Morning Reads: 12 August 2007

[Mika]

Today’s Birthdays / Calendar (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/calendar.php?do=getinfo&day=2007-8-12&c=1)

http://the-green-apple.co.uk/store/images/Birthday-card.jpg


BMW in the News

Wonder what R.K. thinks of this?

thenewanatolian.com (http://www.thenewanatolian.com/tna-28206.html)
Alonso soon depart from McLaren (for BMW?)

f1complete.com (http://www.f1complete.com/content/view/5724/617/)
Heidfeld open to having Alonso as BMW teammate

TED (http://www.ted.com/index.php/pages/view/id/5): Ideas worth spreading
TED Blog (http://blog.ted.com/),Conferences (http://www.ted.com/index.php/pages/view/id/7), Themes (http://www.ted.com/index.php/themes), Talks (http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks) and Speakers (http://www.ted.com/index.php/speakers)

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

BMW Sauber F1: Website (http://www.bmw-sauber-f1.com/en/index.html)

BMW Motorsport (http://bmw-motorsport.com/ms/en/index.html)

BMW Yachtsport (http://bmw-yachtsport.com/ys/en/index.html)

BMW Golfsport (http://bmw-golfsport.com/gs/en/index.html)

BMW Oracle Racing (http://bmworacleracing.com/en/index.html?track.refer=)

BMW Sport website ( http://bmw-sports.com/en/index.html)


News:

roadracingworld.com (http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=29890)
More From the 24-hour World Endurance Race in Germany

speedtv.com (http://www.speedtv.com/articles/moto/worldsuperbike/39358/)
KTM Kicks off Superbike program at MMP

S@#t happens even in Japan:
ayaco.hamazo.tv (http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A//ayaco.hamazo.tv/e747718.html&hl=en&langpair=ja|en&tbb=1&ie=utf-8)
The spring broke

Something must be lost in translation.
oliepeil.nl (http://www.oliepeil.nl/archief/2007/08/mammoet_1.php)
Mammoet
http://m1ka.smugmug.com/photos/182785481-M.jpg
The Munch Mammut, your sweet, however, which ugly things are now reconstructed ..... no, in fact beautiful of ugliness, also, in Germany natural. To satisfy feeling the retro of modern of the natural


Iron Butt Rally 2007

2007 Iron Butt Rally (http://www.ironbuttrall.com/IBR/2007.cfm)

The 2007 Iron Butt Rally will take off on Monday, August 20, 2007
from the St. Louis, Missouri area. Once again, it will be a challenge
not only to riding skills but also the riders ability to map a
successful route in order to maximize points and solve the
time/distance equation.

Iron Butt.org:
Website ( http://www.ironbutt.com/about/default.cfm)
Forum ( http://www.ironbutt.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=702&get=last)
SaddleSore Website ( http://www.saddlesore.com/)


Adventure Posts:

Sues Excellent Adventure ( http://www.beemerhill.com/48_States.htm)
2007 Rally chair Sue Rihn-Manke is riding now what she calls "Sue's Excellent Adventure," covering 48 states in two weeks on her GS.


Blog Update (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?p=225349&posted=1#post225349)

Foreign Language Blogs (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?p=225351&posted=1#post225351)


Over Heard in New York | Voice of the City (http://www.overheardinnewyork.com/)


Photography / Video:

I received this from Dirt Track Production, our favorite Indian Motorcyclist Film Marker, and thought I would pass it along.

Hi there,

We're mighty pleased to give you some great news about awards, goodies and discounts.

But first, the big news. In the 53rd version of the most prestigious film awards in India, the National Film Awards presented by the President of India, Riding Solo... has been adjudged the Best Documentary for 2006. We're honored to be in the company of eminent film makers.

A lot of people wrote in asking if they could purchase the soundtrack of Riding Solo. We've now put up the theme music for free download in the spanking new "Download" section. It's an mp3 file that you can download to your iPod or use it as a ringtone for your cell phone.

Along with the music, we have also put up a video that gives a bird's eye view of the whole journey of Riding Solo. Created using real satellite imagery, the video shows you the terrain and the rugged beauty of the region.
Also up for grabs are wallpapers and a screensaver made by images we have just released.

We're also offering a discount on the price of the DVD! Instead of $25.95, you can get the DVD for $21.99. For Indian buyers, the price is now Rs. 499 instead of Rs. 599.

Looking forward, work on our second film "One Crazy Ride" has begun and we hope to have the DVD out in early 2008.

We do hope you enjoy the new downloads - do get back to us; we love to hear back from you, be it a film review or website feedback.

Below is the list of film festivals where Riding solo would be shown in coming months.

CMS Vatavaran Environment and Wildlife Film Festival
Venue: India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, India
Date & Time: September 12-16, 2007 (exact date to be announced)
Contact: +91-11-24992597 Email: vatavaran@cmsindia.org
Website: http://www.cmsvatavaran.org
Mill Valley Film Festival
Venue: Mill Valley, California, USA
Date & Time: October 4 - 14, 2007 (exact date to be announced)
Contact: +1-415-383-5256 Email: mvff@cafilm.org
Website: http://www.mvff.com

Happy Trails,
Dirt Track Productions
http://www.dirttrackproductions.com


Today’s RoadFood.com ( http://www.roadfood.com/)



Woot

Todays Woot ( http://www.woot.com/Default.aspx)

The Blog ( http://www.woot.com/Blog/Default.aspx)


xkcd (http://www.xkcd.com/) A webcomic of Romance, Sarcasm, Math and Language

Extra Look: Buell 1125 (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?p=230631&posted=1#post230631)

Bike Candy:

http://m1ka.smugmug.com/photos/173990384-L.jpg


THE END ( http://www.thecyberstore.co.nz/images/Last%20Tuesday.jpg)

[Mika]

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[Mika]

CHASSIS

The new IRC is the stiffest chassis ever offered by Buell. A new process called ablation casting provides extraordinary solidification rates and exceptionally high mechanical properties, resulting in a frame that is ten pounds lighter than prior designs. The also plas a significant role in the rigidity as it was specifically designed as an integrated part of the chassis.

Doubling as the fuel reservoir, the frame has a capacity of 5.6 gallons. Inside the frame construction includes airflow channels to push air through the entire compartment. The channel and frame design creates a low-pressure area behind the engine, drawing hot air out the back.

The rigid chassis delivers a predictable and intuitive response with enhanced precision and agility through the corners, which yields a more confident ride. The rider is in complete control.

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FRONT SUSPENSION

Fully adjustable Showa 47 inverted front forks and new triple clamps stiffen the torsional response of the front end and improve steering response. Spring rates and damping are tuned to optimize the handling response and ride quality, yielding maximum tire grip on all road surfaces and sport riding conditions. Fully adjustable preload, compression damping, and rebound allow riders to customize their ride, fro exceptional feel and increased rider confidence.

A new fixed bushing slides against the hard-chromed surface of the fron fork tube, reducing friction.

Inverted forks reduce unsprung weight by having the heavier components to be attached to the sprung side of the chassis. 47mm forks were chosen to match the stiffness distribution of the rest of the chassis.

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Rear Shock/Spring Unit
The fully adjustable Showa rear Shock/spring features an external piggyback reservoir to dissipate heat. The shock is mounted directly between the frame and the swingarm without linkage.

The off-center placement of the shock optimizes the airflow path through the bike and reduces weight and complexity by eliminating the need for linkage.

Fully adjustable preload, compression damping and rebound allow riders to customize their ride.

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Zero Torsional Load Front Braking System

The ZTL front brake utilizes an eight-piston caliper developed for the Buell XBRR racing motorcycle. A single 375mm rotor mounts directly to the rim, producing outstanding stopping power. I addition, the caliper casting is optimized for clamping stiffness, yielding a mor progressive and connected braking feel to the rider.

The eight –piston design affords even pressure distribution over each of the four pads in the caliper and allows a larger pad surface, providing optimum heart dissipation capability.

Braking forces applied directly to rim instead of through the spokes produced outstanding stopping power and a light wheel design. Also, the brake assembly design weighs significantly less than a dual disc system, contributing to a reduction in unsprung weight.

The front brakes are fitted with steel braided brake lines, which provide optimum braking performance and a better correlation of lever pressure to brake pressure, resulting in an improved brake feel.

Rear Brake

The rear brake utilizes a two-piston caliper and a 240mm stainless steel rotor. The caliper is mounted directly to the inner surface of the swingarm – hidden from view – and weighs 1.5 pounds less than a typical carrier equipped rear caliper system.

The unique hidden design provides superior stopping power and reduces unsprung weight to the swingarm.

Steel braided rear brake lines provide optimum braking performance and better correlation of lever pressure to brake pressure for improved break feel.

6 Spoke Cast Aluminum Wheels
The elimination of brake toque going through the wheel spokes makes possible an extremely light wheel, reducing steering inertia and unsprung weight for the exceptional feel and agility. This is just one of the many benefits of the ZTL braking system,

The low unsprung weight keeps the tires on the road, enhancing control through iproved suspension and braking response.

Pirelli Diablo Corsa III Tires

This premium high-performance tire features a three-zone compound for optimum street and track use. The tire provides premium brand quality with versatility for raod and track.


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MSRP
U.S. Units Metric Units
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (1)
$11,995 $11,995
Top of Page

Dimensions
U.S. Units Metric Units
Overall Length (2)
78.6 in. 1996 mm
Overall Width (3)
28.2 in. 716 mm
Seat Height:
Standard (4)
30.5 in. 775 mm
Low Profile N/A N/A
Ground Clearance (2)
4.5 in. 114 mm
Rake (at Steering Head) (4)
21.0° 21.0°
Fork Angle (4)
21.0° 21.0°
Lean Angle:
Soft Contact, Right (5)
48° 48°
Soft Contact, Left (5)
48° 48°
Hard Contact, Right (5)
50° 50°
Hard Contact, Left (5)
50° 50°
Trail (4)
3.3 in. 84 mm
Wheelbase (2)
54.6 in. 1387 mm
Tires:
Type (6)
Pirelli® Pirelli®
Front Diablo Corsa III (model) Diablo Corsa III (model)
120/70 ZR-17 (specifications) 120/70 ZR-17 (specifications)
Rear Diablo Corsa III (model) Diablo Corsa III (model)
180/55 ZR-17 (specifications) 180/55 ZR-17 (specifications)
Fuel Capacity 5.6 gal. 21.2 L
Reserve Fuel Capacity 0.8 gal. 3.0 L
MPG (EPA urban/highway test) (7):

Urban missing missing
Highway missing missing
Weight:
Dry Weight 375 lbs. 170 kg
Gross Rating 850 lbs. 386 kg
Load Capacity 395 lbs. 179 kg
Top of Page

Engine
U.S. Units Metric Units
Engine Liquid-cooled 1125cc Helicon® V-Twin Liquid-cooled 1125cc Helicon® V-Twin
Valve Train DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, finger follower design & shimming DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, finger follower design & shimming
Bore x Stroke:
Bore 4.055 in. 103.00 mm
Stroke 2.658 in. 67.50 mm
Displacement 68.7 cu. in. 1125 cc
Compression Ratio 12.3:1 12.3:1
Fuel Delivery Dual 61 mm down draft throttle bodies, DDFI III fuel injection Dual 61 mm down draft throttle bodies, DDFI III fuel injection
Intake (Air Cleaner for Blast®) Zero-resistance airbox, Pressurized RAM air intake Zero-resistance airbox, Pressurized RAM air intake
Exhaust Tuned, tri-pass resonance chamber with integral helmholtz tuning and mass-centralized mounting Tuned, tri-pass resonance chamber with integral helmholtz tuning and mass-centralized mounting
Torque (North America per SAE J607) 82 ft. lbs. @ 8000 RPM 111 NM @ 8000 RPM
Horsepower (North America per SAE J607) 146 HP @ 9800 RPM 146 HP @ 9800 RPM
Lubrication Dry-sump with integrated oil reservoir in lower crankcase Dry-sump with integrated oil reservoir in lower crankcase
Oil Capacity (Lubrication for Blast®) 4.0 qts. 3.8 L
Oil Filtration Disposable cartridge Disposable cartridge
Top of Page

Drivetrain
U.S. Units Metric Units
Primary Drive Helical Gear, 0.554:1 (36/65) ratio Helical Gear, 0.554:1 (36/65) ratio
Final Drive (8)
Constant path, 14 mm pitch aramid-reinforced Goodyear® Hibrex® belt with Flexten® Plus technology, 2.593:1 (70/27) ratio Constant path, 14 mm pitch aramid-reinforced Goodyear® Hibrex® belt with Flexten® Plus technology, 2.593:1 (70/27) ratio
Clutch Wet, multi-plate, Hydraulic Vacuum Assist (HVA) Slipper Action Clutch, hydraulic clutch lever effort Wet, multi-plate, Hydraulic Vacuum Assist (HVA) Slipper Action Clutch, hydraulic clutch lever effort
Transmission 6-speed, straight cut gears 6-speed, straight cut gears
Overall Ratio:
1st 2.462 2.462
2nd 1.750 1.750
3rd 1.381 1.381
4th 1.174 1.174
5th 1.042 1.042
6th 1.000 1.000
Top of Page

Chassis(6)
U.S. Units Metric Units
Frame Aluminum frame, fuel in frame Aluminum frame, fuel in frame
Front Fork (6)
47 mm Showa® inverted forks with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload 47 mm Showa® inverted forks with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Rear Shock (6)
Showa® coil over monoshock with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload Showa® coil over monoshock with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Wheels:
Color Diamond Blue Diamond Blue
Front 6-spoke, ZTL™ cast aluminum (type) 6-spoke, ZTL™ cast aluminum (type)
17 in. (diameter) 432 mm (diamter)
3.5 in. (width) 89 mm (width)
Rear 6-spoke, cast aluminum (type) 6-spoke, cast aluminum (type)
17 in. (diameter) 432 mm (diamter)
5.5 in. (width) 140 mm (width)
Brakes:
Front ZTL™-type brake, 8-piston, fixed caliper, 375 mm single sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor ZTL™-type brake, 8-piston, fixed caliper, 375 mm single sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor
Rear Two-piston, direct mount caliper, 240 mm stainless steel, fixed rotor Two-piston, direct mount caliper, 240 mm stainless steel, fixed rotor
Suspension Travel:
Front 4.72 in. 120 mm
Rear 5.00 in. 127 mm
Top of Page

Electric
U.S. Units Metric Units
Battery Sealed lead acid, maintenance-free, 12V, 12 amp/hour, 200 cca (per Battery Council International Rating) Sealed lead acid, maintenance-free, 12V, 12 amp/hour, 200 cca (per Battery Council International Rating)
Charging 32-amp, permanent magnet, three-phase, solid-state alternator with solid-state regulator (432W @ 7000 rpm, 432W peak) 32-amp, permanent magnet, three-phase, solid-state alternator with solid-state regulator (432W @ 7000 rpm, 432W peak)
Starting 900W electric with one way clutch 900W electric with one way clutch
Lights: (as per country regulation)
Headlamps Type Six bulb headlamp system with daylight running mode, 35-watt [H8] Six bulb headlamp system with daylight running mode, 35-watt [H8]
Headlamps Description 70-watt low beam (Two bulbs, each 35-watt), 140-watt high beam (70-watt low beam with additional two bulbs, each 35-watt) 70-watt low beam (Two bulbs, each 35-watt), 140-watt high beam (70-watt low beam with additional two bulbs, each 35-watt)
Tail/Stop Lights 5W/21W 5W/21W
Turn Signal Lights LED manual canceling LED manual canceling
License Plate Light 5W 5W
Top of Page

Styling/Convenience
U.S. Units Metric Units
Instruments Instrument cluster with ODIS (Onboard Diagnostic Information System) featuring Analog tachometer with integrated shift light, digital speedometer on LED display, odometer, ODIS service code display, 4-digit security system with ignition immobolizer, lap timer (records up to 99 lap times) and splits, ambiant air temperature, coolant temperature, average and instanteous fuel consumption, miles to next service display, low fuel (plus miles traveled on reserve); high beam, neutral, turn signals; clock Instrument cluster with ODIS (Onboard Diagnostic Information System) featuring Analog tachometer with integrated shift light, digital speedometer on LED display, odometer, ODIS service code display, 4-digit security system with ignition immobolizer, lap timer (records up to 99 lap times) and splits, ambiant air temperature, coolant temperature, average and instanteous fuel consumption, miles to next service display, low fuel (plus miles traveled on reserve); high beam, neutral, turn signals; clock
Top of Page

Colors
U.S. Units Metric Units
Available Colors (9)
Midnight Black; Diamond Blue Frame Midnight Black; Diamond Blue Frame
Top of Page

Warranty
U.S. Units Metric Units
Warranty 24 months (unlimited mileage) 24 months (unlimited mileage)
Top of Page

Footnotes

Specifications for non-U.S. markets might differ. Buell reserves the right to discontinue models or change specifications at any time without incurring any obligations. Vehicle specifications may vary from country to country depending on local laws. Some models are not available in certain countries.
1 Prices may be subject to change without notice and rule as at the date of delivery. See your dealer for details.
2 Unladen, wet configuration (no rider, all fluids).
3 Without mirrors.
4 Laden, wet configuration (design rider, all fluids).
5 Bottomed-out configuration (100% suspension compression).
6 Kevlar®, Showa®, Dunlop® and Pirelli® are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
7 Based on tests conducted under lab conditions per U.S. E.P.A. test procedures. Mileage will vary depending on personal riding habits, weather conditions, trip length and vehicle condition.
8 Hibrex® and Flexten® are registered trademarks of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
9 Availability may vary from dealer to dealer, and is subject to change without notice.

[BMWDEAN]

Buell 1125: Amazing looking bike! I wonder how a rider would feel after a 600-mile day in the saddle?

[PAULBACH]

We're mighty pleased to give you some great news about awards, goodies and discounts.

But first, the big news. In the 53rd version of the most prestigious film awards in India, the National Film Awards presented by the President of India, Riding Solo... has been adjudged the Best Documentary for 2006. We're honored to be in the company of eminent film makers.

A lot of people wrote in asking if they could purchase the soundtrack of Riding Solo. We've now put up the theme music for free download in the spanking new "Download" section. It's an mp3 file that you can download to your iPod or use it as a ringtone for your cell phone.

Along with the music, we have also put up a video that gives a bird's eye view of the whole journey of Riding Solo. Created using real satellite imagery, the video shows you the terrain and the rugged beauty of the region.
Also up for grabs are wallpapers and a screensaver made by images we have just released.

For folks that love freebies ... :clap

[PAULBACH]

Buell 1125: Amazing looking bike! I wonder how a rider would feel after a 600-mile day in the saddle?

Even 200 miles looks like a back breaker. Doesn't look like the kind of ride one would put panniers on.

Did you notice

Dry Weight 375 lbs.

[stewby]

Did you notice

Dry Weight 375 lbs.

I like that!

[PAULBACH]

1125cc out of the box and belt drive. I wonder if it compares to the F800s. Looks like a rocket getting ready to be launched. :bolt

Maybe a test drive is in order.

[wezul]

Now that's how to make a White Hen run!
Whos's making the engine? The rumor was possibly Rotax.

[PAULBACH]

If it is ROTAX that bike might be a huge seller for HD. I hear manufacturers other than BMW are using ROTAX engines.

[Mika]

Rotax or Buell it depends on who you are talking to The Kneeslider (http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2007/08/03/erik-buell-interview/) did an interview with Eric Buell. In it Buell claims it as a Buell design built by Rotax. Assuming the H-D V-Rod engine development model a lot of work was done by both sides to pull it together in a package that would work for Buell.

I suspect the goal is take on the Duc on street and track. The new FIM 1200cc Twin limit for SBK makes it even more interesting. The Smiles for this one are measured in speed per tank full not by six hundered mile days. No matter what you think of Buell and H-D it has to tug at the jingoist heart strings to see a US based manufacturer put a bike like this into the sport market.

Success has many fathers, while failure is an orphan. Stay tuned to see which way this one goes.

[PAULBACH]

I though HD teamed up with Porsche to make the V-Rod engine. Are Porsche and ROTAX related? Maybe one of those Euro Centric projects where each mouse get a piece of the cheese.

[Mika]

You are correct, as I understand it, Paul and I don't know of any link between Porsche and Rotax.

Porsche worked with H-D on the V-Rod. The point I was trying to ineligently make was H-D worked very hard at directing and controlling the project with an eye toward keeping their customer happy. The results have been mixed amoung H-D fans.

I suspect a similar collaboration from start to finish between H-D/Buell and Rotax to develop the engine to what they had in mind with the former having the final answer in everyting.

[PAULBACH]

Now I see!

I wonder if Harley is planning on racing this little gem? With 367 pounds dry and 1100 cc the bike should make quite an accounting of itself.

It doesn't look like a HD.

I hope they sell a lot of them.