Bench Racing & The Morning Reads

[mika]

Thursday, 24 January


Members with Birthdays this Month

SBK

Jerez, 23rd January 2013. The RR is back on track: The BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team continued its preparation for the 2013 FIM Superbike World Championship with two days of testing with the new 2013 race version of the BMW S 1000 RR in Jerez (ESP). On Tuesday, rain affected the testing programme on the Andalusian track but today it was sunny and the team was able to work in good weather conditions. In total, works rider Marco Melandri (ITA) completed 153 laps (677 km). His team-mate Chaz Davies (GBR) did 124 laps (549 km) on his RR....More

worldsbk.com: Farewell Kevin Ash

hondaproracing.com: Rea and Haslam complete Jerez testing

suzuki-racing.com: FIXI Crescent Suzuki finises test on high

eugenelaverty.co: First time back on the bike

cyclenews.com: Rain hampers World Superbike tests

kawasaki-racingteam.eu: Sykes fastest at Jerez tests

MotoGP

reuters.com: Aoyama fit to test despite wrist fracture

Formula One

bbc.co.uk: Robert Kubica expects F1
return despite rally crash

formula1.com: Pirelli unveil 2013 F1 tyre range

bbc.co.uk: Pirelli predicts more uncertainty

Other Racing

MC

fim-live.com: Goals remain the same for BMW Motorrad France Team Thevent in 2013

On the Street

canadianmotoguide.com: Continental recall tires

asphaltandrubber.com: Moto-journalist Kevin Ash killed at press launch

VIDEO: Saddlemen Seats Brand overview and buyers guide

globegazette.com: Registration underway for April motorcycle safety forum

westhollywood.patch.com: LASD conducting motorcycle safety enforcement operation

motorsportsnewswire.com: In the motorcycle industry leasing is about to explode
FWIW: Keep in mind this is from an industry press release source. Explode strikes me as the operative word in all of this. I am a fan of leasing in a variety of settings; however, I am not certain of the efficacy in the motorcycle industry. As an industry observer I am less than convinced of MC companies ability to manage the triad of supply/demand/residual value in a way that wonÔÇÖt explode in their corporate faces.



The MotherShip PressClub

Michal Kościuszko enjoyed a great debut in the MINI WRC for the Lotos Rally Team at the Rally Monte Carlo. In this Q..More

Cage World

VIDEO: First Look - 2014 Corvette | Jay LenoÔÇÖs Garage



Reference Library

Bike Candy

[mika]

Friday, 25 January


Members with Birthdays this Month

SBK

superbikeplanet.com: Sykes: Hey Dorna leave us kids alone

worldsbk.com: Rea and Haslam complete Jere test

worldsbk.com: Guintoli and Laverty stayed busy for two days of testing at Jerez

The BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team continued its preparation for the 2013 FIM Superbike World Championship with two days of testing with the new 2013 race version of the BMW S 1000 RR in Jerez, Spain. On one day,rain affected the testing programme on the Andalusian track but on the second day it was sunny and the team was able to work in good weather conditions. More [largely a repeat of previous releases]

VIDEO: 2013 Superbike SBK Season - The new 17ÔÇØ Pirelli tyres

MotoGP

motogp.com: Repsol Honda reveils livery and 2013 team team in Madrid
motomatters.com: Specs - RC213V 2013

Formula One

ferrari.com: Massa to debut new Ferrari
FWIW Alonso to miss first tests

jamesallenonf1: Bawn says ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm team principal and IÔÇÖm in chargeÔÇØ

bbc.co.uk: How to make a F1 car Part 4

Other Racing

MC

suzuki-racing.com: Anstie fit for Oakland Supercross

motorcycle-usa.com: Oakland Supercross preview - 2013

supercross.com: Video ÔÇô Rockstar Energy SuzukiÔÇÖs Beyond the Finish Line ÔÇô Millsaps, Sipes, Wharton, Izzi, Anderson, Baker

Cage and...

jamesallenonf1.com: Robert Kubica tests DTM Mercedes

On the Street

motorcyclistonline.com: First Ride | BMW R1200GS

motorradonline.de: Ride Report | Wunderlich S1000RR Mad Max
Watch out riders of fully clothed S1000RR and HPs, WunderlichÔÇÖs naked Mad Max is on the loose.

webbikeworld.com: Motorcycle EZ Pass toll holders

The MotherShip PressClub

Woodcliff Lake, N.J. ÔÇô January 24, 2013 . . . Racer Scott Pruett led an all-Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates charge to the front of the grid for the Rolex 24 at Daytona as BMW Power swept the top-three starting positions in todayÔÇÖs qualifying session for SaturdayÔÇÖs 51st annual twice-around-the-clock endurance classic...More

BMW Motorsport has successfully completed the first DTM test week of the year in Valencia (ES). Between Tuesday and Thursday, BMW works drivers Bruno Spengler (CA), Augusto Farfus (BR), Andy Priaulx (GB), Martin Tomczyk (DE) and Marco Wittmann (DE) were on duty at the wheel of the BMW M3 DTM. Only on Thursday morning did heavy rain interrupt the test programme...More

Although only on sale at dealers since February 2012, the BMW 3 Series has already taken the lead in the midrange segment. The BMW 5 Series achieved a hat trick after seizing first place in the upper midrange segment for the third time in succession. The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe first presented last March went straight to the top of the luxury class ratings...More

Like the perennially successful MINI, the MINI Coup?® and MINI Paceman highlight their popularity with top-three placings in the ÔÇ£auto, motor und sportÔÇØ readersÔÇÖ poll...More

Munich. BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) are pursuing their successful strategic long-term cooperation in the field of sustainable mobility today by signing binding agreements aimed at long-term collaboration between the two companies for the joint development of a fuel cell system, joint development of architecture and components for a sports vehicle, and joint research and development of lightweight technologies. These agreements follow a memorandum of understanding signed in June 2012. ..More

Statement Dr. Diess, Press Conference BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan on 24th January 2013...More

Cage World

AutoBlogGreen: Giant kit evonic wind explorer ev cross Australia

FWIW

technologyreview.com: Requiem for a motherboard

My no.2 pencil, sharpener and yellow legal pad sit on my desk next to my ultra notebook I am putting this post together with as a ÔÇÿradioÔÇÖ to listen to a news stream as I start my day. Luddite tools meet aging technology as I ride along just behind the ever advancing curve.

Articles such as this lead me to wonder about what the technology curve has in store for riders. Advances in flexible screens and a shift in emphasis to mobile devices suggest much is ahead. It does not take much to imagine wearable computers built into riding gear. How long before on visor displays make it to the street as part of our daily gear?

I am not a futurist nor a writer of requiems. I do spend a great deal of time wonder how I, and by extension organizations like the MOA, integrate no.2 pencils and ever advancing technology in our riding lives.

-5⁰ according to my weather feed. Ugh! I need to bundle up before heading down to the Official Fly-Over-Land Coffee Shop to discuss this and the other important things of the day.

Reference Library

Bike Candy

[mika]

Saturday, 26 January


Members with Birthdays this Month

SBK

speedweek.de: Sylvian Guintoli at the Jerez test over the limit

suzuki-racing.com: Camier undergoes successful operation

MotoGP

motogp.com: New qualifying format for 2013 MotoGP season explained

motomatters.com: David Brivio linked ot Suzuki MotoGP deal

yamaha-racing.eu: The Yamaha Factory dream team touch down in Indonesia

Formula One

jamesallenonf1.com: F1 refuge Timo Glcok lands BMW DTM drive
FWIW - BMWÔÇÖs announcement is in The MotherShip section

Other Racing

MC

racing.speedbrian.de: The Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain is back from the Dakar

On the Street

dealernews.com: TourTech launches pupose built adventure bike shock

canadianmotorcycerider.ca: 2013 BMW R1200GS - Birth of an icon - video series

sportrider.com: Brand new Suzuki RE5 Rotary with zero miles

sportrider.com: 2013 Aprilia RSV4 Factory Special Edition | First Look


The MotherShip PressClub

The aircraft engine manufacturer BMW unveiled its first motorcycle in late 1923, and it was a passionate aircraft engine designer ÔÇô Max Friz ÔÇô who was behind its creation. Forever credited as the father of the first BMW bike ÔÇô the R 32 ÔÇô FrizÔÇÖs story leading up to this groundbreaking motorcycle is as interesting as it is varied. ..More

Developed on the drawing board in 1922, the first BMW motorcycle ÔÇô known as the R 32 ÔÇô caused a sensation when it was unveiled at the Berlin Exhibition in 1923. Beautiful to look at and economical to run, the R 32 was the cornerstone upon which BMW built a history of motorcycling excellence..More

On Sunday 20 January, the 35th edition of the Dakar Rally drew to a close in Santiago, Chile, with a parade and the prize-giving ceremony that included all the teams who managed to finish the ÔÇÿMother of all RalliesÔÇÖ that began on 5 January in Lima, Peru and finally rolled into the Chilean capital some 8,000 km (5,000 miles) later. Joining the celebrations was the Husqvarna Rallye Team by..More

It's tough when cold or snowy weather stop you from riding your bike, but there are alternatives, as Chris Pfeiffer demonstrates here on his Husqvarna 'snow bike'. While the official Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain and other top privateers have been battling across The Andes and deserts of South America on their modified TE449 race bikes in the gruelling Dakar Rally, Chris has been out ..More


Nobody has more Dakar victories to his name than St?®phane Peterhansel. For every one of his eleven titles we have twice as many photos of his most recent success: Congratulations, St?®phane...More


Timo Glock (DE) is returning to the BMW family and will line up for BMW Motorsport in the DTM in 2013. This completes the squad of drivers for the new season. Alongside Glock, reigning DTM champion Bruno Spengler (CA), Augusto Farfus (BR), Joey Hand (US), Andy Priaulx (GB), Martin Tomczyk (DE), Dirk Werner (DE) and Marco Wittmann (DE) will take their places behind the wheel of the BMW M3 DTM...More

Timo Glock (DE) is returning to the BMW family after five years as a driver in Formula One. Having successfully completed tests in the BMW M3 DTM in Valencia (ES), BMW Motorsport awarded its eighth seat for the 2013 DTM season to the Formula BMW graduate and former test driver for the BMW Sauber F1 Team...More



Cage World

VIDEO Jay LenoÔÇÖs Garage - Finally! It may be the third time Jay's said this, but yes, the Galaxie restoration is finally complete! Hit the road with Jay as he tells you how this model became the stuff of his 16-year-old dreams, and how he's improved on a gorgeous classic.


FWIW





Reference Library

Bike Candy

[mika]

Monday, 28 January


Members with Birthdays this Month

SBK

eurossport.com: Superbike - Melandri and Sykes pleased with Jerez test

crash.net: Giugliano on high after Jerez test

speedweek.de: BMW start, Marco Melandri lacks power
FWIW: The rider not the bike

MotoGP

bbc.co.uk: Casey Stoner hits out at MotoGP fans after V8 Supercars move

bikesportnews.com: Brivio plays down Suzuki MotoGP offer

Formula One

bbc.co.uk: Pay as you go, go ,go: Fomula ÔÇÿs ÔÇÿpay driversÔÇÖ explained

thef1times.com: Honer wasnÔÇÖt at Marinelo for Ferrari talks

thef1times.com: Bernie: ÔÇ£We donÔÇÖt need the Concord AgreementÔÇØ
FWIW: Would you buy a used racing series from this guy?

First Monaco GP


Other Racing

MC

motorcycle-usa. com: Oakland 450 Supercross results

HFL: Is MotoGP the ultimate alternative investment?

Cage and...

VIDEO: 2013 Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona: #51 APR Motorsport Audi R8 Grand-Am Pit


On the Street

cyrilhuzeblog.com: 1911 Pierce Motorcycle to be auctioned in April in New York

webbikeworld.com: Schuberth C3 Pro - helmet review
-related-
Cycleworld.com: Schumberth C3 Pro

cyrilhuzeblog.com: WhatÔÇÖs new from Metzeler in 2013 - marketing director Chris Wall answers questions

roadracingworld.com: Bonhams adds to motorcycle auction staff

sportrider.com: Sargent Cycle products heated seat systems

thekneeslider.com: Wakan Motorcycles is reborn as Avinton Motorcycles

VIDEO: Small Engine Shop - How to charge a bad battery

didshub.net: BMW Factory rider explains motorcycle saftey techniques to service members

The MotherShip PressClub









BMW Motorsport News ÔÇô Issue 03/13...More

Woodcliff Lake, N.J. ÔÇô January 27, 2013 . . . The No. 01 Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates TELMEX/Target BMW Riley ended 24 hours of hard fought sports car racing at the 51st Rolex 24 At Daytona in the same position from which it started: First...More

Cage World

nytimes.com: Alfa anticipation once again

VIDEO: MotorTrend - Detroit Auto Show and the 2014 Corvette introduciton

Reference Library

Bike Candy

[mika]

Tuesday, 29 January


Members with Birthdays this Month

SBK

worldsbk.com: Sykes fastest rider at Jerez test
FWIW: So? Sykes and his Kaw set pole time after pole time last season only to run the tyres off the bike during the race. He will be a force to be reckoned with [i]if[/] the chassis gets sorted out.

speedweek.de: Kawasaki wants to do better than against Biagg

speedweek.de: World Superbike 20122 - who will contorl costs

MotoGP

motogp.com: Cardion AB Aprilia ART unveiled in Prague

Formula One



formula1.com: Lotus first to launch with new E21

formula1.com: Technical Q&A: James Allison on the Lotus E21

Lotusf1team.com: Eric Boulier - ÔÇ£Great things are possibleÔÇØ
and:
Q&A with Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean



jamesallenonf1.com: Struggle for control of F1 rule making as new Concorde Agreement remains unsigned

speed.de: Ferrari - Woman in F1?

formula1.com: Woldff gets expanded Williams role

Other Racing

MC

amaproracing.com: AMA Pro Road Racing inteview with EBR founder Erik Buell

sportrider.com: Aaron Yates signs with Erik Buell Racing for 2013 AMA Superbike

ktm.com: Roczen wins in Oakland

ktm.com: Dungey lands on the podium again in Oakland

suzuki-racing.com: Stewart unluacky at Oakland SX

Cage and...

nbcsports.msnbc.com: Pruett ties HaywoodÔÇÖs record as Ganassi wins Rolex

racer.com: Q&A : Rolex 24 winners

On the Street

asphaltandrubber.com: Honda motorcycle sales down 5% in 2012

cmg.com: Launch - 2013 BMW R1200GS

twowheelsblog.com: BMW R1200 Supercharger concept

cycleworld.com: Wunderlich ÔÇ£ MADUSAÔÇØ S1000RR Custom - Riding Impression
-related-
cycleworld.com: What is ÔÇ£MADUSAÔÇØ and how about this Wunderlich thing?



twowheelsblog.com: KTM head of engine development tlaks engines in a new interview

motorcycle.com: 2013 MV Agusta F4 and F4RR review

cyrilhuzeblog.com: First lady of Harley in India

motorcyclistonlne.com: 2013 Aprilia Caponord 1200 | First Look

webbikeworld.com: Wiha Torx bits and torx driver review


The MotherShip PressClub

What a day! I start with a first leg of 50 km consisting of impressive bends again - a good way to wake up at 7 am ... The sky is low, and the temperature too. Big contrast to yesterday. We're riding in the mountains and the tall green grass turns into even taller jungle trees. Then as we go higher in altitude the clouds becomes thicker and thicker... I put my GS into RAIN mode to make it easier for me. And I need it because the riding conditions are quite rough: sliding mud, gravels, steep hills, narrow road, sharps bends, wet and damaged asphalt, dark jungle forest and thick fog. So thick we can't go faster than 30 km/h since we can't see further than 10 metres ...Read the whole story with plenty of video and photo footage of the tour at bmw-motorrad.com/gs


BMW Motorrad France:


Strike five for Chip Ganassi (US): The US motorsport legend won the 24 Hours of Daytona (US) for the fifth time on Sunday with the Chip Ganassi Racing Team. Scott Pruett (US), Juan Pablo Montoya (CO), Memo Rojas (MX) and Charlie Kimball (US) were at the wheel of the number 01 BMW Riley that provided the second overall victory for the Chip Ganassi / BMW partnership, having previously triumphed in 2011...More

Cage World

thekneeslider.com: The Motus V4 Baby Block crate engine - the future of old school hot rodding?
-related-
asphaltandrubber.com: Motus V4 Baby Block crate motor gets $10,220 price tag

VIDEO: 2013 SRT Viper GTS - Jay LenoÔÇÖs Garage

autobloggreen: Has ÔÇÿPeak CarÔÇÖ already happened? Are automakers becoming mobility companies?

FWIW

technologyreview.com: How to build a supersonic ping pong gun





Reference Library

Bike Candy

[mika]

Wednesday, 30 January


Members with Birthdays this Month

SBK

superbikeplanet.com: ItÔÇÖs all in the wrist - Camier ruled fit for Phillip Island tests

bikesportnews.com: Honda boss against Superstock rules for WSBK

speedweek.de: Translated: BMW HTM Racing confidence outweighs

MotoGP

speedweek.de: Bernhardt Gobmeier: ÔÇ£Gradually betterÔÇØ

Formula One

jamesallenonfq: Webber - ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm not part of MarkoÔÇÖs agendaÔÇØ

thef1times.com: Hope for HRT as take over immenent

Other Racing

MC

supercross.com: 2013 Oakland SX review

honda.com: Canard fourth in Oakland

suzuki-rcing.com: Milsaps extends Supercross points lead

Cage and...

VIDEO: 2013 Rolex Highlights
Saturday
Sunday


On the Street

motorcycledaily.com: Is BMW really selling Husqvarna to KTM? MCN thinks so.



motorcycle.com: 2013 BMW R1200GS review

cycleworld.com: Ural Motorcycles has record sales in 2012

RECALL: Transport Canada: Triumph issued recall on the Daytona 675 and Street Triple

motorradonline.de translate: F800GT - Review

dealernews.com: Harley-Davidson sales up 6% in 2012
-related-
cyrilhuzeblog.com: Harely-Davidson fourth quarter and full year results show strong growth

motorradonline.de translated: Supersport Honda - the new RC30

HFL: Honda plans new 400cc range

cycleworld.com: Evaluation - SPOT Connect GPS Messenger

webbikeworld.com: Shoei GT Air preview



The MotherShip PressClub





Meeting of the generations at the Historic Ice Trophy. Johnny Cecotto Snr and Johnny Cecotto Jnr make a successful appearance in the Altenmarkt six-hour race behind the wheel of a BMW 2002 TI works rally car...More



FWIW

bbc.co.uk: Mark Webber on Lance Armstrong, cancer and life ban

VIDEO: TED - Wingham Rowan: A new kind of job market

BMW Motorrad achieves new sales record in 2012. Double-digit growth in December. Husqvarna Motorcycles 15.7 % above previous year. - Part 2

Husqvarna Motorcycles 15.7 % above previous year.
Husqvarna Motorcycles supplied a total of 10,751 vehicles (prev. yr.: 9,286 units / + 15.7 %) to the Husqvarna dealer network from January up to and including December. Supplies in the month of December itself totalled 1,267 vehicles (previous year: 1,330 units / - 4.7 %).
The most popular models in the single-cylinder sports segment (enduro, supermoto, motocross) were the 250/310 cc (2,758 units) and the 449/511 cc (1,627 units).
In the segment of motorcycles designed for on-road use, 1,936 of the models Nuda 900 and Nuda 900R were supplied as of December, as well as 1,321 of the models TR 650 Terra and TR 650 Strada.
END

FWIW
On the surface the this should be great news for BMW. For me it is more than a bit confusing.

Sales are up but against what? Yes I know they are up against last year but last year there was no Nuda. In retail adjusting for this Husqvarna sales are down on a ÔÇ£same storeÔÇØ basis. This continues a five year run of declining sales. From 13,511, the high in the first year of ownership and falling to 13,052, 12066, and 9286 in 2011. Take the Nuda out and you are down to 8715. The Nuda is a Hot Rod F800. I like hot rods but is this what BMW purchased Husqvarna for?

BMW took a major write down for Husqvarna during the third quarter of 2011. This cleared up the last of the acquisition issues and revamping being done in anticipation of development. Yet none of the of the concept offroad bikes have materialized. What we are seeing in spy shots from reputable spies is a ÔÇÿnewÔÇÖ touring Nuda; a hot rod F800GT. [insert headscratch icon here]

Italy and Spain are major markets for Husqvarna. Sales are down there. The BRIC countries would seem to be logical targets for expansion. However, Brazil has been staked out by Team Blue, Russia is Bimmer and Rolls-Royce territory and China MINI, 3 Series and Rolls-Royce. That leaves India.

Team Blue has a presence but it is in the high end of the market. The rest should be prime for Husqvarna but that would require a Brazil like operation to avoid the incredible tariff mark ups. Yet there are no rumors of this in the European, or more to the point, Indian press.

Now the British press site, MCM, suggests BMW is ready to sell to KTM. In theory BMW would recover its investment (at least a good chunk depending on the deal and life cycle costs of ownership for BMW) while KTM would gain production capacity and a line that it (read Bajaj) is much better equipped to bring to the Indian maket.

Stay tuned.

Reference Library

Bike Candy

[mika]

Husqvarna ÔÇô The Plot Thickens

niewsmotor.nl reports that it is not KTM but Stefan Pierer's company Pierer Industries AG BMW is doing the Husqvarna deal with. The twist is that Pierer's day job is as CEO of KTM.

HFL's version of the story based in large part on the Niewsmotor.nl piece has KTM, Bajaj and Pierer Industries possibly working together to fit Husqvarna into its growing product line; however it is not at all clear what that means. The long term prize in all of this may be the manufacturing capacity of Husqvarna and not the marque.

The Dutch article suggests a new Husqvarna model is due out at the EICMA later this year. Is it a touring Nuda or one of the dirtier scrambler concept models turned production.

The deal will be subject to EU regulaters approval, Husqvarna (They continue to own the license to the name), and the BMW AG board. Based on the approval process during the BMW acquisition this should go quickly.

In the midst of all the stories there are two that hold my curiosity.

BMW has transferred a good deal of engine technology to Husqvarna. The 650 Terra/Strada engine from the G series and more importantly the hot roded F800 now Husqvarna 900. Will these engines be licensed? What Husqvarna 900 engine development can be brought back to Munich and the F800?

What about the G450? The bike was developed to round out the BMW product line. Several years in development and a couple in BMW's product line the bike model was moved to Husqvarna when they were designated as the off-road brand in the two brand company. When the G450 is thrown into the mix BMW's cost of ownership continues to grow on an increasingly steep curve.

Assuming there is a deal is probably safer than Dewey being president. Things will make sense as the story unfolds. Stay tuned to see what sense that is.

[40427]

Oh crikey it's worse the the Danica Patrick, Rickey Henhouse mess and now we get Dario Franchitti and Ashley Judd in the mix.
What's a simple motor fan to do ?
and by the way who gives a crap

[mika]

Oh crikey it's worse the the Danica Patrick, Rickey Henhouse mess and now we get Dario Franchitti and Ashley Judd in the mix.
What's a simple motor fan to do ?
and by the way who gives a crap

Apparently you!



Just not in the way BMW had hoped for when they purchased Husqvarna.

In my quixotic news aggregating adventures I will leave the Danica and Franchitti stories to ÔÇÿsilly seasonÔÇÖ writers covering the news of loves won and lost. The Husqvarna story interests me on so many levels; not the least of which is why BMW Motorrad, with all of its resources, was not able to make the Husqvarna Motorcycle marque interesting to their customer base or any other. As always YMMV but nice to chat with you at the Internet outlet of the Fly-Over-Land Newsstand.



P.S.
No news update, check back at the stand latter in the day.

[AZ-J]

BMW has shown poor marketing skills and I use my bike, and the F-series as evidence. The new F-GT is here because sales of the others stink!

That it could not market and make Husky great, is no surprise to me.

[mika]

I am not vested in arguing for or against BMW's marketing. In most cases I can understand what and why they are doing some even when it makes little or no sense to me or others. How they dealt with Husqvarna has always confused. They said one thing on paper then often did something very different in real life. I am still not convinced the underlying idea was wrong but the execution was bad. Oh well, it is no longer BMW's problem.

Strategic realignment at BMW Motorrad
31.01.2013Contained media data:
1 Attachment
Sale of Husqvarna Motorcycles to Pierer Industrie AG

Munich. The BMW Group is realigning its BMW Motorrad business. In the context of changing motorcycle markets, demographic trends and increasing environmental demands, BMW Motorrad will expand its product offering to exploit future growth potential. The focus of the realignment will be on urban mobility and e-mobility. By restructuring the segment, the BMW Group will concentrate on expanding and utilising the resources of the BMW Motorrad brand. Therefore the BMW Group signed a purchase agreement with Pierer Industrie AG (Austria) for the acquisition of Husqvarna Motorcycles. The acquisition will proceed subject to approval by anti-trust authorities. Both companies have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

Expanded offering for urban mobility and e-mobility

BMW Motorrad achieved a new sales record in 2012. With the realignment of its motorcycle business, BMW Motorrad aims to maintain profitable and sustainable growth over the coming years. Its current core business consists exclusively of premium vehicles in the categories ÔÇ£TourerÔÇØ, ÔÇ£EnduroÔÇØ, ÔÇ£SportÔÇØ, ÔÇ£RoadsterÔÇØ and ÔÇ£Maxi-ScooterÔÇØ from 650 to 1600 cc. BMW Motorrad entered the urban mobility segment for the first time in 2012 with the C 650 GT and C 600 Sport maxi-scooters. The next step in the expansion of the product line-up in this segment will be the series launch of the ÔÇ£C evolutionÔÇØ electric scooter in 2014. Further innovative vehicle concepts are also under consideration. Drive trains will include both environmentally-friendly combustion engines and pure electric drives. This move by BMW Motorrad reflects the BMW GroupÔÇÖs overall focus on early identification of trends, such as megacities and traffic density, as well as environmental issues. Corresponding products and services are already available for the Automobile segment.

Continuation of product offensive

In addition to the expansion in the field of urban mobility, core segments from the 650 single-cylinder entry-level bike to the 6-cylinder luxury tourer will also be selectively expanded.




The more things change the more things stay the same.

[mika]

Friday, 1 February


Members with Birthdays this Month

SBK

speedweek.de: BMW: Stephan Schaller asks the right questions

worldsbk.com: Official Kawasaki Racing Team to be presented in Barcelona

worldsbk.com: Rea one round away from his 100th WSBBK race milestone

Formula One

formula1.com: McLaren - WeÔÇÖve taken an ambitious approach to new car

McLaren Reveal
MP4-28 Reveal
See the MP4-28 up close and personal
Unveiling the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-28 unveiling
MP4-28 Technical Specifications

jamesallenonf1.com: Fastest car of 2012 made even better - Technical analysis of new McLaren

formula1.com: FerrariÔÇÖs new car to be named F138
ferrari.com: FerrariÔÇÖs related press release
FWIW: Alright does Ford make a F138? They should be alright then.

NBCSports.com videos:
Alonso determined to win
Domenicali plans on pushing the team harder
Ferrari discusses great potential
Massa hopeful about upcoming season
FWIW: Formula 1ÔÇÖs new Channel in NA seems to be pushing the F1 product. The volume is wonderful, will their content be any better than Speeds?

racer.com: Ecclestone says scorpion deal too late
FWIW: Ecclestone was happy with the smaller grid financially. Once a twenty car field minimum was secure the value of cars beyond that to F1 and Bernies pocketbook quickly diminished as the field grew. With 22 on the grid there is a buffer for his comfort.

Other Racing

MC

motomatters.com: New circuit in Wales impresses Dorna bosses

dealernews.com: San Diego BMW, LeeÔÇÖs Cycle Service Team to race S1000RRs

amaproracing.com: Future looking bright for KTM/HMC Superbike Racing Team

supercross.com: Roger De Coster extends contract with KTM to 2016

ktm.com: Back stage with Cyril Despres

On the Street

thekneeslider.com: When an Indian Four is not in the budget, build one

twowheelsblog.com: MTT anticipates new 420hp jet bike hitting 260mph



cycleworld.com: 2013 BMW R1200GS first ride

HFL: Rideaport review - Honda Goldwing F6B

bizjournals.com: Harley-Davidson Q4 earnigs down but motorcycle sales up

cycleworld.com: Ride For Kids raises $3.8 million to fight childhood brain tumors

dealernews.com: Kawasaki returns to police market with Concours 14ABS

dealernews.com: MV Agusta establishes foothold in Canada

dealernews.com: Bajaj, KTM and Kawi talk collaboration in India

independent.co.uk: Could London commuters turn to the motorbike?









VIDEO: Victory Motorcycles - Gunny v Bunnies

The MotherShip PressClub

RECALL
NHTSA Recall ID No. 13V017000
Dated: JAN 17, 2013 BMW is recalling certain model year 2011 1-Series ActiveE passenger vehicles manufactured August 17, 2011, through December, 19, 2011. Due to an insufficient sealing of the drivetrain housing assemb...


..More



Cage World

world.honda.com: Consolidated financial summary for the fiscal 3rd quarter ending 31 December 2012

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[mika]

Saturday, 2 February


Members with Birthdays this Month

SBK

worldsbk.com: KRT 2013 season launch proves to be great success

Paule Denning Blog: FIXI Crescent Suzuki World Superbike Team Manager Paul Denning talks about the behind-the-scenes preparation on the 2013 Yoshimura-powered GSX-R1000 and the recent tests in Spain with riders Leon Camier and Jules Cluzel.

roadracingworld.com: FIXI Crescent Suzuki World Superbike Team now building its engines in house

VIDEO: Riding Carlos ChecaÔÇÖs 1198

MotoGP

motomatters.com: January 2013 roundup - MotoGP and WSBK , the story so far

speedweek.de: Suter-BMW: new chassis ready at the last minute


Formula One

formula1.com: Technical Q&A with Force IndiaÔÇÖs Andrew Green

jamesallenonf1.com: Domeciali - ÔÇ£We need to start with a car that is equal to our competitorsÔÇØ

bbc.co.uk: Caterham promote reserve driver Giedo van der Garde

Other Racing

MC

asphaltandrubber.com: MV Agusta Corse Prkingo Superspor race bike
FWIW - MVÔÇÖs first stop on a run at SBK in the future

supercross.com: Preview of the Anaheim III Supercross 2013

Cage and...


This short film sheds light on McLaren's very human back-story -- namely that of Bruce McLaren, who founded his racing team five decades ago

On the Street

HFL: Stephan Pierer on purchasing Husqvarna

dealernews.com: Japanese motorcycle exports to the US flatten in 2012

ridermagazine.co.uk: 19 Fluorescent fails - ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs hi-vis gone maaaaadÔÇØ

The MotherShip PressClub





When Edgar Heinrich came back to Munich to lead the BMW Motorrad Design team after a spell in India, it was a welcome return for the motorcycle enthusiast who began his career with BMW back in 1986. Many BMW bikes have been created under his direction, including the Paris-Dakar works rally machines, the K 1200 S and R, the HP2 Enduro, the R 1150 GS and R 1200 GS and, more recently, the S 1000 RR. .....More

Those who saw sketches of BMW MotorradÔÇÖs inspirational concept study at last NovemberÔÇÖs EICMA motorcycle show in Milan will know that there is a lot of interest in custom concept machines. In fact, it was the original Lo-Rider boxer concept from 2008 that inspired Dutch BMW enthusiast Henk Van Vliet to create this amazing looking boxer-powered custom concept..More

The immediate success of the original R 32 established BMW as a serious player in the motorcycle industry some five years before the company even started the development of cars. Furthermore, this iconic motorcycle also paved the way for a sports model that took the brand into racing at the highest level. Enter the R 37..More

BMW Motorrad Sales
BMW Motorrad USA reported sales of 597 motorcycles in January, an increase of 9.7 percent from the total of 544 motorcycles sold in January, 2012.
..More

Munich. The Concorso dÔÇÖEleganza Villa dÔÇÖEste is one of the worldÔÇÖs most significant and tradition-laden beauty contests for automobiles. Under the patronage of the BMW Group, it has been held each May since 1999 in the grounds of the Grand Hotel Villa dÔÇÖEste and Villa Erba in Cernobbio. In 2011 the Concorso dÔÇÖEleganza was joined for the first time by a motorcycle contest, already a great success in its 2012 edition..More





Cage World

newswire.ca: BMW Group Canada reports January 2013 sales




FWIW



Falling Hare is a 1943 Merrie Melodies cartoon directed by Robert Clampett, starring Bugs Bunny. The title is another play on words. The word "hair" and "hare". As "falling hair" refers to impending baldness, while in this cartoon's climax, the title turns out to be descriptive of Bugs' situation(a hare falling/crashing to earth).


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[mika]

Monday, 4 February


Members with Birthdays this Month

Ever have one of those Monday mornings? This post computer operator/system lock up/_____ is an abridged version of what was planed.
Ciao

SBK

GPone.com: Biaggi to Debut with a new team in PI SBK opener! GPone predicts Biaggi will win every race in 2013  from behind the mic. Speculation Biaggi would make a off season move to Ducati ends. He will move to the booth.

MotoGP

motogp.com: Sepang CRT tests get underway

motogp.com: Bridgestone rolls out new rubber for the first MotoGP group test of 2013

motomaters.com: Chaotic first day of CRT test at Sepand sees little on track action

Formula One

nbcsports.com: Swiss team Sauber unveil new car and drivers

jamesallenonf1.com: Red Bull gives nothi ng away at launch of RB9



thef1times.com Mercedes F1 spending spirals to over ?ú242m

Other Racing

MC

fim-live.com: Dungey scores first win of 2013


The MotherShip PressClub




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[mika]

Wednesday, 6 February


Members with Birthdays this Month

SBK





worldsbk.com: BMW Motorrad Goldbet SBK Team launched in Munich

suzuki-racing.com: FIZI Crescent Suzuki unveiled

asphaltandrubber.com: BMW Goldbelt WSBK S1000RR

MotoGP

motomatters.com: MotoGP sepnag Test Day 1 2012 to 213 times compared

fim-live.com: Pedrosa top as Rossi and rookie Marquez shine in Sepang

hondaproracing.com: Strong start for Repsol at tests in Sepang

yamaha-motor.eu: Stong start for Yamaha in Sepang.

Strong start for Mika even though he was not in Sepang

Formula One

jamesallenonf1.com: Jerez Day 1

formula1.com: Jerez Day 1 ÔÇô Button sets pace for McLaren

formula1.com: Caterham takes wraps of CT03

nbcsports.com: Ecclestone rules out 20th race in 2013

ferrari.com: Jerez test session ÔÇô debut of the F138

lotusf1team.com: James Allison ÔÇô The E21 seems fairly swift

mclaren.com: Jerez Day One

redbull.com: Infinity Red Bull Racing RB9 makes track debut

reuters.com: Mercedes tesst halted by electrical problems

Other Racing

MC

supercross.com: 2013 Anaheim III SX review

On the Street

motorsportsnewswire.com: Zero Motorcycles rolls out new website as 2013 models hit dealerships

bsmotoring.com: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 ÔÇô Tourfro

cmgonline.com: Halifaz and Winnipeg motocycle shows this weekend

cmgonline.com: KTM CER ÔÇô Husqvarna will work with KTM

motorcyclistonline.com: First Rides | 2013 Yamaha FJR1300A

thekeeslider.com: Lawson KTM allwheel drive coversion in action

visordown.com: Tested sub ?ú60 all weather gloves

webbikeworld.com: statistics ÔÇô motorcycle sales statistics

The MotherShip PressClub

The winter break is drawing to an end, the countdown is on to the 2013 FIM Superbike World Championship, and the BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team is under starterÔÇÖs orders. With just three weeks to go until the season-opener in Phillip Island, Australia, the realigned BMW Motorrad works team was presented to the public in the BMW Welt in Munich ..More

ItÔÇÖs been a long, long wait, but the Superbike World Championship returns soon for what promises to be an action-packed, adrenaline-fuelled fight between the worldÔÇÖs best riders for the coveted 2013 title. If youÔÇÖve only watched World Superbikes on TV, why not make this the year that you experience the action right from the heart of the paddock, by taking advantage of BMW Motorrad MotorsportÔÇÖs* ..More

Team Thevent has joined forces with Michelin to contest the Italian Superbike Championship in 2013. S?®bastien Gimbert will lead the teamÔÇÖs assault on the championship, aboard the HP4 variant of the BMW S 1000 RR that took the 35-year-old rider to two French Superbike titles. ..More

The BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team goes fully motivated into the 2013 season of the FIM Superbike World Championship. The team, with works riders Marco Melandri (ITA) and Chaz Davies (GBR), is looking to follow on from the success it has already achieved and establish itself as a top team at the pinnacle of production-based motorcycle racing in the long term. This year, the team has once again set its sights clearly on the podium. The mission is: to pick up as many wins and podiums as possible. ..More

The winter break is drawing to an end, the countdown is on to the 2013 FIM Superbike World Championship, and the BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team is under starterÔÇÖs orders. With just three weeks to go until the season-opener in Phillip Island, Australia, the realigned BMW Motorrad works team was presented to the public in Munich (GER) on Monday. The international media launch took place in the Double Cone building at BMW Welt near the BMW GroupÔÇÖs headquarters. ..More

Richmond Hill, ON. BMW Group Canada (BMW and MINI brands combined) reported monthly sales of 1,811 units in January 2013, down 1.8 per cent compared to January 2012. ..More

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced that the company is seeking candidates for its Apprenticeship Programme. The successful applicants will join the programme in September 2013, working alongside skilled craftspeople in leather, wood, paint, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, assembly and finesse roles. ..More



FWIW

technologyreview.com: Why do we want a flexible phone

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