Mika
12-08-2006, 04:33 AM
The motorcycling world viewed from the saddle of BMW. A daily look at all things BMW, Euro-bike, products and things I find interesting on the internet. With links to news, recalls, reviews, events, riding skills, maintenance and racing series updates. Morning Reads is a one stop for motorcycling information.
http://www.offthemarkcartoons.com/cartoons/1998-03-19.gif
Today’s Birthdays / Calendar (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/calendar.php?do=getinfo&day=2006-12-8&c=1)
World of BMW news
Update on Snow Boarding Event
http://www.worldofbmw.com/images/uploaded/061207-wob2.jpg
Snow, big air and BMWs at the NOKIA Air & Style (http://www.worldofbmw.com/content/article.asp?article=689&artDate=07/12/2006)
BMW Group Press Club:
This business update includes information on motorcycle sales not included in the preliminary release of sales figures for November. The sales increase for the period continues and the Y-T-D sales continue to show a modest increase.
BMW Group heading for new record year
Almost 1.25 million cars delivered through the end of November 06
New models expected to boost sales even further
12/7/2006
Munich. The BMW Group has delivered 1,244,775 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand automobiles through the end of November this year. Compared with the same period last year (1,211,121), this is an increase of 33,654 vehicles, or 2.8%. In November 2006, the BMW Group sold 114,321 automobiles, which marks a rise of 0.3% compared with the same month last year (114,007).
Dr. Michael Ganal, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for sales and marketing: “This year, in spite of the model changes for the MINI, BMW X5 and BMW 3 Series Coupé, we have set the ambitious goal to achieve a new sales record again. We will meet this goal and thus remain the world's leading supplier of premium automobiles.” The models directly affected by the changes represent almost a third of the total sales of the BMW Group.
The new BMW 3 Series Coupé has been on the market since September of this year. The new generations of MINI and BMW X5 have been available since November. The availability of these three models will generate a clear increase in sales for the BMW Group in December in comparison with the same month last year.
In absolute terms, Asia as a whole showed the largest increase in sales, by 14,265 to 113,874 units (previous year: 99,609). This represents a 14.3% increase. Within Asia, Mainland China is once again in the lead. The number of automobiles delivered to customers in China rose by 49.4% to 32,274 (previous year: 21,609). In terms of relative sales growth, Russia places second. The number of BMW Group deliveries to customers in this country year-to-date November 2006 rose by 40.1% to 8,673 automobiles (previous year: 6,191).
By the end of November, BMW brand sales increased by 4.9%
Turning to the BMW brand: For the year-to-date November 2006, 1,070,055 automobiles were delivered worldwide, which is 4.9% higher than the figure for last year (1,020,093). In the month of November itself, 100,834 BMW vehicles were handed over to customers. This is an increase of 2.1% compared with the same month last year (98,743).
New generation of MINI available since 18 November
The production of the second generation of the MINI in the expanded plant in Oxford is in full swing. The new model has been available in European markets since November 18. Because of the production changeover and building measures to expand capacity, the number of MINIs available over the course of the year has been limited. For this reason, sales for the year to the end of November fell by 8.6% to 174,078 vehicles (previous year: 190,408). In November, the month of the model changes, 13,397 MINI (previous year: 15,179) were sold, which is 11.7% less. With the increased availability, the company is expecting a considerable increase in sales of MINI in December.
In the year to the end of November, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars increased the number of vehicles delivered by 3.5% to 642 (previous year: 620). In November,
90 Rolls-Royce Phantoms left the dealerships (previous year: 85/+5.9%).
Motorcycle segment ahead to the end and in the month of November
Motorcycle sales for the year to the end of November reached 92,605 units (previous year: 92,052), which is 0.6% up from last year. In November, sales of BMW motorcycles recorded a 15.1% rise to 6,354 units (previous year: 5,521).
BMW Group Sales year-to-date November 2006 at a glance
November
2006 Compared with previous year. Year-to-Date 2006 Compared with previous year
BMW Group Automobiles 114,321 + 0.3% 1,244,775 + 2.8%
BMW 100,834 + 2.1% 1,070,055 + 4.9%
MINI 13,397 - 11.7% 174,078 - 8.6%
Rolls-Royce 90 + 5.9% 642 + 3.5%
BMW Motorcycles 6,354 + 15.1% 92,605 + 0.6%
BMW Group PressClub United Kingdom
The “real” press guys get all the breaks that Mustard Boy beat reporters don’t.
'Tis the season to ride BMW bikes!
Christmas has come early for the motorcycle media as BMW Motorrad is extending its short-term press fleet to cover the festive period. BMW Motorrad understands that your motorcycle magazines, newspaper columns and biking websites are published all year round, and as such it is vital to make our products available for press use - especially as BMWs are arguably more suited to year-round riding than any other manufacturer's machines.
Therefore, BMW Motorrad is offering a winter fleet of five of its most popular bikes, which will be available for on-going road tests and model reviews. The fleet will include the mighty R 1200 GS (with Akrapovic sports silencer) and the globetrotting R 1200 GS Adventure. Both these models are exceedingly popular with the media and the public alike, and have held first and second positions in the Adventure Sport category sales charts since their respective launches. The R 1200 GS Adventure was voted Best Trailie in this year's MCN awards and the R 1200 GS is the only non-race replica (and non-Japanese) motorcycle to be placed in the top ten motorcycle registrations to date for 2006.
Completing the winter fleet will be three of BMW Motorrad's touring bikes - each model offering a whole host of benefits to different types of rider. The R 1200 RT is considered by many to be the ultimate long-distance machine and has retained its title of MCN Best Tourer for the second year in a row. The RT's crown is perhaps threatened only by the K 1200 GT, which in fact won a coveted title of its own in 2006 - the MCN award for Best Sports Tourer. Last but not least, the fleet will include the twin-cylinder F 800 ST - more suited to riders looking for a mid-sized, light and sporty touring machine.
All five bikes offer a great ride, but don't take our word for it - test them for yourselves! Bookings are now being taken and all loan requests will be considered, depending on the coverage planned. Requests will be dealt with on a first come, first served basis and bikes will be loaned for a maximum period of two weeks. Get in early to secure your booking.
The five models will remain on the press fleet into the early part of 2007, until the introduction of a whole new press fleet of BMW Motorrad models. The 2007 press fleet will of course include the exciting new G Series - comprising the G 650 Xchallenge, the G 650 Xmoto and the G 650 Xcountry - and the 163 hp K 1200 R Sport. These dynamic new models are sure to bring a whole new dimension to BMW Motorrad motorcycles, and we look forward to seeing the media and public reaction.
BMW MOA Chartered Club:
http://www.rcb.org/images/rcblogo.gif
A Northern California club of a few hundred BMW motorcycle enthusiasts who embrace the journey of life and who treasure the companionship found through the shared passion of riding one of the world's premier motorcycles. The club focus is on touring, camping, great breakfasts, twisty roads and just seeing what's on the other side of the hill.
River City Beemers, #210
Founded:
1/1/1991
Contact:
Gary Stofer (prez@rcb.org)
PO Box 2356
Fair Oaks, CA 95628 US
www.rcb.org
Meetings:
8am first Saturday every month, Western Coffee Pot Café, 6233 Auburn Blvd., Citrus Heights, CA
News from the 2007 Rally area (http://www.bmwmoa.org/rally/rally07/rally07announce.htm):
Gemütlichkeit (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gem%C3%Bctlichkeit)
There is no direct translation for the word Gemütlichkeit.
However, Gemütlichkeit is the warm, comfortable feeling
one receives from pleasant surroundings and atmosphere.
I think you will find that when you come here.
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/senate/sen33/news/images/holyhillerin.JPG
Erin Township ( http://www.erintownship.com/)
Ozaukee – Washington Daily News ( http://www.dailynewsol.com/index.htm)
Fond Du Lac Reporter ( http://www.fdlreporter.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage)
The Sheboygan Press ( http://www.sheboygan-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage)
Daily Citizen, Beaver Dam (http://www.wiscnews.com/bdc/)
Weather
West Bend WI
Current (http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USWI0733?from=search_current)
10 Day Forcast (http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USWI0733?from=36hr_topnav_undeclared )
United States
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (http://www.noaa.gov/)
Canada
Meteorological Service of Canada (http://www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/canada_e.html)
Beer News:
gizmag.com ( http://www.gizmag.com/go/6574/): Draught beer dispenser for the home.
Feature:
SANTAAAAA!!!!!
Bikes in the Fast Lane ( http://blogs.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/12072006143901MWEHZX.htm): Santa the Dutch have a s Speeding Fine Gift Certificate and I want one for my emergency road kit.
Blog Update:
Salcar ( http://www.salcar.net/blog/2006/12/seven_short_sto.html): Seven Short Stories in Chronological order.
Mining the site: Expanding Healthcare in Central and South America ( http://www.salcar.org/About/About.html)
Gear:
GIZMODO.com ( http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/photographers-gloves-keeps-your-fingers-toasty-220182.php): A strange place to find a link to fingerless gloves, but still they may have a place in your fall and winter kit.
Word of the Day:
T: A letter rating for tires to indicate that they are theoretically rated for speeds up to 190 kph (118 mph), as in P220TR15.The next higher rating is H and the one lower rating is S
From SRO Dictionary of Automotive Terms (http://www.sromagazine.com/paris/dictionary/index.htm)
Editors tire rating note: M rating on a tire is for mud and Z rating is the highest for speeds over 300kph(186). That proves I am dirty fast, but begs the question, ‘Why do I fall down in the dirt so much?’
Bike Candy:
http://m1ka.smugmug.com/photos/115360528-M.jpg
“With the 55 bhp BMW compressor machine he causes an uproar on the race tracks of Europe. The results speak for themselves: in 1938, the BMW factory rider Georg Meier wins the European championship. In 1939, Georg "Schorsch" Meier - already referred to in the weekly new magazines of the time as "cast iron Meier" - makes even bigger international headlines: he is the first foreigner to win the legendary "Senior Tourist Trophy" on the Isle of Man - yet another victory for BMW.”
From: BMW PressClub and BMW Archives
Unless noted otherwise, I have no known commercial interest in any products discussed in the Morning Reads
The Pit Crew View: Racing News:
All things BMW
BMW SAUBER F1 TEAM - TEST IN JEREZ - DAY 2
12/7/2006
Weather conditions:
Sunny in the morning, overcast in the afternoon
Air: 8/15°C, track: 9/17°C
Number of cars participating: 17
Fastest lap overall: 1:18.690 min., Lewis Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes
Nick Heidfeld:
Chassis / engine: BMW Sauber F1.06B-04 / BMW P86 V8
Test kilometres today: 438 km (99 laps)
Fastest lap: 1:20.171 min (on lap 81)
Robert Kubica:
Chassis / engine: BMW Sauber F1.06B-05 / BMW P86 V8
Test kilometres today: 394 km (89 laps)
Fastest lap: 1:20.477 min (on lap 29)
Programme:
Nick spent his first day of testing in Jerez concentrating on set-up changes, including new dampers, and their interaction with the new Bridgestone Potenza tyres.
Robert, who turned 22 today, continued testing the new gearbox and completed a huge set-up programme whilst also carrying out mechanical system checks which were on today's to do list.
Both drivers had a trouble-free day.
What comes next:
Tomorrow is the third and final day of the Jerez test. While Nick will continue to drive, Timo Glock takes over from Robert. Both Nick and Timo will have the new gearbox fitted in their cars. For Timo it is the second test day with the BMW Sauber F1 Team. The 24-year-old German gave his debut at the wheel of an F1.06 at last week's Barcelona test and already joined the team today in the garage.
The weather forecast for Friday is still not promising and the team have prepared a rain programme for tomorrow.
AMA
CycleNews.com (http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=10262): Ferracci and MV Agusta…need I say more…read on.
Canadian SBK
RoadracingWorld.com (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=27743): Szoke, Mccormick to spearhead Kawasaki CA’s 2007 effort.
F-1
BBCMotorsport (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6219402.stm): Hamilton heads F1 testing times.
http://www.offthemarkcartoons.com/cartoons/1998-03-19.gif
Today’s Birthdays / Calendar (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/calendar.php?do=getinfo&day=2006-12-8&c=1)
World of BMW news
Update on Snow Boarding Event
http://www.worldofbmw.com/images/uploaded/061207-wob2.jpg
Snow, big air and BMWs at the NOKIA Air & Style (http://www.worldofbmw.com/content/article.asp?article=689&artDate=07/12/2006)
BMW Group Press Club:
This business update includes information on motorcycle sales not included in the preliminary release of sales figures for November. The sales increase for the period continues and the Y-T-D sales continue to show a modest increase.
BMW Group heading for new record year
Almost 1.25 million cars delivered through the end of November 06
New models expected to boost sales even further
12/7/2006
Munich. The BMW Group has delivered 1,244,775 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand automobiles through the end of November this year. Compared with the same period last year (1,211,121), this is an increase of 33,654 vehicles, or 2.8%. In November 2006, the BMW Group sold 114,321 automobiles, which marks a rise of 0.3% compared with the same month last year (114,007).
Dr. Michael Ganal, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for sales and marketing: “This year, in spite of the model changes for the MINI, BMW X5 and BMW 3 Series Coupé, we have set the ambitious goal to achieve a new sales record again. We will meet this goal and thus remain the world's leading supplier of premium automobiles.” The models directly affected by the changes represent almost a third of the total sales of the BMW Group.
The new BMW 3 Series Coupé has been on the market since September of this year. The new generations of MINI and BMW X5 have been available since November. The availability of these three models will generate a clear increase in sales for the BMW Group in December in comparison with the same month last year.
In absolute terms, Asia as a whole showed the largest increase in sales, by 14,265 to 113,874 units (previous year: 99,609). This represents a 14.3% increase. Within Asia, Mainland China is once again in the lead. The number of automobiles delivered to customers in China rose by 49.4% to 32,274 (previous year: 21,609). In terms of relative sales growth, Russia places second. The number of BMW Group deliveries to customers in this country year-to-date November 2006 rose by 40.1% to 8,673 automobiles (previous year: 6,191).
By the end of November, BMW brand sales increased by 4.9%
Turning to the BMW brand: For the year-to-date November 2006, 1,070,055 automobiles were delivered worldwide, which is 4.9% higher than the figure for last year (1,020,093). In the month of November itself, 100,834 BMW vehicles were handed over to customers. This is an increase of 2.1% compared with the same month last year (98,743).
New generation of MINI available since 18 November
The production of the second generation of the MINI in the expanded plant in Oxford is in full swing. The new model has been available in European markets since November 18. Because of the production changeover and building measures to expand capacity, the number of MINIs available over the course of the year has been limited. For this reason, sales for the year to the end of November fell by 8.6% to 174,078 vehicles (previous year: 190,408). In November, the month of the model changes, 13,397 MINI (previous year: 15,179) were sold, which is 11.7% less. With the increased availability, the company is expecting a considerable increase in sales of MINI in December.
In the year to the end of November, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars increased the number of vehicles delivered by 3.5% to 642 (previous year: 620). In November,
90 Rolls-Royce Phantoms left the dealerships (previous year: 85/+5.9%).
Motorcycle segment ahead to the end and in the month of November
Motorcycle sales for the year to the end of November reached 92,605 units (previous year: 92,052), which is 0.6% up from last year. In November, sales of BMW motorcycles recorded a 15.1% rise to 6,354 units (previous year: 5,521).
BMW Group Sales year-to-date November 2006 at a glance
November
2006 Compared with previous year. Year-to-Date 2006 Compared with previous year
BMW Group Automobiles 114,321 + 0.3% 1,244,775 + 2.8%
BMW 100,834 + 2.1% 1,070,055 + 4.9%
MINI 13,397 - 11.7% 174,078 - 8.6%
Rolls-Royce 90 + 5.9% 642 + 3.5%
BMW Motorcycles 6,354 + 15.1% 92,605 + 0.6%
BMW Group PressClub United Kingdom
The “real” press guys get all the breaks that Mustard Boy beat reporters don’t.
'Tis the season to ride BMW bikes!
Christmas has come early for the motorcycle media as BMW Motorrad is extending its short-term press fleet to cover the festive period. BMW Motorrad understands that your motorcycle magazines, newspaper columns and biking websites are published all year round, and as such it is vital to make our products available for press use - especially as BMWs are arguably more suited to year-round riding than any other manufacturer's machines.
Therefore, BMW Motorrad is offering a winter fleet of five of its most popular bikes, which will be available for on-going road tests and model reviews. The fleet will include the mighty R 1200 GS (with Akrapovic sports silencer) and the globetrotting R 1200 GS Adventure. Both these models are exceedingly popular with the media and the public alike, and have held first and second positions in the Adventure Sport category sales charts since their respective launches. The R 1200 GS Adventure was voted Best Trailie in this year's MCN awards and the R 1200 GS is the only non-race replica (and non-Japanese) motorcycle to be placed in the top ten motorcycle registrations to date for 2006.
Completing the winter fleet will be three of BMW Motorrad's touring bikes - each model offering a whole host of benefits to different types of rider. The R 1200 RT is considered by many to be the ultimate long-distance machine and has retained its title of MCN Best Tourer for the second year in a row. The RT's crown is perhaps threatened only by the K 1200 GT, which in fact won a coveted title of its own in 2006 - the MCN award for Best Sports Tourer. Last but not least, the fleet will include the twin-cylinder F 800 ST - more suited to riders looking for a mid-sized, light and sporty touring machine.
All five bikes offer a great ride, but don't take our word for it - test them for yourselves! Bookings are now being taken and all loan requests will be considered, depending on the coverage planned. Requests will be dealt with on a first come, first served basis and bikes will be loaned for a maximum period of two weeks. Get in early to secure your booking.
The five models will remain on the press fleet into the early part of 2007, until the introduction of a whole new press fleet of BMW Motorrad models. The 2007 press fleet will of course include the exciting new G Series - comprising the G 650 Xchallenge, the G 650 Xmoto and the G 650 Xcountry - and the 163 hp K 1200 R Sport. These dynamic new models are sure to bring a whole new dimension to BMW Motorrad motorcycles, and we look forward to seeing the media and public reaction.
BMW MOA Chartered Club:
http://www.rcb.org/images/rcblogo.gif
A Northern California club of a few hundred BMW motorcycle enthusiasts who embrace the journey of life and who treasure the companionship found through the shared passion of riding one of the world's premier motorcycles. The club focus is on touring, camping, great breakfasts, twisty roads and just seeing what's on the other side of the hill.
River City Beemers, #210
Founded:
1/1/1991
Contact:
Gary Stofer (prez@rcb.org)
PO Box 2356
Fair Oaks, CA 95628 US
www.rcb.org
Meetings:
8am first Saturday every month, Western Coffee Pot Café, 6233 Auburn Blvd., Citrus Heights, CA
News from the 2007 Rally area (http://www.bmwmoa.org/rally/rally07/rally07announce.htm):
Gemütlichkeit (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gem%C3%Bctlichkeit)
There is no direct translation for the word Gemütlichkeit.
However, Gemütlichkeit is the warm, comfortable feeling
one receives from pleasant surroundings and atmosphere.
I think you will find that when you come here.
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/senate/sen33/news/images/holyhillerin.JPG
Erin Township ( http://www.erintownship.com/)
Ozaukee – Washington Daily News ( http://www.dailynewsol.com/index.htm)
Fond Du Lac Reporter ( http://www.fdlreporter.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage)
The Sheboygan Press ( http://www.sheboygan-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage)
Daily Citizen, Beaver Dam (http://www.wiscnews.com/bdc/)
Weather
West Bend WI
Current (http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USWI0733?from=search_current)
10 Day Forcast (http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USWI0733?from=36hr_topnav_undeclared )
United States
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (http://www.noaa.gov/)
Canada
Meteorological Service of Canada (http://www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/canada_e.html)
Beer News:
gizmag.com ( http://www.gizmag.com/go/6574/): Draught beer dispenser for the home.
Feature:
SANTAAAAA!!!!!
Bikes in the Fast Lane ( http://blogs.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/12072006143901MWEHZX.htm): Santa the Dutch have a s Speeding Fine Gift Certificate and I want one for my emergency road kit.
Blog Update:
Salcar ( http://www.salcar.net/blog/2006/12/seven_short_sto.html): Seven Short Stories in Chronological order.
Mining the site: Expanding Healthcare in Central and South America ( http://www.salcar.org/About/About.html)
Gear:
GIZMODO.com ( http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/photographers-gloves-keeps-your-fingers-toasty-220182.php): A strange place to find a link to fingerless gloves, but still they may have a place in your fall and winter kit.
Word of the Day:
T: A letter rating for tires to indicate that they are theoretically rated for speeds up to 190 kph (118 mph), as in P220TR15.The next higher rating is H and the one lower rating is S
From SRO Dictionary of Automotive Terms (http://www.sromagazine.com/paris/dictionary/index.htm)
Editors tire rating note: M rating on a tire is for mud and Z rating is the highest for speeds over 300kph(186). That proves I am dirty fast, but begs the question, ‘Why do I fall down in the dirt so much?’
Bike Candy:
http://m1ka.smugmug.com/photos/115360528-M.jpg
“With the 55 bhp BMW compressor machine he causes an uproar on the race tracks of Europe. The results speak for themselves: in 1938, the BMW factory rider Georg Meier wins the European championship. In 1939, Georg "Schorsch" Meier - already referred to in the weekly new magazines of the time as "cast iron Meier" - makes even bigger international headlines: he is the first foreigner to win the legendary "Senior Tourist Trophy" on the Isle of Man - yet another victory for BMW.”
From: BMW PressClub and BMW Archives
Unless noted otherwise, I have no known commercial interest in any products discussed in the Morning Reads
The Pit Crew View: Racing News:
All things BMW
BMW SAUBER F1 TEAM - TEST IN JEREZ - DAY 2
12/7/2006
Weather conditions:
Sunny in the morning, overcast in the afternoon
Air: 8/15°C, track: 9/17°C
Number of cars participating: 17
Fastest lap overall: 1:18.690 min., Lewis Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes
Nick Heidfeld:
Chassis / engine: BMW Sauber F1.06B-04 / BMW P86 V8
Test kilometres today: 438 km (99 laps)
Fastest lap: 1:20.171 min (on lap 81)
Robert Kubica:
Chassis / engine: BMW Sauber F1.06B-05 / BMW P86 V8
Test kilometres today: 394 km (89 laps)
Fastest lap: 1:20.477 min (on lap 29)
Programme:
Nick spent his first day of testing in Jerez concentrating on set-up changes, including new dampers, and their interaction with the new Bridgestone Potenza tyres.
Robert, who turned 22 today, continued testing the new gearbox and completed a huge set-up programme whilst also carrying out mechanical system checks which were on today's to do list.
Both drivers had a trouble-free day.
What comes next:
Tomorrow is the third and final day of the Jerez test. While Nick will continue to drive, Timo Glock takes over from Robert. Both Nick and Timo will have the new gearbox fitted in their cars. For Timo it is the second test day with the BMW Sauber F1 Team. The 24-year-old German gave his debut at the wheel of an F1.06 at last week's Barcelona test and already joined the team today in the garage.
The weather forecast for Friday is still not promising and the team have prepared a rain programme for tomorrow.
AMA
CycleNews.com (http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=10262): Ferracci and MV Agusta…need I say more…read on.
Canadian SBK
RoadracingWorld.com (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=27743): Szoke, Mccormick to spearhead Kawasaki CA’s 2007 effort.
F-1
BBCMotorsport (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6219402.stm): Hamilton heads F1 testing times.