183] = 122; news['article_123'] = new Array(); news['article_123']['articleId'] = 184; news['article_123']['day'] = '01'; news['article_123']['month'] = '12'; news['article_123']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_123']['title'] = 'Scotland by R 1200 RT '; news['article_123']['link_text'] = 'Scotland by R 1200 RT '; news['article_123']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_123']['content1'] = 'Several months before BMW Motorrad’s new R 1200 RT was unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show in Italy, Touratech Executive Director Herbert Schwarz travelled to one of his favourite destinations in order to take pictures for a travel story for the new Touratech Streetline brochure, as well as test some products especially developed for this flagship touring boxer.

Accompanied by his wife Ramona, photographer Violetta Bismor and camera-man Jean-Baptiste Heppner, the four travellers journeyed across northern Europe on an 8,000 kilometre road trip, crossing the English Channel and then heading towards Scotland, one of motorcycling’s best-kept secrets – as long as you get the good weather...

This trip was a far cry from Herbert’s first ever motorcycle tour, which took place exactly 30 years ago and also involved a journey to Scotland, albeit on a Suzuki GT 550 with his sister. Without the warm, comfortable, weatherproof clothing motorcyclists are used to today and experiencing a distinct lack of suitable equipment and accessories on the old Suzuki got Herbert thinking about ways to improve the possibilities for motorcycle travel – and sowed the seeds for the beginning of the Touratech company...

Fast forward almost three decades and this time the journey would take place aboard the luxurious surroundings of BMW Motorrad’s latest touring boxer. Although most people associate Touratech with the world of Enduro, the company also makes special parts for high-performance touring machines such the R 1200 RT, as well as recently developing an entire ‘streetline’ range for road bikes. And what better way to test the credentials of the new BMW R 1200 RT than 31 days on the road, two-up with full luggage and the challenge of varying temperatures, unpredictable weather and a variety of road conditions?

Having found his old map of Scotland, with routes highlighted that he had travelled 30 years ago, Herbert’s mind was made up and after a quick discussion with Ramona over the campfire, the journey was soon organised for an August departure. After a scenic detour to the cliffs and beaches on the French side of the Channel in Normandy, the two couples found themselves leaving the Continent behind and heading up through England, passing through the picturesque Lake District with the RTs snaking their way through dense oak forests, mysterious moors, and misty mountains towards the Scottish border.

Riding pillion, Ramona Schwarz soon settled into the trip and explains the reasoning behind their latest 8,000 kilometre challenge: “Because the RT is the perfect road tourer for couples, we wanted to put it in its ideal environment and in our case this meant riding enjoyment for two – on one machine. As a biker myself who loves riding on gravel roads, I had to get used to this changing of roles, but as a pillion passenger I could snuggle up to Herbert while he enjoyed exploring the RT’s power and good torque. I also knew that during long rides on this trip I wouldn’t be sore from a hard Enduro seat, and if it got cold, I could switch on the seat heating! The first few miles of driving on the left in England took a bit of getting used to for us Europeans, but now we don\'t mind riding on the ‘wrong’ side of the road. It\'s only when something came the other way on the narrow, single-track roads that we had to be careful not to instinctively move over to the right!”

For Herbert, the trip brought back many memories, as they journeyed up through the Southern Uplands, across to the peaceful Isle of Arran, also referred to as ‘Scotland in miniature’. Thirty years ago he rode to the neighbouring Mull of Kintyre because of the famous Paul McCartney song (a fact he’s rather embarrassed about now) but this time they were on a tight schedule because the Scottish sporting event of the year – the Highland Games – was taking place on the shore of picturesque Loch Shiel.

After experiencing the locals (wearing traditional kilts, feather hats, daggers and knee-length woollen socks) gathering to watch the professional strongmen participate in these trials of strength such as ‘tossing the caber’ and ‘throwing the hammer’, the next stop on the Scottish tour was the historic Eilean Donan Castle, surely one of the most beautiful in Scotland and seen in movies such as Highlander, Braveheart and James Bond’s The World Is Not Enough.

After this, the bikers travelled across the wildest parts of the Scottish Highlands, including the rugged west coast and the Applecross peninsula – reputed to have the most spectacular bends and the best single-track roads in the whole of Scotland. Then it was across to the east coast of the Northern Highlands, where Herbert was determined to go to John O\'Groats, since his friends Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman set off from there on their Long Way Down journey. However, it is a common myth that John O\'Groats is the northernmost point on the British mainland, because in fact Dunnet Head – 18 kilometres further west – holds this accolade.

From a cliff ledge, Herbert, Ramona, Violeta and Jean-Baptiste looked down into the raging Pentland Firth – a dangerous stretch of sea that separates the 77 Orkney Islands from the mainland and where extreme currents and strong winds make navigation difficult. This was the point that their long trip south back towards Germany would begin, with its obligatory stop-offs at a whisky distillery and the capital city of Edinburgh.

Reflecting on the new R 1200 RT on which he made this trip, Herbert believes that BMW Motorrad has made an already great bike even better, and in doing so has yet again raised the benchmark in the premium touring segment.

“I am a big fan of the RT touring BMWs, but this new generation model is a big leap forward, compared to its predecessors. After having travelled around 8,000 kilometres, two-up on the latest version – 4,900 kilometres of which were in Scotland – I can say with some conviction that the engine is fantastic. It’s the best boxer I’ve ever come across. Furthermore, the new screen offers better weather protection and it is perfectly comfortable for two people to travel very long distances on it.”

Now that the new R 1200 RT has been unveiled to the world’s motorcycle press at the Italian EICMA exhibition and the new Touratech 2010 brochure has been printed, Herbert’s next adventure has already begun. The spectacular landscapes of Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia await and Herbert and Ramona will be riding through these amazing countries on a new R 1200 GS Adventure and an F 800 GS. Their mission: to gather photographic and film material for a Touratech Adventure Catalogue and DVD due out in 2010. Some would call it a ‘working holiday’ or even an Asian adventure, but Herbert is just focussing on living his dreams.

For more information on the new R 1200 RT, please see international BMW website at www.bmw-motorrad.com where images from the Scottish trip can be viewed. The 2010 Touratech Catalogues have now been printed (in German, English, Spanish, French and Italian) and will soon be available for ordering via the www.touratech.de website.
'; news['article_123']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_123']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120109_3_1.jpg'; news['article_123']['image11_text'] = 'Touratech Executive Director Herbert Schwarz on the new BMW R 1200 RT'; news['article_123']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120109_3_1.jpg'; news['article_123']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120109_3_4.jpg'; news['article_123']['image12_text'] = 'Some bikes look great from every angle – the new RT is one of them'; news['article_123']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120109_3_4.jpg'; news['article_123']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120109_3_3.jpg'; news['article_123']['image13_text'] = 'Historic Eilean Donan Castle'; news['article_123']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120109_3_3.jpg'; news['article_123']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_123']['content2'] = ''; news['article_123']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_123']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_123']['content3'] = ''; news['article_123']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[184] = 123; news['article_124'] = new Array(); news['article_124']['articleId'] = 185; news['article_124']['day'] = '01'; news['article_124']['month'] = '12'; news['article_124']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_124']['title'] = 'Keeping a piece of the S 1000 R close to your heart
'; news['article_124']['link_text'] = 'Keeping a piece of the S 1000 R close to your heart
'; news['article_124']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_124']['content1'] = 'Motorcyclists are a dedicated, passionate bunch, often preferring to spend more time with their beloved machines than with their own children or in some cases, their partners! It’s not just the riding experience of course, as many spend endless hours in the garage or workshop, just cleaning, polishing and tinkering with their machines in a way that car owners would never understand.

It’s a shame then, that some of the best looking motorcycling engines are kept either completely or partially hidden behind plastic fairing panels, hiding the technological masterpiece of engineering from the world. With thousands of hours being spent on developing the best combination of outright power, torque, fuel-efficiency, reliability and light weight, these technological masterpieces are then encased in aerodynamically proven fairings and only seen by the privileged few who have the skill, knowledge and tools to work on them – namely the trained BMW workshop mechanic or factory race technician.

Owners of the series production BMW S 1000 RR will soon be able to keep a little piece of the 193 hp superbike close to their hearts at all times, as they will be presented with a special limited-edition rocker arm just like the ones used in their own engines to transfer radial movement from the cam shaft into linear movement at the valves to open and shut them.

This high-quality rocker arm is not your typical ‘run of the mill’ component, as it exudes BMW quality and innovation. It is approximately half the size of a ‘normal’ motorcycle rocker arm and in fact, is even smaller than a rocker arm found in a Formula 1 car. As a result, it helps the S 1000 RR engine achieve shorter and more accurate valve timing, because of its light weight. Furthermore, it helps the engine to reach breathtakingly high revolutions per minute (RPM), allowing riders to experience seemingly unstoppable amounts of power.

These quality-engineered and important parts of the S 1000 RR engine have been given a special coated finish and come inscribed with the BMW roundel and the S 1000 RR motive. Secured by a 4 mm thick band made of leather and designed to be worn around the neck, the rocker arm also comes in a special ‘welcome to Planet Power’ branded velvet cover.

For more information about this special BMW Motorrad giveaway, please visit your nearest participating BMW Motorrad dealership.
'; news['article_124']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_124']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120109_4_1.jpg'; news['article_124']['image11_text'] = 'The series production BMW S 1000 RR in motorsport livery'; news['article_124']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120109_4_1.jpg'; news['article_124']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120109_4_2.jpg'; news['article_124']['image12_text'] = 'The rocker arm giveaway'; news['article_124']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120109_4_2.jpg'; news['article_124']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120109_4_3.jpg'; news['article_124']['image13_text'] = 'A rare view of the 193 hp S 1000 RR engine'; news['article_124']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120109_4_3.jpg'; news['article_124']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_124']['content2'] = ''; news['article_124']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_124']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_124']['content3'] = ''; news['article_124']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[185] = 124; news['article_125'] = new Array(); news['article_125']['articleId'] = 186; news['article_125']['day'] = '01'; news['article_125']['month'] = '12'; news['article_125']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_125']['title'] = 'Setting the sights on sustainability in South America
'; news['article_125']['link_text'] = 'Setting the sights on sustainability in South America '; news['article_125']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_125']['content1'] = 'After a successful first experience in South America, the organisers of the 32nd edition of the Dakar Rally are looking forward to renewing the adventure on 2 January in Buenos Aires. In 2010, Argentina and Chile will jointly celebrate the bicentenary of their independence, and the Dakar will have the honour of starting these celebrations.

Among the many two-wheeled competitors who will be heading across to Argentina and Chile to experience this intense challenge of navigation, riding skill, machine reliability and endurance, are two BMW G 450 X riding Frenchmen that are being supported by the Pays de Loire Moto dealership in Nantes.

Both riders are looking forward to the challenges of 9,000 kilometres of dune crossings, off-piste navigation and the chance to take on the Atacama Desert, but each has an entirely different reason for being there. Hugo Payen’s objective on a rally-prepared G 450 X is to finish inside the top 20, while André Lenoble’s goal is to finish this Dakar with a bio-fuel-powered BMW G 450 X – and show that it is possible to have power and performance delivered in a sustainable way.

This is the second Dakar for André, whose BMW has been equipped with Flex Fuel technology, which means that the engine is compatible with normal fuel as well as bio-fuels like ethanol. When running with ethanol, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by around 60 per cent, so André’s eco-crusade will be fast-moving environmental message and a clear advertisement for alternative technology.

“I chose to take part in the Dakar on a BMW G 450 X that allows me to ride using ethanol because it is equipped with an electronic injection so I can therefore ride on E85 ethanol,” said the biker from the Mayenne area of France. “But I can also use normal unleaded fuel, thanks to an electronic box that regulates the injection based on the fuel. I can therefore prepare for the occasions that I can’t get ethanol all the time.”

If André Lenoble reaches Buenos Aires on 17 January, he will have recorded a major achievement for sustainability, as well as being the first rider to compete in the Dakar Rally on a dual-fuel motorcycle. The main testing of the bike has now been completed and everything seems to be ready for him to tackle around 9,000 kilometres of the toughest conditions imaginable. With its Rallye kit with additional fuel tanks, Andre should be capable of riding up to 300 kilometres between refills.

With the ‘normal’ BMW G 450 X, former French Enduro Champion Hugo Payen is determined to finish in the top 20 in January, after being forced to retire from the 2009 Dakar with a technical problem. Although he was upset – as he felt in good shape and was managing well in conditions that many riders were finding extremely testing – the 38-year-old from Nantes stayed in South America and followed the remainder of the rally in a car, providing assistance when necessary to the other BMW riders – a true sign of BMW Motorrad solidarity.

Hugo has been training all year with Team Performance Enduro and will be in great shape for December. His G 450 X bike is equipped with a big aluminium fuel tank in the front, two tanks at the rear and the stock tank under the seat, giving him 30 litres of capacity. With suspension work by Shaft Racing, an Akrapovic exhaust and a special navigation system, Hugo is prepared for everything that the 14-stage, 9,000-kilometre loop through Argentina and Chile can throw at him.

All the European competitors’ machines left the port of Le Havre on 25 November for the voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to Buenos Aires. For more information on the 2010 Dakar Rally, please visit the www.dakar.com website.

'; news['article_125']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_125']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120109_5_1.jpg'; news['article_125']['image11_text'] = 'The specially modified G 450 X of André Lenoble, whose goal is to finish the 2010 Dakar with a bio-fuel-powered BMW'; news['article_125']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120109_5_1.jpg'; news['article_125']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120109_5_2.jpg'; news['article_125']['image12_text'] = 'The ‘normal’ BMW G 450 X of former French Enduro Champion Hugo Payen'; news['article_125']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120109_5_2.jpg'; news['article_125']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120109_5_3.jpg'; news['article_125']['image13_text'] = 'Hugo in action during the 2009 Dakar.'; news['article_125']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120109_5_3.jpg'; news['article_125']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_125']['content2'] = ''; news['article_125']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_125']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_125']['content3'] = ''; news['article_125']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[186] = 125; news['article_126'] = new Array(); news['article_126']['articleId'] = 179; news['article_126']['day'] = '31'; news['article_126']['month'] = '10'; news['article_126']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_126']['title'] = 'Picturing the Pit Stop '; news['article_126']['link_text'] = 'Picturing the Pit Stop '; news['article_126']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_126']['content1'] = 'When one of Germany’s top photographers collaborated with Munich’s most reputable artist agency for a special shoot to present Haute Couture, the results were spectacular, and typically unpredictable.

Having made a name for himself with his unique style of staging photo stories that frequently involve wild animals pictured in human environments and situations, Markus Hofmann this time opted for a wild motorcycle – the S 1000 RR World Superbike factory race bike – and a huge aircraft hangar at Munich airport in which to create the best possible setting for the stylists of the famous artist agency ArtistGroupMierau and the top models from the model agency TUNE.

Taking his idea of a ‘pit stop’ theme into the pages of fashion and lifestyle magazines required a set that would depict the stylists and models in an exciting sporting arena, and what better ‘prop’ to use for the forthcoming designer range, than the soon-to-be available and much sought after BMW S 1000 RR.

Staying far away from the usual, but often degrading images of models draped over a motorcycle, Hofmann wanted to create a look that showed beautiful women in control of their own destinies, wearing clothes that are incredibly desirable, yet still obtainable and entirely relevant for today’s girl about town. According to Markus, the motorsport theme of the shoot was the perfect way in which to demonstrate the strength and confidence of the fashion.

“There are so many motorcycle manufacturers that combine motorcycles and women in an artless and sleazy way, that I thought there just had to be a better way of doing it,” he said. “I had no intention of putting a naked woman on a bike, and it was very clear to me that the bike had to be the S 1000 RR Superbike in the same colour that people have seen on the racetrack in 2009. I didn’t want the bike to fade into the background either; showing the name of the manufacturer was also very important for me, because it made the feeling of a pit stop and racetrack environment much more authentic”

Clearly a BMW fan, Hofmann still had to find the right balance between the models from the exclusive model agency TUNE and the motorcycle, but sharing a Bavarian heritage, and having worked with the ArtistGroupMierau before, he knew that the stylists would be in charge of styling the models to show the fashion in the best light.

However, ask any photographer which is the most difficult colour to work with and nine times out of ten they will tell you that it is black. Fortunately the new S 1000 RR isn’t offered in this colour, so its vibrant motorsport livery helped create the perfect staging for the photoshoot, and brought added focus to the models, all of who were very experienced in front of the camera. As for lighting a range of black clothing in this enormous aircraft hangar, Hofmann relied on the brightest and most natural form of illumination out there – the sun!
'; news['article_126']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_126']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/picpit1.jpg'; news['article_126']['image11_text'] = 'A huge aircraft hanger at Munich airport was the chosen location'; news['article_126']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/picpit1.jpg'; news['article_126']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/picpit2.jpg'; news['article_126']['image12_text'] = 'Hoffmann stayed away from the usual, but often degrading images of models draped over a motorcycle'; news['article_126']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/picpit2.jpg'; news['article_126']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/picpit3.jpg'; news['article_126']['image13_text'] = 'Hofmann had to find the right balance between the models from the exclusive model agency TUNE and the motorcycle; natural light was used to give the shoot its unique look'; news['article_126']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/picpit3.jpg'; news['article_126']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_126']['content2'] = '“In truth, it wasn’t that hard to light the set because the hangar has so many huge windows, so we had a lot of help from the sun,” he said. “However, it was quite a distracting day for the aeroplane mechanics in the hangar, who had to keep stopping their work so that we could continue the shoot. Not that they minded of course, with a room full of beautiful models to look at – although being engineers, they were just as interested in the BMW S 1000 RR!”

The final words went to TUNE MODELS agency owner Florian Betzl, who was delighted with the results achieved by Markus Hoffman, four of his top models and, of course, the BMW S 1000 RR.

“This photo-shooting proves that four different strong character model types can harmoniously embody a picture’s message. It requires courage, creativity and international thinking to carry this off successfully, and that’s why I am all the more pleased about this great result and the productive cooperation”.


Credits:

Photographer: Markus Hofmann (www.white-photo.com)
Models: Jessy Hoechbauer, Susanne Hertle, Nina Hoelzl, Isabella Vinet
Model Agency: Tune MGMT (www.tune-management.com)
Styling: Tanja Stadler (www.artistgroupmierau.com)
Fashion: Staji Contemporary Fashion; (Tanja Stadler, www.staji.de)
Hair & Make Up: Alexander Hofmann (www.artistgroupmierau.com)
Hair & Make Up: John Elliott (www.artistgroupmierau.com)
Photo Assistent: Verena Gremmer (www.verenagremmer.com )
Retouching & Composing: PX5 at Medien GmbH (www.px-group.de)

To go behind the scenes and find out more about what happened during the making of the Pit Stop collaboration, visit www.white-photo.com to see a special trailer.

To receive more information about the TUNE agency, where the top models came from, visit www.tune-management.com'; news['article_126']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_126']['image21'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/picpit4.jpg'; news['article_126']['image21_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/picpit4.jpg'; news['article_126']['image22'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/picpit5.jpg'; news['article_126']['image22_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/picpit5.jpg'; news['article_126']['image23'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/picpit6.jpg'; news['article_126']['image23_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/picpit6.jpg'; news['article_126']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_126']['content3'] = ''; news['article_126']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[179] = 126; news['article_127'] = new Array(); news['article_127']['articleId'] = 180; news['article_127']['day'] = '31'; news['article_127']['month'] = '10'; news['article_127']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_127']['title'] = 'Top ISDE Performance from Hechlingen Instructors'; news['article_127']['link_text'] = 'Top ISDE Performance from Hechlingen Instructors'; news['article_127']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_127']['content1'] = 'Now that the dust has settled on the 84th International Six Days Enduro (ISDE), Hechlingen instructors Michael Eberwein and Robert Schweiger have had time to reflect on their brave performances in Figueira Da Foz, Portugal, where they finished in a respectable 87th and 104th position overall out of around 500 starters, and – along with third team member Sven Marker – finished 52nd in the ‘World Cup’ for club teams.

With a dream of taking part in one of the best-known off-road motorcycle events in the world, and a goal of just finishing all six racing days within the given time limits and gathering ISDE experience on the BMW G 450 X, the two riders made it through the six days of tough competition without any major problems at all, apart from sheer exhaustion due to the variety of terrain and intense heat.

“It was a great experience to participate in the ISDE,” said Michael, who along with Robert, competed on two G 450 X machines from the Enduropark Hechlingen’s fleet of off-road bikes. “The set-up of the event was really professional and the paddock was very impressive too – much like the AMA Supercross paddocks in the United States. We weren’t really sure what to expect as first-timers but the BMW G 450 X bikes did us proud. I wouldn’t have wanted to be competing on a 125 or 250cc two-stroke bike because we really relied on the power, torque and excellent traction of the 450cc four-stroke engine – especially in deep sand. Furthermore, there was a lot of interest in the BMW sport enduro from other riders and teams in the paddock, especially as we seemed to be doing a lot less maintenance than most when it came to things like changing air filters due to the dusty conditions!”

In fact, during the six days and around 1,200 kilometres of competition being held in the Figueria da Foz region, Michael didn’t have any technical issues until right at the beginning of the fifth day. Fortunately, he had only just gone through the starting gate, so was able to return to the paddock and replace the part. As soon as possible, he managed to get going again and was able to complete the day’s stage in the allocated time – and stay in the ISDE – even after incurring the automatic time penalty. Apart from that, the only other things the two riders had to worry about were the tough, sandy conditions and the intense heat.

“The first day was very tiring – both physically and mentally – because you just didn’t know what to expect and your nervous energy was taking as much out of you as the physical effort needed just to stay in contention,” said Michael, who has been riding off-road for more than 25 years. “The second day was easier because it was the same loop, so because you knew what was ahead, you could pace yourself accordingly and speed up in the safer sections. As for the third and fourth days, well they just destroyed us! They consisted of straight, fast sandy tracks through forests with plenty of ‘whoops’ which became physically exhausting after a while, even though we had both trained for this event for a long time. The heat was hard to take also; usually at this time of the year it’s around 20 degrees Celsius in Portugal, but for some reason we were faced with temperatures of between 27 and 29 degrees, with around 500 riders all fighting the sandy conditions – I guess you could call it off-road racing at its best!”

Reflecting on the event in general, Michael believes that an average clubman rider would enjoy competing in this event, providing that he or she has the time to prepare physically and has the right mental attitude.

“For sure the ISDE is a tough event, but if you have good machine control skills and a high level of physical fitness then you have a chance to finish the six days of competition. Every day you are allowed one hour over the allocated time and as long as you’re back before the extra hour is up, then you can progress on to the next day. We were lucky to have Matthias Winter to help with preparing spare parts for us and riding to various parts of the big circuit loop to hand us the tools we needed, as well as provide much-needed refreshments. We couldn’t have done it without him, so we’re glad to have made it through to the finish. And now that we’ve had a chance to reflect on the competition, we’ve already begun to think and talk about the 2010 event in Mexico. Overall, ISDE 2009 in Portugal was a great experience and such a fantastic event to have been part of, that it’s left us hungry for more.”

For more information on the 2009 ISDE, please visit www.fmportugal.pt/ '; news['article_127']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_127']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/isdehech.jpg'; news['article_127']['image11_text'] = 'Hechelingen instructors Michael Eberwein and Robert Schweiger delighted with their performance'; news['article_127']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/isdehech.jpg'; news['article_127']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_127']['content2'] = ''; news['article_127']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_127']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_127']['content3'] = ''; news['article_127']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[180] = 127; news['article_128'] = new Array(); news['article_128']['articleId'] = 181; news['article_128']['day'] = '31'; news['article_128']['month'] = '10'; news['article_128']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_128']['title'] = 'S 1000 RR Portimao Shoot – Views from the Bike'; news['article_128']['link_text'] = 'S 1000 RR Portimao Shoot – Views from the Bike '; news['article_128']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_128']['content1'] = 'For all the hype and excitement surrounding the imminent launch of the S 1000 RR, only a handful of lucky riders have experienced the thrill of piloting the new BMW supersport motorcycle. At a recent photoshoot, Josef Mächler and Jürgen Fuchs became the envy of the motorcycling world when they were given the chance to test the machine at one of the world’s most spectacular racing venues.

After several years of design and development, the 193hp S 1000 RR is almost ready to be unleashed on the general public and the finishing touches are being applied to the marketing campaigns, which will further raise the profile of the eagerly anticipated bike – the first supersport model to be produced by BMW Motorrad. To give the campaigns credibility, BMW needed a world-class photoshoot to capture the S 1000 RR at its best. So, along with top photographer Mats Cordt and creative agency Serviceplan, BMW travelled to the Portimao circuit in Portugal for several days of high-octane photography.

Riding the bike during the shoot were S 1000 RR Product Manager Josef Mächler and former GP star Jürgen Fuchs. One of the key objectives for the shoot was to capture images for BMW Motorrad’s unique ‘Planet Power’ campaign.

In order to illustrate the S 1000 RR’s awesome credentials, it was decided that a virtual three-dimensional world where normal rules don’t apply should be developed. The campaign – Planet Power – would illustrate why the bike is one of the most talked about in the industry, even before its series production release date. Real-world shots of the bike needed to be used in the midst of the computer generated backdrop to ensure the campaign’s authenticity. To secure the shots it needed, BMW Motorrad also enlisted the help of a CamCruiser Pacer – a specially-designed Mini Cooper which would follow the S 1000 RR around the Portimao track – capturing the bike carving through corners and powering down straights.

“It was a very good shoot, but it took a lot of hard work and coordination in order to get the results we were looking for,” comments Josef. “Of course, riding the S 1000 RR at Portimao was the highlight, but we couldn’t get carried away because we had a job to do.”

With so many shots to achieve, time was of the essence, however that wasn’t the main issue for the riders. “The main difficulty was riding with the camera car and ensuring that both vehicles were in the perfect position on track,” continues former National Endurance rider Josef. “The camera car driver didn’t have too much experience on-track and, of course, Jürgen and myself both understand track riding, so it was difficult at first to make sure we were getting the correct shots. It took us some time to find a solution, but we got there in the end! Jürgen sat next to the car driver and gave him some tips on how to position the car on the track in order for me to ride the bike properly and give the photographer the opportunity to shoot the bike at its best.”

While Josef’s role on the shoot involved being the rider for Planet Power, as Product Manager for the S 1000 RR, he knows the bike better than most and was able to utilise this knowledge throughout the project. “This certainly helped on the shoot as I had a clear understanding of the message we are trying to convey and this influenced the way I rode the bike,” he adds. “The Planet Power campaign is different to anything that has been done before in the motorcycle industry, so I knew the Portimao shoot was crucial to ensure the concept worked.”

With the Planet Power shoot in full swing, former GP rider Jürgen was tasked with riding the S 1000 RR for the shots that would be distributed for press use. Having ridden in the 250cc and 500cc World Championships before retiring through injury in 1998, Jürgen is no stranger to life in the fast lane. Even so, he relished the chance to ride one of the most talked about motorcycles of recent years around the impressive Portimao circuit. “Being one of the development riders for the S 1000 RR, I rode the bike quite a lot this year, but having Portimao for what was in essence a private session was great,” he says. “It was my first time there and I was very impressed. It took a while to learn the circuit and for the first part of the week, I was following the camera car around, so never really had the opportunity to see what the S 1000 RR could really do. But in the second half of the week, I was able to really push. The bike was awesome and the circuit was just as impressive.”

Josef was also impressed with the abilities of the S 1000 RR, which is due for public release in 2010. “The S 1000 RR is simply fantastic,” he exclaims. “The power is controllable and the gear change through corners is very smooth. Features like ABS and traction control makes the bike a joy to ride and I’m sure that the public will discover this too.”

For more information on the awesome S 1000 RR and for exclusive video content and latest news, visit www.s1000rr.com '; news['article_128']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_128']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/s1000rr_view1.jpg'; news['article_128']['image11_text'] = 'The ideal surroundings of Portimao - one of the newest, but toughest racetracks in the world.'; news['article_128']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/s1000rr_view1.jpg'; news['article_128']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/s1000rr_view2.jpg'; news['article_128']['image12_text'] = 'Test rider Jurgen Fuchs shares his thoughts with photographer Mats Cordt.'; news['article_128']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/s1000rr_view2.jpg'; news['article_128']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/s1000rr_view3.jpg'; news['article_128']['image13_text'] = 'Product Manager Josef Maechler gets ready for another session on track. It\'s a hard life!'; news['article_128']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/s1000rr_view3.jpg'; news['article_128']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_128']['content2'] = ''; news['article_128']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_128']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_128']['content3'] = ''; news['article_128']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[181] = 128; news['article_129'] = new Array(); news['article_129']['articleId'] = 177; news['article_129']['day'] = '27'; news['article_129']['month'] = '10'; news['article_129']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_129']['title'] = 'Rund um Zschopau Off-road Race Win for BMW'; news['article_129']['link_text'] = 'Rund um Zschopau Off-road Race Win for BMW'; news['article_129']['subtitle1'] = 'Zschopau, Germany'; news['article_129']['content1'] = 'Juha Salminen has taken the win at the \"Rund um Zschopau\" Enduro classic. The Finn held off fellow countryman Eero Remes to give BMW their first victory at the prestigious event. The race held on Saturday marked the final round of the German Enduro Championship. Salminen won the overall and the E2 class.

Zschopau used to be the center of the sport in former East Germany. The region has plenty of enthusiastic fans who showed up in thousands to witness brilliant motorsport and what Enduro racing is all about: man and machine fighting the elements.

World Championship runner-up Salminen came to Saxony to end the season with a win, fully aware that Remes was going to be his main contender. By taking the prologue on Friday night, Salminen fired an early warning, but the 33-year-old had to suffer through the following day like everyone else before finally stepping on top of the podium. The BMW factory rider won by 0.04 seconds over Remes, with Markus Kehr and Samuli Aro next on the list of results.

Juha Salminen : \"What a perfect end to the season. Zschopau has always been a great event. The race and the special tests were among the best of the year, better than most of the World Championship rounds. It´s really special to win in front of this huge crowd. Eero gave me a hard time, guess I had that little bit of extra luck. The bike worked perfectly.\"

\"Rund um Zschopau\"
1. Juha Salminen (FIN), BMW Motorrad Motorsport, 48:55,25
2. Eero Remes (FIN), KTM, 48:55,29
3. Markus Kehr (GER), KTM, 49:36,11
4. Samuli Aro (FIN), KTM, 50:03,05
5. Marko Straubel (GER), KTM, 50:26,04'; news['article_129']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_129']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/spanish_enduro_champB.jpg'; news['article_129']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/spanish_enduro_champB.jpg'; news['article_129']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/spanish_enduro_championshipB.jpg'; news['article_129']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/spanish_enduro_championshipB.jpg'; news['article_129']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_129']['content2'] = ''; news['article_129']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_129']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_129']['content3'] = ''; news['article_129']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[177] = 129; news['article_130'] = new Array(); news['article_130']['articleId'] = 178; news['article_130']['day'] = '27'; news['article_130']['month'] = '10'; news['article_130']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_130']['title'] = 'BMW Motorrad Motorsport Happy with their First Year and Looking Forward to 2010'; news['article_130']['link_text'] = 'BMW Motorrad Motorsport Happy with their First Year and Looking Forward to 2010'; news['article_130']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_130']['content1'] = '2009 Superbike World Championship
Round 14, Portimao, Portugal
Sunday 25th October
Circuit: 4.592 kms. Crowd: 86,000 (3-day). Conditions: Dry, sunny.

Despite bad luck in Portimao today, Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport are more than happy with their first year in the Superbike World Championship and are already looking forward to 2010. The team always knew that this year was going to be hard, but Troy, Ruben and the whole team have performed better than many expected in their first year of World Superbike competition, taking seventeen top finishes during the season. The bad luck today, once again befell Ruben Xaus. He was behind Carlos Checa (Honda) in race two, when Checa’s engine blew up and showered the front of Ruben’s bike with oil. Ruben saw the oil, but there was no time to take avoiding action
and he was highsided between turns one and two, breaking his right leg in the process. Ruben had only recently come back from injury, so today’s accident was a hard blow for him and the team, but despite that he was soon back in the garage smiling and telling the team how much the bike has improved.

Troy also had some bad luck today in race one, when a severe case of chattering forced him to pull into the pits and change the rear tyre. He later returned to the pits and changed the front tyre, but the problem persisted and he was unable to get into the points.

American Ben Spies (Yamaha) won the first race and, with previous championship leader Noriyuki Haga (Ducati) crashing out, went into race two with a healthy 15-point series lead. Second was Jonathan Rea (Honda), with Max Biaggi (Aprilia) third. Race two was won by Michel Fabrizio (Ducati), and although Haga was second, Spies took fifth place and, with it, the 2009 World Superbike Championship title.


Troy - Race 1: DNF, Race 2: 9th

I had a big problem with chattering in the first race and pitted twice to change first the rear tyre and then again to change the front. However, the problem carried on, so I just had to keep going as best I could to give some info to the engineers. We’re not actually sure if it was a problem with the tyres or something else, but no doubt the guys will look at all the data and sort it out.

I used my number two bike for the second race and it had only done a handful of laps so I wasn’t as familiar with it as my number one bike. It felt OK up until about half race distance, but then the grip went and the bike started spinning quite a bit. I couldn’t get enough forward push without it spinning and that prevented me from pushing any harder. There are some areas we need to work on, but it’s hard trying different things during a race weekend when you also have to qualify well. Some of the problems only happen after a tyre has done 12-15 laps and we don’t often do long runs in practice because we are trying to get a good bike set-up.

Today has been a bit frustrating because the bike is improving, but sometimes it improves and then we get a new problem to solve. We just need more time on the bike and more laps, but I really feel that the bike has the potential to be a contender and I am keen to work hard with the team and make that happen.


Ruben - Race 1: 8th, DNF

Just an unlucky day for me, or maybe it has been an unlucky season. Checa’s bike blew up and covered the front of my bike with oil and obviously some of it went on to the front tyre. That caused the crash, so I am happy that the crash wasn’t my fault, but I am unhappy with the result.

This season has been hard for us all, but we knew that before the start and it is thanks to all the hard work everybody has put in that we have had so many top ten finishes. Considering that this is our first season, I think we should be happy about what we have achieved so far - and there’s much more to come, I’m sure of it.

The bike has improved since the last time I rode it and that makes me eager to find out how much more I can push it. The team are fantastic and the team spirit has been superb right from the start. It’s not nice ending the season with a broken leg, but there was nothing I could do about the crash and I prefer to think about the potential of the bike and working with Troy and the rest of the team to put it on the podium.


Berti Hauser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director)

The season has been a long, hard one, but the time has gone very quickly and I am surprised that we have now come to the end. It has been a wonderful experience and one of the most exciting years of my life.
I\'m sorry about the stupid crash that caused Ruben to break his leg, but these things happen in racing and it was good to see him back in our pits chatting away to the team about how the bike is right now, instead of talking about his injury.

We managed seventeen top ten finishes this year and I think you can say that is ‘mission accomplished’. We’ve had ups and downs and have not been far off the podium at times and that is a testament to the potential of the bike. We know we have to improve in some areas and I can assure you that this will happen before next season begins.

This is our ‘rookie’ year and I think the whole team can feel happy and proud about our first season. I would like to thank Troy, Ruben, all the mechanics, engineers, InFront, Pirelli, all the background staff, and all our sponsors for all their hard work and support in a great first season.

I would also like to congratulate Ben Spies and Yamaha for taking the world title this year. Spies has shown what a class act he is and his team have supported him well throughout the season and they deserve the title. Final thanks also, to all our competitors this year, for making our life difficult, but also for making us work harder and keep improving. See you all next year!

Race 1
1 Spies (USA-Yamaha) 38:15.390
2 Rea (GBR-Honda) 1.697
3 Biaggi (ITA-Aprilia) 2.113
4 Byrne (GBR-Ducati) 2.757
5 Fabrizio (ITA-Ducati) 14.753
6 Camier (GBR-Aprilia) 20.044
8 Xaus (ESP-BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 31.104
Troy Corser (AUS-BMW Motorrad Motorsport) DNF

Race 2
1 Fabrizio (ITA-Ducati) 38:19.654
2 Haga (JPN-Ducati) 1.195
3 Rea (GBR-Honda) 1.494
4 Byrne (GBR-Ducati) 5.553
5 Spies (USA-Yamaha) 5.842
9 Corser (AUS-BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 17.010
Ruben Xaus (ESP-BMW Motorrad Motorsport) DNF'; news['article_130']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_130']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/20091025_1738863906.jpg'; news['article_130']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/20091025_1738863906.jpg'; news['article_130']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_130']['content2'] = ''; news['article_130']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_130']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_130']['content3'] = ''; news['article_130']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[178] = 130; news['article_131'] = new Array(); news['article_131']['articleId'] = 176; news['article_131']['day'] = '25'; news['article_131']['month'] = '10'; news['article_131']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_131']['title'] = 'Greece Shows the Way Forward '; news['article_131']['link_text'] = 'Greece Shows the Way Forward'; news['article_131']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_131']['content1'] = 'Motorcycle show season is imminent but BMW Motorrad in Greece decided to be one step ahead of the game by exhibiting at the Athens Motorshow Live 2009, which took place at the end of September at the Olympic Fencing Stadium in the capital.

The Athens Motorshow Live is predominately a car show, catering for those interested in the more extreme and sporting market segments, such as speed, racing and tuning. As the only motorcycle manufacturer present, BMW Motorrad was literally swamped by hundreds of ‘petrolheads’ eager to get a look at the latest models in the line-up, especially the S 1000 RR.

Your browser may not support display of this image. On its 110 square metres exhibition stand, BMW Motorrad Hellas showed a number of models for the first time, including a preproduction S 1000 RR in motorsport colours and an F 800 R Chris Pfeiffer Edition. Completing the line-up was a G 450 X Factory replica, the HP2 Sport, an R 1200 GS Special Edition, and the formidable four-cylinder K 1300 S and K 1300 R models. Also on the stand was a comprehensive display of clothing and accessories from the BMW Rider Equipment range.

More than 100,000 people visited the Athens Motorshow Live over the course of its four-day duration and with the aid of S 1000 RR stickers and S 1000 RR Energy Drink as giveaways, BMW Motorrad Hellas staff were able to collect data from hundreds of prospects who were interested in receiving its new e-newsletter or further contact details for their local BMW Motorrad dealer.

One of the star attractions at the event was Chris Pfeiffer, who came across to Greece on the first two days of the Athens Motorshow to perform four shows in the Live Arena. Chris’s performances had been promoted in advance with print advertisements and internet banners, so many visitors came along to see for themselves exactly what kind of tricks the German superstar could do.

Naturally, Chris didn’t disappoint and gave the crowd some performances to remember on his F 800 R and also with the S 1000 RR! So, not only did they have a chance to see this new bike for the first time; they also saw it in action.

With lots of media interest in Chris Pfeiffer at the show, every spare moment of the stunt riding world champion’s time was spend conducting interviews with TV, newspaper and magazine journalists. In fact, so taken were the show organisers with Chris Pfeiffer that they are hoping he will be back again next year.

All in all, it was a tremendously successful four days of positive PR, according to BMW Motorrad Hellas’ Motorcycles Marketing Manager Noelle Sakellaropoulou, who commented:

¨We are really pleased with the feedback from this show and it was definitely the right decision for us to be there and put our product range – especially the forthcoming S 1000 RR – in front of this exciting younger demographic. With this superbike, BMW Motorrad will be joining a competitive but very promising segment of the Greek market. The new bike is fantastic and the vibe we got from our visitors at the show is extremely positive. I’m eager to hear what the Greek journalists have to say once they have had the chance to ride the bike in Portimao next month, even though I can already say that we are pretty confident about the verdict.” '; news['article_131']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_131']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/greece1.jpg'; news['article_131']['image11_text'] = 'Chris Pfeiffer always attracts a crowd wherever he goes... or is it the S 1000 RR?'; news['article_131']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/greece1.jpg'; news['article_131']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/greece2.jpg'; news['article_131']['image12_text'] = 'Chris smokes out Athens Olympic Fencing Stadium on his F 800 R stuntbike'; news['article_131']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/greece2.jpg'; news['article_131']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/greece3.jpg'; news['article_131']['image13_text'] = 'Unable to resist the Unstoppable power of the S 1000 RR'; news['article_131']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/greece3.jpg'; news['article_131']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_131']['content2'] = ''; news['article_131']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_131']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_131']['content3'] = ''; news['article_131']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[176] = 131; news['article_132'] = new Array(); news['article_132']['articleId'] = 175; news['article_132']['day'] = '05'; news['article_132']['month'] = '10'; news['article_132']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_132']['title'] = 'BMW Motorcycle Dealer Helps Raise Nearly $200,000 For Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation'; news['article_132']['link_text'] = 'BMW Motorcycle Dealer Helps Raise Nearly $200,000 For Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation'; news['article_132']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_132']['content1'] = 'From a press release issued by Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation:

The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) and its Ride for Kids® program celebrated a big win at the 18th annual Baltimore/Washington Ride for Kids®. Over 400 motorcyclists and supporters raised $196,468 for medical research and family support programs.

The event began at The Mall in Columbia, Md., under rainy skies. The day soon turned sunny and warm as the riders and their police escort spent over 90 minutes twisting through the Maryland countryside.

After disembarking at the Jack & Jill Ice Cream Distribution Center in Columbia, the motorcyclists enjoyed lunch and settled in for a terrific Celebration of Life program. They heard about the achievements of 11 local brain tumor survivors, including 15-year-old Maggie, who held bake sales to raise $800 for the PBTF.

Zach, 16, spent his summer helping his dad rebuild a 1967 Mustang. “Thanks for all you do, the money you raise helps to keep us here,” he told the crowd.

These Ride for Kids® “stars” were also joined by Dr. Greg Riggins, leader of the Brain Cancer Biology and Therapy Research Laboratory at Johns Hopkins, and Dr. Roger Packer, director of the Brain Tumor

Institute at Children’s National Medical Center and PBTF Scientific Advisory Board member.

The first-place fundraisers were:

* Individual: Bob Henig of Bob’s BMW, $59,012

* Chapter/Club: The Tribe, $20,785

* Motorcycle Business: Bob’s BMW, $84,177

Al Leathers of Centreville, Va., won the grand prize, a new Honda motorcycle.

Special thanks went to the event’s all-volunteer task force, led in 2009 by Taryn Wilson-Wheatley, Marcy Rich and Joe Pruss.


About the PBTF Ride for Kids®

The national Ride for Kids® program and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) promote childhood brain tumor research and provide family support through free literature about brain tumors, educational newsletters, online conferences and college scholarships. Ride for Kids® events take place in three cities on Oct. 4: Dallas/Fort Worth, Las Vegas and Fairfield, Calif. For more information, go to http://www.rideforkids.org/ or call 800-253-6530.'; news['article_132']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_132']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_132']['content2'] = ''; news['article_132']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_132']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_132']['content3'] = ''; news['article_132']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[175] = 132; news['article_133'] = new Array(); news['article_133']['articleId'] = 173; news['article_133']['day'] = '18'; news['article_133']['month'] = '09'; news['article_133']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_133']['title'] = 'Another Successful Test of Endurance for S 1000 RR'; news['article_133']['link_text'] = 'Another Successful Test of Endurance for S 1000 RR'; news['article_133']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_133']['content1'] = 'Last weekend saw the annual staging of the famous Bol d’Or 24-hour race, which took place at the Magny-Cours circuit in France. Held as part of the Endurance World Championship, this historic race attracts in excess of 50,000 spectators who come to join the party that lasts for the whole weekend and watch lots of private teams – many of them French – compete against the world championship regulars on their factory machinery.

In the past, the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team has participated and enjoyed success in the Open class on the HP2 Sport, but with its attentions now firmly focused on the Superbike World Championship, there would be no factory representation at this prestigious event. However, a private team from Poland riding a series production BMW S 1000 RR, took on more than 50 other teams and finished in a remarkable fourth place in the Superstock Class, and a commendable 12th place in the overall standings, after 24 hours and 766 laps of the 4.2-km Magny-Cours circuit.

The BMW Sikora Bily Prorace team – consisting of riders Ireneusz Sikora from Poland, Tomas Miksovsky and Milos Cihak from the Czech Republic – were joined by BMW Motorrad’s Gerhard Lindner, who is responsible for the durability testing and development of BMW Motorrad’s series production motorcycles. Gerhard had recently enjoyed success with the Spanish Busquets dealership team at the ‘24 Hores Frigo de Motociclisme’ endurance race in Barcelona, so was keen to fly the flag for BMW in France too.

As such, he took two standard test bikes from Germany to France and with the help of team manager Thomas Eckardt (who has lots of past experience with the BMW Motorrad Motorsport factory squad) ensured that there was a BMW motorcycle present in the starting line-up at Magny-Cours and ready to race against a packed grid full of Suzuki, Kawasaki, Honda and Yamaha machines.

One of Lindner’s roles in Munich is to find – by extensive testing – any weaknesses and stresses to a motorcycle’s engine and chassis, and incorporate any improvements into a new model’s ongoing development. Obviously, endurance racing is one of the best (and most enjoyable) ways of doing this, so the two machines taken to the French circuit had already completed around 6,000 kilometres of hard testing, but Lindner was confident in the bikes’ capability to make it to the end of this gruelling 24-hour marathon ride.

“It was a great experience to take the BMW S 1000 RR to the Bol d’Or,” he said. “There were a lot of factors working against us; for example, time was extremely tight as we only had two weeks to prepare the two series production bikes for racing. This meant that there was no time to test them during the official tests at the end of August in Magny-Cours, so our first experience was directly at the race weekend! Furthermore, it was our first time on Michelin tyres and the first time we had all ridden together as a team.

“Added to this, our spare bike was destroyed by one of the riders in a high-speed crash during practice, so we were left with just the one machine for the entire 24-hour race! With this in mind, it was a case of making sure we went as fast as possible without crashing, and finished the race, rather than pushed ourselves to the limit to try to challenge for the victory.”

Fortunately for Gerhard and the team, their single remaining S 1000 RR ran perfectly right throughout the day and night, and by the time the 2009 Bol d’Or finished at just after three o’clock on the Sunday afternoon, the BMW riders had completed 766 laps of the circuit at an average speed of 140.67 km/h. Despite the intense heat, which had caused problems for many other machines (25 per cent of the teams failed to finish the race), the only problem that Gerhard and his teammates suffered was brake fade.

“In truth, we didn’t know what to expect as it often rains at the Bol d’Or but this year was unusually warm, so many of the teams were having problems with engine cooling and brake pad wear. There’s one corner on the circuit where you have to brake hard from about 280 km/h to 50 km/h and because we didn’t want to take any risks, we ended up changing our pads every hour, rather than every two hours, which we had originally anticipated. This took an extra minute each time and probably cost us around 10 to 12 laps over 24 hours but at least it saw us to the end of the race.

“That was the only issue we had, which is remarkable considering that we hadn’t had a chance to test anything, and some of our spare parts only arrived on the Thursday night, when my girlfriend brought them with her on the plane! The team worked remarkably hard and although it would have been great to make it onto the podium, we’re extremely pleased with these results. We finished in front of all the Yamaha and Ducati teams, as well as many of the Endurance World Championship regulars. Plus, with all the data we’ve been able to collect from here, we can now compare it to the information we derived from the race in Barcelona, which will help us immensely with the ongoing development of the S 1000 RR.”

As the only BMW team present at the Bol d’Or, there was naturally a lot of interest in the new Superbike, which attracted a lot of interest in its series production and racing colours, especially in the public pit walk. Furthermore, Chris Pfeiffer had been invited to the event to perform his stunt shows in connection with the launch of F 800 R Replica, and took the opportunity to include the new S 1000 RR in his routine. For BMW Motorrad France’s Jean Michel Cavret, it was a great opportunity to put BMW ‘on the map’ at the annual motorcycling extravaganza:

“In France, we have a big Endurance culture and the ‘24 hours of Le Mans’ race in April and the Bol d’Or are well known for attracting thousands of sports bike fans every year, so it was great that there was a BMW team present,” he said. “Furthermore, Chris Pfeiffer really got the crowds cheering when he did part of his show on an S 1000 RR before the start of the race. As usual, the atmosphere at the Bol d’Or was electric and the party went on well into the night. More importantly, the BMW team kept going all through the night and the next day until the chequered flag came out the following afternoon, with impressive results achieved along the way. Congratulations to the team, as they have much to be proud of with this achievement.”

To view footage of Chris Pfeiffer at the Bol d’Or, please click on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fmotoracinglive.tribalddbmelb.com.au%2F%3Fp%3D667%26langswitch_lang%3Dfr&feature=player_embedded&v=6SxIP_R1DSM&gl=US
'; news['article_133']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_133']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/boldor1.jpg'; news['article_133']['image11_text'] = 'The BMW Sikora Bily Prorace team’s Tomas Miksovsky at full speed on the S 1000 RR'; news['article_133']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/boldor1.jpg'; news['article_133']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/boldor2.jpg'; news['article_133']['image12_text'] = 'Struggling to keep the front wheel down under hard acceleration at the Magny-Cours circuit'; news['article_133']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/boldor2.jpg'; news['article_133']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/boldor3.jpg'; news['article_133']['image13_text'] = 'The BMW Sikora Bily Prorace team and supporters at the Bol d’Or'; news['article_133']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/boldor3.jpg'; news['article_133']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_133']['content2'] = ''; news['article_133']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_133']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_133']['content3'] = ''; news['article_133']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[173] = 133; news['article_134'] = new Array(); news['article_134']['articleId'] = 174; news['article_134']['day'] = '18'; news['article_134']['month'] = '09'; news['article_134']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_134']['title'] = 'Success for S 1000 RR in IDM'; news['article_134']['link_text'] = 'Success for S 1000 RR in IDM'; news['article_134']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_134']['content1'] = 'As the German Superbike Championship season (Internationalen Deutschen Motorradmeisterschaft – IDM) drew to a close at the Hockenheimring on 13 September, BMW Motorrad fans across the country were celebrating a superb debut in the series after Werner Daemen secured third place in the overall rider standings. Competing in the IDM for the first time and piloted by the experienced Daemen, the new S 1000 RR took the paddock by storm and proved to the watching world that BMW Motorrad’s new supersports bike means business.

The IDM is Germany’s premier motorcycle championship and one of the most competitive domestic racing series in the world. Taking place at legendary venues across Germany, including the Nürburgring and Sachsenring, as well as at rounds in Austria and the Netherlands, the IDM attracts some of the most respected names in motorcycling and continues to go from strength to strength.

In anticipation of the public launch of the S 1000 RR, BMW Motorrad used the 2009 IDM to demonstrate the bike’s awesome ability, and supported Team Alpha Technik in its quest to make the dream a reality. Although the very public development of the factory S 1000 RR has been well documented through Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus’s tremendous efforts in the World Superbike Championship, the new bike’s significant achievements in the IDM is yet another indicator of the S 1000 RR’s true championship potential.

Under the control of the talented Daemen, the BMW S 1000 RR took two race wins and four podiums on its way to third place in the championship – an unbelievable result in its first season in this competitive and hard-fought series.

Daemen, a veteran motorcycle racer of 16 years, explains how it feels to have shaken the series to its foundations on a brand new machine. “It feels fantastic!” he says. “At the start of the year I don’t think that either myself or the team could have imagined that we would have done so well. It makes the achievement even more special because of the fact that nobody expected it.”

Hampered by injuries prior to the start of the season, Daemen had very little time to get to grips with the S 1000 RR. Nevertheless, the Belgian soon found a rhythm. “I broke my wrist in September, then during winter testing I broke my right leg in four places and was out for eight weeks. Despite this, I finished in second place in the first race of the season and with each race we grew stronger.”

Despite a lack of comparative data from previous seasons, the BMW Motorrad-supported Team Alpha Technik capitalised on pre-season testing in order to make a big impression on the S 1000 RR’s debut. “At the tracks where we had no experience, we were always competitive, even though we had very little data to work with,” he continues. “We had race wins and podiums, which is all we dreamed of. It is also the first time that I have started from zero with a bike. Of course, the S 1000 RR has been ridden by BMW’s test riders, but in a racing environment, the bike is still very new.”

Unlike in the World Superbike Championship, where the S 1000 RR has also enjoyed a productive first season, the bike that competed in the IDM was largely stock and included a standard swingarm, front forks and electronics. Its outstanding performance in one of the world’s flagship motorcycle racing series promises much for members of the public eager to get their hands on BMW Motorrad’s first ever supersports bike.

Having piloted the S 1000 RR to third place, Daemen believes the bike has a promising future, both in the IDM and international motorsport in general. “I think the secret of the bike’s success is the sheer power on offer,” he says. “It’s also incredibly balanced. These two features lead to a very good racing bike with a solid foundation for future seasons.”

Speaking specifically of the prospects for 2010, Daemen is optimistic. “I believe very strongly that we can challenge for the title next year,” he concludes. “It’s going to be much closer at the top of the points table, and I think that we will be right up there. With the experience we have gained this season, combined with extensive winter testing, we will have a good base to work from. Things can only get better and with the fantastic results we’ve had this season, that’s a very exciting prospect!”

For further details on the 2009 IDM championship, including race-by-race results, visit www.idm.de


IDM final championship standings:

1. Jörg Teuchert, Yamaha, GER - 293

2. Stefan Nebel, KTM, GER -184

3. Werner Daemen, Team Alpha Technik BMW, BEL - 173

4. Gabor Rizmayer, Suzuki, HUN -173

5. Arne Tode, Honda, GER -159

6. Dario Giuseppetti, Ducati, GER -137

7. Andreas Meklau, Yamaha, AUT -130

8. Martin Bauer, Honda, AUT - 115

9. Günther Knobloch, Ducati, AUT - 95

10 Roman Stamm, Suzuki, SUI - 81

'; news['article_134']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_134']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/idm1.jpg'; news['article_134']['image11_text'] = 'Werner Daemen leads the field on the BMW S 1000 RR in the German Superbike Championship'; news['article_134']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/idm1.jpg'; news['article_134']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/idm2.jpg'; news['article_134']['image12_text'] = 'The experienced Belgian rider has had race wins and podiums on his way to third place in the 2009 series'; news['article_134']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/idm2.jpg'; news['article_134']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/idm3.jpg'; news['article_134']['image13_text'] = 'Daemen believes the BMW S 1000 RR has a promising future, both in the IDM and international motorsport'; news['article_134']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/idm3.jpg'; news['article_134']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_134']['content2'] = ''; news['article_134']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_134']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_134']['content3'] = ''; news['article_134']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[174] = 134; news['article_135'] = new Array(); news['article_135']['articleId'] = 172; news['article_135']['day'] = '22'; news['article_135']['month'] = '08'; news['article_135']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_135']['title'] = 'Corser and Cooper’s ‘Big Brands Bash’ '; news['article_135']['link_text'] = 'Corser and Cooper’s ‘Big Brands Bash’ '; news['article_135']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_135']['content1'] = 'Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport racer Troy Corser was joined by BMW test rider, endurance racer and current UK Superstock rider, Richard Cooper at the recent British Superbike round at Brands Hatch circuit in Kent to show off the new S 1000 RR to more than 53,000 fans.

With no World Superbike Championship round scheduled at the famous circuit this year, the organisers turned the British Superbike weekend into an action-packed motorcycle extravaganza. ‘The Big Brands Bash’ featured the first ever three race British Superbike round which included a Saturday afternoon race as well as two races on the Sunday.

Speaking between demonstration laps, autograph signing sessions and TV guest commentary duties, Troy said: “It’s always special to come to Brands Hatch. It’s a great circuit and the racing weekend here in August has traditionally been one of the largest on the World Superbike calendar. The atmosphere here is amazing with the legions of fans camping out and enjoying the whole weekend of racing.”

To add to the weekend’s racing activities, an Aladdin’s cave of classic motorcycles were gathered for display, before being ridden around the famous Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit. Legendary racers such as Giacomo Agostini, Phil Read and Mick Grant rode their precious relics around the track to the delight of the near capacity crowd.

Next to take to the circuit were Corser and Cooper on a future classic – the BMW S 1000 RR.

Richard said: “I was really looking forward to riding the S 1000 RR again. I rode the race bike in early tests and I’ve really enjoyed my involvement with the racing project. I’ve already ridden this prototype road bike and was really impressed with the performance. I’m sure it’s really going to surprise a few people when it’s released at the end of the year. It wheelies well too!”

Troy and Richard performed a host of stunts on their road-going S 1000 RR prototypes, receiving rapturous applause. The biggest cheers came from the trackside grandstands each time Troy performed his signature stand-up wheelie down the entire length of the main start-finish straight.

After five laps of performing to the crowds, the two BMW riders received the chequered flag and made their way into the pit lane. However, Troy, wasn’t finished, and insisted on performing the best burnout of the whole weekend. The 30-second tyre-spinning, rubber-shredding stunt produced a bellowing cloud of smoke which could probably be seen from London, over 25 kilometres away.

Troy said: “It’s been a fantastic weekend and it was great to catch up with my friends in the British Superbike paddock, have a close look at all those old bikes and meet a few of my racing heroes. It was awesome to ride the S 1000 RR road bike too. It’s such an impressive bike and it’s real easy to do stunts on!

“It was great fun riding around with Richard and to see the crowds cheering. It reminds me of the races that I’ve won here, but back then the crowds were all cheering for the British riders and not for me!” '; news['article_135']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_135']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/082409_corser_cooper0.jpg'; news['article_135']['image11_text'] = 'Troy Corser performs a burnout on the BMW S 1000 RR.'; news['article_135']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/082409_corser_cooper0.jpg'; news['article_135']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/082409_corser_cooper1.jpg'; news['article_135']['image12_text'] = 'Troy performs his signature stand-up wheelie down the entire length of the main start-finish straight.'; news['article_135']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/082409_corser_cooper1.jpg'; news['article_135']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_135']['content2'] = ''; news['article_135']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_135']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_135']['content3'] = ''; news['article_135']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[172] = 135; news['article_136'] = new Array(); news['article_136']['articleId'] = 169; news['article_136']['day'] = '14'; news['article_136']['month'] = '08'; news['article_136']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_136']['title'] = 'K 1300 GT Impresses F1 Legend Gerhard Berger '; news['article_136']['link_text'] = 'K 1300 GT Impresses F1 Legend Gerhard Berger '; news['article_136']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_136']['content1'] = 'Formula One legend Gerhard Berger is the latest in a long line of motorcyclists to be impressed by BMW Motorrad’s latest Grand Tourer. The 49-year-old recently took delivery of the K 1300 GT and wasted no time in testing its touring potential – riding from the luxurious surroundings of Monaco, via Barcelona and a short ferry journey, to the hedonists’ playground of Ibiza. It was a fitting trip for a motorcycle designed with luxury and indulgence in mind.

Your browser may not support display of this image. Berger, better known for his exploits during a successful 13-year career in Formula One, revealed that the trip reignited his passion for two wheels. “I really enjoyed the experience – the weather was nice and it was just relaxing to be able to ride without wanting to go as fast as possible,” he reveals.

The Austrian made his name as one of the most talented Formula One drivers of his generation. In an era in which Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Michael Schumacher all proved their dominance, Berger was a regular race winner and was renowned for his aggressive driving style. Despite finishing on the podium 48 times in his illustrious Formula One career and displaying a natural talent behind the wheel, Berger hadn’t always planned to race cars.

“My main intention was to race motorcycles – it was my ambition,” he says. “But for one reason or another I ended up racing cars. I remember competing in car races when I was younger and finding that I had a good level of ability. One thing led to another and my career with four wheels began.”

After securing a dream Formula One job with the BMW-powered Team ATS in 1984, his interest in motorcycles had to take the proverbial back seat as he concentrated on realising his new goal of becoming a Formula One front-runner.

But as all motorcyclists will testify, once you have tasted life on two wheels, an insatiable, lifelong passion begins. “I’ve always been into bikes and watch as much racing as possible. I’ve been riding bikes for as long as I can remember – perhaps from about the age of ten or eleven. I used to borrow my neighbours motorcycle but didn’t go too far as I couldn’t even touch the floor. Somebody had to help me on and off it!” Berger recalls. “Although I try and get out on track as much as possible, I hadn’t ridden a bike on the road for a very long time before doing the trip on the K 1300 GT recently.”

Since discovering the joys of motorcycling almost 40 years ago, Berger has remained true to his racing instinct, exclusively owning sports bikes and taking to the track on two wheels in his spare time at every opportunity. As a result, the experience of riding the K 1300 GT on his trip from the south of France to the Balearics was a refreshing experience for the race ace. “I was surprised with what I discovered about the bike,” he admits. “It was the first time that I had experienced a bike like this and also long-distance riding. My riding experience is predominantly on the track and off-road so I had to get used to a whole new way of approaching my riding.

Your browser may not support display of this image. “Overall, I was most impressed with the comfort of the bike. As I’m used to sports bikes, I’m also used to getting tired after 200 kilometres of riding, but with the K 1300 GT, it’s possible to travel 1,000 kilometres without getting tired. It’s also a very simple bike to ride, even though it’s packed with features.”

Although the K 1300 GT provided Berger with his first taste of long-distance riding, he is well accustomed with the BMW name. Berger spent his first three years in Formula One with the manufacturer in the mid-1980s and was enlisted as Competitions Director to oversee its return to the prestigious championship in 2000. A close affiliation with BMW was established and Berger has remained a fan of the brand ever since.

On a recent trip to the company’s headquarters in Munich, another bike caught Berger’s eye. “I saw the BMW S 1000 RR while I was in Munich for the photoshoot with the K 1300 GT and I have to say, it looks fantastic. I can’t wait to have a go on it myself,” he says.

The S 1000 RR is also causing a stir in the World Superbike Championship, where BMW Motorrad Motorsport riders Ruben Xaus and Troy Corser are exceeding expectations. It’s the first time the manufacturer has competed in the series, but that hasn’t stopped Corser and Xaus regularly scoring points and challenging for top five positions in this highly-competitive series. Berger has been impressed with what he has seen and believes that with BMW at the reigns of the project, success is just around the corner.

“Whatever BMW turn their hand to, they do well at, due to the wealth of technical expertise they have, so I think it’s only a matter of time before the World Superbike project really takes off,” he says. “Troy and Ruben are doing very well already, considering it’s BMW’s first year in the championship, so I think the future is looking very bright.”

But before he gets out on track on board the S 1000 RR, Berger is determined to use his time out of motorsport to make the most of his K 1300 GT. “I’m spending my time off relaxing and riding motorcycles,” he concludes. “I have a few ideas in mind and really want to do some more riding in Europe in the autumn. I haven’t ridden on the road in a long time, so I’m taking the opportunity while it’s here!”
'; news['article_136']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_136']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0816gerhard1.jpg'; news['article_136']['image11_text'] = 'Former F1 ace Berger gets to grips with his K 1300 GT'; news['article_136']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0816gerhard1.jpg'; news['article_136']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0816gerhard2.jpg'; news['article_136']['image12_text'] = 'The Austrian has recently completed a ride from Monaco to Ibiza '; news['article_136']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0816gerhard2.jpg'; news['article_136']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_136']['content2'] = ''; news['article_136']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_136']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_136']['content3'] = ''; news['article_136']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[169] = 136; news['article_137'] = new Array(); news['article_137']['articleId'] = 170; news['article_137']['day'] = '14'; news['article_137']['month'] = '08'; news['article_137']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_137']['title'] = 'Going Global Pair Reach Istanbul'; news['article_137']['link_text'] = 'Going Global Pair Reach Istanbul '; news['article_137']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_137']['content1'] = 'Going Global riders Clarisse von Wunschheim and Mark Dembitz have completed their 16,000km journey from Beijing to Istanbul. The pair rode to the Turkish capital aboard BMW F 650 GS motorcycles to experience new cultures on their epic once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The Swiss citizens also found time to help generate awareness of climate change, promote sustainable motor travel and raise funds for SCCF, a new international foundation formed to combat global warming.

Clarisse and Mark met in Switzerland five years ago through a mutual friend and soon struck up a close friendship. By coincidence, the acquaintances soon found themselves working in Beijing and after enjoying the delights of life in China, they decided to head back to Europe. Rather than booking a ticket on a plane, they decided to travel by motorcycle, using the opportunity to raise awareness of climate change along the way. The Going Global adventure was born.

Having packed their motorcycles and planned the journey, Clarisse and Mark departed Beijing on 4 May on a route which included China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbijan, Georgia, Armenia and Turkey. Clarisse knew that they had to arrive in Istanbul by the end of July in order to catch a flight back to Switzerland where she was due to complete her PhD studies. However, there was still time in the itinerary for the pair to enjoy the ride and to indulge in different cultures.

With barely two years’ riding experience between them, the project was ambitious. “Mark and I didn’t have vast experience on a bike,” admits Clarisse. “He passed his bike test last year and has only ever ridden BMW motorcycles, so he was familiar with the F 650 GS Dakar. I have one year’s motorcycling experience but hadn’t ridden motorcycles for around six years and hadn’t done any adventure motorcycling before the Going Global project.”

Despite their lack of experience, Clarisse and Mark completed their life-changing journey on 27 July – 82 days after leaving Beijing.

“I feel privileged to have been able to go on the journey,” Clarisse reflects. “I had the time and money to go and had no commitments holding me back. However, it takes guts to decide to put your life on hold for two months and tour the world. You need to have the confidence to grab the opportunity while it’s there. Many people would make excuses and ignore their desire to go touring, just because they are scared of the unknown, but really there’s nothing to be scared of!”

Climate change has become an ever-present issue in modern society, with governments throughout the world acknowledging its implications. Yet in the face of growing awareness of the issue, Clarisse and Mark felt more needed to be done. Keen to play their part in raising the profile of environmental issues, they decided to make their trip carbon neutral.

“We kept an accurate log of daily time and distance travelled as well as fuel usage and the quantity and quality of petrol,” says Mark. “Based on this data, we were able to approximate the quantity of carbon dioxide we emitted during the trip. We then secured credits [one credit is equivalent to one tonne of carbon dioxide] to offset our carbon emissions.”

So, after over two months, eight countries and 16,000km, does Clarisse believe the trip was a success? “I think the tour was a huge success!” she confirms. “We arrived in Istanbul without injury or damage to our bikes and we were on schedule.

“It’s difficult to say whether we’ve been successful in spreading the message of climate change and sustainability – I think we have been affected by the journey more than anybody else! During the trip we travelled through some beautiful countries and were struck by how breathtaking our surroundings were. Seeing the diversity of nature along the way reaffirmed that the planet is fragile and we must look after it.”

Away from the pressing matter of environmental issues, Clarisse and Mark were able to make the most of the freedom offered by their bikes and the open road. Clarisse believes that work commitments and her recent engagement mean that she is unlikely to be able complete a trip on this scale again. Nevertheless, the Going Global journey provided her with a sense of perspective and some cherished memories.

“I enjoyed every second of the trip, but there were some highlights,” she concludes. “The landscape and scenery in Kyrgyzstan were phenomenal and provided some excellent riding. The people in Uzbekistan and Georgia were generous and invited us for lunch, offered us drinks and a place to park our bikes in the evening.

“What struck me throughout the journey was despite what you may see in the media about these ‘unknown’ lands, human beings are the same wherever you go in the world. It proves that you should never have preconceived ideas about somewhere until you visit, as what you find might surprise you.”

Visit www.gglobal.org for more information on Clarisse and Mark’s journey and the Going Global adventure. '; news['article_137']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_137']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0816turkey1.jpg'; news['article_137']['image11_text'] = 'Clarisse and Mark arrive in Istanbul with smiles on their faces'; news['article_137']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0816turkey1.jpg'; news['article_137']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0816turkey2.jpg'; news['article_137']['image12_text'] = 'The Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque – the largest structure of its kind in Central Asia'; news['article_137']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0816turkey2.jpg'; news['article_137']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_137']['content2'] = ''; news['article_137']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_137']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_137']['content3'] = ''; news['article_137']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[170] = 137; news['article_138'] = new Array(); news['article_138']['articleId'] = 171; news['article_138']['day'] = '14'; news['article_138']['month'] = '08'; news['article_138']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_138']['title'] = 'Tom Talks'; news['article_138']['link_text'] = 'Tom Talks '; news['article_138']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_138']['content1'] = 'Tom Larson is one of the most experienced members of the BMW Motorrad Motorsport squad. The Danish Australian used to race himself and has since spent many years at the cutting edge of two-wheeled motorsport, including stints with the Castrol Honda WSBK factory team and Honda Racing’s British Superbike teams. Now working as Crew Chief to Troy Corser, Larson is based at Alpha Racing’s headquarters in Rosenheim, Germany.

Since starting work with BMW, Tom has already seen the team go through highs and lows in the first half of its debut season but is convinced that the great progress and good results achieved so far wouldn’t have been possible without the experience of seasoned campaigners such as Corser and Xaus.

“We’ve had our ups and downs already this season but generally things have gone as expected. We were all pretty high at the start of the season and the main reason for this was down to Troy Corser’s experience. Since then we’ve been able to gather loads of vital information and now that we have this info, we need time to react and time to test. We haven’t tested anywhere near as much as our competitors – many manufacturers have permanent test teams – and we have parts that we need to make, not to mention budgets to work to! Fortunately, the people involved in this project are highly motivated and passionate so the current results are realistic and when we get the bikes more dialled in, we’ll be able to prove the bike’s potential even further.”

One of the many difficult things about bike racing is that there are so many variables and with the increased use of technology, the back of the pit garage at races is packed with computer monitors feeding back data from the S 1000 RR’s performance at any chosen part of the circuit, including front and rear wheel speeds, rpm, throttle position, throttle demand, suspension, tyre temperature, a multitude of engine management functions, gearbox temperatures and pressure, engine and water temperature and pressure, and many more besides.

When mapped to various parts of the circuits, the team is able to analyse strengths and weaknesses of the bikes and riders, compare ‘like for like’ and effect subtle changes to machine set-up and even riding styles in order to make up the crucial fractions of a second per lap that can be the difference between the front and back rows of the grid.

Entering this championship without the benefit of circuit data gathered from previous years puts you at an instant disadvantage compared with your rivals; however, things have also moved so quickly in terms of this debut superbike project that Tom and the team have sometimes been caught out by their own progress!

“With so many things affecting bike set-up, we’ve fallen victim to our variables a couple of times. For example, we tested at Monza early on and were pleased with the progress we made – the lap times achieved would have put us second on the grid in 2008. However, when we returned with the same bike for this year’s races, everything had changed because the S 1000 RR had evolved so much in a short space of time, forcing us to rethink things!”

For Tom, one of the highlights of 2009 has been seeing the WSBK project gather pace behind the scenes and then feeling the excitement within the factory – from both the management and the employees – for this new era in BMW Motorsport.

“It was just great to make it to the first race, to be there to see it happen and the excitement of not knowing where this year would take us. There’s a great feeling coming from Berlin too, as traditionally the company has made great touring bikes and prestige cars, but this is a whole new step for them. Everyone involved knows that this has to be a long-term project – especially when there’s an important series production bike due out soon – but for now we’ve been gladly accepted and welcomed into the Superbike World Championship and our rivals are glad to have us there, as it makes a strong series even stronger.” '; news['article_138']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_138']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0816tlarssen1.jpg'; news['article_138']['image11_text'] = 'Tom’s position within the BMW Motorrad Motorsport squad demands attention'; news['article_138']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0816tlarssen1.jpg'; news['article_138']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0816tlarssen2.jpg'; news['article_138']['image12_text'] = 'Tom and Troy discuss strategy'; news['article_138']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0816tlarssen2.jpg'; news['article_138']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_138']['content2'] = ''; news['article_138']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_138']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_138']['content3'] = ''; news['article_138']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[171] = 138; news['article_139'] = new Array(); news['article_139']['articleId'] = 167; news['article_139']['day'] = '12'; news['article_139']['month'] = '08'; news['article_139']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_139']['title'] = 'BMW K 1300 S the New “All-Out Class King”'; news['article_139']['link_text'] = 'BMW K 1300 S the New “All-Out Class King”'; news['article_139']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_139']['content1'] = 'The September 2009 issue of Sport Rider contains a great article about the new BMW K 1300 S.

The K 1300 S article pitches the new flagship K-bike against the venerable Suzuki Hayabusa--considered until 2008 the top dog in the Hyper Sport class--in a head-to-head test and the BMW comes out on top on virtually every rating.

“Call us jaded, but the Hayabusa name used to instill fear and trepidation to those who dared throw a leg over it,” says Sport Rider. “Blame it on fast-paced advancement of technology [but] the Hayabusa is getting trounced in almost every category. Now there’s a bike that’s also blindingly fast, with a capable chassis and effective brakes. And it’s from Germany.”

The article includes dyno results and post ride opinion of three of their test riders, all of whom gave the top honors to the 175hp K 1300 S. “All were in agreement that the ‘Busa felt slightly lackluster in the torque department. The BMW seemingly driving better exiting turns. It’s shorter gearing and lighter weight surely helps here.”

Sport Rider graded the Hayabusa and the K 1300 S, which belong to the world’s fastest bikes club, on 10 categories, including: engine power, suspension, power delivery, brakes and fun to ride and BMW overwhelmed the ‘Busa on every point for a total of 90.9 vs. 85.6 for the Suzuki.

Sport Rider also praises the BMW’s handing: “The bike definitely has the handling traits you’d want in a bike of its genre; nice and stable, but quick-steering enough to allow mid-corner changes.”

Unfortunately copyright laws don’t allow us to present you the entire article so we encourage you to grab a copy of the September 2009 issue of Sport Rider from your local newsstand (if you don’t subscribe). In this issue there is also an extensive article about the upcoming S 1000 RR Superbike that you wouldn’t want to miss.'; news['article_139']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_139']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/SportRider400.jpg'; news['article_139']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/SportRider400.jpg'; news['article_139']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/SportRider500-2.jpg'; news['article_139']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/SportRider500-2.jpg'; news['article_139']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/SportRider500.jpg'; news['article_139']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/SportRider500.jpg'; news['article_139']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_139']['content2'] = ''; news['article_139']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_139']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_139']['content3'] = ''; news['article_139']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[167] = 139; news['article_140'] = new Array(); news['article_140']['articleId'] = 168; news['article_140']['day'] = '12'; news['article_140']['month'] = '08'; news['article_140']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_140']['title'] = 'BMW NAV IV'; news['article_140']['link_text'] = 'BMW NAV IV'; news['article_140']['subtitle1'] = 'The Ultimate Bike Navigation System'; news['article_140']['content1'] = 'Take the long route on your next motorcycle adventure with confidence and ease. BMW Navigator IV – the latest generation of motorcycle navigation systems from BMW in partnership with Garmin – will arrive in U.S. BMW motorcycle dealerships August 15.

BMW Navigator IV features a new slim design and custom BMW four-button mount cradle, a bright widescreen 4.3 inch display and waterproof design, configurable fields and display, stereo Bluetooth for hands-free calling, turn-by-turn directions and lane assist features with lane guidance and junction view.

Wearing gloves? The Navigator IV’s motorcyclist-friendly map display has a large-key multiple-page keyboard that makes typing with gloves a breeze, while the large glove-friendly zoom keys make the map easier to read.

Debating which lane to take at the next exit? Using the lane assist features, riders are advised whether there are multiple lanes and guided to take a specific lane. They are also able to view overhead signs just as they appear to drivers and guided to specific junctions.

How far will this tank of gas take you? On the trip computer and compass page, a fuel gauge displays both a graphical fuel level and the distance remaining until empty. The reserve point can be customized for the motorcycle.

Need to get there in a hurry? Or taking the long way home? When planning a route or selecting a new destination, a custom routes menu allows riders to select the option of the shortest route, the fastest route or an off-road route.

Planning a trip? With the BMW Navigator IV and its accompanying MapSource DVD, riders can plan trips on or off their bikes by completing trip planning functions from their computer, , saving routes directly to and from the Navigator IV, transferring TrackLogs and saving those as routes, adding points to existing routes and using avoidance functions to build routes and stay on preferred roads.

The BMW Navigator IV is available at BMW Motorcycle dealers throughout the U.S. for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $900.17 and includes a BMW four-button mount cradle, a head unit, a carrying case, mount cover, AC chargers, USB cable, MapSource DVD, a Bluetooth GPS compatible with over 200 phones, a three-year warranty and an owner’s manual.

'; news['article_140']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_140']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Nav4.jpg'; news['article_140']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Nav4.jpg'; news['article_140']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Nav4-2.jpg'; news['article_140']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Nav4-2.jpg'; news['article_140']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Nav4-3.jpg'; news['article_140']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Nav4-3.jpg'; news['article_140']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_140']['content2'] = ''; news['article_140']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_140']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_140']['content3'] = ''; news['article_140']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[168] = 140; news['article_141'] = new Array(); news['article_141']['articleId'] = 166; news['article_141']['day'] = '04'; news['article_141']['month'] = '08'; news['article_141']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_141']['title'] = 'F 800 GS The Triple Crown Winner'; news['article_141']['link_text'] = 'F 800 GS The Triple Crown Winner'; news['article_141']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_141']['content1'] = '\"In 3000 miles of riding the F 800 GS nothing broke, came loose or rattled off. Heck, the mirrors didn\'t even loosen over hundreds of off-road miles. My conclusion is the F 800 GS has written a very important chapter in the adventure bike rulebook. That git-er-done engine, with its spirited exhaust snarl, is like everybody\'s favorite, diehard DJ who keeps the party going.\" – Rider

An Impressive Trifecta Win in 2009 for the BMW F 800 GS
- \"Motorcycle of the Year\" from Rider Magazine
- \"Best Adventure Bike\" in 2009 from Motorcyclist Magazine
- \"Best Dual-Sport Bike\" for 2009 from Cycle World Magazine

On the heels of being named 2009 \"Motorcycle of the Year\" by Rider Magazine and \"Best Dual-Sport Bike\" for 2009 from Cycle World, BMW\'s highly popular F 800 GS adventure tourer has earned a third prestigious honor by the Motorcyclist magazine as the \"Best Adventure Bike\" in 2009. The latest accolade was announced recently at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Salinas, CA.

With a lightweight design and eye-popping power, the F 800 GS is the most off-road oriented GS ever built. A vertical parallel-twin engine, based on the proven F 800 ST platform, offers 85 horses and 62 ft-lb of torque, delivering startling speed and acceleration.

Add a dry weight of just 392 lbs, switchable ABS, wide foot rests and a below-the-seat gas tank for a very low center of gravity, and the F 800 GS is a dual-sport bike with amazing handling and all the prowess of a GS in a lighter package.

Visit your favorite BMW dealer and take a F 800 GS for an extended demo ride and find out for yourself why it\'s one of the most popular BMW\'s ever launched.

\"We rode the F 800 GS all day, covering over 100 miles of dirt road between Grand Junction, Colorado and Moab, Utah. The most severe sections were rocky jeep roads and shallow water crossings, but most of it was relatively smooth dirt. We can\'t imagine a better bike for that. The power is excellent. It comes on low and strong, making the bike absolutely a gas in a high-speed drift.\" – Dirt Bike'; news['article_141']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_141']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0804_F800GS_triplecrown.jpg'; news['article_141']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0804_F800GS_triplecrown.jpg'; news['article_141']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_141']['content2'] = ''; news['article_141']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_141']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_141']['content3'] = ''; news['article_141']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[166] = 141; news['article_142'] = new Array(); news['article_142']['articleId'] = 165; news['article_142']['day'] = '28'; news['article_142']['month'] = '07'; news['article_142']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_142']['title'] = 'Corser Finishes 5th at WSBK in Brno, Czech Republic'; news['article_142']['link_text'] = 'Corser Finishes 5th at WSBK in Brno, Czech Republic'; news['article_142']['subtitle1'] = 'Best weekend of the season for Troy. Ruben injured.'; news['article_142']['content1'] = 'The work done away from the track, together with the recent successful Italian tests, all added up to Brno being the best weekend of the season to date. Troy finished a superb fifth in race one, after leading the first couple of laps, and followed that up with a tenth in race two, despite tyre problems.

Ruben had qualified alongside Troy on the second row of the grid and was looking forward to him and Troy challenging the leaders in both the 20-lap races. But, a crash on the opening lap of the first race put paid to any chance of glory and left Ruben in the medical centre. After X-rays, it was discovered that he had broken the neck of his right femur. His right leg and hip area were put in plaster, to keep everything in a stable condition and prevent any further damage. Ruben will fly to hospital in Barcelona, where a specialist will assess the situation and decide what course of action is required.

Max Biaggi (Aprilia) won the first race, after Michel Fabrizio (Ducati) took out Ben Spies (Yamaha) after just four laps, with Honda team mates Carlos Checa and Jonathan Rea in second and third. Spies won the second race and closed the gap on series leader Noriyuki Haga (Ducati) to just seven points. Second was Biaggi, with Fabrizio third.

Troy - Race 1: 5th, Race 2: 10th
I’m generally pretty happy with how the weekend has gone and it’s been good to be consistently in the top seven or eight in every session and also qualify for final Superpole. I feel so much more comfortable on the bike now and don’t feel as worn out afterwards as I have been. The recent tests have helped us a lot and it’s good to know that we are going in the right direction and it’s also good to know that there’s more to come. It’s a shame that Ruben crashed because I’m sure that he would’ve been right up there in both races. He is as happy with the rideability of the bike as I am and both of us are really beginning to enjoy ourselves.

Ruben - Race 1: DNF, Race 2: DNS
That was a bit pity because I have been so happy about the bike this weekend because it has been so much easier to ride. Finally we were getting somewhere and then I crash! I guess that maybe the tyre was a bit too hard and a bit too cool. I didn’t highside, I just fell off. I was sliding along OK and then I hit some deep gravel and that spun my right leg round and that’s when the damage was done. I want to be positive and say that at least the injury has happened when we are about to have five weeks or so off and that will give me time to recover. I can’t wait to get back on my bike and carry on with the recent improvements.

Berti Hauser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director)
Firstly I would like to say that I hope it will not be too long before Ruben is able to join us again. I hope he is in not too much pain and I hope that he will heal quickly. The doctor told us that it is not a complicated break, so we will keep our fingers crossed for a speedy recovery. Ruben’s crash does not hide the fact that this weekend has been very positive for us and we are all happy about the recent improvements. We achieved our goal of a top five finish and, more importantly, we know which direction to take now. It’s good to see Troy and Ruben smiling this weekend and I’m really pleased that Troy is happy with the bike.

Results
Race 1: 1 Biaggi (ITA-Aprilia), 2 C Checa (ESP-Honda), 3 Rea (GBR-Honda),
4 Byrne (GBR-Ducati), 5 Troy Corser (AUS - BMW Motorrad Motorsport),
6 Smrz (CZE-Ducati), Ruben Xaus (ESP-BMW Motorrad Motorsport) DNF

Race 2: 1 Spies (USA-Yamaha), 2 Biaggi, 3 Fabrizio (ITA-Ducati), 4 Rea,
5 C Checa, 6 Haga (JPN-Ducati), 10 Troy Corser (AUS - BMW Motorrad Motorsport), Ruben Xaus (ESP-BMW Motorrad Motorsport) DNS

Points: 1 Haga 326, 2 Spies 319, 3 Fabrizio 273, 4 Rea 206, 5 Biaggi 200,
6 Haslam 180, 16 Troy Corser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 53, 17 Ruben Xaus (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 50'; news['article_142']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_142']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0728_brno1.jpg'; news['article_142']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0728_brno1.jpg'; news['article_142']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0728_brno2.jpg'; news['article_142']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0728_brno2.jpg'; news['article_142']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_142']['content2'] = ''; news['article_142']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_142']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_142']['content3'] = ''; news['article_142']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[165] = 142; news['article_143'] = new Array(); news['article_143']['articleId'] = 163; news['article_143']['day'] = '27'; news['article_143']['month'] = '07'; news['article_143']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_143']['title'] = 'BMW S 1000 RR teams Taste Victory at Barcelona 24 Hours'; news['article_143']['link_text'] = 'BMW S 1000 RR teams Taste Victory at Barcelona 24 Hours'; news['article_143']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_143']['content1'] = 'Two BMW S 1000 RR teams have celebrated great results at the ‘24 Hores Frigo de Motociclisme’ endurance race that took place on 18-19 July at the Catalunya circuit in Spain, finishing in first and second place in the Superstock class, and fifth and sixth place in the overall rankings among a field of over 40 teams that included Endurance World Championship regulars and many riders on full factory superbikes.

Two BMW teams, consisting of four riders each, travelled to the famous circuit located north of Barcelona, where Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo were separated by just 0.095 seconds at the chequered flag in last month’s MotoGP race. Representing the Spanish Busquets dealership were Josep Maria and Alex Busquets, BMW Motorrad Germany’s Gerhard Lindner, and Camille Hedelin, who works at BMW’s test centre at the Autodrome de Miramas in the south of France. Campaigning the BMW S 1000 RR for the Scratch dealership in this legendary day/night endurance race were Pere San Martin, Josep Mas, Raul Gurri and Pedro Balaguer.

In 2008, the Busquets team brought the HP2 Sport home in fifth place overall, and third in the Superbike class, making it the first time in almost 50 years that a BMW team had finished on the podium in Barcelona. Twelve months is a long time in motorsport though, and for 2009 it would be two BMW S 1000 RR machines that would take on the challenge of racing against a multitude of four-cylinder Japanese opposition, as well as several teams on twin-cylinder machinery from Ducati and KTM.

For BMW Motorrad’s Gerhard Lindner – a former racer and Motorrad journalist, who is now responsible for the durability and reliability testing and development of the company’s series production motorcycles – it was a dream come true to not only compete at Cataluyna on the new S 1000 RR, but to achieve the best possible results on its debut in this prestigious race.

“For me, this is a very special result for lots of different reasons. I started out as project manager with lots of ideas for the development of the S 1000 RR. Then we have been doing lots of extensive testing of this machine, so to finally see two bikes on the grid in this race and to actually finish the race in the top two positions in our class is as good as it gets – we couldn’t have asked for anything better!”

Interestingly, the motorcycle used in this race had already completed 25,000 kilometres of hard use by Gerhard’s team of riders, who are tasked with finding a machine’s limits in a variety of riding conditions out on the road, including autobahns, in the city and on poorly maintained roads. Their job is to find – in a very short time – any weaknesses and stresses there might be to the engine and chassis, and factor these into a new model’s ongoing development. As you can imagine, 25,000 kilometres by the test team equates to around 80,000 kilometres under ‘normal’ usage by a customer – and then they decided to take the same bike racing!

“Yes, the race added another 4,800 kilometres of the most punishing riding you can imagine over a 24-hour period, but the S 1000 RR didn’t miss a beat,” enthused Gerhard. “For me it was a completely different experience compared to last year on the HP2 Sport. With the S 1000 RR I had the kind of top speed I’d never experienced on a BMW before and I was amazed at how many riders I was passing on the back straight every lap at Catalunya. Our top speed was measured by GPS at around 293 km/h (182 mph) but for me what really made the most impression was the race ABS and traction control. I’m convinced that these ‘safety features’ will actually make 99 per cent of riders much faster on the track.”

By entering the Superstock class of this race, only minor modifications are allowed such as the fitment of a 24-litre fuel tank, an Akrapovic race exhaust and some small parts to make wheel changing easier. However, having to run the standard axles meant that it was taking up to one minute and 40 seconds to change tyres in the pits, whereas the Superbike and Endurance World Championship machines were able to do this in less than 15 seconds, therefore making it impossible for a Superstock bike to win the overall race. However, the two teams still managed 709 and 711 laps respectively of the 4.7-km circuit – some 15 laps more than Lindner’s team managed last year on the sports boxer – so for Gerhard, the overall experience has been extremely positive and encouraging, given the imminent start of production of the customer S 1000 RR machines.

“This was a fantastic result for all of us, especially as we had no mechanical problems whatsoever during the 24 hours of racing with these pre-series production bikes and you can’t ask for more than that! Everyone is excited about the S 1000 RR project and of course the fact that series production starts in September. Alongside that there will be the development of racing parts, which naturally takes time as we have started from zero, but our focus is very much on having everything prepared to support the various markets in their race activities in 2010.”

While on the subject of other race activities, Belgium’s Werner Daemen has enjoyed his first double win on the BMW S 1000 RR at rounds 9 and 10 of the IDM (Internationale Deutsche Motorradmeisterschaft) German Superbike Championship that recently took place at the Salzburgring. These impressive victories move him up to second place in the overall series, with six rounds left to challenge for the overall championship win, but that’s another story...





'; news['article_143']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_143']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/072709_barca1.jpg'; news['article_143']['image11_text'] = 'Two BMW teams celebrate success on the podium at the ‘24 Hores Frigo de Motociclisme’ endurance race at Catalunya circuit in Spain.'; news['article_143']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/072709_barca1.jpg'; news['article_143']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/072709_barca2.jpg'; news['article_143']['image12_text'] = 'Team rider Gerhard Lindner in action'; news['article_143']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/072709_barca2.jpg'; news['article_143']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/072709_barca3.jpg'; news['article_143']['image13_text'] = 'The Busquets dealership team with the S 1000 RR'; news['article_143']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/072709_barca3.jpg'; news['article_143']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_143']['content2'] = ''; news['article_143']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_143']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_143']['content3'] = ''; news['article_143']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[163] = 143; news['article_144'] = new Array(); news['article_144']['articleId'] = 164; news['article_144']['day'] = '27'; news['article_144']['month'] = '07'; news['article_144']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_144']['title'] = 'Onwards and Upwards for Troy and Ruben'; news['article_144']['link_text'] = 'Onwards and Upwards for Troy and Ruben'; news['article_144']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_144']['content1'] = 'Try to imagine the pressure a top motorcycle racer is under. Resting on his shoulders are the hopes of his immediate team technicians, crew chief, team manager, motorsport department, team and personal sponsors, family and fans – and not forgetting the manufacturer he is riding for. Is it any wonder that only a select few have the talent and mental strength to take the pressure?

Thankfully, BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus have the experience, mental strength and resilience to help develop the factory S 1000 RR – BMW Motorrad’s most ambitious motorcycle sporting project to date – in its debut season in the Superbike World Championship.

The team couldn’t have picked a tougher year to enter WSBK as it is universally acknowledged that the 2009 series is the most competitive and thrilling in its 21-year history. That said, ‘if you’re not in it, you can’t win it’ and with a series production S 1000 RR motorcycle due later this year, presence on the track is vital, not only for the machine’s credibility but also for its continual development.

With its major Japanese and Italian rivals having two decades of WSB experience behind them, coming into this prestigious World Series has been a baptism of fire for the newly formed BMW team. However, in its choice of riders, BMW Motorrad Motorsport has selected the perfect blend of experience, machine development skills and raw excitement.

Corser knows what it is like to stand on the top step of the podium race after race. He won his first championship in 1996 – when the R 1100 RS was BMW Motorrad’s most ‘sporty’ model available – and fully understands what his role is with the BMW team. With so much experience in this series (he was Superbike World Champion again in 2005) and a special talent for machine set-up, the 37-year-old Australian is under no illusions what 2009 is all about.

“It’s important to remember that this year is a testing year and that we should not get carried away with a couple of good results. When we first started, our goal was to finish races; however, our early results were better than people expected and everyone got excited. All the other teams are way ahead of us in terms of development and when this is what you’re up against, it’s easy to go backwards.

Your browser may not support display of this image. “Fortunately, we started this project with a great bike and a good base setting from which to progress. We’ve done some testing but it’s never enough – especially when the bike is so new and there are so many different variables to consider. Now we’ve done a few rounds, we have a better idea of where to start in terms of the gearing etc., for certain circuits. The engineers are starting to predict well in advance what’s needed and now everyone is moving forwards together. Also, we share data between Ruben’s and my engineers, and we’re learning off each other in terms of braking and gearing. Although we have very different riding styles, there are probably about 70 per cent of areas on the bike where we can learn from each other.”

Ruben Xaus is the first to admit that he is very enthused about this latest challenge – potentially the biggest of his career so far. The 31-year-old Catalan rider has grown up in the Superbike World Championship, coming runner-up in the series in 2003 before heading out to MotoGP. After a couple of years on uncompetitive machinery, he returned to the series he loves most of all and believes that 2009 is the best one yet.

“Everyone is pushing so hard this year, which is great for the fans and good for the championship’s future. I do my best at all times but I have to change my riding style to be more like Troy, which will help on this four-cylinder bike. It has so much potential but we just don’t have a comfortable base setting yet, so the forthcoming tests should really help us.”

Your browser may not support display of this image. As a former WSBK championship runner-up, balancing his desire to win at all costs with the longer-term view of gathering important data for the team can be difficult, but Ruben believes he had really matured as a rider in WSBK and can bring a lot of benefits to this new team.

“It’s a big responsibility to provide the data the team needs but Troy and I have many years of experience that can be put to good use. We understand all the different nuances, the effect of humidity, bumps on the track, wind, technique and so on. I know nothing about mathematics but can help the telemetry guys gather the data they need. We’re already beating lap times from last year, but we’re not helping ourselves in Superpole, which ultimately affects our chances in the race. If we could qualify and start on the second row, I’m convinced we could finish in the top five.”

The recent two-day official WSBK test at Imola saw a major improvement for BMW, with Ruben Xaus setting the seventh quickest overall time, just eight tenths of a second away from fastest rider Jonathan Rea’s mark. Xaus used a new spec engine that proved to make the bike much easier to ride and control. In fact, the test was so positive that the new engine will be used in the race at Brno.

“I am happy how the these tests have gone and I am really happy with the new engines,” declared Ruben. “Now the bike is easier to ride and the connection between the throttle and the engine is improved. Of course, there’s still a lot of work to do, but this improvement has made us all smile again and I look forward to using these engines in Brno. The lap times are very close and if I had gone just over one tenth of a second faster, I would have been fighting Spies for third place! I am happy with my times on race tyres and feel we have made a good step forward and one that allows us to think very positively about the future. The team have been working fantastically hard recently and we need to be happy about what we have done. I have a lot of faith that BMW understand the situation and know what to do to keep up this improvement.”'; news['article_144']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_144']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/072709_troyruben1.jpg'; news['article_144']['image11_text'] = 'Ruben Xaus is a picture of concentration on the WSBK grid.'; news['article_144']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/072709_troyruben1.jpg'; news['article_144']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/072709_troyruben2.jpg'; news['article_144']['image12_text'] = 'Troy Corser discusses tactics with his crew chief'; news['article_144']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/072709_troyruben2.jpg'; news['article_144']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/072709_troyruben3.jpg'; news['article_144']['image13_text'] = 'Ruben hoists a celebratory wheelie'; news['article_144']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/072709_troyruben3.jpg'; news['article_144']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_144']['content2'] = ''; news['article_144']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_144']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_144']['content3'] = ''; news['article_144']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[164] = 144; news['article_145'] = new Array(); news['article_145']['articleId'] = 162; news['article_145']['day'] = '11'; news['article_145']['month'] = '07'; news['article_145']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_145']['title'] = 'Mid Season Report'; news['article_145']['link_text'] = 'Mid Season Report'; news['article_145']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_145']['content1'] = 'With just one more round to go at Brno until the Superbike World Championship’s summer break, BMW Motorrad brings you a mid-season report from those directly in action in this year’s series.

For Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport Berti Hauser, seeing the blue and white roundel line up on the grid at Philip Island in Australia for the first round of the 2009 Superbike World Championship was the realization of a dream come true. From the early days of working with the factory Dakar team in the late ‘90s, Hauser has guided BMW Motorrad through its return to road racing, with the International BMW Boxercup and Power Cup series that supported the MotoGP World Championship.

This was followed by the development of the racing boxer with the HP2 Sport’s presence and considerable success in selected rounds of the Endurance World Championship. Alongside this has been the introduction and swift development of the G 450 X sport enduro to the point where it is currently enjoying podium success in this year’s Enduro World Championship, as well as various national championships. But this latest WSBK project is without a doubt the most ambitious yet and Hauser is clearly delighted just to be here.

“This is what I have dreamed of for a long time,” he says. “We’ve had a really warm welcome from all the other teams involved in this championship – it’s one big family and everyone says that it’s great to have BMW here. What’s really taken us by surprise though is just how tough this series is. We knew that it would be competitive but we didn’t expect it to be as competitive as this! All the teams seem to take a big step forward each year; the lap times we’re running are already faster than those from last year, but of course everyone else has moved on, so there’s still a gap to really being ‘on the pace’. In summary though, we’ve learnt an awful lot in a short space of time and we’re starting to feel like a real WSBK team in terms of our structure and our understanding, and I really feel we’re moving in the right direction now.”

One of the team’s main frustrations has been dealing with a lack of circuit data that a full year in the Superbike World Championship will provide. For Hauser, this is inevitable in the team’s debut year, as you have to start somewhere. As such, it has been difficult to set achievable goals, when the ‘goalposts’ seem to keep moving!

“It’s hard to think about where we would like to be by the end of the season because you are comparing yourself to the rest of the grid – and the whole grid is so strong this year. It would be more realistic to try and get the bike closer to the pace – less than 0.5 seconds would be a good target. Our engineers will also help us close the gap more and this will allow us to get closer to the top five and then hopefully a podium placing next year. We’re under no illusions that we’ve got a lot of work ahead of us and to keep improving the bike is essential. More testing will obviously help, but we have to have patience. Thankfully, everyone is fully committed to this project and very excited about it.”

Of course, no one goes racing just for the fun of it – the overriding reasons from a manufacturer’s perspective are brand credibility, machine development and, naturally, sales of the associated series production machine. Fortunately for BMW, there is a tremendous amount of interest in the forthcoming customer version of the S 1000 RR and Hauser believes that this bike has the potential to take the BMW brand into completely new market segments.

“The S 1000 RR is such a great opportunity for BMW – we are pleasantly surprised about the capability of the ‘stock’ bike and how it is much ‘closer’ to the factory race bike than the competition. The level of tuning is similar but the engine still has scope for further development in my opinion.”

As you’d expect, both Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus have taken the opportunity to ride the forthcoming customer S 1000 RR and their reactions are reassuringly positive.

“People are going to be very surprised by this bike, because I loved it when I first rode it,” said Ruben. I rode the IDM (German Superbike Championship) bike and then the streetbike, and found it very close to my race bike, but more smooth of course. It was easy to ride fast, especially with the traction control, and this will help slower riders go faster! For sure it’s a premium product but it will be competitively priced.”

This was a view shared by Troy Corser, who has also ridden the series production S 1000 RR: “I recently rode the bike at the Lausitzring – it had wires all over it for testing and recording various things. The ‘standard’ machine is at a great level and it was very surprising how fast it is; in fact, it’s not much slower than my race bike! I think it also has a great chance to capture sales from its rivals in this class because it will be in the same ‘ball-park’ price-wise, but the product is a lot more advanced with all the innovative technology.”

That’s two fine endorsements from two of the fastest guys out there – the rest of us mere mortals will have to wait until early 2010 to try the Unstoppable S 1000 RR for ourselves.
'; news['article_145']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_145']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0711midseason1.jpg'; news['article_145']['image11_text'] = 'Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport Berti Hauser looks on as Troy Corser discusses set-up with a crew member.'; news['article_145']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0711midseason1.jpg'; news['article_145']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0711midseason2.jpg'; news['article_145']['image12_text'] = 'Ruben helps unveil the S 1000 RR series production machine in the wet at BMW Motorrad Days'; news['article_145']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0711midseason2.jpg'; news['article_145']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0711midseason3.jpg'; news['article_145']['image13_text'] = 'Ruben Xaus discusses the intricacies of the Donington Park circuit'; news['article_145']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0711midseason3.jpg'; news['article_145']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_145']['content2'] = ''; news['article_145']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_145']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_145']['content3'] = ''; news['article_145']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[162] = 145; news['article_146'] = new Array(); news['article_146']['articleId'] = 161; news['article_146']['day'] = '06'; news['article_146']['month'] = '07'; news['article_146']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_146']['title'] = 'Designing the Dream Machine'; news['article_146']['link_text'] = 'Designing the Dream Machine'; news['article_146']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_146']['content1'] = 'Designing the ultimate supersports bike is a job that most people can only dream about. But, for BMW Motorrad’s Head of Design Development David Robb and his team of designers, the dream became a reality when the brief for BMW’s latest motorcycle dropped on their desk several years ago.

The BMW S 1000 RR, the German manufacturer’s most recent project, was greeted with a mixture of surprise and excitement when it was announced to the world’s press in 2008. Speculation regarding the S 1000 RR’s styling and technical specification was rife, and it wasn’t until the fifth round of the World Superbike Championship that the production model was unveiled to widespread acclaim. The bold design and phenomenal performance figures stunned the motorcycling world. BMW Motorrad had officially arrived in the supersport market – and in some style.

BMW Motorrad is no stranger to producing motorcycles of distinction, with the GS models the most obvious examples of a long line of machines that stand out from the offerings from the other manufacturers. But, having never previously attempted to produce a supersports machine, the S 1000 RR project was possibly BMW Motorrad’s most ambitious task to date.

In order for the project to be a success, BMW Motorrad assembled a team of industry experts – each possessing a wealth of experience and a will to succeed – and set the challenge of designing the world’s best supersports bike. Heading up the team was David Robb, a BMW veteran with over 30 years of design experience to his name. He explains the origins of the S 1000 RR project: “BMW Motorrad has, for many years, been looking to raise the pulse rate of the company,” he says. “We have always been well-known for our dynamic products and our innovation, and we wanted to seize on this opinion and produce a supersport motorcycle that embodied everything that BMW Motorrad stands for. Recent models such as the HP2 Sport and the K 1200 S were an indication of a direction in which we wanted to take the brand and the S 1000 RR is the realisation of this ambition.”

With the supersports segment being one of the most hotly contested in the motorcycle industry, BMW Motorrad acknowledged that the S 1000 RR had to be an entirely different prospect to its competitors, while still appealing to the market’s desire for high-performance racing thoroughbreds.

“From very early on in the project, we identified that to be accepted in the supersports market, the S 1000 RR had to be first and foremost a race machine,” says David. “Therefore, performance was a vital aspect of the bike. Our research also informed us that to appeal to the target audience, the bike needed to look good. As a result, communication between the engineering team and the design team was essential to make certain that neither the overall performance of the bike or how it looked were compromised when trying to maximise both aspects.”

The outcome of the collaboration between the design and engineering teams is a bike that excels in both categories. On track, the engineering success of the project is clear to see. With Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus at the controls, the S 1000 RR machines are a regular fixture in the World Superbike Championship top ten – a remarkable feat in the bike’s first season in this highly competitive series. Meanwhile, the unique styling of the S 1000 RR, featuring asymmetric front lights and fairing setup, is distinctly BMW and a refreshing take on the traditional supersports design.

In light of the success of the project so far, David is quick to credit the design team, who he feels deserve the adulation. “My role was to nurture the team’s creativity in order to get the best end result, but to also foster the collaboration between the designers and design engineers,” comments David. “We were lucky enough to have a team of very talented individuals, who each brought different qualities to the group.”

One such individual was Ola Stenegard, BMW Motorrad’s Principle Designer. Although the S 1000 RR project was an opportunity to create a chapter in BMW Motorrad’s illustrious history, Ola wasn’t fazed by the prospect. “The project wasn’t challenging at all, in fact, it was the dream brief,” he says. “As a designer, it’s the bike you wait your whole life for. I worked on the HP2 Sport project and thought that was the pinnacle of the dream and once that had finished, I wondered how I could better it. Then, the S 1000 RR came along and I had my answer!”

So, with a blank canvas and the task of creating a brand new bike, Ola and the team began the job of creating sketch after sketch, toying with ideas and discussing the possibilities with the design engineers. “The main inspiration came from the track,” continues Ola. “I would go to the track and watch the test riders, and ride myself. My goal was to make the bike look as fast as it could be ridden and now the project is complete, I wouldn’t change a thing. As a designer, you often revisit previous projects and wonder how you could have improved them. But when I look at the S 1000 RR, I don’t believe we could have done anything better.”

Elsewhere, the design engineers, including Thrass Papadimitriou, were tasked with ensuring that the S 1000 RR’s performance wasn’t compromised by its styling and played a vital role in ensuring that the brief was adhered to. “The project was a dream come true for me,” says Thrass. “It was exciting as BMW had never previously focussed on a supersport machine. As such, there were more technical requirements to factor into the design than ever before and the specification list and design had to work in perfect harmony. Communications between the engineering team and the design team needed to be superb and, thankfully, they were and the S 1000 RR is the result of this effort.”

The supersports sector may be competitive, but judging by the reaction of the press and members of the public, the BMW S 1000 RR is poised to make a big impression. “I’m very proud of the way in which BMW Motorrad has reshaped itself in recent times,” concludes David. “The GS models opened the brand up to a whole new audience. We are confident that the S 1000 RR will do the same and prove to be a landmark machine in this company’s illustrious history.”

If you can’t wait for the S 1000 RR to hit the showrooms, visit www.s1000rr.com for exclusive video content.'; news['article_146']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_146']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0706dream.jpg'; news['article_146']['image11_text'] = 'BMW designer Ola Stenegard’s April 2007 sketch of his vision for the BMW S 1000 RR superbike.'; news['article_146']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0706dream.jpg'; news['article_146']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0706dream1.jpg'; news['article_146']['image12_text'] = 'A side profile of what is surely BMW Motorrad’s most exciting machine to date.'; news['article_146']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0706dream1.jpg'; news['article_146']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0706dream2.jpg'; news['article_146']['image13_text'] = 'Some of the team that have worked on the design development of the new S 1000 RR.'; news['article_146']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0706dream2.jpg'; news['article_146']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_146']['content2'] = ''; news['article_146']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_146']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_146']['content3'] = ''; news['article_146']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[161] = 146; news['article_147'] = new Array(); news['article_147']['articleId'] = 160; news['article_147']['day'] = '25'; news['article_147']['month'] = '06'; news['article_147']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_147']['title'] = 'BMW F 800 GS NAMED 2009 MOTORCYCLE OF THE YEAR BY RIDER '; news['article_147']['link_text'] = 'BMW F 800 GS NAMED 2009 MOTORCYCLE OF THE YEAR BY RIDER '; news['article_147']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_147']['content1'] = 'Rider Magazine has named BMW Motorrad’s F 800 GS adventure tourer its 2009 Motorcycle of the Year. The award announcement appears in the July 2009 issue of Rider Magazine, currently on newsstands.

“We are delighted to receive this prestigious award from Rider,” commented Pieter de Waal, Vice President, BMW Motorrad USA. “This recognition is a true credit to all those who played a role in the development of this bike and confirms why it has become so popular among riders today.”

Here is an excerpt of what the editors of Rider had to say about the BMW F 800 GS: “BMW has been thinking way out of the box... and there is perhaps no better evidence than its unstoppable new F 800 GS adventure tourer. It\'s taller and longer than the R 1200 GS Boxer twin, and not much lighter, but is far narrower with its upright parallel twin, and like the 1200 offers a tremendous amount of satisfying performance.

Chain final drive, 9 inches of suspension travel, a 21- and 19-inch front/rear spoked wheel combination and plenty of twin-cylinder torque give it much better off-road ability than its Boxer breatheren, yet the F 800 GS has enough on-road legs that you can haul down the highway from fill-up to fill-up in satisfactory comfort without stopping.... and starting at $10,520 the F 800 GS is priced $4,000 less than the 1200.

With a complete range of available adventure accessories (including great expandable locking hard bags, GPS and a low-seat option), as long as it suits your inseam and you don\'t mind a little business now and then, it\'s hard to find a more capable machine for a \'round-the-world adventure or just a run to the next town, on- or off-road.”'; news['article_147']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_147']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/F800GSRider.jpg'; news['article_147']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/F800GSRider.jpg'; news['article_147']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_147']['content2'] = ''; news['article_147']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_147']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_147']['content3'] = ''; news['article_147']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[160] = 147; news['article_148'] = new Array(); news['article_148']['articleId'] = 159; news['article_148']['day'] = '23'; news['article_148']['month'] = '06'; news['article_148']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_148']['title'] = 'F 800 GS Wins Cycle World Magazine \"Best Dual-Sport Bike in 2009\"'; news['article_148']['link_text'] = 'F 800 GS Wins Cycle World Magazine \"Best Dual-Sport Bike in 2009\"'; news['article_148']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_148']['content1'] = 'Cycle World magazine has selected the BMW F 800 GS as the Best Dual-Sport Bike in 2009. “With ten classes and 547 motorcycles to choose from it is no easy task to narrow them down,” says Cycle World. For the 2009 mode year “the F 800 GS combines dirt and street capability and best embodies a do-anything, go-anywhere riding ethic. While the Best Dual-Sport Bike category is traditionally reserved for simple, single-cylinder machines, there is also room for large-displacement adventure-tourers, as long as the riding fun continues when the pavement ends.”

We thank the editors and staff of Cycle World for this recognition.'; news['article_148']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_148']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/F800GS3.jpg'; news['article_148']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/F800GS3.jpg'; news['article_148']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/F800GS1.jpg'; news['article_148']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/F800GS1.jpg'; news['article_148']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_148']['content2'] = ''; news['article_148']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_148']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_148']['content3'] = ''; news['article_148']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[159] = 148; news['article_149'] = new Array(); news['article_149']['articleId'] = 158; news['article_149']['day'] = '18'; news['article_149']['month'] = '06'; news['article_149']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_149']['title'] = 'The GS Challenge at the 2009 BMW MOA International Rally '; news['article_149']['link_text'] = 'The GS Challenge at the 2009 BMW MOA International Rally '; news['article_149']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_149']['content1'] = 'Come test your off-road riding skills and learn some new ones at the upcoming MOA International Rally in Johnson City, TN on July 16-18, 2009. Whether you’re a nervous noob or a grizzled veteran, you’re going to have a lot of fun.

Courtesy of BMW Motorrad USA and the BMW Performance Center, you can test your mettle on the fairgrounds motocross track specially prepared for GS skills training, also get a chance to participate in a little good-natured competition.

You’ll get a taste of the training that’s available in the off-road school at the BMW Performance Center in Greer, SC, and have the chance to put your new skills up against fellow riders to see if you’re up to the challenge.

Starting on Thursday, July 16th, there will be regularly-scheduled training sessions throughout the day where you can ride and learn from the masters. On Friday, July 17th, the games begin as you tackle your choice of challenge: the hill, the soft stuff, the GS “whoops,” the narrow bridge, and the monster tires. Sprinkled throughout will be as many bumps, drops, turns and berms as you care to take on.

So please come join in the fun. '; news['article_149']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_149']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0618_rally1.jpg'; news['article_149']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0618_rally1.jpg'; news['article_149']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0618_rally2.jpg'; news['article_149']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0618_rally2.jpg'; news['article_149']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_149']['content2'] = ''; news['article_149']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_149']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_149']['content3'] = ''; news['article_149']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[158] = 149; news['article_150'] = new Array(); news['article_150']['articleId'] = 154; news['article_150']['day'] = '05'; news['article_150']['month'] = '06'; news['article_150']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_150']['title'] = 'Dreams Come True'; news['article_150']['link_text'] = 'Dreams Come True'; news['article_150']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_150']['content1'] = 'The Sternschnuppe (shooting star) charitable foundation in Switzerland has benefited from a substantial financial contribution, courtesy of BMW Motorrad Switzerland, and thanks to the unique talents of the artist Christian Geiger.

The Sternschnuppe foundation (www.sternschnuppe.ch) was created to help provide wonderful experiences that literally make dreams come true for children and teenagers that are fighting life-threatening illnesses, injuries or coping with physical or mental handicaps that reduce their quality of life.

In order to raise funds for this worthwhile charity, BMW Motorrad Switzerland commissioned artist Christian Geiger (www.art-geiger.net) to create a series of unique 2m x 1.3m pictures of some of the current BMW motorcycles, including the new K 1300 R naked muscle bike; the F 800 R roadster; the formidable R 1200 GS Adventure and the BMW Custom concept machine. The paintings were put on display at the SWISS MOTO 2009 exhibition in Zurich and generated a significant amount of interest from both motorcycle and art fans who visited the popular annual show.

Following the show, the four pictures were then placed on auction on the BMW Motorrad Switzerland website and members of the public were then invited to bid for them. The auction was extremely successful and the 5,000 Swiss Francs raised was donated to the Sternschnuppe foundation, much to the delight of Motorcycle Manager Tom Pertertil, who recently presented a cheque to Cornelia Jans, head of the Sternschnuppe foundation at BMW Motorrad Switzerland’s headquarters in Dielsdorf.

Commenting on the successful initiative, Roland Kohler, manager of the Motorrad marketing department said: “We are extremely pleased that the pictures from Christian Geiger sold so successfully and that the Fr. 5000 amount will be spent on good causes.”

Since its creation in 1993, the Sternschnuppe foundation has allowed many children to live their dreams and has brought a ray of hope and happiness into many lives, providing a wide variety of experiences from swimming with dolphins to meeting MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi.
'; news['article_150']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_150']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0605sternschnuppe1.jpg'; news['article_150']['image11_text'] = 'Artist Christian Geiger’s interpretation of the new BMW F 800 R'; news['article_150']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0605sternschnuppe1.jpg'; news['article_150']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0605sternschnuppe2.jpg'; news['article_150']['image12_text'] = 'Motorcycle Manager Tom Pertertil presents a cheque to Cornelia Jans, head of the Sternschnuppe foundation at BMW Motorrad Switzerland’s headquarters in Dielsdorf'; news['article_150']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0605sternschnuppe2.jpg'; news['article_150']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_150']['content2'] = ''; news['article_150']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_150']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_150']['content3'] = ''; news['article_150']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[154] = 150; news['article_151'] = new Array(); news['article_151']['articleId'] = 153; news['article_151']['day'] = '05'; news['article_151']['month'] = '06'; news['article_151']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_151']['title'] = 'Lettenbichler on Podium at Red Bull City Scramble'; news['article_151']['link_text'] = 'Lettenbichler on Podium at Red Bull City Scramble'; news['article_151']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_151']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorrad rider Andi Lettenbichler secured a hard-fought third place in the Red Bull City Scramble event, held in Auckland, New Zealand on 31 May. Aboard his BMW G 450 X, the German rider overcame a first section tangle to finish on the podium at the unique city centre event.

A huge crowd of over 10,000 EnduroCross fans packed into Auckland’s Britomart Square to watch the breathtaking action unfold. The city block had been transformed into an enduro riding paradise for the event, with logs, rocks and water among the obstacles standing between the competitors and the finishing line.

The transformation of Britomart Square from a humble downtown precinct into a thriving nest of two-wheeled action took just over 24 hours. Course builders entered the area to begin the task of creating the spectacle at 6pm on the Friday before the race. After working through the night and the following day, they finally put the finishing touches to the course at 10pm on Saturday. Their efforts were rewarded with a display of high-octane EnduroCross action from over 50 competitors invited to Auckland to battle it out for the title.

Among the riders involved was BMW Motorrad’s Andi Lettenbichler. After breezing through the heats and semi-finals, Andi and his BMW G 450 X took their place on the start line with the rider confident of a good performance. But as the race got underway, the demanding nature of the course became apparent as the German enduro specialist was caught up in a first section tangle involving several riders. With the leaders breaking clear of the melee, it took a special performance from Andi to ensure that he and the G 450 X claimed a place on the podium. However, if it wasn’t for the incident in the first section, the story could have been totally different.

Andi comments: “I really enjoyed that event and I’m happy with my performance overall. I was the quickest in my heat and semi-final, and was full of confidence going into the final. Then, on the first rocky section just after the start I got caught up in an accident. The race was only six minutes long, so it was very difficult to catch up with the guys at the front after that, but I’m pleased to have managed to get up to third place and I think if I’d have had a clean run, I would have been in contention for the race win.”

Less than a year after its production release, the G 450 X continues to go from strength to strength. The Red Bull City Scramble is the latest in a line of events in which the bike has excelled. With just one week remaining until the legendary Erzberg Rodeo, Andi is confident that the G 450 X will also show its credentials on the Iron Mountain.

“I’ve spent a lot of time on the bike recently and I’m feeling really comfortable on it,” he says. “For a four-stroke bike competing against lighter two-stroke machines, the G 450 X did very well at the City Scramble and I’m sure that it will also be good at Erzberg. I’ll be able to exploit the power advantage of the G 450 X and hopefully I can go one better than last year and reward BMW Motorrad with a win!”
'; news['article_151']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_151']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0605lettenbichler1.jpg'; news['article_151']['image11_text'] = 'Andi Lettenbichler on the podium at the Red Bull City Scramble with winner Rory Mead and second placed Chris Birch'; news['article_151']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0605lettenbichler1.jpg'; news['article_151']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0605lettenbichler2.jpg'; news['article_151']['image12_text'] = 'Auckland’s Britomart Square had been transformed into an enduro riding paradise for the event, with logs, rocks and water among the obstacles'; news['article_151']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0605lettenbichler2.jpg'; news['article_151']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0605lettenbichler3.jpg'; news['article_151']['image13_text'] = '‘Letti’ on the BMW G 450 X in New Zealand'; news['article_151']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0605lettenbichler3.jpg'; news['article_151']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_151']['content2'] = ''; news['article_151']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_151']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_151']['content3'] = ''; news['article_151']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[153] = 151; news['article_152'] = new Array(); news['article_152']['articleId'] = 155; news['article_152']['day'] = '05'; news['article_152']['month'] = '06'; news['article_152']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_152']['title'] = 'Epic GlobeBusters Motorcycle Adventure Crosses into China'; news['article_152']['link_text'] = 'Epic GlobeBusters Motorcycle Adventure Crosses into China'; news['article_152']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_152']['content1'] = 'Motorcycle adventure travel specialists Kevin and Julia Sanders have crossed the Torugart Pass and entered China on their research expedition for the inaugural London to Beijing GlobeBusters adventure tour that takes place in 2010.

Along with teammate Mark Hamilton, the British couple – both founders of GlobeBusters Motorcycle Expeditions and also holders of Guinness World Records for Fastest Circumnavigation of the World by Motorcycle and the Trans Americas by Motorcycle – celebrated as they rolled across the Chinese border on their BMW GS motorcycles. The GlobeBusters Team has already covered over 8,000 miles (13,000 kilometres) since leaving from the UK on 28 March and it has been one of their most challenging rides to date.

“Tajikistan was one of the most wild and remote places we have ridden,” said Julia Sanders. “We arrived too early in the season and some passes were covered in deep snow! It was a matter of paddling the bikes through deep ruts of packed snow and walking them across frozen sections of dirt road. Then, in the lower sections of the mountains we hit the rainy season and had three deep river crossings to get through, as well as two landslides!”

In Tajikistan, the route took them along the Pamir Highway and with special permissions from the Tajik Embassy in London, they headed into the Wakhan Valley – the southernmost point of Tajikistan – where only a narrow river represented the border with Afghanistan. Not unexpectedly, the military presence was high and there were regular checkpoints, as drug smuggling is rife and local Afghans will stuff goatskins full of narcotics and float them across the river each night.

After such a long journey, the GlobeBusters team is understandably relieved to have entered China, as Kevin Sanders commented: “Until you are actually in, you are never quite sure whether all the planning and preparation for getting into China will actually come through. There is always that possibility that the Chinese could close their borders at any time, so it was a great feeling to ride away from the checkpoints with all the formalities completed.”

Riding foreign plated vehicles in China was virtually impossible until the Chinese changed the rules in 2007 and even now, routes have to be pre-approved by Beijing and a Chinese guide is assigned to you. With the guide, the GlobeBusters team has several weeks of riding ahead, heading south to Tibet and then down to the Yunnan province which is on the border with Laos, before heading back north through Chengdu, Xi’an and Beijing. Entering Tibet will be another landmark for the team, as few motorcyclists have visited the region in recent times due to political difficulties.

“We’re now at the start of the second stage of this trip and we have just had a tiny insight of riding in China,” added Kevin. “It is utter madness in the towns – you cannot ride how you would back in Europe or the USA as there are absolutely no rules and everything and anything can happen or appear on the road at any time from any direction. You need the reactions of a fighter pilot just in order to survive!”

The team are riding bikes more than capable of dealing with everything that the long and sometimes arduous route can throw at them. All three team members are riding BMW GS motorcycles, which have been equipped by Touratech. Their timing is fairly tight because they have to get back to the UK before the end of June to then go to BMW Motorrad Days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where they are giving a talk about London to Beijing 2010. After this, they will fly off to Alaska to start their 19-week Trans-Americas 2009 trip – the longest supported motorcycle journey in the world along the Pan American Highway from the top of Alaska to the tip of Argentina.

Any rider wanting to join GlobeBusters’ inaugural London to Beijing Silk Road East 2010 trip for real will now have to wait until 2011, as next year’s voyage is already full, with a waiting list. The route for 2011 travels through Europe, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and the Wakhan Valley, Kyrgyzstan, China (via Tibet, subject to permissions).

The approximate dates are the last week in April to the end of June 2011 (ten weeks), with a guide price of £16,500 / €20,000 / US$26,000. The prices include two motorcycle guides, support vehicle, all local guides and support vehicles, all Chinese permits and licences to ride a foreign plated motorcycle in China, hotel, bed and breakfast or camping, route notes and GPS points, return ocean freight to the UK or a major port in the USA. Call +44 8452 304015 or email info@globebusters.com for more details.
'; news['article_152']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_152']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0605Epic1.jpg'; news['article_152']['image11_text'] = 'The GlobeBusters team with their Chinese travel guide at the border'; news['article_152']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0605Epic1.jpg'; news['article_152']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0605Epic2.jpg'; news['article_152']['image12_text'] = 'Their journey so far has taken them though some of the most wild and remote places they have ever ridden'; news['article_152']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0605Epic2.jpg'; news['article_152']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_152']['content2'] = ''; news['article_152']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_152']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_152']['content3'] = ''; news['article_152']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[155] = 152; news['article_153'] = new Array(); news['article_153']['articleId'] = 156; news['article_153']['day'] = '05'; news['article_153']['month'] = '06'; news['article_153']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_153']['title'] = 'Kudu Embarks on Inaugural ‘Round the World’ Adventure'; news['article_153']['link_text'] = 'Kudu Embarks on Inaugural ‘Round the World’ Adventure'; news['article_153']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_153']['content1'] = 'On 4 June, 13 motorcyclists headed off into ‘the great unknown’ on a life-changing adventure. The riders will be travelling through three continents and 20 countries on an unremitting ride east from London to New York. Then on 11 June, an additional 14 riders will set out on the same route with the same vision – to experience adventure motorcycle riding on the grandest scale.

The trips are courtesy of Kudu Expeditions, a British-based company that organises motorcycle adventures through some of the world’s most sublime areas, for motorcyclists who wish to experience two-wheeled travel at its best. Among the trips offered is a trans-Sahara ride, a London to Cairo adventure, Paris to Dakar by bike and a trans-America journey. This year, however, after many months of preparation, the company organised its inaugural round-the-world journey. The trip proved incredibly popular – so much so that Kudu had to organise a second trip, leaving the UK a week later, to cope with the demand.

Lee Mears, founder of Kudu Expeditions, explains where the idea for the round-the-world journey came from. “The first trip we ever organised was a ride from London to Cape Town down the west coast of Africa,” he says. “After the success of that journey, we started looking at others we could run. Then Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman burst onto the scene with their Long Way Round trip, and all the subsequent media coverage awoke many people’s imaginations, including ours!

“We decided to give riders – particularly those with little experience and confidence – the chance to experience a round-the-world trip for themselves, safe in the knowledge that they would have a team of expert mechanics and a support crew with them. The idea proved a huge success and all the available places sold out in just ten weeks. Then a second trip, organised to satisfy demand, sold out in just two months.”

Lee, a former British Army bomb disposal expert, is the driving force behind Kudu Expeditions and has had hands-on involvement in organising the round-the-world trip. As part of the preparation and true to his military background, Lee carried out an extensive reconnaissance mission to ensure customers would ride the very best routes from London to New York. His findings, combined with his previous experience of global motorcycle travel, has resulted in a challenging ride that combines difficult off-road stages and some of the world’s most remote locations. The groups will journey through the familiar surroundings of Europe before heading through Iran, Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia – among other locations – on their way to New York.

The trip has understandably taken many months of preparation and Lee has been at the centre of the project from the outset. As the first group heads out, Lee explains that although he can finally breathe a sigh of relief, there is still more work to be done.

“It’s difficult to describe how I’m feeling after so many months of planning,” he admits. “When the first trip finally sets off it will be a relief, but it will only be the end of one phase. The next challenge is solving any problems that might arise, such as visa and border issues. But I’m not worrying too much. I’m lucky enough to have some very good people working at Kudu Expeditions and I have complete confidence in them, so I’m not expecting too many problems.”

Despite taking control of the project, Lee has decided not to accompany the riders on the adventure, instead opting to stay in the UK with his young family and provide office support for the two groups. “I’m definitely feeling pangs of regret that I’ll not be going on the trip, but I have a wife and a newborn baby at home, so I couldn’t leave them for so long – it would be too difficult,” he says. “But even though I’ve been on plenty of motorcycle adventures, the round-the-world trip is very special and I’m certainly envious of the guys that are lucky enough to be setting out on the journey!”

As well as following much of the route taken by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman during their Long Way Round adventures, the Kudu adventurers will also be putting their faith in BMW Motorrad machinery. Of the group that left the UK on 4 June, 10 members are riding BMW F 800 GS motorcycles, while the R 1150 GS and R 1200 GS machines favoured by McGregor and Boorman are also well represented. The number of BMW bikes that are set to travel the globe is testament to the German manufacturer’s standing in the adventure riding community.

Clive Hale, a member of the 4 June group, is ready to add 20,000 miles to his BMW F 800 GS over the next months. The investment manager has little off-road experience and only recently decided to get back on a bike after a 25 year absence from the saddle. Nevertheless, the 61-year-old is a few days into arguably the most arduous journey he will ever make. “The opportunity to go around the world with Kudu came about by chance,” he reveals. “I was flicking through Bike magazine and a leaflet advertising the trip just fell out onto the floor. I was at a stage in my life where I felt it was the right time to have an adventure like this, so I decided to just go for it!

“It’s going to be fantastic to meet so many new people and experience different cultures,” he continues. “I just wanted to get away from day-to-day worries and the news, which seems to be full of depressing stories at the moment.”

What better way to escape the pressures of every day life than to pack your panniers and ride into the sunset with an open road and limitless possibilities in front of you? According to Lee, the idea has proved incredibly popular. “The reaction to the trip was fantastic and we’ve already started taking bookings for the 2010 project,” he concludes. “We’ve not had any problems selling the places – the idea seems to sell itself. We hope that this year’s adventures will be the first of many.”

For information on how to get involved with the next Kudu expedition or to keep up to date with the ‘round-the-world blog’, please visit www.kuduexpeditions.com.
'; news['article_153']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_153']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0605kudu1.jpg'; news['article_153']['image11_text'] = 'Lee Mears, founder of Kudu Expeditions'; news['article_153']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0605kudu1.jpg'; news['article_153']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0605kudu2.jpg'; news['article_153']['image12_text'] = 'The trip has taken many months of preparation'; news['article_153']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0605kudu2.jpg'; news['article_153']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0605kudu3.jpg'; news['article_153']['image13_text'] = 'Clive Hale is one of the participants that is ready to put his BMW F 800 GS through its paces over the next months'; news['article_153']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0605kudu3.jpg'; news['article_153']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_153']['content2'] = ''; news['article_153']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_153']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_153']['content3'] = ''; news['article_153']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[156] = 153; news['article_154'] = new Array(); news['article_154']['articleId'] = 157; news['article_154']['day'] = '05'; news['article_154']['month'] = '06'; news['article_154']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_154']['title'] = 'Help for Heroes'; news['article_154']['link_text'] = 'Help for Heroes'; news['article_154']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_154']['content1'] = 'R 1100 GS rider Dave Tomkinson will soon be setting off on a 3,500-mile (5,600 kilometres) journey around the coast of Great Britain. Along with F 650 GS riding friend David Meakin, their journey will start on 8 June and the pair will be raising money for the Help for Heroes charity.

Inspired by Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman’s Long Way Down journey, all the proceeds from their ride will go to support servicemen and women who have suffered life-changing injuries while in the line of duty out in Iraq and Afghanistan. The plan is to only use minor roads for the journey and they hope to complete the circuit of Great Britain in around a fortnight.

Dave is a team leader for British Waterways and supervises a team of maintenance staff who care for all the canals and rivers in the Wales and Border Counties region of Great Britain. Although he’s been riding since he was a young boy, this will be his most ambitious journey to date.

“The reason I chose Help for Heroes as our charity is that I read an article about a motorcycle magazine editor who rode along the south coast of Britain for around 400 miles (650 kilometres) together with some soldiers, collecting money from local farmers markets and pubs, which brought the charity some much needed publicity. Our goal is to raise £1 for every mile we do, so that’s around £3,500 in total and anything over that will be a bonus.”

The journey begins at Stoke and Dave and David will be riding clockwise around the coastline over the next two weeks. They are planning to average around 300 miles a day (500 kilometres) on the two BMW GS machines and are hoping that the fantastic late spring weather can hold on long enough for them to complete the trip in dry conditions.

“We are most looking forward to riding the west coast of Scotland as we have not done it before and have been told how great the views and roads are,” said Dave. “Personally I’m looking forward to going over to the Isle of Skye on the ferry and obviously John O’Groats, as well as crossing the Forth and Humber Bridges. There’s just going to be so much to take in and I can’t wait to get started!”

More information on Help for Heroes is at www.helpforheroes.org.uk
'; news['article_154']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_154']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0605help.jpg'; news['article_154']['image11_text'] = 'R 1100 GS rider Dave Tomkinson and F 650 GS rider David Meakin will soon be setting off on a 5,600-kilometres journey around the coast of Great Britain.'; news['article_154']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0605help.jpg'; news['article_154']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_154']['content2'] = ''; news['article_154']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_154']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_154']['content3'] = ''; news['article_154']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[157] = 154; news['article_155'] = new Array(); news['article_155']['articleId'] = 152; news['article_155']['day'] = '29'; news['article_155']['month'] = '05'; news['article_155']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_155']['title'] = 'BMWPlanetPower.com: The S 1000 RR Microsite'; news['article_155']['link_text'] = 'BMWPlanetPower.com: The S 1000 RR Microsite'; news['article_155']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_155']['content1'] = 'The BMWPlanetPower.com, our new S 1000 RR microsite, is ready just in time for the official U.S. unveiling of the BMW Superbike this weekend at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah.

Following the U.S. unveiling, our two official S 1000 RR ambassadors, Nate Kern and Jason Turner, will be traveling to dealerships, track days and bike nights to show off the S 1000 RR. BMWPlanetPower.com will cover all related points about the awesome S 1000 RR and is based around the blogs/events/images/news that our two ambassadors will be creating as they tour the nation.
'; news['article_155']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_155']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/bmwppimage.jpg'; news['article_155']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/bmwppimage.jpg'; news['article_155']['subtitle2'] = 'BMWPlanetPower.com Overview:'; news['article_155']['content2'] = ' * This new microsite includes six specific sections: Blogs, Calendar, News, Gallery, Ambassador Bios, Tech Specs, Resources and Sign Up.

* The background is a full screen slideshow that will adjust automatically to your screen size (small or large). Meaning it will always look full screen, regardless of personal hardware.

* The homepage has snippets of all the internal content. When you land on our homepage, at one glance you’ll get a sense of exactly what’s going on through out the site.

* The homepage also shows a brief overview of the top 6 blogs our Ambassadors have made.

* Our Sign Up page includes the Pre-Order Reservation Form.

* We have a Gallery section that shows YouTube videos about the S 1000 RR and related images. The gallery of course will expand as we collect images and video from our Ambassadors’ tours.
'; news['article_155']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_155']['subtitle3'] = 'URL:
'; news['article_155']['content3'] = 'www.BMWPlanetPower.com'; news['article_155']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[152] = 155; news['article_156'] = new Array(); news['article_156']['articleId'] = 151; news['article_156']['day'] = '13'; news['article_156']['month'] = '05'; news['article_156']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_156']['title'] = 'Xaus Finishes 7th at WSBK in Monza, Italy '; news['article_156']['link_text'] = 'Xaus Finishes 7th at WSBK in Monza, Italy '; news['article_156']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_156']['content1'] = 'Ruben Xaus gave Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport their best result so far with a superb seventh in the first race at Monza today. He then followed it up with a solid ninth in the second race to make it his best weekend in five rounds and shows that he and the bike are making progress every time out.

His team mate Troy Corser was involved in a horrific crash on the opening lap of race one, when he was hit in the neck and back of head by another rider’s fallen bike. Troy was winded and was stretchered off, but fortunately he was able to get back to the pits under his own steam. Despite being bruised and battered, Troy decided to take part in the restarted race, but suffered another crash on the approach to the Parabolica on lap one. Luckily he was not injured seriously but he and the team decided to err on the side of safety and therefore not take part in race two.

Italian Michel Fabrizio (Ducati) won the first race, much to the delight of the home fans, with team mate Noriyuki Haga second and Ryuichi Kiyonari third. American Ben Spies (Yamaha) won race two, to make up for the disappointment of running out of fuel in race one whilst contending the lead. Second was Michel Fabrizio , with Kiyonari third again.

Ruben - Race 1: 7th, Race 2: 9th

I am happy to give the team our best result of the season so far and happy that I managed another top ten finish in he second race. My seventh place result is also for Troy and the whole team because everybody has worked so hard for this. My race two result could’ve been better, but I made a really bad start and then got nudged by somebody in the chicane. I recovered and was happy fighting for eighth with Smrz, Parkes and Laconi but I just couldn’t get past Smrz for eighth.

But generally, my race pace was good today and I think our result is also very good considering how little time we have in practice and qualifying. If we continue to make this good progress, we will be fighting for places even further up.

The sunshine was Ruben’s seventh in race one and a ninth in race two. He’s improving for sure and it shows that we are pushing hard, going forward and getting more and more competitive.
'; news['article_156']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_156']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_156']['content2'] = ''; news['article_156']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_156']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_156']['content3'] = ''; news['article_156']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[151] = 156; news['article_157'] = new Array(); news['article_157']['articleId'] = 147; news['article_157']['day'] = '15'; news['article_157']['month'] = '05'; news['article_157']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_157']['title'] = 'Motorsport Milestone at Monza'; news['article_157']['link_text'] = 'Motorsport Milestone at Monza'; news['article_157']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_157']['content1'] = 'On Saturday 9 May, a little piece of history was made at the legendary Monza circuit in Italy, when BMW Motorrad presented its new series production S 1000 RR to a packed hospitality unit full of international journalists. Furthermore, a special live web-streaming feed was broadcast to motorcycle journalists all over the world via the internet and BMW’s global PressClub service.

In unveiling BMW Motorrad’s first inline four-cylinder genuine Supersport motorcycle, the company was represented by key members of the design, engineering, sales and racing departments, all of whom have played crucial roles in the development of this exciting new Superbike.

Although it has been in development for more than four years, a quick glance at the specification sheet shows that it has been well worth the wait. With this world debut, BMW Motorrad has seriously raised the bar and is establishing a true milestone in the world of sports machines. The S 1000 RR combines an astonishing 193 hp at 13,000 rpm with a dry weight of just 183 kg (204 kg fully fuelled), giving it the best power-to-weight ratio in its class.

It also debuts new benchmarks in terms of riding dynamics, safety and innovation, with rider assistance systems such as Race ABS and DTC Dynamic Traction Control.

The optional Race ABS weighs just 2.5 kg, compared to around 10 kg for other similar systems, while the Dynamic Traction Control offers various riding modes at the touch of a button for wet surfaces, regular road requirements, racetracks with sports tyres and racetracks with slicks. An optional HP Gearshift Assistant allows clutchless shifting, without the slightest interruption of torque and power.

Other highlights are almost too numerous to mention but include a multi-functional instrument cluster with racing features such as a laptimer. The rider is able to set all functions directly from the ends of the handlebar. The S 1000 RR also features a high-speed, extra-sturdy valve drive with individual cam followers and titanium valves, following the example of BMW’s Formula 1 engines. Class-leading aerodynamics and sporting ergonomics make the litre-class sports bike ideal for both tall and short riders, and supreme handling comes as standard, combined with best-in-class high-speed and braking stability.

The decision to present arguably the most exciting machine in BMW Motorrad’s recent history to the media in Monza was by no means a coincidence. Since the beginning of this year Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport has been playing an active role in the World Superbike Championship, with the two works riders Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus at the forefront of the development of the production-based racing machine. Therefore it was quite fitting that the two riders were on hand to take the covers off the customer version of their race bikes.

A variety of colour schemes will be offered, including Mineral Silver Metallic, Thunder Grey Metallic and Acid Green Metallic; however, the S 1000 RR in BMW Motorrad Motorsport team colours attracted serious attention from all the ‘petrol heads’ in the press conference, with its Alpine White Non-Metallic, Magma Red Non-Metallic and Lupin Blue Metallic colour scheme, the swingarm finished in eloxy Silver and the wheels in high-gloss black.

It’s a brave move and a serious challenge for BMW Motorrad to enter the World Superbike Championship and in developing the S 1000 RR, the company has entered completely unchartered territory. However, the potential benefits are huge, both commercially and from a brand image perspective. More than 85,000 1000cc sport bikes were sold last year, with the key markets being the USA, Germany, Italy, UK, France, and to a lesser extent, Japan and Australia. Clearly, a manufacturer such as BMW Motorrad no longer wants to miss out on this opportunity to extend its brand image in a much more sporting direction.

Naturally, most of the customers of this exciting new Superbike are expected to switch allegiances from other brands, as BMW Motorrad is hoping to enthuse and win over new customers that have not yet been reached by the current model line-up. Hence, the Superbike World Championship is the ideal stage to prove the potential of the S 1000 RR. This race series is enjoying growing popularity internationally on all continents, the starting field contains all the main competitors (unlike MotoGP) and the costs are justifiable in comparison with the Grand Prix world.

BMW Motorrad has also become a welcome addition to the SBK series and although 2009 has been designated as a ‘learning year’, early results are already demonstrating that the Motorsport team is moving in the right direction. The objective is to achieve ‘top tens’ in 2009 with a real step forward and a genuine challenge in 2010.

Clearly, the series production machine is very exciting and it’s going to be a long wait for the world’s motorcycle media – all of whom are desperate to ride the new bike – who will have to hold out until late autumn before tucking behind the screen of the S 1000 RR and experiencing the rush of 192 hp at their fingertips.

Ruben Xaus already knows how good the new machine is though and the day after the press conference, the talented racer treated 118,000 Superbike fans at the circuit to an excellent display of riding by giving Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport its best result so far in the 2009 series, with a superb seventh in the first race at Monza. He then followed it up with a solid ninth in the second race to make it his best weekend in five rounds. With Troy Corser back in action for the next round of the championship at Miller Motorsports Park in the USA at the end of the month, the success story looks set to continue.
'; news['article_157']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_157']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0515monza1.jpg'; news['article_157']['image11_text'] = 'BMW Motorrad Motorsport team rider Troy Corser is mobbed by photographers at the unveiling of the series production S 1000 RR in Monza.'; news['article_157']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0515monza1.jpg'; news['article_157']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0515monza2.jpg'; news['article_157']['image12_text'] = 'The S 1000 RR in BMW Motorrad Motorsport team colours is expected to attract serious attention.'; news['article_157']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0515monza2.jpg'; news['article_157']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0515monza3.jpg'; news['article_157']['image13_text'] = 'Works rider Corser with the bike he is helping develop.'; news['article_157']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0515monza3.jpg'; news['article_157']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_157']['content2'] = ''; news['article_157']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_157']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_157']['content3'] = ''; news['article_157']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[147] = 157; news['article_158'] = new Array(); news['article_158']['articleId'] = 148; news['article_158']['day'] = '15'; news['article_158']['month'] = '05'; news['article_158']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_158']['title'] = 'Germany’s Most Wanted...'; news['article_158']['link_text'] = 'Germany’s Most Wanted...'; news['article_158']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_158']['content1'] = 'With just over a month-and-a-half to go until the best BMW party arrives in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, the anticipation has been building as BMW Motorrad Days fans wait to see the first pictures released of the official merchandise.

As is the tradition, this year’s collection will only be available for sale from the actual event, which this year is taking place from 3-5 July. Year after year, visitors to BMW Motorrad Days flock to the merchandising units to get their souvenir clothing and it is always interesting to see T-shirts and caps from several years ago making a welcome return among the crowds who visit this unique biker party in the picturesque Alpine resort.

For 2009, the official BMW Motorrad Days T-shirt comes in 100 per cent cotton and has a soft blue colour scheme with sky blue shoulder areas and visible red stitching. On the front of the crew neck T-shirt is the BMW Motorrad Days 2009 logo and a selection of motorcycles in silhouette form, and on the sleeve is the Garmisch-Partenkirchen ‘GAPA’ logo. The T-shirt comes in sizes XS-XXXL and costs €23.

The official BMW Motorrad Days cap comes in one size (adjustable) to fit all and is made from brushed cotton. Sharing the same colours and sporting a similar design as the T-shirt, it can be bought for just €9.50.

As usual, the souvenir merchandise has been designed by the same team that is responsible for all of BMW Motorrad’s Rider Clothing, so quality and longevity is guaranteed, as is clearly demonstrated by the number of well worn examples from previous years that people continue to wear to every BMW Motorrad Days festival.

These items can both be bought from the official merchandising unit found in the ground floor of the ‘US Lodge’ throughout the weekend at BMW Motorrad Days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, but only while stocks last...

For more information about the 2009 BMW Motorrad Days event programme, accommodation details and background on the Garmisch-Partenkirchen area, please visit the www.bmw-motorrad.com and www.gapa.de websites.'; news['article_158']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_158']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0515mostw.jpg'; news['article_158']['image11_text'] = 'The official 2009 BMW Motorrad Merchandise.'; news['article_158']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0515mostw.jpg'; news['article_158']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_158']['content2'] = ''; news['article_158']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_158']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_158']['content3'] = ''; news['article_158']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[148] = 158; news['article_159'] = new Array(); news['article_159']['articleId'] = 149; news['article_159']['day'] = '15'; news['article_159']['month'] = '05'; news['article_159']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_159']['title'] = 'Putting BMW Motorrad in the Picture'; news['article_159']['link_text'] = 'Putting BMW Motorrad in the Picture'; news['article_159']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_159']['content1'] = 'With a brief to present the 2009 BMW Motorrad Days official T-shirt and cap to the public in advance of the forthcoming annual festival, BMW Motorrad commissioned supermodel Ann-Kathrin Ruhl to be ‘the face’ of the 2009 merchandise range.

Ann-Kathrin already has prior experience with BMW Motorrad, having worked with top photographer Markus Hoffman late in 2008 on one of the first photoshoots for the S 1000 RR carbon race bike. Markus used Ann-Kathrin and a helicopter to combine the outstanding high-tech design of the S 1000 RR carbon race bike with a cool looking fashion style. Because of the great response and fantastic media coverage achieved from these pictures, Ann-Kathrin was an obvious choice for this latest merchandise shooting, which took place at the flagship BMW Motorrad Zentrum dealership in Munich.

For Ann-Kathrin – who has been working professionally as a model for the past five years – it was great to be reunited with BMW’s new superbike again, especially in much better circumstances because last December’s photoshoot took place in sub-zero temperatures in at an airfield in Oberschleißheim.

“It was great to do a photoshoot with one of the actual BMW S 1000 RR race bikes from the Suberbike World championship,” said the young German, whose face has graced the covers of many lifestyle magazines as well as starring in commercials for top brands such as Maggi and Bang & Olufsen. “Fast motorbikes fascinate me and to have one from the world championship was very special! Being in close contact with such a powerful machine like the BMW S 1000 RR superbike makes you want to start riding immediately.”

For the look required for this photoshoot, BMW Motorrad also commissioned 24-year-old Sandra Kern, who works as a freelance hair and make-up stylist. Her background and network of contacts in the beauty and fashion industries have allowed her to build an impressive portfolio of clients, and for this latest shoot, she had a clear idea how she wanted Ann-Kathrin to look for these pictures.

“I knew exactly what kind of look I wanted to achieve. Ann-Kathrin’s energy and power made her the perfect choice for this shooting...”
[Sandra Kern, Make-Up Stylist]

“I knew exactly what kind of look I wanted to achieve. Ann-Kathrin’s energy and power made her the perfect choice for this shooting – she is elegant but at the same time has a wild side, not unlike our client BMW Motorrad! The make-up I chose was designed to complement and show the T-shirt in the best way, and the look on Ann-Katrin’s face and the ‘rockabilly’ hairstyling completed the whole ‘wild’ look perfectly. I was really keen to show the combination between the T-shirt, make-up and styling. The wild, rocky and rather unusual styling is a perfect contrast to the classical shirt, and the interaction of these different elements makes the T-shirt really come alive.”

This was a view shared by Ann-Kathrin, who was delighted at the look that Sandra Kern helped her to achieve: “The make-up and hairstyling was very much to my taste and exactly the look that I was hoping for – rather wild and at the same time, quite futuristic – just like the bike itself. This modern style flows consistently all the way from the make-up through the design of the T-shirt to the design of the bike itself, and of course the finished pictures. It was once again a great professional shooting!”'; news['article_159']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_159']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0515ruhl1.jpg'; news['article_159']['image11_text'] = 'Supermodel Ann-Kathrin Ruhl is the ‘face’ of the 2009 merchandise range.'; news['article_159']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0515ruhl1.jpg'; news['article_159']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0515ruhl2.jpg'; news['article_159']['image12_text'] = 'BMW Motorrad commissioned freelance hair and make-up stylist Sandra Kern to create the look for Ann-Kathrin Ruhl.'; news['article_159']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0515ruhl2.jpg'; news['article_159']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0515ruhl3.jpg'; news['article_159']['image13_text'] = 'Model Ann-Kathrin Ruhl and Make-Up Stylist Sandra Kern; Ann-Kathrin was delighted at the results of the photoshoot.'; news['article_159']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0515ruhl3.jpg'; news['article_159']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_159']['content2'] = ''; news['article_159']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_159']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_159']['content3'] = ''; news['article_159']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[149] = 159; news['article_160'] = new Array(); news['article_160']['articleId'] = 150; news['article_160']['day'] = '15'; news['article_160']['month'] = '05'; news['article_160']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_160']['title'] = 'New GS and BMW Rider Community Websites'; news['article_160']['link_text'] = 'New GS and BMW Rider Community Websites'; news['article_160']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_160']['content1'] = 'A new website (www.XPLORGS.com) dedicated to the lifestyle surrounding the legendary GS motorcycle has been launched by BMW Motorrad USA, along with a new, revamped www.BMWXPLOR.com rider community website.

It’s nearly three decades since the first true on-road/off-road machine capable of long-distance riding was launched to rave reviews by the world’s motorcycle press. And ever since the R 80 G/S made its debut, a growing band of adventure riders have discovered the delights of the ‘Gelande Strasse’ concept, as the legendary machine has developed over the years into the top-selling R 1200 GS/Adventure bikes on sale and enjoyed all over the world today.

With many of the original and updated models still in use, there are many thousands of happy owners enjoying the GS experience, and for this reason www.xplorgs.com has been designed to be a ‘one-stop shop’ for the GS community, covering such topics as racing, touring, training, riding events and rallies, as well as including biographies of renowned adventure travellers – not just in the USA but worldwide.

The new site includes breathtaking photography of GS riders around the world; interactive, map-based global GS touring and rental locations; a GS riding event and rally list; links to all the official BMW training centres around the world; links to other GS and enduro websites and blogs; an expanding section detailing famous GS world explorers; and an off-road training schedule for BMW Motorrad USA’s East and West Coast riding academies.

The new GS site is the result of extensive research and web development, but according to BMW Motorrad USA’s Shahram Shiva, it was well worth the effort as early feedback has been extremely positive.

“Our aim with the GS micro-site was to make it visually similar to the look of our www.bmwmotorcycles.com portal. The GS site has massive new content and links to everything GS-related, including the schedule of our two Off-Road Academies (Hyde Adventures and the Spartanburg Performance Center), the AMA National Adventure Riding series and of course, BMW enduro parks as far afield as South Africa and even South Korea! The site is interactive and riders are welcome to add content such as off-road events, rallies and races, touring and training companies. We’re expecting many BMW owners to nominate riders or even themselves for the ‘World Explorers’ section. Other new content – including current news, downloads, special links and GS stories of interest – are also in preparation to be added soon.”

In addition to the new GS site, BMW Motorrad USA has also completely redesigned its www.BMWXPLOR.com website in order to make it accessible to all visitors. Now, it’s no longer obligatory to be a BMW owner to view the content, although once other motorcyclists find out just how active the BMW rider community is, then it’s only a matter of time before they convert to the German brand and are enjoying the benefits of bespoke track days, GS rides, tours and rentals, on- and off-road training, special BMW events and much more besides.

XPLOR is ultimately about BMW riders and all through the site are featured members’ images, samples of their blogs, discussion forum posts, biographies and events. The new site has a more conventional but easier to navigate layout and comes with the kind of functionality that allows users to upload images and avatars directly onto the site. According to Laurence Kuykendall, BMW Motorrad USA’s Community and Communications Manager, www.BMWXPLOR.com will open up the world of BMW to many more motorcyclists.

“We’ve taken the comments and constructive criticism of literally hundreds of BMW users and made the site vastly easier to use – and most importantly, opened it up to all users without having to be a BMW owner or even to register. The sole requirement will be to register in order to post content or to go on the message boards. We want it to become a ‘hub’ for all BMW riders worldwide and would encourage everyone to visit these new sites, have a look around, post content and give us some feedback. The most important thing is to join in and enjoy the benefits of BMW ownership!”

The two new sites can be visited at www.XPLORGS.com and www.BMWXPLOR.com.
'; news['article_160']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_160']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0515xplor1.jpg'; news['article_160']['image11_text'] = 'A screengrab of the www.XPLORGS.com website.'; news['article_160']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0515xplor1.jpg'; news['article_160']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0515xplor2.jpg'; news['article_160']['image12_text'] = 'The new, revamped www.BMWXPLOR.com rider community website.'; news['article_160']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0515xplor2.jpg'; news['article_160']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_160']['content2'] = ''; news['article_160']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_160']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_160']['content3'] = ''; news['article_160']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[150] = 160; news['article_161'] = new Array(); news['article_161']['articleId'] = 145; news['article_161']['day'] = '09'; news['article_161']['month'] = '05'; news['article_161']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_161']['title'] = 'World Premier of the new BMW S 1000 RR Superbike'; news['article_161']['link_text'] = 'World Premier of the new BMW S 1000 RR Superbike'; news['article_161']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_161']['content1'] = 'Monza, Italy - Saturday, May 9th, 2009... Today BMW launched the most anticipated new sport bike in recent memory, the S 1000 RR, at the famed Monza racetrack, during the Superbike World Championship race weekend.

This new Superbike from BMW weighing only 404 lbs, and putting out 193 hp, is one of the most powerful, sophisticated and lightest sport bikes to be unleashed on the planet. The BMW S 1000 RR introduces new technical features, such as the first ever 4-stage ABS system, with settings for Rain, Sport, Race and Slick conditions.

With its highly distinctive asymmetrical headlights, which follow the very elegant and unique asymmetrical body panels, this first BMW Superbike promises to standout from the crowd.

Look for the S 1000 RR, the major new entry in the sport bike arena by BMW, in the US by early 2010. '; news['article_161']['direction1'] = 'Horizontal'; news['article_161']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/050809_action.jpg'; news['article_161']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/050809_action.jpg'; news['article_161']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/050809_threequarter1.jpg'; news['article_161']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/050809_threequarter1.jpg'; news['article_161']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/050809_front1.jpg'; news['article_161']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/050809_front1.jpg'; news['article_161']['subtitle2'] = 'TECHNICAL DATA'; news['article_161']['content2'] = 'Engine & Drivetrain

* 999 cc
* Bore/Stroke (mm) – 80.0/49.7
* 193 hp @ 13,000 rpm
* 83 lb/ft @ 9,750 rpm
* Compression – 13.0:1
* 48mm throttle bodies
* 14,200 rpm redline
* Valves operated by single cam follower
* 6 speed gearbox
* Slipper clutch
* Multi disc wet clutch
* Chain final drive

Suspension

* 46mm USD forks
* Adjustable preload, rebound, and high and low speed compression
* Single Shock with linkage
* Adjustable preload, rebound, and compression
* Pressure cast (forged) aluminum wheels
* 3.5 x 17 front
* 6.0 x 17 rear
* Dual 320mm floating rotors in front
* Radial mounted 4 piston Brembo calipers
* Single fixed 220mm rear rotor
* Single piston floating rear caliper'; news['article_161']['direction2'] = 'Horizontal'; news['article_161']['image21'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/050809_right1.jpg'; news['article_161']['image21_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/050809_right1.jpg'; news['article_161']['image22'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/050809_left1.jpg'; news['article_161']['image22_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/050809_left1.jpg'; news['article_161']['image23'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/050809_silver1.jpg'; news['article_161']['image23_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/050809_silver1.jpg'; news['article_161']['subtitle3'] = 'Special Features'; news['article_161']['content3'] = '* 1st time available Race ABS & Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
* E-gas (ride by wire) that works with Race ABS & DTC
* Four Settings:
* Rain
* Sport
* Race
* Slick
* Aluminum gas tank
* Built in laptimer
* Optional Gear Shift Assistant
* Variable intake runners
* Asymmetrical headlights derived directly from endurance racing
* Dry weight of 404 lb. 450lb wet with full tank, 455.3 wet with full tank and ABS.
* Available colors are Acid Green Metallic, Mineral Silver Metallic, Thunder Gray Metallic, and BMW Motorrad Motorsport colors.
* Black frame with all colors
* Mineral Silver and Thunder Grey come with Ostra Gray swingarm and wheels
* Acid Green and Motorsport come with a silver swingarm and gloss black wheels'; news['article_161']['direction3'] = 'Horizontal'; news['article_161']['image31'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/050809_Granite1.jpg'; news['article_161']['image31_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/050809_Granite1.jpg'; newsMap[145] = 161; news['article_162'] = new Array(); news['article_162']['articleId'] = 146; news['article_162']['day'] = '09'; news['article_162']['month'] = '05'; news['article_162']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_162']['title'] = '2009 Superbike World Championship'; news['article_162']['link_text'] = '2009 Superbike World Championship
'; news['article_162']['subtitle1'] = 'Round 5, Monza, Italy'; news['article_162']['content1'] = 'Friday qualifying, 8th May

Conditions: Dry, sunny/cloudy 23-26C.

RUBEN AND TROY 14TH AND 15TH ON DAY ONE.

Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport riders Ruben Xaus and Troy Corser ended the first day of qualifying with the 14th and 15th fastest times, but are only a second or so away from the provisional pole setter. Ruben and Troy tested at Monza a month ago and began today by using the set-ups they found then, but their bikes did not work as well or in same way. So once again today was all about working with different set-ups, trying different ideas and finding the right direction for tomorrow. Italian Michel Fabrizio (Ducati) led the charge today, with a lap of 1:45.447, three tenths of a second ahead of Tom Sykes (Yamaha). Third is Noriyuki Haga (Ducati), with Jonathan Rea (Honda) fourth.

Ruben - 14th, 1:46.545

I have raced here many times and on many different bikes and I can tell you that this track has secrets. It is a track where you have to be good on the brakes and the bike has to be stable on braking as well. If you have that, then you can get a good drive exiting the turns and that can means you can make good lap times. At the moment, we haven?t got the bike working the best way and so to finish just a second slower then the fastest rider is pretty good I think.

Troy - 15th, 1:46.565

Maybe we got a little confused today because we started with the same set-up we found when we here a month or so ago, and the bike felt completely different. We made some fairly big changes to the bike from the first to the second sessions today, but the bike felt the same. For me, the track feels as if it has more grip then when we tested here. After qualifying, I sat with the team and we analysed all the data and I feel sure we know what we have to do for tomorrow and that we will definitely improve.

Berti Hauser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director)

This was a tough day for Ruben and Troy and it seems that we couldn?t work with the set-up we found in the tests. Both riders experienced some problems, but both have given the team a lot of feedback and information to improve the bike tomorrow. I am hopeful that the ideas will work out to be in the right direction and Ruben and Troy can end the day ready for the race on Sunday.

Friday qualifying

1 Fabrizio (I-Ducati) 1:45.447, 2 Sykes (GB-Yamaha) 1:45.758, 3 Haga (J-Ducati) 1:45.790, 4 Rea (GB-Honda) 1:45.919, 5 Neukirchner (D-Suzuki) 1:45.962, 6 Kagayama (J-Suzuki) 1:45.985, 14 Ruben Xaus (E-BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 1:46.545, 15 Troy Corser (Aus-BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 1:46.564,
'; news['article_162']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_162']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_162']['content2'] = ''; news['article_162']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_162']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_162']['content3'] = ''; news['article_162']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[146] = 162; news['article_163'] = new Array(); news['article_163']['articleId'] = 140; news['article_163']['day'] = '05'; news['article_163']['month'] = '05'; news['article_163']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_163']['title'] = 'BMW Motorrad Riders on the Podium at A4DE'; news['article_163']['link_text'] = 'BMW Motorrad Riders on the Podium at A4DE'; news['article_163']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_163']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorrad Australia’s enduro team has been in action at the famous Australian Four Days Enduro (A4DE) event, with considerable success achieved on the G 450 X sport enduro.

As part of a drive to promote and develop young talent, BMW Motorrad Enduro team riders Luka Bussa and Luke Tomlinson were members of the ACT Junior Trophy Team at this year’s A4DE, along with two other members of the four-person team – Josh Green and Josh Ballard. These exciting young riders put in some great times over the four days and finished second overall in the Junior Trophy Teams class, while team technician and ‘masters class’ rider Steve Clarke also enjoyed a podium finish at this tough event.

The A4DE consisted of four days of gruelling competition, with more than 1000kms of terrain covered and about 30 hours in total spent on the motorcycles. The event is run in a time rally format, with each rider having to make checkpoints by a certain time and having to complete six timed special test phases every day, except on day four, which includes a short trail ride and final motocross test.

The A4DE is also one of the longest standing off-road competitions in Australia, having been run annually for the past 31 years. Outside assistance is not allowed and competitors must do everything themselves, from scaling muddy hills to changing their tyres. The number of competitors has to be restricted to 350 for the safety and enjoyment of all competitors, and last year, five-times World Motocross Champion and BMW development rider Joel Smets finished in sixth place overall on a stock pre-production G 450 X against a top field of riders on factory-prepared race machinery.

This years A4DE was held at Orange in central New South Wales. Conditions were dry and dusty, despite some light rain that fell on the first day. There were a total of seven BMWs in the event, six of which made it to the finish, and the seventh was only forced to retire because of a shoulder injury to the rider on day one.

Team Manager and Veteran class rider Trent Lean was delighted with the team’s first A4DE, as well as the performance and reliability of the G 450 X race bikes: “The team’s G 450 X machines worked exceptionally well in trying conditions, and our only problem was a broken chain on day two, which meant that Luka Bussa was 28 minutes late into his control. Our trade team – consisting of Luka, Luke Tomlinson and myself – finished fifth overall, and without Luka’s penalty we would have been in fourth, which would have been a great result for the first year in.

“Overall, the team riders were very happy with their 2009 A4DE experience and for me personally, the 2009 A4DE was an excellent event. Day one was a little too easy, but days two, three and four were more typical of an A4DE with some technical single track and open fire trails. I was happy to finish on Gold Medal time (7th out of 78) in the largest class in the event. The BMW G 450 X is an outstanding bike and the more I race it the better it gets.”

This was a view shared by Luka Bussa, who enjoyed his first A4DE experience with BMW: “It was disappointing to lose time with the broken chain, but otherwise the bike was great and I’m really starting to come to terms with the G 450 X after riding 250s for years. My fourth fastest time outright on the grass track special test and my podium finish with the Junior Trophy Team boys were the highlights for me”.

The BMW Motorrad Australia enduro team’s other podium came from team technician and ‘masters class’ rider Steve Clarke, who along with Trent Lean, mentors the young riders, as well as competing in various races. Steve’s A4DE started conservatively (4th on day one, 2nd on day two, 3rd on day three) and came to a nail-biting climax in the final moto, as Steve explains.

“I got the ‘holeshot’ but was hit in turn three and pushed wide, which moved me back to fourth place. I managed to claw my way back up to second by the end of lap two and set about chasing down the 21-second margin I’d left myself after day three. By the time the chequered flag dropped, I’d managed to reduce the margin to just three seconds, which put me third in the Masters Class. It was an outstanding race and the BMW G 450 X was seriously good – it was certainly the fastest I’ve ever been on a grass track, it was great!”

For more information on the A4DE, please visit www.a4de.com
'; news['article_163']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_163']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0505_A4DE1.jpg'; news['article_163']['image11_text'] = 'ACT Junior Trophy Team member Luke Tomlinson at this year’s A4DE'; news['article_163']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0505_A4DE1.jpg'; news['article_163']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0505_A4DE2.jpg'; news['article_163']['image12_text'] = 'Team Manager and Veteran class rider Trent Lean was delighted with the team’s first A4DE'; news['article_163']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0505_A4DE2.jpg'; news['article_163']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_163']['content2'] = ''; news['article_163']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_163']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_163']['content3'] = ''; news['article_163']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[140] = 163; news['article_164'] = new Array(); news['article_164']['articleId'] = 141; news['article_164']['day'] = '05'; news['article_164']['month'] = '05'; news['article_164']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_164']['title'] = 'Eat, Drink and Be Merry at BMW Motorrad Days'; news['article_164']['link_text'] = 'Eat, Drink and Be Merry at BMW Motorrad Days'; news['article_164']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_164']['content1'] = 'In just two months time, more than 30,000 BMW enthusiasts are expected to flock to Garmisch-Partenkirchen for the ninth annual BMW Motorrad Days festival. Visitors will be coming from all over the world to participate in an action-packed programme of activity, experience the unique party atmosphere and sample the plethora of typically Bavarian food and drink on offer.

Making sure that nobody goes hungry throughout the BMW Motorrad Days weekend is the responsibility of the world-famous Käfer company, which has been one of BMW’s catering and hospitality partners for several years. As an international market leader, the Käfer Party Service looks after more than 300,000 guests at approximately 2,000 events every year, including the annual Oktoberfest as well as one-off events such as the last World Cup in Germany. Compared to this giant sporting spectacle – where the Käfer Party Service was commissioned to provide food and drink to 174,000 special guests at all 12 World Cup match stadia – looking after visitors to BMW Motorrad Days 2009 will be a more relaxed affair, according to Käfer’s Marion Weiss.

“Our Käfer Party Service project managers always look forward to BMW Motorrad Days, as this festival is one of the highlights for the team. When so many passionate motorcyclists meet they expect a relaxed atmosphere, lots of fun and – last but not least – good food, drinks and service. Of course, BMW Motorrad Days isn’t comparable to the football World Cup, but nevertheless it is still a special challenge that requires many months of planning to look after all the guests. And six days before the beginning of the event, our logistics team will be in Garmisch to prepare the tent, the beer garden, the bars, the kitchens and all the rest of the required equipment. Furthermore, during the weekend of Motorrad Days, another 120 staff members will work in service and kitchen areas, and do everything to make sure all guests have the best possible hospitality.”

On the menu this year will be freshly prepared Bavarian specialties like knuckles, roasted chicken, sausages and apple strudel. Many of these mouth-watering local delicacies will be washed down with a glass or two of ERDINGER Weissbier, as the company has been selected to be BMW Motorrad’s beverages partner for the 2009 event.

ERDINGER has been brewing a range of beers since 1886 and most visitors to Garmisch-Partenkirchen on the first weekend in July will be sampling its famous ‘Weissbier’. However, there will be several other varieties of ERDINGER beer on sale at BMW Motorrad Days, including the new aromatic and flavoursome ERDINGER ‘Urweisse’; ERDINGER ‘Champ’; Fischer’s Hell; and the popular non-alcoholic variety called ERDINGER ‘Alkoholfrei’.

ERDINGER expects to serve about 200 hectolitres (that’s 20,000 litres!) of its Weissbier to guests at BMW Motorrad Days in July, with most choosing to follow the Bavarian tradition of consuming it by the litre (a ‘Mass’). The company, which coincidentally also is a sponsor of the famous Bavarian band „Blechblos’n“ (who are playing in the Party Tent at BMW Motorrad Days) also boasts its own fan club, which has a staggering 76,000 members who enjoy the benefits of brewery visits, sport events, Bavarian folk festivals and much more.

And while vast quantities of beer are expected to be consumed each evening in the Party Tent, during the daytime, ERDINGER’s non-alcoholic weissbier will almost certainly be the beer of choice for all the bikers who want to keep riding and participate in the action-packed programme of two-wheeled activity from 3 to 5 July. This will include test rides on the latest BMW Motorrad models; a large-scale motorcycle parade on Saturday; a classic parade on Sunday; tours designed especially for female riders; test rides at the popular 10,000 square metre enduro park; and test experiences on the exciting ‘X-track. For 2009, the organisers are selling ‘Riders’ Passes’ for €5, which allows motorcyclists to test the bikes at the X-track, Enduro Park and participate in the various tours on the street bikes.







More information on the world’s biggest motorcycle meet in Garmisch-Partenkirchen can be found by visiting the www.bmw-motorrad.com international website. '; news['article_164']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_164']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0505_bmd1.jpg'; news['article_164']['image11_text'] = 'The world-famous Käfer company has been one of BMW’s catering and hospitality partners for several years.'; news['article_164']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0505_bmd1.jpg'; news['article_164']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0505_bmd2.jpg'; news['article_164']['image12_text'] = 'Visitors to BMW Motorrad Days in 2008 enjoying the liquid refreshments in the Biergarten.'; news['article_164']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0505_bmd2.jpg'; news['article_164']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0505_bmd3.jpg'; news['article_164']['image13_text'] = 'Even while in the thick of the action, you’re never far away from a refreshing glass of ERDINGER Weissbrau.'; news['article_164']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0505_bmd3.jpg'; news['article_164']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_164']['content2'] = ''; news['article_164']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_164']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_164']['content3'] = ''; news['article_164']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[141] = 164; news['article_165'] = new Array(); news['article_165']['articleId'] = 142; news['article_165']['day'] = '05'; news['article_165']['month'] = '05'; news['article_165']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_165']['title'] = 'Making Dreams a Reality'; news['article_165']['link_text'] = 'Making Dreams a Reality'; news['article_165']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_165']['content1'] = 'A few years ago, Annette Birkmann embarked on a journey that would change her life forever. Now, after making many sacrifices to follow her dream, Annette is sharing her experience with others and spreading her belief that, if you put your mind to it, anything is possible.

After forging a successful career as an attorney in her native Denmark, Annette seemed to have it all. But in a moment of inspiration, she packed her bags and moved to Buenos Aires, started work in a motorcycle repair shop and then embarked on a solo motorcycle journey from the tip of South America to New York aboard a BMW F 650 GS Dakar. Following a high-speed crash in Mexico City during the trip, Annette overcame her fears to fulfil her ultimate ambition and finish the journey. She is now using her experiences as the basis of a motivational presentation that is proving a hit throughout the USA, with motorcyclists and non-motorcyclists alike.

So what made an attorney swap her high-flying career for a life of uncertainty in South America? “I had recently got divorced, was in-between jobs, backpacking through South America,” Annette reveals. “I found myself sitting on the edge of some salt flats in southern Bolivia, looking out and asking myself why I had never done anything I had dreamt about.

“Riding a motorcycle was a childhood dream,” she continues. “My parents had a house on the route of an annual motorcycle parade in Copenhagen and every year I used to stand and watch the bikes go past, close my eyes and dream of being one of them. I suppose I was attracted to the freedom that motorcycles seemed to offer. So, as I sat thinking about my future, I decided that when I got back to Denmark I would take my motorcycle test!”

After passing her motorcycle test, Annette then made a series of decisions that would change her future. She explains: “About a month after I had passed, I was chatting to a friend and I explained to him that I didn’t know what to do next with my life. I explained that I always wanted to travel across South America, to ride a bike there and to speak Spanish, so he just told me to do it. From that moment I knew what I had to do, so I quit my job, sold my belongings and headed off into the unknown. I eventually found an unpaid job in a motorcycle garage where I learnt a lot about bikes and how to speak the language, which set me up for the future.”

Once settled in Buenos Aires, Annette completed her first long-distance motorcycle trip – travelling extensively throughout Argentina. This was just the beginning of a long love affair with adventure riding, which culminated in her ambitious project – a ride from Buenos Aires to New York on the east coast of the USA, which began in December 2006. For almost a year, the trip passed without incident, with Annette notching up kilometre after kilometre of sensational riding across one of the most diverse and breathtaking continents on the planet. Then, with only a few weeks of her journey remaining, a nasty accident on a freeway in Mexico City put the dream on hold.

“I was taken down by a car on a freeway and was in hospital for several days and spent weeks recovering from the accident,” she says. “Immediately after the accident I travelled back home to Denmark and soon became unsure whether I even wanted to finish the journey I had set out on. Elements of doubt had crept into my mind, which is something I had never experienced. I tend to react to my intuition so when I called the garage that was fixing my bike, expecting to find that my bike was beyond repair, I was amazed to find that it was fixed and ready for me to ride! I was excited and started jumping around the room, and it was then that I realised I had to finish the trip, so that’s exactly what I did.”

With a newfound determination and a positive outlook, Annette travelled back to South America to be reunited with her trusty BMW F 650 GS Dakar. She finally completed the trip in August 2008, and although the Buenos Aires to New York adventure was over, it marked the start of another journey altogether. Since completing the ride, Annette has been using the vast catalogue of experiences to help others, in the form of motivational presentations.

The presentations, given in BMW Motorrad dealerships as well as other venues throughout the USA, have proved incredibly popular. Annette explains that they focus on how to make the most of a situation and how to follow your dreams. “Being passionate about what I do, I wanted to share my experience with others and the motivational presentations that I give are the perfect opportunity to do that,” she says. “The talk is called ‘Adventure riding in Latin America: The top 10 list of how not to do it’. I decided on this title as everybody screws up at some time and people can relate to this as motorcyclists and human beings. The talk is about how to learn from your mistakes, rather than being fearful of doing things in case you make mistakes.

She continues: “My main aim is to convey the message that if I can do this, so can anybody else. I went to South America without the ability to speak Spanish and with very little motorcycling and off-road experience, and learnt so many things along the way by just doing them. So many people are afraid of failure and often miss out on opportunities because of this.”

So, several years after giving up a lucrative career in law, does Annette regret packing her bags and heading off into the great unknown? “No! Are you crazy?!” she jokes. “This is the best thing I have ever done and I don’t regret it for a second. We all have dreams, and in many cases, the only reason why these aren’t fulfilled is that people find excuses because they are apprehensive of the unknown. If you have to make sacrifices in order to reach your dream, do so because the rewards will be worth it in the end.”

For more information on Annette and her motivational presentations, please visit www.flow-point.net

'; news['article_165']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_165']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0505_ab1.jpg'; news['article_165']['image11_text'] = 'Danish rider Annette Birkmann by New York’s Central Park.'; news['article_165']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0505_ab1.jpg'; news['article_165']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0505_ab2.jpg'; news['article_165']['image12_text'] = 'The first night in her tent on her journey from the tip of South America to New York.'; news['article_165']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0505_ab2.jpg'; news['article_165']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_165']['content2'] = ''; news['article_165']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_165']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_165']['content3'] = ''; news['article_165']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[142] = 165; news['article_166'] = new Array(); news['article_166']['articleId'] = 143; news['article_166']['day'] = '05'; news['article_166']['month'] = '05'; news['article_166']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_166']['title'] = 'Goblet Chalks Up More Wins on the G 450 X'; news['article_166']['link_text'] = 'Goblet Chalks Up More Wins on the G 450 X'; news['article_166']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_166']['content1'] = 'April has been a busy month for Jeff Goblet, who has had a packed schedule that has seen him in action in three countries on board the BMW G 450 X. As well as competing in the third round of the Enduro World Championship in Sardinia and the classic ‘Grappe de Cyrano’ race in the south of France, the young Belgian rider has also been contesting two rounds of his own domestic enduro championship.

On 5 April, Jeff travelled to Bilstain for the third round of the Belgian Enduro Championship. With five laps and 15 technical ‘specials’ to battle through, Jeff was glad of decent weather conditions and soon found his rhythm, posting the best time during the first special and holding enough speed and control to keep in front for the remainder of the day and post his second victory in the 2009 championship.

“On these type of specials – littered with slippery stones and rocks – I was really able to benefit from the superior traction of my BMW G 450 X. The engine was well suited to these conditions too, despite a big screw on the swingarm breaking during the last lap. Fortunately, my technician had already shown me what do to if this happened, so I was able to repair it and get the bike across the finish line without incurring any penalty.”

Three weeks later, Jeff travelled to Mettet for the fourth round of the Belgian Enduro Championship, which took place at the Flavion circuit on 27 April. The event consisted of four laps, incorporating two big specials, a wide variety of terrain and riding conditions that varied from fairly quick in the beginning to very technical towards the end of the lap.

Jeff signalled his intentions by forcing an advantage right from the beginning, posting the best time in the first Cross test and establishing a 15-second advantage over his nearest challenger. Despite quite a heavy fall during the first enduro test, he managed to remain in contention on the time sheets and went on to post the best ‘Scratch’ time in all the Cross tests. By the end of the day, the ‘unstoppable’ BMW rider had taken his third consecutive E2 class victory and second ‘Scratch’ victory in the Belgian Enduro Championship.

“These results are really positive and it has given me a lot of pleasure to see how well the BMW G 450 X is now working,” said Jeff. “My mechanic has done a fantastic job in preparing a machine that is now truly competitive and I felt good on the bike all weekend. I’m still making a few silly mistakes though and realise that I’ve got a long way to go before I am riding at 100 per cent, so I’ll continue my training this week in order to prepare for the fifth round of the championship, which will take place on 3 May at Saint Hubert.”
'; news['article_166']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_166']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0505_jg1.jpg'; news['article_166']['image11_text'] = 'Jeff Goblet on his way to victory on the G 450 X at the fourth round of the Belgian Enduro Championship.'; news['article_166']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0505_jg1.jpg'; news['article_166']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_166']['content2'] = ''; news['article_166']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_166']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_166']['content3'] = ''; news['article_166']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[143] = 166; news['article_167'] = new Array(); news['article_167']['articleId'] = 144; news['article_167']['day'] = '05'; news['article_167']['month'] = '05'; news['article_167']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_167']['title'] = 'Mongolian Mayhem'; news['article_167']['link_text'] = 'Mongolian Mayhem'; news['article_167']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_167']['content1'] = 'Once the travel bug bites, you’re never too far away from your next trip, according to GS rider Tiffany Coates, who is putting the final touches to an itinerary that will take her from Cornwall in England, all the way to Mongolia.

Tiffany is no stranger to big motorcycle trips, having started an around-the-world adventure in 1997 just weeks after taking her bike test. For this trip, she purchased a 1992 BMW R 80 GS for £3,000 with 36,000 miles on the clock. It was christened ‘Thelma’ and has been a constant companion with her throughout the past decade, including other trips to Africa and the Trans Americas.

Now, Thelma has proudly passed the 150,000 miles mark and is currently being checked over by Tiffany prior to the 10 May departure that is fast approaching.

“I’m really looking forwards to getting on the road again and travelling solo on Thelma, as I\'ve been dreaming of mountains, steppes, deserts, lakes and exotic cultures ever since I returned from my last trip! Once more, my journey will be undertaken on this fantastic bike and I’m currently going over all the engine internals, to make sure it’s running well. I’m also trying to sort out visas, which is always a bit stressful, especially because you have to come up with a detailed itinerary, which dictates how long you can spend in certain countries. I prefer to be more flexible in my travelling but it’s not possible in some of the countries I’ll be visiting.”

Tiffany’s route will begin with a gentle ride from Cornwall to Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, before stopping off at a Romanian children’s home in Transylvania that she visited on her very first big bike trip. From there, she’ll travel to Moldova and the Ukraine – her final stop in Europe – before taking a ferry across the Black Sea to Georgia.

After Georgia comes Armenia and Azerbaijan, before a ferry across the Caspian Sea will take Tiffany to “the Stans” – Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikstan, Kygyrstan and Kazakhstan. Then it’s on through the delights of Russia – including a little side trip through Siberia – before crossing over to Mongolia, home to the Gobi desert and some of the most stunning scenery in the world.

There is so much for Tiffany to look forward to in this trip and she believes that once most people have experienced the thrill of overland travel, it defines the rest of their life in some way.

“Going on a \'big trip\' definitely alters you: for me it is a sense of how humble we should be; after being invited into huts in Sudan and urged to share what little food the people have – a scene that was repeated in Pakistan, Bolivia, Mali, in fact all over the world – it amazed me how many people showed heartfelt hospitality to a complete stranger. Also having taken off once on a big journey it is then easier to do again and again, leaving behind everything in your life to try something new.

“There are a lot of exciting and challenging regions in this next journey for me, from the open craters of burning gas in the Turkmen desert; the thrill of the Pamir Highway in Tajikstan – the second highest international road in the world at over 4,600 metres [think Karakoram Highway but without the tarmac]; the mountains of Kyrgyrstan – remote and unspoilt, and perfect for the world\'s most awesome trail rides; Siberia and the challenges of travelling there; not to mention Mongolia itself, a country renowned for its lack of roads and home to the Gobi Desert – half a million square miles of sand.”

The thought of riding alone and camping under the stars doesn’t seem to worry Tiffany, who believes that it is probably the best way to experience overland travel and meet interesting people. She is, however, slightly nervous about the fact that Mongolia is one of the last places on the planet where people can still catch Bubonic Plague, so she’ll be taking care not to ride over any furry marmots out on the plains.

Once her journey is underway, Tiffany will be updating a ‘blog as often as possible, although she is expecting rather patchy internet access in areas of the \'Stans and Mongolia, due to the rugged terrain she will be riding across. Her journey can be followed online by visiting the www.tiffanystravels.co.uk website. '; news['article_167']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_167']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0505_mm1.jpg'; news['article_167']['image11_text'] = 'Tiffany Coates with her R 80 GS at Copacabana Beach.'; news['article_167']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0505_mm1.jpg'; news['article_167']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0505_mm2.jpg'; news['article_167']['image12_text'] = 'Tiffany helped this Massai warrior with some water in Africa. The spear is to protect against lions.'; news['article_167']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0505_mm2.jpg'; news['article_167']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0505_mm3.jpg'; news['article_167']['image13_text'] = 'Struggling through a track in Sudan with ‘Thelma’.'; news['article_167']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0505_mm3.jpg'; news['article_167']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_167']['content2'] = ''; news['article_167']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_167']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_167']['content3'] = ''; news['article_167']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[144] = 167; news['article_168'] = new Array(); news['article_168']['articleId'] = 135; news['article_168']['day'] = '24'; news['article_168']['month'] = '04'; news['article_168']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_168']['title'] = 'Success at Hockenheim for BMW S 1000 RR'; news['article_168']['link_text'] = 'Success at Hockenheim for BMW S 1000 RR'; news['article_168']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_168']['content1'] = 'The BMW S 1000 RR enjoyed its first national race success on 11 April, with victory in the prestigious 1,000 km Hockenheim race in Germany. Not only did Team Motobike (a cooperation partner of BMW Motorrad Germany for motorcyclist training programs) celebrate victory with a production version of BMW’s new 1000cc superbike in this famous endurance race, but the HP2 Sport also enjoyed a podium finish in its class.

Under the leadership of crew chief Albin Kirchengast, three teams of riders competed under the ‘Team Motobike’ banner in the 1000 km endurance test and sprint races at the 4,567m Hockenheimring circuit. A special treat for all race fans was that in Class 1 (motorcycles up to 1200cc) Team Motobike brought the brand new BMW S 1000 RR superbike to the starting grid, along with racing legend Jürgen Fuchs and the two-times German IDM Supersport champion, Arne Tode.

The absolutely standard production machine gave both team-mates a convincing victory and also proved its strength and reliability by being entirely problem-free during the 203 laps of this endurance race – much to the delight of team chief Albin Kirchengast:

“Initially I was a little apprehensive about our plans for this race, because we had only unpacked the motorcycle from its container 14 days ago,” he said. “However, the BMW superbike ran like a dream! It was also great to complete this hat trick of victories for Team Motobike, especially after we had won in 2007 with the R 1200 S and in 2008 with the HP2 Sport. Now, with the addition of this inaugural victory for the S 1000 RR, we have clearly demonstrated BMW Motorrad’s sporting credentials – and then some!”

This was a view shared by former 250cc Grand Prix rider Jürgen Fuchs, who was lucky enough to ride the S 1000 RR across the finishing line and celebrate its first national race victory against a field of Suzuki GSX-R1000s, Yamaha R1s, Honda CBR1000s, and Kawasaki ZX-10Rs.

“With a brand new motorcycle, a completely different engine concept and a new team mate, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but I needn’t have worried,” he said. “My team mate Arne Tode made a very clean start and when it was my turn on the bike, I was able to increase our lead further and it was quickly clear that we had only ourselves to beat. Although in previous years we were up against some quite superior motorcycles, the S 1000 RR is without doubt a ‘declaration of war’ to the series-production sport competition!”

In Class 4 (motorcycles with a maximum of three cylinders) Team Motobike also started with two BMW HP2 Sport machines, up against the various competition machines from Ducati, Triumph, Buell, Aprilia and KTM. Team Motobike HP2 Sport riders Oliver ‘Rackete’ Schmidt and Dirk Schnieders celebrated a podium finish, after crossing the chequered flag in third place, while two seriously fast ladies – Babette Schneider and Insa Jäschke – finished in a creditable 18th place.

“To finish in 18th place out of 30 starters wasn’t a bad effort, all things considered,” said Babette Schneider, the former R6 Cup competitor – who along with Katja Poensgen and Nina Prinz, is recognised as one of the fastest women in German motorcycle sport. “I was satisfied with the outcome in spite of some difficulties during practice, because Insa and I had to share a motorcycle, when it would have been better if we could have had a machine each. It was tough out there and by the end of the race, I felt drained due to the long stints in the saddle. Although I wasn’t completely satisfied with my lap times the overall experience was great.”

Results

1. Team Motobike (BMW S 1000 RR)
2. SPS Race Team Motorland Mannheim (Yamaha R1)
3. Motorrad Stein (Suzuki GSX-R1000)
4. Schiller (Suzuki GSX-R1000)
5. FRS-Attack Team (Suzuki GSX-R1000)


Class 4 (motorcycles with a maximum of three cylinders)

1. KTM Zentrum Heilbronn (KTM RC8)
2. Ducati am Ring (Ducati 848)
3. Team Motobike 3 (BMW HP2 Sport)
4. Ducati Frankfurt (Ducati 1098)
5. Buell Racing Bonn (Buell 1125CR)
'; news['article_168']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_168']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0424_Hockenheim1.jpg'; news['article_168']['image11_text'] = 'Former 250cc Grand Prix rider Jürgen Fuchs holds the BMW S 1000 RR steady for his team mate during the Le Mans start.'; news['article_168']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0424_Hockenheim1.jpg'; news['article_168']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0424_Hockenheim2.jpg'; news['article_168']['image12_text'] = 'Arne Tode on the Team Motobike S 1000 RR at Hockenheim.'; news['article_168']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0424_Hockenheim2.jpg'; news['article_168']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_168']['content2'] = ''; news['article_168']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_168']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_168']['content3'] = ''; news['article_168']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[135] = 168; news['article_169'] = new Array(); news['article_169']['articleId'] = 136; news['article_169']['day'] = '24'; news['article_169']['month'] = '04'; news['article_169']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_169']['title'] = 'The Duel'; news['article_169']['link_text'] = 'The Duel'; news['article_169']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_169']['content1'] = 'What’s fastest on snow – a snowmobile or a BMW G 450 X? The obvious choice is a snowmobile, given that it’s designed specifically to ride on the white stuff, but when you put seven-times world enduro champion, Anders Eriksson into the mix on his factory BMW sport enduro, then the results are slightly harder to predict.

To find out, journalists Johan Ahlberg and Björn Friström of Swedish Fastbikes.se and Snowrider magazine set up a contest that put world champion Emil Öhman – the fastest snowmobile rider out there – on his race-kitted Lynx, against Anders Eriksson on his BMW G 450 X. The test was done for fun of course, but as it turned out with these two fierce competitors, there’s no such thing as ‘friendly rivalry’...

The test consisted of three different parts: the first took place on a motocross track in quite deep snow – almost perfect conditions for the snowmobile, but extremely hard work for an enduro bike. The second test was held on a flat field where the top surface of the snow was scraped away by a tractor, leaving a hard-packed track. This would surely suit the bike, even though the high banks would help the snowmobile find its way around the track. The final test was a drag race, with Anders and his BMW at full throttle on a straight road with an ice surface, while Emil and his snowmobile did the same, but in the snow track beside the road.

So, a varied and comprehensive test procedure that suited both machines in different ways. Emil’s race-kitted snowmobile has around 80-90hp at the belt and the weight is just over 200 kg. Anders’ BMW G 450 X puts out approximately 40hp at the rear wheel and weighs approximately 100kg, which gives both machines a similar power-to-weight ratio.

A snowmobile is designed to ride in the snow of course – at the front there is a pair of skis and instead of a rear tyre there is a drive ‘belt’ that is specially designed for this purpose. A snowmobile doesn’t like pure ice, unless it has a belt equipped with spikes, but that wasn’t the case with the one used for this test. An enduro bike such as the G 450 X doesn’t work very well in deep snow, but if you are a good rider like Anders then you’ll always find some drive! However, it will be unstable and the speed will not be very high. With spiked tyres though, you have a fighting chance – especially on the ice!

As soon as the first warm-up-lap started on the motocross track, it was obvious that the snow made it hard for Anders – especially while entering the jumps – due to a lack of grip. The snowmobile of course found loads of traction and Emil could hit the throttle really hard around the track. And while Emil was enjoying some big jumps, Anders was struggling to find any grip at all with his rear tyre.

To make the contest as even as possible, a flying start was used. Emil was the first rider to compete against the clock and he flew past the finish line with a time of 1:00.15 – a very quick effort on this track. When Anders took his turn, he really went for it and surprised everyone with how fast he managed to go on the track. On some parts, especially in the corners, it looked like Anders was faster than Emil but the lap time of 1:08.28 told another story. The next lap saw Emil improve his time, while Anders struggled to stay in contention on the motocross track, making Emil and the Snowmobile the winner of round one, as expected.

For the second test, the track on the flat field was quite short and tricky, so both riders made three laps each, every session. Furthermore, a ‘flying start’ was used to make things as fair as possible. After the first session, Emil posted a time of 1:18.09, while shortly after Anders crossed the finish line on his rear wheel with a much quicker time of 1:13.93. During the next session Emil pushed a little harder and cut another two seconds off his total, while Anders managed to find some faster lines and shaved another half a second off his best time.

After a little pause for Anders to change tyres and for Emil to make some adjustments to the snowmobile, their times improved even further, with Emil managing to do the three laps in only 1:12.77 seconds while Anders achieved a slightly faster 1:12.46. For the next session they changed the direction of the track to anti-clockwise but it was Anders on the BMW G 450 X who still emerged as the clear winner with a time of 1:10.96 against Emil’s 1:12.13.

The final ‘acceleration’ test consisted of a drag race, with the two machines and one starter. Before the test, most people were convinced that the snowmobile would be a lot quicker than the bike, but actually it was very even, with Emil and Anders sharing a number of victories each. After a lot of runs though, Anders emerged as the winner, with his fastest time of 1:12.46 just beating Emil’s personal best of 1:12.77 on the snowmobile.

Although this test was just for fun and a great opportunity to shoot some fantastic pictures of two world-class riders in action, there are some conclusions that can be drawn. In deep snow (more than 20 centimetres) the snowmobile is the fastest, largely due to the fact that it has a much bigger ‘footprint’ in the snow and together with the skis, it just rides on the top of it. However, on more icy tracks the bike is faster – and in terms of outright acceleration everyone was quite surprised at just how quick the BMW G 450 X actually was. Unstoppable, you might say.

Pictures: Johan Ahlberg & Mattias Klockar'; news['article_169']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_169']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0424_snowduel1.jpg'; news['article_169']['image11_text'] = 'What’s fastest on snow – a snowmobile or a BMW G 450 X.'; news['article_169']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0424_snowduel1.jpg'; news['article_169']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0424_snowduel2.jpg'; news['article_169']['image12_text'] = 'Anders Eriksson struggled to find grip in the deep snow.'; news['article_169']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0424_snowduel2.jpg'; news['article_169']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0424_snowduel3.jpg'; news['article_169']['image13_text'] = 'World Snowmobile Champion Emil Öhman on his race-kitted Lynx, with seven times Enduro World Champion Anders Eriksson on his BMW G 450 X.'; news['article_169']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0424_snowduel3.jpg'; news['article_169']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_169']['content2'] = ''; news['article_169']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_169']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_169']['content3'] = ''; news['article_169']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[136] = 169; news['article_170'] = new Array(); news['article_170']['articleId'] = 137; news['article_170']['day'] = '24'; news['article_170']['month'] = '04'; news['article_170']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_170']['title'] = 'Going Global'; news['article_170']['link_text'] = 'Going Global'; news['article_170']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_170']['content1'] = 'Several weeks ago, we brought you news of Mark Dembitz and Clarisse Von Wunschheim’s carbon-neutral motorcycle adventure on two BMW F 650 GS bikes to generate awareness of climate change. As final preparations are underway for their departure from Beijing on 4 May, Mark and Clarisse speak to BMW Motorrad about their forthcoming journey across eight countries in 80 days, covering almost 17,000 kilometres.

What made you select the route you have chosen?

Having lived here for a considerable amount of time during such formative years of our adult lives, it just didn’t seem satisfactory to hop on a plane and close the final chapter of our 20s with a 10-hour flight. With exoticism on our minds, an understanding of cultural divides and an ability to transcend these cultural differences thanks to our relatively global backgrounds [Mark is Swiss and British, born in France to Hungarian parents, grew up in Switzerland and spent significant time in the USA and China; Clarisse was born in Mexico, grew up in Germany and Switzerland, and has lived in the US, Spain and China] the mystique of travelling along the ancient Silk Road, described as the “first wave of globalization” by China’s United Nations Resident Coordinator, while experiencing its confluence of cultures was a natural winner.

Which countries will you be passing through?

China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia and Turkey

Why are you finishing your journey in Istanbul?

By the time we arrive in Istanbul, we will have used up the free time we have before starting on our new academic challenges (MBA, PhD). On a deeper level though, Istanbul happens to sit on both the Asian and European continents. Caught between East and West, Istanbul somehow reflects how we both think of ourselves: we cannot deny our European roots, but over time, we have been significantly influenced by Asia, leaving us belonging to both places. For both of these reasons, as well as our fascination with such a historically and culturally charged city, we thought that Istanbul might provide the perfect backdrop for our friends, families, sponsors and supporters to join us in celebrating our 30th birthdays upon our arrival.

How exactly are you making the journey ‘carbon neutral’?

We are keeping an accurate log of daily time and distance travelled as well as fuel usage (quantity and quality of petrol). Based on this data, we will be able to approximate the quantity of carbon dioxide we emit along the ride. We will then secure carbon credits (1 credit is equivalent to 1 ton of carbon dioxide) to offset our carbon emissions.

As ‘westerners’ living in China, you must have an interesting view on different countries and their attitude and contribution towards climate change?

Climate change we are experiencing is a result of the accumulation of greenhouse gasses released by today’s developed countries ever since the industrial revolution. We therefore sympathize with the developing world and recently industrialized countries (including China and India) regarding their relatively small responsibility in global warming as we see it today, and their right to develop further. However, the world is at a climatic crossroads, and humankind can no longer afford to look backwards. Going forward, the biggest emitters of greenhouse gasses will increasingly be those countries that are industrializing, and hence they cannot sit idly by. Both the developed and developing worlds must share the burden: developing countries have a responsibility to act quickly by minimizing their environmental impact while first world countries have a duty to help those less fortunate to significantly lower the ‘pollution curve’ of development by providing funding, expertise and technology. Global Warming is a serious threat to all humans and countries. It is time to put behind us our differences and come together to create a truly global solution.

To Mark: what exactly does your job entail?

Carbon finance is a new field that applies finance and investing to environmental projects, with the goal of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gasses to fight global warming. In very simple terms, I am a manufacturer of carbon credits: I invest money and technology into polluting Chinese assets, helping them become cleaner. The reduction in greenhouse gasses can be claimed as carbon credits, which are sold to companies or countries of the developed world who have an obligation to reduce emissions as defined under the Kyoto Protocol.

How will you use the ride to raise awareness of climate change?

First and foremost we look to spread our message far and wide. The more people know about us and read about our adventures, the more likely they are to think about how they can do their little piece for the environment, thus helping us fight climate change. To reach out to as many people as possible, we rely on our www.gglobal.org website and online social networking groups such as Facebook and Myspace, as well as a significant amount of media coverage in the countries we will be going through. Secondly, we plan on holding forums on climate change at schools and universities along the way, talking to children and students about Global Warming, motivating them to join us in being aware of their impact on the environment and in making small changes in their lives that will contribute towards a better and cleaner world for everyone.

Why choose BMW F 650 GS bikes for this trip?

It is a tried and tested model that has proven to be reliable in the most difficult conditions. Our research into other similar journeys that have been undertaken in the past few years indicated that the F 650 GS has been a bike of choice for such adventures. Also, we had to buy the bikes in China, where the choice of officially available large motorcycles is limited to BMW and Harley-Davidson. BMW was by default the manufacturer to go with and within the available Enduro range, we selected the F 650 GS above the R 1200 GS mainly for the relative engine simplicity, bike weight and price (imported bikes in China cost on average 2.5 times more than in Europe).

Have you already completed ‘big trips’ of this nature before?

We both have significant adventure travel experience in various regions of the world. However, none of these previous experiences have included motorcycles before!

Are there any particular dangers you are aware of?

We do not have any major safety concerns beyond the normal adventure travel issues, such as stomach flu, insect and animal bites, minor theft etc. We are avoiding the regions that we deemed to be too near to or directly involved in conflicts, namely Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran – although this decision was taken on a personal safety basis and is not a sign of racial, political or religious prejudice, of which we bear none. We believe that the countries we are crossing are peaceful and present no geopolitical problems that would jeopardize our safety. The dangers we are most conscious of are related to road safety, namely the presumably poor road conditions and erratic driving habits of locals and large freight vehicles. We aim to minimize this danger by avoiding highways and congested roads as much as possible.

How can people get involved and sponsor you?

Getting involved is easy! We hope at the very least that people will follow our adventure on our website (www.gglobal.org) and leave thoughts and encouragements, as well as their opinions, concerns and proposed solutions to climate change etc., on our blog. Another way of getting involved is to provide us with contacts along the way. We are very grateful for any contacts with media and schools/universities that may be interested in covering Going Global, hosting an event or just meeting up with us. As we are raising money for a new charitable foundation aimed at combating climate change, any help towards reaching our target of US $133,440 is greatly appreciated and both individual and corporate endorsements can be made via our website.

Lastly, perhaps the most crucial way of getting involved is to heed our message: first by recognizing that the choice of a comfortable lifestyle has an adverse impact on our natural environment; and then since it is not feasible to expect people to radically alter their lives, by making small changes and contributions – in our case, we are committed to purchasing carbon credits and riding in a fuel-efficient manner – which will add up. In short, though our individual actions may seem insignificant, they are most certainly not. Many small, even token gestures, add up to have a large effect.

For more information on Mark and Clarisse’s journey, or to contact them, please visit the www.gglobal.org website, which will be frequently updated with live from-the-road stories, photos and a calendar of lectures and conferences.
'; news['article_170']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_170']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0424_global1.jpg'; news['article_170']['image11_text'] = 'Mark Dembitz and Clarisse Von Wunschheim; their carbon-neutral motorcycle adventure will take them all the way from Beijing to Istanbul on two BMW F 650 GS bikes.'; news['article_170']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0424_global1.jpg'; news['article_170']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0424_global2.jpg'; news['article_170']['image12_text'] = 'Stopping off at the Great Wall of China.'; news['article_170']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0424_global2.jpg'; news['article_170']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0424_global3.jpg'; news['article_170']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0424_global3.jpg'; news['article_170']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_170']['content2'] = ''; news['article_170']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_170']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_170']['content3'] = ''; news['article_170']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[137] = 170; news['article_171'] = new Array(); news['article_171']['articleId'] = 138; news['article_171']['day'] = '24'; news['article_171']['month'] = '04'; news['article_171']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_171']['title'] = 'Desert Challenge for Ümit Salkım'; news['article_171']['link_text'] = 'Desert Challenge for Ümit Salkım'; news['article_171']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_171']['content1'] = 'Desert challenge for Ümit Salkım and BMW G 450 X

BMW G 450 X racer Ümit Salkım from Turkey will be testing his strength and talent against desert sand, rugged terrain, blistering heat and several hundred other competitors when he contests the Rally of Tunisia 2009, which begins this weekend over in Africa.

This famous African rally will see motorcycles, quads, cars and trucks take on the mighty Sahara desert for 11 days of navigation, competition and adventure. Taking place among a labyrinth of sandy and technical tracks, this major rally features long off-piste sections through the majestic ergs of southern Tunisia, encounters with Libya’s cathedral-like dunes and a plethora of breathtaking landscapes.

Last year, the organisers decided to extend the rally beyond Tunisia’s borders and included four stages in Libya. As this was widely approved by the 250 competitors in the race, a Libyan section is included in the 2009 rally, but with new tracks to offer participants even more varied terrain. With 5,000 kilometres to race, a super-section in Tunis and ten stages – including a marathon stage (without assistance) – the 2009 rally will be incredibly demanding, but Ümit Salkım is well prepared for every eventuality that he might encounter during this exceptional adventure.

“Strength and performance are going to be decisive factors for any competitor attempting the Tunisia Rally, so I’ve been concentrating on making sure that I am as physically fit as possible and that my technical preparation skills are second to none,” said the young rider who participated in the 450cc class of the 2007 Egypt Rally and finished in sixth place in the Marathon category.

“The Rally of Tunisia 2009 has been identified as one of the world\'s most demanding races and I am proud to represent Turkey in this competition. At 4,300 kilometres, the rally is one of the longest and most difficult after the Dakar rally, but I am looking forward to the challenge of competing there on the BMW G 450 X.”

The Rally of Tunisia 2009 will be the first stage of the FIA World Cup for Cross Country for cars and trucks and the first leg of the FIM World Championship for Cross Country for motorbikes and ATVs. After completing technical scrutineering in Tunis, Ümit will participate in a ‘super-special’ stage on the beach before the ten stages of the rally take place from 23 April to 2 May.

In the Libyan desert, Ümit will face giant sand dunes, gravel tracks, rocky passes, water crossings and many other natural hazards that will test his own fitness levels, as well as the durability of his BMW G 450 X. After six days riding in Tunisia, he will reach the Libyan border and contest a Marathon stage of 850 kilometres over two days, where assistance isn’t allowed. If he makes it through this, then he will head back towards Tunisia, where the rally finishes on the beach at Tozeur on 2 May.

With sponsorship and support from Castrol and local BMW importer Borusan Otomotiv, Ümit is hoping that the Rally of Tunisia 2009 is a successful one for him, as he also plans to contest other rounds of the FIM Cross Country World Championship in Italy, Brazil, Egypt and Morocco later this year on the BMW G 450 X.

For more information on the Rally of Tunisia 2009, please visit the http://www.npo.fr/tunisie_2009/ website, which is available in French and English language versions.
'; news['article_171']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_171']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0424_salkim1.jpg'; news['article_171']['image11_text'] = 'From left to right: Simay Alsan, BMW Motorrad Brand Manager Turkey; Umit Salkim, BMW Rider Academy Instructor and racer; Esra Oner, PR Manager Castrol; Dilek Ozturk: Sales and Marketing Specialist, BMW Motorrad.'; news['article_171']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0424_salkim1.jpg'; news['article_171']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0424_salkim2.jpg'; news['article_171']['image12_text'] = 'Umit training on his rally-prepared G 450 X.'; news['article_171']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0424_salkim2.jpg'; news['article_171']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_171']['content2'] = ''; news['article_171']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_171']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_171']['content3'] = ''; news['article_171']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[138] = 171; news['article_172'] = new Array(); news['article_172']['articleId'] = 139; news['article_172']['day'] = '24'; news['article_172']['month'] = '04'; news['article_172']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_172']['title'] = 'Japanese Success for BMW G 450 X'; news['article_172']['link_text'] = 'Japanese Success for BMW G 450 X'; news['article_172']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_172']['content1'] = 'It was a case of first round and first place for the BMW G 450 X in its debut in the All Japan Cross Country Enduro (JNCC) series held recently, where BMW Motorrad-supported rider Koikeda Takeshi celebrated victory on the new sport enduro.

Thirty-one-year-old Koikeda was on a 2009 G 450 X provided by BMW Motorrad Japan for this first race of the JNCC All Japan XC Enduro series. Showing unrivalled skills, he won the opening round of this prestigious off-road championship that takes place on a variety of terrain, including fields, tracks and motocross courses. With a race duration of three hours and a lap of around six kilometres – or at least nine minutes for the quickest riders – the JNCC is an exciting competition format that placed the BMW rider right in the mix with a variety of 450cc and 250cc race machinery from the Japanese ‘Big Four’ manufacturers.

Despite atrocious weather conditions, which meant that his laps were actually taking between 27 and 32 minutes to complete, Koikeda Takeshi remained focussed throughout and secured the top spot on his BMW G 450 X.

“It was an amazing event and I was delighted to win on a BMW machine as an enduro rider,” said the former All-Japan National Motocross Champion, who spent many years racing 250cc dirt bikes. “The main course, as well as the Extreme section, had some great downhill sections that resulted in a challenging, but exciting lap that needed 30 minutes to complete.

“Because of the weather during the race, vision was bad at times due to the amount of rain and mud flying around but I managed to get close to the front after the first lap and started to put pressure on the leading rider. After my second pit stop the rain and lightning got worse and it was pretty tiring out there but I kept my concentration levels high and was able to take the lead and ride to the finish without making any mistakes. This was a new environment for me and there are lots of things I still need to learn but it was great to have the support of BMW Motorrad Japan and the G 450 X.”

Koikeda Takeshi will be back in action for the next round of the JNCC on 17 May and will also be competing in the 2009 Japan Enduro Championship series, which takes place from April to September.


JNCC round one result

1. Koikeda (BMW G 450 X)

2. Kobayashi (CFR 450R)

3. Ozaki (YZ 450F)

4. Uchiyama (WR250F)

5. Hoshino (YZ250F)

'; news['article_172']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_172']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0424_jncc1.jpg'; news['article_172']['image11_text'] = 'BMW Motorrad-supported rider Koikeda Takeshi with his G 450 X.'; news['article_172']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0424_jncc1.jpg'; news['article_172']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0424_jncc2.jpg'; news['article_172']['image12_text'] = 'On his way to victory in the first round of the All Japan Cross Country Enduro series.'; news['article_172']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/0424_jncc2.jpg'; news['article_172']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_172']['content2'] = ''; news['article_172']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_172']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_172']['content3'] = ''; news['article_172']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[139] = 172; news['article_173'] = new Array(); news['article_173']['articleId'] = 130; news['article_173']['day'] = '21'; news['article_173']['month'] = '04'; news['article_173']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_173']['title'] = 'Xaus Sets the Agenda'; news['article_173']['link_text'] = 'Xaus Sets the Agenda '; news['article_173']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_173']['content1'] = 'Described as one of the most naturally gifted riders of recent times, Ruben Xaus first burst onto the World Superbike scene in 2001. His career since then has included countless podiums, victories, fastest laps and pole positions. In 2009, the Spaniard embarks on a season of discovery with the BMW Motorrad Motorsport squad, looking to use his vast experience to help propel the newly formed team towards the top of the timesheets.

At the age of 14, Xaus first experienced the thrill of motorcycle racing, initially on dirt bikes and later on road bikes in the 125cc Catalan Championship, 125cc Solo Criterium and the 80cc Catalonia Supermoto Championship. His obvious talents enabled him to forge a successful career in motorcycle racing – a career that has included stints in MotoGP, the World Supersport Championship, the German Pro-Superbikes Championship, and of course the World Superbike Championship.

For 2009, Xaus will use his experience and talent alongside Troy Corser with series newcomers BMW Motorrad Motorsport. “The decision to join BMW Motorrad Motorsport was not really a difficult one because this was a chance to work with an official team and it provided a fresh start,” he comments. “The fact that this is a factory team and the fact that we are all starting from scratch was attractive to me. Also, I realised right from the start that the team is highly motivated and very determined, and I am proud to be part of all this.”

During his World Superbike Career, Xaus has started 154 races, taking 35 podiums and 11 race wins. His best World Superbike season came in 2003 when 15 podiums – including seven race victories – just wasn’t quite enough to beat his Ducati team-mate Neil Hodgson to the title. He ultimately finished the season in second position overall. Following his superb performances in 2003, Xaus moved to MotoGP for 2004 and 2005; however technical problems blighted his time in the series, prompting a move back to the World Superbike Championship in 2006.
Throughout his career, Xaus has been applauded for his impassioned displays and unrelenting on-track spirit. It’s this character, together with team-mate Troy Corser’s vast experience, that he believes will help BMW Motorrad Motorsport in its rookie year. “I bring Latin passion - ‘sangria Espanola’ – to the team,” says Xaus. “I ride from the heart and have the ability to make a good fight. This is a good balance with Troy’s huge experience.”

Despite clearly being deeply passionate about the sport, Xaus reveals that staying cool when the going gets tough is an equally valuable asset – and a quality that BMW Motorrad Motorsport has in abundance. “I like the German mentality of this team because they are cool and clinical about what they are trying to do and always willing to put in the hard work no matter what the situation,” he reveals.

This hard work is already beginning to pay off for BMW Motorrad Motorsport following a positive start to the season. With two top ten finishes in the opening two rounds of the season for both Xaus and Corser aboard the S 1000 RR, the rookie team has already attracted widespread praise for its seamless entry into the World Superbike Championship. Xaus explains that the early signs are encouraging: “The bike felt good from the start (at Phillip Island). When you chase the top lap times, it’s harder for sure, but our race pace was really good and that’s a very positive sign.

“The S 1000 RR is good but it’s important that we improve and keep on improving. Of course, we all want more and we are all working to that end, but I believe that there is a lot more to come.”

The next round of the 2009 World Superbike Championship takes place in Valencia on April 5 when the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team will look to continue its strong start to the season in one of the most competitive race series’ in the world. '; news['article_173']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_173']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/042109xaus1.jpg'; news['article_173']['image11_text'] = 'Ruben Xaus with his trademark 111 race number.'; news['article_173']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/042109xaus1.jpg'; news['article_173']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/042109xaus2.jpg'; news['article_173']['image12_text'] = 'The likeable Spaniard with his factory BMW S 1000 RR.'; news['article_173']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/042109xaus2.jpg'; news['article_173']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_173']['content2'] = ''; news['article_173']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_173']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_173']['content3'] = ''; news['article_173']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[130] = 173; news['article_174'] = new Array(); news['article_174']['articleId'] = 131; news['article_174']['day'] = '21'; news['article_174']['month'] = '04'; news['article_174']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_174']['title'] = 'A Carbon-Neutral Motorcycle Adventure'; news['article_174']['link_text'] = 'A Carbon-Neutral Motorcycle Adventure '; news['article_174']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_174']['content1'] = 'Two enterprising Swiss citizens are riding home along the Silk Route from Beijing to Istanbul, to generate awareness of climate change, promote sustainable motor travel and raise funds to benefit SCCF, a new international foundation focused on finding solutions to combat global warming.

Using BMW F 650 GS bikes, Mark Dembitz and Clarisse Von Wunschheim will journey across eight countries in 80 days, covering almost 17,000 kilometres. Their route will see them leave Beijing on 4 May and journey back to Europe via Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, before ending in Istanbul, Turkey on 25 July.

With a career in carbon finance and a keen interest in the environment, Mark is planning to make their ‘Going Global’ journey carbon-neutral, as well as use the opportunity to show others in cities and towns along the route how to help fight climate change.

“We will be keeping an accurate log of daily time and distance travelled as well as fuel usage, and the quantity and quality of petrol,” he said. “Based on this data, we will be able to approximate the quantity of carbon dioxide we emit along the ride. We will then secure credits (one credit is equivalent to one tonne of carbon dioxide) to offset our carbon emissions.

“We also plan on holding forums on climate change at schools and universities along the way, talking to children and students about global warming, motivating them to join us in being aware of their impact on the environment and in making small changes to their lives that will contribute towards a better and cleaner world for everyone.”

After researching motorcycle options in some depth, Mark and Clarisse both decided that the BMW F 650 GS was the perfect bike for the trip. Also, because they had no option but to buy the bikes in China, where the choice of officially available large-capacity motorcycles is quite limited, they opted for the 650 over the R 1200 GS, mainly for the relative engine simplicity, bike weight and price tag – imported bikes in China cost on average 2.5 times more than in Europe!

“The F 650 GS is a tried and tested model that has proven to be reliable in the most difficult of conditions,” said Clarisse. “This bike has been essentially unchanged for a significant amount of time, so most of the ‘bugs’ that newer models are known to encounter have been worked out, leading to a much lower risk of breaking down. That said, should we encounter any problems, the single-cylinder engine ensures the bike is relatively easy to repair – an essential given that we will not have a team of mechanics and other experts following us.”

Mark and Clarisse have spent a lot of time preparing for this journey. As well as completing a physical training programme, they are also following a basic motorcycle mechanics course at a BMW-accredited garage in Beijing. And because they are hoping to avoid the most extreme trails and tracks en route to Istanbul, they have left their bikes completely standard, apart from adding hand protection and higher windshields.

Due to prior commitments, the couple are allowing just 80 days to complete their carbon-neutral motorcycle adventure from China to Turkey. They have set a fundraising goal of $133,440, or $8 (US dollars) per kilometre ridden along the 16,680-kilometre route. Eight is a number considered to be lucky and auspicious in Chinese culture, and is incorporated into multiple aspects of the ride to bring good fortune.

In making this journey, Mark and Clarisse have been inspired to depart China in a way that expresses their passion for culture, travel and adventure, while benefiting the area of the world that they have called home for the past three years. Committed to an environmentally sound future, they hope to educate and empower local communities to make positive changes for a healthier planet.

For more information, please visit the www.gglobal.org website, which will be frequently updated with live from-the-road stories, photos and a calendar of lectures and conferences. Watch this space for a full, in-depth interview with Mark and Clarisse prior to their departure. '; news['article_174']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_174']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/042109carbon1.jpg'; news['article_174']['image11_text'] = 'Mark Dembitz and Clarisse Von Wunschheim'; news['article_174']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/042109carbon1.jpg'; news['article_174']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/042109carbon2.jpg'; news['article_174']['image12_text'] = 'The enterprising Swiss citizens are riding home along the Silk Route from Beijing to Istanbul, to generate awareness of climate change.'; news['article_174']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/042109carbon2.jpg'; news['article_174']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/042109carbon3.jpg'; news['article_174']['image13_text'] = 'After researching motorcycle options in some depth, Mark and Clarisse both decided that the BMW F 650 GS was the perfect bike for the trip.'; news['article_174']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/042109carbon3.jpg'; news['article_174']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_174']['content2'] = ''; news['article_174']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_174']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_174']['content3'] = ''; news['article_174']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[131] = 174; news['article_175'] = new Array(); news['article_175']['articleId'] = 132; news['article_175']['day'] = '21'; news['article_175']['month'] = '04'; news['article_175']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_175']['title'] = 'Crowd Favorites Blechblos\'n Return to BMW Motorrad Days '; news['article_175']['link_text'] = 'Crowd Favorites Blechblos\'n Return to BMW Motorrad Days '; news['article_175']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_175']['content1'] = 'With just under three months to go until the best ever festival of BMW motorcycling returns to the picturesque Alpine resort of Garmisch Partenkirchen, the organisers of BMW Motorrad Days have confirmed that the hugely popular band Blechblos´n are back by popular demand and will be headlining the action in the party tent on the evening of Friday 3 July.

The band are returning to play in front of thousands of motorcycle fans who flock to Garmisch-Partenkirchen every July for this celebration of the world of BMW Motorrad. According to Blechblos´n frontman Anderl Laubert, the whole band always looks forward to performing on the opening night of BMW Motorrad Days because of the unique setting, atmosphere and ‘unstoppable’ enthusiasm of the motorcyclists who pack into the party tent to watch them play.

“When I think back to the first time we played at Garmisch, I just couldn’t believe how many bikers there were from all over the world,” says Anderl. “We started off with a walking act like a marching band and as we made our way through the big tent the party started instantly and all of a sudden people climbed up on the tables and were dancing and singing along to our songs. We would love to make this happen again in 2009 so that when it’s over we can say that it was truly the best BMW biker party ever!”

Although it’s quite a funny sounding band name (Blechblos´n is a combination of ‘Blech’, which means ‘brass’, and ‘Blos´n’, which is Bavarian slang for a group of people having lots of fun together) all band members take their music very seriously. They have been together for 22 years, having started out as members of a big Bavarian junior brass orchestra. One day, a few of them got together to play a few songs for an aunt’s birthday party, and after being rewarded with free snacks and drinks, they realised that this was a hobby well worth pursuing.

Since then, they have developed a wide range of music that has to be experienced to be believed. Along with traditional Bavarian folk songs are heavy metal and rock classics, as well as pop hits from the past few years, all interspersed with the trademark Blechblos’n brass section arrangements, adding great soul touches to many of their songs. As anyone who has seen them live will testify, the formula works well and appeals to music fans of all ages and from all nations, who might not otherwise be exposed to this kind of music.

“It is different playing to international audiences, such as those at BMW Motorrad Days, compared to playing to German fans only because we are well known in our home country,” says Anderl. “A band wearing Bavarian lederhosen is still a bit of a novelty for international guests and there are often astonished faces when we suddenly switch from folk music and start playing good old rock songs.

“The German guests are used to seeing us but for all the others it’s often a big surprise – that makes BMW Motorrad Days very special for our band and we’re planning on having a great time at Garmisch Partenkirchen. I don’t want to give too much away, but we’ll be starting with traditional Bavarian brass music and finishing with AC/DC! In-between there will be a lot of fun, dancing and singing – perhaps even with a few show stars in costumes...”

In addition to the four times that Blechblos’n has already played at BMW Motorrad Days, there have been many other highlights to the band’s career so far, including playing an open-air concert in front of 100,000 music fans in 2004 as a support act to well-known German rock band the Scorpions. There are also numerous TV appearances and concerts overseas, as well as regular special concert parties for, among others, the Bayern Munich football team. Blechblos’n also has secured something that is surely the envy of bands the world over – sponsorship from Erdinger Weißbier!

Having turned professional in 1997 and with around 140 bookings for concerts already this year, the boys in Blechblos’n are busier than ever, which according to Anderl, is the main reason why there aren’t any motorcyclists in the band.

“There’s just not enough time for us to enjoy biking because we are usually on tour all summer long,” he says. “But maybe we will get a set of eight BMWs so that we can arrive at the Motorrad Days by bike next year. That’s just a dream of course, but you never know, it could happen!”

---

Be part of the action and join over 30,000 BMW Motorrad fans from all over the world from 3-5 July in Garmisch Partenkirchen for BMW Motorrad Days 2009. More information can be seen at www.bmw-motorrad.com'; news['article_175']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_175']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/042109Blechblos1.jpg'; news['article_175']['image11_text'] = 'Four members of the famous Blechblos´n band from Bavaria, with the BMW F 800 GS'; news['article_175']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/042109Blechblos1.jpg'; news['article_175']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_175']['content2'] = ''; news['article_175']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_175']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_175']['content3'] = ''; news['article_175']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[132] = 175; news['article_176'] = new Array(); news['article_176']['articleId'] = 133; news['article_176']['day'] = '21'; news['article_176']['month'] = '04'; news['article_176']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_176']['title'] = 'The Harrier Breaks Cover'; news['article_176']['link_text'] = 'The Harrier Breaks Cover'; news['article_176']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_176']['content1'] = 'In Sweden, the riding season is relatively short compared with many warmer countries, with snow and icy conditions keeping bikers off the roads until this time of the year. However, there’s a thriving custom bike scene going on behind closed doors and a Swedish bike builder’s latest project captured the attention of custom fans worldwide when it was unveiled at last weekend’s European bike building championship in Mainz, Germany.

In a discipline traditionally dominated by American V-twin motorcycles, Stellan Egeland took the unusual step of using a BMW R 1200 S as the basis for creating his latest custom-built machine that he has christened the ‘Harrier’. The results are so good in fact, that the Harrier came very close to winning the European championship on its debut, eventually finishing in the runner-up spot out of more than 170 custom bike entries. Furthermore, with this result, the bike has qualified to enter the world championship of custom bike building in Sturgis, USA, in August.

The Harrier is the result of a long winter spent in the workshop, which has consumed every spare evening and weekend of Stellan’s time. Having only finished the bike a few weeks ago, he is understandably delighted at the end product and the reaction it has created among custom bike fans.

“It was great to get the second place in the European Championship as all the voting is done by the bike builders themselves, rather than a panel of judges. All the entrants nominate their top 12 bikes and then the results are added up to decide the winner. I knew that a win would be almost impossible, given that Harleys are the machine of choice for most bike builders. However, there was a great reaction to the Harrier and this made all the painstaking hours spent in the workshop worthwhile.”

After qualifying and working as a plumber, Stellan soon realised that his true passion lay with bike building and he set his own business up in order to combine work with pleasure. By this point though, he had already been building vehicles for many years, starting with bicycles as a youngster and then building his first custom car at the age of 15. His first foray into the world of two wheels came in 2003, when he bought an old Norton chopper and modified it with handmade aluminium tank and fender, and fitted it with a supercharger and a homemade manifold and drive system.

In the long winter of 2005 to 2006 he built his first custom bike entirely from scratch called the ‘Esox Lucius’. This bike won second place in the European championship and third place in the world championship in 2006. This early success made him even more determined to build something that was worthy of winning the world championship that would be held in Sturgis that year. True to his word, the Hulster 8 Valve did exactly that and Stellan became the 2007 world champion of custom bike building.

However, for this latest project, Stellan wanted to build a high-tech bike with a futuristic look. With a promise of support and a ‘donor’ bike and technical assistance from BMW Motorrad in Sweden, Stellan’s idea for the Harrier project started taking shape.

“The BMW bike that really captured my attention was the HP2 Sport,” says Stellan. “It is a great machine with many trick components, but it was just too expensive to take to pieces so we decided on the R 1200 S. I enjoyed riding it all summer long and then in September I took it apart. I wanted to keep the engine, drive shaft and wheels, as the rear end with the single-sided swingarm is a great looking feature that really works well. With previous bikes I had a designer friend draw me sketches, but this one was conceived completely in my head – I knew exactly what I wanted to do. And because I was making the Harrier for myself, it was important to me that the bike could be ridden, and wasn’t just there to be looked at, like many custom bikes are.”

Visually, the Harrier manages to look aggressive, futuristic and sporty at the same time, with the promise of an exciting riding experience just a twist of the throttle away. Unlike many show bikes, it also looks good when a rider is sitting astride it. The attention to detail is phenomenal, with a carbon-fibre seat that wraps itself around the muffler. The rider is protected from the heat of the muffler by special air scoops carved into the fuel tank, which help channel cool air to the space between the muffler and the seat. The scoops also give extra support to the legs for gripping the tank while attacking corners.

The tail-light and direction indicators are actually incorporated into the end of the muffler, and are protected from excessive heat by an air gap. Swedish performance parts specialists ISR have made a special hub steering system for Stellan and another Swedish company – Öhlins – has supplied the suspension. The Harrier is also equipped with ISR fully adjustable radial master cylinders for better braking feel, along with dual radial mounted six-piston calipers up front and a four-piston monoblock caliper at the rear. The brakes come with ABS, although it can be easily disconnected if desired.

The Harrier is the result of 587 hours of Stellan’s time, along with 250 hours of assistance from friend Thomas Lindberg. Not content with just finishing this amazing machine, Stellan’s next objective is to optimise the chassis and suspension in order to get the bike’s road holding and handling as sharp as possible.

“I’ve had a lot of support from Öhlins as well as the offer to take the Harrier to their private test facility for testing out on the track with one of their professional riders. This will allow us to check and optimise the geometry and get everything set-up correctly. Having only finished the bike recently, and with snow still on the ground in Sweden, the first chance I actually had to try it was at the championships in Germany!”

There has been a lot of interest in the Harrier since these pictures were taken at an airforce base by top photographer Per Hammarsjö for Swedish motorcycle magazine MCnytt. The Harrier is the first in a series of custom-built bikes that Stellan will offer via his company, SE Service, and he can be contacted at his www.seservice.se website, which is available in Swedish and English languages.'; news['article_176']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_176']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/042109harrier1.jpg'; news['article_176']['image11_text'] = 'Custom bike builder Stellan Egeland with his ‘Harrier’ at a Swedish air force base. (Per Hammarsjö/Mcnytt)'; news['article_176']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/042109harrier1.jpg'; news['article_176']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/042109harrier2.jpg'; news['article_176']['image12_text'] = 'Stellan has taken the unusual step of using a BMW R 1200 S as the basis for creating his latest custom-built machine. (Per Hammarsjö/Mcnytt)'; news['article_176']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/042109harrier2.jpg'; news['article_176']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/042109harrier3.jpg'; news['article_176']['image13_text'] = 'A studio shot of the futuristic custom bike. (Per Hammarsjö/Mcnytt)'; news['article_176']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/042109harrier3.jpg'; news['article_176']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_176']['content2'] = ''; news['article_176']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_176']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_176']['content3'] = ''; news['article_176']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[133] = 176; news['article_177'] = new Array(); news['article_177']['articleId'] = 125; news['article_177']['day'] = '27'; news['article_177']['month'] = '03'; news['article_177']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_177']['title'] = 'Troy Talks Business'; news['article_177']['link_text'] = 'Troy Talks Business'; news['article_177']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_177']['content1'] = 'Troy Corser is one of the most successful motorcycle racers in recent history. In his long and illustrious career, he has won the Australian Superbike Championship, the AMA Superbike Championship and has twice won the World Superbike Championship, stepping on to the podium an incredible 128 times – 33 of which have been on the top step. In 2009, the 37-year-old is riding for the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team in its debut World Superbike Season and early signs show that the Australian has quickly got to grips with the S 1000 RR factory race bike.

Prior to appearing in the World Superbike Championship for the first time in 2009, the BMW Motorrad team faced the unenviable challenge of joining one of the most competitive race series’ on the planet and one that has attracted representation from all the major manufacturers. However, BMW Motorrad Motorsport\'s first season has already been spectacularly successful, given that the all-new effort has been measured against many more experienced teams in this category of the sport.

Equipped with an expert team of technicians and the awesome, but unproven S 1000 RR, BMW Motorrad Motorsport needed to find two riders with an established track record on the world stage and the experience necessary to develop the new Superbike into a genuine race-winning contender. In the form of Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus, the team formed its ideal line-up and quickly got to work in preparation for the start of the 2009 season.

“It wasn’t a difficult decision to join BMW Motorrad Motorsport because it is a great opportunity to help a new manufacturer in World Superbikes,” Troy reveals. “I bring experience, the skills to develop a bike and the ability to work with Ruben so that we can develop the bike more quickly. BMW Motorrad Motorsport wanted me to be part of the team and they were happy for me to bring in some experienced technicians, and that has been a benefit for all of us.”

Indeed, results so far this season have highlighted that despite being newcomers to the championship, BMW Motorrad Motorsport are reaping the reward for implementing extensive planning, possessing superb technical expertise and employing two immensely talented riders. At the first round of the championship in Phillip Island – BMW’s first ever appearance in the World Superbike Championship – Corser set the fastest lap of race one, ultimately crossing the line in eighth position. The Australian was unable to recreate that form after becoming embroiled in a mid-field battle in race two. However, two weeks later in Qatar, Corser piloted his BMW S 1000 RR to ninth position in both races, leading to widespread praise for the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team.

Corser comments on the early season form: “At Phillip Island, the chassis was working well, the balance of the bike was good and it also felt stable. The engine felt strong - on top speed and acceleration. Considering how little track time we have had on the bike, it felt comfortable. The bike’s base is good, but of course there is room for improvement. After our first race in Phillip Island we got a lot of information which you cannot get during a test and that is good for all of us. We are all still learning, but the bike has good potential for sure.”

Corser, who has ridden for Ducati, Aprilia, Petronas, Suzuki, and Yamaha teams in the past – winning titles with Ducati and Suzuki in 1996 and 2005 respectively – is no stranger to developing new World Superbike race machines. It is precisely this experience that makes his relationship with BMW Motorrad Motorsport a match made in heaven.

Apart from considerable success with established factory outfits, Corser’s machine development skills have helped several newcomers to the competitive world of Superbike racing. In 2000 the Australian joined the Aprilia team, winning the team’s first World Superbike Championship race later that season. Then in 2002, Troy joined the Foggy Petronas team and spent a year developing the bespoke machine before taking it racing in 2003 and 2004, with a best result of second place at Misano in 2004.

According to Corser, there is no secret to developing a new race package. The answer is simple – hard work. “I start by trying different things, comparing telemetry with my previous knowledge. Then there is a lot of trial and error as it is an all-new bike. This is a clean start, so everything is worth trying out.

“The team are fantastic to work with and they have a lot of experience in different areas of motorsport, including Formula One and Le Mans racing. The people we’ve brought in have helped our learning process a lot. Everybody is working hard and all the team members are focussed and determined to make this project succeed.”

Having established itself firmly on the world stage in such a short space of time, the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team is poised to improve further as the season progresses. Corser is optimistic of the team’s chances in this, its first season in the World Superbike Championship.

“I’d like to think that the bike will be good at all the tracks on the calendar,” he says. “I feel that the input from Ruben and myself, together with all the work the team does, is going to make the bike competitive at every circuit and we’re looking forward to catching up with the top teams as the season progresses.”

The next round of the World Superbike Championship takes place on April 5 in Valencia, Spain. Watch this space for an exclusive interview with Ruben Xaus next week. '; news['article_177']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_177']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/corser1.jpg'; news['article_177']['image11_text'] = 'Troy Corser with his factory S 1000 RR race bike.'; news['article_177']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/corser1.jpg'; news['article_177']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/corser2.jpg'; news['article_177']['image12_text'] = 'Troy on the works BMW at Phillip Island circuit in Australia.'; news['article_177']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/corser2.jpg'; news['article_177']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/corser3.jpg'; news['article_177']['image13_text'] = 'Looking forward to the next round of the World Superbike Championship, which takes place on April 5 in Valencia, Spain.'; news['article_177']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/corser3.jpg'; news['article_177']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_177']['content2'] = ''; news['article_177']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_177']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_177']['content3'] = ''; news['article_177']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[125] = 177; news['article_178'] = new Array(); news['article_178']['articleId'] = 134; news['article_178']['day'] = '21'; news['article_178']['month'] = '04'; news['article_178']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_178']['title'] = 'BMW G 450 X Competes in New Racing Series in Canada '; news['article_178']['link_text'] = 'BMW G 450 X Competes in New Racing Series in Canada '; news['article_178']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_178']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorrad Canada is pleased to announce that it will compete in the all-new 2009 Canadian Enduro Championship, with veteran off-road legend Guy Giroux being signed to campaign the BMW G 450 X in this season’s series.

The Canadian Enduro Championship (CEC) is brand new to Canada and has been created under the auspices of World Enduro Canada – the umbrella organization for Canadian enduro off-road motorcycle competition.

The CEC was developed to provide Canadian off-road riders with an exciting, safe and enjoyable competition experience. Its primary objectives are to unite Canadian enduro racers in one National series and to help provide a platform to develop riders who can compete in the prestigious World Enduro Championship.

The signing of Guy Giroux is a real coup for BMW Motorrad Canada, as the Quebec-based rider has a seriously impressive resume in the world of off-road competition. In Quebec alone, Guy has dominated the enduro scene and has been the off-road champion no less than 16 times – from 1988 to 1994 and from 2000 through to 2008. Furthermore, in addition to capturing the 2004 Supermoto Championship in both the SM1 and SM2 classes, Guy also has raced in various other disciplines, such as Supercross, showing a rare ability to adapt to a variety of different race machinery.

“I’m delighted to have this opportunity with BMW Motorrad,” said Guy. “I have been closely following the progress of the G 450 X since early 2008, so this is an incredible challenge for me and one I have been looking forward to!”

Nationally, Guy also has three Canadian Off Road Championships to his credit, along with four Canadian Vice-Champion finishes and a Vice-Champion finish in the 2003 Supermoto series. Internationally, Guy has earned bronze and gold medals at the 1988 French and 1989 German International Six-Day Enduro (ISDE) events, and successfully contested the world’s toughest motorcycle race – the Paris Dakar Rally – in 2002, finishing in a respectable 16th place. He has also competed successfully in various World Enduro Championship events from 2005 through to 2007.

Chris Duff, Marketing and race team Manager for BMW Motorrad Canada, is delighted with this new addition to the Motorrad Canada racing team: “Guy was always the first choice rider that we wanted to race the new BMW G 450 X in Canada. He is an off-road racing icon in Canada and we’re confident that he will put the G 450 X in a podium position every time he goes out on the bike.”

The inaugural 2009 CEC series is comprised of a four event, eight-race schedule from July to September, taking place in Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario. The series will integrate a consistent special test format modelled on the World Enduro Championship (WEC) series.'; news['article_178']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_178']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/042109giroux1.jpg'; news['article_178']['image11_text'] = 'Veteran off-road legend Guy Giroux has been signed to campaign the BMW G 450 X in the 2009 Canadian Enduro Championship.'; news['article_178']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/042109giroux1.jpg'; news['article_178']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_178']['content2'] = ''; news['article_178']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_178']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_178']['content3'] = ''; news['article_178']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[134] = 178; news['article_179'] = new Array(); news['article_179']['articleId'] = 126; news['article_179']['day'] = '27'; news['article_179']['month'] = '03'; news['article_179']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_179']['title'] = 'Sibirsky Extreme'; news['article_179']['link_text'] = 'Sibirsky Extreme'; news['article_179']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_179']['content1'] = 'This weekend will see the beginning of an exciting new adventure motorcycling project that will attempt to go where no motorcyclist has gone before – into the ultimate depths of Siberia.

For several years, Australian Walter Colebatch has harboured a dream to ride further north and east in Siberia than anyone has ever been on two wheels before. He is well qualified to attempt a trip of this nature, having been the first ever motorcyclist legally allowed to ride across China unescorted, back in 1994. In his numerous international motorcycle adventures since then, Walter has ridden on every continent, except Antarctica.

Despite the hundreds of people motorcycling across Siberia every year and the sheer vastness of this region (Siberia itself is larger than any other country in the world) there has been a tendency by adventure motorcyclists to stick to one route across the huge territory, from Novosibirsk to Skovorodino, before splitting out to the two end points at Vladivostok and Magadan. Walter’s plan for the ‘Sibirsky (Siberian) Extreme’ project is to ride new roads and tracks that have yet to be explored by today’s adventure motorcyclists.

“We intend to avoid, wherever possible, established routes and to seek out that which is interesting and undiscovered,” says Walter. “There is an enormous amount of undocumented territory and roads in Siberia, and we plan to ride thousands of kilometres of it.”

This will include riding the Prelensky to Vilyuisky Trakt – a dirt track that runs 1,500 kilometres east between Lensk and Yakutsk; riding the 4,000 kilometre length of the dirt road, from Vanino on the Pacific Ocean to Taishet in central Siberia; riding to the mining town of Udachny, which is further north in Asia than anyone has ridden before, and pushing on across the tundra to the Arctic Circle (66.56 North). In doing so, they will become the first motorcyclists to reach the Arctic Circle in Asia.

Of the three northern continents, the Arctic Circle is easily accessible in both Europe and North America, but Walter intends to reach it in Asia by motorcycle. His machine of choice is a BMW G 650 Xchallenge that has previously seen plenty of action as a training bike at the World of BMW Off-Road Skills school in south Wales. It was donated by Simon Pavey, who has probably ridden further off-road on a G 650 Xchallenge than anyone else, having completed the inaugural Transorientale Rally last year, which covered around 11,000 kilometres and spanned parts of Russia, Kazakhstan and China. For Walter, BMW Motorrad’s 650cc single-cylinder enduro was the perfect starting point for building an adventure bike.

“The Xchallenge is one of the lightest possible bikes to base a properly durable adventure touring platform on. Its base weight is just over 140 kilos and bearing in mind the mud and unpredictability of the road surfaces in northern Siberia, keeping weight to a minimum is critical. The Xchallenge engine is a super reliable 650cc single-cylinder BMW engine which in its basic form has been used since 1994, with more and more refinements every few years. Compared to the competition, the BMW engine is more reliable, has better fuel efficiency and is smoother. All these are factors that made this choice of bike very easy for me.”

On the early stages of the trip, Walter will be accompanied by friend Jonathan Fox, who will be riding a BMW F 800 GS. The plan is to meet up with quite a few riders at various stages along the route in eastern Europe and Russia. Quite apart from the main Siberian stages that Walter will encounter in several months time, the fascinating journeys to and from Siberia are incredible adventure motorcycling rides in themselves, and will also be documented. These routes include the beautiful but dangerous North Caucasus mountains in Russia; crossing the legendary Taklimakan desert in western China en route through Tibet to Lhasa; crossing the Khunjerab Pass, one of only two border crossings in the entire Himalayas – and the highest border crossing in the world at 4,693 metres – and riding the spectacular Karakoram highway down into Pakistan, passing several of the highest mountains in the world.

Walter and Jonathan will set off on their ‘Sibirsky Extreme Project’ from Ystradgynlais in Wales, where a special Touratech Travel Event is taking place for adventure motorcycling fans. The key stages of the trip will take place in Siberia, Mongolia and China from June to September 2009 and everything will be documented on the http://www.sibirskyextreme.com/ website, where a detailed ‘Blog of the trip will be updated regularly. '; news['article_179']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_179']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/ciberski1.jpg'; news['article_179']['image11_text'] = 'Australian Walter Colebatch has a dream to ride his BMW G 650 X further north and east in Siberia than anyone has ever been on two wheels before.'; news['article_179']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/ciberski1.jpg'; news['article_179']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/ciberski2.jpg'; news['article_179']['image12_text'] = 'The promotional poster for Siberski Extreme.'; news['article_179']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/ciberski2.jpg'; news['article_179']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/ciberski3.jpg'; news['article_179']['image13_text'] = 'Jonathan Fox will be joining Walter for the early stages of the trip and will be riding a BMW F 800 GS.'; news['article_179']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/ciberski3.jpg'; news['article_179']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_179']['content2'] = ''; news['article_179']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_179']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_179']['content3'] = ''; news['article_179']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[126] = 179; news['article_180'] = new Array(); news['article_180']['articleId'] = 127; news['article_180']['day'] = '27'; news['article_180']['month'] = '03'; news['article_180']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_180']['title'] = 'BMW Motorrad Australia Enduro Team Tastes Success Aboard the G 450 X'; news['article_180']['link_text'] = 'BMW Motorrad Australia Enduro Team Tastes Success Aboard the G 450 X '; news['article_180']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_180']['content1'] = 'After the successful debut of the BMW G 450 X on Australian soil at last year’s Australian 4 Day Enduro (A4DE), with five-times Motocross World Champion Joel Smets at the helm, BMW Motorrad Australia has announced a new home grown enduro team.

Aimed at developing and breeding exciting new talent within the Australian enduro scene the BMW Motorrad Enduro Team consists of five carefully handpicked riders, selected from among Australia’s leading enduro talent competing in the Pro Class (Luka Bussa), Expert Class (Luke Tomlinson) and Clubman Class (Alexander Lean) of the Australian Off Road Championship.

Furthermore, these three young racers are being supported by two mentors with decades of off-road experience between them. Trent Lean and Stephen Clarke are coaching the trio of young riders, as well as competing in the Veterans and Masters Class themselves and assuming the roles of Team Manager and Team Technician.

The all-new BMW Motorrad Enduro Team recently lined up at Rounds 1 and 2 of the Australian Off Road Championship (AORC) at Wachope in New South Wales and achieved some great results on debut, including a class win for Luke Tomlinson in the highly competitive Expert Class of the AORC.

“I had very little set up time on the new BMW G 450 X but it felt very competitive straight away,” said a delighted Luke after his victory at Wachope. “With a little more time on the bike and some minor changes I am looking forward to a great year ahead.”

All riders were very positive about their first serious outing as a team and are looking to make progress throughout the year, including Luka Bussa, who had his first national race in the ultra-competitive Pro E2 category – a class that boasts some serious talent, including multiple world champion Stefan Merriman.

“The E2 class is so tough – it was my first major race on a 450 and I haven’t raced many cross country style races before either, so it really took it out of me and I didn’t recover well for the races on Sunday,” said the 18-year-old from Moruya who finished in 13th place in both the cross country and sprint Pro Class races. “I need to step up my training and get more familiar with my BMW G 450 X. My race bike is so trick, and all the other riders were checking it out over the weekend. I know I can improve and get up towards the top 10 – it will take a lot of hard work but I am up for the challenge.”

Aboard the highly acclaimed G 450 X, BMW Motorrad is confident this talented Enduro Team will play a pivotal role in the brand’s introduction in to the Australian Off Road Championship and cement BMW Motorrad’s position within the Australian enduro circuit in the coming years. The team will compete at all Australian Off Road Championship rounds, as well as next month’s A4DE and selected state rounds.'; news['article_180']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_180']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/enduroteam1.jpg'; news['article_180']['image11_text'] = 'The new BMW Motorrad Australia Enduro Team.'; news['article_180']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/enduroteam1.jpg'; news['article_180']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/enduroteam2.jpg'; news['article_180']['image12_text'] = 'Luke Tomlinson is contesting the Expert Class in this year’s Australian Off-Road Championship.'; news['article_180']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/enduroteam2.jpg'; news['article_180']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/enduroteam3.jpg'; news['article_180']['image13_text'] = 'Luka Bussa on the G 450 X, during his first national race in the ultra-competitive Pro E2 category.'; news['article_180']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/enduroteam3.jpg'; news['article_180']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_180']['content2'] = ''; news['article_180']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_180']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_180']['content3'] = ''; news['article_180']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[127] = 180; news['article_181'] = new Array(); news['article_181']['articleId'] = 129; news['article_181']['day'] = '27'; news['article_181']['month'] = '03'; news['article_181']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_181']['title'] = 'Argentine Success for BMW G 450 X'; news['article_181']['link_text'] = 'Argentine Success for BMW G 450 X '; news['article_181']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_181']['content1'] = 'There has been another success for the BMW G 450 X sport enduro, this time in the first round of the Argentine Enduro Championship, which took place over the weekend of 21-22 March.

Taking place in a breathtaking setting in the province of San Juan and attracting around 100 riders, this opening round of the 2009 Argentine Enduro Championship series promised a spectacular show and it certainly delivered it, with BMW Motorrad Argentina rider Franco Caimi from Mendoza claiming first place on board the G 450 X sport enduro.

Twenty-one-year-old Caimi had already been in action earlier this month at the prestigious Summer Enduro Gesell Le Touquet, where the G 450 X made its debut in Argentina in front of more than 70,000 fans. After falling during the first lap when another participant collided with him, the young rider from Mendoza clawed his way back into the race and eventually finished in a remarkable 11th place, out of 400 riders in his class who started the race.

After this great performance, Franco Caimi was determined to build on his early success and his latest victory in the most important category of the championship – the Senior A – left his competitors in no doubt of his ‘unstoppable’ ability on the G 450 X. He finished one minute and ten seconds ahead of Marcos Polo (Honda) and over four minutes ahead of the third-placed rider Marcos Giustozzi (Kawasaki), and current Argentine Enduro Champion Kevin Benavides (KTM).

This excellent result shows the clear success of the man from Mendoza who has quickly established himself as one of the stars of the local enduro scene.

“I’m really happy with the results that we are achieving,” said the former Latin American champion, whose vast international experience belies his young age. “Not only are we proving the real potential of a bike that we are still developing, but we are also getting these results with the BMW G 450 X right in the early stages of the championship – that has to be a good sign for the future.”

Caimi is one of the icons of the enduro scene in Argentina. The 2006 Latin American Enduro Champion (who is also the youngest rider ever to win a gold medal in a ‘Six Days’ enduro) has some ambitious plans for this year. Besides the Argentine Enduro Championship, he will also contest the Latin American Championship and the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) in Portugal in October on the BMW G 450 X. '; news['article_181']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_181']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/argentina450x1.jpg'; news['article_181']['image11_text'] = 'BMW Motorrad Argentina rider Franco Caimi on board the G 450 X sport enduro.'; news['article_181']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/argentina450x1.jpg'; news['article_181']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/argentina450x2.jpg'; news['article_181']['image12_text'] = 'The 21-year-old from Mendoza is one of the icons of the enduro scene in Argentina.'; news['article_181']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/argentina450x2.jpg'; news['article_181']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/argentina450x3.jpg'; news['article_181']['image13_text'] = 'On his way to victory in the opening round of the Argentine Enduro Championship.'; news['article_181']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/argentina450x3.jpg'; news['article_181']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_181']['content2'] = ''; news['article_181']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_181']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_181']['content3'] = ''; news['article_181']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[129] = 181; news['article_182'] = new Array(); news['article_182']['articleId'] = 118; news['article_182']['day'] = '20'; news['article_182']['month'] = '03'; news['article_182']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_182']['title'] = 'Wild Things! Another S 1000 RR Model Shoot.'; news['article_182']['link_text'] = 'Wild Things! Another S 1000 RR Model Shoot.'; news['article_182']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_182']['content1'] = 'Top photographer Markus Hofmann often looks to nature when photographing new products, but it’s not often that he has the opportunity to combine the three favourite areas of his work – fashion, nature and technology – in a single shoot.

When he first laid eyes on the BMW S 1000 RR carbon race bike, the first thing that sprang to mind was a cheetah, the fastest land animal and one which is capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in less than three seconds – faster than most supercars and almost as quick as BMW Motorrad’s new Superbike.

“I found the comparison very obvious because both the cheetah and the BMW S 1000 RR exude speed, elegance, beauty and, of course, the desire to race – the cheetah hunts for its daily feed just as the S 1000 RR will be hunting for a good ranking in the 2009 Superbike World Championship,” said Markus.

Markus’s idea to combine fashion, nature, and technology in a studio shoot brought him into contact with designers Talbot Runhof, supermodel Bonka Steinhauser and representatives from BMW Motorrad. Turning this idea into reality though was far from simple, and fraught with danger, as Markus explains:

“I had arranged for two cheetahs to be on hand to represent nature and as we started to prepare for the shoot, we were aware that this was no ordinary situation and that we needed to be prepared for any eventuality that might come our way,” he said. “The exclusive creations of Your browser may not support display of this image.designer duo Talbot Runhof and seductive underwear from Wolford were to be used as the foundation of the planned shoot. I also needed a model who would look good in both labels, which is how I came to find Bonnie during a casting session. I was immediately captivated by her eyes – which played an important role during the shoot – and I wanted them to harmonise with the animals on set.

“Things weren’t so easy with the technology; I needed to find an object that would go with the fashions and the animals. The solution was a BMW motorcycle, the carbon S 1000 RR. This had all the characteristics I needed – the speed of the cheetahs, the beauty of the model and the elegance of the clothes.”

Imagine the scenario: the artificial environment of a photographer’s studio with bright lights and flashguns; two wild animals in unfamiliar surroundings; a nervous model whose living depends on maintaining a flawless complexion; stylists with bespoke haute couture items that could easily be ripped to shreds with a single scratch from a cheetah’s powerful claws; and a BMW motorcycle – for once the safest thing in the room. '; news['article_182']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_182']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/wildthings1.jpg'; news['article_182']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/wildthings1.jpg'; news['article_182']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/wildthings2.jpg'; news['article_182']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/wildthings2.jpg'; news['article_182']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/wildthings3.jpg'; news['article_182']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/wildthings3.jpg'; news['article_182']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_182']['content2'] = 'On the day of the shoot, the lights were set up in the studio and the make-up artist got to work on the model. The BMW motorcycle was delivered and immediately placed in position on the set. The cheetahs arrived half an hour later and, because safety was the highest priority, the animals were first taken to a separate room by the three trainers, where they were given food and drink, and an opportunity to familiarize themselves with their new surroundings.

After 30 minutes, Bonnie (the model) had her first contact with the animals. This took place in a calm atmosphere, and fortunately without incident. After an hour, the animals were introduced to the studio in as calm an atmosphere as possible. You could hear a pin drop when the animals were first brought onto the set – their majestic presence, the elegance with which they moved and, of course, a great respect for nature and its wonders that left everyone in the room speechless.

First the cats were walked around the set to let them get used to the unfamiliar conditions of the studio and then the moment had finally arrived and it was possible to start with the first pictures with the animals. Anyone not directly required on set was sent into the adjoining room to ensure that the animals were not distracted or stressed by any false moves. For photographer Markus, the challenge was to produce the best shots imaginable, while avoiding pushing the animals to their limit.

“Naturally the first few pictures were unusable because the model was quite frightened,” he said. “But once Bonnie had become accustomed to the situation, she proved herself to be a real pro and showed a lot more bravery. The animal trainers were on set at all times, close to the model so that they could intervene quickly if anything went wrong. The animals were given a break every 10 minutes and it suddenly became obvious how comfortable the cats were with their surroundings. I was even able to take a few shots with the two cheetahs relaxed lying by the motorcycle looking relaxed.”

Although Markus’s team is experienced in animal photo shoots, the cooperation with the three animal trainers was very important in the success of this particular project, as Dr. Nils Ismer of the Ströhen Wildlife Park explains, the two cheetahs – Kanyu and Bongo – certainly earned their milk that day and found a new friend in Bonnie, the model.

“Our two male cheetahs Kanyu and Bongo already had a lot of experience in film and photo shoots, so we believed that this was something we could manage. The greatest challenge for us, however, was a logistical one, because this project involved a 700-kilometre round trip with the cheetahs. Fortunately, the cats are very familiar with riding in the horsebox, so all we needed to do was pack enough food and off we went.

“After a very tentative start – particularly on the part of the model, Bonnie (which is totally understandable) – everyone quickly became fascinated with the calm and friendly behaviour of the two ‘stars’. Bonnie certainly earned a medal for bravery because she became increasingly relaxed and more and more daring. We don’t take it for granted that people can work face to face with two predatory animals, so it’s thanks to the excellent preparatory work and a good understanding of the special requirements when working with wild animals, that this photo shoot was a complete success from our point of view.”

The final words went to model Bonnie Steinhauser, who came through the experience unscathed and whose feline qualities contributed to helping Markus produce some stunning and memorable pictures.

“My first impression was to find it all very scary because I had never had this kind of contact with wild animals before,” she said. “However, the animal handler was able to reassure me very quickly because he said that the cats were well behaved and had been very well trained. Once I was allowed to stroke the first cheetah, I forgot all my reservations and was able to pose with the animals – even lying down with them and on them! It was a really fabulous shoot and I’m very grateful for the experience.”'; news['article_182']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_182']['image21'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/wildthings4.jpg'; news['article_182']['image21_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/wildthings4.jpg'; news['article_182']['image22'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/wildthings5.jpg'; news['article_182']['image22_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/wildthings5.jpg'; news['article_182']['image23'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/wildthings6.jpg'; news['article_182']['image23_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/wildthings6.jpg'; news['article_182']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_182']['content3'] = 'The fantastic images will be published soon in selected Lifestyle and Fashion magazines.
Credit Notes

Fotograf

Markus Hofmann

www.white-photo.com

Stylist

Bettina Bruaröy Maurer

www.stylingroom.de

Model

Bonka Steinhauser

Most Wanted Models

www.mostwantedmodels.com

Make-up & hairstyling

Elisa Koester

www.elisa-koester.de

Retouch & Composing

Arno Schaller

www.schaller-medien.de

Talbot Runhof

www.talbotrunhof.com

Wolford

www.wolford.de

Special thanks to:

Aidenbachstudios München

Canon Deutschland

Dr. Nils Ismer, Tierpark Ströhen

Agentur Anystars

Sabrina Schindzielorz

BMW Motorrad München'; news['article_182']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_182']['image31'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/wildthings7.jpg'; news['article_182']['image31_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/wildthings7.jpg'; news['article_182']['image32'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/wildthings8.jpg'; news['article_182']['image32_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/wildthings8.jpg'; news['article_182']['image33'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/wildthings9.jpg'; news['article_182']['image33_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/wildthings9.jpg'; newsMap[118] = 182; news['article_183'] = new Array(); news['article_183']['articleId'] = 121; news['article_183']['day'] = '20'; news['article_183']['month'] = '03'; news['article_183']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_183']['title'] = 'Largest Global Husqvarna Showroom at BMW’s Motorcycle Centre in Munich'; news['article_183']['link_text'] = 'Largest Global Husqvarna Showroom at BMW’s Motorcycle Centre in Munich'; news['article_183']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_183']['content1'] = 'A pilot project is currently underway in Bavaria for the second motorcycle marque of the BMW Group. On 14 March the BMW Motorcycle Centre in Munich celebrated the new start to the motorcycling season by surprising more than 1,200 visitors and prospective customers with a revised show area for the Husqvarna motorcycle marque, which was acquired in the summer of 2007 by the BMW Group.

The special Husqvarna showroom is the first time a BMW AG-owned dealership has set up a dedicated area in its premises for showcasing the Husqvarna range of on- and off-road motorcycles. With almost 100 square metres of display area, the new Husqvarna centre is the largest showroom for the marque in the world and if successful, the concept could be extended to other BMW AG-owned dealerships in Germany and elsewhere.

“With our Husqvarna showroom, we are proud to have established this pilot project in the German sales region, where for the first time both motorcycle marques are under the same roof,” explained Michael Sommer, Director of the BMW Motorcycle Centre in Munich. “Husqvarna is a youthful, outgoing and sporting marque which ideally complements BMW motorcycle products,” he added.

During the traditional ‘New Season’ launch party, there was an extremely positive reaction to Husqvarna’s inclusion within BMW Motorrad’s flagship centre in Munich. The dealership – which stretches over several floors and sells and services new and used BMW motorcycles, as well as displaying the biggest selection of BMW rider equipment in the world – has incorporated the Husqvarna shop on the first floor, with clearly defined branding, display areas and separate sales advisors.

While the sporting Husqvarna models are primarily aimed at competition, the BMW Group’s motorcycle range is wide reaching and recent model introductions have appealed to younger buying groups as well as the whole wider off-road and Supermoto sectors. Sharing facilities and having the two brands together in such a large premises offers certain advantages according to Michael Sommer, who believes that there are significant benefits to be gained from this association.

“This is a very exciting experiment for us to be carrying out and if it proves to be successful, it would be great to ‘roll out’ this concept to other BMW dealerships all over the world,” he said. “The inclusion of Husqvarna in the new Flagship Store concept is a great opportunity for motorcycle fans to see what the brand has to offer and I invite all off-road enthusiasts to enter the Husqvarna world with us.”

Like BMW motorcycles, Husqvarna is steeped in history and tradition. It first started producing motorcycles in Sweden in 1903 and has been operating since 1996 in Italy. The brand has a great racing tradition thanks to its sporting activities around the world, which started more than half a century ago. Since then, a massive total of 74 world titles have been gained in Enduro, Motocross and Supermotard disciplines.
'; news['article_183']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_183']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/husqv_munich1.jpg'; news['article_183']['image11_text'] = 'The flagship BMW Motorrad Zentrum building in Munich.'; news['article_183']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/husqv_munich1.jpg'; news['article_183']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/husqv_munich2.jpg'; news['article_183']['image12_text'] = 'The Husqvarna motorcycles shop in the same building.'; news['article_183']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/husqv_munich2.jpg'; news['article_183']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/husqv_munich3.jpg'; news['article_183']['image13_text'] = 'The Husqvarna team on the showroom floor (from left to right: Thomas Moser, CFO Husqvarna; Michael Sommer, MD Motorrad Zentrum München; Josef Zupin, Supervisory Board Moto-Sport Handels AG (Husqvarna Importer Germany); Marko Zupin, Management Board Moto-Sport Handels AG (Husqvarna Importer Germany).'; news['article_183']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/if_award2.jpg'; news['article_183']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_183']['content2'] = ''; news['article_183']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_183']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_183']['content3'] = ''; news['article_183']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[121] = 183; news['article_184'] = new Array(); news['article_184']['articleId'] = 122; news['article_184']['day'] = '20'; news['article_184']['month'] = '03'; news['article_184']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_184']['title'] = 'New K Series BMWs Win Prestigious ‘red dot’ Awards'; news['article_184']['link_text'] = 'New K Series BMWs Win Prestigious ‘red dot’ Awards'; news['article_184']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_184']['content1'] = 'Two of BMW Motorrad’s latest K Series motorcycles are the recipients of the famous ‘red dot’ awards that recognise outstanding design quality. The K 1300 S sports bike and the K 1200 R naked roadster have won the internationally acclaimed label that is awarded to products that have clearly set themselves apart from the competition by their particularly successful design solutions.

Launched in 1955, the red dot award has become established as one of the most important design awards in the world. It recognises achievements in numerous categories such as automotive, architecture, domestic, consumer electronics, fashion, life science and medicine. This year, the jury considered the design of 3,231 products from 49 different countries all over the world. A total of 683 products won the red dot award, and the winners will be presented with their accolades at a special ceremony on 29 June in Essen, Germany.

The new K-Series range was launched in BMW dealerships in February and consists of three models, all renowned for their high performance, advanced technology and powerful engines. Individually, the K 1300 S is the fastest motorcycle ever produced by BMW Motorrad, the K 1300 R naked roadster is the most technologically advanced in its class, and the K 1300 GT is the best high-speed tourer BMW has ever produced.

The K-Series bikes have received extremely positive press coverage in the media since their launch, and have been praised for their class-leading levels of performance, handling and road holding. For two of the three new models to receive this special red dot recognition for outstanding design achievement is yet another ‘feather in the cap’ for the BMW Group, which continues its career of excellence in design.

Winning these two red dot accolades in the ‘automotive, transport and caravan’ segment means that the K 1300 S and K 1300 R join a long list of award-winning BMW motorcycles. Last year, the BMW G 450 X won a special ‘red dot: best of the best’ award for particularly pioneering design. The HP2 Sport motorcycle was a 2008 red dot awards finalist and the F 800 GS also received an honourable mention during last year’s ceremony.

From elsewhere within the BMW Group, the new Z4 and 7 Series cars also won red dot awards this year. '; news['article_184']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_184']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/reddot1.jpg'; news['article_184']['image11_text'] = 'The coveted ‘red dot’ award logo.'; news['article_184']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/reddot1.jpg'; news['article_184']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/reddot2.jpg'; news['article_184']['image12_text'] = 'The formidable K 1300 S.'; news['article_184']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/reddot2.jpg'; news['article_184']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/reddot3.jpg'; news['article_184']['image13_text'] = 'The K 1300 R Naked Roadster.'; news['article_184']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/reddot3.jpg'; news['article_184']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_184']['content2'] = ''; news['article_184']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_184']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_184']['content3'] = ''; news['article_184']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[122] = 184; news['article_185'] = new Array(); news['article_185']['articleId'] = 123; news['article_185']['day'] = '20'; news['article_185']['month'] = '03'; news['article_185']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_185']['title'] = 'Goblet on the Podium in Warnant.'; news['article_185']['link_text'] = 'Goblet on the Podium in Warnant'; news['article_185']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_185']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorrad-supported rider Jean-Francois Goblet finished his pre-season preparations for the Enduro World Championship by contesting the second round of the Belgian Enduro Championship at Warnant and winning the E2 category on his BMW G 450 X, as well as finishing second overall.

The talented Belgian rider, who is contesting selected rounds of the French and Belgian Enduro Championships, as well as the complete Enduro World Championship series this year, arrived at the circuit on 15 March with a tough challenge ahead of him. Sunday’s race would consist of four laps with two specials – one straight and fast, the other a tight, technical, marked out trail.

Unfortunately for ‘Jeff’, a heavy fall in the first Special put him under time pressure, although despite this, he recovered well enough to finish just 15 seconds behind World Championship rider Patrick Caps. Achieving second place in the ‘scratch’ category without too many problems gave Jeff the confidence to push himself and his G 450 X BMW for the rest of the day.

The remainder of the race went well for the young Belgian, who despite making a few minor errors, was always fast enough to finish in the top three in every stage, with the cumulative times giving Jeff the victory in the E2 category and second place overall, behind Patrick Caps. Furthermore, Jeff also set the fastest time in the final Special.

“I’m not too disappointed with my efforts, because I’ve got the feeling that I’m getting better and better each time I go out on the bike,” said Jeff after the race. “My work rate is good and although I am not quite yet ‘on top of my game’, I feel that we are continuing to progress in the right direction and that my best is still to come.

“I’m eager to put all the pieces of the puzzle together as soon as possible to be able to truly benefit from the potential that my BMW G 450 X offers. The bike worked perfectly throughout the weekend and I was ably assisted by my Lejeune Motorsport colleagues as well as supported by my family. I’m now full of confidence and looking forwards to getting to Portugal for the opening round of the Enduro World Championship at the weekend.” '; news['article_185']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_185']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/goblet_warnant1.jpg'; news['article_185']['image11_text'] = 'Jeff Goblet on his way to an E2 class victory at Warnant.'; news['article_185']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/goblet_warnant1.jpg'; news['article_185']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/goblet_warnant2.jpg'; news['article_185']['image12_text'] = 'Tackling the tricky course on his BMW G 450 X.'; news['article_185']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/goblet_warnant2.jpg'; news['article_185']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_185']['content2'] = ''; news['article_185']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_185']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_185']['content3'] = ''; news['article_185']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[123] = 185; news['article_186'] = new Array(); news['article_186']['articleId'] = 124; news['article_186']['day'] = '20'; news['article_186']['month'] = '03'; news['article_186']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_186']['title'] = 'Coveted Design Award for BMW Motorrad Rider Equipment'; news['article_186']['link_text'] = 'Coveted Design Award for BMW Motorrad Rider Equipment'; news['article_186']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_186']['content1'] = 'Proving that form, function and great design can work together in harmony, two items from the BMW Motorrad rider equipment collection have been awarded the renowned iF product design award 2009 by an international jury.

The iF (International Forum Design) product design awards are one of the world\'s most prestigious design competitions and have been held annually since 1953. This year’s ceremony took place on 3 March in Hannover, Germany, and it was BMW Motorrad’s Atlantis 4 riding suit and Sport helmet that were singled out for praise by the international jury.

The significance of the iF product design awards are recognised throughout the design world and this year, more than 2,800 products were submitted by 1,025 entrants from 39 countries worldwide. A jury consisting of 28 members from ten different nations had the task of discussing and debating the merits of a whole variety of products, before selecting the ones that would win awards in the various categories. Assessment criteria included structure and design, finish and material selection, functionality, ergonomics, safety and brand value. In all, 802 products won awards in 16 different categories.

Winning the coveted iF product design award for the BMW Atlantis suit and the BMW Sport helmet clearly demonstrates the fact that it’s possible to have products that not only look good, but also fulfil their intended roles in the best way possible.

The Atlantis 4 is the latest incarnation of the legendary all-weather classic leather suit for men and women. The two-piece, anthracite-coloured suit in quick-drying, breathable calf nubuk leather is manufactured in such a way that no rain clothing is required – the wearer stays dry whatever the conditions.

BMW’s Sport helmet not only looks good with its striking lines and modern design, it also has outstanding aerodynamics and acoustic properties. This helmet, which is available in a number of different designs, leaves nothing to be desired in terms of head ventilation and wearer comfort either, offering superlative protection for those with sporty ambitions.

A high level of functionality and safety, coupled with timeless, attractive designs, are some of the prerequisites that characterise all the products in the BMW Motorrad rider equipment range. In creating its new collections, the BMW designers are guided by the look and visual styling of the current range of BMW motorcycle models. However, it is not just the attractive design and shaping of the products which is striking; their functionality, fit, wear comfort, safety and finish are also top priorities when it comes to satisfying the high expectations of BMW Motorrad customers.

Winning these awards is proof that the BMW design team is not only creative but highly successful too, as is reflected by the huge popularity of the BMW Motorrad rider equipment range. The two award-winning products are available from all BMW Motorrad dealers, along with the entire 2009 BMW Motorrad rider equipment collection.'; news['article_186']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_186']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/if_award1.jpg'; news['article_186']['image11_text'] = 'BMW Motorrad’s Sport helmet won a renowned iF product design award.'; news['article_186']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/if_award1.jpg'; news['article_186']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/if_award2.jpg'; news['article_186']['image12_text'] = 'A jury consisting of 28 members from ten different nations had the task of discussing and debating the merits of a whole variety of products.'; news['article_186']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/if_award2.jpg'; news['article_186']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/if_award3.jpg'; news['article_186']['image13_text'] = 'The Atlantis 4 riding suit received an iF product design award.'; news['article_186']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/if_award3.jpg'; news['article_186']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_186']['content2'] = ''; news['article_186']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_186']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_186']['content3'] = ''; news['article_186']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[124] = 186; news['article_187'] = new Array(); news['article_187']['articleId'] = 119; news['article_187']['day'] = '17'; news['article_187']['month'] = '03'; news['article_187']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_187']['title'] = 'SPEED TV FIM World Superbike, Losail International Racetrack in Doha, Qatar.'; news['article_187']['link_text'] = 'SPEED TV FIM World Superbike, Losail International Racetrack in Doha, Qatar'; news['article_187']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_187']['content1'] = '-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SPEED TV FIM World Superbike, Losail International Racetrack in Doha, Qatar.

* Mar 17, 2009 12:00PM ET
* FIM World Superbike
* Qatar - Race 1

* Mar 17, 2009 1:00PM ET
* FIM World Superbike
* Qatar - Race 2

* Mar 23, 2009 12:00PM ET
* FIM World Superbike
* Qatar - Race 1

* Mar 23, 2009 1:00PM ET
* FIM World Superbike
* Qatar - Race 2

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BMW Motorrad Motorsport riders Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus rode superbly in both the two 18-lap races in Doha today and earned themselves three top ten placings! Troy finished ninth in both races and Ruben took 13th in race one and followed that with a hard-fought for tenth in race two. Today\'s tremendous results were all the more spectacular considering that Ruben and Troy had started the races from the fourth row of the grid after a problems in Superpole yesterday.

But almost more special than the top ten finishes was the sight of Troy in fourth place after two laps of race two! The Aussie had blasted off the line superbly from 16th on the grid and stunned everybody by crossing the line in fifth place at the end of lap one. By lap two he had stormed into fourth - a position he held until lap four. Although he ended the race in ninth, his spell in fourth place made up for all the disappointment the past two days and gives Troy, Ruben and the whole team a tremendous boost before the next race in three week\'s time.

Troy - Race 1: 9th, Race 2: 9th

After practice and qualifying, we were a bit disappointed about our prospects of any good results from the fourth row of the grid. Overnight we found a solution to our top speed problem and that gave me a slim chance today. In race two, I made one of the best starts of my life, saw a gap and just went for it! It felt great to be up front with the race leaders and although I knew it wouldn?t last, it was great while it happened. At the moment, we are about half a second down on bike and chassis set-up and if we could cut that gap we?d be competitive for sure. It certainly doesn\'t help starting from row four and, at Qatar, that probably means you lose seven or so seconds on the first lap and you have to spend the rest of the race playing catch up. To get two top tens today is certainly more than I was expecting before the season started and shows that the bike has real potential. After three weeks or so away, we?ll now be able to return to our workshops, analyse all the info and get the work started for the next round.

Ruben - Race 1: 13th, Race 2: 10th

I\'m really happy with the races today and although there?s lots of work to do, I think Troy and I did a great job. I?m very happy with race two, because I ended nearly nine seconds closer to the front then in race one. On my sighting lap for race two, I thought it might be better to go longer on the rear sprocket. I knew that it would be a problem on the start, but it was a risk I wanted to take. And it wasn\'t a good start, but I soon got into a good rhythm. My biggest surprise was seeing that Troy was fourth! I was jealous because I wanted to be there! I just kept pushing hard and I managed to catch Troy towards the end of the race. I thought about trying to pass him, but thought \"Ruben don\'t do anything stupid \", so I stayed behind. Then Haslam overtook me two laps from the end and pushed me out of the top ten, but I said \"No, no, no!\" and made sure I got past him before the finish so that Troy and I could both be in the top ten.

Berti Hauser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director)

The most important thing this weekend is that we have learnt a lot, but I must also say that the results today make me more than happy. Troy did an amazing job in both races and the great work between the two riders helped us get both in the top ten in race two. Considering that our team is still learning, I think this is a great achievement this early in the championship and I\'d like to thank them and riders for all the hard work here and at Phillip Island. Friday was \"Black Friday\" for us, but today our results mean we can all leave Qatar happy.

Results:

Race 1:1 Spies (USA-Yamaha), 2 Haga (J-Ducati), 3 Biaggi (I-Aprilia), 4 Nakano (J-Aprilia), 5 Checa (E-Honda), 6 Byrne (GB-Ducati), 7 Sykes (GB-Yamaha), 8 Kiyonari (J-Honda), 9 Troy Corser (Aus-BMW Motorrad Motorsport), 10 Laconi (F-Ducati), 13 Ruben Xaus (E-BMW Motorrad Motorsport),

Race 2:1 Spies, 2 Haga, 3 Biaggi, 4 Kiyonari, 5 Sykes, 6 Neukirchner (D-Suzuki), 7 Nakano, 8 Rea (GB-Honda), 9 Troy Corser (Aus-BMW Motorrad Motorsport), 10 Ruben Xaus (E-BMW Motorrad Motorsport),

Points: 1 Haga 85, 2 Spies 75, 3 Neukirchner 40, 4 Biaggi 38, 5 Haslam 36, 6 Sykes 32, 7 Laconi 30, 8 Rea 30, 9 Nakano 27, 10 Kagayama 25, 12 Troy Corser (Aus-BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 22, 17 Ruben Xaus (E-BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 14,'; news['article_187']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_187']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_187']['content2'] = ''; news['article_187']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_187']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_187']['content3'] = ''; news['article_187']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[119] = 187; news['article_188'] = new Array(); news['article_188']['articleId'] = 120; news['article_188']['day'] = '14'; news['article_188']['month'] = '03'; news['article_188']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_188']['title'] = '2009 Superbike World Championship Round 2, Doha, Qatar'; news['article_188']['link_text'] = '2009 Superbike World Championship Round 2, Doha, Qatar'; news['article_188']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_188']['content1'] = 'Losail circuit: 5.380 kms. Conditions: Dry, hazy sun 27 C.

Saturday March 14th

THREE TOP TENS FOR BMW MOTORRAD MOTORSPORT!

BMW Motorrad Motorsport riders Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus rode superbly in both the two 18-lap races in Doha today and earned themselves three top ten placings! Troy finished ninth in both races and Ruben took 13th in race one and followed that with a hard-fought for tenth in race two. Today?s tremendous results were all the more spectacular considering that Ruben and Troy had started the races from the fourth row of the grid after a problems in Superpole yesterday.

But almost more special than the top ten finishes was the sight of Troy in fourth place after two laps of race two! The Aussie had blasted off the line superbly from 16th on the grid and stunned everybody by crossing the line in fifth place at the end of lap one. By lap two he had stormed into fourth - a position he held until lap four. Although he ended the race in ninth, his spell in fourth place made up for all the disappointment the past two days and gives Troy, Ruben and the whole team a tremendous boost before the next race in three week?s time.


Troy - Race 1: 9th, Race 2: 9th

After practice and qualifying, we were a bit disappointed about our prospects of any good results from the fourth row of the grid. Overnight we found a solution to our top speed problem and that gave me a slim chance today. In race two, I made one of the best starts of my life, saw a gap and just went for it! It felt great to be up front with the race leaders and although I knew it wouldn?t last, it was great while it happened. At the moment, we are about half a second down on bike and chassis set-up and if we could cut that gap we?d be competitive for sure. It certainly doesn?t help starting from row four and, at Qatar, that probably means you lose seven or so seconds on the first lap and you have to spend the rest of the race playing catch up. To get two top tens today is certainly more than I was expecting before the season started and shows that the bike has real potential. After three weeks or so away, we?ll now be able to return to our workshops, analyse all the info and get the work started for the next round.


Ruben - Race 1: 13th, Race 2: 10th

I?m really happy with the races today and although there?s lots of work to do, I think Troy and I did a great job. I?m very happy with race two, because I ended nearly nine seconds closer to the front then in race one. On my sighting lap for race two, I thought it might be better to go longer on the rear sprocket. I knew that it would be a problem on the start, but it was a risk I wanted to take. And it wasn?t a good start, but I soon got into a good rhythm. My biggest surprise was seeing that Troy was fourth! I was jealous because I wanted to be there! I just kept pushing hard and I managed to catch Troy towards the end of the race. I thought about trying to pass him, but thought ?Ruben don?t do anything stupid?, so I stayed behind. Then Haslam overtook me two laps from the end and pushed me out of the top ten, but I said ?No, no, no!? and made sure I got past him before the finish so that Troy and I could both be in the top ten.


Berti Hauser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director)

The most important thing this weekend is that we have learnt a lot, but I must also say that the results today make me more than happy. Troy did an amazing job in both races and the great work between the two riders helped us get both in the top ten in race two. Considering that our team is still learning, I think this is a great achievement this early in the championship and I?d like to thank them and riders for all the hard work here and at Phillip Island. Friday was ?Black Friday? for us, but today our results mean we can all leave Qatar happy.


Results

Race 1:1 Spies (USA-Yamaha), 2 Haga (J-Ducati), 3 Biaggi (I-Aprilia), 4 Nakano (J-Aprilia), 5 Checa (E-Honda), 6 Byrne (GB-Ducati), 7 Sykes (GB-Yamaha), 8 Kiyonari (J-Honda), 9 Troy Corser (Aus-BMW Motorrad Motorsport), 10 Laconi (F-Ducati), 13 Ruben Xaus (E-BMW Motorrad Motorsport),

Race 2:1 Spies, 2 Haga, 3 Biaggi, 4 Kiyonari, 5 Sykes, 6 Neukirchner (D-Suzuki), 7 Nakano, 8 Rea (GB-Honda), 9 Troy Corser (Aus-BMW Motorrad Motorsport), 10 Ruben Xaus (E-BMW Motorrad Motorsport),

Points: 1 Haga 85, 2 Spies 75, 3 Neukirchner 40, 4 Biaggi 38, 5 Haslam 36, 6 Sykes 32, 7 Laconi 30, 8 Rea 30, 9 Nakano 27, 10 Kagayama 25, 12 Troy Corser (Aus-BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 22, 17 Ruben Xaus (E-BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 14,

'; news['article_188']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_188']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_188']['content2'] = ''; news['article_188']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_188']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_188']['content3'] = ''; news['article_188']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[120] = 188; news['article_189'] = new Array(); news['article_189']['articleId'] = 113; news['article_189']['day'] = '16'; news['article_189']['month'] = '03'; news['article_189']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_189']['title'] = 'China on the Horizon'; news['article_189']['link_text'] = 'China on the Horizon'; news['article_189']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_189']['content1'] = 'Last May, Spanish adventurers Gustavo Cuervo, Sebastián Alvaro and Ricard Tomas set off for a big off-road ride through China on BMW F 800 GS motorcycles. They departed from Beijing on 10 May and reached the base of K2 (the second highest mountain in the world) the following month. Even though they have travelled all over the world on many occasions, this particular ride made such a big impression on them that they have developed a new travel business to show this amazing part of the world to other BMW riders.

Waiting at a base in Xining (central China) are eight BMW F 800 GS, five F 650 GS and three G 450 X machines hoping for riders to take them to some of the most amazing places it is possible to reach by motorcycle in China and Tibet. As Ricard Tomas explains, this is a unique opportunity for ‘western’ riders to experience the magic of this region.

“I think we are the only company with these motorcycles in this area, because it is practically impossible to import them, but we managed to find a way to do this,” said Ricard. “We have obtained all the licences in China to carry out touring activities and we also have the support of the local Government, so if adventure travel fans want to experience the amazing sights to be discovered on two wheels in places such as Tibet, or the Gobi and Taklimakan deserts, then they should consider riding with us.”

The tours are designed so that participants visit some of the most amazing mountains and deserts the world has to offer, as well as many other areas that are just not in any of the guidebooks. Many people still have the impression that China is still \'closed\' to the West and this is partially true – as some areas are still forbidden for foreigners – but the China Tierra De Adventure organization has obtained permission to take its customers to places that at present are not open to ‘general’ tourism. By using local guides and Spanish guides – all of whom speak Chinese, English and Spanish – they have accumulated expert knowledge of some of the most exciting places to visit.

“We try to avoid in all of our tours the typical tourist areas and our main idea is to visit places that are completely unknown to westerners – and even most of the Chinese as well,” said Ricard. “Some of the places we’ll visit are probably among the last truly wild places still undiscovered on earth. We’ll ride a mixture of on and off-road routes, depending on the skill levels of the participants, and we’ll show our customers the real Tibet and Muslim life in west China.”

The adventure tours will last approximately two weeks and will cover a distance of around 4,000 to 5000 kilometres, depending on the route. Customers will be advised on which bike they should ride, according to their skill level and the type of terrain they will encounter, as many of China’s roads are unpaved. Accommodation is varied, from five-star hotels to tents in big sand dunes or even at the Mount Everest base camp.

Because of last year’s Olympic Games and the fact that China is often in the news, many people have a strong desire to visit the country before it becomes too ‘westernised’. Many of the obvious destinations, such as Beijing and Shanghai, have already been well documented, but some of the places Ricard wants riders to experience still remain undiscovered for most travellers.

“I want to show people some of my favourite places to ride in China and Tibet,” says Ricard. “For example, the Tibet tour from east to west is one of the most amazing rides imaginable, because you cross the whole of Tibet, passing by Everest, Cho-Oyu and Shisha Pangma – all of which are more than 8,000 metres high – and Kailas, the most sacred mountain in the world, before finishing in Kasghar, the pearl of the Silk Road. To reach the desert after riding from the top of the world is just about as good as it gets on a motorcycle!”

Details of the touring opportunities are available by visiting the http://www.chinatierradeaventura.com website, which is currently operational in Spanish and English language versions. Alternatively, email Gustavo Cuervo at gustavo@chinatierradeaventura.com for more information. '; news['article_189']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_189']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Gobi-107.jpg'; news['article_189']['image11_text'] = 'Gustavo Cuervo in the Gobi desert with his F 800 GS machines.'; news['article_189']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Gobi-107.jpg'; news['article_189']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/china_on_horizon1.jpg'; news['article_189']['image12_text'] = 'Experience the Taklimakan desert on two wheels.'; news['article_189']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/china_on_horizon1.jpg'; news['article_189']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/china_on_horizon3.jpg'; news['article_189']['image13_text'] = 'The China Tierra Adventure team of organisers and tour guides in Tibet.'; news['article_189']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/china_on_horizon3.jpg'; news['article_189']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_189']['content2'] = ''; news['article_189']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_189']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_189']['content3'] = ''; news['article_189']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[113] = 189; news['article_190'] = new Array(); news['article_190']['articleId'] = 114; news['article_190']['day'] = '16'; news['article_190']['month'] = '03'; news['article_190']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_190']['title'] = 'A ‘Wheelie’ Successful Bet on ‘Wetten Dass...?’'; news['article_190']['link_text'] = 'A ‘Wheelie’ Successful Bet on ‘Wetten Dass...?’'; news['article_190']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_190']['content1'] = 'A BMW F 800 R has made a special appearance on the famous ‘Wetten, dass...?’ entertainment TV show. The game show – loosely translated as ‘wanna bet?’– is one of the most successful television shows in Europe and usually attracts around 50 per cent of all German speaking viewers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, when it is broadcast on the ZDF channel.

The programme has been running ever since 1981 and the format is quite simple: the presenter (Thomas Gottschalk) and his celebrity guests bet on the outcome of very difficult, spectacular and challenging tasks performed by ordinary people. The celebrity guests offer a forfeit – which usually consists of something humorous or mildly humiliating that they would have to do – in case of a lost bet. Over the years, this has resulted in plenty of amusing scenes of, for example, movie stars being forced to sell hamburgers.

Because of such large audience viewing figures, the show always attracts star guests, and previous celebrities have included Mikhail Gorbachev, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Boris Becker, as well as top music acts, including Oasis, Coldplay and Duffy.

On the show that was broadcast on 28 February, a BMW rider bet that his girlfriend could change the front wheel of his motorcycle while he was performing a wheelie, as well as turn the bike around and ride back to the starting line – all in under two minutes. While this kind of trick might be possible for someone as talented as Chris Pfeiffer to achieve, it was much more of a challenge for riding instructor Lothar Schauer from Goch.

However, Lothar did contact Chris for some advice and the three-times World Stunt Riding Champion was only happy to provide a special rear sprocket that he uses to provide a shorter transmission ratio helpful for pulling wheelies during his stunt routine. Lothar also received help from his local BMW Motorrad dealer Wohelmsen and its team from Oeversee, who provided the bright orange F 800 R with a special quick-release front wheel locking system.

On the night of the live show – which attracted a television audience of around 10 million viewers – celebrity guest Jochen Alexander Freydank (who recently won an Oscar for his short film Spielzeugland) bet that Lothar and his girlfriend Jeanette Effner would successfully accomplish their daring stunt that was due to take place that very evening on the runway at Düsseldorf airport.

With fire engines, ambulances, film crews, photographers and a ‘Wetten dass...?’ support vehicle at the ready, Lothar started his engine and set off, pulling a wheelie to put the bike on its back wheel. Sitting on the tank and leaning right over the handlebars, Jeanette used a big ring spanner to loosen the wheel spindle before using the quick release system to loosen the wheel, remove and secure the spindle, and hand the wheel over to the support truck driving alongside.

With a new wheel handed to her – and precariously balanced high in the air – Jeanette inserted the new front wheel, tightened the locking mechanism and then gave the signal to Lothar to put the BMW F 800 R back on both wheels, turn around and then speed as quickly as possible back to their starting point. They made it, with just 17 seconds left to spare.

They were greeted with rapturous applause from the studio audience and by the end of the show, Lothar and Jeanette secured a massive 63 per cent of a telephone vote, clearly making theirs the best stunt of the evening – and winning the ‘ettkönig’ (bet king) award in the process.

Fortunately, for celebrity guest Jochen Alexander Freydank, there was no forfeit, as the bet had been successfully carried out. However, this wasn’t the case for star guests Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson, who were also appearing on the popular entertainment show to promote their latest movie, Marley and Me. Wilson bet against a lady (Alexandra Held) who claimed that even while blindfolded, she could identify any of her Husky dogs by the sound they made while lapping up soup. And when Alexandra guessed right, both Wilson and Aniston ended up eating dog biscuits as a forfeit!

To see some video of the BMW F 800 R ‘wheelie wheel change’ stunt, please click on http://www.zdf.de/ZDFmediathek/content/703704?inPopup=true'; news['article_190']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_190']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_190']['content2'] = ''; news['article_190']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_190']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_190']['content3'] = ''; news['article_190']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[114] = 190; news['article_191'] = new Array(); news['article_191']['articleId'] = 115; news['article_191']['day'] = '16'; news['article_191']['month'] = '03'; news['article_191']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_191']['title'] = 'Promising Start to 2009 Season for Goblet'; news['article_191']['link_text'] = 'Promising Start to 2009 Season for Goblet '; news['article_191']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_191']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorrad Motorsport-supported rider Jean-Francois Goblet has got his 2009 season off to a promising start with a podium in the first round of this year’s French Enduro Championship.

The Belgian rider is competing in five rounds of the French championship this year, as well as selected rounds of the Belgian Enduro Championship and the Enduro World Championship. Having been forced out of contention for much of the 2008 season due to injury, ‘Jeff’ is determined to make amends this year and ride his BMW G 450 X as much as possible in various competitions. Following the opening round of the Belgian Enduro Championship at the beginning of the month, where he finished in fourth place, he went to Brignoles, France, in a positive frame of mind.

Taking place from 7-8 March in the Var region, the season opener consisted of three special stages, plus a tricky technical liaison interspersed with very tight time controls, resulting in a challenging weekend’s racing for all participants.

Jeff found himself up against some serious competition in the E2 class, including world champion Jonny Aubert, Emmanuel Albepart, Rodrig Thain, Damien Miquel, David Frétigné and Adrien Metge. On the first day, with slippery surfaces encountered on the Specials, Jeff struggled to make good times in the difficult conditions, but still managed to keep the leaders within reach and believed that a top five position was possible that day.

Your browser may not support display of this image.However, Jeff’s luck deserted him and a small piece of wood got stuck in his chain guide and jammed the rear wheel. By the time he had cleared this blockage and got on his way again, he had incurred three minutes of penalty time, which put a real dampener on the day’s proceedings.

Consequently, the next morning, Jeff decided that the only way to change his luck was to make things happen for him, and ride all out for the victory.

“I rode as positively I could and attacked on all the Specials, becoming more and more confident as the day progressed. I spent the whole day with my concentration levels high and got involved in some great battles with Damien Miquel and Adrien Metge. I was ‘on fire’ all day and managed to finish in second overall, behind Jonny Aubert, who was seriously fast. I’m very happy with this result, especially because I know that there is still lots more to come from me.

“My BMW G 450 X was well within its limits and I know that I can take a lot of confidence from this. After all the work put in over the winter to recover from my injury and get back to full fitness, to achieve this first podium in the French Enduro Championship is a great reward for the effort. My technician has done a great job with the bike and it’s also thanks to the help of BMW France that I was out there actually fighting for the win. Our immediate priority is to continue to work towards being even more competitive.”

Jeff is back in action in the next round of the Belgian Championship on 15 March, after which he will make the journey to Portugal for the opening round of the Enduro World Championship. Newly married to Sophie, he has everything to look forward to in 2009. '; news['article_191']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_191']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/jeff-goblet1.jpg'; news['article_191']['image11_text'] = 'Jeff Goblet flying through the air on his BMW G 450 X. (Credit: Lorquet.be)'; news['article_191']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/jeff-goblet1.jpg'; news['article_191']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/jeff-goblet2.jpg'; news['article_191']['image12_text'] = 'Concentrating and riding hard on the sports enduro. (Credit: Lorquet.be)'; news['article_191']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/jeff-goblet2.jpg'; news['article_191']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/jeff-goblet3.jpg'; news['article_191']['image13_text'] = 'Is this the first time a BMW G 450 X has been part of a wedding celebration? (Credit: Lorquet.be)'; news['article_191']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/jeff-goblet3.jpg'; news['article_191']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_191']['content2'] = ''; news['article_191']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_191']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_191']['content3'] = ''; news['article_191']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[115] = 191; news['article_192'] = new Array(); news['article_192']['articleId'] = 116; news['article_192']['day'] = '16'; news['article_192']['month'] = '03'; news['article_192']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_192']['title'] = 'BMW Mountain Days Back for More in 2009!'; news['article_192']['link_text'] = 'BMW Mountain Days Back for More in 2009!'; news['article_192']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_192']['content1'] = 'Following a successful debut last year, the Austrian ‘BMW Mountain Days’ festival will be returning to Kaprun, in the province of Salzburg, from 21 to 24 May.

Organised by local dealer Kaufman BMW, in co-operation with BMW Austria there are four days of action-packed entertainment for motorcycle fans to enjoy in Kaprun, as well as the opportunity to sample some of the fantastic roads in this region, such as the world-famous Großglockner pass. The feedback from the 2008 event was so good, that planning immediately began for the 2009 edition, according to organiser Markus Kaufmann.

“We had loads of emails from the visitors, who told us what a great time they had in Kaprun. This year, we have some exciting changes to offer, including a really good enduro track to the top of our mountain in Kaprun, which is called Maiskogel. Furthermore, we’ve also extended the tours around our region, so that we can offer exciting tours to Italy and the Tyrol, as well as the special tour to the Großglockner. We also have continued support from BMW Motorrad Austria, who are supplying the bikes for the exhibition area, as well as eight G 450 X machines for our Enduro X Track.”

There will be lots of things to do and see throughout the four days, including displays of all the latest machines from BMW Motorrad, product exhibitions, and displays from travel, accessories and tuning providers. There will also be freestyle shows with stunt rider Ales Polak and the opportunity to sample a spectacular enduro park with some tricky corners, hills and jumps. This year, the organisers are offering two-hour enduro training sessions with Joe Lechner, who does all of BMW Motorrad Austria’s enduro training. Eight riders can take part and helmets, boots and protective equipment can be supplied.

As well as live music all weekend, the BMW Mountain Days programme also includes a ‘Pinzgauer’ exhibition, where you will have the opportunity to experience and participate in the music, dance, food and drink of the region. Markus Kaufmann has already invited all of the BMW clubs from Germany, Austria and Italy, and is expecting a great weekend of entertainment and a fantastic atmosphere in the party marquee for all those who attend.

“This is such a great place to have a party, as well as ride a motorcycle. The BMW test rides take place on some fantastic roads with great bends, superb views and very little traffic. Our site is located just two minutes walk from the centre of Kaprun and for those who prefer to camp, there is a campsite just one kilometre away, with shuttle buses to the site. Our local tourist office is helping with the event and with the registration for those who book our special accommodation package.

Included with the accommodation package bookings are all of the following:

* Three nights bed and breakfast in a double room (choice of four-star hotels, three-star hotels and guest houses or pensions)
* Guided tours on Austria’s highest mountain – the Großglockner
* Over 40 tour guides will be offering guided tours on the region’s best roads
* Test rides of BMW Motorrad’s latest model range
* Test rides on the BMW Enduro X-Parcours
* Freestyle shows
* ‘Oldtimer’ museum visit – see more than 130 machines from the 1950s to the 1970s
* BMW VIP ticket for all four days – live music and events every evening



The Kaprun area in the middle of the province of Salzburg is easily accessible from Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, Germany, France and Switzerland, and is an ideal destination for all BMW fans. Those who are interested in finding out more about the BMW Mountain Days event should visit the www.bmw-mountain-days.com website which is available in German, English and Italian languages.

'; news['article_192']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_192']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/mountain_days1.jpg'; news['article_192']['image11_text'] = 'Participants at last year’s Austrian ‘BMW Mountain Days’ festival.'; news['article_192']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/mountain_days1.jpg'; news['article_192']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/mountain_days2.jpg'; news['article_192']['image12_text'] = 'Organizer Markus Kaufmann.'; news['article_192']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/mountain_days2.jpg'; news['article_192']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/mountain_days3.jpg'; news['article_192']['image13_text'] = 'This year, the organisers are offering two-hour enduro training sessions with Joe Lechner, who does all of BMW Motorrad Austria’s enduro training.'; news['article_192']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/mountain_days3.jpg'; news['article_192']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_192']['content2'] = ''; news['article_192']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_192']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_192']['content3'] = ''; news['article_192']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[116] = 192; news['article_193'] = new Array(); news['article_193']['articleId'] = 117; news['article_193']['day'] = '16'; news['article_193']['month'] = '03'; news['article_193']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_193']['title'] = 'BMW GS Adventure Motorcycle - A 30 Year Catalog'; news['article_193']['link_text'] = 'BMW GS Adventure Motorcycle - A 30 Year Catalog'; news['article_193']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_193']['content1'] = 'A new hardback book has just become available that will be of interest to all BMW GS fans. Based on the best-selling German book, Faszination BMW GS, co-authored by German journalists Hans-Jugen Schneider and Dr. Axel Koenigsbeck, the English language edition is called BMW GS Adventure Motorcycle – A 30 Year Catalog and is available now from all good booksellers.

At Avignon in September 1980, BMW presented the R 80 G/S to the press. At the time, an 800cc flat-twin was a revolutionary all-terrain machine. Off-road motorcycles were rarely much bigger than middleweight capacity and clearly defined in their specialised role. BMW’s radical machine forced the birth of a versatile new genre – the R 80 G/S could tackle anything from urban and long-distance riding to off-road enduros. Nearly three decades later, the GS has been much copied and big, all-terrain machines have created one of motorcycling’s most popular classes.

This new 216-page book contains over 500 photographs and covers all BMW Motorrad’s best-selling GS series (GS for ‘Geländsport’) from 1980 right through to the 2009 models. It includes all boxer and parallel twins, and F and G singles.

Until fairly recently, BMW Motorrad’s GS range of motorcycles was considered as a rather niche proposition, used mainly by globetrotters and desert racers. However, in the past decade the GS has firmly entered the mainstream, buoyed by a general move away from race-replica machines and a realisation that road-specific suspension, ergonomic efficiency and all-day comfort make more sense in the real world of high insurance premiums, poorly maintained roads and traffic congestion.

Most GS models are as capable on-road as off-road and thus are truly, fully functional ‘adventure motorcycles’ in the broadest sense of the term. This book is richly illustrated with over 500 images and covers the history of all the GS models in great detail, including the Boxer twins from 1980 through to the 2009 model R 1200 GS and Adventure; the single-cylinder F 650 GS models from 1993 and G 650 Xchallenge models from 2006; the new series of Rotax-engined parallel twins; as well as all the special models such as the formidable HP2 Enduro. In addition, there is a full off-road competition history of BMW bikes, dating back to 1925.

The GS range of BMW motorcycles combine the best of all worlds. Due to their excellent road holding and high-torque engine characteristics, they work equally well as everyday commuters, weekend sports bikes and even long-distance tourers. The range has been expanded with the recent introduction of the F 800 GS middleweight sports enduro, which is also destined to become one of BMW Motorrad’s best selling machines.

Published by Parker House Publishing, and based on the best-selling German book, Faszination BMW GS, which is now in its fifth edition, BMW GS Adventure Motorcycle – A 30 Year Catalog retails for around $50.00 US or £25 (or local equivalent) and is available to enthusiasts from all good book stores, BMW specialists and the usual online retailers, such as Amazon. The top quality, full-colour hardback book (ISBN: 978-0-9796891-7-8) is 270 mm tall x 216 mm wide and comes with a laminated dust jacket.

For more information, visit http://www.amazon.com/BMW-GS-Adventure-Motorcycle-Catalog/dp/0979689171
'; news['article_193']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_193']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/30yearcatalog1.jpg'; news['article_193']['image11_text'] = 'The cover of the BMW GS Adventure Motorcycle – A 30 Year Catalog book.'; news['article_193']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/30yearcatalog1.jpg'; news['article_193']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/30yearcatalog2.jpg'; news['article_193']['image12_text'] = 'Even the 2009 models are included.'; news['article_193']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/30yearcatalog2.jpg'; news['article_193']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/30yearcatalog3.jpg'; news['article_193']['image13_text'] = 'Where it all started, with the iconic R 80 G/S.'; news['article_193']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/30yearcatalog3.jpg'; news['article_193']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_193']['content2'] = ''; news['article_193']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_193']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_193']['content3'] = ''; news['article_193']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[117] = 193; news['article_194'] = new Array(); news['article_194']['articleId'] = 112; news['article_194']['day'] = '05'; news['article_194']['month'] = '03'; news['article_194']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_194']['title'] = 'Stimulus Bill Includes Tax Break for Motorcycle Purchases'; news['article_194']['link_text'] = 'Stimulus Bill Includes Tax Break for Motorcycle Purchases'; news['article_194']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_194']['content1'] = '
Language that provides a tax deduction for the purchase of a motorcycle is in the economic stimulus bill, the AMA reports. The AMA, working in conjunction with other stakeholders, worked diligently to secure the motorcycle provision within the measure.

Motorcycles are included as \"qualified vehicles\" in Section 1008 of the legislation. Those purchasing a new motorcycle from February 17, 2009 to December 31, 2009 will be able to deduct the sales and excise taxes on their 2009 tax returns. You can deduct taxes paid on the first $49,500 of the motorcycles price.

To learn more, contact your favorite BMW motorcycle dealer.
'; news['article_194']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_194']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_194']['content2'] = ''; news['article_194']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_194']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_194']['content3'] = ''; news['article_194']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[112] = 194; news['article_195'] = new Array(); news['article_195']['articleId'] = 111; news['article_195']['day'] = '02'; news['article_195']['month'] = '03'; news['article_195']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_195']['title'] = '2009 Superbike World Championship, Phillip Island, Australia'; news['article_195']['link_text'] = '2009 Superbike World Championship, Phillip Island, Australia'; news['article_195']['subtitle1'] = 'TROY TAKES A SUPERB 8TH IN RACE ONE AND SETS THE FASTEST LAP!'; news['article_195']['content1'] = 'Sunday 1st March
Circuit: 4.445 kms. Crowd: 69, 300 (3-day)
Conditions: Race 1, mostly dry, overcast. Race 2, dry

Despite starting from 17th place on the grid, BMW Motorrad Motorsport rider Troy Corser stormed through the field to take a tremendous eighth place in the opening race of this year’s Superbike World Championship at Phillip Island. In so doing, he also set the fastest lap of the race - with a time of 1:32.726 - and showed the huge crowd that BMW Motorrad Motorsport are not in the championship just to make up the numbers. In race two, tyre problems forced him out of the reckoning and he should’ve retired. He had numerous lurid slides, but somehow managed to bring his S 1000 RR home, even though he nearly crashed on several occasions. His team mate Ruben Xaus finished 19th in race one, but improved considerably in the second race to finish just outside the top ten. All in all, a great start to BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s Superbike World Championship debut and a portent of things to come.

Race one was won by Noriyuki Haga (Ducati), with Max Neukirchner (Suzuki) second and Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki) third. In race two, Haga was in contention for a double, but was beaten by America Ben Spies (Yamaha), with Briton Leon Haslam in third place.

Troy - Race 1: 8th, Race 2: 22nd

A mixed day, but an absolutely great result to start our 2009 campaign. I am happy to get eighth after starting from the fifth row of the grid - my worst ever WSBK position - and I am happy to have set the fastest lap of the race. I rode race one as hard as I have ever ridden before and really had to work for my 8th after my poor grid position. But I had made a good start and I just tried to catch the leaders. The result (and fastest lap) proves that the bike has potential and I can’t wait for it to develop further.

Race two was a disaster from the start, but it wasn’t my fault. After just one lap the tyres were sliding around and it was like trying to race on a wet tyre in the dry! I don\'t know why there was a problem at all, because the bike was the same, the settings were the same and the only thing that was different were the tyres. It was frustrating and dangerous, and I should’ve pulled in, but I wanted to keep going, finish the race and give as much information to the team as possible. I had two really big ‘moments’ when I was well out of the saddle, but somehow I stayed onboard. How I’m not sure, but it certainly gave the crowd a fright on the last lap! This is the first time that we have done so many laps in one go and now the technicians will have race information to analyse for the first time and from this I am confident that the progress will continue and continue.

Ruben - Race 1: 19th, Race 2: 11th

For me the results today were not important, but what was important was that Troy and I have given the team a lot of information and data to analyse. Today was the first time either of us have done a race distance and we have learnt a lot more about the bike today. We made the rear sprocket longer for race two and I was much more happy with the bike. I had told the team yesterday that I wanted three teeth longer, but they told me that two was enough. Now I think they owe me a beer because I believe I was right! It’s hard to think that we have made so much progress that we’re battling with the top guys already and when you consider our grid positions, I think we’ve done really well. I\'m not happy with 11th, but I’m happy with our performance in the race and know that it could’ve been even better - if it were not for the grid positions. This is just our first step, but already we can see that our future looks promising.

Berti Hauser (Director -BMW Motorrad Motorsport)

I am happy that we have started at last and I am proud of all the hard work the riders and team have put in these past months. The results today were very different, but we know the reasons for the poor ones and we are confident that we can improve a lot. Troy’s result in race one was overwhelming. He showed what he can do by going from 17th to 8th and setting the race’s fastest lap and it just leaves us to wonder what kind of result might have been possible if he had started from higher up the grid.

Ruben improved throughout the weekend. He knew what he wanted changed from race one to race two and in the second race he showed that he can be a top ten rider for sure. Both riders are working well together and that, together with the team’s strength of commitment, means that our goal of the top ten is achievable.

Results

Race 1: 1 Haga (J-Ducati), 2 Neukirchner (D-Suzuki), 3 Kagayama (J-Suzuki), 4 Fabrizio (I-Ducati), 5 Rea (GB-Honda), 6 Haslam (GB-Honda), 7 Laconi (F-Ducati), 8 Troy Corser (Aus-BMW Motorrad Motorsport), 9 Smrz (CZ-Ducati), 10 Sykes Page 2 (GB-Yamaha). 19 Ruben Xaus (E-BMW Motorrad Motorsport), Race 2: 1 Spies (USA-Yamaha), 2 Haga, 3 Haslam, 4 Laconi, 5 Fabrizio, 6 Neukirchner , 7 Smrz, 8 Kagayama, 9 Rea, 10 Sykes, 11 Xaus (E-BMW Motorrad Motorsport), 22 Troy Corser (Aus-BMW Motorrad Motorsport) Points: 1 Haga 45, 2 Neukirchner 30, 3 Haslam 26, 4 Spies 25, 5 Kagayama 24, 6 Fabrizio 24, 7 Laconi 22, 8 Rea 18, 9 Smrz 12, 10 Sykes 12, 11 Troy Corser (Aus-BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 8, 14 Xaus (E-BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 5'; news['article_195']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_195']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_195']['content2'] = ''; news['article_195']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_195']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_195']['content3'] = ''; news['article_195']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[111] = 195; news['article_196'] = new Array(); news['article_196']['articleId'] = 107; news['article_196']['day'] = '02'; news['article_196']['month'] = '03'; news['article_196']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_196']['title'] = 'Arctic Circle Beckons for Doris Wiedemann '; news['article_196']['link_text'] = 'Arctic Circle Beckons for Doris Wiedemann'; news['article_196']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_196']['content1'] = 'After starting her 15,000-kilometre trip from New York to Alaska at the beginning of the year, Doris Wiedemann and her travelling companion Sjaak Lukassen have made fantastic progress. They have ridden safely from New York all the way to Fairbanks, Alaska, and are now within touching distance of the Arctic Circle, with the final destination of Prudhoe Bay just a couple of weeks away.

Riding a BMW F 800 GS, Doris headed directly south from New York to sunny Florida, where the trip ‘officially’ began in Key West – the southernmost point of continental USA. Since then, she has ridden across the United States and Canada before journeying across the border to Alaska. Along the way, they have met up with some truly inspirational riders, including Dave Barr, who lost both legs in a land mine explosion but still managed to travel around the world by motorcycle; Ted Simon, the famous author of the overlanders’ ‘bible’, Jupiter’s Travels; and renowned globetrotter Helge Pedersen, whose world travels were documented in his best-selling 10 Years on Two Wheels book.

Along the way, there have been many variations in road surfaces, terrain and of course weather conditions. The sunny Florida landscape and tropical temperatures of 28 degrees Celsius are now a distant memory, as the display on Doris’s BMW F 800 GS recently registered minus 31 degrees Celsius in British Columbia, Canada. All things considered though, the bike has coped extremely well with such massive variations in climate and temperature, according to Doris.

“The F 800 GS is running great and has really made a good impression on me. Even right at the beginning, when I had to carry four winter tyres plus my entire luggage from the warehouse in New York to the motel where we were staying, it only took about half a kilometre for me to feel completely ‘at home’ on the bike. It has been equally capable on the long rides on the Interstates, riding the twisty narrow roads in California and even on the snow and ice we’re tackling at the moment.”

Doris is happy with the low fuel consumption of the BMW and is finding that she only needs around four or five litres of petrol for every 100 kilometres of riding – even fully loaded with luggage. She also thinks that she would be able to ride around 300 kilometres on a full tank of gas, but she hasn’t had a chance to try this theory out yet, as Sjaak’s Yamaha R1 is a bit thirstier, so they stop whenever he needs gas.

Now they are riding on snow and ice, the two most important issues are keeping the bikes upright and themselves warm in the arctic conditions. To this end, they have both fitted self-drilling studs to their tyres, which can be screwed in either by hand or with a power drill. As for the riding kit, they are now both kitted out in full winter clothing designed to cope with the coldest of temperatures.

“We have thermal underwear, heated pants, socks, jackets, inner and outer gloves, heated soles and a specially made thermal overall,” said Doris. “Furthermore, we even have heated visors on our helmets. I am wearing my BMW suit and on ‘warm’ days, when the temperatures are ‘only’ around -10°C, I use my BMW winter gloves to save power from my bike’s battery. I’m also using a soft jacket as a ‘neckwarmer’ to keep the icy chill from getting into my helmet and hurting my face. Together with the heated visors and the special ‘snorkel’ Helge Pedersen made for me in Seattle, this combination works very well.” '; news['article_196']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_196']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/doris_wiedmann1.jpg'; news['article_196']['image11_text'] = 'Doris Wiedemann and her travelling companion Sjaak Lukassen in deep snow on the Alaskan border.'; news['article_196']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/doris_wiedmann1.jpg'; news['article_196']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/doris_wiedmann2.jpg'; news['article_196']['image12_text'] = 'Even with full luggage, Doris still felt at home on the F 800 GS.'; news['article_196']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/doris_wiedmann2.jpg'; news['article_196']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/doris_wiedmann3.jpg'; news['article_196']['image13_text'] = 'Screwing in the self-drilling studs that are needed for riding on snow and ice.'; news['article_196']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/doris_wiedmann3.jpg'; news['article_196']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_196']['content2'] = 'Doris and Sjaak have packed sleeping bags that are rated for temperatures down to minus 40 degrees Celsius but, fortunately, they have not been forced to use them in these conditions yet. However, since entering the Alaska Highway, everyone that they meet on the road is rather surprised to see two bikers heading north at this time of the year.

“The last motorcyclists we encountered were our friends from Touratech USA, who accompanied us out of Seattle, and Scott, who rode with us all the way to the Canadian border. Since then the truckers, police or border guards we meet on the road mostly think that we are nuts – and I fully agree! – but they all wish us good luck and a safe trip. They all tell us that we are the first bikers they have seen this year and the first motorcycle travellers they have met on the Alaskan Highway in winter!”

Even though there is only one road going up to Prudhoe Bay, Doris and Sjaak have relied on maps for the entire trip, although they do use a GPS logger (www.geotate.com) to tag their photos and videos with GPS coordinates so that those who are following their journey can see exactly where all the pictures were taken. To date, more than 20,000 viewers have been watching videos of their travels on YouTube and these numbers are increasing now that they are continuing their two-wheeled journey on snow.

Doris and Sjaak hope to arrive in Prudhoe Bay at some time in early March, depending on weather and road conditions. At the moment there is lots of wind and snow ahead of them, so they are taking their time in order to ensure that they arrive at their destination safely. To view video footage of their travels so far, please visit the www.reismotor.nl/ website and select the ‘English language’ option from the main menu. Alternatively, click on www.doris-wiedemann.com to see Panoramio location photographs. '; news['article_196']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_196']['image21'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/doris_wiedmann4.jpg'; news['article_196']['image21_text'] = 'Staying in a hut in the Yukon area of Canada.'; news['article_196']['image21_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/doris_wiedmann4.jpg'; news['article_196']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_196']['content3'] = ''; news['article_196']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[107] = 196; news['article_197'] = new Array(); news['article_197']['articleId'] = 108; news['article_197']['day'] = '02'; news['article_197']['month'] = '03'; news['article_197']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_197']['title'] = 'Coming back for more...'; news['article_197']['link_text'] = 'Coming back for more...'; news['article_197']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_197']['content1'] = 'Having achieved just about everything there is to achieve in off-road motorcycle sport, David Knight is returning to the World Enduro Championship with new ambitions, renewed motivation and is looking forwards to what he describes as one of the most exciting and challenging seasons of his career so far. In an exclusive interview, he tells BMW Motorrad why he is fully focused on winning the brand its first ever WEC title and explains why the opening round of the 2009 World Enduro Championship on March 14 in Portugal can’t come soon enough

BMW: What keeps you motivated when you’ve ‘been there, done that’ in your career?

DK: I guess I still love riding and racing bikes as much as I always have. I know that I’m lucky to do what I do for a living so I just try and enjoy it as much as I can. Coming back to the World Enduro Championship gives me fresh motivation. The reason I decided to race for BMW this season was to give myself a new challenge. I’ve won WEC titles, and cross-country championships in the States, so returning to a championship I know well, but competing on new machinery, means I have a new goal to achieve.

BMW: Which of your many achievements are you most proud of – and why?

DK: Winning my first WEC title, and then defending it were special moments. In winning my first title I proved that I could win. And when I defended it I showed that I wasn’t a ‘one-hit wonder’. Winning the ISDE outright was also special to me because it’s an event I used to read about when I was younger, before I started racing. Also winning indoor enduro championships in both Europe and the US is always special – and of course winning and then defending my US GNCC championships. It’s really hard to pick just one because there are so many.

BMW: How refreshing was it to be offered this challenge with BMW?

DK: As I’ve said, competing for BMW gives me the opportunity to return to Europe and the WEC but at the same time it’ll be fresh. I was looking for a new challenge and that’s exactly what I have. I want to prove myself on the BMW – just as I did on the KTM.

BMW: Are you looking forwards to working alongside Marko and Juha?

DK: Yes, I am. I’ve known and competed against both of them for many years and I have a lot of respect for them both. Juha, Marko and I all like our bikes set-up different to one another so there’s only so much we can help each other. Being in a team with some familiar faces is always a good thing. I know that everyone is looking forward to the start of the world championship.

BMW: Can you see just how important this motorsport project is to the BMW employees?

DK: I can certainly see how important it is to those I’ve had contact with. What I like about being a part of the team is that although BMW is obviously a huge company the motorsport team is a relatively small group of people. Everyone is working hard so that when the championship starts we are ready.

BMW: Does this make you feel under any pressure, to see how much it means to them?

DK: To be honest I feel under less pressure than I have in a long time. I’m not sure why exactly, maybe because I know the team are 100 per cent behind me and because I know what I can achieve now. I really don’t feel like I’m under any pressure, other than the pressure I put on myself.

BMW: How different is life for you now from when you were a privateer?

DK: In some ways it’s the same – I’m still trying to be the best, just like I was when I first started. But obviously I make my living from racing bikes now, which means life is very different. I’m able to focus 100 per cent on everything to do with racing. I still don’t get much free time because with full-time racing comes more commitments. '; news['article_197']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_197']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/knight_wec1.jpg'; news['article_197']['image11_text'] = 'BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s David Knight.'; news['article_197']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/knight_wec1.jpg'; news['article_197']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/knight_wec2.jpg'; news['article_197']['image12_text'] = 'The 2009 team line-up; sharing a moment with team-mate Juha Salminen.'; news['article_197']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/knight_wec2.jpg'; news['article_197']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/knight_wec3.jpg'; news['article_197']['image13_text'] = 'David’s factory G 450 X BMW'; news['article_197']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/knight_wec3.jpg'; news['article_197']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_197']['content2'] = 'BMW: How important has your mental strength and self-belief been in your journey to the top?

DK:I can remember back to two years before I won my first world championship. I had a bad season because of the bike I was racing, but a lot of people thought the problem was that I just wasn’t good enough to make the jump to the very top level. I knew I could still do it, and two years later I did it and won my first world title. Self-belief is really important, as is having a good team around you.

BMW: Who are your most respected rivals – and why?

DK: I think you have to respect all of your rivals and not focus on any one of them too much. There are some really great riders in the Enduro 3 class this year, so I know I’m going to have to work hard.

BMW: Does BMW Motorrad have a different approach to motorsport from, say KTM, as they are still relatively new to this world?

DK: The goal is the same, as both companies – like all companies – want to win. BMW’s approach is a little different, but that’s just because every company does things differently. The race team is smaller and more personal, which I like. The approach to racing is serious and professional, as you’d expect.

BMW: How you done enough testing on the bike, or do you feel you need more time?

DK: I’m really happy with the bike, but I know that I probably won’t be 100 per cent happy until later in the year. With a new bike – any new bike – you learn how to get the best from it all the time. You never stop improving it. I’m really happy with it now, but I think mid-season will be when I’m really at home on it.

BMW: What are your plans for now until the first round of the WEC?

DK: Riding, training, testing and racing. I’m riding the bike five days a week now and that will continue right up until the first WEC race. We have had some really good tests in different countries, so it’s just a case of keeping things moving forward.

BMW: Will you use base settings on the G 450 X from 2008 or go completely your own way and develop things from there?

DK: The team had a test in Spain in November of last year where we all worked out a base setting that we liked. We’ve just had another test in Spain to try different suspension and tyres. The bikes have come on a lot during the winter as the team has been busy coming up with new stuff.

BMW: Who do you think will be the main men to beat in 2009?

DK: Like I said, I try not to worry too much about any one rider. I know that last year’s E3 world champion Samuli Aro will be strong, as will his team-mate Ivan Cervantes. Marko Tarkkala, my team-mate, will also be fast, as will French riders Seb Guillaume and Christophe Nambotin. It’s going to be a tough class.

BMW: What other events, apart from WEC, do you plan to contest in 2009?

DK: I’ll do some races in the UK, possibly an early round of the Spanish Enduro Championship, some GNCC races in the States, as well as some one-off events. At the moment I’m just focusing on the WEC. My plan is to get back into the indoor enduro scene at the end of the outdoor season.

BMW: How do you relax in-between races?

DK: I don’t, I’m always on the go. No, I just try and spend some time at home relaxing, but that doesn’t happen that much.

BMW: What’s the best thing about living on the Isle of Man?

DK: It’s home. I have lots of great places to ride, I have my family and friends there, and I can get away from some of the stresses that coming with travelling and racing. It’s a great place.

BMW: Thanks David, and good luck for 2009.'; news['article_197']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_197']['image21'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/knight_wec4.jpg'; news['article_197']['image21_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/knight_wec4.jpg'; news['article_197']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_197']['content3'] = ''; news['article_197']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[108] = 197; news['article_198'] = new Array(); news['article_198']['articleId'] = 109; news['article_198']['day'] = '02'; news['article_198']['month'] = '03'; news['article_198']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_198']['title'] = 'Eurobikers Plan Ride of Tolerance'; news['article_198']['link_text'] = 'Eurobikers Plan Ride of Tolerance'; news['article_198']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_198']['content1'] = 'Preparation is currently underway for an extraordinary event that will combine football, motorcycles, music and charity. During December 2009 and January 2010, the Eurobikers will travel throughout South Africa, raising awareness of AIDS and poverty on the African continent.

Eurobikers is a unique group of people originating from all corners of society, including politics, business and the media. Each year, they organise large motorcycle tours throughout Europe in an effort to raise awareness and funds for worthy causes. Previous projects have included rides to Bulgaria and throughout Eastern Europe; however, this year the organisation plans to journey a little further.

To seize on the opportunity presented by the 2010 soccer World Cup, the Eurobikers will head to South Africa on their most ambitious trip to date – the Ride of Tolerance. The group intends to raise thousands of euros for good causes across the country, including an AIDS organisation and a child health and nutrition project. To complement the motorcycle journey, it is hoped that several music events will be staged throughout the tour in an attempt to focus further attention on the project.

Vice President Dr Hermann Munzel explains how the plans originated. “The idea for the South African trip originated in 2006, however there was a long process of research and evaluation before we made the ideas definite,” he says. “We were keen to seize on the opportunity presented by the 2010 World Cup, as for several weeks the spotlight will be on South Africa. There will be thousands of people travelling to Africa from all over the world and they will be able to see for themselves the plight of the African people.”

He continues: “I think that most people are aware of the difficulties Africa faces with HIV. It is not just Africa’s problem – it’s everybody’s problem. The disease is a cruel reality and we felt that it was important to ‘build a bridge’ by carrying out the tour.”

As with every Eurobiker tour, preparation for the Ride of Tolerance has been meticulous. Not only is the route marked out (from Johannesburg to Cape Town, spanning 4,500km), but fund-raising and marketing plans are already in full swing. A major coup for the Eurobikers was securing Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s support. As an eminent figure in the campaign for AIDS awareness, the Archbishop was more than happy to lend his patronage to the tour.

Elsewhere, support for the Ride of Tolerance has also been pledged by the German AIDS Foundation, the Fédération Internationale de Motorcyclisme, German soccer team Werder Bremen, the Christian Association of Motorcyclists VCM Germany and the Christian Motorcyclists of Africa CMA. Proceeds generated by the Ride of Tolerance will be donated to HOPE, a South African charity that educates township populations about the dangers of AIDS and how the disease can be prevented.

“We are also raising money for the Philani Child Health and Nutrition Project – another good cause that we would like to raise awareness of,” Dr Munzel adds. “We are delighted to be involved with both charities and look to raise as much money as we can. We intend to raise between €60,000 and €100,000 through donations and our kilometre purchase schemes, where large organisations are able to sponsor sections of the route. Although we are hopeful that we can raise a lot of money, we are also realistic that the world is in a difficult financial position at the moment.”

Despite the global economic crisis, Dr Munzel believes that one of the hardest tasks facing the Eurobikers is purely logistical. “The biggest challenge that we face is getting enough bikes for the journey,” he reveals. “It will be a difficult logistical operation to transport the bikes from Germany, and it won’t be easy to loan bikes in South Africa. We anticipate anywhere between 60 and 120 participants on the ride, so it will be tough to ensure everybody has a bike.”

Dr Munzel reveals that his ultimate goal is to ride his own motorcycle into Cape Town to complete the journey. “I would love to ride my faithful BMW R 1150GS Adventure into Cape Town – that is my ambition! In fact, most of the Eurobikers use BMW motorcycles. Due to the length of the journeys that are undertaken during our charity trips, we require bikes that are good over long distances and a variety of terrain, and we have found that BMW machines are the best suited to the task.”

Although preparations for the trip – taking place between 26 December 2009 and 10 January 2010 – are well underway, there is still chance for the general public to be part of this ambitious project. During March, the Eurobikers are inviting applications from any motorcyclist interested in getting involved with the Ride of Tolerance. For more information on how you can participate, please contact Dr Munzel by emailing dr.hermann.munzel@t-online.de and for more details on the Eurobikers please visit www.eurobiker.de. '; news['article_198']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_198']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/eurobiker_rot1.jpg'; news['article_198']['image11_text'] = 'Some of the terrain the Eurobikers can expect to encounter in areas of South Africa.'; news['article_198']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/eurobiker_rot1.jpg'; news['article_198']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/eurobiker_rot2.jpg'; news['article_198']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/eurobiker_rot2.jpg'; news['article_198']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_198']['content2'] = ''; news['article_198']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_198']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_198']['content3'] = ''; news['article_198']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[109] = 198; news['article_199'] = new Array(); news['article_199']['articleId'] = 110; news['article_199']['day'] = '02'; news['article_199']['month'] = '03'; news['article_199']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_199']['title'] = 'Adventure Riding Techniques – Out Now'; news['article_199']['link_text'] = 'Adventure Riding Techniques – Out Now'; news['article_199']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_199']['content1'] = 'Last July, Adventure Motorcycling author Robert Wicks travelled to Iceland with BMW off-road instructor and Dakar veteran Simon Pavey, and friend and co-author Greg Baker, to meet up with local BMW tour operators Biking Viking. Their mission: to find the best places in the country to shoot pictures to illustrate a new book called Adventure Riding Techniques.

Accompanied by Iceland’s leading automotive photographer – Thorvaldur Kristmundsson – and riding a selection of BMW motorcycles, including the F 650 GS, F 800 GS and the HP2 Enduro, the group enjoyed some of the best riding and terrain available in Europe, including snow, ice, rocks, sand, gravel and mud. The pictures were superb and showed, step by step, all the riding skills that adventure motorcyclists need to fully enjoy themselves out on the trail.

Robert and Greg then spent the following months painstakingly writing their book, as well as researching real adventures to include, and selecting the best images from a choice of more than 1,500 photographs to best illustrate all the topics contained in the various chapters. Finally, Adventure Riding Techniques is finished and is due for general release in early March. However, it is available for ‘pre-order’ now, much to Robert’s delight.

“It’s very satisfying to see the second book finally ‘done and dusted’,” said Robert. “We’ve been working hard on this since August and it’s been a long time coming. That said, it’s turned out exactly as I’d hoped and it was great to share the load with a co-author this time. When we went to Iceland, we had a lot of pre-planned things to cover, but there was no way we could have done everything without the team at Biking Viking, who took us exactly where we needed in order to shoot such a variety of situations on all sorts of terrain – and we got all the pictures we needed.”

Adventure Riding Techniques is being described as ‘the definitive guide to the specialist skills needed for off-road adventure riding’ and has been written to give readers the confidence to undertake a long-distance adventure ride, whatever the conditions. The book covers a variety of topics, including adventure bike basics, riding techniques, how to cross different types of terrain using the correct riding positions, and survival techniques. Many of the chapters are picture-led and include step-by-step instructions, covering all the key aspects of the techniques relevant to adventure riding.

Robert believes that the book will appeal to a wide variety of riders, from anyone who has ever contemplated doing a big trip, to off-road training schools and even tour operators offering trips to far-flung destinations. After the success of his first book, Adventure Motorcycling – which has just been translated and published in German language version – Robert is looking forward to seeing this latest book on the shelves early in March and is in fact already planning his next motorcycle publication.

“What I’d like to do is to write a third book that covers exactly what you need to do to build the ultimate adventure bike,” he says. “So, the theory is that you start off with a standard motorcycle and then work out exactly what you need to add, or what you need to modify, in order to suitably equip it for wherever you want to go. Naturally, I’ll be getting a helping hand with the boys from Touratech for this book, but with more people discovering the joys of adventure motorcycle travel, I believe there will be plenty of demand for a publication of this kind.”

Adventure Riding Techniques is published by J H Haynes & Co Ltd and is available in 176-page hardback (ISBN-10: 1844255727). It is released on 19 March but is available for pre-order now at all the usual quality retailers such as Amazon. '; news['article_199']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_199']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/adventure_techniques1.jpg'; news['article_199']['image11_text'] = 'The cover of the new Adventure Riding Techniques book'; news['article_199']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/adventure_techniques1.jpg'; news['article_199']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/adventure_techniques2.jpg'; news['article_199']['image12_text'] = 'The book covers a variety of topics, including adventure bike basics, riding techniques and how to cross different types of terrain.'; news['article_199']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/adventure_techniques2.jpg'; news['article_199']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/adventure_techniques3.jpg'; news['article_199']['image13_text'] = 'Many of the chapters are picture-led and include step-by-step instructions, covering all the key aspects of the techniques relevant to adventure riding.'; news['article_199']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/adventure_techniques3.jpg'; news['article_199']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_199']['content2'] = ''; news['article_199']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_199']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_199']['content3'] = ''; news['article_199']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[110] = 199; news['article_200'] = new Array(); news['article_200']['articleId'] = 106; news['article_200']['day'] = '26'; news['article_200']['month'] = '02'; news['article_200']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_200']['title'] = 'FIM World Superbike on Speed TV'; news['article_200']['link_text'] = 'FIM World Superbike on Speed TV'; news['article_200']['subtitle1'] = 'This is a reminder that the FIM World Superbike races start this weekend, and will be televised on Speed TV. See below for the show times and dates for the first two races. Go to www.speedtv.com for ongoing listings. Enjoy the races!'; news['article_200']['content1'] = 'PHILLIP ISLAND

Sunday - March 1, 2009 4:00PM ET
FIM World Superbike
Phillip Island - Race 1

Tuesday - March 3, 2009 12:00PM ET
FIM World Superbike
Phillip Island - Race 1

Tuesday - March 3, 2009 1:00PM ET
FIM World Superbike
Phillip Island - Race 2

Wednesday - March 4, 2009 3:00AM ET
FIM World Superbike
Phillip Island - Race 1

Wednesday - March 4, 2009 4:00AM ET
FIM World Superbike
Phillip Island - Race 2


QATAR

Saturday - March 14, 2009 4:00PM ET
FIM World Superbike
Qatar - Race 1

Saturday - March 14, 2009 5:00PM ET
FIM World Superbike
Qatar - Race 2

Sunday - March 15, 2009 3:00AM ET
FIM World Superbike
Qatar - Race 1

Sunday - March 15, 2009 4:00AM ET
FIM World Superbike
Qatar - Race 2

Tuesday - March 17, 2009 12:00PM ET
FIM World Superbike
Qatar - Race 1

Tuesday - March 17, 2009 1:00PM ET
FIM World Superbike
Qatar - Race 2'; news['article_200']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_200']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_200']['content2'] = ''; news['article_200']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_200']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_200']['content3'] = ''; news['article_200']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[106] = 200; news['article_201'] = new Array(); news['article_201']['articleId'] = 105; news['article_201']['day'] = '25'; news['article_201']['month'] = '02'; news['article_201']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_201']['title'] = 'BMW Motorrad Motorsport - Superbike World Championship - Phillip Island, Australia'; news['article_201']['link_text'] = 'BMW Motorrad Motorsport - Superbike World Championship - Phillip Island, Australia'; news['article_201']['subtitle1'] = 'The progress continues as the first race gets closer.'; news['article_201']['content1'] = 'Munich-- BMW Motorrad Motorsport\'s World Superbike team successfully completed their two day test at Phillip Island and are now looking forward to the first race of the year, which will take place next week at the same circuit. During the two days there was a mixture of sunshine and cloud, together with strong gusty winds on day one. But although there were a few spots of rain on the first day, the track remained dry throughout.

Troy finished the test early, thanks to a collision with a bird early in the afternoon of day two. He was going about 230 kph, when he hit the bird and the force of the impact on Troy\'s left bicep was enough to wrench his left hand off the handlebars. Somehow Troy managed to keep the control of the bike and not crash, but the doctors advised him to sit out the rest of the day. Ruben continued his learning curve and was happy to end up far more comfortable with his S 1000 RR by the end of the test.

Troy (97 laps, best lap 1:32.9)
The tests went very well, though it\'s a real shame that I had to finish early because we still had lots more to try out. But, I guess I\'m lucky that I didn\'t crash and hurt myself badly when I hit the bird. I\'m really not sure how I managed to stay on the bike, because it\'s not easy when you\'ve only got one hand on the bars, but somehow I was able to recover. I had seen the bird on the track and tried to avoid it by going up the inside.

But instead of staying put, or flying away from my bike, it flew up right in front of me. Hitting a one kilo or so bird at over 230 kph is like hitting a brick wall, so I\'m lucky that my injury isn\'t any worse. We have learnt a lot in these two days and I\'ve been able to get a better idea of how the bike works in different conditions and set-ups. What I can say though, is that my S 1000 RR feels as good as any other bike I\'ve ever ridden round here.

Ruben (114 laps, best lap 1:33.5)
Generally I\'m happy with the tests and how they went and it\'s been really good to get more kilometres under my belt. I\'m getting used to the S 1000 RR and it\'s becoming more and more comfortable for me. We\'ve done a lot of work here and made good progress so I\'m pleased about our prospects for next weekend. We tried many different set-ups and have given the technicians lots to think about. Now we need to put everything together and keep on improving, but I am confident that this team will get better and better each time we go to the racetrack.'; news['article_201']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_201']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/P0051150.jpg'; news['article_201']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/P0051150.jpg'; news['article_201']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_201']['content2'] = ''; news['article_201']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_201']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_201']['content3'] = ''; news['article_201']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[105] = 201; news['article_202'] = new Array(); news['article_202']['articleId'] = 93; news['article_202']['day'] = '25'; news['article_202']['month'] = '02'; news['article_202']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_202']['title'] = 'G 450 X as cool as ice!'; news['article_202']['link_text'] = 'G 450 X as cool as ice!'; news['article_202']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_202']['content1'] = 'Never let the cold or ice get in the way of a good motorcycle race – at least that’s what they say in Québec, Canada, where racer Francis Martin will be competing with a BMW G 450 X on an oval track ice race this weekend (Feb 21–22).

Francis Martin is actually one of the riders for BMW Motorrad Canada’s HP2 Sport Thunder Team – but he is pretty fast on the ice too, so a special bike has been prepared for him to compete in a special support race at the forthcoming Grand Prix Ski-Doo de Valcourt, which is Canada’s most popular motorsport winter event.

Held in the Québec town of Valcourt, about one-and-a-half hours away from Montréal, the event attracts top drivers from Canada, USA, Europe and Asia. The Grand Prix Ski-Doo de Valcourt consists of snowmobile racing, ‘Snocross’ racing and motorcycle ice racing, which was added to the programme in 2003.

Although there’s no shortage of snow in the area this year, the organisers actually use artificial snow because it is white, clean and improves the quality of the show. The Snocross course is like a motocross track and spectators will see top drivers reach speeds up to 170 km/h and jump up to seven metres high. The oval course, where the snowmobile and motorcycle ice racing events will take place, is covered by ice that is nearly 40 centimetres thick. It is about 26 metres wide, with a three metre run-off areas around the outside for the safety of competitors.

For the last six years the motorcycle ice-racing event has been dominated by just two riders – four times champion Dominic Beaulac and double winner Andrew Ranger. Hoping to put an end to their supremacy is 35-year-old Francis Martin, who has been practising on the G 450 X in preparation for his title challenge.

“I’m really looking forward to racing the BMW G 450 X in this race,” said Francis, who is also a former double Canadian Superbike Champion. “For those who don’t live in cold climates, this is hard to imagine, but on ice you get more traction than anything because we use special screws in the tyres which are just incredible – you can lean the bike over just about as far as you want!”

At Valcourt, the race will take place on a flat oval, but there are other events in the calendar that take place on tracks that are more like road circuits, with left and right turns. In order to prepare the BMW for this kind of racing only a few modifications are necessary, such as softening up the suspension, increasing the power output, fixing front and rear guards and of course the ice screw tyres. The rest is down to rider skill and bravery, as Francis explains.

“There are plenty of opportunities for practising your craft, because tracks are opened on frozen lakes all across Canada and the north of the USA. On an ice surface, you have all the grip you want until there’s snow on the track and then it gets a bit interesting! The ice screw tyres give us the traction we need and also allow for good braking. The race will be a sprint of around 15 to 20 laps and there is always the threat of being hit by another bike, but that’s why we have guards on our machines for protection.”

For more information about this exciting event, please visit the http://www.grandprixvalcourt.com website, which is available in French and English language versions. '; news['article_202']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_202']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/g450xcool1x.jpg'; news['article_202']['image11_text'] = 'Francis Martin will be competing with a BMW G 450 X on an oval track ice race this weekend; visitors to the Grand Prix Ski-Doo de Valcourt will see Snocross drivers reach speeds up to 170 km/h and jump up to seven metres high; Francis Martin is also a former double Canadian Superbike Champion'; news['article_202']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/g450xcool1x.jpg'; news['article_202']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/g450xcool2.jpg'; news['article_202']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/g450xcool2.jpg'; news['article_202']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/g450xcool3.jpg'; news['article_202']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/g450xcool3.jpg'; news['article_202']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_202']['content2'] = ''; news['article_202']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_202']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_202']['content3'] = ''; news['article_202']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[93] = 202; news['article_203'] = new Array(); news['article_203']['articleId'] = 94; news['article_203']['day'] = '25'; news['article_203']['month'] = '02'; news['article_203']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_203']['title'] = '\'Knighter\' on BMW G 450 X at British Enduro Championship '; news['article_203']['link_text'] = '\'Knighter\' on BMW G 450 X at British Enduro Championship '; news['article_203']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_203']['content1'] = 'As part of his pre-season training preparations for the forthcoming Enduro World Championship, BMW Motorrad Motorsport factory rider David Knight will compete in this weekend’s first round of the Metzeler ACU British Enduro Championship, which takes place on Sunday 22nd February at Thetford Forest in Suffolk.

Organised by Diss Motorcycle Club and always oversubscribed, entries to this popular event were completely full within four days of opening, with many riders denied the chance to compete in this tough enduro. The entry list has quality as well as quantity of course, with 36 riders capable of taking the honours just in the Championship class alone. And although David Knight is the only BMW rider in the E3 class there are several other riders representing the German brand in this enduro.

James Yearley will ride a G 450 X BMW in the Championship E2 class, while Kip Herring and Daniel Hall will ride the sport enduro in the Expert E2 class, with Mark Kinnard on the same machine in the Clubman E2 class. Soft sandy terrain makes up the 23 miles (37 kilometres) lap of the course, which is rideable in all weather conditions. This is one of the attractions of the event as riders know they will get value for money in terms of time spent in the saddle as opposed to stuck in the mud!

The number of laps completed will depend on the class of rider but normally the Championship riders will complete six laps of the course. To keep everyone on their toes the check times will tighten up as the day goes on so it will only be the fittest riders that will make the final time control and remain clean on time. A further ‘sting in the tail’ of this event is that after almost 140 miles off-road, the Championship riders then have to ride the special test again just after the final control.

Not that this kind of pressure worries David Knight of course; the big Manxman is relishing the chance to line up alongside various friends and adversaries for this tough enduro, including current British Enduro Champion Tom Sagar and former World Enduro Champion Paul ‘Fast Eddy’ Edmondson.

“It’s been a few years since I raced a British championship event so I’m really looking forward to it,” said David. “The first round of the championship is different to all the others, and it’s a really good workout. There’s no substitute for racing, so it’s an important event for me to be there; plus there’s some good competition so I’m really looking forward to it. It’ll also give me a good chance to try out some of the stuff I liked during the recent tests.”

David has recently returned from a BMW Motorrad Motorsport team test in

Malaga, Spain, and he is becoming increasingly confident on the G 450 X and feeling extremely positive about the challenges that wait ahead of him.

“We’ve just had another test in Spain to try different suspension and tyres, and the bikes have come on a lot during the winter, as the team has been working hard behind the scenes. As for me, I’m busy riding, training, testing and racing. In fact, I’m riding the BMW five days a week now and that will continue right up until the first WEC race. We have had some really good tests in different countries, so it’s just a case of keeping things moving forward.”

The first round of the Enduro World Championship takes place on 21-22 March in Portugal. We’ll also be bringing you an exclusive interview with David Knight next week, where he talks about his important year ahead on the BMW G 450 X.'; news['article_203']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_203']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/g450xknighter1.jpg'; news['article_203']['image11_text'] = 'BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s David Knight'; news['article_203']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/g450xknighter1.jpg'; news['article_203']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/g450xknighter2.jpg'; news['article_203']['image12_text'] = 'David with his works BMW G 450 X'; news['article_203']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/g450xknighter2.jpg'; news['article_203']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_203']['content2'] = ''; news['article_203']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_203']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_203']['content3'] = ''; news['article_203']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[94] = 203; news['article_204'] = new Array(); news['article_204']['articleId'] = 95; news['article_204']['day'] = '25'; news['article_204']['month'] = '02'; news['article_204']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_204']['title'] = 'The time is right for the Roadster '; news['article_204']['link_text'] = 'The time is right for the Roadster '; news['article_204']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_204']['content1'] = 'With the arrival of the new BMW F 800 R later this year, the F Series is now complete. From the fantastic F 800 S and ST sports twins and the F 800 GS and F 650 GS travel enduros, right through to the latest addition – the F 800 R naked roaster – there is now something for everyone in this phenomenally successful F Series that has brought many new riders to BMW Motorrad.

Although the new F 800 R won’t be appearing in BMW dealer showrooms until May, it has of course been in the making for several years. The reason it looks ‘just right’ is the result of hundreds of painstaking hours spent with pen and pencil at the drawing board, and with computer aided design software in the studio, before being shaped and reshaped as a clay model prototype.

Cast your mind back more than three years to January 2006, when Chris Pfeiffer made his competitive debut for BMW Motorrad, riding a ‘modified’ F 800 machine in the famous Stuntwars competition in Florida, comprehensively beating all challengers to win the coveted title. The bike looked fantastic, right from the start, but it was no coincidence, as the bike was already in the advanced planning stages. As BMW Motorrad’s Vice President of Motorcycle Design, David Robb explains, getting the series production model to look as good as it now does is the result of a journey that started some time ago.

“Even when designing the F 800 S and ST models, we knew what else would be coming, so we had to taking into consideration how the bike would look with its ‘clothes off’. There are many stages of the design journey that take place before the first prototype even sees the light of day. As such, we made sure that certain components on the S and ST were ‘clean’, such as the frame tubes and the wiring. We knew that when the GS version was introduced, it would be a completely different vehicle, with another frame and longer wheel travel, but the F 800 R had to work visually, in a different way.”

So, by the time Pfeiffer had appeared on the scene on his stunt bike, the design process for the F 800 R was pretty much wrapped up, but David concedes that the association was a good one to have.

“There’s a real fascination and excitement with what Chris is doing on the F 800 and when he performs – and because of what he can do on the bike – you can see parts you didn’t even know existed! When adapting his bike for stunt use, Chris basically got the parts from us and then went beyond that in a functional way to make them work, such as ‘beefing up’ certain components for extra strength to deal with some of the more extreme tricks he does.”

Your browser may not support display of this image.The first stages of what would eventually become the F 800 R roadster actually began in 2004, thanks to a competition within the design team to present initial sketch proposals. From the six sketches that made the shortlist, two were selected to go forward to the next stage. Interestingly, both had come from the same designer – Sebastian Wilm – who gave one to his boss Edgar Heinrich to develop. At the end of this phase, it was Edgar’s interpretation of Sebastian’s early design sketch that was selected – making the development of this roadster a true team effort.

At the same time – and following Pfeiffer’s increasingly high-profile outings on his stunt bike – motorcycle magazine editors around the world had begun to take interest and had their own designers coming up with unique ‘artist’s impressions’ of how a naked F 800 might look if BMW ever planned to launch one – much to David and the design team’s amusement. '; news['article_204']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_204']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/rdstrtimeright1.jpg'; news['article_204']['image11_text'] = 'The all new BMW F 800 R'; news['article_204']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/rdstrtimeright1.jpg'; news['article_204']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/rdstrtimeright2.jpg'; news['article_204']['image12_text'] = 'Early design sketches of what would eventually become the F 800 R'; news['article_204']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/rdstrtimeright2.jpg'; news['article_204']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/rdstrtimeright3.jpg'; news['article_204']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/rdstrtimeright3.jpg'; news['article_204']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_204']['content2'] = '“It’s a lot of fun for us to see what the media think a possible bike might look like, but when you see their ‘Photoshopped’ efforts in print, they never really work. For us, the F 800 R was always going to complete our family of roadsters. First of all, it had to be completely different from the R 1200 R boxer, which is more for the traditionalist. The signals we got were that boxer fans like heritage, tradition and reputation, so there wasn’t any chance that the F 800 R could be tied down to that kind of heritage, as there’s a real spontaneous quality about it. We wanted the F 800 R to be pure and unencumbered, and although we knew it would have essentially the same frame and engine as the S and ST versions, we wanted to work out the best way to expose these parts and make them exciting.”

“The similarity to the K 1300 R was certainly intentional,” says David. “The K 1300 R is an intentionally scary machine. It was designed to ‘stretch the envelope’ in more ways than one, but despite that, it retains BMW character all the way through it. With the F 800 R, we wanted it to be exciting and interesting for non-traditionalists, but still appropriate. Design is always a balancing act and we wanted the R to be ‘edgy’ without going too far. It’s not a ‘friendly and cute’ bike, and it does have some edge to it. However, it’s got to be appealing for a long time.”

Often for the talented guys and girls working in automotive design, the end results can be too much of a compromise, due to the fact that it is almost always necessary to work to a targeted price point, as well as being forced to use many shared components because of the economies of scale that arise from ‘commonality. However, with the F 800 R, Robb’s department has achieved the considerable feat of designing a striking machine that works on many levels. Unusually for a naked bike, it looks great in photographs from all angles – either swiftly moving through the city or parked up by the side of the road – and even works visually with the addition of a pillion and luggage system.

Without a doubt, the 800 R adds an urban edge to the F Series, so will appeal to those who value form as much as function, yet at the same time it displays many of BMW Motorrad’s excellent ergonomic solutions, making long trips a distinct possibility for those who work in the city but like to escape to the country whenever possible.

Furthermore, thanks to David’s colleagues in the engineering and research departments, the F 800 R also manages to deliver an exhilarating, sporty ride with extremely low levels of fuel consumption, while offering exemplary levels of safety – but that’s another story! '; news['article_204']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_204']['image21'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/rdstrtimeright4.jpg'; news['article_204']['image21_text'] = 'Left: Boris Mueller, responsible for BMW\'s Design Engineers & Design Project management, Middle: Sebastian Wilm, principle designer on the project; Right: Hubert Walter, responsible for Design Quality. They are making the last virtual visual inspection of the windscreen before producing a rapid prototype, to make a final sign-off in “real 3-D”'; news['article_204']['image21_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/rdstrtimeright4.jpg'; news['article_204']['image22'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/rdstrtimeright5.jpg'; news['article_204']['image22_text'] = 'BMW Motorrad’s latest naked street bike in action'; news['article_204']['image22_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/rdstrtimeright5.jpg'; news['article_204']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_204']['content3'] = ''; news['article_204']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[95] = 204; news['article_205'] = new Array(); news['article_205']['articleId'] = 96; news['article_205']['day'] = '25'; news['article_205']['month'] = '02'; news['article_205']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_205']['title'] = 'BMW power helps Nitro Snowboarders achieve Big Air '; news['article_205']['link_text'] = 'BMW power helps Nitro Snowboarders achieve Big Air '; news['article_205']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_205']['content1'] = 'Snowboarders are always looking for the next challenge, whether it is attempting a new grab, twist or flip off a Quarter Pipe, or riding rails, ledges and steps in an urban environment. The quest for more speed and ‘bigger air’ has brought about a unique collaboration between BMW Motorrad and Nitro Snowboards, with a G 450 X being used to artificially accelerate riders to help them jump higher and further.

It all started when Nitro Snowboards engineer Florian Lang spoke to BMW Motorrad G 450 X project manager Christian Wettach about his frustration with the underpowered winch systems that were being used. As Christian explains, their conversation sowed the seeds for the development of an exciting prototype.

“There was already a system in place with a small engine and winch that allowed riders to artificially accelerate before performing jumps and tricks, but it wasn’t really strong or powerful enough, so I suggested using a motorcycle and adapting it accordingly,” he said. “We provided a BMW G 450 X and the Nitro Snowboard boys experimented with a few set-ups before settling on a system which could be easily and quickly adapted from the standard motorcycle.”

The system uses an attachment to the rear wheel, which holds around 220 metres of cable. When this is wound out, the snowboarder uses it as a ‘tow rope’ and holds on to the end, while the BMW ‘rider’ puts the engine in gear, opens the throttle and reels in the cable. The snowboarder hangs on and accelerates to a speed of around 100 km/h in around 200 metres before letting go of the cable at the last second to launch off the ramp.

“It’s a simple system, but it works perfectly,” said Christian. “The operator of the G 450 X uses third gear for the broad spread of power required for rapid acceleration. Using a little clutch for a soft start and then a lot of throttle, the system is perfect for giving the riders the kind of speed needed to perform the tricks they can do. The winch fitment only takes around 10 minutes to adapt from a standard machine and all is controlled with the throttle, clutch and of course the brake, once the riders have let go of the cable!”

According to Nitro Snowboard’s Andi Aurhammer, the winch is completely portable and allows riders to achieve the take-off speeds that could only be described as “sick” in snowboard parlance.

“We’ve had a lot of fun with the BM Winch, as we call it! Powered by the G 450 X, it is capable of propelling you to around 130 km/h if you are brave enough to hold on,” he said. “The acceleration is massive and when we’ve been testing it the problem has actually been landing some of the jumps because of the massive distances travelled – more than 40 metres in some cases!”

The winch system was first used in public during a recent ‘Red Bull Warm Up Session’ in Innsbruck, Austria, which was an urban rail contest featuring international snowboard stars who performed a variety of tricks on straight and double kinked rails, ledges, wall rides and step-up, step-down jumps. The organisers weren’t satisfied with their own winch system, so they asked Andi if the BMW-powered winch would give the riders the speed they needed on their descent towards the jumps and rails.

“The G 450 X was a big hit in Innsbruck,” he said. “Because the regular winch basically wasn’t good enough, the Red Bull guys asked for my help and we demonstrated this one, which gave the riders the speed to ride the best lines and do the most spectacular tricks on the rails. On the jump up the steps, some of the riders even overshot the landing, as they had so much speed! We’ve got lots of plans to use the BMW winch for street urban displays, where we can build some amazing obstacles and use the BMW power to give us the in-run we need to pull the biggest tricks.”

To view footage of the BMW-powered winch in action, please click on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEBhylDRTt4&feature=channel_page or watch it on the Movie section of the Nitro Road Warriors website at http://www.nitro-roadwarriors.com/
'; news['article_205']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_205']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/nitrosnowboard1.jpg'; news['article_205']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/nitrosnowboard1.jpg'; news['article_205']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/nitrosnowboard2.jpg'; news['article_205']['image12_text'] = 'A screen grab from the video of the ‘BM Winch’ system (sorry, not available in high resolution); the system uses an attachment to the rear wheel, which holds around 220 metres of cable'; news['article_205']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/nitrosnowboard2.jpg'; news['article_205']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/nitrosnowboard3.jpg'; news['article_205']['image13_text'] = 'The BMW ‘rider’ puts the engine in gear, opens the throttle and reels in the cable, while the snowboarder hangs on and accelerates'; news['article_205']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/nitrosnowboard3.jpg'; news['article_205']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_205']['content2'] = ''; news['article_205']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_205']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_205']['content3'] = ''; news['article_205']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[96] = 205; news['article_206'] = new Array(); news['article_206']['articleId'] = 97; news['article_206']['day'] = '25'; news['article_206']['month'] = '02'; news['article_206']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_206']['title'] = 'BMW riders out in force at Sandblast Rally '; news['article_206']['link_text'] = 'BMW riders out in force at Sandblast Rally '; news['article_206']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_206']['content1'] = 'For the past 13 years in South Carolina, USA, rally racing fans have travelled to the Sand Hills State Forest for the Sandblast Rally, which takes place on closed roads throughout the forest. High horsepower all-wheel drive vehicles and motorcycles blast through the woods at speed, with driver and rider skill coming to the forefront as they tackle the sandy roads.

The rally cars and motorcycles that compete at the Sandblast Rally have to be fully street legal, registered and insured, and this is one of the reasons why it is attracting a growing contingent of BMW riders. Many of these riders travel quite some distance to get to the rally, which forms part of the Atlantic RallyMoto Cup series, with events in New Hampshire, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia and New York.

Some of the long-distance travellers included TEAM MAX BMW’s Max Stratton, who arrived after a mere 15-hour drive through the night, and Ed McCormack, who was entering his first RallyMoto event on his R 1200 GS Adventure. Rather than trailer his bike to the Sandblast Rally, Ed elected to climb on his big Adventure at his home near Albany and ride the 950 miles (1500 km) to Cheraw – true BMW spirit.

Other TEAM MAX BMW HP2 Enduro riders included Doug Morrison, who was second overall in the 2008 Atlantic RallyMoto Cup series on his HP2 Enduro; Joe Warner, who has been quietly moving up the results sheet at each event; Jimmy Doustou, who put his enduro experience to work in his third rally; and Max Stratton.

TEAM MAX BMW also had a strong presence in the medium weight division, with four competitors riding the new G 450 X. Andrew Phillips, who ran an HP2 at Sandblast last year, opted for the G 450 X, as did Peter Canning. Furthermore, both Ben Stratton and TJ Jarrett swapped their HP2 Enduros in favour of the G 450 X for this year’s Sandblast.

The customary shakedown stage on the Friday afternoon drew a strong crowd of riders, including Jason Adams, who arrived in South Carolina with his R 100 GS PD. His sand riding skills were expected to be greatly improved as he was one of the lucky members of the inaugural International GS Trophy winning USA team that spent a week out in Tunisia last October.

On the morning of the rally, 41 bikes lined up across from 18 rally cars and as usual, the blue and white cloud of BMWs argued with a sea of orange KTMs for dominance. However, this year the battlefield was also punctuated with six Suzukis, three Hondas, a Yamaha, an Aprilia and one Husqvarna.

There was plenty of ‘bar to bar’ action as the riders sorted themselves on the early stages. G 450 X rider Peter Canning hardly let off the throttle through the corners of Stage two, finding his groove for the day and finishing in second place on the stage. Stages three and four offered spectacular action, with long fast straights that led into sharp 90 or 180 degree turns, which always caught a few riders off guard. Whereas in past years, tentative riders would grab the brakes, stall the engine and then fall over in the sand to the cheers of the crowd, most riders now opted to use their throttle instead and use the power to carry them through the turns, with sand flying everywhere.

After a quick service for fuel, the riders were off to hit some of the fastest speeds of the day. The long downhill straight on Stage five could accommodate as much throttle as a rider dared to offer. The surface was packed hard, with about a centimetre of fine sand on top, leaving trailing clouds of dust to be whisked off into the pines by a warm wind.

By the time the rally was over, a look at the results sheet revealed a solid effort by all the TEAM MAX BMW riders, much to the delight of Max Stratton.

“This year’s Sandblast Rally was a big success and for the first time in a RallyMoto event, the inevitable mechanical, physical or mental breakdowns that characterize motorsport competition were avoided, as all of the TEAM MAX BMW riders who started finished the rally,” he said. “All along the stages, BMW riders who had been looking for an excuse to take a trip to South Carolina parked their airheads, K-bikes, GSs and RTs in the sand and stood to witness the hardest-charging RallyMoto action that the sport has seen to date. Thanks to everyone who came to support us!”

Results:

Peter Canning, 2nd Place, Motorcycle Modified Lite (5th Overall)

Doug Morrison, 2nd Place, Motorcycle Heavy (6th Overall)

Joe Warner, 3rd Place, Motorcycle Heavy (9th Overall)

Max Stratton, 4th Place, Motorcycle Heavy (13th Overall)

Andrew Phillips, 6th Place, Motorcycle Medium Stock (14th Overall)

Jim Doustou, 5th Place, Motorcycle Heavy (16th Overall)

Ben Stratton, 4th Place, Motorcycle Medium Modified (20th Overall)

TJ Jarret, 13th Place, Motorcycle Medium Stock (27th Overall)

Jason Adams, 7th Place, Motorcycle Heavy (28th Overall)'; news['article_206']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_206']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/sandblastrally1.jpg'; news['article_206']['image11_text'] = 'Peter Canning using all the road'; news['article_206']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/sandblastrally1.jpg'; news['article_206']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/sandblastrally2.jpg'; news['article_206']['image12_text'] = 'It doesn\'t take long for clean bikes to look like they’ve been ridden all day'; news['article_206']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/sandblastrally2.jpg'; news['article_206']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/sandblastrally3.jpg'; news['article_206']['image13_text'] = 'Jim Doustou manhandled his HP2 Enduro to 5th place in the \'Motorcycle Heavy\' division.'; news['article_206']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/sandblastrally3.jpg'; news['article_206']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_206']['content2'] = ''; news['article_206']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_206']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_206']['content3'] = ''; news['article_206']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[97] = 206; news['article_207'] = new Array(); news['article_207']['articleId'] = 98; news['article_207']['day'] = '25'; news['article_207']['month'] = '02'; news['article_207']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_207']['title'] = 'Knight wins BEC opener '; news['article_207']['link_text'] = 'Knight wins BEC opener'; news['article_207']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_207']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorrad Motorsport team rider David Knight has made the perfect start to his participation in the 2009 British Enduro Championship (BEC) by winning the opening round of the five-event series, the Diss MCC-organised Muntjac Enduro. Competing in the event for the first time, and returning to the BEC after a two-year absence, ‘Knighter’ ended the one-day event ahead of 450cc Husqvarna-mounted Si Wakely and 450cc Husaberg rider Tom Sagar.

Following several weeks of testing with the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team in preparation for the 2009 World Enduro Championship, all eyes were on Knight at the start of the Muntjac Enduro as he made his first ever outing on his 480cc BMW in a time-card enduro. Knowing that mistakes on the event’s special test would be costly, David made a cautious start to the day and placed third on the opening test. Just one second behind the fastest rider Si Wakely, David then placed fifth on the second test, having stalled his bike in one of the tight, rutted turns. The second test was won by won by TM mounted Frenchman Rodrig Thain.

Close to four seconds behind Si Wakely in the overall results, with only the final special tests remaining, David comfortably cleaned the event’s tight time control after completing the rough and sandy 41-minute loop notably faster than any other rider.

With the third and final special tests set to decide the event’s finishing order Knight made sure he didn’t make any mistakes. Feeling more and more comfortable on the test with each passing lap, Knight set a time close to seven seconds quicker than any other rider and in doing so moved to the top of the results and claimed victory at the Muntjac Enduro.

David Knight: “It’s great to start my return to the British Enduro Championship with a win. The Muntjac is a tough old event, especially because there are two tests early in the day and then one right at the very end. It’s the type of special tests where it’s hard to pull any real advantage but easy to lose time if you make any mistakes. I didn’t make too many mistakes but the first test was really slippery. I tried to push hard in a few corners and almost came off, so I took it easy.

“The second test was much better. There were a few lines in the corners, which made it a lot easier. I was going well but then I stalled it in a corner, which made it hard to keep my rhythm. I knew that my performances were going in the right direction, and although I didn’t win that second test I was quite confident that I could go a fair bit quicker in the last test. The unique thing about the Muntjac Enduro is that after your first two tests you have all day to think about the last test because you don’t ride it again until right at the end of the day.

“The tight time controls sorted me out. I knew that I wouldn’t lose any time. The final tight time control was great – I knew I was up on time so I took it steady during the second half. I was able to carry that pace into the final test. I’d also made a few small adjustments to the bike, which helped, so I felt good during the last test. I guess not winning the first two tests meant I had it all to do in the last one but that’s the way it goes with a test like this. I didn’t win the first two but I wasn’t too far behind. If I’d have pushed too hard too soon there’s a good chance I would have made a mistake, crashed, and then winning probably wouldn’t have been possible at all.”

Results – BEC Rnd 1, Muntjac Enduro

1. David Knight (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 14.34:86

2. Si Wakely (Husqvarna) 14.38:06

3. Tom Sagar (Husaberg) 14.45:79

4. Daryl Bolter (KTM) 14.45:97

5. Paul Edmondson (Suzuki) 14.47:39'; news['article_207']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_207']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/knightBEC09Rnd1.jpg'; news['article_207']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/knightBEC09Rnd1.jpg'; news['article_207']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_207']['content2'] = ''; news['article_207']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_207']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_207']['content3'] = ''; news['article_207']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[98] = 207; news['article_208'] = new Array(); news['article_208']['articleId'] = 99; news['article_208']['day'] = '25'; news['article_208']['month'] = '02'; news['article_208']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_208']['title'] = 'World Championship title number three for Pfeiffer!'; news['article_208']['link_text'] = 'World Championship title number three for Pfeiffer!'; news['article_208']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_208']['content1'] = 'For the third consecutive year, Chris Pfeiffer has won the Indoor Stunt Riding World Championship. Riding his BMW F 800 R, the talented German claimed this important victory at the Swiss-Moto Exhibition in Zurich on Sunday 22 February. Hungarian riders Balasz Herzceg and Zoltan Angyal finished in second and third places respectively.

In the absence of an international outdoor championship for both continents, the Indoor World Championship is the world\'s most important event in sports stunt riding. At this prestigious annual competition in Zurich, thousands of visitors gather to see the best stunt riders from all over the world perform their tricks.

Furthermore, the organisers create a special surface for the event, coating the floor with 70 tonnes of the finest asphalt that allows the riders to perform at their best, safe in the knowledge there are no bumps, holes and scratches to create problems during their complicated tricks and combos. With no adverse weather conditions to worry about, and a big crowd cheering on the competitors, the atmosphere at the SWISS-MOTO is always electric.

As the reigning double world champion and title defender, Chris Pfeiffer was the hot favourite to take the victory again, but after picking up a nasty flu bug, his participation in the competition was uncertain. Unable to train properly during the first day of practice, Pfeiffer had plenty of time to notice that his rivals had all ‘upped their game’ and had seriously improved their routines, so an easy title defence for him was definitely out of the question.

During the first qualifying heat, Chris was struggling with his energy levels and ‘only’ managed to achieve third place on the score sheet. \"I had to use a few hot tricks from my repertoire, because I just wasn’t feeling fit enough, but it was just about enough to keep me in contention\" said the 38-year-old. And after gorging on a large slab of Swiss chocolate as a homeopathic energy booster, Pfeiffer’s second round of qualifying was just about perfect, as he scored maximum points from the judges. This brought him back up to joint first place on aggregate score, going into Sunday’s finals.

As the last of the 16 semi-finalists to enter the specially created 50 x 15m wide ‘Action Area’ on Sunday, Pfeiffer was feeling good enough to show his best tricks. However, about halfway through his routine, he crashed while doing a one-handed wheelie circle – a trick he invented called the ‘Touch-Ground Circle’. Chris was able to complete his routine with no other dramas, although he knew that points would be deducted for his mistake.

With his legendary determination and the hope that he would not encounter any more bad luck, Pfeiffer went into the final, supported by his fans, family and thousands of spectators at the Zurich exhibition centre. He showed one trick after another – fluid, dynamic and as solid as a Swiss clock – and was duly awarded with the day’s best score by the five judges. This was enough to give him the clear victory, and for the third consecutive time, Chris claimed the indoor world championship title for stunt riding.

\"I was quiet before the finals started and just happy that I had the chance to do it all again on the BMW F 800 R,” said Chris. “The atmosphere at the Swiss-Moto was amazing, so I just really went for it out there. When I’d finished my routine and waited for the scores from the judges, I had a feeling that I had done enough – and when I got the confirmation, I was overjoyed! Without a doubt, this was the toughest of all three World Cup titles I have won, so this victory is the most enjoyable yet!”'; news['article_208']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_208']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/pfeifferzurich1.jpg'; news['article_208']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/pfeifferzurich1.jpg'; news['article_208']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/pfeifferzurich2.jpg'; news['article_208']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/pfeifferzurich2.jpg'; news['article_208']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/pfeifferzurich3.jpg'; news['article_208']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/pfeifferzurich3.jpg'; news['article_208']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_208']['content2'] = ''; news['article_208']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_208']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_208']['content3'] = ''; news['article_208']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[99] = 208; news['article_209'] = new Array(); news['article_209']['articleId'] = 100; news['article_209']['day'] = '13'; news['article_209']['month'] = '02'; news['article_209']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_209']['title'] = 'Success in South Africa for G 450 X '; news['article_209']['link_text'] = 'Success in South Africa for G 450 X '; news['article_209']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_209']['content1'] = 'The weekend of 7-8 February saw a BMW team make a successful debut with the G 450 X sport enduro at the prestigious Castrol Winterberg Enduro in South Africa. Racing in the colours of Regent Racing, local off-road star Jade Gutzeit finished on the podium on his G 450 X at this tough and testing event.

The Castrol Winterberg Enduro has developed into one of the most exhilarating enduro racing events on the South African motorsport calendar. It starts and finishes in the small Eastern Cape town of Hankey, and runs through the spectacular Winterhoek mountains that characterise the Gamtoos Valley near Port Elizabeth.

This year’s Castrol Winterberg Enduro was also the first round of the 2009 South African National Enduro Championship, so it attracted a considerable entry list that included most of the top names in the sport who made their way to the Eastern Cape for this season opener that is renowned as the best event of the year.

The big news at this event of course was BMW Motorrad’s participation for the first time in the South African enduro championship, with local off-road stars Jade Gutzeit and Gray Dick having made the switch to BMW and the G 450 X for the 2009 season.

And it was Gutzeit, a former two-times winner of the Castrol Winterberg Enduro, who gave the BMW G 450 X its first podium finish in a national race in South Africa when he finished third overall (he was also third in the Open Class).

His team-mate, Gray Dick, was seventh overall (fourth in the Open Class) after both riders made it to the finish of the enduro, despite the extremely dry and hot conditions, as well as the tight and very dusty route, which contributed to making the 2008 Winterberg event extremely challenging for all the riders.

“Both Gray and I experienced a trouble-free event and all things considered, we had an excellent first outing,” said Gutzeit after the race. “The preparation of the bike finished only the day before this event and we did not have time to test it properly, but it survived the Winterberg Enduro and we are now looking forward to the first national off-road race on the BMW – the Ermelo Toyota 400 – at the end of the month.”

As the current national enduro championship Open Class champion, Gutzeit will compete in both the national enduro and national off-road championships on the BMW G 450 X alongside Gray Dick. Although these events will not be new to the two experienced racers, it will be a first for the new G 450 X in South Africa, which is a huge bonus for all BMW fans in the Republic.

\"The bike has already proved itself in Europe, and we wanted to see what Jade and Gray could achieve on it here in South Africa,\" said BMW Motorrad South Africa General Manager, Lachlan Harris. “Despite the toughest conditions imaginable – the Eastern Cape is currently experiencing its worst drought with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius – both riders and both bikes came through in good shape. We’ll be hoping for more of the same throughout the season.”

The 2009 Castrol Winterberg Enduro was won by Altus de Wet with Darryl Curtis second overall. '; news['article_209']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_209']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/successsouthafrica1.jpg'; news['article_209']['image11_text'] = 'South African off-road stars Jade Gutzeit and Gray Dick have made the switch to BMW and the G 450 X for the 2009 season, with impressive results.'; news['article_209']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/successsouthafrica1.jpg'; news['article_209']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/successsouthafrica2.jpg'; news['article_209']['image12_text'] = 'Jade Gutzeit on his way to success in the Castrol Winterberg Enduro.'; news['article_209']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/successsouthafrica2.jpg'; news['article_209']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_209']['content2'] = ''; news['article_209']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_209']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_209']['content3'] = ''; news['article_209']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[100] = 209; news['article_210'] = new Array(); news['article_210']['articleId'] = 101; news['article_210']['day'] = '13'; news['article_210']['month'] = '02'; news['article_210']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_210']['title'] = 'G 450 X for Unstoppable Gold Medallist '; news['article_210']['link_text'] = 'G 450 X for Unstoppable Gold Medallist '; news['article_210']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_210']['content1'] = 'To be the best in the world at any sport requires outstanding natural talent, years of training and incredible levels of fitness and stamina to be able to go further, faster or higher than anyone else. Germany’s ‘first lady’ of mountain biking Sabine Spitz achieved a lifelong dream in Beijing’s Laoshan Park on August 23 last year when she won the gold medal in the women’s cross-country cycling event at the 2008 summer Olympics.

Since achieving the sport’s highest accolade, the 37-year-old rider from Murg-Niederhof (Black Forest) has showed no signs at all of slowing down – in fact, she has even traded in her trusty mountain bike for a new BMW G 450 X for a year, courtesy of her local BMW car and motorcycle dealership in Bad Säckingen.

Although trading in her mountain bike for BMW’s acclaimed sport enduro is only a temporary measure, Sabine Spitz believes that it will help her to supplement her regular mountain bike training sessions as well as assist in improving her overall riding skills. Using a ‘powered-two wheeler’ for her training is also the continuation of a long-lasting passion for motorcycles because Sabine and her husband and manager Ralf Schäuble have both been passionate motorcycle riders for many years – preferably on enduros.

Like many other sports stars, the German Champion, European Champion, runner-up Word Champion and Olympic Gold Medallist believes that she will benefit significantly from the full body workout that enduro riding offers.

“There are many downhill riders who use enduro bikes as part of their training regimes,” explains Sabine. “As anyone who rides knows, it is extremely good training and it helps to balance out the practice routine. If you need to work out regularly it is vital to have versatile activities, and other endurance sports – such as off-road motorcycle riding – provide new impulses for your body.”

Sabine Spitz’ ambitions are supported by the Autohaus Gottstein car and bike dealership (Bad Säckingen) that made a BMW G 450 X available to her. This is the series production version of the factory sport enduro with which BMW Motorrad Motorsport will participate in the 2009 Enduro World Championship series, with David Knight, Juha Salminen, Marko Tarkkala and Simo Kirssi. '; news['article_210']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_210']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/sabinespitz1.jpg'; news['article_210']['image11_text'] = 'Sabine Spitz with Thomas Roll from BMW Motorrad Germany.'; news['article_210']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/sabinespitz1.jpg'; news['article_210']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_210']['content2'] = ''; news['article_210']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_210']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_210']['content3'] = ''; news['article_210']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[101] = 210; news['article_211'] = new Array(); news['article_211']['articleId'] = 102; news['article_211']['day'] = '13'; news['article_211']['month'] = '02'; news['article_211']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_211']['title'] = 'Pfeiffer gearing up to defend World Championship'; news['article_211']['link_text'] = 'Pfeiffer gearing up to defend World Championship'; news['article_211']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_211']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorrad’s Chris Pfeiffer is preparing for the defence of his crown at the forthcoming Streetbike Freestyle World Championship 2009, taking place on 19 February at the Swiss Motorcycle, Scooter and Tuning Exhibition in Zurich.

The German stunt legend returns to SWISS-MOTO with the enviable record of having won the World Championship on the two previous occasions it has been staged, in 2007 and 2008. The BMW F 800 rider dominated proceedings throughout the 2008 competition, beating 16 other stunt supremos in a display of superiority. His range of tricks, versatility and originality won over the panel of judges, who awarded Pfeiffer 167 points – seven more than the nearest challenger, Portuguese rider Humberto Ribeiro in second place. Pfeiffer is looking to strengthen his position at the pinnacle of the sport with a win in the first major stunt riding competition of 2009.

Despite being a pioneer of the increasingly popular discipline, the 38-year-old remains focussed on improving his freestyle technique by practicing at every opportunity. He reveals that even during a recent trip to a Turkish motorcycle exhibition – where he performed to an amazed audience – he scoured the city for a suitable venue to perfect his routine.

“I’ve been in Turkey for the past few days, practicing in glorious weather,” he says. “I’ve even practiced in the paddock of Istanbul Park where the Turkish F1 Grand Prix is held and also at the Olympic stadium! I was really happy to find some good places to try out a few new tricks and also try to perfect my routine ahead of the forthcoming World Championships.”

With the sport rapidly growing in stature, a new generation of stunt riders is emerging, intent on making their mark on the world stage. Pfeiffer acknowledges that the competition is closing the gap and the best way to maintain his reputation as the best stunt rider in the world is by continuing to innovate and entertain in equal measures.

“I think the level of competition at the World Championship will be really tough again,” he admits. “There are several young riders that are emerging at the moment that have the ability to go far in the sport. Angyal Zoltan, a young Hungarian rider, is extremely talented so it will be interesting to compete against him. I’ve not faced him in competition regularly; however whenever we have come up against each other, it has been close. In the 2008 European Stunt Riding Championship, he finished second behind me so he certainly has what it takes to be a close challenger.”

In order to safeguard his status as the sport’s most successful participant, Pfeiffer has been working hard on integrating some unprecedented moves into his routine ahead of the Streetbike Freestyle World Championship. Aboard his BMW F 800 R, he plans to make the judges sit up and take notice of his indisputable talent.

“I’ll definitely showcase some new tricks and variations on existing moves,” he reveals. “With the competition extremely close you have to take risks and try new things to be noticed by the judges. I’ve already tried a few of the new tricks at some of the shows I have performed this year and they went extremely well so I’m looking forward to performing them in the competition.”

The Stunt Riding World Championship 2009 signals the start of another hectic year for Pfeiffer, with his skills in demand throughout the motorcycling world. His diary this year consists of travelling to shows in Jamaica, Lithuania as well as his native Germany to name but a few. But regardless of how busy his schedule may seem and how successful he has become, being crowned World Champion is still a major honour for the man from Halblech.

“Of course, it will be special to win the World Championship for the third time,” he continues. “It’s a great arena to perform in and the crowd are always very supportive which creates a special atmosphere. I’m looking forward to it very much!”

The SWISS-MOTO show at the Exhibition Centre in Zurich focuses on the very latest in motorcycles, scooters and quads. Visitors who want to kit themselves out for the new motorcycle season are able to take their pick from the huge selection of accessories and clothing on offer before witnessing the very best stunt riders on the planet battle it out for the Streetbike Freestyle World Championship. In 2008, the four-day show attracted 63,000 visitors, with similar numbers expected to descend on the Messezentrum this year. Visit www.swiss-moto.ch for more details. '; news['article_211']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_211']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/bs3.jpg'; news['article_211']['image11_text'] = 'Chris Pfeiffer is ecstatic after winning the 2008 Streetbike Freestyle World Championship.'; news['article_211']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/bs3.jpg'; news['article_211']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/bs8.jpg'; news['article_211']['image12_text'] = 'After the performance that almost produced a perfect score.'; news['article_211']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/bs8.jpg'; news['article_211']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/bs9.jpg'; news['article_211']['image13_text'] = 'Leaping to victory in Zurich – can he do it again in 2009?'; news['article_211']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/bs9.jpg'; news['article_211']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_211']['content2'] = ''; news['article_211']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_211']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_211']['content3'] = ''; news['article_211']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[102] = 211; news['article_212'] = new Array(); news['article_212']['articleId'] = 103; news['article_212']['day'] = '13'; news['article_212']['month'] = '02'; news['article_212']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_212']['title'] = 'Fly, Ride and then RawHyde'; news['article_212']['link_text'] = 'Fly, Ride and then RawHyde'; news['article_212']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_212']['content1'] = 'If the idea of flying to the USA, renting a BMW and then riding into the mountains above Los Angeles to participate in some excellent off-road tuition appeals, then your California dream could well come true, courtesy of a new, approved West Coast BMW off-road training centre.

BMW Motorrad has selected RawHyde Adventures, of Castaic in southern California, to serve as one of nine factory-authorized off-road training centres worldwide. RawHyde Adventures joins an elite group of training schools that have demonstrated the quality and commitment to meet BMW’s high standards. BMW will initially provide 12 GS-model motorcycles (F 650 GS, F 800 GS and R 1200 GS) for the training centre.

Veteran adventure ride instructor and founder of RawHyde Adventures, Jim Hyde has a simple philosophy when it comes to riding: “Ninety five per cent of the world’s roads are unpaved, yet many motorcyclists are timid when it comes to off-road riding on big bikes like the GS. Our program is designed to give GS owners and others the confidence and skills to navigate the roads less travelled.”

Jim believes that these centres are important allies in growing the GS market segment by helping riders gain the confidence and skills to enjoy their enduro motorcycles more fully. Keen to attract international visitors to the new West Coast BMW off-road training facility, he is keen to stress that riders from overseas would be very welcome at the Enduro Park.

“The ideal scenario would be that BMW fans fly in for a holiday and rent a bike of their choice from one of the local BMW Motorrad dealers. They then ride this bike to the Rawhyde Enduro Park, but do the training on one of our BMWs. We would love some international riders joining us at RawHyde, and to make that more enticing we have developed a wonderful follow-up to our initial training program which takes ‘graduates’ of the camp on a two-day adventure ride into the heart of the Mojave Desert. I know that the Mojave is great attraction to European riders, and a visit to Death Valley would be possible on the trip as well.”

For five years RawHyde Adventures has been operating a rider-training program for BMW owners, known as ‘Adventure Camp’. The new and ‘official’ BMW training programme is known as the BMW Off-road Academy and the 2009 dates are Feb 20-22; Mar 20-22; Apr 17-19; May 8-10; Jun 19-21; and Jul 24-26.

Sessions begin on Fridays with an orientation, followed by a gourmet dinner (breakfasts, lunches and dinner are prepared by Cordon Bleu-trained chefs). Rider training is held from 9am to 5pm on the Saturday and Sunday, followed by a graduation celebration. Trail rides are offered Mondays and Tuesdays immediately after training to help graduates put their skills to immediate use while still under the supervision of RawHyde instructors. RawHyde also offers the option of a two-day overnight adventure ride, following graduation, to a destination called Base Camp Alpha, in the Mojave Desert.

BMW’s off-road training course is open to BMW GS owners and other licensed motorcyclists who want to explore the road where the pavement ends. The cost for the two-and-a-half day course is $1,295. The course, including the Base Camp Alpha Adventure, will cost $1,890.

For further details about the training school, visit the www.bmwoffroadacademy.com website.'; news['article_212']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_212']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/flyriderawhyde1.jpg'; news['article_212']['image11_text'] = 'Heading off into the California hills on a BMW-approved training course.'; news['article_212']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/flyriderawhyde1.jpg'; news['article_212']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/flyriderawhyde2.jpg'; news['article_212']['image12_text'] = 'The courses at RawHyde are designed to give riders confidence to go wherever the road or track leads them.'; news['article_212']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/flyriderawhyde2.jpg'; news['article_212']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/flyriderawhyde3.jpg'; news['article_212']['image13_text'] = 'Experience excellent instruction at the BMW Off-road Academy.'; news['article_212']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/flyriderawhyde3.jpg'; news['article_212']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_212']['content2'] = ''; news['article_212']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_212']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_212']['content3'] = ''; news['article_212']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[103] = 212; news['article_213'] = new Array(); news['article_213']['articleId'] = 104; news['article_213']['day'] = '13'; news['article_213']['month'] = '02'; news['article_213']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_213']['title'] = 'Great Motorcycle Journeys of The World '; news['article_213']['link_text'] = 'Great Motorcycle Journeys of The World '; news['article_213']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_213']['content1'] = 'Ask people what their dream job is and many would say that it’s to travel to exotic places and get paid for it. Colette Coleman is fortunate enough to have spent a large majority of her working life doing just this and has recently published a book featuring a variety of motorcycle journeys that can be taken in the space of the average annual holiday.

Great Motorcycle Journeys of The World features 40 classic routes to inspire the would-be traveller and is the perfect book for anyone who has ever dreamt of taking off on a bike and exploring the globe. Colette is well qualified to compile this book, having spent most of her 20s and 30s travelling, before working for several of the UK’s leading action and adventure tour operators, researching and developing adventure holidays. She has also explored many countries on two wheels, including a 40,000-kilometre ride from England to Australia via Europe, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

Colette had been heavily involved many years ago in Chris Scott’s first edition of the now famous Adventure Motorcycling Handbook – seen by many as the ‘bible’ for overlanders. However, Colette’s latest commission was different as she was presented with an opportunity for a book that would appeal to those riders who had aspirations for exciting adventure trips, but who didn’t feel they had the time, confidence or experience necessary to undertake such adventures. In short, Colette wanted to help them realise their ambitions.

“I saw the commission as a great opportunity to produce an inspirational book that would encourage nervous, new and even non-motorcyclists to get out there and see the world on two wheels. I also wanted the book to appeal to riders like myself, who had done the longer trips but now found that other commitments – such as work and family – made it difficult to disappear for a year. I will definitely be using the book as inspiration for my own holidays over the next few years and I’m hoping that other motorcyclists will too.”

The idea behind the new book is that motorcycle travel is now so much easier and is open to everyone. As such, the featured journeys – including the Cape Town Circuit in South Africa, China’s Northern Silk Road, the Ringroad Tour of Iceland and Australia’s Great Ocean Road – appeal to a wide range of motorcyclists, offering routes most riders can tackle, if not always on their own then as part of an organised group. Furthermore, the destinations are considered safe in the current political climate and any of the journeys can be taken as part of an average two or three-week holiday or even a few days out of a family holiday. According to Colette, it is also possible to link many of the trips to extend the riding into a couple of months for those wanting a longer adventure.

“It is not a definitive list of the world’s best or toughest motorcycle trips, but a selection of journeys that are currently accessible to most nationalities,” she said. “I have chosen countries where it is either possible to take your own bike, where bike hire is available or there are options to pick up a bike as part of an organised tour. I have also featured a wide variety of riding terrains – smooth tarmac, off road tracks, deserts, mountains and coastal rides – so the journeys offer a mix of riding to suit all skills and adventure levels. I really believe there is something for everyone in the book.” '; news['article_213']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_213']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/gmjotw1.jpg'; news['article_213']['image11_text'] = 'Author Colette Coleman with her BMW F 650 GS.'; news['article_213']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/gmjotw1.jpg'; news['article_213']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/gmjotw2.jpg'; news['article_213']['image12_text'] = 'The cover of the \'Great Motorcycle Journeys of the World\' book.'; news['article_213']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/gmjotw2.jpg'; news['article_213']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/gmjotw3.jpg'; news['article_213']['image13_text'] = '‘Divine intervention’ in Tibet'; news['article_213']['image13_save'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/gmjotw3.jpg'; news['article_213']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_213']['content2'] = 'Each route described in the book is accompanied by stunning photography and features a ‘tool box’ telling you when to visit, other routes in the region that can extend the ride, and exactly what options are available to you in terms of your motorcycle – whether you can take your own bike into the country, make arrangements to hire machines there, or book a bike-inclusive tour. A map also illustrates the route and the points of interest on the way.

As is the nature of motorcycle adventure travel, many of the stories and inspirational pictures in the book feature BMW bikes – and Colette is a big fan. She bought her first BMW – a 1984 R 80 G/S PD for about £1300. It was already 10-years-old when she bought it but it took her and her husband Steve all the way overland to Australia – around 40,000 kilometres through some pretty harsh terrain. After that, it was used by Steve for a couple of years as a ‘despatch’ bike to deliver parcels and packages all around London. Apparently, it never missed a beat.

“The R 80 G/S PD was the first BMW I had ever ridden and it was a brilliant bike,” said Colette. “It converted me to BMWs and I’ve owned two since – the F 650 on the inside cover sleeve of the book, which I took to Morocco and a R 100 GS PD which mainly did the daily commute. If I were to do a ‘big’ trip again it would definitely be on a BMW.”

Colette has just returned from a two-week trail ride in Costa Rica and has been invited to ride in Vietnam and China. Her plans for the future are to produce a follow-up book to Great Motorcycle Journeys of the World, using the same inspirational/colourful format but featuring some of the longer classic journeys such as Alaska to Argentina, London to Beijing or Trans Africa. For those thinking of starting out on their two-wheeled motorcycle adventures, her advice is quite simple:

“Choose a bike that is right for you and that you feel comfortable on – not the bike your friends want you to buy – and it doesn’t have to be the biggest or the newest on the market. Do, however, buy the best riding gear you can afford and if you are heading into Asia or Africa fit a loud horn and use it! Above all though, take a deep breath and relax – it is easier than you think.” '; news['article_213']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_213']['image21'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/gmjotw4.jpg'; news['article_213']['image21_text'] = 'Swapping saddles in Turkey.'; news['article_213']['image21_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/gmjotw4.jpg'; news['article_213']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_213']['content3'] = ''; news['article_213']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[104] = 213; news['article_214'] = new Array(); news['article_214']['articleId'] = 91; news['article_214']['day'] = '05'; news['article_214']['month'] = '02'; news['article_214']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_214']['title'] = 'BMW Motorcycle Sales Up Despite Weak Market'; news['article_214']['link_text'] = 'BMW Motorcycle Sales Up Despite Weak Market'; news['article_214']['subtitle1'] = '2008 Sales Outpace Industry'; news['article_214']['content1'] = 'Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 21, 2009... Despite a weakened motorcycle market, BMW Motorrad USA reported a gain (0.6 percent) in 2008 sales compared to 2007. Following a strong performance during each of the last six consecutive months, BMW motorcycle sales outperformed overall U.S. motorcycle sales, which dropped more than seven percent last year. Both retail and wholesale performance during October 2008 established all-new BMW Motorrad USA records.

“Our sustained success during these very difficult economic times speaks volumes about the strength of our brand, our new model initiatives and the quality of our dealers.” commented Pieter de Waal, Vice President, BMW Motorrad USA.

BMW motorcycle sales were boosted by consumer interest in several new adventure/sport-oriented models – the upgraded BMW R 1200 GS and GS Adventure and the all-new BMW F 650 GS and F 800 GS enduro motorcycles; the G 450 X sport enduro; and the HP2 Sport.

“The popularity of these new models demonstrates that more motorcyclists are embracing an adventure-sport lifestyle and seeking a modern combination of on- and off-road capabilities to explore roads less traveled,” added Mr. de Waal. “We have just the right motorcycles for these riders. We also have a great partner in BMW Financial Services which has allowed us to continue to finance consumers’ motorcycle purchases during these difficult financial times.”

This year, BMW Motorrad USA will introduce several new models to the U.S. market: the 2009 BMW K 1300 S -- the most powerful street-legal bike offered by BMW, the 2009 K 1300 GT, and BMW’s all-new 2009 World Superbike contender, the S 1000 RR.
BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 83 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:

www.bmwgroupna.com

www.bmwusa.com

www.bmwmotorcycles.com

www.miniusa.com

www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

# # #

Journalist note: Information about the BMW Group and its products is available to journalists on-line at the BMW Group PressClub at the following address: www.press.bmwgroup.com. Broadcast quality video footage is available via The NewsMarket at www.thenewsmarket.com.

# # #'; news['article_214']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_214']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_214']['content2'] = ''; news['article_214']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_214']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_214']['content3'] = ''; news['article_214']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[91] = 214; news['article_215'] = new Array(); news['article_215']['articleId'] = 92; news['article_215']['day'] = '02'; news['article_215']['month'] = '05'; news['article_215']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_215']['title'] = 'Outstanding Sales results in 2008 - BMW Motorrad Asserts Itself in Tough Market Conditions - Significant Growth for Husqvarna Motorcycles'; news['article_215']['link_text'] = 'Outstanding Sales results in 2008 – BMW Motorrad Asserts Itself in Tough Market Conditions'; news['article_215']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_215']['content1'] = 'Munich. In tough market conditions, BMW Motorrad has been able to follow up on its record sales of the previous year. In 2008, 101,685 (previous year: 102,467 units) BMW motorcycles were delivered to customers – a slight drop of 0.8%. Clear growth signals were shown especially in the second half of the year. In December, sales were even 9.3% above the level of the previous year at 7,457 units (previous year: 6,821 units).

Despite a decline in motorcycle markets in general, BMW Motorrad saw clear increases in sales in the European markets of Italy, France, Great Britain/Ireland, Switzerland, Austria, Greece and Poland as well as Latin America and South Africa amongst others. As a result of the ongoing product offensive, the blue-and-white brand was able to assert itself impressively in the other export markets and in some cases significantly increase market shares.

In Germany, the biggest single market for BMW Motorrad, a total of 18,112 BMW motorcycles were newly registered (previous year: 22,065 units), a decline of 17.9%. Nonetheless BMW Motorrad was able to maintain market leadership in the overall market, which once again declined (minus 8.8 %), as well as in the segment of motorcycles over 500 cc. The BMW share of the total market as of December was 17.3% (previous year: 19.2%), in the segment over 500 cc the market share was 18.1% (previous year: 20.4%).

As in the previous year, the second biggest market for BMW Motorrad was Italy. 15,342 BMW motorcycles (previous year: 14,533 units) were newly registered, an increase of 5.6%. In the Italian market as a whole, in which there was a general decline (total market: minus 8.6%), BMW not only recorded an increase in registrations but was also able to expand its market share to 11.2 % (previous year: 9.7%).

In the USA too, BMW Motorrad’s third largest market, the total market declined by 4.6 %. Nonetheless 0.6% more BMW motorcycles were registered by customers than in the previous year, with total sales of 11,839 units (previous year: 11,768 units); at the same time the BMW Motorrad market share increased from 1.7% to 1.8%.

The most successful model overall in 2008 was once again the travel enduro BMW R 1200 GS (22,845 units) followed by its sibling model, the R 1200 GS Adventure (12,460 units). As compared to the previous year, 2,298 more units of the R 1200 GS were delivered to customers, while sales of the Adventure were 2,930 units above the previous year.

It was followed in third place by the touring bike R 1200 RT with 11,001 motorcycles delivered.

The F enduro models, not available until March 2008 (autumn 2008: market launch of the F 800 GS overseas), also became sales hits. The F 800 GS achieved sales of 10,261 units, while the F 650 GS achieved 9,644 units and came fifth in the popularity ranking of BMW motorcycles.'; news['article_215']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_215']['subtitle2'] = 'Husqvarna Motorcycles grows by about a third.'; news['article_215']['content2'] = 'Husqvarna Motorcycles, the second motorcycle brand of the BMW Group, grew significantly in 2008. The oldest motorcycle brand in the world still in active production delivered 13,511 motorcycles in its first year after being taken over by the BMW Group, a plus of 31% as compared to the previous year. Growth stimuli here came mainly from overseas markets. '; news['article_215']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_215']['subtitle3'] = 'BMW Motorrad – the prospects for 2009.'; news['article_215']['content3'] = 'The model range of BMW Motorrad is broader than ever in 2009. In the worlds of experience Enduro, Tour, Urban, Sport and HP there are fascinating motorcycles to meet virtually every taste. The program is complemented with an extensive range of accessories and rider equipment.

As of February, the model revision of the BMW K series will be available to customers – the K 1300 S and K 1300 GT.

The 2009 season will also see BMW Motorrad’s entry into the segment of super sports bikes. The BMW S 1000 RR will enter the Superbike World Championship, the most important racing series for motorcycles close to serial production. The market launch of the standard model will take place later on in the year.

The second racing highlight of the year is BMW’s involvement in the sports enduro area. The BMW Motorrad Motorsport Off-Road Team will enter the World Enduro Championship with the G 450 X, as well as taking part in national and international cross country championships.'; news['article_215']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[92] = 215; news['article_216'] = new Array(); news['article_216']['articleId'] = 86; news['article_216']['day'] = '16'; news['article_216']['month'] = '01'; news['article_216']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_216']['title'] = 'BMW G 450 X and José Manuel Pellicer win the Africa Race rally'; news['article_216']['link_text'] = 'BMW G 450 X and José Manuel Pellicer win the Africa Race Rally'; news['article_216']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_216']['content1'] = 'A Spanish BMW rider has won the \'Africa Race\' rally on a G 450 X sport enduro. José Manuel Pellicer battled through Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal on a modified 450cc BMW to win the race that closely followed the old Dakar Rally route across approximately 7,500 kilometres of north African terrain.

Although security fears led to the cancellation of last year\'s Dakar Rally and its subsequent transfer to South America for 2009, a number of rally riders and drivers ignored potential terrorist threats and braved the Saharan Desert to participate in this \'Africa Race\' rally, organised by former BMW Dakar Rally champion Hubert Auriol.

Spanish rider José Manuel Pellicer was one of those who opted for the Africa Race, which started in Marseille on 28 December and finished on 11 January in Senegal.

The rider from Benicarló in the Castellón province managed to cross the finish line with his BMW in first place in ten out of 12 stages of this competition. Furthermore, he not only has managed to dominate the race from beginning to end, but he was also the fastest participant on many of the stages, beating even the best times of some of the car drivers!

Despite the toughness of the opening trails, as well as having to lead the navigation though the African wilderness, José Manuel Pellicer\'s professionalism and outstanding riding ability shone through, as did the flawless performance of his BMW G 450 X. His excellent result was the first time that a 450cc motorcycle has won a rally raid in Africa, and what\'s even more remarkable is that his G 450 X BMW didn\'t even need a single part replacing throughout the rally\'s duration. All that was required was an oil change and filter cleaning.

We had brought a spare engine with us and had planned to change it during the rest day, which is something that is usually done in these kind of raids,\" said José Manuel. \"But when we realised that the one we were using was in perfect condition, we decided to continue with the same engine until the end of the race.\"

For BMW this achievement signals the first victory in a raid since 2000, when BMW Motorrad Motorsport won the Dakar Rally with Richard Sainct the victor and Óscar Gallardo finishing in second position on the factory F 650 RR. In 2001 BMW also took part in this competition with the twin GS - where the late great John Deacon finished in sixth place on the R 900 RR and Andrea Meyer won the \'Ladies Cup\' on an F 650 RR - but between then and Pellicer\'s recent African success, no other BMW has won a raid.

\"I have so many interesting stories from this Africa Race,\" said José Manuel Pellicer. \"For instance, the BMW motorcycle I was riding was so fast that once I arrived at the end of the stage before anybody had even set the finish line up! I was timed from the helicopter and I had to wait on my own in the desert for one hour before anybody arrived!\"

José Manuel Pellicer managed to win nearly all the stages of the rally, with just two exceptions. One involved a harmless crash; the other - which took place during the final stage, near the Lac Rose - saw him stop to help French rider Olivier Le Cocq, who\'d had a severe accident.

BMW Motorrad Spain was understandably delighted with José Manuel\'s results in this Africa Race, especially after having provided him with sponsorship and technical assistance in preparation for this rally raid. With very little time to prepare a G 450 X for the rally, BMW Motorrad Spain pulled out all the stops to help prepare the bike for the competition. Fortunately, it only needed a few modifications, such as front and rear fuel tanks, a support platform for the navigation devices, a rubber device in the rear wheel to soften the acceleration, a modified exhaust system, and Öhlins suspension.

The finished bike, which remained close to the series production model, took a delighted José Manuel Pellicer to the victory: \"I was very surprised by the capability of the BMW G 450 X and I\'m sure this motorcycle will leave a legacy,\" he said.'; news['article_216']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_216']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/G450X_Africa_Rally1.jpg'; news['article_216']['image11_text'] = 'José Manuel Pellicer with his BMW G 450 X'; news['article_216']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/G450X_Africa_Rally1.jpg'; news['article_216']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/G450X_Africa_Rally2.jpg'; news['article_216']['image12_text'] = 'Participating in the ‘Africa Race’ rally on the modified sport enduro.'; news['article_216']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/G450X_Africa_Rally2.jpg'; news['article_216']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/G450X_Africa_Rally3.jpg'; news['article_216']['image13_text'] = 'The race closely followed the old Dakar Rally route through Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal.'; news['article_216']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/G450X_Africa_Rally3.jpg'; news['article_216']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_216']['content2'] = ''; news['article_216']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_216']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_216']['content3'] = ''; news['article_216']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[86] = 216; news['article_217'] = new Array(); news['article_217']['articleId'] = 87; news['article_217']['day'] = '16'; news['article_217']['month'] = '01'; news['article_217']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_217']['title'] = 'When the Going Gets Tough, David Knight Gets Going'; news['article_217']['link_text'] = 'When the Going Gets Tough, David Knight Gets Going'; news['article_217']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_217']['content1'] = 'As part of his pre-season preparations, BMW Motorrad Motorsport\'s new recruit David Knight will contest this year\'s \'Tough One\' extreme sprint scramble on a BMW G 450 X sport enduro.

The fifth running of one of the United Kingdom\'s most popular extreme enduro events takes place this weekend at the Nantmawr Quarry in Oswestry, Shropshire, and the 30-year-old from Ballaugh in the Isle of Man will be returning with the aim of taking his fifth Tough One title in a row.

Having signed for the factory team late last year, David is keen to get as much experience on the BMW sport enduro as possible, in preparation for an assault on the 2009 Enduro World Championship, as well as other selected extreme enduro events. Just last weekend, the Manxman competed in the Dalby Mountain Enduro on the Isle of Man, beating his brother Juan to post a first win on his competitive debut for BMW, riding a series production G 450 X with modified suspension. Despite nursing a sore wrist and ribs, David is looking forwards to being the only BMW rider at \'The Tough One\' this weekend.

\"The Tough One has been an important part of my pre-season preparations for the last four years, as well as an event I really enjoyed competing in,\" said David. \"As well as being a great event it gives me the chance to compete in front of a home crowd - something I\'ve not been able to do too much of during the past two years as I raced in the States. This year the Tough One is the only extreme event I will compete in pre-season, so it\'s extra special.\"

Trying to stop David Knight from a fifth consecutive victory will be a whole multitude of world-class riders that will be eager to get their hands on the \'winner takes all\' £2,000 prize fund and relieve \'Knighter\' of his coveted crown. These include KTM factory rider Taddy Blazusiak, who will be out to go one better than his runner-up position last year; established extreme stars like Wayne Braybrook; four-times World Enduro Champion Paul Edmondson; current British Enduro Champion Tom Sagar, and many other top-class riders from the UK enduro scene.

\"Like at any extreme event anything can happen and nothing\'s guaranteed until the race finishes. Obviously, having won the event four times before I\'m feeling confident but there\'s some very strong competition. Competing on my BMW for the first time will add a little excitement, and it\'s the first time I\'ve raced the event on a four-stroke. I know that there\'s a handful of riders that want to stop me from winning for a fifth time but I\'m ready to give the race everything.\"

This year\'s course has been planned for close racing and designed to offer the greatest possible entertainment to spectators, which of course means that it will be incredibly gruelling for the riders, who will begin the Tough One with a 300-metre run uphill just to get to their machines! As well as the usual natural obstacles such as gnarly rocks and root-infested climbs, there will also be log crossings, field sections, tyres, cars and even wagons to overcome. A lap of around four kilometres will keep the racing sharp, that\'s for sure.

David is very much looking forward to competing this weekend, although his main focus is keeping himself fit and sharp for the forthcoming season - in his opinion the most exciting of his career to date.

\"My goal this year is to win BMW their first World Enduro Championship title. The level of competition in the WEC is higher than ever so it\'s going to be a challenging season, but one I\'m really looking forward to. Everyone in the team is working hard to make sure we can produce the best results possible. There\'s two months before the WEC starts, and I can\'t wait.\"

David Knight profile:

Nationality - Manx

Current residence - Ballaugh, Isle of Man

Date of Birth - 31/05/1978

Birthplace - Douglas, Isle of Man

Family - single

Height/Weight - 6\'4\" / 207 lbs (1.95m / 94kg)

Hobbies - trials riding and all motorsports

Year turned pro - 2000

Bike - BMW G 450 X

Mechanic - Scott Brooker (Scotty)

Class - WEC E3

Startnumber - 101

Career Highlights

GNCC Champion XC-1 2007/8

GBXC Champion 2008

Mexico Fun Enduro Winner 2008

AMA Endurocross Champion 2007

FIM Indoor Enduro World Champion 2007/8

A4DE Champion 2007

Two-times World Enduro Champion 2005/06

2nd place World Enduro Champion 2000/01/02/04

Two-times Erzberg Extreme Winner

U.S. Red Bull Last Man Standing Winner 2005 and 2006

AMA Enduro Cross Champion 2005

ISDE Overall Winner 2005

Six-times British Enduro Champion'; news['article_217']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_217']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/when_the_going_gets_tough1.jpg'; news['article_217']['image11_text'] = 'David Knight with a series production G 450 X.'; news['article_217']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/when_the_going_gets_tough1.jpg'; news['article_217']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_217']['content2'] = ''; news['article_217']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_217']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_217']['content3'] = ''; news['article_217']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[87] = 217; news['article_218'] = new Array(); news['article_218']['articleId'] = 88; news['article_218']['day'] = '16'; news['article_218']['month'] = '01'; news['article_218']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_218']['title'] = 'Pfeiffer Trials to be Wild'; news['article_218']['link_text'] = 'Pfeiffer Trials to be Wild'; news['article_218']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_218']['content1'] = 'Last week, temperatures sank to record lows in parts of Germany, as Arctic weather gripped much of the country. However, none of this was bothering Deutschland\'s very own Chris Pfeiffer, who was 10,000 kilometres away, basking in the South African summer sunshine at the Red Bull Trial to be Wild road show, where he performed in front of thousands of fans at various venues along the country\'s famous Garden Route.

The Trial to be Wild road show took place from 4-11 January and consisted of a series of impromptu and scheduled shows performed by Pfeiffer and local Supermoto and trials extraordinaire Brian Capper. The shows kicked off in Port Elizabeth and stopped all along the Garden Route in places such as Jeffrey\'s Bay, Knysna Quays and George, before ending in Cape Town a week later.

For Chris, it was a fantastic experience to ride in such an impressive country and he welcomed the opportunity to share the stage with Brian Capper. Brian is South Africa\'s very own National Supermoto Champion, who started riding motocross at the age of nine, before graduating to trials riding at 11-years-old. He won his first National title at age 18 and has more recently spent a year in America competing in the USA National Supermoto Championships. As he is the world\'s first rider to do a back flip on a trial bike, he had the respect of Chris, especially as he is also hoping to become a stunt rider just like Pfeiffer.

\"Brian and I had a fantastic time performing shows at some amazing places along the coast,\" said Chris. \"The Red Bull team filmed the whole trip and had promoted it very well with posters, flyers, promo girls etc., so we rode at a variety of venues in front of all sorts of people from all kinds of different backgrounds. For many, it was they first time they had seen me ride, so I had some great reactions - especially when we performed at a \'Wheelz of Fury\' event in Cape Town, where the crowd went absolutely crazy!

As news of the Trial to be Wild tour spread among the motorcycling community, locals and tourists, both Chris and Brian found themselves performing to bigger and bigger crowds, but for Pfeiffer the real challenge was adapting to the variety of different surfaces he encountered.

\"There was no real chance to practise on this tour, as we just turned up at a town, set-up the rig, arranged the various obstacles and started the shows,\" he said. \"Some of the venues were quite tight for space, so the routines had to be exactly right, and many of the surfaces we rode on were \'block paving\' which is very slippery and presented quite a challenge in terms of the grip available! It was very interesting to perform to all sorts of people. The first show saw us entertain crowds in quite a deprived area, whereas our final show took place at a posh country club in front of some fairly \'high society\' people. They couldn\'t quite believe what they were seeing at first, but their polite applause soon became a lot more vocal and they ended up cheering us, just like everyone at all the other venues!\"

Chris also took time out from his busy schedule to make some excellent pictures with the scenic Cape Town cityscape as a backdrop. Once he returns to Germany he will concentrate his efforts on preparing for the forthcoming Indoor Freestyle World Championship event, which takes place in Zurich, Switzerland from 19 to 22 February. There, he will be hoping to \"do the triple\" and win the competition for the third consecutive year. '; news['article_218']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_218']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/pfeiffer_trials_to_be_wild1.jpg'; news['article_218']['image11_text'] = 'Chris Pfeiffer somersaults over his F 800 R stunt bike in sunny South Africa'; news['article_218']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/pfeiffer_trials_to_be_wild1.jpg'; news['article_218']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_218']['content2'] = ''; news['article_218']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_218']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_218']['content3'] = ''; news['article_218']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[88] = 218; news['article_219'] = new Array(); news['article_219']['articleId'] = 89; news['article_219']['day'] = '16'; news['article_219']['month'] = '01'; news['article_219']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_219']['title'] = 'Real Riders on Real World Bikes'; news['article_219']['link_text'] = 'Real Riders on Real World Bikes'; news['article_219']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_219']['content1'] = 'Motorcycle advertising campaigns are usually pretty impressive, appealing as they do to our emotional natures and evoking endless possibilities of escapism, new horizons and eternal youth.

For a manufacturer such as BMW Motorrad, having a sought-after product such as the legendary GS range is great for business, but continuous marketing and promotion is necessary in the light of the current economic climate, as well as ever increasing numbers of cheaper imitations of course. Many people say that the best form of advertising is \'word of mouth\' endorsement, and this has certainly been the case in BMW Motorrad USA\'s latest print advertising campaign that shows genuine BMW owners in inspiring scenarios.

One of the featured riders is Brienne Thomson, who made it through to the last six during the American team selection process for the inaugural International GS Trophy event in Tunisia. The \"twenty-something\" dirt bike fan teaches English to international college students at San Diego State University. She currently owns a G 650 Xchallenge but is willing to ride anything - including the big R 1200 GS that she rode for the selection trials at Spartanburg in South Carolina. The picture, which is currently featuring in top US bike magazines such as Cycle World and Rider, was taken after a day of gruelling tests and challenges, and conveys a definite sense of realism, showing rider and bike in a truly authentic setting.

\"This picture was taken just after our \'Spartanburg Six\' team rode, pushed, pulled and carried several R 1200 GS bikes down and through a wet creek bed, over logs and in-between trees, and then - since we apparently weren\'t destroyed enough - all the way back again! I wasn\'t just exhausted in the picture - I was beat,\" said Brienne. \"Also, as an Xchallenge rider, my technical experience on the bigger GS models was limited, to say the least. So when I found out that we\'d be riding the R 1200 GS for the Spartanburg Six judgment instead of the F 800 GS, I took it as a weightier challenge …

Despite the physical exhaustion and having a swollen back from picking up the big GS again and again, Brienne thinks it was all worth the pain and that she would definitely go through the experience another time. Adventure is in her blood though, as is shown by her love of the \'great outdoors\', counting running, mountain biking, road bike riding, skydiving, scuba diving, hiking, camping and even triathlon among her many hobbies. Brienne learnt to ride motorcycles after finishing college and within 18 months had started road racing. She started riding dirt bikes in order to improve her overall riding skills, but fell in love with it, owning a variety of smaller-capacity off-road machines before deciding on BMW\'s big single-cylinder G 650 Xchallenge.

\"My Xchallenge has taken me through the deserts and mountains of California and to the RawHyde Ranch - BMW\'s outstanding dual-sport training center in Castaic, California. I love the bike\'s lightweight and supple \'dirtbike-esque\' handling, especially compared to the larger more street oriented models. It has the motor to get up anything and the capabilities to easily handle tight, technical trails.\"'; news['article_219']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_219']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/real_riders_real_bikes1.jpg'; news['article_219']['image11_text'] = 'Brienne Thomson features in one of BMW Motorrad USA’s latest print advertising campaigns.'; news['article_219']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/real_riders_real_bikes1.jpg'; news['article_219']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/real_riders_real_bikes2.jpg'; news['article_219']['image12_text'] = 'Brienne after winning the Imperial Beach Duathlon in 2007'; news['article_219']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/real_riders_real_bikes2.jpg'; news['article_219']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/real_riders_real_bikes3.jpg'; news['article_219']['image13_text'] = 'An example of one of the \'self-made\' ads'; news['article_219']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/real_riders_real_bikes3.jpg'; news['article_219']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_219']['content2'] = 'According to Brienne, featuring in one of the official BMW Motorrad USA print ads and seeing her image in bike magazines nationally is just \"an unanticipated by-product of enjoying life\" and she is looking forwards to hearing from old friends or riders who discover the advertisement while reading this month\'s bike magazines. Also featuring in the series adverts are American GS Trophy team members Jason Adams and Jimmy Lewis, and there are currently plans to extend this campaign to cover the F 800 GS as well as the exciting, powerful new line of K Series bikes.

Unofficially though, many American BMW riders have been inspired by this \'real riders\' ad campaign - so much so that one of them even created his own advertisement. BMW Motorrad USA liked this concept so much that they decided to make a \'real riders\' template available for other BMW owners to insert a picture of themselves on their bike, add a title of their choice and then show it the world! The response to this facility has been fantastic, according to Shahram Shiva.

\"We have had both male and female riders respond, via our BMWXplor.com website and most of the entries are on GS bikes, as you\'d imagine. I think this is a concept that could take off internationally though, as BMW riders have a very special bond with their motorcycles and they would be eager to create their own ads if the opportunity is provided - and especially if there is a good online venue for these ads to be displayed.\"

Shahram believes that BMW riders are naturally more adventurous than other riders and that the latest advertising campaign reflects the Unstoppable nature of typical owners, who want to ride further and faster than other riders - and to more exciting places.

\"I think, in the US at least, motorcyclists come to BMW because they want to experience more than just riding their bikes to a bike night, or a weekend gathering. So, typically, a BMW rider would be more interested in the world and more seriously into riding their bikes. They buy BMWs to actually use, rather than pose or just go fast for a few miles on a Sunday morning. It\'s the brand for serious riders.\"'; news['article_219']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_219']['image21'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/real_riders_real_bikes4.jpg'; news['article_219']['image21_text'] = 'Another example of a self-made ad'; news['article_219']['image21_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/real_riders_real_bikes4.jpg'; news['article_219']['image22'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/real_riders_real_bikes5.jpg'; news['article_219']['image22_text'] = 'Northern California couple, Melinda and Greg Clouse, who feature in the new K 1300 GT print advertisement.'; news['article_219']['image22_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/real_riders_real_bikes5.jpg'; news['article_219']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_219']['content3'] = ''; news['article_219']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[89] = 219; news['article_220'] = new Array(); news['article_220']['articleId'] = 90; news['article_220']['day'] = '16'; news['article_220']['month'] = '01'; news['article_220']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_220']['title'] = 'Munich to Bangkok - a Review'; news['article_220']['link_text'] = 'Munich to Bangkok - a Review'; news['article_220']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_220']['content1'] = 'From the comfort of his Cologne apartment Sebastian Klein has been reflecting on the past eight months, which have seen the youngster travel from Munich to Kuala Lumpur via Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Thailand and Malaysia among others, aboard his trusty F 800 GS. From the highs of crossing the Iranian desert to the lows of having to change his final destination at the 11th hour, Sebastian has experienced a mix of emotions during his time on the road. He has faced all challenges head on and, thanks to the durability of the F 800 GS, has been able to fulfil his ambition of getting \'off the beaten track\' to explore some of the world\'s most extreme environments.

Having departed Munich in May, Sepp intended to reach Bangkok by early December; all the while soaking up the experience of a solitary long-distance motorcycle tour. But a political demonstration in Bangkok\'s major airport just as Sepp could almost touch the finishing line ruined his hopes of completing the planned route. However the intrepid explorer was not disappointed by the news. Instead he treated the change of plan as just another chapter in the story of his epic voyage.

Here he gives an insight into a truly amazing journey and describes a period of time that will change his life forever…

What have you been doing since you arrived back home?

Getting used to the climate! I also had to move a lot of my belongings from Munich to Cologne as I had been living in Munich before the trip. I have been working to complete my university degree too. I have my final test at the end of March, so apart from the holiday period, I\'ve not allowed myself to rest. I know that if I take a break now, I won\'t finish my university work, which is very important.

Does it feel strange to be back to a normal way of living?

I think I\'ve finally got used to it. It was difficult to adjust during the first week back at home, but I gradually established a rhythm to my life, which helped me settle down much quicker. It was very strange at first though. After visiting huge, modern and impressive malls in Malaysia, going shopping in the malls in Germany felt very odd. I\'d never stopped to look at the mall – I used to just go in, get my shopping, and then go home. But I find myself stopping and taking notice of everything. Also, I must have walked out of my front door thousands of times in the past without taking notice of my surroundings, but since coming back from the journey, I stop and look around and take everything in.

How do you reflect on your time on the road?

I\'m completely happy with everything I did on the trip and I look back at it with very fond memories. I recognised that the trip would be a great opportunity to learn new things about myself, and it certainly turned out that way. I was put into many different situations, each of which gave me the opportunity to do new things. One example is in India, where I got up every morning and there were 100 people staring at me while I packed my bike, insisting on pushing every button on it. In Germany, if this happened to me, I\'d be very annoyed! Of course, it annoyed me the first two days in India, but then I realised that I had to be tolerant as it was an entirely different culture.

I\'m lucky that I don\'t have many regrets at all. I suppose that, if anything, I wish I had spent more time in some of the countries than I had. I knew that this would be the case when I was putting the plans together, simply because I was fitting so many countries in such a short amount of time. I actually felt this about most of the countries I visited but naturally there were some countries where I felt I had stayed long enough. Despite this, I never felt that I had spent too long in a country.

Do you have to be a certain type of person to be on the road for such a long amount of time?

I thought about this question just a few days ago. I was watching a television programme called \'I will live my dream\'. It followed a man who moved to Norway to live his dream of piloting a sleigh pulled by Husky dogs and make a living from this. He was very naïve about the challenges involved in achieving his dream. He didn\'t realise that the snow was seasonal and there was a lot of hard work to be done to prepare for the winter. Ultimately, he left Norway even before the snow came! Had he overcome the challenges, he would have been able to live his dream. In this sense, I think it takes a certain amount of resilience to be able to remain focussed on your targets and overcome any challenges, rather than avoiding them.

What was the most difficult aspect of being on the road?

Of course I missed my girlfriend, friends and family. However, I never felt as though any part of the trip was particularly difficult, perhaps just challenging.

What was the most enjoyable aspect of the trip?

Apart from the landscapes and the fantastic riding, I would have to say meeting so many nice people. Regardless of where I was in the world, I always felt welcome. If ever I needed any help, even though I was a stranger, there would immediately be somebody there even though they had nothing to gain from helping me. That was fantastic.

You must have so many lifelong memories of the trip. Which is the memory that stands out the most?

I think that northern India made the biggest impression on me. Whenever I think about the trip, those memories are the first that come to my mind. I hadn\'t been to the Himalayas before I embarked on the journey and they certainly made their mark! '; news['article_220']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_220']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/munich_to_bangkok1.jpg'; news['article_220']['image11_text'] = 'Sebastian Klein in Malaysia'; news['article_220']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/munich_to_bangkok1.jpg'; news['article_220']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/munich_to_bangkok2.jpg'; news['article_220']['image12_text'] = 'Sebastian Klein in Cambodia'; news['article_220']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/munich_to_bangkok2.jpg'; news['article_220']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/munich_to_bangkok3.jpg'; news['article_220']['image13_text'] = 'Sebastian Klein in India and joined by his girlfriend for a short time.'; news['article_220']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/munich_to_bangkok3.jpg'; news['article_220']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_220']['content2'] = 'Were you close to having any accidents on the trip?

Because of the distances I travelled I naturally had a few small scrapes but nothing major thankfully. I was concentrating very hard while I was on the bike and I think that helped me avoid too much danger. I felt the most in danger riding around the middle of India as the roads there are terrible and it seems as though there aren\'t any rules! There are just too many people and vehicles competing for space.

You completed the ride aboard a BMW F 800 GS. After thousands of kilometres of riding, how would you assess the bike?

It\'s simply perfect. I wouldn\'t make any changes to the bike. Before the trip we added a few Touratech parts and altered the rear suspension slightly, but that was it. It is a great bike for any type of riding and it felt comfortable on every terrain I rode on, from perfect roads to deep sand.

Do you plan any other similar projects in the future?

I have a long list of places I have yet to visit. But I suppose I need to assess whether a trip like this will be possible in the future. I need to complete my university course, find a career and I also plan to have a family sooner or later. Despite this, I remain passionate about undertaking big trips, as long as they are taken on my own transport rather than trains or buses. You can\'t beat the freedom of going where you want, when you want.

What advice would you give to anybody planning a trip on this scale?

I receive many questions from people thinking about going on big journeys and I always insist that the most important thing to bear in mind is the amount of time travelling takes. One person wanted to travel from Germany to China in five weeks and although it\'s possible, I think they would regret not spending enough time enjoying the trip – they would be more focussed on just getting to their destination in time. I always recommend using the BMW F 800 GS though, as it didn\'t let me down on my trip.

Do you think that you have become a better motorcyclist as a result?

For sure, because despite where you are in the world, no road or journey is exactly the same. I was used to enduro and motocross bikes before the Munich to Bangkok project, so it took a little bit of time getting used to riding the F 800 GS off-road, but once I had perfected it, I never looked back. '; news['article_220']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_220']['image21'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/munich_to_bangkok4.jpg'; news['article_220']['image21_text'] = 'Locals gather around the bike at a small town in Turkey.'; news['article_220']['image21_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/munich_to_bangkok4.jpg'; news['article_220']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_220']['content3'] = ''; news['article_220']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[90] = 220; news['article_221'] = new Array(); news['article_221']['articleId'] = 83; news['article_221']['day'] = '09'; news['article_221']['month'] = '01'; news['article_221']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_221']['title'] = 'Homeward Bound'; news['article_221']['link_text'] = 'Homeward Bound'; news['article_221']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_221']['content1'] = 'After an exhausting eight months on the road, Sebastian Klein has finally completed his Munich to Bangkok ride, although the journey didn\'t end as he had originally planned...

Over the past months, Sepp has had to endure food poisoning, blistering heat and altitude sickness on his epic journey; however it was the recent well-publicised political demonstrations in Thailand that ultimately had the biggest impact on his plans. The country\'s capital, Bangkok, had been chosen by Sepp as the final destination for his journey some time before he departed Munich in May, however he couldn\'t have predicted the scenes at Bangkok airport in November.

Thousands of anti-government demonstrators halted flights in and out of the airport, forcing Sepp to reconsider his plans. With the prospect of an indefinite wait until flights started leaving the country, Sepp decided to travel back to Malaysia and fly home from Kuala Lumpur, but not before arranging the shipment of his BMW F 800 GS motorcycle back to Germany.

\"The journey came to a pretty strange end!\" remarks Sepp. \"I got to within 50km of Bangkok and was having tremendous difficulty finding a reasonable price to ship my bike back to Germany. This, combined with a possible two-week wait to get a flight made me turn around and go back to Kuala Lumpur. Originally, I only had around 250km to ride from Koh Chang to finish my journey, however this soon turned into 2,000km as my plans changed.\"

From the comfort of his apartment in Köln, Sepp reflects on the unpredictable conclusion to his marathon trip. \"The riding during the last few days wasn\'t particularly inspiring - it was mostly highways,\" he says. \"But I had a long way to travel, so I got in the saddle and just kept riding. I think one day I rode from 7am until 5am the following morning. I was becoming increasingly tired, and then I remembered what I had been told by a policeman in Northern Thailand earlier in my trip. He told me that if a tourist is tired from driving or riding, then the highway police will offer them a couch to sleep on at the nearest highway patrol office. I soon found an office, but the police there had never heard of this! Nevertheless, they gave me a place to rest my head and then the following day I rode solidly to reach Kuala Lumpur.\"

Once in the Malaysian capital, Sepp set about finding a company that was prepared to ship the F 800 GS that had served him so well, back to Germany. Although the diversion from Bangkok was an unforeseen problem, it did little to dampen his wish to complete his quest and return home having experienced the trip of a lifetime. \"I hadn\'t booked any flights in Kuala Lumpur as I have learnt on my travels that it is vital that the shipment of the bike is finalised before you make any travel plans yourself, as there could be delays with the bike, which would require you to cancel and rearrange flights,\" he says. \"I used the same company that I had when I had the bike shipped to Malaysia from India so there were no problems at all and I was soon on my way home.\"

Sat in front of the television in Koh Chang waiting for news of whether or not he could fly out of Bangkok airport must have made Sepp feel a million miles away from home. As the situation unfolded, it became clear that Thailand\'s transport infrastructure had ground to a halt and as a result, his plans were thrown into the air. But despite the impassioned protests that gripped Thailand, Sepp reveals that he didn\'t feel threatened by the escalating political instability.

\"I never felt in danger while I was in Thailand waiting for news from Bangkok,\" he admits. \"Koh Chang was full of tourists just wanting to go home. Although the atmosphere was strange, there was no trouble. Of course, there are worse places to be stranded, but after months of being on the move, I didn\'t enjoy just sitting and waiting. However, the trouble in Thailand didn\'t take the shine off the journey at all. It was just a few difficult days out of eight months.\"

With over 25,000km of unforgettable riding now behind him, Sepp is currently adjusting to life back at home. The cold and damp conditions that faced him when he arrived in Cologne are in stark contrast to the sun-drenched beaches he left behind in Koh Chang. \"It\'s great to be back home, although it has taken me a few days to get over the jet lag and get used to the temperature in Cologne. It\'s freezing!\" he jokes. \"I think I have slept in my own bed for three nights now, which is probably the longest I have slept in the same bed for over eight months. It doesn\'t feel like I have been gone for that long, as the time has just flown by.\"

Although the journey is now complete, there is just one more task facing Sepp before he can consider the adventure over. \"The bike is due back in Hamburg soon, but I\'m not sure I\'m looking forward to riding it in Germany just yet - it\'s far too cold!\" he says. \"In all seriousness, it would be great to travel to Hamburg and pick the bike up and ride it home. It would be the perfect ending to this fantastic adventure.\" '; news['article_221']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_221']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/homeward_bound_1.jpg'; news['article_221']['image11_text'] = 'An exhausted Sebastian Klein after some serious trail riding in Thailand.'; news['article_221']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/homeward_bound_1.jpg'; news['article_221']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/homeward_bound_2.jpg'; news['article_221']['image12_text'] = 'The F 800 GS loaded to the maximum in a village in Laos.'; news['article_221']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/homeward_bound_2.jpg'; news['article_221']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/homeward_bound_3.jpg'; news['article_221']['image13_text'] = 'Sepp takes some time out at the end of the trip to pose in front of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.'; news['article_221']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/homeward_bound_3.jpg'; news['article_221']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_221']['content2'] = ''; news['article_221']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_221']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_221']['content3'] = ''; news['article_221']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[83] = 221; news['article_222'] = new Array(); news['article_222']['articleId'] = 84; news['article_222']['day'] = '09'; news['article_222']['month'] = '01'; news['article_222']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_222']['title'] = 'Great Australian F 800 GS'; news['article_222']['link_text'] = 'Great Australian F 800 GS'; news['article_222']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_222']['content1'] = 'In 1981 The Great North Run half marathon was first held in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in England. It has now grown to be the largest of its kind in the world and has expanded into other \'Great Run\' races in the UK. Founded by former British athletics champion, Brendon Foster, The Great Run has now gone international with races in Australia and Ethiopia.

The Great Australian Run was recently held in Melbourne, one of the world\'s great sporting cities. The 15km race started and finished in the main straight of the Albert Park F1 street circuit. The picturesque course through the streets of Melbourne gave the 400 runners a unique view of such iconic Melbourne landmarks as the MCG, home to the 1956 Olympic and 2006 Commonwealth Games; the Melbourne Tennis Centre and the impressive Flinders Street railway station.

It was a run for the masses but with a full international field headed by twice-Olympic gold medallist Haile Gebrselassie. The 35-year-old Ethiopian is also the world marathon record holder (2.03.59) and is arguably the greatest distance runner ever. The women\'s field contained Romanian Constantina Dita-Tomescu and Catherine Ndereba of Kenya, gold and silver medallists in the woman\'s marathon at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

However, the best seat in the house for The Great Australian Run was on an F 800 GS supplied by BMW Motorrad Australia. The dynamic and nimble travel enduro was the ideal mount for local journalist Damien Cook as he carried the course photographer into the heart of the action. The former Australian marathon representative - who had previously ridden the F 800 GS in the Australian bush - was impressed with the way it took to the city.

\"It was all action from the gun, keeping up with both women\'s and men\'s races,\" said Damien. \"It was important to give the photographer the best opportunity to get the images that would take the race to media around the world. The manoeuvrability and tractability of the bike at slow speed - even with the photographer moving about - was impressive, as was the ability of the long-travel suspension to cope with the occasional kerb that need to be mounted!\"

The Great Australian Run victories were celebrated by Haile Gebrselassie, who won the men\'s race and Catherine Ndereba, who was fastest in the women\'s. It was a great success and the F 800 GS was a vital part of the event, helping take the images of these legendary athletes to a worldwide audience. '; news['article_222']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_222']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Great_Australian_F800GS_1.jpg'; news['article_222']['image11_text'] = 'Damien Cooke on the F 800 GS on the start line of Melbourne’s Great Australian Run.'; news['article_222']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Great_Australian_F800GS_1.jpg'; news['article_222']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Great_Australian_F800GS_2.jpg'; news['article_222']['image12_text'] = 'Passing the iconic Flinders Street station building on the BMW F 800 GS.'; news['article_222']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Great_Australian_F800GS_2.jpg'; news['article_222']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_222']['content2'] = ''; news['article_222']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_222']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_222']['content3'] = ''; news['article_222']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[84] = 222; news['article_223'] = new Array(); news['article_223']['articleId'] = 85; news['article_223']['day'] = '09'; news['article_223']['month'] = '01'; news['article_223']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_223']['title'] = 'Make 2009 the year of your biggest motorcycle adventure'; news['article_223']['link_text'] = 'Make 2009 the year of your biggest motorcycle adventure'; news['article_223']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_223']['content1'] = 'In the second of our features on motorcycle tour operators, we profile GlobeRiders, one of the world\'s premier adventure touring companies, which has just announced details of its tour itineraries for 2009. If the spirit of adventure is in your blood, why not set that spirit free next year and join GlobeRiders in making tracks around the world.

Founded by renowned Norwegian photographer and adventurer Helge Pedersen (author of the legendary 10 Years on 2 Wheels book) GlobeRiders focuses on long-haul journeys, and includes shipment of your own personal motorcycle for every one.

Included in all tour packages are the services of staff guides and local guides; a support or recovery vehicle with local drivers; GPS waypoints and tracks from pre-runs or previous tours; all accommodations; most morning and evening meals; selected en route activities and side trips; seminars on tire-changing, in-the-field maintenance and repair, and GPS mastery. Passengers are welcome riding two-up, or even in the comfort of an upgraded support vehicle.

GlobeRiders is one of the few (if not only) motorcycle tour operators that has successfully taken riders into The People\'s Republic of China and Socialist Republic of Vietnam. From Azerbaijan to Zambia, their 2009 departures include:

The Silk Road Adventure - 53 days, 12,800 kilometres.

The tour embarks May 2009 in Istanbul, Turkey, and finishes in June in Xian, China. Included are: Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, overnight ferry across the Caspian Sea, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and China.

The IndoChina Adventure - 56 days, 11,000 kilometres.

The tour embarks September 2009 in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam and finishes in November in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Included are Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia.

The Africa Adventure - 37 days, 10,800 kilometres.

The tour embarks October 2009 from Cape Town, and makes a loop through six countries in southern Africa, terminating in November in Cape Town. Included are South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, a fly-in, drive out 4-day/3-night safari into the Okavango Delta, Zambia, layover in Victoria Falls/Livingston, Namibia, and return to South Africa.

For more information about this comprehensive touring programme, why not visit the website at www.globeriders.com or email info@globeriders.com for additional details.'; news['article_223']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_223']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/make_2009_1.jpg'; news['article_223']['image11_text'] = 'The best way to cross the Mekong River is on one of these special rafts – just hold on to your bike though!'; news['article_223']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/make_2009_1.jpg'; news['article_223']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/make_2009_2.jpg'; news['article_223']['image12_text'] = 'The group of intrepid riders on last year’s Silk Road Adventure.'; news['article_223']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/make_2009_2.jpg'; news['article_223']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_223']['content2'] = ''; news['article_223']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_223']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_223']['content3'] = ''; news['article_223']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[85] = 223; news['article_224'] = new Array(); news['article_224']['articleId'] = 82; news['article_224']['day'] = '01'; news['article_224']['month'] = '01'; news['article_224']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_224']['title'] = 'The New 2009 BMW K 1300 S, K 1300 R and K 1300 GT'; news['article_224']['link_text'] = 'K 1300 S unveiled'; news['article_224']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_224']['content1'] = 'Exactly 25 years after the launch of the groundbreaking K bikes, BMW has unveiled the newest generation of this line of powerful inline-four machines. The new K bikes sport a larger displacement, now with 1,293 cc, and an array of new enhancements and features. The 2009 K 1300 S, the most powerful street legal BMW, now offers 175 hp and the torque has been bumped by 7.5 ft-lb to a very impressive 103 ft-lb at 8250 rpm.

\"We have sold almost 65,000 four-cylinder motorcycles in the past four years\", said Hendrik von Kuenheim, the President of BMW Motorrad at the K1300\'s press launch at INTERMOT in Germany. \"Now the time has come to give this attractive model series a new and powerful impulse. I use the term \'new\' K Series on purpose because we have conducted profound changes both with regards to the technology and visual appearance. Our aim was to significantly improve the three models in terms of performance, handling, dynamics, visual appeal and quality.\"

New for 2009 are three K1300 models. The K 1300 S with 175 hp, the K 1300 R with 173 hp and the K 1300 GT with 160 hp. The new K bikes feature updated transmission and clutch assembly, plus smoother engine performance and new switchgear.

Von Kuenheim continues: \"By raising capacity to 1300 cc, our engineers have not only increased output but also torque on all three models. At the same time the driveline was intensively revised from air/fuel mixture formation right through to the exhaust system. In this way we have been able to optimize partial load behavior as well as throttle response. Now the clutch can be operated with even less effort and with greater refinement. Shifting has been improved tangibly due to constructional changes to the gearbox and drive.\"

BMW is introducing new options for the 2009 as well. The popular Electronic Suspension Adjustment that first appeared on the 2005 K 1200 S has now been updated with even more on-the-fly adjustability and it\'s called ESA II. Also new is the quick-shifter option, a racing-style gear shift assistant, borrowed from BMW\'s race-ready HP2 Sport. Automatic Stability Control (ASC) is also offered as an option on the new K bikes.'; news['article_224']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_224']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/20081007k1300_unveiled_01a.jpg'; news['article_224']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/20081007k1300_unveiled_01a.jpg'; news['article_224']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/20081007k1300_unveiled_02a.jpg'; news['article_224']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/20081007k1300_unveiled_02a.jpg'; news['article_224']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/20081007k1300_unveiled_03.jpg'; news['article_224']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/20081007k1300_unveiled_03.jpg'; news['article_224']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_224']['content2'] = '\"Both the K 1300 S and also the R will also have the shift assistant - familiar from the HP2 Sport - available as an option for the first time\", von Kuenheim emphasized. \"We have also advanced the chassis. The new lower longitudinal strut is now made of aluminum and is thus considerably lighter. This makes the front wheel guidance response even more sensitive. The result of this comprehensive development work is superior handling, improved rideability and lower fuel consumption. The electronically adjustable suspension - called ESA in short - was launched as a world first on the K 1200 S. Now we are presenting the new, well-proven ESA II as an option for the K Series. Apart from the suspension and damping this unique system also allows the spring rate to be adjusted at the press of a button. The K Series model revision also heralds a new and innovative generation of switches and controls.\"

As Mr. von Kuenheim suggested the new line of K bikes also introduce BMW\'s brand new switchgear. For the first time BMW is furnishing all their K bikes with the familiar universal-style switches and controls.


K Bike Highlights

K 1300 S and K 1300 R

* Even more dynamic, particularly at lower and medium engine speeds, thanks to the increase in engine capacity.
* Engine output 175/173 hp (K 1300 S/R) at 9,250 rpm, maximum torque 103 ft-lb at 8, 250 rpm.
* Optimized exhaust system with a new rear-end muffler and electronic flap control as well as a fully controlled three-way catalyst.
* Even greater riding precision combined with maximum riding stability ensured by the optimized Duolever front wheel suspension with a newly designed longitudinal arm at the bottom.
* Supreme handling ensured by optimized suspension geometry, optimum mass distribution and a perfectly balanced overall concept.
* Second-generation ESA II electronically adjustable suspension and ASC anti-spin control as an option.
* New, innovative generation of control switches with optimized ergonomics.
* Optimized, maintenance-free shaft drive with a new two-stage drive shaft.
* HP Gearshift Assistant for shifting up without the slightest interruption of power and traction available as an option.'; news['article_224']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_224']['image21'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/20081007k1300_unveiled_04.jpg'; news['article_224']['image21_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/20081007k1300_unveiled_04.jpg'; news['article_224']['image22'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/20081007k1300_unveiled_05.jpg'; news['article_224']['image22_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/20081007k1300_unveiled_05.jpg'; news['article_224']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_224']['content3'] = 'K 1300 GT

* Even more traction and pulling force, particularly at low and medium engine speeds, through the increase in engine capacity.
* Engine output 160 hp at 9,000 rpm, peak torque of 99 ft-lb at 8,000 rpm.
* Significant increase in torque from 3,500 rpm.
* Fulfillment of the strictest environmental standards through newly set-up Digital Motor Electronics.
* Optimization of the emission system through rear mufflers modified inside and a fully-controlled three-way catalytic converter.
* Desmodromic operation of the gas lever function for even better and more precise gas dosage.
* Optimized, maintenance-free shaft drive with a new, two-stage drive shaft.
* Even greater driving precision and optimized response combined with maximum riding stability ensured by the optimized Duolever front-wheel suspension complete with a newly designed lower longitudinal arm.
* Second-generation ESA II Electronically Adjustable Suspension and ASC Automatic Stability Control as an option.
* New, innovative generation of switches and controls with optimized ergonomics.
* Integral ABS (semi-integral) featured as standard for a high level of active safety.

For YouTube videos on the new K 1300 S, K 1300 R and K 1300 GT please visit BMW Motorrad USA\'s YouTube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/BMWMotorradUSA

*K 1300 S and K 1300 GT are expected in the US dealerships in early 2009. The K 1300 R\'s availability is yet to be determined.'; news['article_224']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_224']['image31'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/20081007k1300_unveiled_06.jpg'; news['article_224']['image31_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/20081007k1300_unveiled_06.jpg'; news['article_224']['image32'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/20081007k1300_unveiled_07.jpg'; newsMap[82] = 224; news['article_225'] = new Array(); news['article_225']['articleId'] = 76; news['article_225']['day'] = '15'; news['article_225']['month'] = '12'; news['article_225']['year'] = '2008'; news['article_225']['title'] = 'Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport News'; news['article_225']['link_text'] = 'Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport News'; news['article_225']['subtitle1'] = 'Superbike World Championship, Pirelli Tyre Development Test'; news['article_225']['content1'] = 'Kyalami, South Africa, Friday 12th December, 2008

WORK TO DO, BUT THE IMPROVEMENT CONTINUES

The final day of the three-day Pirelli test provided Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport with both challenges and improvements, but in the end, the team left Kyalami in a positive frame of mind and ready to make further progress at the next outing. Troy and Ruben continued to try as many different ideas as possible and give valuable feedback to the team instead of chasing any lap times. Troy was happy that his fastest lap, on race rubber, was not far off the pace and a sign that there is still more to come.

Italian Michel Fabrizio (Ducati) posted the fastest lap of the test, with a time of 1:39.714. Second quickest was American Ben Spies (Yamaha), with Noriyuki Haga (Ducati) third.

Troy

I am reasonably happy with what we managed over these three days and Ruben and I have certainly given the team lots of info for them to work with. There was no point chasing lap times because we wanted to try different things and see what effect they had on the bike. It was so much hotter today than the past two days and it really wasn?t worth going out in the middle of the day. I think we made the right decision because hardly anybody went out either. It did cool off later in the afternoon and it would\'ve been good to have gone a bit faster, but my bike had a bit of a problem and I wasn\'t able to do it. I had a small crash today, when I lost the front end going into Wesbank, but wasn\'t hurt at all.

All in all, I am realistic about what we did here these three days and we ended up more or less as I expected, though possibly a bit better. The important thing is that we improved steadily throughout the three days and now we?ve got lots to work with for the next test.

Ruben

Of course, I would\'ve liked to have gone faster at the end, but that wasn\'t the reason we came here. We came here to try and understand the bike and get it to do what we wanted it to do. Troy and I have different riding styles and he has a lot of experience with four-cylinders, so I always knew he would be faster than me here. But the important thing is that we have both given the team good feedback and now they will go away and work on what we have said. I am happy with our progress and happy that I finished without any crashes and now can enjoy Christmas fit and healthy and ready for next year.

Rainer Baeumel (Project Leader)

Yesterday we did go sideways a bit, but still managed to get a lot of useful information at the same time. Although our lap times weren\'t so good, I felt that this test was very positive and it makes me optimistic about our next test. We are a new team and I am happy because everybody worked really well together and are very motivated about this challenge. It will be good for all of us to have a bit of rest now and then come back ready to continue the good progress at the next test.

Final best lap times

1. Fabrizio (Ita-Ducati) 1\'39\"714; 2. Spies (Usa-Yamaha) 1\'39\"978; 3. Haga (Jpn-Ducati) 1\'39\"984; 4. Rea (GB-Honda) 1\'40\"035; 5. Checa (Spa-Honda) 1\'40\"170; 6. Neukirchner (Ger-Suzuki) 1\'40\"394; 7. Kagayama (Jpn-Suzuki) 1\'40\"675; 8. Biaggi (Ita-Aprilia) 1\'40\"768; 9. Nakano (Jpn-Aprilia) 1\'40\"968; 10. Kiyonari (Jpn-Honda) 1\'41\"067; 11. Troy Corser (Aus-BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 1\'41\"102; 12. Sykes (GB-Yamaha) 1\'41\"562; 13. Ruben Xaus (Spa-BMW Motorrrad Motorsport) 1\'41\"996.'; news['article_225']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_225']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_225']['content2'] = ''; news['article_225']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_225']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_225']['content3'] = ''; news['article_225']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[76] = 225; news['article_226'] = new Array(); news['article_226']['articleId'] = 77; news['article_226']['day'] = '15'; news['article_226']['month'] = '12'; news['article_226']['year'] = '2008'; news['article_226']['title'] = 'BMW Motorrad Partners with Rawhyde Adventures to Provide West Coast Off-Road Training Center'; news['article_226']['link_text'] = 'BMW Motorrad Partners with Rawhyde Adventures to Provide West Coast Off-Road Training Center'; news['article_226']['subtitle1'] = 'Joins Eight Other BMW Factory-Authorized Training Schools Worldwide '; news['article_226']['content1'] = 'Woodcliff Lake, NJ - December 9, 2008 ...

BMW Motorrad has selected RawHyde Adventures, of Castaic, CA to serve as one of nine factory-authorized off-road training centers worldwide. In the United States, RawHyde Adventures, located on 500 acres in the mountains above Los Angeles, will serve as the West Coast BMW off-road training facility. An East Coast off-road training facility is at the BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, SC.
\"We are delighted to welcome RawHyde Adventures into our international family of off-road training centers,\" said Pieter de Waal, Vice President, BMW Motorrad USA. \"They are joining an elite group of factory-authorized training schools worldwide that have the quality and commitment to meet BMW\'s high standards.\"

\"BMW\'s off-road training centers are important allies in growing our GS market segment by helping riders gain the confidence and skills to enjoy their enduro motorcycles more fully,\" added Todd Anderson, Marketing Manager, BMW Motorrad USA.

According to the three-year agreement between BMW Motorrad and RawHyde, BMW will initially provide 12 GS-model motorcycles (F 650 GS, F 800 GS and R 1200 GS models) for the training center. RawHyde will supply instructors for the two-and-a-half day courses.

Sessions begin on Fridays with an orientation, followed by a gourmet dinner. Rider training is held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, followed by a graduation celebration. Breakfasts, lunches and dinner are prepared by Cordon Bleu-trained chefs. Trail rides are offered Mondays and Tuesdays immediately after training to help graduates put their skills to immediate use while still under the supervision of RawHyde instructors. Beginning January 1, 2009, RawHyde will offer the option of a two-day overnight adventure ride, following graduation, to a destination called Base Camp Alpha, in the Mojave Desert.
BMW\'s off-road training course is open to BMW GS owners and other licensed motorcyclists who want to explore the road where the pavement ends. The cost for the two-and-a-half day course is $1,295. The course, including the Base Camp Alpha Adventure, will cost $1,890. Gift certificates for the thrill-seeker on your holiday shopping list are available through RawHyde Adventures (www.rawhyde-offroad.com). For details about the training school, visit www.bmwoffroadacademy.com.

\"Ninety five percent of the world\'s roads are unpaved,\" commented Jim Hyde, a veteran adventure ride instructor and owner of RawHyde Adventures. \"Yet, many motorcyclists are timid when it comes to off-road riding on heavy bikes like the GS. The BMW GS model line sets the standard for on/off-road riding. This program is designed to give GS owners and others the confidence and skills to navigate the roads less traveled.\"
The GS traces its roots back to the early 1980s when BMW won the grueling Paris-Dakar rally four times with its trailblazing dual-purpose R 80 GS. Today, BMW Motorrad\'s GS model line includes the upgraded R 1200 GS and GS Adventure and the recently introduced F 800 GS and F 650 GS. Since their debut in 2004, the versatile R 1200 GS and its rugged companion, the R 1200 GS Adventure, have earned praise from motorcycle enthusiasts and the press for their exceptional performance both on and off the road.

The R 1200 GS has earned award after award, including Cycle World\'s Best Open Class Street Bike and the International Journalist\'s Panel \"Best Bike in the World.\" The R 1200 GS Adventure was named \"Best Adventure Bike\" three years in a row by editors of Motorcyclist Magazine.

With its wide range of enduro motorcycles and increasing numbers of riders who enjoy the \"adventure sport\" lifestyle, BMW Motorrad is celebrating 2008 as the \"Year of the Enduro.\"'; news['article_226']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_226']['subtitle2'] = 'BMW GROUP IN AMERICA'; news['article_226']['content2'] = 'BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group\'s
global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant
for all Z4 models, X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sport Activity
Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 83 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group\'s sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:

www.bmwgroupna.com

www.bmwusa.com

www.bmwmotorcycles.com

www.miniusa.com

www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

# # #

Journalist note: Information about the BMW Group and its products is available to journalists on-line at the BMW Group PressClub at the following address: www.press.bmwgroup.com. Broadcast quality video footage is available via The NewsMarket at www.thenewsmarket.com.

# # #'; news['article_226']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_226']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_226']['content3'] = ''; news['article_226']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[77] = 226; news['article_227'] = new Array(); news['article_227']['articleId'] = 78; news['article_227']['day'] = '15'; news['article_227']['month'] = '12'; news['article_227']['year'] = '2008'; news['article_227']['title'] = '2008 - A Year to Remember'; news['article_227']['link_text'] = '2008 - A Year to Remember'; news['article_227']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_227']['content1'] = 'January
BMW Motorrad Motorsport team riders Andreas Lettenbichler and Jean-Francois Goblet compete in the Indoor Enduro World Cup - the first ever FIM sanctioned indoor enduro series - on the factory G 450 X.

February
BMW Motorrad Motorsport presents its 2008 off-road team, with riders Anders Eriksson, Jean-Francois Goblet and Bert Meyer set to compete in the Enduro World Championship. As an added bonus, the team also presents Simo Kirssi as an extra rider for the WEC and the European Cross Country Championship series.

BMW Motorrad\'s Chris Pfeiffer successfully defends the Streetbike Freestyle World Championship in Zurich, once again dominating proceedings aboard his BMW F 800 stunt bike, winning each of the four rounds to retain the crown he won at the inaugural event in 2007.

March
Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport riders Richard Cooper and Brian Parriott finish a sensational fifth and sixth respectively on the HP2 Sport in the AMA Formula Xtreme Daytona 200 at the historic Florida circuit.

Markus Barth and Jürgen Fuchs of Team Motobike achieve a class win in the prestigious 1,000 km Hockenheim race, as the BMW HP2 Sport passes its test in series production sports racing with flying colours.

Two BMW-riding Dutchmen win the third edition of the Heroes Legend classic off-road rally from Paris to Dakar. Riding for the Bert Duursma Motoren dealership team, Jos Bourgondien and Harrie Jacobi beat all challengers to win this tough \'rallye-raid\' event.

Seven-times World Enduro Champion Anders Eriksson gets BMW Motorrad Motorsport\'s participation in the 2008 WEC series off to an extremely promising start at the GP of Sweden by claiming two fourth place finishes in the competitive Enduro 3 class, showing that BMW is ready to challenge for podium positions in its first full season in the WEC.'; news['article_227']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_227']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/2008_remember_jan1.jpg'; news['article_227']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/2008_remember_jan1.jpg'; news['article_227']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/2008_remember_feb1.jpg'; news['article_227']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/2008_remember_feb1.jpg'; news['article_227']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/2008_remember_mar1.jpg'; news['article_227']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/2008_remember_mar1.jpg'; news['article_227']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_227']['content2'] = 'April
Factory rider Simo Kirssi gives BMW a victory at the first German Cross Country race of the year at Tollwitz, much to the delight of the whole BMW Motorrad Motorsport team, who have prepared intensely for this off-road series.

Five-times World Motocross Champion Joel Smets races through the Australian Four-Day Enduro field to finish 6th overall on his showroom-ready G 450 X. The result, against a top field of riders on factory-prepared race machinery, is a stunning endorsement of Joel\'s talents and that of the new BMW G 450 X.

May
BMW Motorrad intern Sebastian Klein leaves Munich for a seven-month enduro trip on an F 800 GS that will see him ride approximately 25,000-kilometres from Munich to Bangkok.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport\'s Anders Eriksson adds another win to the growing list of victories for the BMW G 450 X by finishing in first place at the \'12-Timmars\' enduro team race that takes place at Skövde in southern Sweden.

June
The tough terrain of the notorious Erzberg Rodeo turns out to be a perfect playground for the two BMW Motorrad factory riders, Andreas Lettenbichler and Gerhard Forster, who finish in second and seventh place respectively (out of 500 starters) on their BMW G 450 X sport enduros.

Gerhard Forster celebrates an emphatic victory in the third round of the Austrian Cross Country Championship at Ampflwang. Following on from his excellent performance at Erzberg, the \'extreme\' riding specialist wins the ACC enduro in spectacular style, beating his nearest challenger by a massive seven minutes!

Simo Kirssi makes it two wins out of two for the BMW Motorrad team in the second race of the 2008 German Cross Country Championship in Walldorf. In fact, there was no way past factory rider Kirssi and team-mate Bert Meyer, with the pair completing a fascinating one-two finish with a dominating display on the G 450 X in difficult conditions.

The BMW Motorrad Motorsport team has much to celebrate following the fourth round of the 2008 World Enduro Championship staged in Kwidzyn, Poland, as Enduro 2 class rider Simo Kirssi claims BMW\'s first ever enduro world championship podium with a well deserved third place finish.'; news['article_227']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_227']['image21'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/2008_remember_apr1.jpg'; news['article_227']['image21_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/2008_remember_apr1.jpg'; news['article_227']['image22'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/2008_remember_may1.jpg'; news['article_227']['image22_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/2008_remember_may1.jpg'; news['article_227']['image23'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/2008_remember_jun1.jpg'; news['article_227']['image23_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/2008_remember_jun1.jpg'; news['article_227']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_227']['content3'] = 'July
BMW Motorrad UK\'s Off-Road Skills Chief Instructor Simon Pavey enters the first Transorientale Rally from St Petersburg to Beijing and the Great Wall of China. Riding a virtually standard BMW G 650 Xchallenge, he finishes the 11,000-kilometre rally in 18th place, achieving five top-ten stage finishes along the way.

Thousands of motorcyclists from all over the world pack their panniers and head for the picturesque Alpine resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen for the annual BMW Motorrad Days festival. The event is the culmination of a year\'s work behind the scenes by a dedicated organisation team that is determined to make sure that this free festival celebrating all things BMW gets better every year.

August
Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport takes a superb 1-2 in its class at the fourth round of this year\'s Qtel Endurance FIM Championship at Oschersleben. Twenty-two teams contest the Open Class in the 8 hour race, but BMW Motorrad Motorsport defeats them all, with Richard Cooper and Thomas Hinterreiter taking first place, and Stéphane Mertens, Rico Penzkofer and Gregory Fastré taking the runner-up spot.

Around 3,000 BMW Motorrad enthusiasts from across Japan visit the 2008 Japanese Bikermeeting. Staged for the fifth time in Hakuba, high in the mountains of Nagano, the Japanese version of BMW Motorrad Days provides a fantastic mix of attractions and proves to be a huge success.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport\'s Simo Kirssi enjoys a tough, but well deserved victory at the fifth round of the German Cross Country Championship in Mühlhausen. After a two-hour duel with French Supercross star Cyrille Coulon, the BMW factory rider claims the victory that keeps him at the top of the 2008 championship leaderboard.

The 8 Hours of Spa endurance race takes place with a special appearance by the factory BMW HP2 Sport, which is entered and used by private Belgian team Herpigny Motors. Team riders Stéphane Mertens, Thomas Hinterreiter and Sébastien Legrelle finish in a fantastic fifth place overall at the historic Francorchamps circuit.

Gary Orr, the co-owner of California dealership, San Diego BMW Motorcycles, accomplishes a longstanding dream to ride from California\'s west coast all the way to Florida on a modified BMW K 1200 LT - a distance of more than 3,500 kilometres - without stopping!

BMW Motorrad\'s Chris Pfeiffer reigns supreme at the 2008 European Stunt Riding Championships, taking the title for the third consecutive year in emphatic style.

Just weeks after sustaining a broken vertebra, Chris wows the judges in Roethis, Austria, with an array of stunts designed to achieve maximum points.

September
BMW Motorrad Motorsport team rider Anders Eriksson, along with Finnish enduro legend Kari Tiainen and Spaniard Xacob Agra successfully put BMW\'s G 450 X through its toughest ever competitive challenge and complete the 2008 International Six Days Enduro event without any problems to claim gold medal finishes.

The HP2 Sport\'s first race in Japan leads to victory at the Motegi 7 Hours Masters\' endurance race. Held at the world-famous Motegi Twin Ring racing circuit, close to Tokyo, the Tras/PIAA Racing\'s HP2 Sport beats 46 other privateer teams to finish first in its debut race appearance in the land of the rising sun.

After five gruelling days, BMW Motorrad Motorsport\'s Gerhard Forster achieves a fantastic runner-up finish at the 2008 Red Bull Romaniacs. Riding a BMW G 450 X approximately 620 off-road kilometres over four days in the toughest conditions imaginable, Forster beats 207 starters from 29 nations, with only one rider finishing in front of him in this hardest of enduro rallies.

BMW factory rider Simo Kirssi guides his BMW G 450 X to a dominant win in the XCPro class of the penultimate round of the German Cross Country championship at Schweinfurt. Team-mate Bert Meyer finishes in the runner-up position after two hours of racing under tough conditions.

More than 4,500 motorcyclists turn up to participate in the many events and activities on offer at the sixth, annual Encuentro BMW Riders 2008 event (EBMWR08) that takes place in Andalusia in southern Spain.

The G 450 X success story continues, but this time, it has nothing to do with the Enduro World Championship, cross-country racing, or even \'extreme\' hard enduro. The latest success is achieved in the German Supermoto Championship, where a young rider called Fabian Bachmann rides a modified BMW G 450 X to two podium places.

The Unstoppable off-road success story continues as BMW Motorrad opens enduro parks close to Korea\'s capital city Seoul, and Buenos Aires in Argentina.

October
Simo Kirssi becomes the new German Cross Country champion in the XCPro class. The \'flying Finn\' takes the title one day after his 29th birthday at the final round in Schefflenz. Team-mate Bert Meyer secures third place in the championship standings.

After more than two years riding his BMW R 80 GS around the world, Felix Bergmeister returns home safely to Austria. The final challenge sees Felix ride from Vladivostok all the way back to Europe, experiencing some of the worst road and weather conditions imaginable in Siberia.

As the 2008 enduro-racing season draws to a close, the great results continue to roll in for BMW Motorrad. On the same weekend that Simo Kirssi claims the 2008 GCC title, G 450 X chassis designer Stefan Krause secures the 2008 ADAC Pirelli Enduro Cup at Reutlingen in southern Germany.

After six months of preparation, the inaugural BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy finally gets under way, and teams from Germany, Italy, Spain, USA and Japan compete against each other during several days of challenging enduro riding and physical tests. Team USA takes the honour of becoming the first GS Trophy champions but every team makes history by competing in the inaugural event.

Simo Kirssi and his BMW G 450 X dominate in the European XCC final at Mattighofen, Austria, taking a convincing start-to-finish victory against some of the world\'s best cross-country riders to claim the 2008 title.

November
San Jose BMW Racing\'s Brian Parriott wins the American Federation of Motorcycling Open Twins Series on the BMW HP2 Sport, with an emphatic victory at the 2.7-mile Buttonwillow circuit in California. After six months and seven race meetings of the series, the BMW rider secures the title against a grid of race-tuned Ducatis at the very last round of the 2008 championship.

The BMW Motorrad Motorsport team announces an extremely competitive rider line-up for the 2009 World Enduro Championship. Next season, Manxman David Knight and Finns Juha Salminen and Marko Tarkkala will spearhead the team\'s assault on the eight-round world championship and together will surely form the most exciting rider line-up of 2009. Watch this space!

'; news['article_227']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_227']['image31'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/2008_remember_jul1.jpg'; news['article_227']['image31_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/2008_remember_jul1.jpg'; news['article_227']['image32'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/2008_remember_aug1.jpg'; news['article_227']['image32_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/2008_remember_aug1.jpg'; news['article_227']['image33'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/2008_remember_sep2.jpg'; news['article_227']['image33_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/2008_remember_sep2.jpg'; newsMap[78] = 227; news['article_228'] = new Array(); news['article_228']['articleId'] = 79; news['article_228']['day'] = '15'; news['article_228']['month'] = '12'; news['article_228']['year'] = '2008'; news['article_228']['title'] = 'Supermodel on a Superbike'; news['article_228']['link_text'] = 'Supermodel on a Superbike'; news['article_228']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_228']['content1'] = 'You wouldn\'t believe the extraordinary lengths that BMW Motorrad would go to in order to bring you these stunning images of the new S 1000 RR superbike, but we hope you\'ll agree that the results are well worth the effort.

With a brief to combine the outstanding high-tech design of the S 1000 RR carbon race bike with a cool looking fashion style, BMW Motorrad commissioned top photographer Markus Hofmann to capture the action. Markus specialises in Stills, People and Events but he knew he was facing a real challenge with this outdoor shoot on one of the coldest days of the year. The motorcycle arrived in Munich in the early hours of December 10th and was taken to a small airfield at Oberschleißheim, where the team was waiting. With bad weather conditions forecast and only a few hours of decent light available at this time of the year, Markus knew that every second would count.

\"The new BMW S 1000 RR race bike is an outstanding looking motorcycle in terms of its design and styling, so I was knew it would be an extraordinary motorcycle to photograph,\" said Markus. \"Because we wanted to have a helicopter in the shot, it was necessary to discuss all the safety instructions with the pilot and make sure that the shots that we wanted were actually achievable. One of our assistants was responsible for communication with the helicopter pilot, which was done by means of hand signals in order to ensure that he could manoeuvre the helicopter into the right position and move around if necessary.

\"The other assistant was in charge of handling the lighting system and protecting it the from the strong rush of wind created by the helicopter\'s rotors. There was also a stylist on hand, who would be refreshing or changing the look and make-up of Ann Kathrin Ruhl, our model for the day. The coldness, of course, made things difficult for everyone, and the \'wind-chill factor\' was intensified by the helicopter blades, which affected Ann Kathrin more than anyone else, but she was very professional, having modelled many times in \'extreme\' situations. With such a great team around me, I was able to focus completely on the photography and only needed to give short instructions from time to time, which made the job go smoothly. I think the results are very effective.\"
Bettina Bruaröy Maurer, the stylist for the day, was delighted with the results of the photoshoot: \"My passion for this work is to create moods where the viewer feels drawn into and captivated by the picture. This idea I had in this instance was to mix a style of feminine fashion and the typical motorbike outfit. I wanted the model to look like a strong independent \'Bond\' girl who perfectly matches the BMW style and charisma, and I wanted the pictures to surprise and to create harmony - this job was perfect in achieving these objectives!\"

Without a doubt, the coldest person on the day was model Ann Kathrin Ruhl from the Java Model Management agency. Without the benefit of windproof, waterproof and thermal clothing, she still managed to look great, despite being chilled to the bone in one of the less glamorous locations she has been photographed in. \"It was freezing cold out there and the noise from the chopper was absolutely ear-piercing,\" said Ann Kathrin. \"Compared to some of the jobs I have done, it certainly wasn\'t the easiest conditions to shoot in, but at least I had a great team who kept me smiling so this made the job more enjoyable than it could have been otherwise.\"
Once the shoot was over, a shortlist of pictures was then selected back in the warmth of the studio, before being handed over to Arno Schaller, a graphic designer with more than a decade worth of experience with digital picture publishing and retouching for a variety of photographers, agencies and magazine editors. His work focuses on high-end creative compositions, and includes look and style development in beauty and fashion industries for clients such as Cosmopolitan and Getty Images.

As you can see from the \'finished\' images, the picture below portrays the new BMW S 1000 RR as an extremely desirable, exciting, yet almost unobtainable piece of exotica, much like the supermodel sitting astride her. Her look says \'strong fashion for a powerful woman\' and the helicopter in the background gives the scene an action/adventure look, but it\'s definitely the BMW superbike that shines through as the real object of desire.

Credit Notes:

PHOTOGRAPHER
Markus Hofmann
www.white-photo.com

STYLIST
BETTINA BRUARÖY MAURER
www.stylingroom.de

MODEL
Ann Kathrin Ruhl
www.javamodels.de

MAKE-UP and HAIRSTYLING
elisa koester
www.elisa-koester.de

RETOUCH & COMPOSING
Arno Schaller
www.schaller-medien.de
'; news['article_228']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_228']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/supermodel1.jpg'; news['article_228']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/supermodel1.jpg'; news['article_228']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/supermodel2.jpg'; news['article_228']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/supermodel2.jpg'; news['article_228']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/supermodel3.jpg'; news['article_228']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/supermodel3.jpg'; news['article_228']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_228']['content2'] = ''; news['article_228']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_228']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_228']['content3'] = ''; news['article_228']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[79] = 228; news['article_229'] = new Array(); news['article_229']['articleId'] = 80; news['article_229']['day'] = '15'; news['article_229']['month'] = '12'; news['article_229']['year'] = '2008'; news['article_229']['title'] = 'New Horizons for the New Year'; news['article_229']['link_text'] = 'New Horizons for the New Year'; news['article_229']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_229']['content1'] = 'Many of us will be having a leisurely start to New Year\'s Day following the previous night\'s celebrations, but in the case of Doris Wiedemann, nothing could be further from the truth. The German adventure traveller will be boarding a plane for New York on 1 January and starting a 15,000 kilometre, two-month trip that will see her ride around the United States, across Canada and then heading north through Alaska on a BMW F 800 GS.

Doris is no stranger to travelling, having completed some amazing journeys on two wheels. In fact, her first \'big\' motorcycle trip took place in the US, where she spent five months travelling. It was this very trip that \'infected\' her with the travel bug and led to many more biking adventures, including six months out in Australia; seven months discovering Africa; five months in Russia, Korea and Japan; three months in Kazakhstan and Mongolia, plus another five months in China.

The bike that carried Doris safely all over the world was a BMW R 100 GS/PD. With more than 200,000 kilometres of globetrotting to its name, her faithful and legendary boxer is having a well-earned rest and for this latest voyage, Doris has chosen the new F 800 GS after an extensive test at BMW\'s off-road training centre in Germany.

\"I had a chance to test the F 800 GS in Hechlingen this summer and really enjoyed the power and the handling of the bike,\" she said. \"I love the boxer engine of the R 1200 GS, but the F 800 GS is more than 20 kg lighter, which will be a big advantage on ice.\"

Ice isn\'t something that Doris will have to worry about at the start of her journey because as soon as she\'s picked up her bike from customs, she will be heading directly south from New York en route to sunny Florida, where the trip will \'officially\' begin in Key West - the southernmost point of continental USA.

With her travelling companion Sjaak Lukassen (a passionate globetrotter who explores the world on super sport bikes) they will ride west to see the Grand Canyon and then on to California to visit Ted Simon, the author of Jupiter\'s Travels. The journey then continues north to Seattle where they will cross Canada and take the Alaska Highway all the way to Prudhoe Bay, where they will hope to arrive at the end of February, before journeying back south to Anchorage to ship the bikes and fly home.

While no motorcyclist would object to riding in Florida\'s warm, dry climate, there surely aren\'t many who would take on the challenge of heading straight into an Alaskan winter? In a matter of weeks, the pair will leave behind temperatures of around 20˚C (70˚F) in Florida and will encounter freezing winds, icy roads, snow and temperatures as low as -40˚C (-40˚F) the further north they go. Not that this seems to bother Doris - on the contrary, she is looking forward to the challenge and is well prepared.

From past experiences, I knew that I did not want to face extreme cold alone. Also, crossing the snow-covered Ural Mountains in Russia with my R 100 GS/PD made me realise just how important it is to be able to touch your feet down on the ground on icy roads. For this reason, I will be using a special adjustable suspension system from Hyperpro that allows me to ride the F 800 GS with its normal ride height in the US. Once we reach snow and ice, I can lower the bike by up to 11 centimetres.

\"To keep warm I\'ve got plugs to connect my heated clothes to; as for additional power, I can connect a second battery that is in my panniers. I\'ve added a switch so that I can turn off the headlight and use a Xenon light from Touratech; plus I\'ve also fitted engine safety-bars, a larger windshield and handlebar-covers to protect me from the cold!\"

To save herself the inconvenience of kneeling down in freezing conditions to grease the chain, Doris will use the Osco chain oiler. As for tyres, she will begin the trip with Metzeler Tourance rubber but as temperatures drop and conditions worsen, she will change them for alternatives that will allow her to mount decent spikes for riding on snow and ice.

Those who would like to send Doris Wiedemann a goodwill message can do so by visiting the www.doriswiedemann.de website, which is available in German and English language versions, and also includes details on the books she has published about her various travels over the years.'; news['article_229']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_229']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/new_horizons_new_year1.jpg'; news['article_229']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/new_horizons_new_year1.jpg'; news['article_229']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/new_horizons_new_year2.jpg'; news['article_229']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/new_horizons_new_year2.jpg'; news['article_229']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/new_horizons_new_year3.jpg'; news['article_229']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/new_horizons_new_year3.jpg'; news['article_229']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_229']['content2'] = ''; news['article_229']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_229']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_229']['content3'] = ''; news['article_229']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[80] = 229; news['article_230'] = new Array(); news['article_230']['articleId'] = 81; news['article_230']['day'] = '15'; news['article_230']['month'] = '12'; news['article_230']['year'] = '2009'; news['article_230']['title'] = 'The Dakar Dream Continues ...'; news['article_230']['link_text'] = 'The Dakar Dream Continues ...'; news['article_230']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_230']['content1'] = 'As the countdown continues to the 2009 Dakar Rally, which takes place for the first time in South America, a surprising number of BMW racers from all over the world will be joining Simon Pavey and his G 650 Xchallenge on the start line in Buenos Aires.

Off-Road legend Pierre Karsmakers will also ride a G 650 Xchallenge and is delighted to be among those who will be experiencing the first Dakar on South American soil. The 62-year-old former motocross and supercross champion, and veteran of several Paris-Dakar rallies will be using the same bike that he competed on in this year\'s Heroes Legend Rallye and can\'t wait to experience riding on a new continent.

\"Although I\'ve competed in many Paris-Dakar rallies, the thought of going to South America to ride is pretty exciting,\" said the Dutchman. \"I\'ve been training hard and riding quite a bit, as well as working out at the gym. In fact, my sports doctor said that I need to put on six kilos, so this gives me an opportunity to enjoy a few drinks and nice food over the Christmas holidays! At my age, I\'m not going to be challenging for stage victories, but I do want to get a good result, so I will be finding a good rhythm and riding at my own pace. My main objective is to make it all the way to the finish without picking up any injuries, making sure that I enjoy myself along the way!\"

Pierre\'s G 650 Xchallenge has been carefully prepared by Dutch BMW dealer Bert Duursma, who specialises in converting motorcycles for desert rallies. Bert believes that the G 650 Xchallenge is a very reliable and strong rally bike - so much so that unlike most competitors, Pierre is doing the 2009 Dakar without relying on any assistance or mechanical support other than what he can provide himself.

\"The bike Pierre will use to participate in the Dakar is the same bike he used earlier this year in the Heroes Legend,\" said Bert. \"Because of this, we actually only had to replace oil and oil filter, chainset, air filter and some other minor things to make the bike ready for the Dakar. These G 650 Xchallenge bikes are unbelievably reliable - this is why Pierre goes to Dakar without any assistance, because he believes the bike won\'t let him down, so he needs no help. I hope he will be right!\"

An event like the Dakar obviously attracts its fair share of brave characters, and in addition to Pierre Karsmakers and Simon Pavey participating on their G 650 Xchallenge machines, there are several competitors who are putting their faith in rally-prepared versions of the new G 450 X sport enduro.

Frenchman Hugo Payen already has a Dakar finishers medal (from the 2005 rally) and has also competed in many off-road races and competitions such as the Optic 2000 Rallye and various national championship events. Hugo had planned to enter the 2008 Dakar but due to its cancellation because of a potential terrorist threat, he raced a G 650 Xchallenge in the Central Europe Rallye instead.

This year the 37-year-old was determined to contest the South American Dakar on a G 450 X and as part of his preparations for the rally, he has been participating in many local enduro races with the Pays de Loire Motos dealer Enduro Team from the Nantes region. His rally bike has been prepared by Franck Helbert from specialists HFP in Laval and Hugo is delighted with the result.

\"I was lucky enough to get my hands on a G 450 X very early,\" he said. \"The bike wasn\'t launched to the public until late in September but I was able to get one in July, which gave me plenty of time to get a feel for it, before sending it to specialists HFP for the rally preparation. While the bike was there, Pays de Loire Moto lent me another series production G 450 X, which I have been using for training. As part of the rally preparation, lots of work has been done on the fork and shocks and it rides really well. It also has a fantastic aluminium fuel tank that holds 17 litres, so in addition to the original eight-litre fuel tank under the seat - and another tank at the back of the bike which holds an additional five litres - I\'ve now got a fuel capacity of 30 litres in total. My first impressions of the rally bike are extremely favourable; it looks superb and is a pleasure to ride. I can\'t wait for the rally to start!\"

Although Hugo Payen thought that he would probably be the only rider to contest the 2009 Dakar on a modified G 450 X, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, there are three other riders who will be tackling the world\'s hardest race on a BMW sport enduro. Andres Memi, the Chief Instructor at the new BMW Enduro Park in Argentina, will take part in the rally with a G 450 X, as will Luis Ferreira and Pedro Bianchi Prata from Portugal. We wish all the BMW riders the very best of luck and will be following their progress in January via the www.dakar.com website.
'; news['article_230']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_230']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/dakar_dream_continues1.jpg'; news['article_230']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/dakar_dream_continues1.jpg'; news['article_230']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/dakar_dream_continues2.jpg'; news['article_230']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/dakar_dream_continues2.jpg'; news['article_230']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/dakar_dream_continues3.jpg'; news['article_230']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/dakar_dream_continues3.jpg'; news['article_230']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_230']['content2'] = ''; news['article_230']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_230']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_230']['content3'] = ''; news['article_230']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[81] = 230; news['article_231'] = new Array(); news['article_231']['articleId'] = 75; news['article_231']['day'] = '05'; news['article_231']['month'] = '12'; news['article_231']['year'] = '2008'; news['article_231']['title'] = 'Next stop, Buenos Aires!'; news['article_231']['link_text'] = 'Next stop, Buenos Aires!'; news['article_231']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_231']['content1'] = 'It\'s official! The European competitors for the 2009 Dakar Rally have completed administrative and technical scrutineering and all their race machines have left the port of Le Havre on board the \'Grande Benelux\' ship, which is currently crossing the Atlantic Ocean en route to South America.

Some 820 vehicles are on board (710 for the race and assistance as well as around 60 organisation vehicles and 50 for the media) and the ship\'s journey will finish on 17 December at Zarate, in the harbour of the Argentinean capital. Among the millions of Euros worth of factory-prepared rally-raid cars, trucks, quads and motorcycles is a privateer BMW G 650 Xchallenge, carefully and painstakingly built by Simon Pavey and Evan Davies in their workshop in South Wales.

Si Pavey runs BMW Motorrad UK\'s off-road school in the UK and has had his fair share of rally experience. A veteran of six Dakars - four on BMW F 650 GS machines - he has taught well over 1,000 BMW owners the skills of off-road riding in the nine years that the World of BMW Off-Road Skills Enduro Park has been operational, including many high-profile names such as Ewan McGregor, Charley Boorman, Prince Michael of Kent, and Jay Kay of Jamiroquai. And despite having raced all over the world, the 41-year-old Australian has never been to South America before, so is relishing the opportunity of joining this legendary rally event that starts for the first time ever in Buenos Aires on 2 January.

\"I\'m pretty sure that the organisers have planned a seriously tough Dakar and I know that they\'re going to \'throw us in at the deep end\',\" he said. \"That said, I\'m feeling pretty good and my head\'s in the right place. I\'ve been out to the United Arab Emirates recently to compete in the six-day Dubai Rally, which was fantastic. I had a really good ride out there and came fourth, so it was good for training, fitness, road-book work and general confidence. However, I\'m expecting things to be tough out in South America. Previous Dakars have given us time to tune in - such as being able to ride from Paris all through France before the boat across to Africa and the rally proper. I\'ve been looking at all the course details on the 2009 Dakar website and have worked out that the average stage is around 700 kilometres long, with the average \'special\' being about 400 kilometres!\"

In fact, the detailed route of the Dakar Argentina Chile 2009 has only recently been decided after more than 100 days of reconnaissance by the organisers, who will be inviting all race participants to evaluate their skills over 9,500 kilometres of dunes, scrub, sand, mud, rocks and mountains, including 5,650 kilometres of \'specials\' across the plains of Patagonia, the Atacama Desert and the Andes - all in the heat of the austral summer.

Pavey is more prepared than most for this latest Dakar, having already competed in a major international rally earlier this year - the 11,000 kilometre Transorientale Rally from St Petersburg to Beijing. Having initially built a rally bike for this event from a standard BMW G 650 Xchallenge, Pavey and Evan Davies have since made several modifications to this machine in preparation for South America.

\"With the G 650 Xchallenge we know what the weaknesses are - let\'s not forget that this is a trail bike that we\'ve turned into a race bike,\" he said. \"That said, it has many advantages over the F 650 GS-based rally bikes I\'ve built and used in the past. It is more like a dirt bike in ergonomics and shape, so you\'ve got more ability to ride it harder, plus, it\'s also around 30 kilos lighter than the original F 650 GS. I also feel that I know the bike well - doing the Transoriental Rally taught us a lot about the bike and we found out what needed changing or improving. As a result, we\'ve made various modifications, such as putting in a bigger radiator to help cooling, and adding a new wiring configuration that allows us to do things like individually override the temperature switches.\"

Pavey flies out to Buenos Aires on 29 December and will have plenty to do once he gets there. First he\'ll need to go to the port to pick up his bike, then complete the second part of scrutineering, where things like race lights and helmets will be checked. The bike will then go into \'parc fermé\' in preparation for the rally, which will get underway on the morning of 3 January, when 530 teams (230 motorcycles, 30 quads, 188 cars and 82 trucks) will take off from Buenos Aires, representing 49 nationalities. Pavey\'s strategy for his first South American Dakar is quite simple - to take each day as it comes and try and enjoy himself, but make sure he gets to the finish.

\"I\'m just going to try and stay out of trouble, as you can only lose time in the Dakar - it\'s virtually impossible to make it up! The longer the rally goes on the more nervous you become as you know what a mammoth effort it has taken to get you to this point. As you enter the last couple of days of a big rally, you always get nervous and you start to imagine strange noises in the engine, which effects your concentration and makes you ride very poorly. The most important thing is to ride within your limits, keep your mind focussed and just keep it going for two weeks - only then do you have a chance of making it to the finish!\"

Those who make it around \'the loop\' through Argentina and Chile, and arrive back in Buenos Aires on 17 January will have achieved something few riders ever manage - a Dakar finishers medal. Follow Pavey\'s progress out in South America by visiting the http://www.dakar.com website.'; news['article_231']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_231']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/next_stop_ba1.jpg'; news['article_231']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/next_stop_ba1.jpg'; news['article_231']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/next_stop_ba2.jpg'; news['article_231']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/next_stop_ba2.jpg'; news['article_231']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/next_stop_ba3.jpg'; news['article_231']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/next_stop_ba3.jpg'; news['article_231']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_231']['content2'] = ''; news['article_231']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_231']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_231']['content3'] = ''; news['article_231']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[75] = 231; news['article_232'] = new Array(); news['article_232']['articleId'] = 74; news['article_232']['day'] = '11'; news['article_232']['month'] = '08'; news['article_232']['year'] = '2008'; news['article_232']['title'] = 'Another Motorcycle Industry First From BMW Motorrad'; news['article_232']['link_text'] = 'Another motorcycle industry first from BMW Motorrad'; news['article_232']['subtitle1'] = 'BMW launches a range of lowered suspension bikes'; news['article_232']['content1'] = 'Following detailed customer research, BMW Motorrad has good news for riders who prefer a lower seat height, but do not want to compromise on model choice. BMW Motorrad has once again led the way by becoming the first motorcycle manufacturer to launch a range of models that can be ordered with lowered suspension - to provide customers with lower seat height options.

Feedback from female, novice and shorter riders confirmed that controlling a machine can be difficult at slow speeds, especially when riding motorcycles with a higher seat height. BMW Motorrad already offers a lower seat as a factory-fit option for most of its models (at no extra charge), but some riders require their seat to be lower still. Motorcyclists feel more secure when they are able to place their feet firmly on the ground, especially under stop-start conditions. BMW\'s new lower suspension bikes will ensure that more riders are able to do this - naturally, comfortably and safely.

As an example, the lowered suspension option currently available on the F 800 S and ST bikes, reduces the seat height from the standard 840mm to 760mm. This option was launched in 2007 and a staggering 45% of BMW customers have since taken advantage of this opportunity when ordering their new machine.

The six models that can be ordered with lowered suspension are: the sporty F 800 S, its sports touring derivative the F 800 ST, the ‘naked’ R 1200 R roadster, the top selling R 1200 RT touring machine and the new F 650 GS and R 1200 GS enduros.

The iconic R 1200 GS was often associated with taller or more confident riders due to its ‘long-travel suspension’ enduro style and generous ergonomics. The bike’s adjustable standard seat offers a seat height of either 855mm or 875mm. However, with the introduction of the new lowered suspension option this model can now be ordered with a seat height of just 790mm, making this popular all-rounder available to a much wider spectrum of riders.

All of the BMW factory-engineered lowered suspension bikes come with a low seat, but the actual lowering modification from the standard machine varies from model to model. Bikes such as the F 800 ST come with a shorter rear shock absorber and front forks which have been lowered through the yokes. Boxer engined models, such as the R 1200 RT and R 1200 GS, achieve the lower positioning by adding a shorter strut to the front and rear shock absorbers. The Telelever settings have been changed.

The factory fitting of lowered suspension costs an additional £90 on the purchase price of each model.

Tony Jakeman, Marketing Manager of BMW Motorrad UK said: &rightquot;BMW Motorrad focuses on engineering that offers the ultimate in motorcycle design. Models and options that continue to improve rider safety and enjoyment are a paramount consideration. Launching our extensive range of lowered suspension models continues our strategy of offering bespoke motorcycling to riders, whilst also making our models more attractive to a wider range of customers.”
'; news['article_232']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_232']['image11'] = '/us/en/general/R_1200_GS_Standard_and_Low_seat_comparison_image_2__2_.JPG'; news['article_232']['image11_text'] = 'Standard and low seat R 1200 GS side by side'; news['article_232']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/general/R_1200_GS_Standard_and_Low_seat_comparison_image_2___2_.JPG'; news['article_232']['image12'] = '/us/en/general/R_1200_GS_Standard_and_Low_seat_comparison_image__2_.JPG'; news['article_232']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/general/R_1200_GS_Standard_and_Low_seat_comparison_image__2_.JPG'; news['article_232']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_232']['content2'] = ''; news['article_232']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_232']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_232']['content3'] = ''; news['article_232']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[74] = 232; news['article_233'] = new Array(); news['article_233']['articleId'] = 73; news['article_233']['day'] = '10'; news['article_233']['month'] = '07'; news['article_233']['year'] = '2008'; news['article_233']['title'] = 'See BMW Motorrad’s biggest stars and their machines up close at the Goodwood Festival of Speed'; news['article_233']['link_text'] = 'BMW Motorrad to make exclusive appearance at Goodwood Festival of Speed'; news['article_233']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_233']['content1'] = 'The weekend of 11-13 July sees Goodwood House near Chichester, West Sussex host the legendary Goodwood Festival of Speed. BMW Motorrad will, once again, play a part in the annual celebrations of Motorsport.

The Festival is an unrivalled social and sporting occasion in the motor racing calendar. The main attraction at the Festival of Speed is the Hillclimb held throughout the weekend on a 1.86-km course on parkland roads in the grounds of the famous House. Traditionally, star riders and drivers on historical bikes and cars race along a tree-lined avenue before climbing a steep and narrow estate road to the top of the hill overlooking the picturesque South Downs.

The motorcycle category of the Hillclimb caters for some of the world\'s most famous competition bikes. This year BMW Motorrad is bringing along an exciting line-up of motorcycles.

Making a first appearance in the United Kingdom is BMW Motorrad Motorsport\'s factory HP2 Sport endurance racer that has already seen action in the Le Mans 24 Hour race and at Daytona this year. Team rider Richard Cooper, who finished in a fantastic fifth place in the Formula Xtreme Daytona 200 race in March, will ride it as fast as he dares up the famous hill.

The off-road world will be represented by Simon Pavey, who is best known as the man who taught Ewan McGregor to ride off-road in preparation for his Long Way Round and Long Way Down adventures. He was also team mate to McGregor\'s round-the-world travelling companion Charley Boorman in the 2007 Dakar Rally and ended up finishing the gruelling race after Boorman crashed out of contention.

Pavey – who is also Chief Instructor of the BMW Off Road Skills school in south Wales – will be climbing the hill on Boorman\'s BMW F 650 GS ‘Race to Dakar’ machine. Simon is only just back from Asia where he competed on a BMW G 650 Xchallenge in the inaugural Transorientale Rally, which covered 10,700 kilometres from St Petersburg to Beijing in just 17 days.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is far more than just a hillclimb though. It is a celebration of motor sport and is the only occasion where you’ll see the greatest historical and modern competition machines and star drivers and riders in action, including a beautifully restored BMW R 51 that raced in the 1939 Isle of Man Senior TT.

This year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed will also commemorate 20 years of the most competitive domestic motorcycle racing series in the world – the British Superbike Championship. And who knows, maybe it will be a BMW factory superbike riding up the famous hill in 2009?
'; news['article_233']['direction1'] = 'Horizontal'; news['article_233']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Goodwood_image.1.jpg'; news['article_233']['image11_text'] = 'This year\'s viewers can look forward to seeing Simon Pavey entertaining the crowds on the Race to Dakar F 650 GS'; news['article_233']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Goodwood_image.1.jpg'; news['article_233']['image11_save'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/Goodwood_image.1.jpg'; news['article_233']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_233']['content2'] = ''; news['article_233']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_233']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_233']['content3'] = ''; news['article_233']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[73] = 233; news['article_234'] = new Array(); news['article_234']['articleId'] = 72; news['article_234']['day'] = '26'; news['article_234']['month'] = '06'; news['article_234']['year'] = '2008'; news['article_234']['title'] = 'Ruben Xaus signs with BMW Motorrad Motorsport'; news['article_234']['link_text'] = 'Exclusive - Ruben Xaus signs with BMW Motorrad Motorsport!'; news['article_234']['subtitle1'] = 'Spanish ace to race S 1000 RR in WSB...'; news['article_234']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorrad Motorsport are delighted to announce that they have agreed terms with Ruben Xaus and that he will ride their all-new BMW S 1000 RR in the Superbike World Championship in 2009.

The contract between BMW Motorrad Motorsport and Ruben is for two years and is the first step in BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s entry into World Superbikes. Ruben was born in Sant Cugat des Valles in Cataluyna, Spain and lives with his wife (Mariona) and daughter (Julia) in Andorra. He has been a WSBK regular since 1998 and has taken 34 podiums, including 10 victories.

Peter Mueller (Executive Vice President Development & Model Lines): \"Ever since we announced that we would enter the 2009 Superbike World Championship, there has been a lot of speculation about and interest in our bike and our riders. Everybody has already had some information about our new S1000 RR bike, and today we can reveal one of the riders who will join us in this great adventure next year. Ruben is a strong and combative rider, full of enthusiasm and with a passion for racing. This fits our philosophy completely and together we will take on this new challenge. We know that the Superbike World Championship is a very hard and competitive series, but we are not entering it just to make up the numbers: we will be taking part because we want to win! Of course, we are starting with a brand new bike but, together with Ruben, we believe we can progress quickly and maybe surprise a few people along the way.

Ruben Xaus said, &rightquot;When I met the BMW guys, I was very impressed by their commitment, their passion for racing and their ideas about the future. We discussed how the WSBK project was going and I realised that I wanted to be a part of it straightaway. It is not often that you get the chance to start a completely new project, but I am really looking forward to the challenge. Although it’s going to be tough racing a new bike, I believe BMW will give me a good bike and great support and that’s all I ask for.”'; news['article_234']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_234']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/xaus1.jpg'; news['article_234']['image11_text'] = 'S 1000 RR racer Ruben Xaus with Peter Mueller and Berti Hauser '; news['article_234']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/xaus1.jpg'; news['article_234']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/xaus2.jpg'; news['article_234']['image12_text'] = 'Ruben Xaus tries the new S 1000 RR out for size'; news['article_234']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/xaus2.jpg'; news['article_234']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_234']['content2'] = ''; news['article_234']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_234']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_234']['content3'] = ''; news['article_234']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[72] = 234; news['article_235'] = new Array(); news['article_235']['articleId'] = 71; news['article_235']['day'] = '05'; news['article_235']['month'] = '06'; news['article_235']['year'] = '2008'; news['article_235']['title'] = 'BMW Motorrad to exhibit at London’s Canary Wharf Motorexpo Show'; news['article_235']['link_text'] = 'We\'re there! BMW Motorrad at Canary Wharf 9th to 15th June.'; news['article_235']['subtitle1'] = 'BMW\'s on show at capital event...'; news['article_235']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorrad will be exhibiting at the world\'s largest, free-to-visit motoring event, the Canary Wharf London Motorexpo from Monday 9th to Sunday 15th of June, for the 13th year of the event.

Motorexpo is a great opportunity to see the latest vehicles from some of the world’s leading motor manufacturers and BMW Motorrad will be displaying a variety of the latest motorcycle models alongside some of the latest car models from BMW UK.

The BMW stand will be situated in Canada Square Park and will be staffed by BMW’s friendly and knowledgeable staff who will be on hand to provide visitors with the latest product and services information…or just talk bikes with you!

Motorcycle models on the stand will include the 2008 R 1200 GS and the K 1200 S. There will also be a chance to get your hands on a free colour copy of the 2008 World of BMW Activity brochure, which will be available on the stand. The brochure provides information on the full range of courses, experiences and activities on offer from the World of BMW including Off Road Skills, BMW Rider Training, BMW Tours and GlobeBusters.

The show takes place from Monday 09 to Sunday 15 June, 2008. Opening hours are 9am-6pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am-5pm Sunday.

For further information on the Motorexpo show including exhibitor details, manufacturer locations, and the latest news, please visit www.motorexpo.co.uk.

'; news['article_235']['direction1'] = 'Horizontal'; news['article_235']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/static_650.jpg'; news['article_235']['image11_text'] = 'The all new R 1200 GS'; news['article_235']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_235']['content2'] = ''; news['article_235']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_235']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_235']['content3'] = ''; news['article_235']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[71] = 235; news['article_236'] = new Array(); news['article_236']['articleId'] = 70; news['article_236']['day'] = '30'; news['article_236']['month'] = '05'; news['article_236']['year'] = '2008'; news['article_236']['title'] = 'BMW Motorrad to return to Donington Park as BikeFestUK marks its second year...'; news['article_236']['link_text'] = 'Get Involved! BMW Motorrad to exhibit at BikeFest UK, Saturday 7th June!'; news['article_236']['subtitle1'] = 'grab yourself a BMW demo ride at BikeFest UK'; news['article_236']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorrad has announced that it will be exhibiting at this year’s BikeFestUK and following the huge success of its debut year which saw nearly 7,000 visitors attend, the show is returning for 2008 to Donington Park on Saturday 07 June. BMW will also be offering exclusive demo rides on 7 of the latest models, so don\'t forget to bring both parts of your driving licence if you wish to get involved!

Supported by one of the UK’s leading sportsbike magazines, Fast Bikes, BikeFest is a totally interactive, one-day show where visitors have the opportunity to test ride motorcycles - either around Donington’s famous Grand Prix circuit or on local road routes. Additionally there are a wide range of trade stands to be visited.

BMW Motorrad will exhibit alongside other leading motorcycle manufacturers and will have a selection of bikes on display including many of the brand new enduro models. The F 650 GS, F 800 GS, R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure will all be available to view and test ride. Naturally BMW’s friendly and knowledgeable staff will be on hand to offer in depth technical support and information.

The latest items from the 2008 BMW Rider Equipment range will also be on display showcasing the innovative design & technology designs that BMW Rider Equipment is renowned for. The new Rider Equipment brochures will also be available from the BMW Motorrad stand. There will also be representatives from the World of BMW to discuss the wide range of activities available to existing and potential customers including, BMW Off Road Skills, BMW Tours and BMW Rider Training. All details of the activities are provided in the 2008 World of BMW Activity Brochure, a free colour copy of which will be available on the stand.

Away from the BMW stand there is also plenty of on-track entertainment including stunt displays and appearances from British Superbike and World Superbike race teams, who will be riding demo laps to show off their bikes and riders. There will also be the chance to meet the teams with an &rightquot;access everyone” race paddock. Visitors can also try the track out for themselves with manufacturers offering test rides both on-track and on official ride-outs on the road.

BMW Motorrad Marketing Manager, Tony Jakeman, said, &rightquot;After the success of last year’s event we’re pleased to see BikeFestUK return for a second year. 2008 is a great year for BMW Motorrad. Our new enduro range has been extremely popular and with the recent release of the HP2 Sport reinforcing BMW’s new sporty image, the model is indicative of the brand shift that we have taken over recent years. It won’t be long before we’ll be seeing the recently announced S 1000 RR being ridden around Donington!”

BikeFestUK is held at Donington Park in Derby on Saturday 07 June, 9am-5pm. Tickets will be available at the gate. For further information, to purchase advance tickets, please visit www.bikefestuk.com. Or for more information on BMW models visit www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk or call 0800 777 155.

'; news['article_236']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_236']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_f800gs_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_236']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_236']['content2'] = ''; news['article_236']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_236']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_236']['content3'] = ''; news['article_236']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[70] = 236; news['article_237'] = new Array(); news['article_237']['articleId'] = 69; news['article_237']['day'] = '13'; news['article_237']['month'] = '05'; news['article_237']['year'] = '2008'; news['article_237']['title'] = 'BMW to mark ‘Year of Enduro’ at the BMF Show, 17th & 18th May!'; news['article_237']['link_text'] = 'Get involved! BMW to exhibit at this weekends BMF show! 17th & 18th May'; news['article_237']['subtitle1'] = 'Grab an exclusive demo ride this weekend...'; news['article_237']['content1'] = 'The annual BMF Show at Peterborough on the 17-18 May is the largest outdoor motorcycling event in Europe, drawing thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the UK. BMW Motorrad will be at the show celebrating their ‘Year of Enduro’ by providing visitors with the opportunity to test ride four of its new enduro models - the F 800 GS, F 650 GS, R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure.

The BMW Motorrad stand will feature new models for 2008 as well as a selection of bikes from the existing range, and BMW’s friendly and knowledgeable staff will be on hand to offer in depth technical support and information…or just talk bikes with you!

Items from the 2008 BMW Rider Equipment range will also be on display, and the new brochure will be available on the BMW Motorrad stand. There will also be a representative from the World of BMW to discuss the wide range of activities available, ranging from BMW Off Road Skills to BMW Tours and BMW Rider Training. All details of the activities are provided in the 2008 World of BMW Activity Brochure, a free colour copy of which will be available on the stand.

BMW Motorrad Manager Tony Jakeman said, &rightquot;2008 ‘Year of Enduro’ is shaping up to be a really exciting year for BMW Motorrad in the UK. Not only have we launched four new enduro models so far this year, but we are continuing to enter new market sectors and launch products that will appeal to a wider motorcycling audience. The BMF Show is a fantastic event and a great place to showcase these models. And with the opportunity to test ride the bikes, visitors will be able to appreciate the dynamic riding qualities of the enduro bikes for themselves.”

All test rides will be provided on a first come first serve basis, and will be bookable on that day only, Terms and Conditions apply. Riders must have a full motorcycle riding license and bring both parts to the show.

The BMF Show is held at the East of England Showground in Peterborough on the 17-18th of May, 9am-5pm. Tickets are available at the gate. For further information, or to purchase advance tickets, please visit, www.bmf.co.uk.
'; news['article_237']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_237']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_237']['content2'] = ''; news['article_237']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_237']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_237']['content3'] = ''; news['article_237']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[69] = 237; news['article_238'] = new Array(); news['article_238']['articleId'] = 68; news['article_238']['day'] = '18'; news['article_238']['month'] = '04'; news['article_238']['year'] = '2008'; news['article_238']['title'] = 'Return to Le Mans for BMW Motorrad Motorsport'; news['article_238']['link_text'] = 'Return to Le Mans for BMW Motorrad Motorsport'; news['article_238']['subtitle1'] = '2008 FIM Qtel Endurance World Championship gets under way this weekend....'; news['article_238']['content1'] = 'The BMW Motorrad Motorsport team has been making final preparations for its participation in the 2008 FIM Qtel Endurance World Championship. The first event of this year’s six-round championship will take place on 19 and 20 April at Le Mans, France.

BMW Motorrad is looking forward to returning to the historic Bugatti circuit for the ‘24 Hours Moto of Le Mans’ race. Last year, the factory team marked its return to world championship motorcycle racing with a fantastic result at the gruelling 24 hour race in France, ending with a win in their class and a highly impressive 16th overall after 776 laps on the modified R 1200 S sports boxer.


'; news['article_238']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_238']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/le_mans1_thumb.JPG'; news['article_238']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/le_mans1_large.JPG'; news['article_238']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/le_mans2_thumb_1.JPG'; news['article_238']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/le_mans2_large.JPG'; news['article_238']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_238']['content2'] = 'Along with many other teams, BMW has been participating in two days of testing on the Bugatti racetrack and is now able to confirm its rider line-up for this prestigious race. There will be two factory teams riding the new HP2 Sport at Le Mans. Experienced endurance rider Stephan Mertens is now free from injury and makes his return to the team on bike number 17, along with Belgian fellow countryman Sebastian Le Grelle and German rider Rico Penzkofer. British rider Richard Cooper, Spaniard José-Luis Nion and American Brian Parriott will ride bike number 71.

For Richard Cooper, his inclusion in the team is a &rightquot;dream come true”. The 24-year-old recently impressed international audiences with a fantastic ride for BMW Motorrad Motorsport in the Formula Xtreme Daytona 200 race – the most prestigious race in America – where he finished in fifth place, just in front of team-mate Brian Parriott. Although he appeared perfectly at home on the HP2 Sport in the USA, Cooper has really benefited from the recent shakedown test at Le Mans and is feeling extremely confident with the capability of the sports boxer on the French circuit.

&rightquot;Things couldn’t have gone much better for me in the USA last month, and this has fortunately continued last week in Le Mans,” he said. &rightquot;I rode a different bike to the one I had at Daytona and things just ‘clicked’ instantly. I was the fastest BMW rider in every session and I’ve come away much more confident, and with what I believe is a really good set-up for the race. I can’t put my finger on it, but things just feel right. Our team seems really well suited too – José -Luis Nion is the same size as me, so we have a similar bike set-up, and Brian speaks Spanish, which helps with team communication with José-Luis. It’s a shame Thomas Hinterreiter is injured as he is such a valuable member of the team, but I believe he will be there in pit-lane with us anyway.”

Richard’s team mate Brian Parriott is looking forward to participating in what is probably the most famous and also the toughest endurance race on the calendar. The Californian was part of the works team that raced at the Bol d’Or last September and was also in sensational form at Daytona earlier this year, so he is really looking forward to joining the factory squad in Europe again.

&rightquot;I love racing in Europe – who wouldn\'t? For me it is especially nice to be back with the factory BMW team. I have a great relationship with everyone involved and it is a very top-notch effort. I like Le Mans a lot as a circuit and the surrounding area is very beautiful so I am very much looking forward to this opportunity. My early impressions of the HP2 Sport are that it is just fabulous – a real race bike. I’ve been racing BMW boxers for a long time now and the changes from the R 1100 S to the HP2 Sport are 3,000 per cent! It seems to me that the Boxer Cup series really excited BMW and challenged the company to start building race ready machines.”

This is a view that is shared by José-Luis Nion, who is looking forward to hustling the factory twin-cylinder sports bike around the 4.18-kilometre Bugatti circuit in front of an anticipated 90,000 spectators this weekend.

&rightquot;I love the new HP2 Sport, and I believe it has great potential. It’s very fast, handles well thanks to its stiff chassis and suspension, and has excellent braking capability too. The French Le Mans circuit is seriously fast and very technical, so the bike’s excellent performance at low revs is important. I would love to get on the podium here – as last year’s result in Oschersleben was one of my best moments in racing – but we’ll have to see what happens. The weather can be so variable at this time of year, but as we’ve got lots of experience in the team, we are ready for anything.”

One rider that is certainly ready for anything on the works BMW is Sebastian Legrelle. Like all of his team-mates, the Belgian rider has vast experience on the sports boxers from his early days in the International BMW Boxer Cup series, and he too has benefited from the pre-race test sessions at the Le Mans circuit.

&rightquot;The two days I spent at Le Mans with the team were invaluable for getting to grips with the BMW HP2 Sport. I was soon ‘up to speed’ and was comfortably doing similar lap times to those from last year, so this bodes well for the 24 Hours race. The circuit isn’t one of my favourites, but when you ride the HP2 Sport, it’s hard not to enjoy yourself. It feels familiar to every sports boxer I have ridden before, but is so much better in every area, such as power, brakes, chassis. For me, the start of the race can’t come soon enough!”

Free practice will start at the Le Mans ‘Bugatti’ track on Thursday 17 April, at 11am, with a first qualifying session taking place in the afternoon and a night session finishing off the day’s proceedings. On Friday, April 18, the second qualifying session will start at 11am. The average best lap of each rider will define the team’s position on the starting grid, making it a real team effort from start to finish. From 5 to 8pm on Friday, the pit-lane will be traditionally open to the public and then the actual start of the ‘24 Hours Moto of Le Mans’ will happen on Saturday 19 April, at 3 pm.
'; news['article_238']['direction2'] = 'Horizontal'; news['article_238']['image21'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/le_mans3_thumb3.JPG'; news['article_238']['image21_text'] = 'José-Luis Nion'; news['article_238']['image21_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/le_mans3_large.JPG'; news['article_238']['image22'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/le_mans4_thumb3.JPG'; news['article_238']['image22_text'] = 'Sebastian Legrelle'; news['article_238']['image22_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/le_mans4_large.JPG'; news['article_238']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_238']['content3'] = ''; news['article_238']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[68] = 238; news['article_239'] = new Array(); news['article_239']['articleId'] = 67; news['article_239']['day'] = '17'; news['article_239']['month'] = '04'; news['article_239']['year'] = '2008'; news['article_239']['title'] = 'Attractive, versatile and lightweight. (and that\'s just the finance package)'; news['article_239']['link_text'] = 'Exclusive Finance Offer - New F 650 GS available for £65 per month with BMW Select!'; news['article_239']['subtitle1'] = 'The new F 650 GS with BMW select finance...'; news['article_239']['content1'] = 'Upgrading to BMW quality is not as expensive as most riders imagine. BMW Financial Services offers a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) product called ‘Select’ that allows customers to spread the cost of their motorcycle over 24 months. BMW Financial Services also set a Guaranteed Minimum Future Value for the customer bike, which becomes the optional final payment, meaning the customer doesn’t have to worry about what their motorcycle is worth at the end of their finance agreement. Because this lump sum is deferred to the end of the agreement, monthly repayments could be as low as £65. Not only that, BMW Financial Services offers customers 3 flexible options at the end of their Select agreement; either hand their motorcycle back, keep their motorcycle and pay the optional final payment or part-exchange their motorcycle for a new one.

BMW Financial Services offers BMW Select on the entire range of BMW Motorrad models from the HP2 Sport to the F 650 GS.

The new BMW F 650 GS entry level, all-terrain enduro is a complete redesign of the much loved single-cylinder model. The original machine’s power plant has been superseded by BMW’s new high performance 71hp parallel-twin engine. With chain drive transmission, seat height options as low as 76.5cm and an OTR retail price of £5,495, the F 650 GS is an affordable and versatile introduction to the world of BMW enduro.

The F 650 GS is aimed at riders who have more conventional riding requirements and do not need a dedicated bike with competition enduro suspension travel. With its lower riding position, lighter and more evenly distributed weight of 176kg, the ‘little’ GS is easy to control, has plenty of power and delivers remarkable fuel economy.

Despite its ‘650’ designation the F 650 GS has the same 800cc parallel-twin engine as the F 800 GS. With a slightly reduced power output (71 instead of the 85hp delivered by the F 800 GS) the F 650 concentrates on high torque at low engine speeds but with surprisingly miserly fuel consumption.

In addition to the low cost purchase, BMW Motorrad Insurance is also available at an equally affordable price. Comprehensive motorcycle insurance cover for the F 650 GS is available at a flat rate of £230 for riders aged 26 years and over, or £460 for riders aged 21-25 years (subject to terms and conditions).

For further information contact your local BMW Motorrad dealer or call 0800 777 155
'; news['article_239']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_239']['image11'] = '/us/en/equipment/media/650.JPG'; news['article_239']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/equipment/media/f650_final2.JPG'; news['article_239']['image11_save'] = '/us/en/equipment/media/f650_final3.JPG'; news['article_239']['image12'] = '/us/en/equipment/media/f650_final3_1.JPG'; news['article_239']['image12_text'] = 'Terms and conditions apply.
Further Information:
Finance example is based on a 24 month BMW Select Agreement.
F 650 GS on the road cash price £5,495
Deposit £1,545
22 monthly payments of £65
Amount of credit £3,950
First monthly payment £165
Optional final payment £3,008.30
Total amount payable £6,148.30
Annual mileage allowance 4,000
Excess mileage charge 3.33p per mile
Typical 9.9% APR
Vehicle condition charges may apply. On the road cash prices include 12 months road fund licence, first vehicle registration fee, delivery, number plate and VAT. Figures are correct at time of writing and are subject to change without notice. All finance is subject to status and available to over-18s in the UK only (excluding the Channel Islands). Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Finance provided by BMW Financial Services, Europa House, Bartley Way, Hook, Hampshire RG27 9UF.

BMW Motorrad Insurance is underwritten by the National Insurance and Guarantee Corporation Limited (trading name NIG) and arranged by Devitt Insurance Services Limited. NIG and Devitt Insurance Services Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and are both part of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group.
'; news['article_239']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/equipment/media/f650_final4.JPG'; news['article_239']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_239']['content2'] = ''; news['article_239']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_239']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_239']['content3'] = ''; news['article_239']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[67] = 239; news['article_240'] = new Array(); news['article_240']['articleId'] = 61; news['article_240']['day'] = '12'; news['article_240']['month'] = '11'; news['article_240']['year'] = '2007'; news['article_240']['title'] = 'UNSTOPPABLE BMW G 450 X '; news['article_240']['link_text'] = 'UNSTOPPABLE BMW G 450 X '; news['article_240']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_240']['content1'] = 'The new BMW G 450 X Sport Enduro is a unique motorcycle that completely redefines enduro riding. That’s because it’s been designed from the ground up to deliver the sort of off-road traction dreams are made of, with a brand new single-cylinder engine and a revolutionary swing-arm design. The result is a bike that is quite simply unstoppable.'; news['article_240']['direction1'] = 'Horizontal'; news['article_240']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_g450x_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_240']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_g450x_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_240']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_g450x_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_240']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_g450x_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_240']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_g450x_03_thumb.jpg'; news['article_240']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_g450x_03_preview.jpg'; news['article_240']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_240']['content2'] = '1 Traction: Thanks to a revolutionary frame.
Unstoppable performance can only be achieved with original thinking, as seen
in the mounting of the rear swing-arm of the G 450 X. Its pivot point shares an axle line with the drive sprocket, so ensuring that the length of the drive chain and as a result, the efficiency of the transmission is not affected by the compression and rebound of the suspension. The swing-arm is significantly longer than on other bikes with a comparable wheelbase, for maximum ground contact and traction on any surface. Finally, the ground-breaking frame features perfectly straight tubing, offering exceptional structural rigidity.

2 Unstoppable traction. Thanks to an outstanding engine.
The key to unstoppable performance is an unbeatable engine. An engine like the ultra-modern DOHC single-cylinder unit found in the G 450 X*. It is angled forwards,allowing for long, straight air intakes, which in turn makes possible an optimum location for the fuel injector and the two throttle valves. The engine provides punchy yet supremely controllable responses right across the rev range. In addition, the innovative positioning of the clutch directly above the crankshaft minimizes the amount of torque it has to handle, and as a result its size and weight can be significantly reduced.

3 Traction. Thanks to an uncompromising suspension design.
To be truly unstoppable, you need outstanding grip, which means maximum ground contact at all speeds and on all surfaces. The front of the G 450 X features a fully adjustable Marzocchi upside-down fork with 300 millimetres
of travel, and effortlessly takes on even the bumpiest terrain. At the rear is a fully adjustable Öhlins monoshock suspension system, also fully adjustable and with 320 millimetres of travel.

4 Traction. Thanks to a perfect riding position.
Unstoppable performance is not just about the frame, engine and chassis. It’s also about the rider. The riding position, whether travelling uphill or down, sitting or standing, is also of vital importance to proper control of the bike. The G 450 X is exceptionally well balanced, with a slim body, and a long, flat seat. And for maximum freedom of movement, the fuel tank is located beneath the seat rather than in front of it.'; news['article_240']['direction2'] = 'Horizontal'; news['article_240']['image21'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_g450x_04_thumb.jpg'; news['article_240']['image21_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_g450x_04_preview.jpg'; news['article_240']['image22'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_g450x_05_thumb.jpg'; news['article_240']['image22_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_g450x_05_preview.jpg'; news['article_240']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_240']['content3'] = ''; news['article_240']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[61] = 240; news['article_241'] = new Array(); news['article_241']['articleId'] = 62; news['article_241']['day'] = '12'; news['article_241']['month'] = '11'; news['article_241']['year'] = '2007'; news['article_241']['title'] = 'UNSTOPPABLE BMW F 650 GS '; news['article_241']['link_text'] = 'UNSTOPPABLE BMW F 650 GS '; news['article_241']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_241']['content1'] = 'The new BMW F 650 GS. The most unstoppable Enduro in its class. Dynamic and sporty, it is built around a punchy twin-cylinder engine that delivers an impressive 71 horsepower. Light weight and a comfortable low seat ensure outstanding agility, while ABS and tyre pressure control maximize safety. And it is as at home in the big city as in the big wide world beyond. The new F 650 GS. 100 percent BMW. 100 percent unstoppable.'; news['article_241']['direction1'] = 'Horizontal'; news['article_241']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_f650gs08_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_241']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_f650gs08_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_241']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_f650gs08_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_241']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_f650gs08_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_241']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_f650gs08_03_thumb.jpg'; news['article_241']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_f650gs08_03_preview.jpg'; news['article_241']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_241']['content2'] = 'Unstoppable and powerful with it.
The new BMW F 650 GS offers all the power you need, on tap whenever you need it. Its state-of-the-art 798-cc twin-cylinder engine delivers 71 horsepower (52 kW). And that in a bike that weighs just 199 kilograms*. Because the key to performance is not making things harder for yourself than they have to be.

Unstoppable and versatile with it.
City backstreets? Empty highways? Off-road terrain? All of them are meat and drink to the BMW F 650 GS. With a tubular frame that is lightweight yet extremely robust, and comprehensive levels of equipment for maximum rider comfort if you’re up for it, then so is the F 650 GS.

Unstoppable and safe with it.
The new F 650 GS is a bike with an impeccable pedigree. And nowhere is this more apparent than in the area of safety. Disengageable ABS** ensures supremely controllable handling even in adverse conditions, while TPC** allows the rider to keep an eye on tyre pressure at all times. Because forewarned is forearmed.'; news['article_241']['direction2'] = 'Horizontal'; news['article_241']['image21'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_f650gs08_04_thumb.jpg'; news['article_241']['image21_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_f650gs08_04_preview.jpg'; news['article_241']['image22'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_f650gs08_05_thumb.jpg'; news['article_241']['image22_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_f650gs08_05_preview.jpg'; news['article_241']['subtitle3'] = 'Facts'; news['article_241']['content3'] = 'Engine: Water-cooled, 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, four valves per cylinder, two overhead camshafts, dry sump lubrication
Capacity: 798 cc
Rated output: 52 kW (71 hp) at 7,000 rpm (output reduction to 25 kW (34 hp) at 5,000 rpm possible)
Max. torque: 75 Nm at 4,500 rpm (with output reduction: 57 Nm at 3,000 rpm)
Emission control: Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Tyre, front / rear: 110/80 - 19 59H / 140/80 - 17 69H
Wheelbase: 1,575 mm
Brake, front: Single disc, diameter 300 mm, double-piston floating caliper
Brake, rear: Single disc, diameter 265 mm, single-piston floating caliper
ABS: Optional extra: BMW Motorrad ABS (can be switched off)
Seat height: 820 mm (low seat: 790 mm; lowered suspension: 765 mm)
Inner leg curve: 1,820 mm (low seat: 1,780 mm; lowered suspension: 1.710 mm)
Dry weight 1) : 179 kg
Unladen weight, road ready, fully fuelled 2) : 199 kg
Usable tank volume : 16,0 l

Technical data relate to the unladen weight (DIN)

1) Unladen weight without fluids
2) According to guideline 93/93/EWG with all fluids, fuelled with at least 90 % of usable tank volume
'; news['article_241']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[62] = 241; news['article_242'] = new Array(); news['article_242']['articleId'] = 63; news['article_242']['day'] = '12'; news['article_242']['month'] = '11'; news['article_242']['year'] = '2007'; news['article_242']['title'] = 'UNSTOPPABLE BMW F 800 GS'; news['article_242']['link_text'] = 'UNSTOPPABLE BMW F 800 GS'; news['article_242']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_242']['content1'] = 'The new BMW F 800 GS. Everything about it is unstoppable. Its state-of-the-art 85 hp twin-cylinder engine delivers awesome off-road power. A kerb weight of just 207 kilograms makes it unbelievably agile. And its ability to perform on smooth tarmac and rough ground alike makes it uniquely versatile. The new BMW F 800 GS. Built to go beyond the ordinary.'; news['article_242']['direction1'] = 'Horizontal'; news['article_242']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_f800gs_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_242']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_f800gs_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_242']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_f800gs_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_242']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_f800gs_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_242']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_f800gs_03_thumb.jpg'; news['article_242']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_f800gs_03_preview.jpg'; news['article_242']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_242']['content2'] = 'Unstoppable agility.
The new BMW F 800 GS offers uniquely smooth power delivery, thanks to the combination of a high-torque 798-cc twin-cylinder engine delivering 85 horsepower (63 kW) with a kerb weight of just 207 kilograms. The result is a riding experience that will linger long in the memory.

Unstoppable off-road performance.
The F 800 GS is designed to deliver outstanding performance on and off-road. This is achieved with light weight, exciting handling, and all the power you need. Wherever you are on the planet, on the F 800 GS there’ always a way to go further.

Unstoppable equipment.
Riders of the new BMW F 800 GS will find that this is a bike that offers everything they need: materials selected for maximum toughness, state-of-the-art disengageable ABS* for maximum safety, and a wealth of thoughtful features such as heated grips*, LED indicators* and an on-board computer*.

Unstoppable design.
In the F 800 GS, form very definitely follows function but the fact that it also looks great is an added bonus. With a visible tubular frame, a sturdy bash plate, and a distinctive beak design that is proven on and off-road, everything about the F 800 GS says BMW Motorrad.

* Optional equipment or retrofittable accessory.bmw-motorrad.com'; news['article_242']['direction2'] = 'Horizontal'; news['article_242']['image21'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_f800gs_04_thumb.jpg'; news['article_242']['image21_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_f800gs_04_preview.jpg'; news['article_242']['image22'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_f800gs_05_thumb.jpg'; news['article_242']['image22_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_f800gs_05_preview.jpg'; news['article_242']['subtitle3'] = 'Facts'; news['article_242']['content3'] = 'Engine: Water-cooled, 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, four valves per cylinder, two overhead camshafts, dry sump lubrication
Capacity: 798 cc
Rated output: 63 kW (85 hp) at 7,500 rpm (optional 91 RON version: 61 kW (83 hp) at 7,500 rpm)
Max. torque: 83 Nm at 5,750 rpm (optional 91 RON version: 81 Nm at 5,750 rpm)
Emission control: Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Tyre, front / rear: 90/90 - 21 54V / 150/70 - 17 69V
Wheelbase: 1,578 mm
Brake, front: Twin disc, floating brake discs, diameter 300 mm, double-piston floating calipers
Brake, rear: Single disc, diameter 265 mm, single-piston floating caliper
ABS: Optional extra: BMW Motorrad ABS (can be switched off)
Seat height: 880 mm (low seat: 850 mm)
Inner leg curve: 1,940 mm (low seat: 1,900 mm)
Dry weight 1): 185 kg
Unladen weight, road ready, fully fuelled 2): 207 kg
Usable tank volume : 16,0 l

Technical data relate to the unladen weight (DIN)

1) Unladen weight without fluids
2) According to guideline 93/93/EWG with all fluids, fuelled with at least 90 % of usable tank volume'; news['article_242']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[63] = 242; news['article_243'] = new Array(); news['article_243']['articleId'] = 64; news['article_243']['day'] = '12'; news['article_243']['month'] = '11'; news['article_243']['year'] = '2007'; news['article_243']['title'] = 'UNSTOPPABLE BMW R 1200 GS 2008'; news['article_243']['link_text'] = 'UNSTOPPABLE BMW R 1200 GS 2008'; news['article_243']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_243']['content1'] = 'The new B MW R 1200 GS is one of a kind. An unstoppable machine that offers unlimited freedom to the rider. It is equally serene on tarmac and rough terrain alike – so now the only restriction on your touring is how homesick you get. It features an upgraded drive train, an even more expressive design, and, for the first time, the Enduro ESA suspension option. The BMW R 1200 GS – because even the most free of spirits need something to rely on.'; news['article_243']['direction1'] = 'Horizontal'; news['article_243']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_r1200gs08_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_243']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_r1200gs08_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_243']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_r1200gs08_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_243']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_r1200gs08_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_243']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_r1200gs08_03_thumb.jpg'; news['article_243']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_r1200gs08_03_preview.jpg'; news['article_243']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_243']['content2'] = 'More serene – a drive train that won’t let you down.
What makes a bike unstoppable? The obvious answer is power, and the new engine of the R 1200 GS delivers 105 horsepower, across a wider usable rev range than ever before. Add that to the new gear ratios and shorter final transmission, and the result is a unique combination of instant response and smooth power delivery – for maximum enjoyment wherever you go.

More striking – design that sets new standards.
Unstoppable performance should be reflected in irresistible looks. The new-look R 1200 GS features rugged stainless steel trims on the fuel tank, a neater front mud guard, a two-section hand guard, and a high-tech LED rear light, perfectly complemented by white indicators.

More versatile – suspension that can go anywhere. A bike can only truly claim to be unstoppable if it can master any terrain. And that’s why the R 1200 GS now offers the benefits of the optional Enduro ESA suspension system. This allows riders to adjust the damper settings and suspension height of both wheels electrohydraulically at the touch of a button. The result is a bike that offers outstanding roadholding for everyday riding, yet doesn’t bottom out on even the roughest of terrain.

More perfect – little things that make a big difference.
A tiny change can sometimes make all the difference – the difference between merely good and unstoppable. Which is why BMW Motorrad has completely redesigned the handlebars of the R 1200 GS. For greater off-road comfort when riding in the standing position, they can be mounted further forward than is usual. The seat design has also been improved, and an extra-tough hand guard is available as an option.'; news['article_243']['direction2'] = 'Horizontal'; news['article_243']['image21'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_r1200gs08_04_thumb.jpg'; news['article_243']['image21_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_r1200gs08_04_preview.jpg'; news['article_243']['image22'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_r1200gs08_05_thumb.jpg'; news['article_243']['image22_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_r1200gs08_05_preview.jpg'; news['article_243']['subtitle3'] = 'Facts'; news['article_243']['content3'] = 'Engine: Air/oil-cooled flat twin (\'Boxer\') 4-stroke, one camshaft and four valves per cylinder, central balancer shaft
Capacity: 1.170 ccm
Rated output: 77 kW (105 hp) at 7.500/rpm
Max. torque: 115 Nm at 5.750/rpm
Emission control: Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Tyre, front / rear: 110/80 R 19 / 150/70 R 17
Wheelbase: 1.507 mm
Brake, front: Twin disc, floating brake discs, 305 mm diameter, four-piston fixed calipers
Brake, rear: Single disc, diameter 265 mm, double-piston floating caliper
ABS: Optional extra: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral), can be switched off
Seat height: 850 / 870 mm
Inner leg curve: 1.890 / 1.940 mm
Dry weight 1) : 203 kg
Unladen weight, road ready, fully fuelled 2): 229 kg
Usable tank volume : 20,0 l

Technical data relate to the unladen weight (DIN)

1) Unladen weight without fluids
2) According to guideline 93/93/EWG with all fluids, fuelled with at least 90 % of usable tank volume
'; news['article_243']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[64] = 243; news['article_244'] = new Array(); news['article_244']['articleId'] = 65; news['article_244']['day'] = '12'; news['article_244']['month'] = '11'; news['article_244']['year'] = '2007'; news['article_244']['title'] = 'UNSTOPPABLE BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2008'; news['article_244']['link_text'] = 'UNSTOPPABLE BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2008'; news['article_244']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_244']['content1'] = 'The BMW R 1200 GS Adventure is truly unstoppable. It is built without compromise to handle anything the planet’s roads – and off-road – can throw at it. The new, upgraded dreve train delivers effortless throttle response, the new Enduro ESA suspension option ensures supreme traction and ride comfort, and the classic design has been fine-tuned so that its looks are as memorable as its performance. The new R 1200 GS Adventure. No Desert, no mountain and no river can stop it. The only limit is your imagination. '; news['article_244']['direction1'] = 'Horizontal'; news['article_244']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_r1200gsa08_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_244']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_r1200gsa08_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_244']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_r1200gsa08_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_244']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_r1200gsa08_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_244']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_r1200gsa08_03_thumb.jpg'; news['article_244']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_r1200gsa08_03_preview.jpg'; news['article_244']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_244']['content2'] = 'Power that keeps it ahead of the field.
To be unstoppable, a bike needs power. Lots of power. Which is why the R 1200 GS Adventure offers 105 horsepower, with a wider usable rev range than ever before, new gear ratios and a shorter final transmission. The result is a unique combination of instant response and smooth power delivery – a ride like nothing you’ve experienced, for terrain that’s never been explored.

Looks that stand out from the crowd.
An unstoppable bike should look the part. The revised design of the R 1200 GS Adventure features a neater front mud guard, a two-section hand guard, a new deflector to channel cool air into the engine, and a high-tech LED rear light with white indicators. Because good design is a universal language.

A new Enduro ESA option that gives an unbeatable ride.
To be truly unstoppable, a bike must be able to perform on any terrain. And that’s exactly what the R 1200 GS Adventure can now do, thanks to the Enduro ESA option, which brings the benefits of BMW Motorrad’s intelligent ESA suspension system to this model for the first time. The damper settings and suspension height of both wheels can be adjusted electrohydraulically at the touch of a button. As a result, the suspension has the travel to prevent bottoming out on rough terrain, but still delivers optimum roadholding in everyday use. In short, it’s up for any challenge.

Optional equipment that’s completely exclusive.
The short first gear option is exclusive to the R 1200 GS Adventure, and reduces the already-low creep speed by a further 10 per cent – particularly useful over broken ground in tight spaces. Because being unstoppable is about control as much as power – especially in the sort of country that
other bikes can’t even reach in the first place.

Details that make all the difference.
Sometimes, the key to unstoppable performance lies in the little things. Things like the redesigned handlebars of the R 1200 GS Adventure. For greater off-road comfort when riding in the standing position, they can also be mounted further forward than is usual. An enhanced two-section hand guard is fitted as standard. '; news['article_244']['direction2'] = 'Horizontal'; news['article_244']['image21'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_r1200gsa08_04_thumb.jpg'; news['article_244']['image21_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_r1200gsa08_04_preview.jpg'; news['article_244']['image22'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_r1200gsa08_05_thumb.jpg'; news['article_244']['image22_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_bmw_r1200gsa08_05_preview.jpg'; news['article_244']['subtitle3'] = 'Facts'; news['article_244']['content3'] = 'Engine: Air/oil-cooled flat twin (\'Boxer\') 4-stroke, one camshaft and four valves per cylinder, central balancer shaft
Capacity: 1.170 ccm
Rated output: 77 kW (105 hp) at 7.500/rpm
Max. torque: 115 Nm at 5.750/rpm
Emission control: Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Tyre, front / rear: 110/80 R 19 / 150/70 R 17
Wheelbase: 1.510 mm
Brake, front: Twin disc, floating brake discs, 305 mm diameter, four-piston fixed calipers
Brake, rear: Single disc, diameter 265 mm, double-piston floating caliper
ABS: Optional extra: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral), can be switched off
Seat height: 910 / 890 mm
Inner leg curve: 2.000 / 1.960 mm
Dry weight 1) : 223 kg
Unladen weight, road ready, fully fuelled 2): 256 kg
Usable tank volume : 33,0 l

Technical data relate to the unladen weight (DIN)

1) Unladen weight without fluids
2) According to guideline 93/93/EWG with all fluids, fuelled with at least 90 % of usable tank volume
'; news['article_244']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[65] = 244; news['article_245'] = new Array(); news['article_245']['articleId'] = 66; news['article_245']['day'] = '16'; news['article_245']['month'] = '04'; news['article_245']['year'] = '2008'; news['article_245']['title'] = 'BMW Motorrad to Attend BSB Thruxton! 19th & 20th April 2008'; news['article_245']['link_text'] = 'BMW Motorrad to Attend BSB Thruxton! 19th & 20th April 2008'; news['article_245']['subtitle1'] = 'HP2 Sport to be exhibited this weekend...'; news['article_245']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorrad will attend their first track event of the season at this weekends British Superbikes round at Thruxton Circuit!

The event will see an exhibition of our most sporty & dynamic motorcycles in our long history, as the excitement of the highly anticipated 4 cylinder Superbike hits breaking point. BMW will be showcasing the highly impressive HP2 sport, alongside the K 1200 S, F 800 S and F 800 ST, as well as exhibits from the recently launched \'Unstoppable\' enduro range.

Get yourself along to BSB Thruxton this weekend and have a chat with one of our friendly BMW Motorrad representatives and check out the selection of motorcycles on display.

For full information of this weekends BSB round at Thruxton please visit www.britishsuperbike.co.uk.'; news['article_245']['direction1'] = 'Horizontal'; news['article_245']['image11'] = '/us/en/equipment/riderequipment/media/vis_Sports_Collection5.JPG'; news['article_245']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/equipment/riderequipment/media/hp2.JPG'; news['article_245']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_245']['content2'] = ''; news['article_245']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_245']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_245']['content3'] = ''; news['article_245']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[66] = 245; news['article_246'] = new Array(); news['article_246']['articleId'] = 46; news['article_246']['day'] = '13'; news['article_246']['month'] = '11'; news['article_246']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_246']['title'] = 'Lower F800 S and F800 ST now available'; news['article_246']['link_text'] = 'New: lower F800 S and ST.'; news['article_246']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_246']['content1'] = 'Great news for fans of our 800cc parallel twins - the long-awaited lower F800 S and ST bikes are now available. By using a suspension lowering kit and a modified seat, BMW Motorrad can now offer everyone the chance to get on board our superb middleweights. Needless to say the inherent qualities of the bikes remain: the smooth twin cylinder engine that pulls right through the rev range, the playful handling, the strong brakes with optional BMW Motorrad ABS and the remarkable fuel efficiency. But enough from us - contact your local dealer to test an F800 model, and let the ride decide!


Low seat option available as a factory-fitted option on F800 S and F800 ST for £90.00
Also available for 2007: Lahar Silver paint option for F800 S mode.'; news['article_246']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_246']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_246']['content2'] = ''; news['article_246']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_246']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_246']['content3'] = ''; news['article_246']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[46] = 246; news['article_247'] = new Array(); news['article_247']['articleId'] = 11; news['article_247']['day'] = '20'; news['article_247']['month'] = '05'; news['article_247']['year'] = '2007'; news['article_247']['title'] = 'Another chance to see the spectacular Chris Pfeiffer in action'; news['article_247']['link_text'] = 'Stuntman Chris Pfeiffer: he\'s back!'; news['article_247']['subtitle1'] = ' '; news['article_247']['content1'] = 'Those who were lucky enough to catch Chris in action at MCN London back in February will tell you - this guy has to be seen to be believed. Performing on his modified BMw F800 S, Chris will be performing his spectacular stunt displays at 2 venues this summer. If you want to know what \"in control\" really means make sure you get down to one of the following:

Thursday 21 June: Chris will be at the Riders for Health \"Day of Champions\", which takes place at Donington Park. Find out more about this fantastic day out by visiting http://www.riders.org/en/html/day_of_champions.php.

Friday 22 June - Sunday 24 June: catch Chris at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed. Chris will be taking on the famous hillclimb on his BMW, but don\'t worry: we\'re sure he\'ll find time to squeeze in a few of his breathtaking tricks along the way! You can get all the latest info at http://www.goodwood.co.uk.

Chris will then bid the UK farewell, as he returns to his homeland to work on his skills. Rumour has it that he\'s been given a BMW HP2 Megamoto to play with! Keep in touch with Chris at http://www.chrispfeiffer.com/'; news['article_247']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_247']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_japan_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_247']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_japan_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_247']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_japan_03_thumb.jpg'; news['article_247']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_japan_03_preview.jpg'; news['article_247']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_247']['content2'] = ''; news['article_247']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_247']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_247']['content3'] = ''; news['article_247']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[11] = 247; news['article_248'] = new Array(); news['article_248']['articleId'] = 60; news['article_248']['day'] = '12'; news['article_248']['month'] = '04'; news['article_248']['year'] = '2007'; news['article_248']['title'] = 'Stop press: BMW Motorrad set to take BikeFest UK by storm'; news['article_248']['link_text'] = 'Take a BMW bike around Donington Park...for just £20!'; news['article_248']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_248']['content1'] = 'Read on to see just what BMW Motorrad have on offer at the first ever BikeFest event, which takes place at Donington Park on 26 May 2007'; news['article_248']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_248']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_248']['content2'] = 'How would you like to take the brutal K1200 R around Donington Park? Or ride out on local roads on our cracking parallel twin Sports Tourer, the F800 ST? Or maybe you\'d prefer to get up close and personal with our latest machines and chew the fat with our experienced staff over a cuppa?

Well, all these things are possible at BikeFest UK, because we\'ll have the following on offer:

1. Fleet of track-ready BMW Sports Bikes available for test-rides
2. A range of BMW bikes available for on-road riding with a qualified BSM guide
3. A range of bikes on display at our stand, which will be manned by experienced BMW Motorrad staff. Why not pick up the latest edition of BMW Bikes, or the 2007 World of BMW Activity Brochure, which details all the tours and on-road and off-road training brought to you by BMW Motorrad UK.

We look forward to seeing you there. Let the ride decide!

More information is available at http://www.bikefestuk.com/ '; news['article_248']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_248']['image21'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120_blank.gif'; news['article_248']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_248']['content3'] = ''; news['article_248']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[60] = 248; news['article_249'] = new Array(); news['article_249']['articleId'] = 59; news['article_249']['day'] = '12'; news['article_249']['month'] = '04'; news['article_249']['year'] = '2007'; news['article_249']['title'] = 'The biggest outdoor bike show in Europe? We\'re there!'; news['article_249']['link_text'] = 'We\'re there: The 2007 BMF Show'; news['article_249']['subtitle1'] = 'BMW Motorrad change up a gear at the BMF show. Read on...'; news['article_249']['content1'] = ''; news['article_249']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_249']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_249']['content2'] = 'BMW Motorrad will be exhibiting their sporty, dynamic motorcycles at the show, which takes place on May 19 and 20. We have an all-new, full-size plot in the heart of the action, so we\'ll have a full range of bikes on display, including Sport, Urban Tour and legendary Enduro machines - come down and see how good it feels to be on board a BMW! In addition you can pick up your latest copy of BMW Bikes and the 2007 World of BMW Activity Brochure, which details all the tours, off-road and on-road training brought to you by BMW Motorrad UK - or if that doesn\'t float your boat, simply drop in for a cuppa and a chat - it\'d be rude not to!

The show takes place at the East of England Showground and details are available at http://www.bmf.co.uk/Events/pages/bmf_show.php.'; news['article_249']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_249']['image21'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120_blank.gif'; news['article_249']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_249']['content3'] = ''; news['article_249']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[59] = 249; news['article_250'] = new Array(); news['article_250']['articleId'] = 58; news['article_250']['day'] = '18'; news['article_250']['month'] = '04'; news['article_250']['year'] = '2007'; news['article_250']['title'] = 'Test-ride the BMW Motorrad range at the Thundersprint'; news['article_250']['link_text'] = 'BMW Motorrad ride out coming up!'; news['article_250']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_250']['content1'] = 'Following their attendance at last year\'s 2006 event, BMW Motorrad are pushing the boat out in the 2007 10th Anniversary Thundersprint. Read on to see what you\'ll find at the event, which takes place on May 12 and 13, in Northwich, Cheshire.'; news['article_250']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_250']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_250']['content2'] = 'Saturday 12 May: ride with us!

BMW Motorrad will have their latest range of dynamic, sporty motorcycles available for demo. Just pop along to Winnington Park Rugby Club from 9am onwards to book a ride on one of our machines. With a hog roast on-site, and complimentary refreshments available from BMW there\'s bound to be plenty to keep you occupied - just don\'t forget to bring both parts of your Driving Licence!

Winnington Park is moments from the Thundersprint venue itself - the address is:

BURROWS HILL
HARTFORD
NORTHWICH
CHESHIRE
CW8 3AA.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday. Let the ride decide!

But there\'s more: BMW Motorrad will return to Northwich for the Thundersprint itself on Sunday 13 May. You\'ll find us located just above the start line, where we\'ll be exhibiting our 2007 New Generation bikes. Pop in and pick up the latest BMW Bikes magazine, World of BMW Activity Brochure, or simply check out our range.
'; news['article_250']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_250']['image21'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/120_blank.gif'; news['article_250']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_250']['content3'] = ''; news['article_250']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[58] = 250; news['article_251'] = new Array(); news['article_251']['articleId'] = 50; news['article_251']['day'] = '12'; news['article_251']['month'] = '04'; news['article_251']['year'] = '2007'; news['article_251']['title'] = 'Meet the Motorrad machines at Silverstone, April 28 - 29'; news['article_251']['link_text'] = 'BMW Motorrad will be at BSB Silverstone!'; news['article_251']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_251']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorrad will be exhibiting their latest bikes at BSB Silverstone for the first time later this month. Pop along to our stand to check out the 2007 range of sporty, dynamic motorcycles, including the brutal K1200 R Sport, purposeful F800 S and the brand-new G-series range. Meet the team and have a cuppa on us - and don\'t forget to pick up the Spring issue of BMW Bikes and the 2007 World of BMW Activity Brochure, detailing all the fantastic tours, Off-road and On-road training that BMW Motorrad UK has to offer.

We look forward to seeing you there!'; news['article_251']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_251']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_251']['content2'] = ''; news['article_251']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_251']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_251']['content3'] = ''; news['article_251']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[50] = 251; news['article_252'] = new Array(); news['article_252']['articleId'] = 57; news['article_252']['day'] = '18'; news['article_252']['month'] = '12'; news['article_252']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_252']['title'] = 'BMWs on display at SuperCross Munich'; news['article_252']['link_text'] = 'BMWs on display at SuperCross Munich'; news['article_252']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_252']['content1'] = 'It is widely accepted that BMW Motorrad has undergone something of a renaissance during the past few years and there is much that is now fresh and original about its current model range.

With a new generation of exciting machines and a design philosophy to produce lighter, more agile and dynamic motorcycles to appeal to a younger audience, many new recruits are discovering what BMW biking really means for the first time.

BMW’s continued success in many areas of bike sport, such as the Erzberg Iron Road prologue and the European Stunt Riding Championship has brought the brand to the attention of many new riders. And with the forthcoming launch of the new lightweight, single-cylinder G 650 X Series, it’s no coincidence that BMW was a supporting partner at last weekend’s Nokia Air & Style 06 event at Munich’s Olympic Stadium, where more than 30,000 fans saw American star Travis Rice win the snowboard contest and collect a new G 650 Xchallenge in the process.

With the realisation that these kind of events are where BMW Motorrad will find its future customers, the company will also be exhibiting at this weekend’s Super Cross-Over event at the Olympiahalle München where visitors will witness a breathtaking variety of extreme mountain biking, supercross, quad bike and freestyle motocross competitions and displays with top athletes from all over the world participating in the action.

The flagship BMW Motorrad Centre Munich will be making a special exhibition at the Super Cross-Over event, in order to showcase the latest enduro and supermoto machines and riding equipment, and to inform prospects exactly what the world of BMW has to offer riders. By taking the brand to the people at events such as this, BMW Motorrad dealers are rapidly discovering an entirely new generation of prospective customers, eager to experience the ‘ultimate riding machine’ for themselves.'; news['article_252']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_252']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_252']['content2'] = ''; news['article_252']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_252']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_252']['content3'] = ''; news['article_252']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[57] = 252; news['article_253'] = new Array(); news['article_253']['articleId'] = 56; news['article_253']['day'] = '12'; news['article_253']['month'] = '12'; news['article_253']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_253']['title'] = 'Austin police say hello to BMW'; news['article_253']['link_text'] = 'Austin police say hello to BMW'; news['article_253']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_253']['content1'] = 'According to Texas-based newspaper the Austin American Statesman, the distinctive V-twin rumble that has followed law-breaking motorists for decades will soon be replaced with the precision-engineered sound of a BMW boxer engine.

A few years ago, the Austin Police Department decided it needed anti-lock brakes (ABS) on its motorcycles to improve officer safety. But because its existing supplier didn\'t offer the option at the time, officials looked elsewhere.

Early next year, the department will replace its remaining 21 motorcycles with 1200cc BMWs that come as standard with ABS, completing a transition of its 72-strong motorcycle fleet that began in 2002. Officers say that the BMWs have better manoeuvring capability and – perhaps more significantly – a brake system especially designed to prevent skidding.

\"When you slam on the brakes on the Harley-Davidson, there\'s a tendency for the brakes to lock up, and then you have no choice but try to steer where you\'re going to crash,\" Sgt. Ruben Fuentes said.

Despite extensive training, according to Fuentes, officers often would end up on the ground after someone stopped or pulled in front of them abruptly during a chase. He said that last year; an officer crashed and injured his leg so badly that it had to be amputated. The anti-lock brakes quickly decelerate the wheels, giving the rider more control, said Fuentes, who patrols on one of the department\'s new BMWs.

BMW Motorrad’s R 1200 RT Authority machine is a specially adapted version of its best selling touring Boxer and is equipped with many unique features, fittings and modifications designed especially for authority use. These include a large 27-litre fuel tank that allows for a greater range before refuelling, and a shorter first gear ratio, which offers better low speed stability and allows the motorcycle to be easily ridden at walking pace speeds for sustained periods (for example, when performing escort duties). The rear suspension strut has also been strengthened to cope with the extra stresses put on it during operational riding.

In addition to the options already offered for the civil version such as heated grips, seat heating and an anti-theft warning system, the authorities version also has several unique features. For example the panniers have upper lids, which can be opened with one hand while seated and without using the key. A new, high accuracy authorities speedometer with two digital displays enables exact current speed to be viewed at the push of a button.

The domestic manufacturer didn\'t offer an ABS braking system until 2005 on police models, but this was just too slow for the Austin police, which bought three anti-lock-brake-equipped BMWs to test in 2002.

\"It was hard to find a car that didn\'t have ABS on it,\" said Sgt. Bruce Lutringer, who led the push for better brakes. \"But we were still riding motorcycles that didn\'t have it.\"

Since then, the number of crashes has gone down as the department has increased its fleet of BMWs by 20 a year for the past two years. Last year, there were 15 collisions involving motorcycle officers in Austin, and only three of them were riding BMWs, police spokesman Kevin Buchman said. This year, there have been six collisions involving motor officers, only two of whom were on BMWs.

BMW Motorrad has been operating for more than 75 years in this specific business, starting at the end of the 1920s. The first motorcycle prepared for authority use was an R 24 with 12 hp, sold in 1928. Since 1970, more than 100,000 authorities motorcycles have been supplied in 146 countries.'; news['article_253']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_253']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_austin_police_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_253']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_austin_police_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_253']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_austin_police_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_253']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_austin_police_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_253']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_253']['content2'] = ''; news['article_253']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_253']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_253']['content3'] = ''; news['article_253']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[56] = 253; news['article_254'] = new Array(); news['article_254']['articleId'] = 55; news['article_254']['day'] = '04'; news['article_254']['month'] = '12'; news['article_254']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_254']['title'] = 'Snow, big air and BMWs at the NOKIA Air & Style'; news['article_254']['link_text'] = 'Snow, big air and BMWs at the NOKIA Air & Style'; news['article_254']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_254']['content1'] = 'On 2 December about 25,000 enthusiastic fans turned Munich’s Olympic Stadium into a seething cauldron and enjoyed freestyle snowboarders performing at a level never seen before. Supported by the best freestyle motocross riders and top live music acts, the event once more lived up to its reputation as the world’s largest big air snowboard contest and one of the world’s best free sport/music events.

After last year’s relocation of the event to the Olympic Stadium in Munich, the 14th edition of the Air & Style once again managed to set new standards. The redesigned and newly positioned monster kicker allowed for harder snowboarding battles and brought the action much closer to the audience, who enjoyed significantly improved visibility from all areas.

BMW Motorrad was out in force at the event, with four HP2 Enduros being used to pick up the snowboard stars after their jumps and bring them back to their starting point high up at the top of the arena.

The head-to-head format established during last year’s event remained the method of choice. The only difference was that instead of two riders it was four who competed in the finals, which made the contest even more exciting – not to mention the fact that the winner could choose a new BMW G 650 X model of his choice.

From the 16 participating snowboarders it was eventually Travis Rice (USA) who beat Risto Mattila (FIN), Antti Autti (FIN) and David Benedek (GER) after a neck-and-neck battle with a Double Backflip BS 180, Cab 540 Tailgrab and a broken board. Risto Mattila stomped a Switch 1080 Nosegrab to Switch BS 540, Antti Autti showed FS 1260 Tailgrabs to Switch BS 720 and David Benedek unfortunately couldn’t hold his first round’s incredible FS Double Cork 1260 in the finals. The surprise of the day was that hot favourite Shaun White went out in round two after what was probably the hardest-fought battle of the evening against Antti Autti.

The freestyle motocross riders once again delivered an amazing show and displayed an incredible array of big air tricks. The favourite of the evening, American rider Nate Adams, went out in round two against 18-year-old newcomer and eventual winner Wiley Fullmer (USA). Beau Bamburg (USA) was second, while Nate Adams still secured himself third place in front of Adam Jones (USA). The best tricks of the evening were definitely Fullmer’s 360s and his Scorpion Kiss of Death as well as Nate Adam’s Backflip Combos.

The 25,000 fans that packed out the famous Olympic Stadium were also treated to live music from British band Milburn, Canadian punk rockers Billy Talent and the Berlin local heroes Seeed.

All of the rock stars were chauffered to and from the event by BMW 7 Series and X5 vehicles all in black with special NOKIA Air & Style branding. Visitors to the Air & Style were able to find out more about BMW Motorrad’s HP2 Enduro and the eagerly awaited new 650cc single-cylinder G Series range in a special exhibition display area.

Results:

SNOWBOARD:
1. Travis Rice, USA
2. Risto Mattila, FIN
3. Antti Autti, FIN
4. David Benedek, GER

FMX:
1. Wiley Fullmer, USA
2. Beau Bamburg, USA
3. Nate Adams, USA
4. Adam Jones, USA
'; news['article_254']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_254']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_nokia_04_thumb.jpg'; news['article_254']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_nokia_04_preview.jpg'; news['article_254']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_nokia_05_thumb.jpg'; news['article_254']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_nokia_05_preview.jpg'; news['article_254']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_nokia_06_thumb.jpg'; news['article_254']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_nokia_06_preview.jpg'; news['article_254']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_254']['content2'] = ''; news['article_254']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_254']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_254']['content3'] = ''; news['article_254']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[55] = 254; news['article_255'] = new Array(); news['article_255']['articleId'] = 54; news['article_255']['day'] = '04'; news['article_255']['month'] = '12'; news['article_255']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_255']['title'] = 'BMW Motorrad successfully contests Baja 1000'; news['article_255']['link_text'] = 'BMW Motorrad successfully contests Baja 1000'; news['article_255']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_255']['content1'] = 'There were 431 entries and only 231 finishers in the 2006 Tecate Score-International Baja 1000, but the BMW Motorrad off-road team was one of them, posting 14th overall in the motorcycle class. The team, consisting of riders Beau Hayden, Ron Bishop, Chuck Dempsey, Tony Megla and Peter Postel, tore the 105 horsepower HP2 Enduro through a treacherous 1047-mile course, racing for twenty-four hours straight to reach the finish line at La Paz.

In a race where just surviving is a victory in itself, the team’s 14th overall win was quite an accomplishment – even more so when you factor in that the 13 bikes that finished ahead of the 1200cc HP2 Enduro were all 650ccs or less.

The race began at 6am in Ensenada, with Beau Hayden tearing off the starting line into the coastal morning haze of dust and fog. Hayden did approximately 215 miles to checkpoint 3, just north of Puertocitos and had this to say about the race:

&rightquot;I started the 22nd bike out of 26 open pro entries. There was no wind but very thick dust and the sun was in my eyes for the first 40 miles of the race. The dust rarely let up during my stint on the bike. My ride was fairly uneventful as I concentrated hard on not making mistakes or misjudgments in the dust. The bike worked flawlessly and I steadily moved forward through the pack. At one point we moved up to approximately 6th overall around Valle de Trinidad. My highlight of the day was crossing El Diablo dry lake bed where I could open up the bike and let it run.”

&rightquot;It was a tight race up to this point where I would get passed in the very rough areas of the course where there were big whoops and ruts and I would blow back by them in the faster sections. We did a tyre change at pit 3 (mile 185) and three or four riders passed me there. A few riders also passed me during a whoop/rock section prior to checkpoint three and I handed the bike to Ron in 10th place overall.”

Averaging just above 42 mph, the team navigated hundreds of waist-deep water crossings, extremely rocky sections of boulder fields, pitch black night conditions, lava rocks, washouts, and tons of deep, deep silt, not to mention the numerous other surprises that the Baja throws at riders. From local traffic, roaming cattle, and hurricane-ravaged terrain, the hazards were ceaseless, but the team endured to capture a genuinely remarkable result. After Hayden’s first leg, Baja legend Ron Bishop—a veteran of every single Baja 1000 ever run—handled his section smoothly and then Chuck Dempsey took the helm. Chuck had this to say about his section:

&rightquot;I rode as safely as possible in the whoops because they were pretty big and sandy. I wanted to save the bike for when I got to the fast roads. This was my 21st year racing in the Pro Class down in Baja and I\'d have to say that the HP2 Enduro is the fastest bike I have ever ridden in my life. I started passing guys right off the bat which surprised me – when I got on the roads it was like taking candy from a baby.”

&rightquot;The middle of my section was fast,” Dempsey continued, &rightquot;but the last 20 miles were tight and rocky so I knew I had to get there as fast as possible before all the guys would pass me back, and then we headed into the night. I turned on the headlight and it lit up for about three seconds, and then turned off. That’s when I knew I was in trouble because Baja is pitch black when there’s no moon. I rode as fast as I could, even though I couldn\'t see much in front of me. That was a handful on the HP2 Enduro when you can\'t even see your own fender – and that’s when everybody started passing me back.”

I tried riding next to other riders, but they were not happy with that since I had passed them earlier. So about seven miles from HWY 1 I saw a group of 30 or so Mexican locals standing and drinking beers watching the race, so I pulled up to them and grabbed a flashlight right out of their hands and took off. I guess I owe them a flashlight! I started to ride holding the flashlight with my clutch hand – it wasn’t much but it was better than nothing.”

&rightquot;I was so happy to see my BMW team waiting for me at HWY 1. It seemed like I rode 50 miles that night with no light. From there we jumped on HWY 1 and I rode behind the chase truck to where Tony was waiting for us with new lights. We did another wheel change and the new race lights were installed on the bike, after which Tony took off to complete his section.”

Megla reports: &rightquot;I was the rider from San Ignacio (mile 554) to Loreto, (mile 776) and from Insurgentes (mile 855) to checkpoint 9 (mile 943). In San Ignacio the bike showed up late because of a blown headlight fuse in the wiring harness. This was the pit where we had to change to the stock headlight with the Baja lights. I left San Ignacio about 6:45pm and tried to make up as much time as possible. We had dropped back to around 38th overall. The course from here was fast graded roads, sandy roads, and tidal flats with a few muddy spots on the Pacific coast before it turned inland to the town of La Purisma.

&rightquot;From La Purisma it was a lot of old washed out rocky roads to the Gulf side of the coast. The last 60 miles into Loreto was the toughest part of my section. Some parts were brand new road freshly cut just for the race. It was twisty, tight, and technical with a lot of sand washes and rocks – first and second gear for long sections.”

&rightquot;I passed about eight riders – three with broken bikes – and had a trouble-free ride. I arrived in Loreto at 11:45pm, then jumped into our chase truck and drove to Insurgentes for the next section. Peter Postel was scheduled to ride the HP2 Enduro from Loreto, but a slight change occurred.

&rightquot;The original plan was for me to ride from Loreto to the finish,” said Postel, &rightquot;however, Tony came in and said he was feeling great, so the decision was made for me to push hard through the next section to stay ahead of the Trophy trucks and then he would get back on the bike. We checked the bike when he pulled in, and the rear tyre was completely gone so we changed it there. The amount of spectators was unbelievable, even at 1am.”

&rightquot;South of San Javier, there was a lot of water left over from the hurricanes. Postel went on to say, &rightquot;I believe there were about 27 water crossings. Also the course was extremely rocky, riding over boulders for miles. I passed six other riders in this section. Then going out to the highway, there was lots of single lane silt. From there to the finish there were big silt beds to the ocean, some so deep the cylinder heads were dragging. This was an area to just get through and survive. &rightquot;

Postel did just that, before handing off to Megla, who had this to report: &rightquot;When Pete arrived he was completely soaked from all the water crossings. I got back on the bike at around 2:30 in the morning. In this last section I made a wrong turn when the locals took down the course markings and I went about five miles off course. Once I was back on course there were miles and miles of deep silt. The ruts in the road filled in with the silt and the road looked hard until the bike just drops out from underneath you and the ruts almost completely stop you. I arrived at mile 943 at about 4:30am and gave the bike back to Peter.”

Postel finished about 100 miles later in La Paz, bringing the BMW Motorrad off-road team to the 14th overall position in the motorcycle class, and sixth in class 22 (Pro/Motorcycles over 251 cc). This strong finish on a motorcycle as large as the HP2 Enduro in conditions as challenging as the Baja 1000 is nothing short of amazing.

&rightquot;I very much enjoyed racing the BMW and truly appreciate the strong efforts put in by BMW, my teammates, and Baja Bound, said Hayden. &rightquot;The HP2 Enduro certainly drew its share of attention at Tech/Contingency and at the start people were constantly surrounding the bike, asking many questions.”

&rightquot;The HP2 Enduro is a blast to ride!” added Postel. &rightquot;You just have to respect it and ride it accordingly. I can’t wait to ride it again. It was truly a unique experience.”'; news['article_255']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_255']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_baja1000_03_thumb.jpg'; news['article_255']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_baja1000_03_preview.jpg'; news['article_255']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_baja1000_04_thumb.jpg'; news['article_255']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_baja1000_04_preview.jpg'; news['article_255']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_baja1000_05_thumb.jpg'; news['article_255']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_baja1000_05_preview.jpg'; news['article_255']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_255']['content2'] = ''; news['article_255']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_255']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_255']['content3'] = ''; news['article_255']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[54] = 255; news['article_256'] = new Array(); news['article_256']['articleId'] = 53; news['article_256']['day'] = '29'; news['article_256']['month'] = '11'; news['article_256']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_256']['title'] = 'BMW gets among the action at the
Nokia Air & Style 06'; news['article_256']['link_text'] = 'BMW gets among the action at the
Nokia Air & Style 06'; news['article_256']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_256']['content1'] = 'On Saturday 2 December the world’s best snowboarders and freestyle motocross stars will turn Munich’s Olympic Stadium into their very own playground at the Nokia Air & Style 06 event.

The second edition of the Nokia Air & Style in Munich will see the world’s best snowboarders in action, including last year’s winner Hampus Mosesson from Sweden, TTR World Snowboard Champion Mathieu Crepel and Olympic Gold Medallist Shaun White from America. Last year, 21.000 spectators witnessed boarders battling head-to-head on the world’s biggest artificial jump and for 2006, a completely new set-up in the Olympic Stadium will include a longer in-run and a higher take-off.

As a first time partner at the world’s largest ‘big air’ snowboard event, BMW Motorrad will feature in the action, although not in the competition itself. Motorcycle fans are used to seeing the 105 hp flat-twin at many international motorsport events such as the Erzberg Iron Road Prologue, Pikes Peak International Hillclimb and the Baja 500 and 1000 desert races. However, in BMW Motorrad’s own ‘backyard’ the HP2 Enduros are being equipped with specially constructed snowboard holders and pillion kits in order to transport the snowboard stars from the arena area up a narrow ramp right up to the top of the of the Olympic stadium, from where the participants will start their runs.

The winner of the Nokia Air & Style Snowboard contest will win a new G 650 X model of his choice. Furthermore, BMW Motorrad will be showcasing its new G Series range of single-cylinder machines, as well as the formidable HP2 Enduro in a special exhibition display area. A VIP shuttle service including X3, X5 and 7 Series cars will transport the snowboard and FMX Pro-riders to and from the event, as well as the live music acts, which include Milburn, Canadian punk rocker Billy Talent and Berlin Dancehall-Caballeros, Seeed.

Spectators will have great views of the action and up to 30,000 are expected to come and see all the snowboard action, as well as the FMX displays, which will include breathtaking jumps and back flips by motocross, X Games and Gravity Games stars such as Nate Adams, Beau Bamburg and Adam Jones.

As an added bonus, the Nokia Air & Style 06 will be available live and online at 1900 CET, following an exclusive partnership between Freecaster and the event. This partnership makes the world’s largest snowboard, FMX & live music event accessible to millions of viewers online.

Some grandstand and VIP tickets are still available and more information can be accessed at www.air-style.com, where journalists can accredit online.
'; news['article_256']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_256']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_nokia_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_256']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_nokia_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_256']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_nokia_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_256']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_nokia_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_256']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_nokia_03_thumb.jpg'; news['article_256']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_nokia_03_preview.jpg'; news['article_256']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_256']['content2'] = ''; news['article_256']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_256']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_256']['content3'] = ''; news['article_256']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[53] = 256; news['article_257'] = new Array(); news['article_257']['articleId'] = 52; news['article_257']['day'] = '21'; news['article_257']['month'] = '11'; news['article_257']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_257']['title'] = 'Pfeiffer wows the crowds ‘Down Under’'; news['article_257']['link_text'] = 'Pfeiffer wows the crowds ‘Down Under’'; news['article_257']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_257']['content1'] = 'BMW Motorrad brought the 2006 European Stuntriding Champion, Christian Pfeiffer to Australia to demonstrate why he and his F 800 motorcycle are unbeatable.

Performing in nine shows at the inaugural Brisbane Motorcycle Expo, Chris’s show took place indoors in front of vast crowds. Despite a slippery concrete floor very different to his favoured asphalt surface, Chris spent much of his time on one wheel – front or rear – displaying his trademark dexterity despite difficult surface conditions.

Riding his BMW F 800, modified only slightly from the stock street specification F 800 S, Chris performed wheelies and stoppies, hands-free wheelies, a 270-degree stoppie turn, as well as a stoppie while descending a steep ramp.

The BMW F 800 motorcycle Chris rides has a larger rear sprocket for the belt drive and a smaller front sprocket. He also has an idle adjuster attached to the handlebars, which allows him to fine-tune the bike for some stunts, including the hands-free wheelie.

His machine’s handlebars are borrowed from the BMW F 800 ST rather than the clip-on style bars of the F 800 S, and while the headlight and front fairing have been discarded, the engine, gearbox and suspension are all stock.

&rightquot;The F 800 is ideal because it has plenty of low down grunt which I need to get the bike up on one wheel,” said Chris, who was one of the first to sample the F 800 exactly a year ago and it was love at first ride.

&rightquot;It was the perfect bike for trick riding, right from the start. Switching to the BMW F 800 was the best decision I have made. I won the Stunt Wars competition on it at the start of the year and the European Stuntriding Championships in June. I’ll be riding it again at the Stunt Wars in January 2007 and following up with the first indoor World Championship Street Bike Freestyle event in February in Zurich.”

Demonstrating his abilities in all two-wheeled endeavours, the off-road enthusiast is also looking forward to the famous Erzberg off-road event later in the year, where he will compete on a BMW HP2 Enduro.

&rightquot;I have won it four times in the past but I am itching to get back on the podium,” he said. &rightquot;I am going to train for two months solid to prepare for that event.”

Commenting on Chris Pfeiffer’s visit to Australia, General Manager, BMW Motorrad Australia and New Zealand, Cameron Cuthill said: &rightquot;We were very excited to host Chris on his first visit to Australia. He has made a huge impression on everyone who watched him in action. His balance and control is incredible, and he is a perfect match to the agile and sporty BMW F 800.”'; news['article_257']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_257']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pfeifferaustralia_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_257']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pfeifferaustralia_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_257']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pfeifferaustralia_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_257']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pfeifferaustralia_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_257']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pfeifferaustralia_03_thumb.jpg'; news['article_257']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pfeifferaustralia_03_preview.jpg'; news['article_257']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_257']['content2'] = ''; news['article_257']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_257']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_257']['content3'] = ''; news['article_257']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[52] = 257; news['article_258'] = new Array(); news['article_258']['articleId'] = 51; news['article_258']['day'] = '16'; news['article_258']['month'] = '11'; news['article_258']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_258']['title'] = 'Nate Kern captures four national championships'; news['article_258']['link_text'] = 'Nate Kern captures four national championships'; news['article_258']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_258']['content1'] = 'In addition to his historic victory with the San Jose BMW team at the recent inaugural SunTrust Moto ST eight-hour endurance race at Daytona International Speedway, Nate Kern also scored four national championships in the Race of Champions at the same venue.

This is an annual event for regional champions and top ten finishers in each Championship Cup Series regional pro circuit (CCS) to meet and race each other for National Champion status, in each respective class.

In each race, Nate won in commanding fashion, defeating some of the best riders in the country. His victory was all the more impressive given the fact that it happened on a virtually stock motorcycle.

\"I was ready to show that the Mainline BMW R 1200 S has what it takes and to never judge a book by its valve cover again. It was one of the most exciting weekends of my career,\" said Kern.

Additionally, for the second consecutive season, Nate Kern and Mainline BMW held onto the #1 plate by winning the overall CCS Mid-Atlantic and Southeast Championship. Within those overall #1 championships Mainline and Nate won nine class championships in total. Five were in the Mid-Atlantic region, including the ultra competitive Unlimited Superbike and Unlimited Supersport Championships aboard the K 1200 R Power Cup bike. Four additional championships were in the Southeast region as well.

\"To win four national championships at the Race of Champions shows that Mainline BMW had the vision and determination to go to the top of a sport that has not seen BMWs win since the 1970s,\" added Kern. \"This certainly gives us big-time credibility.\"

&rightquot;When I was presented with the opportunity to race in the prestigious BoxerCup in the USA in 2004, I never knew I would be taking home # 1 plates for 2005-06 seasons on a BMW Boxer! Nothing is more motivating than to have a passionate, knowledgeable riding community such as BMW\'s motorcycle owners to race for!” '; news['article_258']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_258']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_natekern_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_258']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_natekern_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_258']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_natekern_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_258']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_natekern_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_258']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_258']['content2'] = ''; news['article_258']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_258']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_258']['content3'] = ''; news['article_258']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[51] = 258; news['article_259'] = new Array(); news['article_259']['articleId'] = 49; news['article_259']['day'] = '16'; news['article_259']['month'] = '11'; news['article_259']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_259']['title'] = 'Warchild'; news['article_259']['link_text'] = 'Warchild'; news['article_259']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_259']['content1'] = 'This autumn BMW’s F 650 GS is hitting the silver screen in the highly anticipated film Warchild. Despite the arrival of three new 650cc motorcycles in the BMW Motorrad range the ever popular F 650 GS is still stealing the limelight in this exciting new production.
The film from acclaimed director Christian Wagner is the inspiring story of a Bosnian woman’s quest to find her long-lost daughter. Seperated during the Bosnian War Senada fears her daughter has been lost forever, until she discovers she is alive, well and being raised in Germany.

After travelling to the country illegally she finds her child is now happily settled in a new life with her adopted family. Senada is presented with the dilemma of whether to wrench her daughter from her new surroundings and take her home to Bosnia or leave her in her new life.

&rightquot;Warchild is a modern, passionate story of a strong woman ill-served by destiny,” explained Wagner. &rightquot;It leaves viewers with questions. To me a powerful film is one that lingers in your mind.”
Warchild, released on 9 November is the second film in the Baltic Blues trilogy. The film is already an award-winner having claimed the Special Jury Prize in the Bavarian Film Awards.

For further information and the chance to win a trip with Münchner Freiheit please visit www.wagnerfilm.de.
Full information on the entire range of BMW motorcycles can be found at www.bmw-motrrad.com
'; news['article_259']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_259']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_warchild_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_259']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_warchild_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_259']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_warchild_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_259']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_259']['content2'] = ''; news['article_259']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_259']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_259']['content3'] = ''; news['article_259']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[49] = 259; news['article_260'] = new Array(); news['article_260']['articleId'] = 47; news['article_260']['day'] = '14'; news['article_260']['month'] = '11'; news['article_260']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_260']['title'] = 'BAJA BOUND'; news['article_260']['link_text'] = 'BAJA BOUND'; news['article_260']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_260']['content1'] = 'The Baja 1000 race certainly ranks as one of the toughest motorsport events in the world. Twenty four hours and 1000 miles of off-road riding across the Baja peninsular in Mexico is a major challenge for any motorcycle.
The arduous ride is split between five team members, but they can only use one motorcycle. Therefore it needs to be rugged and strong as well as having the performance and handling to overcome the competition.

With these criteria in mind it seemed fitting that BMW Motorrad enter its HP2 Enduro. The 1200cc 105hp off-road machine is one of the most single-minded bikes that the firm has ever produced. It is the ideal motorcycle to take on the challenge of the Baja peninsula. The BMW Motorrad team will compete with 25 other teams in the Open Pro class.

This is not the first time that BMW Motorrad has sent its official team to Baja. In June a three man team of Jimmy Lewis, Dave Donatoni and Beau Hayden finished eighth overall in the shorter Baja 500. For this year’s big race only Hayden remains on the BMW team. Due to prior engagements and injury neither of the other two riders will be available to compete. Despite this the five-man team has a great chance of glory at Baja.

This year’s 1000-mile race will be even more gruelling than previous events after Hurricanes swept through the area earlier in 2006. The resulting damage will create further obstacles in the form of huge ruts and washouts, but the BMW team is completely prepared for the challenge. The BMW HP2 Enduro’s 105hp will be perfectly suited for the wide open sections and should give the team a competitive advantage.

Hayden will leave the start line in Ensenada at approximately 6.10am on 16 November. He will ride the first 246 miles before handing over to Baja legend Ron Bishop. Bishop has raced in every Baja 1000 since the annual race began in 1967, making this his 39th event – his experience is invaluable. At 340 miles he will pass the bike to Chuck Dempsey who will then swap with Tony Megla at the 554-mile marker.

At this point in the race, the BMW HP2 Enduro will receive one of its few modifications from standard – the fitting of a powerful set of headlights from Baja Designs. These additions will allow Megla and the final rider Peter Postel to ride the treacherous off-road course in the pitch black of night.

If all goes according to plan, Postel will cross the finish line in La Paz at approximately 7am. The bike will have covered 1047 miles. However with the team’s experience and the performance of the HP2 Enduro everyone involved is expecting big things.
'; news['article_260']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_260']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_baja1000_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_260']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_baja1000_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_260']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_baja1000_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_260']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_baja1000_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_260']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_260']['content2'] = ''; news['article_260']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_260']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_260']['content3'] = ''; news['article_260']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[47] = 260; news['article_261'] = new Array(); news['article_261']['articleId'] = 44; news['article_261']['day'] = '06'; news['article_261']['month'] = '11'; news['article_261']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_261']['title'] = 'Pipe dreams.'; news['article_261']['link_text'] = 'Pipe dreams'; news['article_261']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_261']['content1'] = 'When BMW Motorrad was looking for a company to produce a range of aftermarket exhausts for its motorcycles it turned to the unlikely destination of Slovenia for the expertise.

Akrapovic has made a name for itself as the makers of the finest aftermarket exhausts in the world and was the obvious choice to produce a range of titanium exhausts to BMW Motorrad’s exacting standards.

The company was founded in 1990 by Slovenian Igor Akrapovic, who concentrated on making exhaust systems for sports bikes. It currently supplies a large number of the MotoGP and WSB teams although you won’t see the famous Scorpion logo on all their exhausts. In fact, many of the teams are paid to put other exhaust firm’s logos on Akrapovic’s titanium masterpieces. The phrase that ‘racing improves the breed’ certainly rings true with Akrapovic.

It was also through the racing connection that BMW and Akrapovic developed their partnership.

&rightquot;Akrapovic was approached by BMW Motorrad’s racing department to develop an exhaust system for the HP2 Enduro,” explained Akrapovic’s Managing Director Marko Adamic. &rightquot;From this project the idea of a commercial co-operation was born.”

Now the Slovenian company has produced a range of official BMW exhausts for seven bikes in the 2006 range. The bikes that can currently benefit from an Akrapovic system knowledge are the R 1200 S, F 800 S / ST, HP2 Enduro and Megamoto, and the R 1200 GS and GS Adventure.

&rightquot;We quickly realised that BMW’s strategy and philosophy are in perfect unison with our current goals,” continued Mr Adamic. &rightquot;On this basis we hope to continue the co-operation with BMW for a long time to come. Akrapovic also gains recognition as a manufacturer whose products are fitted to BMW motorcycles.”

All the Akrapovic silencers are constructed from Titanium and stainless steel and offer a considerable weight saving over the standard parts. As you would expect they also meet with all current EU noise and emissions regulations. They are available from all BMW Motorrad dealers and cost approximately €740.'; news['article_261']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_261']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pipedreams_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_261']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pipedreams_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_261']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pipedreams_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_261']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pipedreams_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_261']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pipedreams_03_thumb.jpg'; news['article_261']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pipedreams_03_preview.jpg'; news['article_261']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_261']['content2'] = ''; news['article_261']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_261']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_261']['content3'] = ''; news['article_261']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[44] = 261; news['article_262'] = new Array(); news['article_262']['articleId'] = 1; news['article_262']['day'] = '01'; news['article_262']['month'] = '11'; news['article_262']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_262']['title'] = 'After thirty years, BMW motorcycles win at Daytona.'; news['article_262']['link_text'] = 'After thirty years, BMW motorcycles win at Daytona.'; news['article_262']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_262']['content1'] = 'They say history repeats itself - and at the inaugural SunTrust Moto ST eight-hour endurance race at Daytona International Speedway this October 21st that is exactly what happened. Thanks to a brilliant effort by the BMW Motorcycles team, victory was achieved in dramatic, nail-biting fashion as the team brought home the checkered flag. Not since Steve McLaughlin won the very first AMA Superbike race back in 1976 on an R 90 S, had a BMW team won at Daytona in an AMA-sanctioned race.

And this stunning victory was equally historic, all the more because it was not a national team, but a combined effort of three BMW dealers from different parts of the country. San Jose BMW led the team with their silver #46 R 1200 S, with additional technicians, transport and equipment from Mainline BMW and BMW of Atlanta. Two other BMW dealers, BMW Motorcycles of Daytona and Touring Sport BMW, also fielded entries in the race.

In the Super Sport Twins-class, American riders Brian Parriot, Nate Kern, and Belgian Stephane Mertens grabbed the win aboard their stock #46 BMW R 1200 S, defeating the #18 M4 EMGO Suzuki SV 1000S team by nearly fifteen seconds. The BMW team completed 228 laps of the 3.56-mile Daytona road course, racking up a total distance of 811.68 miles around the speedway´s legendary high-banked turns. All three riders posted lap times within a second of each other, and this consistency, combined with the expert pit crew and race team planning under the direction of San Jose BMW owner Chris Hodgson and legendary team manager Udo Gietl, brought home the win.

\"Everything went smoothly,\" Parriott said. \"The settings were perfect, tire wear was phenomenal. In the end, pit efficiency won the race, all us riders did was just cruise around the track.\"

BMW´s victory is particularly impressive given the fact that the M4 EMGO Suzuki team had twenty-five years of endurance racing experience. But a pit mishap just over an hour into the race cost them six laps, allowing the San Jose BMW team to grab a commanding lead, and one which they never relinquished.

For 172 laps, Parriott, Kern, and Mertens led the race, averaging 106 mph. As darkness fell and with an hour and a half left in the contest, the Suzuki team had battled back to second place, and launched a furious charge to try and catch the BMW R 1200 S, but their efforts fell short. Trailing by thirty seconds with twenty-two minutes to go, the Suzuki team made a final pit stop for a splash-and-go hit of fuel, but they were unable to reach Parriott, who took the checkered flag under the speedway lights with one hand raised in triumph.

\"We knew the Suzuki had to refuel one more time, so we weren´t too worried,\" Mertens said about the closing laps, \"The crew was really fantastic. They made no mistakes.\"

San Jose BMW had also battled back and forth for leading position with the #83 BMW Motorcycles of Daytona team early on, before a miscommunication between pit and rider caused the BMW Daytona team to run out of fuel on the back straightaway, costing them several laps. Still, the BMW Daytona team managed a fourth place finish, giving BMW Motorcycles two spots in the top five.

\"To win at Daytona is something I will treasure for years to come,\" Mertens said, as the three riders stood on the podium at Victory Lane, with Steve McLaughlin standing nearby. \"At last, BMW has achieved another win at Daytona,\" added Nate Kern, as the champagne was uncorked and the celebration began. \"It´s been a long time coming.\"

The BMW R 1200 S was raced totally stock, save for its Remus exhaust and its final drive, which was taken from an R 1200 RT, which allowed for slightly taller gearing. Amazingly, the R 1200 S used less than four ounces of oil during this grueling eight-hour competition. Visit the International Motorcycle Shows this winter to see the Moto ST champion San Jose BMW R 1200 S, which will be on prominent display. Essential support was provided by BMW Motorcycles of Atlanta and Mainline BMW of Devon, Pennsylvania and we give thanks to all three dealers for selflessly working with each other to make this success possible. We also thank the volunteers and well-wishers who assisted the pit crew and cheered on the racers, and celebrated with us when the race was over.

Please join us in wishing congratulations to the entire team - you truly did make history! '; news['article_262']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_262']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_sanjoseteamdaytona_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_262']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_sanjoseteamdaytona_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_262']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_sanjoseteamdaytona_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_262']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_sanjoseteamdaytona_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_262']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_sanjoseteamdaytona_03_thumb.jpg'; news['article_262']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_sanjoseteamdaytona_03_preview.jpg'; news['article_262']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_262']['content2'] = ''; news['article_262']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_262']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_262']['content3'] = ''; news['article_262']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[1] = 262; news['article_263'] = new Array(); news['article_263']['articleId'] = 2; news['article_263']['day'] = '01'; news['article_263']['month'] = '11'; news['article_263']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_263']['title'] = 'Cannonball bike run '; news['article_263']['link_text'] = 'Cannonball bike run
'; news['article_263']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_263']['content1'] = 'In 1981, a cast of A-list celebrities starred in a Hollywood movie known simply as The Cannonball Run. The box-office draw was initially the stars, which included Burt Reynolds, Roger Moore, Farrah Fawcett, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Jackie Chan and Peter Fonda.

The inspiration for the movie was the Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, known simply as the Cannonball Baker or Cannonball Run. This was an unofficial - if not outlaw - car race that took place four times in the 1970s from New York City to Los Angeles. The run was intended both as a celebration of the United States Interstate highway system and as a protest against strict traffic laws coming into force at the time.

This film and the event itself hugely inspired two 17-year-old army friends who had a dream of one day competing in such an adventure. Twenty-five years later a plan was conceived and the Cannonball Bike Run became a real possibility. The two friends - Jason Bishop, by now an experienced police motorcyclist and Simon Ricketts, a motorcyclist and motorsports competitor - paid their entry fee of £1700 and Europe beckoned.

The brief: a five-day rally on some of the most spectacular riding roads in Europe, notably France, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and Germany. The itinerary for each day would only be given on the morning of that day´s stage, so as to minimise the risk of it falling into the wrong hands and the event being compromised, disrupted or derailed.

BMW Motorrad´s R 1200 S has received significant praise since its launch for being one of the most capable sports bikes available for road riding, not to mention that it also uses BMW´s most powerful Boxer series production engine to date. These facts were not lost on Jason Bishop and Simon Ricketts and they were able to borrow a pair of 122 hp R 1200 S BMWs from their local Motorrad dealer to ride on the rally across Europe.

\"I was thinking of using a Ducati but then someone suggested a BMW. To be honest I´d not really considered the R 1200 S but it turned out to be the perfect bike for the job,\" explained Jason, who usually rides an R 1150 GS Adventure. \"It really is sublime to ride, the riding position and handling are fantastic and the torquey engine really works well on the road.\"

All 78 motorcyclists left Calais together and over the following seven days, rode across France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia before arriving at the finish in Austria. With so many motorcyclists taking part in this high-profile event there was bound to be some interest from the police, especially considering the Cannonball´s reputation.

\"The Police were generally really friendly,\" explained Jason. \"In fact on the Italian border they stopped us to have a look at the bikes and ask us questions about the trip.\"

However the warm reception from the Italian police wasn´t mirrored all across Europe. Jason likened the police presence in Germany to a scene from the famous Cannonball Run film itself.

\"They´d heard we were coming and had come out in force - I think they thought we would all be breaking the law and riding like hooligans,\" laughed Jason. \"At one point we had police checkpoints, police cars parked on the sides of the motorway and two police helicopters overhead. It was a bit ridiculous considering we were all law-abiding motorcyclists including policemen, airline pilots and company directors!\"

Throughout the rally Jason found BMW´s R 1200 S to be a great riding partner. And he wasn´t the only person to be impressed by the black road sports bikes fitted with optional Öhlins suspension.

\"We let a few of the other Cannonballers try our BMWs,\" explained Jason. \"They were all really impressed and three Danish riders (on Japanese and Italian sports bikes) even said they were going to order one each when they got home.\"

The R 1200 S´s ability showed in the final standings as well with Jason and Simon finishing fifth and sixth overall. The BMWs may have had less outright horsepower than the rival Japanese machines but over the course of a week they proved that it´s a combination of advanced ergonomics, rider comfort and a decent fuel range that counts when covering long distances at speed on the road.'; news['article_263']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_263']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_cannonball2006_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_263']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_cannonball2006_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_263']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_cannonball2006_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_263']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_cannonball2006_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_263']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_cannonball2006_03_thumb.jpg'; news['article_263']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_cannonball2006_03_preview.jpg'; news['article_263']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_263']['content2'] = ''; news['article_263']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_263']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_263']['content3'] = ''; news['article_263']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[2] = 263; news['article_264'] = new Array(); news['article_264']['articleId'] = 6; news['article_264']['day'] = '01'; news['article_264']['month'] = '11'; news['article_264']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_264']['title'] = 'Moscow State Traffic Police chooses BMW motorcycles.'; news['article_264']['link_text'] = 'Moscow State Traffic Police chooses BMW motorcycles.'; news['article_264']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_264']['content1'] = 'BMW Russland Trading has fulfilled an order placed by the City Government of Moscow for 24 BMW motorcycles especially for use by the State Traffic Police. The R 1200 RT Police version motorcycles will be used for patrolling and rapid response duties in a variety of challenging situations, such as congested traffic during peak hours in the centre of Moscow, on the Moscow Circular Road and on the Third Transportation Circular Road.

Unlike the corresponding customer version of these motorcycles, the R 1200 RT Police version has a lot of additional equipment designed especially for use by traffic police. The handlebars carry equipment for registering road offences, including a special video camera to monitor and film road situations, and also a system for measuring the speed of the vehicles ahead of the rider. A ´short´ first gear is used for rapid acceleration and super-precise manoeuvrability in difficult riding situations, and a special Integral ABS system allows for confident and hard braking manoeuvres - even on very slippery roads.

The R 1200 RT Police motorcycles have additional batteries to power special lights and signals. There are two flashing lights in front, and also a beam mounted on a 2.5-metre extendable support that can mark the location of a traffic accident for the emergency services. These motorcycles also carry a special siren that produces standard emergency sound sequences but can also be reprogrammed for additional traffic signals on the road.

The police series motorcycles are equipped with a special interference suppression system with an isolated electronic circuit that protects (and keeps confidential) all service communications exchanged by traffic police officers. A radio station is installed in place of the passenger seat and the two side panniers are used to store the necessary equipment for emergency assistance during traffic accidents.

In addition to supplying the 24 R 1200 RT Police motorcycles, BMW Russland Trading also provided the Moscow State Traffic Police officers with BMW System 5 helmets, Streetguard 2 jackets and trousers, gloves and boots suitable for riding in all weather conditions. '; news['article_264']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_264']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_264']['content2'] = ''; news['article_264']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_264']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_264']['content3'] = ''; news['article_264']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[6] = 264; news['article_265'] = new Array(); news['article_265']['articleId'] = 7; news['article_265']['day'] = '01'; news['article_265']['month'] = '11'; news['article_265']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_265']['title'] = 'BMW USA dealers aim to do the business at 8 Hours race in Daytona
'; news['article_265']['link_text'] = 'BMW USA dealers aim to do the business at 8 Hours race in Daytona
'; news['article_265']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_265']['content1'] = 'More than 100 riders and 39 high performance sport twin motorcycles - including several BMWs - have been entered for Saturday´s 8 Hours At Daytona, the inaugural event in the new SunTrust MOTO-ST Series.

The teams and riders will do battle on the 3.56-mile, 14-turn layout at Daytona International Speedway, all with the goal of writing their names in the history books. Saturday´s eight-hour endurance race will also mark the first motorcycle night race at the ´World Centre of Racing´ since 1985.

A number of BMW Motorrad USA dealers have decided to support and field teams in this weekend´s race, including BMW of San Jose; Mainline BMW and BMW of Atlanta (working as a single team); BMW of Daytona, and Touring Sport BMW.

As a testament to their generosity and devotion to the brand, the first three dealers listed here have combined efforts under the management of Udo Gietl, who as a tuning specialist and team manager enjoyed historic victories with Butler & Smith´s R 90 S team back in the 1970s. Two further BMW dealers are also racing with individual teams, and Udo has been providing advice and technical suggestions for both of them wherever necessary.

The favourites for the overall win look to be the M4 EMGO Suzuki team, which was founded 26 years ago by Bruce Hammer and John Ulrich. It has had more success than any other team in American endurance racing and will be competing in the Supersport Twins (SST) class, which features motorcycles making between 90 and 118 horsepower. This class should produce the overall winners of this event.

Flying the blue and white roundel for BMW Motorrad will be the No. 46 San Jose BMW R 1200 S with top American BMW rider Nate Kern (above), Belgian former Grand Prix and Superbike star Stephan Mertens and Californian Brian Parriott. The team will also field the No. 4 BMW R 1100 S for Tom Montano and Craig McLean in the Grand Sport Twins (GST) class.

The BMW Cycles Daytona entry for Floridian Mike Ciccoto, Texas native John Haner and Australian Warwick Nowland will also be an SST team to watch. Haner is a consistent top-10 finisher in AMA competition, while Nowland is a two-time World Endurance Champion and they will share the No. 83 BMW Motorcycles of Daytona BMW R1200 S with Ciccoto. The No. 83 is a number made famous at Daytona by Steve McLaughlin, the winner of the first AMA Superbike race in 1976 on a 102 hp BMW R 90 S.

Also competing in the SST class is Team Motorrad, whose riders are Ivan Messina, Frank Shockley (above) and Brad Phillips - all of whom are well known in vintage racing circles. However, the machine they will be racing is anything but vintage! The No. 55 R 1200 S has just had its ´shakedown´ in a four-hour endurance event at Road Atlanta, finishing in fifth place with no mechanical problems whatsoever.

The starting grid will be determined by the order in which race entries were received, which means that Team Motorrad will be first on the grid! All the riders will get their first look at the Daytona International Speedway road course in a two-hour practice session on Friday evening while the 8 Hours At Daytona race itself is scheduled to start at 1pm (local time) on Saturday. Live timing and scoring data for all sessions will be available via the www.moto-st.com website. '; news['article_265']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_265']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_8hoursdaytona_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_265']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_8hoursdaytona_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_265']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_8hoursdaytona_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_265']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_8hoursdaytona_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_265']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_265']['content2'] = ''; news['article_265']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_265']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_265']['content3'] = ''; news['article_265']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[7] = 265; news['article_266'] = new Array(); news['article_266']['articleId'] = 9; news['article_266']['day'] = '01'; news['article_266']['month'] = '11'; news['article_266']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_266']['title'] = 'A new generation of BMW at Intermot.'; news['article_266']['link_text'] = 'A new generation of BMW at Intermot '; news['article_266']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_266']['content1'] = 'It wasn´t long ago that BMW Motorrad was admired as a company that produced reliable, quality motorcycles capable of taking riders and passengers to faraway places at speed, in comfort and in confidence. And while these values still hold true, it´s fair to say that the company which has never been afraid to ´go its own way´ and risk entirely new ideas has undergone something of a renaissance in the past five years.

Visitors to the BMW Motorrad stand at this year´s Intermot Motorcycle and Scooter Fair in Cologne were able to witness the most exciting line-up of motorcycles, accessories and Rider Equipment offered by any manufacturer. Clearly, BMW Motorrad is showing the world that its focus on producing sportier, more dynamic models and entering many new market segments is now not only bearing fruit in terms of sales, but is also attracting and appealing to a younger target audience.

This new breed of BMW rider could be seen at Intermot, and whichever category of motorcycling particularly interested them, company representatives were able to confidently show them a selection of cutting-edge, stylish and powerful machines from the 2007 line-up.

Enduro and ´singles´ fans were able to see the new G 650 Xchallenge in the metal for the first time, along with the Xmoto and Xcountry Street and Scrambler models. Boxer fans were able to catch a glimpse of the exclusive HP2 Megamoto - the stripped-down, 174 kg high performance machine that offers 110 hp Supermoto thrills to street riders.

Those who like power to be at the top of their agenda needed to look no further than the new K 1200 R Sport, which was also unveiled on the BMW Motorrad stand at Intermot. Its upright Roadster seating position is comfortable and provides good all-round visibility, while the half-fairing offers significantly enhanced wind and weather protection, without hiding the fantastic 163 hp powerplant behind a plastic fairing panel. For further customisation of the successful K Series, visitors could also view a range of BMW Motorrad High Performance Parts, including carbon clutch covers, carbon seat covers, and special footrest systems. These will be available in dealerships this autumn.

The crowds were entertained by BMW ambassador and European Stunt Champion Chris Pfeiffer, whose tricks on the F 800 S parallel-twin have to be seen to be believed, while the 2007 range of BMW Rider Equipment was demonstrated with dancers who took to the catwalk for a special fashion show.

All in all, the first major motorcycle show of the year is already being hailed as a huge success for BMW Motorrad, and with the promise of much more to come in the near future, its hard to know what to expect next from the innovative company that keeps reinventing itself. '; news['article_266']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_266']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_intermot_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_266']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_intermot_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_266']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_intermot_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_266']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_intermot_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_266']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_intermot_03_thumb.jpg'; news['article_266']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_intermot_03_preview.jpg'; news['article_266']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_266']['content2'] = ''; news['article_266']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_266']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_266']['content3'] = ''; news['article_266']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[9] = 266; news['article_267'] = new Array(); news['article_267']['articleId'] = 10; news['article_267']['day'] = '01'; news['article_267']['month'] = '11'; news['article_267']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_267']['title'] = 'Pop singer Holly Valance on the BMW R 1200 ST in her first film role. '; news['article_267']['link_text'] = 'Pop singer Holly Valance on the BMW R 1200 ST in her first film role. '; news['article_267']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_267']['content1'] = 'Chinese director Corey Yuen already used a BMW in his exciting action thriller \"The Transporter\", which had Jason Statham as special courier Frank Martin driving a black BMW 7 Series. For his new film adaptation of the video game \"Dead or Alive\", Yuen opted for the BMW R 1200 ST. It is on this sports touring bike - the long-distance sprinter - that pop singer Holly Valance races through China in her first film role.

The game first came out in 1996 and has undergone a number of revisions since, with variations for different game consoles. The \"beat-\'em-up\" style has remained the same: players can choose between various characters, martial arts techniques, player modes, costumes, locations etc. for each virtual fight. In the film, Yuen creatively combines the features of the game series with innovative martial arts scenes. The action spectacle was filmed in Hong Kong in 2005.

\"Dead or Alive\" has been one of the most successful video games in the world for years, with over six million games sold and an enthusiastic fan community. The film \"Dead or Alive\" comes to cinemas from October 19th.'; news['article_267']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_267']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_267']['content2'] = ''; news['article_267']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_267']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_267']['content3'] = ''; news['article_267']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[10] = 267; news['article_268'] = new Array(); news['article_268']['articleId'] = 14; news['article_268']['day'] = '01'; news['article_268']['month'] = '11'; news['article_268']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_268']['title'] = 'Safety first for the head of the Roman Catholic Church'; news['article_268']['link_text'] = 'Safety first for the head of the Roman Catholic Church'; news['article_268']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_268']['content1'] = 'The Pope´s recent visit to Germany has certainly sparked controversy and BMW Motorrad was called upon to play a key role in the protection of ´His Holiness´.

The Pope flew in to Munich on 9 September and was taken by car on a tour of southern Germany, visiting his hometown of Marktl as well as Regensburg and Freising over the five-day visit.

It was the Pope´s first trip to his native Bavaria since he was elected in April 2005 and there was only one marque that could have provided his personal escort - BMW Motorrad.

As you´d expect in BMW´s city of origin, Munich´s police department makes use of special range of BMW Authority motorcycles. The fleet includes the latest R 1200 RT, as well as an adapted R 850 R, and these bikes were to play a pivotal role in the protection of the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

As would be expected, security was at its highest for the duration of Pope Benedict XVI´s visit and his personal vehicle was always accompanied by police outriders on a variety of BMW Authority motorcycles including the R 850 R.

The fleet of BMW Motorrad Authority bikes were perfectly suited to this job due to them being specially adapted to perform faultlessly in operations such as this one. The modifications include a shorter first gear ratio, which offers better low speed stability on escort duties and a larger fuel tank to enable the police riders to operate over longer distances.

It was a logical choice for Munich´s police department to turn to BMW Motorrad for this special assignment. The firm has been preparing bikes for authority use since 1928 when they released a modified R24. Since machine production transferred to Berlin in 1969 BMW Motorrad has supplied over 100,000 Authority motorcycles to 146 different countries.

Of course the Pope returned to the Vatican City safely thanks to the huge security net that surrounded him at all times, part of which was the constant presence of BMW motorcycles to ensure His Holiness´ safe passage.'; news['article_268']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_268']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pope_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_268']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pope_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_268']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pope_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_268']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pope_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_268']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pope_03_thumb.jpg'; news['article_268']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pope_03_preview.jpg'; news['article_268']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_268']['content2'] = ''; news['article_268']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_268']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_268']['content3'] = ''; news['article_268']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[14] = 268; news['article_269'] = new Array(); news['article_269']['articleId'] = 12; news['article_269']['day'] = '01'; news['article_269']['month'] = '11'; news['article_269']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_269']['title'] = 'Foreign relations'; news['article_269']['link_text'] = 'Foreign relations'; news['article_269']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_269']['content1'] = 'BMW recently took the opportunity to introduce some very special guests to the BMW Motorrad range.

The Diplomats´ day saw 150 international embassy counsellors and army and defence attachés attend the event at Schloss Stechau near Finsterwade in Germany. They were presented with the latest BMW car and motorcycle line-up and were able to make themselves more familiar with BMW Motorrad´s motorcycles in a relaxed atmosphere. There were even examples of the authority range present.

The model line-up certainly favoured the sportier side of the range and no introduction would have been complete without the chance to try the motorcycles and Rider Equipment for themselves. There was ample opportunity for the guests from the Berlin embassies to do this, as BMW Motorrad´s tour leaders took many of the dignitaries on ride-outs across the area surrounding the palace to show them the diversity and quality of the BMW Motorrad range.

The day proved to be an instant success with many of the influential guests that attended, who are now sure to have a new BMW motorcycle or car near the top of their ´wish list´. '; news['article_269']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_269']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_foreignrelations_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_269']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_foreignrelations_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_269']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_foreignrelations_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_269']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_foreignrelations_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_269']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_foreignrelations_03_thumb.jpg'; news['article_269']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_foreignrelations_03_preview.jpg'; news['article_269']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_269']['content2'] = ''; news['article_269']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_269']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_269']['content3'] = ''; news['article_269']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[12] = 269; news['article_270'] = new Array(); news['article_270']['articleId'] = 13; news['article_270']['day'] = '01'; news['article_270']['month'] = '11'; news['article_270']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_270']['title'] = 'R 100 RS - elegance and power, 30 years ago '; news['article_270']['link_text'] = 'R 100 RS - elegance and power, 30 years ago '; news['article_270']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_270']['content1'] = 'Thirty years ago in September 1976 at the IFMA show in Cologne, BMW stunned the motorcycle world with the release of the R 100 RS.

The R 100 RS was the work of young designer Hans A Muth who joined BMW in 1971 to work on BMW car interiors. His real interest however was in motorcycles and with the blessing of the head of BMW motorcycle design, Hans-Gunther von der Marwitz, he set about changing the face of BMW. His first work was the /6 series and the classic R 90 S.

The R 100 RS was the first motorcycle to have an integrated fairing that was designed using a wind tunnel. The RS was also the first BMW motorcycle to use new Computer-Aided Design technology. This was not a cheap exercise, as the Pinninfarina wind tunnel was hired for the costly sum of £2,500 (€4,000!)

The result was a stunning model that took motorcycle design to a new level - a bike that captured the essence of the increasingly successful sporting BMW cars and delivered performance, elegance and style as never before seen in a motorcycle.

The fairing with its Integrated Cockpit not only gave protection from the elements but also increased stability by increasing downforce by 17.4 per cent and reducing air resistance by 5.4 per cent. The R 100 RS with its 980cc M65 motor produced 70 hp and was capable of 200 km/h with absolute reliability.

Understandably, the R 100 RS was the outstanding motorcycle at the Cologne show. The BMW stand was mobbed by eager members of the public anxious to get a look at this new concept in motorcycles. Under the lights the distinctive Silver Blue RS with the sporting ´three-quarter´ seat ignited the interest in BMW. It was not just the fairing that set the R 100 RS apart. The blue pin striping on the wheels and the blue ATE calipers on the front brakes highlighted the distinctive colour scheme.

The R 100 RS was fast and stylish with that hint of exclusivity. It took BMW into a new market and in so doing created a new genre - the Sports Tourer. It was voted the 1976 ´Motorcycle of The Year´ by readers of German magazine Motorrad and went on to win many other similar awards.

The R 100 RS continued in production until 1984 when the last of the 33,648 machines produced was delivered to its proud owner and the era of the ´big Boxer´ came to an end. The largest-capacity Boxer would now be 800cc, while the debut of the new 1000cc four-cylinder K 100 heralded another new era in BMW motorcycle development.

However, the BMW riding public had other ideas and pressure was placed on the company to bring back its larger-capacity twins and in particular the RS. In 1986 the RS was returned, albeit with reduced power due to legislative requirements. There was a slightly different look with smaller 18-inch wheels and the Monolever equipped frame from the R 80. This machine continued in production until 1992 with 6,081 machines produced overall.

Today the R 100 RS is a true BMW classic and a much sought-after model. Many have been kept pristine since new and in recent times an increasing number have undergone complete restoration. There are others like the £415 ´special´ purchased on Ebay by Daily Telegraph / Motorcycle News journalist Kevin Ash (left) that are still ridden, although no longer in showroom condition. Kevin successfully rode the ´far from original´ RS home from this year´s BMW Motorrad Biker Meeting at Garmisch-Partenkirchen. He made back to the UK without any problems.

Thirty years ago the R 100 RS stunned the motorcycling world, yet the elegant Hans A Muth design has stood the test of time. It is one of the all-time great BMW motorcycles.'; news['article_270']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_270']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_r100rs_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_270']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_r100rs_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_270']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_r100rs_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_270']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_r100rs_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_270']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_r100rs_03_thumb.jpg'; news['article_270']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_r100rs_03_preview.jpg'; news['article_270']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_270']['content2'] = ''; news['article_270']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_270']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_270']['content3'] = ''; news['article_270']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[13] = 270; news['article_271'] = new Array(); news['article_271']['articleId'] = 15; news['article_271']['day'] = '01'; news['article_271']['month'] = '11'; news['article_271']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_271']['title'] = 'The power of driving versus driving power'; news['article_271']['link_text'] = 'The power of driving versus driving power'; news['article_271']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_271']['content1'] = 'Contrary to popular belief, golf is a fast sport. It´s a little known fact that a golf ball accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 0.25 milliseconds. But can a car or a motorcycle keep up with that? Definitely not in terms of acceleration, but a BMW M5 and a K 1200 R motorcycle ridden by Chris Pfeiffer accepted the challenge at the recent BMW International Open tournament in Munich.

\"This is the strangest place I have ever played golf, but it was definitely a lot of fun,\" said 2004 Ryder Cup winner Ian Poulter, following the extraordinary challenge that he´d been set. Poulter had his stroke lengths compared with the driving performance of a 507 hp BMW M5, driven by motorsport legend Hans-Joachim Stuck, as well as a K 1200 R motorbike, ridden by current European Stunt Riding champion Chris Pfeiffer. Additionally, the driving duo competed against German amateur golfer and TV presenter Sonja Zietlow.

The rules of this unusual contest were simple: upon the starting signal, Stuck and Pfeiffer would accelerate while Poulter or Zietlow would swing and tee-off. The distance the BMW vehicles had covered would be recorded the instant the ball hit the ground.

Prior to the event, the three athletes had agreed that Poulter´s hits would be impossible to match considering the enormous acceleration of a golf ball. On the other hand, while the ball slows down due to the air resistance, the car and bike pick up more and more speed. What results would this test provide?

The outcome was closer than anticipated. Despite its 507 hp and impressive acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, the BMW M5 lost too much time at the start due to its 1.7 tons weight. Nevertheless, Stuck managed to drive 85 metres and nearly matched the 89 metres hit by Zietlow with the sand wedge.

Pfeiffer and the 163 hp K 1200 R, on the other hand, did surprisingly well against Poulter. The Englishman even lost the contest with the sand wedge (121 metres) against Pfeiffer, who was out in front at 140 metres by the time the ball hit the floor. And even with the ´driver´ club, the golf star´s 255-metre hit only marginally exceeded Chris´s covered distance - which was an amazing 249 metres - proving the K 1200 R´s credentials as the most powerful naked production motorcycle in the world.'; news['article_271']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_271']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_golfchallenge_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_271']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_golfchallenge_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_271']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_golfchallenge_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_271']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_golfchallenge_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_271']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_golfchallenge_03_thumb.jpg'; news['article_271']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_golfchallenge_03_preview.jpg'; news['article_271']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_271']['content2'] = ''; news['article_271']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_271']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_271']['content3'] = ''; news['article_271']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[15] = 271; news['article_272'] = new Array(); news['article_272']['articleId'] = 16; news['article_272']['day'] = '01'; news['article_272']['month'] = '11'; news['article_272']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_272']['title'] = 'Fast forward with BMW Motorrad in 2007'; news['article_272']['link_text'] = 'Fast forward with BMW Motorrad in 2007'; news['article_272']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_272']['content1'] = '2006 has been the year when BMW Motorrad´s promise of delivering faster, lighter, more sporty motorcycles has resulted in some amazing ´new generation´ machines, many of which have been highly praised by the motorcycling press and have consequently brought even more new riders and accolades to the brand than ever before.

Many of these new machines are featured in the official 2007 BMW Motorrad calendar, which contains a year´s worth of dynamic motorcycle images captured by some of the world´s best photographers, including Paul Barshon, Bernard Spöttel and Peter Burgstaller.

It is quite apt that the theme of the 2007 calendar is ´Fast Forward´ as BMW Motorrad´s model offensive has included launching an amazing six new models in 2006! These include the go-anywhere R1200 GS Adventure; the 152 hp K1200 GT; the budget-priced F800 S and ST sports-middleweights; the R1200 S (the most powerful boxer to date) and the R1200 R classic roadster.

To highlight BMW Motorrad´s sporting credentials, the new calendar features action photography from this year´s Erzberg race in Austria, where BMW Motorrad Team Offroad´s Simo Kirssi won the gruelling Iron Road prologue for the second time in succession. New European Stuntriding Champion Chris Pfeiffer also features in the calendar on his F 800 S and HP2 with street wheels, as does ex-GP racer, BoxerCup and Power Cup competitor Markus Barth, who is captured riding many of BMW´s latest bikes.

The calendar, which is 585mm x 535mm in size, features a different BMW Motorrad image for every month of the year. It is priced at just €20 and will soon be available for purchasing online by visiting www.bmw-shop.com and following the links to the lifestyle section.'; news['article_272']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_272']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_fastforward2007_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_272']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_fastforward2007_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_272']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_fastforward2007_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_272']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_fastforward2007_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_272']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_272']['content2'] = ''; news['article_272']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_272']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_272']['content3'] = ''; news['article_272']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[16] = 272; news['article_273'] = new Array(); news['article_273']['articleId'] = 17; news['article_273']['day'] = '01'; news['article_273']['month'] = '11'; news['article_273']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_273']['title'] = 'Nick Heidfeld, F1 racer and BMW motorcycle rider '; news['article_273']['link_text'] = 'Nick Heidfeld, F1 racer and BMW motorcycle rider '; news['article_273']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_273']['content1'] = 'Who wouldn´t envy the life of a Formula 1 driver - racing one of the fastest cars in the world in front of thousands of fans at some of the most challenging circuits known to man. Only a select few will ever have the chance to experience the high-octane, high-pressure world of F1 - and Nick Heidfeld of the BMW Sauber F1 Team is one of them.

Although glamorous, it is a job that comes with serious responsibilities - no more so than the pressure that comes from being a driver in the BMW Sauber F1 Team. One of the ways that Nick copes with this pressure is to ride motorcycles for fun and relaxation. The anonymity that comes from putting on a System 5 helmet allows the 29-year-old German to become ´just another biker´ and escape from the high-profile world he inhabits.

\"I´ve got an R 1200 GS,\" says Nick. \"It was my father who persuaded me to get one because he never stops talking about his! I read a lot of motorcycle magazines and it always seems to come out well in the group tests.\"

Although he was living in Monaco until fairly recently, the lifestyle there didn´t suit him (\"too many old people and too quiet in winter!\") and he moved to the picturesque Swiss town of Stafa, near Zurich, with his girlfriend Patricia and little girl, Juni. The scenery and roads around Stafa are perfect for motorcycling (and perfect for the GS) with some incredible mountain passes literally on his doorstep.

\"You can do everything with the GS,\" enthuses Nick. \"I´d also like to get a Supermoto or naked bike as well but I think that the GS is a great all-rounder. I´ve recently bought my wife a motorcycle so I hope that the two of us can do some motorcycle touring together in the future.\"

The second of three brothers, he has been riding since he was five-years-old and could well have become a motorcycle racer, had an accident on a motocross bike not turned him towards karting and a love of four wheels. He would have no hesitation in encouraging his children to race though - on bikes or in cars - and the earlier the better. His father is a GS fanatic and can often be seen at the Nürburgring,

When my father goes to the Nürburgring, he puts a big bag on the tank, which looks really heavy. In fact, there´s nothing in it but of course, everyone is expecting him to be slow, so they get a shock at just how fast he is!\"

Nick´s rise to become one of the top drivers in the most prestigious racing series in the world began in Karts in 1986 and progressed through Formula Ford, F3 and Formula 3000 before signing his first F1 contract in 2000. In 2005 the BMW Sauber F1 Team signed Nick Heidfeld.'; news['article_273']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_273']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_heidfeld_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_273']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_heidfeld_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_273']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_heidfeld_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_273']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_heidfeld_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_273']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_heidfeld_03_thumb.jpg'; news['article_273']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_heidfeld_03_preview.jpg'; news['article_273']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_273']['content2'] = ''; news['article_273']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_273']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_273']['content3'] = ''; news['article_273']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[17] = 273; news['article_274'] = new Array(); news['article_274']['articleId'] = 18; news['article_274']['day'] = '01'; news['article_274']['month'] = '11'; news['article_274']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_274']['title'] = 'Last minute getaways by motorcycle'; news['article_274']['link_text'] = 'Last minute getaways by motorcycle'; news['article_274']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_274']['content1'] = 'Exploring a new country by motorcycle really is the best way to travel. No other form of transport allows you to see as much or immerse yourself in the culture quite as deeply as two-wheeled travel. Along with its experienced travel partner (Münchner Freiheit) BMW aims to give riders the perfect opportunity to explore exciting countries and discover the true capabilities of BMW bikes on an organised, stress-free adventure.

If you´ve not planned your summer holiday yet, here are a couple of options you may well be interested in.

1. Dolomite adventure - five days of fantastic mountain passes

Tour date: 13-17 September 2006

This unique tour lasts for five days and is designed to appeal to GS riders. It covers approximately 1,400 kilometres through the magnificent Austrian Alps and the Dolomites, and offers riders a thrilling mixture of exciting passes, unsurfaced gravel tracks and fascinating scenery.

Experience spiralling mountain passes, hairpin bends, clean fresh air and extravagant rolling vistas - time and time again. The special ´last Minute´ offer price for this tour is €1,069, which includes the loan of a BMW motorcycle.

2. On the Slavic trail - five days of new horizons and mysterious pathways

Tour date: 20-24 September 2006

The austere landscape of Slovenia and the Italian border region has retained its character and authentic beauty to this day. In this region - between central and south eastern Europe - there are still narrow roads and gravel tracks which take you deep into a magnificent setting of breathtaking peaks and remote, wildly romantic valleys. This is a special tour for individuals who want to feel real biker freedom and experience a naturally beautiful, unspoilt landscape.

On this magnificent five-day tour you´ll cover around 950 kilometres of riding in superb landscapes, crossing breathtaking mountain passes on roads and rough tracks. Nature lovers get full value for money here amidst the enchanting, unspoilt country between Italy and Slovenia. The special ´last minute´ offer price for this tour is also €1,069, which includes the loan of a BMW motorcycle.

For further information on either of these tours and other current Last Minute Specials please visit www.muenchnerfreiheit.de (English language version available) or call 0049-89-360 35 33 for more details.'; news['article_274']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_274']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_274']['content2'] = ''; news['article_274']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_274']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_274']['content3'] = ''; news['article_274']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[18] = 274; news['article_275'] = new Array(); news['article_275']['articleId'] = 19; news['article_275']['day'] = '01'; news['article_275']['month'] = '11'; news['article_275']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_275']['title'] = 'K 1200 R triumphant at Suzuka again '; news['article_275']['link_text'] = 'K 1200 R triumphant at Suzuka again '; news['article_275']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_275']['content1'] = 'Last weekend saw another fantastic performance by the BMW Motorrad supported Tras & PIAA team at the legendary Suzuka Eight-Hour race in Japan.

The annual endurance race is one of the most prestigious and toughest races in the motorsport calendar and is an extreme challenge for any team - especially one running a near standard road bike.

The all Japanese team ran a former Power Cup K1200 R in the XX-Formula Division 2 category (XX-F Div. 2) meaning they could only carry out limited modifications to the bike. The K1200 R may not seem like the obvious bike to enter into such a tough race, but its performance and reliability certainly benefited the team.

Eiji Saito and Shinichiro Imai completed 189 laps in the eight hours to not only win the XX-F Div. 2 class but bring the 175bhp K1200 R home in a respectable 46th position overall. The result was even more impressive considering a field of 70 entries dominated by fully race prepared bikes.

This latest success followed a dominant win at the Road to Suzuka 300km race in June - the precursor to the famous Eight-Hour race - in which the Tras & PIAA team also won the XX-F Div. 2 category.

As in the previous 300km race, the team encountered no reliability problems over their race distance of 1100km during the eight hours of racing this weekend. The power characteristics of the 175bhp BMW K1200 R was undoubtedly another factor which helped to secure the team such a fantastic result.
'; news['article_275']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_275']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_k1200rsuzuka_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_275']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_k1200rsuzuka_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_275']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_k1200rsuzuka_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_275']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_k1200rsuzuka_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_275']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_275']['content2'] = ''; news['article_275']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_275']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_275']['content3'] = ''; news['article_275']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[19] = 275; news['article_276'] = new Array(); news['article_276']['articleId'] = 20; news['article_276']['day'] = '01'; news['article_276']['month'] = '11'; news['article_276']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_276']['title'] = '\"Cycle World\" names the BMW K 1200 GT best sport touring bike for 2006.'; news['article_276']['link_text'] = '\"Cycle World\" names the BMW K 1200 GT best sport touring bike for 2006.'; news['article_276']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_276']['content1'] = '\"Cycle World\" names the BMW K 1200 GT best sport touring bike for 2006.

In its July edition, the American motorcycle magazine \"Cycle World\" named the BMW K 1200 GT best sport touring bike for 2006:

\"According to the Buyer´s Guide 2006, there are 440 different motorcycle models available in the showrooms this year. And, it is becoming more and more difficult to find a \"bad machine\". It is even more difficult to find the best bike\". Cycle World searched and found the best bike in the sport touring category.

Cycle World named the BMW K 1200 GT as the best sport touring bike for 2006. \"The strengths and capabilities of a sport tourer must be as diverse as the roads and destinations throughout the world. The best bikes in this class convey a feeling of the adventure of riding long distances on short routes\".

With a chassis featuring BMW Motorrad duolever, paralever and optional electronic suspension adjustment ESA, heated grips and seat, electrically adjustable windscreen, large side cases up to the unbelievable 152 bhp power, the BMW K 1200 GT is far ahead of the competition in terms of excellent comfort and cornering.

\"All bikes in this class promise a great deal with regard to how far one can ride and how much fun one can have with them. The BMW K 1200 GT offers more\". '; news['article_276']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_276']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_276']['content2'] = ''; news['article_276']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_276']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_276']['content3'] = ''; news['article_276']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[20] = 276; news['article_277'] = new Array(); news['article_277']['articleId'] = 21; news['article_277']['day'] = '01'; news['article_277']['month'] = '11'; news['article_277']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_277']['title'] = '\"BMW Motorcycles: The Evolution of Excellence\" - the fourth book from Kevin Ash. '; news['article_277']['link_text'] = '\"BMW Motorcycles: The Evolution of Excellence\" - the fourth book from Kevin Ash. '; news['article_277']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_277']['content1'] = 'The native Englishman, Kevin Ash, has published his fourth book in which he expertly portrays the moving history of the largest European motorcycle manufacturer BMW Motorrad from its foundation in 1917 to the present day. In this 178-page book, he gives the reader a fascinating insight into the remarkable history and innovative endeavours of this renowned brand.

Driven by an obsession for quality and reliability, BMW applied the knowledge gained from its manufacture of airplane engines to build a breed of motorcycles that aimed to be second to none. From its early racing victories, the company learned to make tough, reliable machines that would win races and allow enthusiasts to ride anywhere in the world with confidence.

BMW Motorrad later developed later developed also sport tourers. Models like the R 90 S or K 1200 RS impressively demonstrated that bikes could be produced that were perfectly engineered and had power and \"sex appeal\". Many technical innovations ensured and ensure the company a competitive advantage. Today, BMW Motorrad is a manufacturer with the most extensive - some even say - the most exciting range of models available on the market.

In over 80 years of company history, BMW Motorrad has survived difficult times and flourished, owing in no small part to the deeply ingrained principles that have guided it from the beginning: A passion for quality and reliability and a willingness to develop new motorcycle technologies.

The book (ISBN-13: 978-1-884313-57-8) is available via the Internet.'; news['article_277']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_277']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_kevinash_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_277']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_kevinash_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_277']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_277']['content2'] = ''; news['article_277']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_277']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_277']['content3'] = ''; news['article_277']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[21] = 277; news['article_278'] = new Array(); news['article_278']['articleId'] = 23; news['article_278']['day'] = '01'; news['article_278']['month'] = '11'; news['article_278']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_278']['title'] = 'People and their BMW motorcycles - Dieter Asbach: \'Ride like a cop\''; news['article_278']['link_text'] = 'People and their BMW motorcycles - Dieter Asbach: \'Ride like a cop\''; news['article_278']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_278']['content1'] = 'It was all started by the eponymous heroes of the 1970s TV series ´ChiPs´ - those good-looking, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers Frank Poncherello and Jon Baker, who became well known all over the world for their cool law-enforcement procedures on motorcycles. In those days, California´s finest didn´t ride BMWs, but times have changed since then.

In 1998, as a result of an extensive four-year study of BMWs by the CHP, where officers rode the bikes in heat and cold, through freeway and urban tailbacks, and on 160 km/h pursuits, 131 R 1100 RT-P BMWs were purchased instead of Japanese machines. There were two strong arguments in favour of the BMWs: they required less servicing than a Japanese machine - every 10,000 km as opposed to every 5,000 - and the braking system performed better (the BMWs were equipped with anti-lock brakes).

Since then, the R 1100 RT-P has been replaced with the R 1150 RT-P and over 800 units of this special BMW police motorcycle have been supplied to the CHP. The bikes look fantastic in the California Highway Patrol livery and this in particular caught the attention of famous businessman Dieter Asbach, an entrepreneur from Rüdesheim, who has a passion for what he calls \"extravagant motorcycles\".

On a business trip through California, Dieter Asbach - whose family puts its name to the well known liquor brand - fell in love with the R 1150 RT California Highway Patrol police motorcycle. He became fascinated by the idea of acquiring his very own original BMW R 1150 RT California Highway Police model and knew that he just had to have one of his own.

After returning to Germany, Dieter Asbach contacted the special sales department at BMW Motorrad. In a one-off logistical manoeuvre it was possible to ship a new, original California Highway Police model to Rüdesheim in collaboration with a BMW motorcycle partner in the US.

A few interesting visits to the authorities were obviously necessary before Asbach was able to attend biker meetings and motorcycle events with his new BMW motorcycle but he´s now enjoying his ChiPs RT-P out on the European highways. Just how long it will be before he manages to secure a new California Highway Patrol R 1200 RT-P is anyone´s guess! '; news['article_278']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_278']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_278']['content2'] = ''; news['article_278']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_278']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_278']['content3'] = ''; news['article_278']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[23] = 278; news['article_279'] = new Array(); news['article_279']['articleId'] = 24; news['article_279']['day'] = '01'; news['article_279']['month'] = '11'; news['article_279']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_279']['title'] = 'Multitalented! The BMW R 1150 R in its latest role '; news['article_279']['link_text'] = 'Multitalented! The BMW R 1150 R in its latest role '; news['article_279']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_279']['content1'] = 'The BMW Motorrad roadster is now sprinting into its new role as a movie star. In the science fiction film \"Ultraviolet\" it serves the beautiful - and not exactly harmless - Milla Jovovich as an agile means of transport, literally taking her through thick and thin.

She fights genetically mutated human beings who turn into vampires as she tries to save the life of a nine-year-old boy. There are lots of breathtaking action scenes in which the BMW R 1150 R is able to show its dynamic qualities to full effect - simply superb riding fun.

If you are thinking about whether to see the film, why not take a look at the trailer before going to the cinema?

Trailer
The film is released on July 6th. See you there ...'; news['article_279']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_279']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_ultraviolet_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_279']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_ultraviolet_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_279']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_ultraviolet_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_279']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_ultraviolet_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_279']['image13'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_ultraviolet_03_thumb.jpg'; news['article_279']['image13_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_ultraviolet_03_preview.jpg'; news['article_279']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_279']['content2'] = ''; news['article_279']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_279']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_279']['content3'] = ''; news['article_279']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[24] = 279; news['article_280'] = new Array(); news['article_280']['articleId'] = 28; news['article_280']['day'] = '01'; news['article_280']['month'] = '11'; news['article_280']['year'] = '2007'; news['article_280']['title'] = 'Protective clothing for active outdoor fans.'; news['article_280']['link_text'] = 'Protective clothing for active outdoor fans.'; news['article_280']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_280']['content1'] = 'The times when motorcycle clothing was only worn by bikers are clearly over. Mountain bikers, skiers and snowboarders have discovered this protective equipment too. BMW Motorrad rider equipment is especially popular because it combines the latest developments with modern design and a mixture of leather and fabric. For many who take part in races, BMW Motorrad rider equipment has long become a key part of their personal safety and comfort.

The vest \"AirVantage\" is especially popular among winter sports enthusiasts. It is waterproof and windproof and was developed so as to keep extreme temperatures away from the body. The air pockets of the vest can be inflated or deflated. For example, if the wearer feels too warm, he simply lets air out by means of a valve.

The high-tech jacket \"Phase Change\" is particularly popular among hikers, skiers and snowboarders because it ensures a balanced body temperature. The paraffin capsules integrated in the jacket respond to changing body temperatures and are able to store heat and release it again when required.

The BMW Motorrad suit \"Streetguard 2\" has been seen on ski slopes because skiers find the technological benefits and the cool design of the jacket and trousers equally impressive. The suit reflects 20% of sunrays and protects the body by means of removable protectors. Special Gore- Tex® which is 25% more breathable than conventional Gore-Tex® provides protection from wind, rain and snow.

BMW Motorrad has also thought of the little ones with the suit \"Stoke\" - the perfect children´s clothing for all outdoor activities. The two-section suit is highly resilient, waterproof and windproof. It grows with the child and cushions falls.

BMW motorcycling equipment can be used in many different ways. In addition to the many unisex models there are also special items for women. The right outdoor clothing can be found for all sizes from extra small to extra large.'; news['article_280']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_280']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_280']['content2'] = ''; news['article_280']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_280']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_280']['content3'] = ''; news['article_280']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[28] = 280; news['article_281'] = new Array(); news['article_281']['articleId'] = 27; news['article_281']['day'] = '01'; news['article_281']['month'] = '11'; news['article_281']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_281']['title'] = 'Chris Pfeiffer is the 2006 European Stuntriding Champion.'; news['article_281']['link_text'] = 'Chris Pfeiffer is the 2006 European Stuntriding Champion.'; news['article_281']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_281']['content1'] = 'Last Saturday stunt specialist Chris Pfeiffer demonstrated his outstanding skills with a spectacular victory on his BMW Motorrad F 800 S in Kiikala, Finland. The 36-year-old thus wins the European Stuntriding Championship 2006 - the second time since 2003. Since no other world championship is being held this year, he has won the year´s most hotly contested stunt riding title.

Chris went into the final round in the knowledge that fourth place would be sufficient to win the championship. But as expected, he did not go for safety but showed that someone who is currently the world´s best stunt rider can win in Kiikala, too. With a breathtaking show in the final round, Chris inspired the enthusiasm of spectators and jury alike and won ahead of the Hungarian Zoltan Angyal.

For this year´s European championships, the three events in Holland, Hungary and Finland counted - and Pfeiffer won them all. \"It went exactly the way I wanted to win the championship\", said the current Stuntwars Champion happily, who won that prestigious event in February in Florida. \"There is nothing better than winning the European Championship with victory in all three events.\"

After winning the Stuntriding Championship, Chris Pfeiffer has little time to enjoy his success in peace and quiet, however. After a brief visit to his family, he travels to Switzerland. There he exchanges his BMW F 800 S for a BMW HP2 Enduro and participates in the legendary European Hill-Climbing Championship in Obersaxon - where he won a podium position last year.'; news['article_281']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_281']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pfeiffer2006champion_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_281']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pfeiffer2006champion_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_281']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pfeiffer2006champion_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_281']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pfeiffer2006champion_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_281']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_281']['content2'] = ''; news['article_281']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_281']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_281']['content3'] = ''; news['article_281']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[27] = 281; news['article_282'] = new Array(); news['article_282']['articleId'] = 29; news['article_282']['day'] = '01'; news['article_282']['month'] = '11'; news['article_282']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_282']['title'] = 'The new BMW Motorrad Navigator - Goes beyond all limits.'; news['article_282']['link_text'] = 'The new BMW Motorrad Navigator - Goes beyond all limits.'; news['article_282']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_282']['content1'] = 'The days of map-reading are over - especially for motorcyclists. The satellite navigation system of the new BMW Motorrad Navigator guides you to any address, finds the nearest filling station, shows you an alternative route in case of congested roads and then tells you how long it will take you.

But the new BMW Motorrad Navigator offers you much more besides. With a whole range of new and unique properties it makes a huge technological leap forward. The precise route guidance of this high-tech device weighing just 420 grams is based on the coordinates of 12 satellites, ensuring accuracy within 15 metres.

Here are just a few of the many technical features of the new BMW Motorrad Navigator:
Download from PC is no longer necessary as the maps of Europe are pre-installed. A high-resolution TFT screen gives you an excellent view of the displayed route in 3D - even in direct sunlight. Directions such as \"Take the next left\" are a thing of the past: the BMW Motorrad navigator now gives you the whole name of the road. The system also gives you many other new functions and options which you can have demonstrated by your local BMW Motorrad partner.'; news['article_282']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_282']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_motorradnavigator_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_282']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_motorradnavigator_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_282']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_282']['content2'] = ''; news['article_282']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_282']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_282']['content3'] = ''; news['article_282']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[29] = 282; news['article_283'] = new Array(); news['article_283']['articleId'] = 30; news['article_283']['day'] = '01'; news['article_283']['month'] = '11'; news['article_283']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_283']['title'] = 'Agile deployment in the World Cup: R 1200 GS and F 650 GS'; news['article_283']['link_text'] = 'Agile deployment in the World Cup: R 1200 GS and F 650 GS'; news['article_283']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_283']['content1'] = 'Agile deployment. BMW motorcycles keep on the ball during the World Cup.

BMW Motorrad is providing the German Police Trade Union (GdP) with a number of motorcycles on a loan basis for the duration of the World Cup. A special support concept initiated by the GdP allows policemen to use the high degree of mobility offered by motorcycles so as to be able to help their colleagues as quickly as possible in stadium areas.

For this purpose, BMW Motorrad handed over 24 serial production machines of the type BMW R 1200 GS and F 650 GS to the Police Trade Union. According to GdP Federal Board Director Jörg Radeks, the World Cup makes \"extreme demands in terms of the endurance of the officers involved\". The GdP can thus use its \"mobile squad\" on BMW motorcycles for relief as required.

\"We are very glad that BMW Motorrad is providing such active support for our World Cup support concept in Germany,\" said GdP Board Secretary Dietmar Michael when the motorcycles where handed over by BMW Motorrad Direct Sales Area Manager Jürgen Littek.

The top model among the police bikes provided by BMW Motorrad is the R 1200 RT, fitted with state-of-the-art ABS as well as the very latest technology of the current flat twin generation. It immediately impressed international trade buyers and authorities´ representatives at the end of 2005 at the \"Milipol\" trade fair in Paris. '; news['article_283']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_283']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_283']['content2'] = ''; news['article_283']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_283']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_283']['content3'] = ''; news['article_283']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[30] = 283; news['article_284'] = new Array(); news['article_284']['articleId'] = 31; news['article_284']['day'] = '01'; news['article_284']['month'] = '11'; news['article_284']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_284']['title'] = 'Chris Pfeiffer wins in spite of mishap in Kaposvar.'; news['article_284']['link_text'] = 'Chris Pfeiffer wins in spite of mishap in Kaposvar.'; news['article_284']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_284']['content1'] = 'In Kaposvar/Hungary, stunt ace Chris Pfeiffer delivered an impressive victory on his BMW F 800 S - demonstrating why he is the favourite to win the European Stuntriding Championship Trophy (Finland) in June 2006.

After his fantastic victory at the European Stuntriding Championships in Assen, the 36-year-old-German set out to outshine all his challengers in Hungary too. Pfeiffer was able to qualify for the finals in spite of a mishap in the preliminary round. He displayed his outstanding talent at the highest level and won outright. Second place went to the Hungarian Zoltan Angyal, with Humberto Ribeiro from Portugal - the World Champion of 2004 - finishing third.

For Pfeiffer, this win in Kaposvar means that he goes into the final round of the 2006 championships with a huge lead of 20 points. The result is all the more remarkable considering Pfeiffer had to dismount in the second round of the qualifying. Fortunately he was unhurt and impressed the judges with an improvised program on his reserve bike, thus qualifying for the finals.

Chris Pfeiffer´s impeccable performance in the finals once again put him on top of the pedestal. So he is already very close to achieving his goal of becoming \"European Stuntriding Champion 2006\". If he finishes among the top four in Finland, the title is his. So keep your fingers crossed!'; news['article_284']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_284']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_284']['content2'] = ''; news['article_284']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_284']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_284']['content3'] = ''; news['article_284']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[31] = 284; news['article_285'] = new Array(); news['article_285']['articleId'] = 32; news['article_285']['day'] = '01'; news['article_285']['month'] = '11'; news['article_285']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_285']['title'] = 'Power bike K 1200 R wins Bandon Drag Race '; news['article_285']['link_text'] = 'Power bike K 1200 R wins Bandon Drag Race '; news['article_285']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_285']['content1'] = ' Once a year, when the legendary Bandon Drag Race is held - organised by the West Cork Motorrad Club - the sleepy down of Bandon in southern Ireland comes to life.

This year, it was the power bike BMW K 1200 R that made headline news. This extremely powerful naked bike won outright in the category \"V2 Motorcycles, F Class\". The times for the sprint over one eighth of a mile (201 metres) were all under seven seconds. The BMW K 1200 R crossed the finishing line with the sensational best of 6.68 seconds - putting the entire competition behind it, including such well-known names as the Suzuki GSX-R 1300/1000, the Kawasaki ZX-12 R and ZX-9 R and the Yamaha R1 and Honda Blackbird. Even the runner-up - the GSX-R 1000 - took two tenths of a second longer with a time of 6.84 seconds

The winning machine belongs to the BMW Group Ireland and was ridden to victory by Alan O´Conner from Cork. Alan loves his machine: \"At first the competition were laughing at us. But after the first run it was clear we were capable of winning. The BMW K 1200 R has absolutely superb road holding with only minimal lift - while the competition had great difficult riding their machines forwards rather than upwards.\"

Alan has already promised to enter the bike for another sprint race this year to show that this victory can be repeated.'; news['article_285']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_285']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_285']['content2'] = ''; news['article_285']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_285']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_285']['content3'] = ''; news['article_285']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[32] = 285; news['article_286'] = new Array(); news['article_286']['articleId'] = 33; news['article_286']['day'] = '01'; news['article_286']['month'] = '11'; news['article_286']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_286']['title'] = 'Chris Pfeiffer wins at the EMSC on his BMW F 800 S'; news['article_286']['link_text'] = 'Chris Pfeiffer wins at the EMSC on his BMW F 800 S'; news['article_286']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_286']['content1'] = 'Chris Pfeiffer won outright on his BMW F 800 S at the first event of the European Motorcycle Stuntriding Championships 2006. At the world-famous TT Circuit in Assen (NL) he thus continued on course for success. At the beginning of the season he had already won the Stuntwars competition in Florida (USA).

In front of several thousands of enthusiastic spectators, Pfeiffer demonstrated why he is one for the best motorcyclists in the world. Rider and machine became a single entity: with the most incredible tricks, jumps and free-handed wheelie circles, Pfeiffer truly bedazzled his audience.

Pfeiffer was challenged by motorcyclists from all over Europe. But the imaginative and extremely bold performance of the talented German was simply unbeatable. Both in the qualifying and the final he made skilful use of all the possibilities offered by the grounds on a 2-cylinder F 800 S and achieved an impressive 469 of 500 possible points, putting Humberto Ribeiro, World Stuntriding Champion 2004, in second place and the Hungarian Angyal Zoltan in third.

Chris Pfeiffer is very happy about his second big victory this year: \"The BMW F 800 S is so easy to control in all situations. It also has an excellent sound and attracts a lot of attention - both among the spectators and the other stunt riders. This year I have a very full calendar, including the Erzberg Rodeo in May. It´s great to have done so well so early in the year.\"'; news['article_286']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_286']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pfeifferemsc_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_286']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pfeifferemsc_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_286']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_286']['content2'] = ''; news['article_286']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_286']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_286']['content3'] = ''; news['article_286']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[33] = 286; news['article_287'] = new Array(); news['article_287']['articleId'] = 35; news['article_287']['day'] = '01'; news['article_287']['month'] = '11'; news['article_287']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_287']['title'] = '\"Motorcycle of the Year 2006\".
BMW Motorrad wins medal ranking. '; news['article_287']['link_text'] = '\"Motorcycle of the Year 2006\".
BMW Motorrad wins medal ranking. '; news['article_287']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_287']['content1'] = 'Once again this year, the well-known magazine \"Motorrad\" called upon its readers to vote for the motorcycle of the year. In the biggest European event of this kind, 36,000 motorcycle fans select their favourites from over 150 motorcycles in seven categories. And BMW Motorrad can be more than satisfied with the final result.

The BMW Motorrad models R 1200 GS and K 1200 R achieved top placings in the categories \"Enduro\" and \"Allrounder\". Together with the K 1200 S, which won second place, and the HP2 Enduro, which crossed the finishing line in third place, this clinched the overall victory for BMW Motorrad.

In the vote for the most progressive technology, too, BMW was well ahead of the competition. The results also showed that motorcyclists opt for safety: in almost all areas in which bikes with ABS were candidates, the models with the safe braking system were the winners. '; news['article_287']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_287']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_287']['content2'] = ''; news['article_287']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_287']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_287']['content3'] = ''; news['article_287']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[35] = 287; news['article_288'] = new Array(); news['article_288']['articleId'] = 38; news['article_288']['day'] = '01'; news['article_288']['month'] = '11'; news['article_288']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_288']['title'] = 'Stuntwars! Chris Pfeiffer wins on the BMW F 800 S at the hottest stunt event of the year. '; news['article_288']['link_text'] = 'Stuntwars! Chris Pfeiffer wins on the BMW F 800 S at the hottest stunt event of the year. '; news['article_288']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_288']['content1'] = 'In February 2006 it was once time once more: the international elite of freestyle stunt riders met at \"Stuntwars\" for the motorcycling showdown of the year. And if we\'re talking about the best, there\'s only one name that counts: Christian Pfeiffer. He dazzled spectators and jury alike on his BMW F 800 S with a breathtaking performance, leaving the \'battlefield\' on the Lakeland Dragstrip in Florida as the radiant winner.
Over 100 riders attempted to become Streetbike Freestyle Champion - and spectators were offered a show they are not likely to forget very quickly. Only 15 motorcycling artists made it into the hotly competed final where they showed their entire range of skills to convince the jury.

On the only 2-cylinder machine in the championship, Chris demonstrated what \"rock n roll\" on two wheels really means. The aces up his sleeve: stunts which were presented to the wide-eyed audience for the first time ever, such as a free-handed wheelie circle and a stoppie including a sensational 230˚ turn - all on the BMW F 800 S of course. Almost without modifications, it carried its rider right up to the winner´s pedestal.

We congratulate Chris on this stunning performance!'; news['article_288']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_288']['image11'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pfeifferstuntwars_01_thumb.jpg'; news['article_288']['image11_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pfeifferstuntwars_01_preview.jpg'; news['article_288']['image12'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pfeifferstuntwars_02_thumb.jpg'; news['article_288']['image12_big'] = '/us/en/individual/news/media/news_pfeifferstuntwars_02_preview.jpg'; news['article_288']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_288']['content2'] = ''; news['article_288']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_288']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_288']['content3'] = ''; news['article_288']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[38] = 288; news['article_289'] = new Array(); news['article_289']['articleId'] = 39; news['article_289']['day'] = '01'; news['article_289']['month'] = '11'; news['article_289']['year'] = '2006'; news['article_289']['title'] = 'The BMW Motorrad Rider Training circuit training course: first choice for perfectionists'; news['article_289']['link_text'] = 'The BMW Motorrad Rider Training circuit training course: first choice for perfectionists'; news['article_289']['subtitle1'] = ''; news['article_289']['content1'] = 'There are some rides which are not only superb fun but also clearly improve the rider\'s skills and his estimation of the track ahead. Many biking enthusiasts agree that the BMW Motorrad circuit training course provides a perfect opportunity to polish one\'s skills.

In our training courses, you have the opportunity to learn or perfect skills such as various braking techniques, how to take bends correctly and keeping to the ideal line. Of course, individual guidance is provided by highly qualified instructors, all of whom give participants a detailed theoretical basis before the practical training begins.

The selection of race tracks fills every sporty motorcyclist with enthusiasm: The \"Green Hell\" at the Nürburgring is regarded by those in the know as one of the toughest racing circuits in the world. Over a distance of 20 kilometres there are no less than 73 challenging bends awaiting participants. The Hockenheim Ring is known to most as a Formula 1 venue, but motorcycles can also race on this track, which is one of the most modern in the world. The third BMW Motorrad circuit training venue is situated in a beautiful valley in our neighbouring country of Austria: it is the Salzburgring.'; news['article_289']['direction1'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_289']['subtitle2'] = ''; news['article_289']['content2'] = ''; news['article_289']['direction2'] = 'Vertical'; news['article_289']['subtitle3'] = ''; news['article_289']['content3'] = ''; news['article_289']['direction3'] = 'Vertical'; newsMap[39] = 289; loaded = true;