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Mika
12-12-2006, 04:30 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.cuddlecards.com/ccpics/birthday_party1.gif
Today’s Birthdays / Calendar (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/calendar.php?do=getinfo&day=2006-12-12&c=1)


World of BMW news

Caught on camera (http://www.worldofbmw.com/content/article.asp?article=691&artDate=11/12/2006)

BMW Group Press Club:

All-New 2007 MINI Hardtops event more fuel efficient according to recent EPA testing

MINI Cooper with Manual Transmission Tops 40 Miles per Gallon
Woodcliff Lake, NJ - December 11th, 2006... In light of increasing fuel prices, many manufacturers are striving to produce vehicles with an average fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon. The fact that the all-new 2007 MINI Cooper achieves 40 miles per gallon according to the latest EPA testing should be welcomed by car buyers across the US. And that the MINI Cooper delivers this miserly fuel economy with no effect on its performance and driving capabilities is an added advantage.

MINI USA's growth in sales over the past 5 years to just over 170,000 cars and the overall growth trend of the small-car market demonstrates how the industry is responding to the need for increased efficiency. MINI is a prime example that buyers do not need to sacrifice performance, quality and fun when opting for a smaller, more efficient vehicle.

On average the new generation 2007 MINI hardtops realize an increase of 4 miles per gallon over their predecessors. The 2007 MINI Cooper with a 6-speed manual transmission achieves a fuel economy of 32/40 City/Highway with a combined average of 35 MPG. The same car with an automatic transmission offers preliminary values of 30/37 City/Highway MPG with a combined average of 33 MPG.

For the turbocharged 2007 MINI Cooper S with a 6-speed manual transmission the following EPA fuel economy values are 29/36 City/Highway with a combined MPG of 32 MPG. And for the MINI Cooper S with the 6-speed performance automatic transmission the preliminary values are 27/34 City/Highway with a combined average of 30 MPG.

As an important factor in improved fuel economy, the all-new 2007 MINI hardtops have a new family of lighter weight aluminum alloy engines that incorporate more efficient technology. Both in normally aspirated and turbocharged versions, the engines feature variable valve train technology. In addition, the engines feature a volume-flow controlled oil pump that delivers only the necessary oil needed at that give time. These are just some of the examples of how MINI has increased overall efficiencies.

"MINIs offer loads of fun style and substance but they also happen to offer a high level of fuel efficiency in a premium-small-car." said Rich Steinberg, manager of US product strategy. "With the all-new 2007 MINI hardtops we have been able to improve our fuel efficiency without compromising what makes MINI fun."

BMW MOA Chartered Club:

Poverty Riders International, #131

Founded:
9/1/1983

Contact:
Dennis J Williams (coonbottom@hcsmail.com)
405 Nunn Road
Havana, FL 32333 US

Meetings:
2nd Friday each month,
Various locations around Tallahassee,
Call 850.539.5741 for location

Events:
Coon Bottom Campout,
Havana, FL,
Weekend before Thanksgiving
PO-Boy Mardis Gras,
221 Mandeville St.
New Orleans, weekend before Ash Wednesday

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.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/specific/kmscenicdrive/images/scenicdrivewithsign.jpg (http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/specific/kmscenicdrive/)

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)


News:

MotorcycleWorld.com (http://www.motorcycleworld.com/enthusiasts/news_article.asp?id=2635) Buell Racing season review.

The Kneeslider.com (http://www.thekneeslider.com/): Hyosung Trend Killer

AMA (http://www.amadirectlink.com/roadride/Touring.asp): 2006 AMA Premier Touring Series

Beer News:

wdtn.com (http://www.wdtn.com/dsp_story.cfm?storyid=68397): Eggnog around the world.

Blog Update:

Motoliam.com (http://www.motoliam.com/): A cog in the MotoGP machine.

Gear:

MinnesotaMotorcycleMonthly (http://www.motorbyte.com/mmm/pages/2006/89/gear89.htm): Gear world as seen by MMM

Motorcycle Repair and Care:

WixFilters.com (http://www.wixfilters.com/filterlookup/motorcycle.asp): Filter look up for motorcycle applications. WIX filters have received mixed reviews on the forum. Here is the place to start if you want to investigate it on your own.

Riding Skills:

AMA (http://www.amadirectlink.com/roadride/Riderresc/33secrets.asp)33 secrets for smart touring.

Technology:

gizmodo.com (http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/laptops/gizs-top-4-laptops-with-mobile-broadband-221018.php) Giz’s 4 top laptops.

Wired.com (http://www.wired.com/testguide/fall2006/reviews/digicams/01.html): Wired tests the Pentax K100D, how would it stack up in the current DSLR thread?

Word of the Day:

Waxer: An owner who spends more time washing and waxing their motorcycle than riding.

Bike Candy:
R51S Driver Sebastian Gustch at Goodwood Speed Festival 2002

http://m1ka.smugmug.com/photos/115973236-M.jpg
From: BMW PressClub

Unless noted otherwise, I have no known commercial interest in any products discussed in the Morning Reads


The Pit Crew View: Racing News:

AMA

SuperbikePlanet.com (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2006/oct/061013-19.htm): A look back at Fast Fredie.

RoadracingWorld.com (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=27768): Legal fuel for AMA racing.

AMA (http://www.amadirectlink.com/amrace/torace.asp): Want to Race? AMA reviews some of the very basics for each class.

AMA (http://www.amadirectlink.com/rulebooks/): AMA sports rulebooks. Now that you have decided to race here are the rules.

IMOTT

TT News (http://www.iomtt.com/blogs/tt_news/archive/2006/12/11/65549.aspx): Speedfreak Racing commits to TT

F-1

SportNetwork.com (http://www.sportnetwork.net/main/s169/st108829.htm?fromrss=1): Button to miss final test of 2006

Mika
12-12-2006, 04:32 AM
Last update: December 10, 2006

Events:

https://stl.bmwmoa.org/source//Images/logo.gif Chartered Clubs & Local Events (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=21)

Fellow members and clubs post local events here, which are great reasons to get out and ride or visit an area.

Posted on a tip from Voni, Being a Lilydale river rat, I will have to do a bit more research to give you the lake location until then –

59th Annual I-CYCLE Derby – New Years Day, 2006
Jan 1st, 2007
Registration starts at 9am
First rider out at 10:30am
11:30-12:30 lunch
Second leg 1:15pm

Host:
Chief's Towing
8610 Harriet Ave S
Bloomington MN 55420

Questions:
Betty Valiant 952 445 4379
or
Gene Erickson 952 447 4318



CHARLOTTE NORTH CAROLINA EUROPEAN BIKE NIGHT
Ducati Motorcycles of Charlotte hosts Charlotte's monthly gathering of motorcycles and scooters of European heritage held on the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 9:00 at Mac's Speed Shop (this is a casual dining restaurant and bar that specialzes in BBQ) in Charlotte, North Carolina. This event is open to all owners of European bikes and scooters and will be a great way to socialize with others as well as have a great meal in a motorcycle themed restaurant. We hope to see you there!

For directions to Mac's Speed Shop (macspeedshop.com) 2511 South Boulevard, Charlotte, North Carolina. For more information call Larry at BMW-Ducati Motorcycles Charlotte at 704-882-6106 or visit our website at www.bmw-ducati.com


http://www.sportsmensshows.com/CaCycle/imagesHp/hp_02.jpg
January 5-7, 2007
Roundup Centre
Stampede Park (http://www.sportsmensshows.com/CaCycle/visitor.htm)

http://www.sportsmensshows.com/EdCycle/imagesHp/hp_02.jpg
Edmonton Motorcycle Show (http://www.sportsmensshows.com/EdCycle/visitor.htm)
January 12-14, 2007
Northlands
Agricom

http://www.sportsmensshows.com/VanCycle/imagesHp/hp_02.jpg
January 25-28, 2007
Tradex Exhibition Centre
Abbotsford (http://www.sportsmensshows.com/VanCycle/visitor.htm), B.C.

http://www.salonmotoquebec.com/images/intro_02.jpg
February 10-12
Centre de foires de Quebec ( http://www.salonmotoquebec.com/eng/accueil.htm)

http://motorcycleshows.com/motorcycleshows/data/site/motorcycleshows/motorcycleshowslogoImage1153431147106.jpg
San Mateo CA (http://motorcycleshows.com/motorcycleshows/static/staticHtml.jsp?id=358893) December 15-17 2006
Novi MI (http://motorcycleshows.com/motorcycleshows/static/staticHtml.jsp?id=359152) January 5 – 7 2006
Washington DC (http://motorcycleshows.com/motorcycleshows/static/staticHtml.jsp?id=359156) January 12 – 14 2006
New York NY (http://motorcycleshows.com/motorcycleshows/static/staticHtml.jsp?id=359158) January 19 – 21 2006
Cleveland OH (http://motorcycleshows.com/motorcycleshows/static/staticHtml.jsp?id=359162) January 26 – 28 2007
Minneapolis MN (http://motorcycleshows.com/motorcycleshows/static/staticHtml.jsp?id=359167) February 2 – 4 2006
Chicago IL (http://motorcycleshows.com/motorcycleshows/static/staticHtml.jsp?id=359181) February 9 – 11 2006
Atlanta GA (http://motorcycleshows.com/motorcycleshows/static/staticHtml.jsp?id=359197) February 23 – 26 2006[/size]

http://www.dakar.euromaster.com/images/cheche.jpg
2007 Dakar (http://www.dakar.com/indexus.html)
January 3 – 21, 2007

http://www.heroeslegend.com/files/File/logo_legend.jpg
Heroes Legend | Classic Ride to Dakar (http://www.heroeslegend.com/page-1-en.html)
March 1-17,2007
Paris to Dakar

http://www.iomtt.com/images/cache/3519f3f22e02b47dac10bd13107d517b.jpg

TT 2007: Saturday 26th May to Friday 8th June.
http://www.classicbike.co.uk/gif/554/16042762.gif Complete Isle of Man guide. (http://www.isle-of-man.com/index.shtml)


AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days
July 27-29, 2007
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (http://www.midohio.com/)
Lexington, Ohio

http://webmail.netzero.net/images/headers/header-new_n.gif
http://www.bonnevillevintagegp.com/Bonny.jpg (http://www.bonnevillevintagegp.com/)
September 7,8 & 9 2007 (http://www.bonnevillevintagegp.com/)
Motorcycle Races & Concours
Miller Motorsports Park
Tooele, Utah


http://images.motogp.com/images/cabecera/logo_motogp.gif

2007 MotoGP Calendar

March 10: Qatar, Doha/Losail**
March 25: Spain, Jerez de la Frontera
April 22: Turkey, Istanbul
May 6: China, Shanghai
May 20: France, Le Mans
June 3: Italy, Mugello
June 10: Catalunya, Catalunya
June 24: Great Britian, Donington Park
June 30: Netherlands, Assen**
July 15: Germany , Sachsenring
July 22: United States, Laguna Seca*
August 19: Czech Republic, Brno
September 2: San Marino & Riviera di Rimini, Misano
September 16: Portugal, Estoril
September 23: Japan, Motegi
October 14: Australia, Phillip Island
October 21: Malaysia, Sepang
November 4: Valencia, Ricardo Tormo – Valencia

* : MotoGP Class Only
**: Saturday

http://www.ducati.com/temp/images/30918_news_thumb.jpg

2007 World Superbike Calendar - Provisional

February 24 : Qatar, Doha/Losail**
March 4: Australia, Phillip Island
April 22: Spain, Ricardo Tormo – Valencia
May 6: Italy, Monza
May 27: Great Britian, Silverstone
June 24: San Marino, Misano
July 23: Czech Republic, Brno
August 5: Great Britian, Brands Hatch
September 2: Netherlands, Assen
September 9: Germany, Lausitzring
September 20: Italy, Imola
October 7: France, Magny-Cours
TBD : South Aftica, Kyalami (pending certification)

http://www.amaproracing.com/images/s-amasuperbike-t.gif
AMASuperbike.com (http://www.amasuperbike.com/index.php?UID=4TL1HFGVNIj3KMCiA3FCIJLJAgp4Vo)
DATE, LOCATION
March 7-10
Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL
The Daytona 200 by Honda 1.800.PITSHOP
www.racetickets.com

April 20-22
Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, AL
(Superbike Doubleheader)
Honda Superbike Classic 1.800.240.2300
www.barbermotorsports.com

April 27-29
California Speedway, Fontana, CA
(Superbike Doubleheader)
Suzuki Superbike Challenge 1.800.944.RACE
www.californiaspeedway.com

May 18-20
Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, CA
(Superbike Doubleheader)
Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown 1.800.870.RACE
www.infineonraceway.com

June 1-3
Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI
(Superbike Doubleheader)
AMA Suzuki Superbike Doubleheader 1.800.365.RACE
www.roadamerica.com

June 22-24
Miller Motorsports Park, Tooele, UT
(Superbike Doubleheader)
Honda Summit of Speed 1.866.297.2636
www.millermotorsportspark.com

July 20-22
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA **
The Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix 1.800.327.SECA
www.laguna-seca.com

August 3-5
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, OH
Honda Super Cycle Weekend, presented by Dunlop Tires
(Superbike Doubleheader) 1.800.MID.OHIO
www.midohio.com

August 17-19
Virginia International Raceway, Alton, VA
Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals, presented by Parts Unlimited
(Superbike Doubleheader) 1.303.377.3278
www.virclub.com
www.M1event.com

August 31-Sept. 2
Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA
AMA Suzuki Superbike Showdown, presented by Makita
(Superbike Doubleheader) 1.800.849.RACE
www.roadatlanta.com

Sept. 15-16
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA
AMA Superbike Championship 1.800.327.SECA
www.laguna-seca.com

Sept. 28-30
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, OH
AMA Superbike Championship Shootout 1.800.MID.OHIO
www.midohio.com
**AMA & Moto GP combined weekend
Total Events: 12
Dates and Locations Subject to Change

http://www.amaproracing.com/images/s-amasupermoto-t.gif
AMASupermoto.com (http://www.amasupermoto.com/)
2007 Schedule - AMA Supermoto Championship presented by
Parts Unlimited

Date, Location
June TBA,
Columbus, OH

June 23,
Miller Motorsports Park,
Tooele, UT

July 8,
Waterford Hills Motorsports Track,
Clarkston, MI

July 15,
Downtown, Syracuse, NY
August 4,
X-Games, Home Depot Center,
Los Angeles, CA*

September 1,
Music City Motorplex,
Nashville, TN

September 15,
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca,
Monterey, CA**

September 23,
Pacific Raceway,
Seattle, WA

November 11,
Queen Mary,
Long Beach, CA

*AMA endorsed. Non-AMA Supermoto Championship points-paying event.
**Event to be confirmed.


http://www.amaproracing.com/images/s-amaflattrack-t.gif
AMAFlatTrack.com (http://www.amaflattrack.com/index.php?UID=eHhHyseYPxr3TkcBPOHzuy4gAhpCoz)

2007 AMA Flat Track Championship Schedule*
Date, Location, Type, Series

March 7
Municipal Stadium,
Daytona Beach, FL
Short Track GNC Singles

March 8
Municipal Stadium,
Daytona Beach, FL
Short Track GNC Singles

May 26
Illinois State Fairgrounds,
Springfield, IL
Tourist Trophy GNC Singles

May 27
Illinois State Fairgrounds,
Springfield, IL
Mile GNC Twins

June 16
Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds,
Davenport, IA
Half-mile GNC Twins

June 23
Route 66 Raceway,
Joliet, IL
Half-mile GNC Twins

June 30
Allen County Fairgrounds,
Lima, OH
Half-mile GNC Twins

July 14
Virginia Motor Speedway,
Saluda, VA
Half-mile GNC Twins

July 21
Darke County Fairgrounds,
Greenville, OH
Half-mile GNC Twins

July 28
Hagerstown Speedway,
Hagerstown, MD
Half-mile GNC Twins

August 7
Jackpine Gypsies Clubgrounds,
Sturgis, SD
Short Track GNC Singles

August 10
Castle Rock Race Park,
Castle Rock, WA
Tourist Trophy GNC Singles

August 11
Castle Rock Race Park,
Castle Rock, WA
Short Track GNC Singles

August 19
Peoria Race Park,
Peoria, IL
Tourist Trophy GNC Singles

August 25
I-96 Speedway,
Lake Odessa,
MI Half-mile GNC Twins

September 1
Illinois State Fairgrounds,
Springfield, IL
Short Track GNC Singles

September 2 Illinois State Fairgrounds,
Springfield, IL
Mile GNC Twins

October 6 Scioto Downs,
Columbus, OH
Half-mile GNC Twins

*Dates and locations subject to change

http://www.amaproracing.com/images/s-amamotocross-t.gif
AMAMotocross.com (http://www.amamotocross.com/)

May 19-20
Hangtown Motocross Classic,
Sacramento, CA;
1.800.HANGTOWN

May 26-27
High Point Raceway,
Mt. Morris, PA;
304.284.0084

June 9-10
MX 338,
Southwick, MA;
413.569.6801

June 16-17
Budds Creek Motocross Park,
Budds Creek, MD;
301.475.2000

June 30-July 1
Red Bud Track N Trail,
Buchanan, MI;
269.695.6405

July 14-15
Unadilla Valley Sports Center,
New Berlin, NY;
607.965.8784

July 21-22
Thunder Valley,
Lakewood, CO;
303.781.8131

July 28-29
Washougal Motocross Park,
Washougal, WA;
360.837.3975
August 11-12
Spring Creek MX Park,
Millville, MN;
507.753.2779

August 25-26
Steel City Raceway,
Delmont, PA;
304.284.0084

September 1-2
Freestone County Raceway,
Wortham, TX;
713.880.5533

September 8-9
Glen Helen Raceway,
San Bernardino,
CA; 909.880.1733

Dates and Locations Subject to Change

http://www.amaproracing.com/images/ATV_whitebkgndSZD.jpg
AMA Pro ATV Championship (http://www.amaproracing.com/07atv/index.asp)

PAULBACH
12-12-2006, 06:59 AM
If you are a laptop junkie, camera fan or do some sport touring Mika has outdone himself today.

My favorite was the 33 secrets for smart touring. (http://www.amadirectlink.com/roadride/Riderresc/33secrets.asp). Most of us could dispense with #5 but maybe someone would like to add a comment about that one. About number 14. If you have been to an H2W workshop save your eyesight and substitute straps for bungees.

Nice review about laptops.

Mika had me wondering if there was a new K bike out. I scanned too quickly and found the K100D. Hmmm a new k bike? No, read it again and then saw Pentax.

Much superlative content here to keep the threads full of informative commentary.

:thumb :thumb