Bench Racing & The Morning Reads

[mika]

On the Track

World Superbike

caradisiac.com: French motor site says Tardozi will not travel to Magny-Cours and may be on his way to Yamaha

On the track things are just as mixed up after the first practice round.

Magny-Cours - SUPERBIKE - Free Practice
1. Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox Team) 1'39.175
2. Ruben Xaus (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 1'39.340
3. Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha Sterilgarda Team) 1'39.464
4. Jakub Smrz (Team PATA B&G Racing) 1'39.471
5. Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox Team) 1'39.484
6. Lorenzo Lanzi (DFX Corse) 1'39.635
7. James Toseland (Yamaha Sterilgarda Team) 1'39.635
8. Shane Byrne (Althea Racing) 1'39.641
9. Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia Racing) 1'39.672
10. Luca Scassa (Supersonic Racing Team) 1'39.761
11. Jonathan Rea (HANNspree Ten Kate Honda) 1'39.763
12. Leon Haslam (Team Suzuki Alstare) 1'39.766
13. Carlos Checa (Althea Racing) 1'39.863
14. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) 1'39.960
15. Troy Corser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 1'40.244
16. Sylvain Guintoli (Team Suzuki Alstare) 1'40.404
17. Max Neukirchner (HANNspree Ten Kate Honda) 1'41.239
18. Ian Lowry (Kawasaki Racing Team) 1'41.914
19. Matteo Baiocco (Team Pedercini) 1'42.110
20. Roger Lee Hayden (Team Pedercini) 1'42.698
21. Fabrizio Lai (ECHO CRS Honda) 1'43.081

Work slow down or Xaus advertising for a job?

MotoGP

fim-live.com: Pedrosa fractures his colorbone and returns to Barcelona for surgery

Other Racing

Bikes in the Fast Lane: Lone Bultoaco motorcycle joins the fun

[mika]

World Superbike

crash.net: Minimum weights announced for 2011.

Friday ÔÇô

Magny Cours (France) - First qualifying: TROY HAPPY ENOUGH WITH SEVENTH ON DAY ONE
Thursday, September 30, 2010, 6:00:00 PMhttp://www.troycorser.com/html/news/report.asp?id=263http://www.troycorser.com/html/news/report.asp?id=263
Although the morning practice session witnessed a few problems, Troy and the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team managed to improve the bike for the afternoon session and Troy was able to post the seventh fastest time of the day in first qualifying. The changes the team made allowed Troy to push his S 1000 RR harder and, at the end of the day, he was just over two tenths of a second off provisional pole. Italian Lorenzo Lanzi (Ducati) set the dayÔÇÖs quickest lap, with a time of 1:38.856, with Michel Fabrizio (Ducati) second and Max Biaggi (Aprilia) third. Troy -7th, 1:39.119 The track felt acceptable from more or less the start of the day and that was good because quite often tracks are a bit greasy on the opening day of a weekend. My bike is a missile here and I think itÔÇÖs probably the fastest thing out there! Now we just need to get it out of corners quickly by improving the grip, lessen the wheelspin and weÔÇÖll be flying. We made a good step from practice to qualifying and IÔÇÖm happy that the changes the team made were in the right direction. WeÔÇÖll sit down, look at all the data this evening and see what further improvements can be made tomorrow. See ya, Troy



Magny Cours Friday - Tardozzi Departs Motorrad!
Yesterday, October 01, 2010, 1:38:24 PM | Adam Arcanehttp://www.bmwra.org/racing/?p=243&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1http://www.bmwra.org/racing/?p=243&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1
Magny-Cours - Free Practice & Qualifying Practice 1.
Friday, 01 October 2010.



Weather conditions: Partly cloudy.
Temperature: Air: 18 - 21 ??C, Track: 30 - 36 ??C
Number of riders participating: 22 from 13 teams
Fastest lap Free Practice: Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox Team) 1:39.179 min
Fastest lap Qualifying Practice 1: Lorenzo Lanzi (DFX Corse) 1:38.856 min


Programme:
With the end to a long and eventful season in the FIM Superbike World Championship close,
Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport started the final race weekend in Magny-Cours (FRA) well:
While Ruben Xaus (ESP) was able to post consistently good lap times from Friday's first
practice session onwards, Troy Corser (AUS) eventually finished the first qualifying session
seventh.

Troy Corser:
Bike: BMW S 1000 RR
Fastest lap Free Practice: 1:40.244 min (15th ) / Fastest lap Qualifying 1: 1:39.119 min (7th )
"We tried some quite different settings in the first session today. We had already struggled
with the side grip in Imola and wanted to get this issue sorted here. The grip in the corner
entry and apex is not too good, and at the exit we still have a lot of wheel spin. The bike's
reaction improved after changing a couple of settings in the qualifying session, and I was
faster. But I still feel we have to find out what it is that is making me ride on the limit all the
time."

Ruben Xaus:
Bike: BMW S 1000 RR
Fastest lap Free Practice: 1:39.340 min (2nd ) / Fastest lap Qualifying 1: 1:39.566 min (16th )
"I am quite happy today. My rhythm was good from the beginning, and I was able to post very
consistent lap times. Nevertheless, I still have too much wheel spin at the exit of the slow
corners. In the last corner, I have to be careful not to touch the kerbs with the engine cover.
We did many laps today, and I feel well-prepared for tomorrow."

Rainer B?ñumel (Technical Director BMW Motorrad Motorsport):
"Today Ruben posted very solid lap times from the first outing onwards. Although not having
finished in the top positions, I am not worried as his lap times were consistently good. On
Troy's side of the garage we worked hard on the chassis set-up. It seems as if we found
something substantial at the end of the day. We are confident for tomorrow. "



BMW Motorrad Motorsport and Davide Tardozzi have agreed to part company by mutual
consent with immediate effect. BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director, Berthold Hauser, says:
"With his wealth of experience Davide has been a great help to us this season in his role as
Team Manager. However, he and the team had different ideas regarding the structure of the
team. We would like to thank Davide for his contribution to a good partnership and wish him all
the best for the future."

The departure of Tardozzi is official now. Where he ends up is still an open question and will make a big difference in how we gleen what ÔÇ£different idsas regarding the structure of the teamÔÇØ means. If he goes to Yamaha he may remain fairly quiet about this, but if he sits out the start of the 2011 season there may be a tell all interview in the offering for us to dissect.

Tuesday evening BMW holds its opening press conference for the Intermot show. The focus will be on the introduction of the 2011 line up for BMW yet racing bent reporters will be remiss if they donÔÇÖt ask follow up questions.

There are so many topics to cover.
- What about the talk of a third bike/rider for the team?
- Why was Tardozzi really released?
- What is the direction BMW is heading for 2011 and by extension the following years?
- Will BMW expand its sport bike lineup (not to be confused with sport touring bikes) or will it remain limited to the S1000RR?

Add the rest of your questions here. Stay tuned.

Saturday qualifying

Things did not improve in the way hoped for as the day started. Saturday Q2 ended with Corser posting a P11 and Xaus remaining in P16. In the Superpole rounds BWM was only able to move its riders forward to the second round where Corser and Xaus ended posting a P9 and P11 respectively book ending future BWM rider Haslam in P10.

No. Rider Nat Team Bike 1st Sess. 2nd Sess. Laps Superpole Gap Time Avg
1 35 C. CRUTCHLOW GBR Yamaha Sterilgarda Team Yamaha YZF R1 1'39.058 1'38.812 38 1'37.699 1'37.699 162,536
2 50 S. GUINTOLI FRA Team Suzuki Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'39.431 1'38.300 41 1'37.768 0.069 1'37.768 162,421
3 96 J. SMRZ CZE Team PATA B&G Racing Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'39.260 1'38.706 41 1'37.784 0.085 1'37.784 162,395
4 3 M. BIAGGI ITA Aprilia Alitalia Racing Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'38.972 1'38.601 51 1'38.039 0.340 1'38.039 161,972
5 84 M. FABRIZIO ITA Ducati Xerox Team Ducati 1098R 1'38.927 1'38.407 41 1'38.082 0.383 1'38.082 161,901
6 65 J. REA GBR HANNspree Ten Kate Honda Honda CBR1000RR 1'39.454 1'38.919 40 1'38.155 0.456 1'38.155 161,781
7 7 C. CHECA ESP Althea Racing Ducati 1098R 1'39.138 1'39.013 43 1'38.252 0.553 1'38.252 161,621
8 41 N. HAGA JPN Ducati Xerox Team Ducati 1098R 1'39.091 1'39.075 35 1'38.421 0.722 1'38.421 161,344
-------------------------------------------------- Superpole 2 --------------------------------------------------
9 11 T. CORSER AUS BMW Motorrad Motorsport BMW S1000 RR 1'39.119 1'38.801 35 1'38.250 1'38.250 161,624
10 91 L. HASLAM GBR Team Suzuki Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'39.238 1'38.694 41 1'38.327 0.077 1'38.327 161,498
11 111 R. XAUS ESP BMW Motorrad Motorsport BMW S1000 RR 1'39.566 1'38.793 38 1'38.364 0.114 1'38.364 161,437
12 66 T. SYKES GBR Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'39.207 1'38.865 37 1'38.370 0.120 1'38.370 161,427
13 57 L. LANZI ITA DFX Corse Ducati 1098R 1'38.856 1'38.769 41 1'38.519 0.269 1'38.519 161,183
14 67 S. BYRNE GBR Althea Racing Ducati 1098R 1'39.370 1'38.814 39 1'38.538 0.288 1'38.538 161,152
15 52 J. TOSELAND GBR Yamaha Sterilgarda Team Yamaha YZF R1 1'39.360 1'39.029 35 1'38.551 0.301 1'38.551 161,131
16 99 L. SCASSA ITA Supersonic Racing Team Ducati 1098R 1'39.000 1'38.652 39 1'38.585 0.335 1'38.585 161,075
-------------------------------------------------- Superpole 1 --------------------------------------------------
17 76 M. NEUKIRCHNER GER HANNspree Ten Kate Honda Honda CBR1000RR 1'40.704 1'39.543 40 1'39.341 1'39.341 159,849
18 5 I. LOWRY GBR Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'41.651 1'40.351 47 1'40.278 0.937 1'40.278 158,356
19 15 M. BAIOCCO ITA Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'41.488 1'41.045 43 1'40.890 1.549 1'40.890 157,395
20 33 F. LAI ITA ECHO CRS Honda Honda CBR1000RR 1'41.881 1'40.943 42 1'41.471 2.130 1'41.471 156,494
-------------------------------------------------- Others in Grid --------------------------------------------------
21 95 R. HAYDEN USA Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'41.669 1'41.094 42 1'41.094 157,078

MotoGP

reuters.com: Davizioso takes the pole for Japan GP

Oct 2 (Reuters) - Results from the Motorcycling Grand Prix Japan MotoGP Qualification on Saturday
1. Andrea Dovizioso (Italy) Honda 1:47.001
2. Valentino Rossi (Italy) Yamaha 1:47.055
3. Casey Stoner (Australia) Ducati 1:47.105
4. Jorge Lorenzo (Spain) Yamaha 1:47.206
5. Colin Edwards (U.S.) Yamaha 1:47.464
6. Ben Spies (U.S.) Yamaha 1:47.648
7. Randy de Puniet (France) Honda 1:47.752
8. Marco Simoncelli (Italy) Honda 1:47.914
9. Alvaro Bautista (Spain) Suzuki 1:48.002
10. Loris Capirossi (Italy) Suzuki 1:48.068


motogp.com: Gavin Emmett (MotoGP commentator) qualifying analysis

Formula 1

planetf1.com: Austin will be ready for 2012

Will we? I have to wonder if F1 fans will flock to this venue for racing? Red McCombs, former NFL owner and new track backer, has described a F1 one weekend as an event on a par with hosting a Super Bowl. Citizens of past US F1 race venues can comment on that. I remain skeptical and concerned with the impact of this new venue on racing in general an motorcycle racing in particular.

What ever your analysis of the current economic situation is we all have to agree that race fanÔÇÖs discretionary is not what it was at one time. With the exception of die hard fans, F1 remains something of an after thought in the mind of US racing fans. Will people in sufficient numbers part with all the money that is required to get to this racing venue for an F1 weekend? Television contracts may have race fans willing to tivo the race while they go out for other, and cheaper, entertainment for the weekend in question.

From a F1/motorcycle race fanÔÇÖs perspective, I remain concerned with the impact of yet another mega race circuit will have on all forms of racing in the US. There is the possibility that as the 2012 race dawns it could provide a spark to ignite renewed interest in US racing. I hold out little hope for that. I remain concerned that the long term impact on racing will be the sucking of limited discretionary dollars out of the pool of money that all forms of racing need to rejuvenate racing in the US.



BMW nor Corser have posted updated comments at this time. I have places to go and things to do so back tomorrow with updates on qualifying the races and ...

[mika]

On the Track

World Superbike

Saturday Leftovers


Magny Cours (France) - Final qualifying: TOUGH DAY FOR TROY

Yesterday, October 01, 2010, 6:00:00 PM

The problems with grip Troy suffered yesterday were not fully resolved today and, in this afternoon’s Superpole qualifying sessions, Troy was unable to force his way into Superpole 3. It was a close thing but, in the end, he finished with the ninth quickest lap and will start from the third row of the grid in tomorrow’s pair of 23-lap races. Fortunately his grid position is a good one from which to launch an attack at the start and Troy expects to be up with the leaders as they head into turn one at the start of the races. Briton Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha) won Superpole today, his sixth of the season, by the narrowest of margins, with local hero Sylvain Guintoli (Suzuki) second and Jakub Smrz (Aprilia) third. Troy - 9th, 1:38.250

It’s been a bit of funny weekend so far, mostly because we’ve struggled to find grip. We’ve tried many, many things but, so far, nothing we’ve tried has worked out. That has been a bit confusing, but we will have a good look at the data and see what we can do for tomorrow. At the moment, when the tyre grip goes we start having problems and that’s something we have to sort out in order to progress. I cannot use my normal riding style and although I feel I am braking later than normal, I am either getting passed on the brakes or outgunned exiting the turns.

The bike is fast for sure. The engine feels really strong and once we get it to manage the grip I’m sure the wins will come. This championship is so close that small fractions of a second can make a difference in your grid position and once you are down the grid, you’ve got a big fight to be with the leaders. Fortunately my starts have been pretty good this year, so I think I can have a good day tomorrow. It’s going to be tough for sure, but I’d like to end the season in style.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport - WSBK - Magny-Cours - Superpole
 02.10.2010
 Press Release

Weather conditions: Scattered clouds.
Temperature: Air: 19 – 24 ??C, Track: 22 – 40 ??C
Number of riders participating: 21 from 13 teams
Fastest lap Qualifying Practices: Sylvain Guintoli (Althea Racing) 1:38.300 min
Fastest lap Superpole 3: Cal Crutchlow (Sterilgarda Yamaha Racing) 1:37.699 min

There are a couple of question marks for Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport after Saturday’s Superpole Qualifying in Magny-Cours (FRA). With the top sixteen riders within eight tenths of a second, the Superpole Qualifying was one of the closest ever of the 2010 season. Both riders,Troy Corser (AUS) and Ruben Xaus (ESP), complained about a lack of grip and will start Sunday’s races from the third row of the grid. While Troy qualified ninth and is in a good position for the start tomorrow, Ruben finished the Superpole Qualifying 11th.

Troy Corser:
Bike: BMW S 1000 RR
Fastest lap Qualifying Practices: 1:38.801 min / Fastest lap Free Practice: 1:39.508 min / Fastest lap Superpole 2: 1:38.250 min
“Tomorrow will be a really tough day for us. We definitely need to get a good start. When you approach the first hairpin you really want to be in a good position, as you can lose a lot of time there. We still need to find more grip. We have tried everything on the bike to get more grip, but whatever we tried did not work out. This is quite confusing. Nevertheless, we will have a look at the data and see what we can do for tomorrow.”

Ruben Xaus:
Bike: BMW S 1000 RR
Fastest lap Qualifying Practices: 1:38.793 min / Fastest lap Free Practice: 1:39.748 min / Fastest lap Superpole 2: 1:38.364 min
“I am slightly disappointed with the outcome today. We have been improving all weekend and our pace on race tyres has been good. Sadly we are still suffering from some grip issues when the bike is on the edge of the tyre, which is preventing me from posting a really good lap time. Still I know we have a good race pace and, given a good start tomorrow, I think we can be up there with the leading pack. The pace in this championship has been so good all year, so we know it is not going to be easy tomorrow. But my team will do everything it can to give me what I need to hopefully finish the year on a high.”

Rainer B?ñumel (Technical Director Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport):
“This was a tough day for us. Starting from the third row will be tough as well, and we need to make good starts in the races. Troy’s starting position is not too bad: Although he will go into the races only from the third row, he will be able to enter the first corner from the outside. It seems as if the grip level has dropped from yesterday to today. While Ruben generally handles this situation well and has had a good pace all weekend long, Troy especially is suffering a lot. We again consider some chassis changes to improve the grip.”


roadracerx.com: Team Speak – Qualifying
Compilation of the press releases from the various teams after qualifying.


WSS

fim-live.com: Superstock 1000

Maxime Berger (Ten Kate Junior Honda) eased out his countryman Sylvain Barrier (Garnier Junior Team BMW) by a whisker to take pole at Magny-Cours. Champion Ayrton Badovini (BMW Motorrad Italia STK) fell late in today’s final qualifying session, but starts from the front row in third position in any case. David Giugliano (Team06 Suzuki) posted fourth best time for a front row start, with Loris Baz (MRS Racing Yamaha) fifth, the third French rider in the top five positions.

Times: 1.Berger M. (FRA) Honda CBR1000RR 1'41.676;
2.Barrier S. (FRA) BMW S1000 RR 1'41.697;
3.Badovini A. (ITA) BMW S1000 RR 1'41.762;
4.Giugliano D. (ITA) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 1'42.127;
5.Baz L. (FRA) Yamaha YZF R1 1'42.557;
6.Millet J. (FRA) BMW S1000 RR 1'42.600;
7.Baroni L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'42.657;
8.Petrucci D. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'42.718;


MotoGP


fim-live.com: First pole for Divizioso

On the Street

Rumor caradisiac.com: Exclusive - BMW will have a big scooter by the end of 2011
This scooter has been rumored for a long time. Could we see it at Intermot? Actually sounds like fun.



HFL: Giovanni Castiglioni on the MV Agusta F3, Harley Davidson and two secret new models.
“Harley wanted to invest in the company to make it a 40,000 units-a-year company, sort of Ducati-style. That’s not the plan now. Our vision is that we will increase our capacity and production within five years, with three new models, to a maximum of 10 to 12,000 units. I think that level is the maximum because with more, we start to dilute the brand like some of our competitors are doing.
We are doing now, 4,000 units. I think with the three-cylinder line, we can double the production to 8,000, go
ing to 10,000. Nothing more.”

This quote goes a long way to explaining the epenses listed by H-D over its time of ownership of MV. If it had planed on a ten fold expansion of prodcution the costs for tools, equipment and training would have been born up front. The short period of ownership ment there was limitied time to recoupe the front end loaded expenses with any sort of serious revene stream to off set it. The expenses are explained but sale price is not.

Even if you are able to agree that the work done to expand production has no value because the new company is not going to use them three should remain an underlying value in the company. Paying someone to buy back the compan has a smelly fish wrapped inside it.

The article has much more.

I’m changing computers again and am not certain if I have posted this in the past or not.

The latest version of the old bike v car chestnut


HERASY!!! thsun.co.uk: Car firm Lotus in vow to quit UK!!!

Lawnmower land speed record claimed - attempt video

Woot of the Day



The Mothership

The Paris Auto Show is a big deal on the European circuit similar to the Detroit show. While the Geneva Show has a certain snob appeal with many limited edition supercars and concept cars debuting there, Paris has a glamorous yet mainstream appeal. The following video came out last Wednesday from BMW Web TV.




FWIW



Bike Candy

Its back…



…but not in the US.

Kawasaki is reinventing its BSA lookalike turned retro bike once again by introducing the W800. Between 1967 and 1975 Big Green produced three iterations of this bike; W1 W2 and W3. At the time a friend of mine had one of these. I never rode it. I was confused. Why ride a Japanese BSA lookalike when the real thing was out in the garage. The purist in me (a.k.a. snob) was willing to overlook the fact the Japanese bike did not leak oil and more importantly the electric’s were not by Lucas.

In 1999 Kawasaki brought back the W bike calling it the W650 this time. It was imported into the US for the first two years of its production run that ended in 2007. Triumph’s success with its parallel twin revival bikes was no doubt a driving factor in Kawasaki’s decision process. However, in movie terms the W650 was a critical success but a failure at the box office. The W650 is something of a rare bike and very chic to turn into a caf?® racer.

The current Kawasaki W is a 800 with great styling and hopefully more oomph. Hell for Leather Magazine has an embeded online informations brochure with limited information and a lot of ad speak. The styling is right. The disk front drum rear has been commented negatively by some but is fine with me. It is more than likely well able to handle even a beefed up to 800 W rider’s stopping needs.

Fortunately the bike will not be imported to the US. You see I am confused again. With the passage of time I have grown to understand the value of Japanese machines that don’t leak oil and their electrical components that actually work. That is not the problem this time. No this time I still wonder why buy a Japanese Brit bike nockoff when the Brits have figured out machining and electrical components

.

[mika]

On the Track

World Superbike

BMW ends the 2010 World SBK season with 3 DNFs and a DNS

Details at another time.

Race 1
Pos
R1 R2 Tot Pos
Qualifying
Grid No. Rider Nat Team Bike LL Gap Fastest Lap Speed Speed
Ranking
Race Time
1 1 35 C. CRUTCHLOW GBR Yamaha Sterilgarda Team Yamaha YZF R1 23 1'38.781 285,0 1'37.699 287,2 25 264 5
2 10 91 L. HASLAM GBR Team Suzuki Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 23 3.779 1'39.257 285,0 1'38.327 288,0 20 370 2
3 7 7 C. CHECA ESP Althea Racing Ducati 1098R 23 4.261 1'39.294 282,7 1'38.252 282,7 16 290 4
4 4 3 M. BIAGGI ITA Aprilia Alitalia Racing Aprilia RSV4 Factory 23 4.416 1'39.073 289,5 1'38.039 289,5 13 426 1
5 3 96 J. SMRZ CZE Team PATA B&G Racing Aprilia RSV4 Factory 23 7.476 1'39.170 282,7 1'37.784 286,5 11 100 14
6 5 84 M. FABRIZIO ITA Ducati Xerox Team Ducati 1098R 23 11.866 1'39.132 279,8 1'38.082 284,2 10 179 9
7 8 41 N. HAGA JPN Ducati Xerox Team Ducati 1098R 23 16.390 1'39.243 282,7 1'38.421 284,2 9 247 6
8 12 66 T. SYKES GBR Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX 10R 23 21.669 1'39.854 284,2 1'38.370 288,0 8 101 13
9 14 67 S. BYRNE GBR Althea Racing Ducati 1098R 23 22.065 1'39.935 282,0 1'38.538 282,7 7 161 12
10 16 99 L. SCASSA ITA Supersonic Racing Team Ducati 1098R 23 22.281 1'40.057 281,3 1'38.585 284,2 6 76 17
11 13 57 L. LANZI ITA DFX Corse Ducati 1098R 23 26.748 1'39.935 278,4 1'38.519 279,8 5 88 16
12 6 65 J. REA GBR HANNspree Ten Kate Honda Honda CBR1000RR 23 35.608 1'40.178 282,0 1'38.155 288,0 4 292 3
13 17 76 M. NEUKIRCHNER GER HANNspree Ten Kate Honda Honda CBR1000RR 23 39.929 1'40.663 284,2 1'39.341 285,7 3 50 18
14 18 5 I. LOWRY GBR Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX 10R 23 54.836 1'40.927 276,9 1'40.278 282,7 2 6 23
15 19 15 M. BAIOCCO ITA Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX 10R 23 1'07.191 1'41.734 272,7 1'40.890 278,4 1 7 22
16 20 33 F. LAI ITA ECHO CRS Honda Honda CBR1000RR 23 1'14.632 1'41.715 274,1 1'41.471 281,3 2 28
--------------------------------------------------Not Classified--------------------------------------------------
RET 21 95 R. HAYDEN USA Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX 10R 20 3 Laps 1'41.842 276,9 1'41.094 275,5 10 19
RET 9 11 T. CORSER AUS BMW Motorrad Motorsport BMW S1000 RR 7 16 Laps 1'39.391 276,9 1'38.250 285,7 165 10
RET 15 52 J. TOSELAND GBR Yamaha Sterilgarda Team Yamaha YZF R1 3 20 Laps 1'39.576 275,5 1'38.551 289,5 187 7
RET 11 111 R. XAUS ESP BMW Motorrad Motorsport BMW S1000 RR 2 21 Laps 1'40.166 260,2 1'38.364 282,7 96 15
--------------------------------------------------Disqualified--------------------------------------------------
DIS 2 50 S. GUINTOLI FRA Team Suzuki Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 23 4.625 1'39.161 288,0 1'37.768 289,5 184 8

Race 2
Pos
R1 R2 Tot Pos
Qualifying
Grid No. Rider Nat Team Bike LL Gap Fastest Lap Speed Speed
Ranking
Race Time
1 4 3 M. BIAGGI ITA Aprilia Alitalia Racing Aprilia RSV4 Factory 23 1'39.072 289,5 1'38.039 289,5 13 25 451 1
2 1 35 C. CRUTCHLOW GBR Yamaha Sterilgarda Team Yamaha YZF R1 23 0.087 1'38.879 283,5 1'37.699 287,2 25 20 284 5
3 5 84 M. FABRIZIO ITA Ducati Xerox Team Ducati 1098R 23 3.715 1'39.154 277,6 1'38.082 284,2 10 16 195 8
4 2 50 S. GUINTOLI FRA Team Suzuki Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 23 4.004 1'39.100 285,0 1'37.768 289,5 13 197 7
5 8 41 N. HAGA JPN Ducati Xerox Team Ducati 1098R 23 15.471 1'39.419 279,8 1'38.421 284,2 9 11 258 6
6 3 96 J. SMRZ CZE Team PATA B&G Racing Aprilia RSV4 Factory 23 18.378 1'39.675 282,7 1'37.784 286,5 11 10 110 13
7 16 99 L. SCASSA ITA Supersonic Racing Team Ducati 1098R 23 21.180 1'39.885 282,0 1'38.585 284,2 6 9 85 17
8 14 67 S. BYRNE GBR Althea Racing Ducati 1098R 23 23.055 1'39.941 279,1 1'38.538 282,7 7 8 169 10
9 7 7 C. CHECA ESP Althea Racing Ducati 1098R 23 25.657 1'39.982 279,8 1'38.252 282,7 16 7 297 3
10 10 91 L. HASLAM GBR Team Suzuki Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 23 27.781 1'39.556 285,0 1'38.327 288,0 20 6 376 2
11 12 66 T. SYKES GBR Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX 10R 23 28.206 1'40.240 285,0 1'38.370 288,0 8 5 106 14
12 17 76 M. NEUKIRCHNER GER HANNspree Ten Kate Honda Honda CBR1000RR 23 44.634 1'40.774 279,1 1'39.341 285,7 3 4 54 18
13 18 5 I. LOWRY GBR Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX 10R 23 1'04.181 1'41.405 274,1 1'40.278 282,7 2 3 9 21
14 19 15 M. BAIOCCO ITA Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX 10R 23 1'16.446 1'41.533 272,7 1'40.890 278,4 1 2 9 23
--------------------------------------------------Not Classified--------------------------------------------------
RET 13 57 L. LANZI ITA DFX Corse Ducati 1098R 17 6 Laps 1'39.723 274,8 1'38.519 279,8 5 88 16
RET 21 95 R. HAYDEN USA Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX 10R 9 14 Laps 1'41.559 271,4 1'41.094 275,5 10 19
RET 15 52 J. TOSELAND GBR Yamaha Sterilgarda Team Yamaha YZF R1 4 19 Laps 1'39.531 282,7 1'38.551 289,5 187 9
RET 9 11 T. CORSER AUS BMW Motorrad Motorsport BMW S1000 RR 4 19 Laps 1'41.159 279,1 1'38.250 285,7 165 11
RET 20 33 F. LAI ITA ECHO CRS Honda Honda CBR1000RR 4 19 Laps 1'41.464 268,7 1'41.471 281,3 2 28

Manufacturers standings
1 471 APRILIA
2 424 DUCATI
3 412 SUZUKI
4 352 YAMAHA
5 313 HONDA
6 201 BMW
7 113 Kawasaki

With the close of the 2010 season BMW fans are something of a loss to understand what happened..

In 2009 as the team went into the summer break there was an incredible sense of frustration coming from the team. Testing over the break and a chance for all team members to take a bit of vacation resulted in huge improvements when they returned to close out that season.

On the shoulders of that team improvement a new head was added in the off season with the hiring of Davide Tardozzi away from a confused Ducati team. He had paired with Corser for a World title in the past and tongues were wagging with hopes for the season. Tongues will wag again as the season closes but for different reasons.

If I were a sports writer covering a football team (either kind) I would describe this a team that spent a season working on the fundamentals of the game. The article would point out obscure information about improvements in traction control.; point to improvements in dealing with the rookie tier problems and finish the analysis of minutia by pointing to team members scoring personal best times for several races on the last lap as an example of coming of age and being able to go the distance.

The body of the article would spin positively the season struggle for the team but would inevitably end on a harsh questioning note. The season ended with the team in disarray. The team players were unable to cross the finish line in either half of the last game. The teamÔÇÖs head was decapitated before the final game. At this point I would insert some lines looking to 2011 and the addition of a new star player with the signing of Leon Haslam after cutting Xaus from the 2011 roster.

The close of the article would turn the readers attention squarely to team owner BMW. In a pointed style limited to sports writers and 60 Minutes reporters like Morley Safer I would fashion a question along the following lines.

When you fired Tardozzi, your team manager you said it was because there were differences in vision for the teamÔÇÖs future. After a season of incremental improvement in so many areas the actions seem to have left the team in total disarray. Just what is the direction you see for your team?

I am not a sports writer covering a football team (either kind) so I donÔÇÖt get to write that article. However, when I ride over to the official fly-over-land coffee shop plunk down my buck and receive my change and cup of coffee I think this describes how I will spin the season to my friends there.

WSS

worldsbk.com: Aryton HadoviniÔÇÖs perfect run ended by Mxime [Ten Kate Honda Jr]

MotoGP

motogp.com: Stoner seals second straight win

Pos. Points Num. Rider Nation Team Bike Km/h Time/Gap
1 25 27 Casey STONER AUS Ducati Team Ducati 160.0 43'12.266
2 20 4 Andrea DOVIZIOSO ITA Repsol Honda Team Honda 159.8 +3.868
3 16 46 Valentino ROSSI ITA Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha 159.7 +5.707
4 13 99 Jorge LORENZO SPA Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha 159.6 +6.221
5 11 5 Colin EDWARDS USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha 158.4 +27.092
6 10 58 Marco SIMONCELLI ITA San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda 158.2 +30.021
7 9 19 Alvaro BAUTISTA SPA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Suzuki 158.1 +31.826
8 8 11 Ben SPIES USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha 157.9 +35.572
9 7 14 Randy DE PUNIET FRA LCR Honda MotoGP Honda 157.1 +47.564
10 6 7 Hiroshi AOYAMA JPN Interwetten Honda MotoGP Honda 157.0 +49.598
11 5 33 Marco MELANDRI ITA San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda 157.0 +49.999
12 4 69 Nicky HAYDEN USA Ducati Team Ducati 156.9 +50.703
13 3 40 Hector BARBERA SPA Paginas Amarillas Aspar Ducati 156.9 +51.422
14 2 41 Aleix ESPARGARO SPA Pramac Racing Team Ducati 156.8 +52.843
15 1 36 Mika KALLIO FIN Pramac Racing Team Ducati 155.5 +1'14.668
Not Classified
65 Loris CAPIROSSI ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Suzuki 158.0 3 Laps

Season Standings
Pos. Rider Bike Nation Points
1 Jorge LORENZO Yamaha SPA 297
2 Dani PEDROSA Honda SPA 228
3 Casey STONER Ducati AUS 180
4 Andrea DOVIZIOSO Honda ITA 159
5 Valentino ROSSI Yamaha ITA 156
6 Ben SPIES Yamaha USA 139
7 Nicky HAYDEN Ducati USA 129
8 Randy DE PUNIET Honda FRA 88
9 Marco SIMONCELLI Honda ITA 84
10 Colin EDWARDS Yamaha USA 81
11 Marco MELANDRI Honda ITA 79 12
Hector BARBERA Ducati SPA 69
13 Alvaro BAUTISTA Suzuki SPA 58
14 Aleix ESPARGARO Ducati SPA 52
15 Loris CAPIROSSI Suzuki ITA 41
16 Hiroshi AOYAMA Honda JPN 35
17 Mika KALLIO Ducati FIN 34
18 Alex DE ANGELIS Honda RSM 11
19 Roger Lee HAYDEN Honda USA 5
20 Kousuke AKIYOSHI Honda JPN 4
21 Wataru YOSHIKAWA Yamaha JPN 1


Ben Spies ends his rookie MotoGP season in P6 ten points behind Valentino Rossi and ten points ahead of fellow American Nicky Hayden. The 2009 WSBK Champion acquitted himself nicely in his rookie season in MotoGP. What will the sophomore season hold; more gains in the standings or a jinx?

[mika]

On the Track

World Superbike


roadracerx.com: team speak Magny Cours
Collection of team press releases

BMW Motorrad Motorsport - WSBK - Magny-Cours - Races
• 03.10.2010
• Press Release
Weather conditions: Sunny in the morning, overcast and windy in the afternoon.
Temperature: Air: 21 – 26 ??C, Track: 21 – 36 ??C
Number of riders participating: 21 from 13 teams
Fastest lap Race 1: Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha Sterilgarda Racing) 1:38.781 min
Fastest lap Race 2: Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha Sterilgarda Racing) 1:38.879 min

In Magny-Cours (FRA), Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport experienced a tough end to what was overall a successful second season in the 2010 FIM Superbike World Championship. Ruben Xaus (ESP) and Troy Corser (AUS) posted a total of eight top-five-finishes, and Troy clinched the team’s first pole position and podium finishes. In the championship standings Troy finished 11th (165 points) and Ruben finished 15th (106 points). In the manufacturers’ standings BMW ended the season sixth with 201 points (2009: 141 points).

In race 1, Ruben crashed on his third lap in turn 2 after hitting a bump. Troy was fighting with the top guys when the engine of his BMW S 1000 RR lost power after eight laps. Troy parked the bike. Cal Crutchlow (GBR) won the race. After consultation with team doctor, Dr. Vincenzo Tota, the team management and Ruben jointly decided for the Spanish rider not to participate in race 2. The entire team wants to thank Ruben for his commitment and focus and wish him all the best for his future. Troy started race 2 well, but had to stop early with gearbox issues. Max Biaggi (ITA) won the final race of the 2010 season.

In the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup Team BMW Motorrad Italia STK rider Ayrton Badovini finished off a superb season with another great result. After having won the first nine races of the season, he finished the race in Magny-Cours second. During warm-up, the Italian was involved in a crash. His left calf was crushed, and subsequently he was in pain. Hendrik von Kuenheim, General Director BMW Motorrad, says: “Our heartiest congratulations to Ayrton and Team BMW Motorrad Italia STK for this unbelievable season. They were in a class of their own, dominating the season from the very beginning. This performance proves both the superiority of Ayrton and the BMW S 1000 RR as a production motorcycle in the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup.”

Troy Corser:
Bike: BMW S 1000 RR
Result Race 1: DNF / Fastest Lap Race 1: 1:39.391 min
Result Race 2: DNF / Fastest Lap Race 2: 1:41.159 min
“It has been a really hard weekend for us. We have had some issues with the set-up which has prevented us from taking advantage of two good starts in today’s races. Sadly a technical issue brought an early end to both races, but I know we have the package to succeed in the long term. On the whole it has been a good year for the team, and we can now look forward to next year and developing the 2011 bike. Hopefully we can learn from today and improve so we are ready for the start of next season. I would like to thank the entire team for all their hard work and commitment over the season and I am really looking forward to next year.”

Ruben Xaus:
Bike: BMW S 1000 RR
Result Race 1: DNF / Fastest Lap Race 1: 1:40.166 min
Result Race 2: DNS
“This is not the way I want to finish the season, and I am really sad. Nevertheless, I am not 100 per cent physically fit, and we decided jointly it would be better for me not to start race 2. I will now recover to be ready for the challenges ahead.”

Berthold Hauser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director):
“Unfortunately we have suffered some bad luck over the last couple of races. Our results did not really reflect the potential of the riders, the team and the bike. We will keep our heads up and look into the future positively. I want to thank Ruben on behalf of the entire team for his commitment. We wish him all the best. Nevertheless, as soon as one season is over another begins: On Tuesday we will test here in Magny-Cours – for the first time with our new rider line-up. Not only Troy, but also Leon Haslam will ride the BMW S 1000 RR. We want to thank Suzuki Alstare, and in particular Francis and Patricia Batta, for the early release of Leon. Their cooperation has been extraordinary. We really appreciate their magnanimous gesture.”

MotoGP

fim-live.com: “A big win for me” - Stoner

Formula 1

autosport.com: Porsche ready to reevaluate entering F1

On the Street

thekneeslider.com: A four year degree in motorcycle restoration

Woot of the Day

The Mothership

BMW Group Canada reports September sales results
• 02.10.2010
• Press Release

Richmond Hill, ON . BMW Group Canada (BMW and MINI brands combined) reported retail sales of 3,053 units in September, an increase of 11.0% compared to September 2009. On the year, BMW Group Canada reported sales of 23,349 units, representing an increase of 8.0% over the same period last year.

BMW Motorrad achieves 4th consecutive record month.
BMW Motorrad Canada set an all time record for the month of September with 141 retails, an increase of 41.0%over the same period in 2009. BMW Motorrad year-to-date retails of 1,761 units represent an increase of 7.05% over last year.

Bike Candy

From Return of the Caf?® Racers

[mika]

I know there is another thread focusing on this bike but this is what I do.

Everything about this motorcycle is big, including the photo gallery. Currently BMW has released 219 pictures which is far and away more than any other motorcycle release by them I have posted over the years. The press release is big on contradictions that make the bike interesting. A huge 1600 six cylinder engine that is light narrow and powerful, complexity in the suspension that leads to precise control, massive bike with a concentration of mass by design to give balance; everything about this bike is big and contradictory.

I think it will be a big hit with the motorcycle press. Look for favorable ride reports and comparative tests. It should win more than a few Best in ___ Class bike awards and even a few Best of the Year for 2011. It will fill the big hole in the upper end of the BMW line up. It will reinforce BMWÔÇÖs commitment to developing and building bikes for their long time touring customers. It will have a mixed reception from the BMW faithful but then we tend to be a tough crowd to please with anything.

Tech developments, cool engine, my favorite front suspension all presented in a press release for full of contraditions; normally all these things would add up to a bike that would fascinate me and yet for my money I would keep my Roadster andspend the money I would have to spend to buy this bike on a clean used BMW 3 Series convertible. I would have most of the toys that the K1600 G_ offers. I would not have to wear a helmet and could gaze longingly into the eyes of the women riding shotgun instead of having her helmet bang into my as she tries to hang on while riding the pillion.. All the time the stereo could be playing our favorite music, something I donÔÇÖt have or desire on my motorcycles.

Alternatively I would build a great track car and stick the power plan tinto ti. Cool. I can see all sorts of builders looking toward this power plant and seeing all sorts of interesting applications.

Enough with my preferences and fantasies enjoy the above link to the photos and the press release form BMW that follows.

BMW Motorrad at the Intermot 2010. The new BMW K 1600 GT. The new BMW K 1600 GTL.

ÔÇó 05.10.2010
ÔÇó Press Kit

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

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

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

Lightest and most compact serial production 6-cylinder in-line engine in a motorcycle > 1000 cc.

Previously, the in-line arrangement of six cylinders resulted in either very long or very wide constructions, depending on the installation position, which led to drawbacks in terms of chassis geometry, weight distribution and centre of gravity. This where the K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL break new ground.

Weighing 102.6 kilograms, the engine is by far the lightest serially produced 6-cylinder in-line engine for motorcycles in the class > 1000 cc. What is more, the engine is significantly narrower in construction width than all other 6-cylinder in-line motorcycles in serial production to date. This extremely compact construction and reduced width was achieved in particular by means of a cylinder bore of 72 millimetres in conjunction with a spacing of just 5 millimetres between the cylinder the cylinder sleeves.

Both the low engine weight and the consistent lightweight construction of the vehicle as a whole contribute to the low weight of the vehicle. At 319 kg (K 1600 GT without panniers) and 348 kg (K 1600 GTL with panniers and topcase) the new touring bikes are in the lower range of the segment.

Three modes to choose from and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) for maximum safety when accelerating.

The rider of the K 1600 models has three different engine characteristics directly available at the press of a button at the right-hand end of the handlebars so as to be able to adapt to different uses such as touring on the road, riding on wet surfaces and sporty, dynamic motorcycling - the modes "Rain", "Road" and "Dynamic". Available as an option ex works, the traction control function DTC is combined individually with the different modes, fully harmonised with them so as to provide maximum riding safety.

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

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

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

Electronic Suspension Adjustment ESA II for optimum adaptation to all uses and load states.

The new 6-cylinder touring bikes also benefit from the innovative Electronic Suspension Adjustment II (ESA II), which is offered as a special equipment feature ex works.

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

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

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

Integrated operating concept with Multi-Controller, TFT colour screen and menu guidance.

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

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

Innovative design with outstanding wind and weather protection.

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

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

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

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

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

The luxurious touring bike BMW K 1600 GTL meets the very highest demands. Rider and pillion passenger benefit from the very relaxed, upright seating position as is especially appreciated over long distances. The ergonomic design is geared towards maximum comfort and derives from a single-section, dual level seat in conjunction with rider footrests which are further forward and lower, as well as handlebars which reach further backwards. The standard topcase rounds off the range of comfort features for the pillion passenger.

Like the K 1600 GT, the K 1600 GTL has a very extensive range of standard features consisting of xenon headlamps, heated grips and seat, cruise control and on-board computer. The overall impression of the fascinating 6-cylinder motorcycle in combination with a carefully conceived storage concept, a standard audio system and numerous design elements make the BMW K 1600 GTL the flagship model among the BMW Motorrad touring bikes.

Individual paint finish concepts adapted to the character of each bike.
As touring bikes, the new BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL stand for a perfect synthesis of supremacy, dynamic performance and comfort. This is also reflected in the colouring of the two models.

In the K 1600 GT, the body colours of Light Grey metallic and Vermilion Red metallic create a fascinating contrast with the frame and wheels in Ostra Grey and the engine in Platinum metallic matt. The colouring especially highlights the bike's technical components. The lines are concentrated and give the motorcycle a marked sense of agility.

With its emphasis on comfort and equipment, the K 1600 GTL has a powerful presence and elegance with elongated lines. This was achieved by means of a harmonious interaction between body colours and the colouring of the engine and chassis components. Here, Mineral Silver metallic or Royal Blue metallic 2 provide a perfect match for the Magnesium metallic matt of the painted frame and wheels. The engine in Platinum metallic matt ensures an appealing overall impression.
An overview of highlights of the BMW K 1600 GT/ K 1600 GTL:
ÔÇó Supreme in-line 6-cylinder engine with a high level of pulling power, especially in the lower and medium engine speed range.
ÔÇó Engine output 118 kW (160 bhp) at 7 750 rpm and maximum torque 175 Nm at 5 250 rpm.
ÔÇó Over 70 per cent of the maximum torque is already available from 1 500 rpm.
ÔÇó The lightest and most compact 6-cylinder in-line engine in serial motorcycle production > 1000 cc weighing just 102.6 kg and measuring 555 mm in width.
ÔÇó Consistent lightweight construction throughout the entire vehicle (magnesium front panel carrier, aluminium rear frame, crankshaft etc.).
ÔÇó E-Gas..
ÔÇó Three modes to choose from ("Rain", "Road", "Dynamic")
ÔÇó High active safety due to standard BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part integral).
ÔÇó Dynamic traction control DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) for maximum safety when accelerating (optional extra).
ÔÇó Chassis with Duolever and Paralever and ideal mass concentration for dynamic riding properties combined with optimum comfort.
ÔÇó Electronic Suspension Adjustment ESA II for optimum adaptation to all uses and load states (optional extra).
ÔÇó World premiere in a motorcycle: Adaptive Headlight (optional extra) for increased safety at night in conjunction with standard xenon headlamp and fibre optic rings.
ÔÇó Integrated operating concept with Multi-Controller, TFT colour display and menu guidance for the first time.
ÔÇó Audio system with preparation for navigation device and controllable interface for iPod, MP3, USB, Bluetooth and satellite radio (USA and Canada only) (standard in the K 1600 GTL).
ÔÇó Innovative design with outstanding wind and weather protection.
ÔÇó K 1600 GT with active riding ergonomics for proactive touring.
ÔÇó K 1600 GTL with a very comfortable, relaxed ergonomics set-up for long trips with pillion passenger as well as luxurious touring equipment.
ÔÇó Central locking for storage compartments, panniers and topcase (optional extra).
ÔÇó Extensive fittings and individually tailored accessories at the familiar high level of BMW Motorrad.

[mika]

WSBK et al.

worldsbk.com: Glorious sunshine welcomes in a new WSBK era

The new spec BMW starts out strong in the hands of Haslam and Corser
Unofficial Times: 1. Laverty 1m38.8s; 2. Haslam 1m39.2s; 3. Sykes 1m39.3s; 4. Corser 1m39.9s; 5. Haga 1m40.0s; 6. Fabrizio 1m40.0s

MotoGP

fim-live.com: Dani Pedrosa will not go to Malaysia
I find it amazing that he considered it at all.

Formula 1 and 

Raikkonen has distanced himself from Renault and Kubica is surprised by his rejection.

fia.com: Japanese GP Preview

autosport.com: Ferrari ÔÇÿMassa still a number oneÔÇÖ
Just not number 1 at Ferrari for the rest of this season and maybe next year at the beginning unless he does really go to start off with but then this is F1 so none of this may matter at all if Alonso and Massa end up less than number 1 in 2010 and what matter more is that this is a run on sentence that resembles the run on silly none sense that F1 news puts us through. Trust me.



Other Racing

KTM RC 8R at Hockenheim



On the Street

While BMW sales in Canada were increasing at record rates for four months Harley DavidsonÔÇÖs were declining but that changed a little in September according to a report in Cyrilhuzeblog.com


Triumph Speed Triple and Tiger 800 in action

Kawasaki

GTR1400



Versys



The Mothership


Balaclavas always look like they would make great stand ins for those funky C wrenches some rear shocks need to set the pre-load or fire hydrant wrenches

 and yet they are totally worthless for either task (unless you want to do either dressed like a Ninja).

BMW Motorrad RiderÔÇÖs Equipment - 2011 Collection.
ÔÇó 05.10.2010
ÔÇó Press Kit

At a glance. BMW Motorrad Rider??s Equipment - Collection 2011.
A new feature from 2011 is the categorisation of BMW Motorrad Rider Equipment into two areas. The designation BMW Motorrad Ride covers the entire range of functional articles, while BMW Motorrad Style refers to the new fan collections.
Modern design, a high level of passive safety, ground-breaking technologies and practical functionality - these are the defining properties of the
products BMW Motorrad Ride once again in 2011.

New products in the range include the casual Club leather ladiesÔÇÖ and menÔÇÖs jackets in abrasion-resistant, pleasantly soft cowhide which are suitable both as a motorcycling jacket and a leisure jacket. These sporty, modern jackets provide a finely crafted finish, casual shaping which is different for men and women, a high level of wear comfort and safety features.



The Boulder 2 jacket is not just suitable for motorcycling. Its new, modern material mix and shaping means it cuts a great figure as a jacket for everyday wear or leisure use too.



The Atlantis 3 gloves are the improved successor in a line of products which has been well established for years. Since it has an extremely soft and flexible finish it can also be offered in the small size of 6 - 6.5. New features are the double cuff and special seams to effectively prevent pressure points.



The ProTouring 2 boots provide safe, comfortable all-year-round footwear, permanently windproof and waterproof as well as breathable, while Sneaker X is a trainer-type half-height boot which is ideal for summer temperatures. By means of small but efficient changes to the material mix and finish, significant improvements have been made over
their respective predecessors.




As an ideal supplement to non-waterproof boots in rain or when riding over wet terrain, the 2011 collection features the functional waterproof HydroSock long. With an elaborate material mix and a seamless finish, it offers great wear comfort.



Another new item is the Doubleface fleece jacket made of soft microfleece and windbreaker material for a climate regulation effect and a high level of wear comfort.

A very functional material mixture of polyester, Cocona?« and activated carbon fibre has an antibacterial effect in the Function shirt and T-shirt: it also odour-inhibiting and offers excellent moisture transport.



The range of BMW Motorrad fan articles has been extended for the 2011 season with the addition of over 70 products. Under the umbrella title of BMW Motorrad Style, four fan collections have been put together, each with its own thematic focus. The collections are defined by their own colour scheme as well as featuring characteristic recurring motifs.

All BMW Motorrad Style products are leisure articles without being specifically designed for motorcycling.

BMW Motorrad Style Logo: sporty leisure wear and lifestyle products for all fans of the BMW Motorrad brand who like to show the logo and wordmark.

BMW Motorrad Style Heritage: this fashionable collection of clothing and lifestyle products is just the thing for those who like old BMW motorcycles and are fascinated by BMW Motorrad history and its icons.

BMW Motorrad Style DoubleR: in this collection, fans of the
BMW S 1000 RR will find T-shirts, jackets and lifestyle products in which the bike's model designation and the stylised, asymmetrical face of the machine (Alien motif) are applied as design elements.

BMW Motorrad Style GS: laid-back, functional items for before and after GS trips are provided by the Style GS collection. GS Enduro lettering and various earth motifs are the recurring design elements here.

The BMW Motorrad Style and BMW Motorrad Ride articles will be available from the 2011 season and can also be ordered conveniently by mouse click from the online shop. The BMW Motorrad eShop is to be found at
www.bmw-motorrad.de under the menu item "Equipment & Shop".

A new feature from 2011 is the categorisation of BMW Motorrad Rider Equipment into two areas. The designation BMW Motorrad Ride covers the entire range of functional articles, while BMW Motorrad Style refers to the new fan collections.
Modern design, a high level of passive safety, ground-breaking technologies and practical functionality - these are the defining properties of the
products BMW Motorrad Ride once again in 2011.

The BMW Motorrad Style and BMW Motorrad Ride articles will be available from the 2011 season and can also be ordered conveniently by mouse click from the online shop. The BMW Motorrad eShop is to be found at
www.bmw-motorrad.de under the menu item "Equipment & Shop".




Woot of the Day

FWIW

Hello.

My name is Bond, James Bond.

I need directions to the nearest Aston Martin dealer, my Vantage Roadster has been recalled. Also IÔÇÖll need the number to a limo service. My Phantom and the around town Bimmer too.


Bike Candy
SixÔÇÖs seem to be in the news everywhere you look. Collin EdwardÔÇÖs Tech III MotoGP crew chief Guy Coulon built this taste little six when he wasnÔÇÖt doing MotoGP things.



At 298cc it is less than a fifth the size of BMWÔÇÖs new machine and at 18,500 rpm it will produce 60 bhp in the process and will windup another 3,500 rpm to a stunning 22,000 rpm!







Want one of your own? Just head on over to Daytona70.com and talk with Daniel Mercier and maybe he will build you one.




Via: The Kneeslider

[Visian]

The new spec BMW starts out strong in the hands of Haslam and Corser
Unofficial Times: 1. Laverty 1m38.8s; 2. Haslam 1m39.2s; 3. Sykes 1m39.3s; 4. Corser 1m39.9s; 5. Haga 1m40.0s; 6. Fabrizio 1m40.0s

john - has there been any discussion of the details in the new spec? methinks that a lot of the grip problems BMW suffered through this year are due to a frame design that may not be quite right.

[UncleMark]

john - has there been any discussion of the details in the new spec? methinks that a lot of the grip problems BMW suffered through this year are due to a frame design that may not be quite right.

And I had heard it was the way the traction control was being used on the bike. They supposedly now have a better understanding (translated: they fixed the damn thing...) of how the T/C works with the different tire sets on different tracks. I'd also would like to know definitively what makes this a better ride now than last year...

Are we talking 'bout the same thing??? heh...

[mika]

ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt knowÔÇØ; is the short honest answer. I have not found a good source for insider tech information; therefore, I glean from things I read and draw my own conclusions like the rest of you.

The long answer (and you know that I always have a long answer available ) is

The team is heading into its third racing season but the bike is heading into its fourth year (1 year+ in development plus two racing seasons) of existence. The fourth or fifth year marks a normal point when manufacturers start looking at putting out a ÔÇÿnew specÔÇÖ bike. We need to be a bit careful about reading too much into what a ÔÇÿnew specÔÇÖ RR means.

The bike has been developed in a leap frog fashion which is normal for a clean sheet of paper project. The norm is for one element to be in the lead in terms of performance. The other elements try and catch up and when they do often leap frog the original leading element. In the case of the RR the underlying engine frame and suspension were out in front of the various electronic controls and the riders. They have caught up and now it is time to work on the underlying mechanical bike again.

Traction Control/Black Box
I believe the black box computer programming issues the team had in 09 were solved early in the 10 season. This does not mean the problems went away rather that the team was satisfied with the alga rhythms of the programming and how it worked in real world conditions to control the engine and suspension elements. Once the TC/Black Box was fixed the remaining problems pointed elsewhere to what the TC/Black Box was controlling.

Engine
I read ÔÇÿnew spec engine and exhaustÔÇÖ as code for we are how and when the engine makes horsepower and torque. I am enough of a mechanic and liberal arts degree holder to get myself in trouble with the engineers at BMW and around here. I expect to see stories come out that talk about valve train changes and how exhaust systems affect power bans and their delivery. The changes require parts and design changes to be homologated so it is a ÔÇÿnew specÔÇÖ engine. This is more than tweaking but less than a true redesign.

Frame
I have no information at all on this. I wondered out loud about frame issues and traction/handling issues in 09. This redesigned tank may point to some frame changes though my guess it has more to do with the need to access every last drop of fuel in the tank.

My motorcycle racing experience goes back to crewing in the flexible flyer frame and the very early spar frame days. In the beginning spar frames tightened up handling too much. The bikes became so stiff they didnÔÇÖt want to lie over in the corners the way riders wanted and needed. There are several ways to loosen up a frame without redesigning the spar. These include changes to the rear sub frame engine mounts our other tweaks.

My guess is we will hear about small changes to the rear sub frame and it will not be clear if the changes are race or production driven.

In the early production runs of the HP2 Sport and the RR there were stories about problems in serial production with the rear sub frame and the attached carbon fiber body components. IIRC the bends in the carbon fiber required by the design of the sub frame were difficult produce in a manufacturing setting. If there is a change to the rear sub frame the change may first be a result a serial manufacturing need and secondly a chance to tweak how the chassis handles on the track.

Leon Haslam
This may be the most important change in the ÔÇÿteam specsÔÇÖ. His racing career is grounded in bikes like the RR; bikes with inline fours and spar frames. Corser and Xaus have excellent resumes but they were grounded in Ducati SBKs. Those are very different beasts. They make power differently. They handle differently.

Development is a leap frog process for all teams. For the teams on the top three steps of the manufacturerÔÇÖs championship podium the seasonÔÇÖs development process looks more like team bicycling than frogs leaping over each other. In team cycling members take turns at the front according to a plan that is intended to move the entire team forward to the finish line. CorserÔÇÖs past non and BMW experience combined with HaslamÔÇÖs experience on inline four spar framed bikes may bode well for a smoother season development process that leads to various kinds of podium posistions.

As always both my short and long answers with a buck will get you coffee and change at the official fly-over-land coffee shop. I will keep poking around for information but lacking anything solid and new this is my story and Im sticking to itfor now.

[mika]

motrcycoecannonball.com: RSS feed link for updates and standings

Formula 1 and …

fia.com: Japan GP - Conference 2
08/10/2010
TEAM REPRESENTATIVES: Norbert HAUG (Mercedes), Robert FERNLEY (Force India), Adam PARR (Williams), Franz TOST (Toro Rosso), Hiroshi YASUKAWA (Bridgestone)


The Mothership

BMW Group: Strong sales growth of 16.8% in September
• 08.10.2010
• Press Release
• BMW brand volumes up more than 20%
• MINI reports best September sales ever
• Over 100,000 BMW X6 delivered since market launch

Munich. The BMW Group continued its successful course worldwide in September. With 142,950 (prev. yr. 122,360) BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand automobiles delivered to customers, sales were 16.8% higher than in the same month last year. In the period up to and including September, i.e. to the end of the third quarter, a total of 1,062,216 vehicles were supplied to customers. This represents an increase of 13.1% from the same period last year (939,554).

Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing: “Growth was encouragingly strong in September, with gains on most of our markets. We have exceptional new products and intend to maintain this upward trend throughout the fourth quarter. Here, we expect to see robust growth in the double-digit percentage range.” Robertson added: “BMW Group retail has exceeded our expectations so far this year. We are confident to deliver more than 1.4 million vehicles over the course of 2010 and to remain the clear number 1 among premium manufacturers once again this year.”

The BMW brand reported 117,467 sales in the month under review – exceeding last September’s figure (97,550) by 20.4%. The main growth drivers were once again the large model series in particular. The strongest gains were made in September by the BMW 5 Series Sedan with an increase in volumes of 63.1% to 19,184 units (prev. yr. 11,761). The new BMW 5 Series Touring launched just a few days ago, and orders for the new model already look very promising. A total of 2,872 customers received their BMW 5 Series GT in September; while 5,491 (prev. yr. 4,336 / +26.6%) buyers purchased a BMW 7 Series. The BMW X models also remain on course for success: Last month, 10,049 BMW X1 vehicles were delivered to customers. Sales of the BMW X5 were at a similar level – climbing 48.0% to 10,807 (prev. yr. 7,304) units. The BMW X6 has also been very successful: A total of 4,491 BMW X6 models were delivered to customers in September (prev. yr. 3,849 / +16.7%); over 100,000 of these SAC (Sports Activity Coup?®) vehicles have been sold since their April 2008 market launch. Robertson: “A further highlight this autumn will be the new BMW X3, which will be coming onto the market in Europe in late November. With more space and comfort, and less weight, the second generation will also set new standards. The first BMW X3 created a new segment in 2004 and rapidly became a bestseller. I am confident that the new model will continue this success story.” No fewer than 600,000 BMW X3 vehicles have been delivered to customers since 2004.

The MINI brand also increased its sales volume in September (+1.9%). With 25,222 (prev. yr. 24,760) deliveries, the brand reported its best September result ever. A major contributor was the new MINI Countryman which launched mid-month. The brand’s first crossover model has already been received by 1,760 customers. In the period up to and including September, 167,751 (prev. yr. 161,638 / +3.8%) MINI cars were delivered to customers all around the world.

In the month under review, the BMW Group increased retail volumes in its three largest markets of Germany, the U.S. and China, among others. In Germany’s still declining overall market (-17.8%), the company reported 16.6% (21,452 / prev. yr. 18,402) more new vehicle registrations and was able to expand both its BMW and MINI brands’ market share. A total of 194,708 (prev. yr. 196,311 / -0.8%) vehicles have been sold since January. Furthermore, BMW was the only premium brand among its competitors with a higher level of new vehicle registrations (171,206 / +0.6%) in Germany in the year to the end of September. Strong growth was also reported in the U.S., where the company sold 20.5% more vehicles than in September 2009 at 23,112 deliveries. A total of 192,052 (prev. yr. 179.219 / +7.2%) BMW and MINI vehicles were delivered to customers in the United States in the year to the end of September. With an 89.1% increase in volumes, China’s growth rate also remained high in the month under review – 15,379 (prev. yr. 8.131) vehicles were sold in what is now the BMW Group’s third-largest market. Compared with the same period last year, sales virtually doubled, thanks to growth of 95.3% (121,826 / prev. yr. 62,394).

Rolls-Royce sales are also maintaining momentum. Deliveries of the Phantom and Ghost models leaped 422.0% to 261 (prev. yr. 50) units in September. Between January and September a total of 1,728 (prev. yr. 461 / +274.8%) vehicles were delivered to their new owners.

BMW Motorrad reported its best September results ever with a total of 8,066 deliveries to customers. With an increase of 4.5 %, its strong results will once again exceed last year's September results. A total of 81,508 motorcycles were delivered to customers worldwide in the year to the end of September – 11,793 (+16.9%) more vehicles than in the same period of 2009. BMW Motorrad is therefore continuing on a stable growth course despite difficult market conditions.



Woot of the Day

[UncleMark]

The long answer (and you know that I always have a long answer available ) is

It's why I read this thread first... Keep this stuff comin'...

[Visian]

It's why I read this thread first... Keep this stuff comin'...

personally, it's the good vibes i get from the "alga rhythms"

[mika]

It's why I read this thread first... Keep this stuff comin'...

Thank you.

personally, it's the good vibes i get from the "alga rhythms"

Thank you for the questions. I enjoy them. So many times I feel like I am doing a monologue in a sound proof booth.


Left my dictionary at my daughters home. : ha The wonderful thing about spell check for survivors of WisconsinÔÇÖs 1950/60s vintage phonix program (big on vocabulary development not so on spelling, at least for me) is it gives you properly spelled homophones to throw your dart at and use.

[mika]

Formula 1 and 

Rains delay F1 Qualifying to Sunday

The same conditions prevailed in 2004 causing qualifying and the race to happen on the same day. Racing rules for all races prohibit teams from working on their cars between qualifying and the race, with the exception of repairing or replacing broken parts. Therefore, the cars that make it through qualifying at any stage should have no problems making the grid. Teams that suffer big failures or crashes will have to work quickly in order to start if that should happen.

The human element may be another thing.

The already busy Sunday of pit crews will be even more so. This will put a great deal of pressure on their stamina. Physically they will not doubt be up to it but will they be able to manage the added mental drain that practice/qualifying/full race in one day will put on them? The problem is perhaps greatest for the new teams.

In 2004 Michael Schumacher took the pole and the race in same day qualifying. He is incredibly fit (here it comes) for his age. He and his car have not had the legs to do a repeat this season of that kind of performance, but does he have the legs to hold his qualifying position or improve it in the race? The field is full of ÔÇÿseasonedÔÇÖ drivers like Barrichello Heidfeld and a few more hitting their mid thirties. Will age catch up with them on this race day with its extra demands? Youth may have its physical virtues but raises the question of mental fitness and discipline to deal with the day.

All that said the people with the biggest problems on Sunday may well be the SpeedTV commentators. There will be limited time for them to prepare their prattle for the race, but will race fans really notice?

What you will notice for now is that this is where this post ends. I just received a call from work. Back tongiht...