Bench Racing & The Morning Reads

[mika]

Members with Birthdays Today

Formula 1

Testing will begin shortly and at the end of the month new cars will begin to be revealed. jamesallenonf1.com has thoughts on key trends to look out for when testing starts.

reuters.com: F1 bringing to many changes, Trulli says.

Other Racing

fim-live.com: Dakar Stage 7

simonpavey.com: Dakar ’11 Stage 7
Bureaucracy mares another good result on what turns out to be another long and tiring Dakar stage.

speedbrain-rall.com: Dakar 2011 – Stage 7

Dakar 2011: Stage 7 Summary


Bikes in the Fast Lane: Dakar 2012 stays in South America and will include Peru

Spy Shots of Piaggio/Vespa 2012 challenger being prepared.




asphaltandrubber.com: Gas vs Electric – Chip Yates takes podium finish in WERA Heavy Weight Twins at Fontana

On the Street

TheVinagent: Las Vegas 2011 - Trends

HFL Gabrielle Giffords – Motorcyclist

This isn’t on the street yet I know many of you are pilots and may be interested. Just a few years ago Honda announced it was going into the small personal jet business. Spanish motorcycle site SoloMotoTrienta uploaded this Honda promotional video of the 2012 HondaJet first flight FAA Conforming Aircraft


The Mothership

The Rolls-Royce Motorcar PressClub was busy this weekend so that on Monday we would know about theirrecord sales in 2010 and get in line for a bespoke model from the Spirit of Ecstasy Collection. to help with the 2011 sales. Over the coming week we will hear sales numbers from the rest of the divisions.

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

[mika]

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

jamestoseland.com is finally sporting BMW livery while Haslam’s is still in AlStare Suzuki mode. We will see how much they use their sites during the season. Haslam has sore thumbs from tweeting.

crash.net: Kawasaki kicks off 2011 WSBK countdown

MotoGP

motomatters.com: Nearly here – Rossi’s first official Ducati appearance

Formula 1

attwilliams.com: The countdown begins

autosport.com: HRT confirms FOTA split.
“The truth is we left because FOTA defends only the interests of the big teams,"

bbc.co.uk: F1 teams battle over cost cutting

Other Racing

speedbrain-rally.com: 2011 Dakar – Stage 8

Bikes in the Fast Lane: Dakar 2011 – The lonely Bultaco abandoned his dreams

Dakar 2011 – Stage 8


Magazine – Stage 8


bmw-motorsport.com: …ready for an exciting season

bmw-motorsport.com: Coronel to drive BMW 320 TC in 2011

racecar-engineering.com: Le Mans 2011 – Porsche 928 RSR


On the Street

bmwmcmag.com: BMW Motorrad sales slip in December but show strong growth in 2010

motorcyclenews.com: KTM [UK] slash prices!
With the financial stability gained from Indian money KTM appears ready to do some price trimming to become competitive.

webbikeworld.com: Caberg Hyper X helmet review

Do your work so you would be proud enough to sign is a saying from an employee quality campaign from some time ago. I have no idea if the H-D employees were proud of their work or not but according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission they signed some of their Sportsters with incorrect parts numbers and they are being recalled.

The Mothership

BMW TV – BMW M customers visit “area 51”

PressClub USA: BMW announces pricing for Detroit Auto Show world premiers

FWIW

PressClub/Portugal: BMW Group expands its lead in the premium automotive segment
Motorcycle sales are reported in the closing paragraph of the press release

BMW Motorcycles: Deliveries increased for the year
In 2010, BMW Motorrad increased deliveries by 12.3% to 98,047 motorcycles. December sales reached 3,764 units (-29.8%).

It is hard for me to ignore that Harley-Davidson had an impressive run of consecutive months/annual sales increases that ended with a December decline in 2006. BMW has been bucking market trends for the past year in the US and other markets. I don’t intend to suggest that BMW is potentially headed off a cliff as H-D did after their historic first December decline, rather that the steady increases the company has shown overall may not be the sustainable recovery many have suggested.

BMW has ridden the wave of successes in several markets that have not had the same problems that the US market has faced. The Canadian market has shown strong increases that may reflect the adjustments BMW made in pricing strategies when the Loonie soared against the dollar. The company has added strong South American sales to its portfolio of markets.

2010 marked the first real impact of BMW’s move into the superbike market with the S1000RR. When the annual report comes out (look for it in March) we should see numbers that tell us how much the 2010 sales increase is attributable to that bike.

I am anxious to hear what Triumph reports for sales in December and for 2010. Like BMW they have bucked the trend and shown strong sales increases. Leadership of the Hinkley group have credited their aggressive product line expansion and updating for their success. This may be true but there is another reason I am interested in their sales.

The BMW and Triumph product lines are coming closer together in several areas putting them in direct competition with each other. Yet even before this product alignment began they struck me as in competition for the same rider group; second + motorcycle buyer group that was more mature than market averages and possibly returning to motorcycling. These riders were moving from their first bikes to something bigger or closer to their dream. Triumph’s results may give a better inkling if this is a hiccup or if my ill defined market segment is petering out.

How will the S 1000 RR do in 2011? Was it a new kid on the block one year wonder? Or has BMW carved a credible niche in the superbike market? How will this years new six cylinder K1600 BMWs do in this tepid motorcycle market? While I have no doubt they will be well received by the press and those who ride them I am less sanguine about their ability to move off the showroom floor than many.

When the 2010 annual reports for the various companies come out we will have fun picking apart and analyzing the numbers. That is historical analysis. 2011 numbers are the ones that count now.

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

[Visian]

Bike Candy

schwinnnnnnng!

[mika]

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

worldsbk.com: Kawasaki WSBK tests begin at Sepang

motorsport-total.com: toseland wants to end the downturn of his career

MotoGP

motogp.com: Rossi ÔÇ£ The Ducati is a proper prototypeÔÇØ

bbc.co.uk: DucatiÔÇÖs Valentino Rossi reveals struggle for fitness

nickyhayden.com: Nicky Hayden and Valentino Rossi in the spotlight at Wroom



Formula 1

autosport.com: Domenicali unsure about rear wing rules.


Like Petrolhead.tumblr I posted the first part of the 1937 GP season. It is worth another look and this time we have the second half of the season.

Part I
1937 Grand Prix Season


Part II


Other Racing

fim-live.com: Dakar stage 9

simonpavey.com Stage 9

speedbrain-rally.com: 2011 Dakar, Stage 9

Dakar 2011 Stage Summary Satge 9


Magazine ÔÇô Stage 9




On the Street

ducati.com: Ducati continues to grow and become an icon of ÔÇ£made in ItalyÔÇØ
Registrations increased by 5% in 2010, reaching 36,200 motorcycles, enabling us to achieve a market share of 8.6%, a 1.5 point improvement compared to the final figures of an already positive 2009

throttlehand.com: Interview with U. S. Norton CEO Dan Van Epps

sportrider.com: 2011 KTM 990 SM T

HFL: Ural sales up 39% in 2010

inhabitat.com: Turntable and other cool gadgets made from old motorcycle parts





technologyreview.com: VerizonÔÇÖs iPhone gamble

The Mothership







Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

[mika]

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK



MotoGP

motorgp.com: Rossi’s Desmosedici GP11 unveiled
Technical Specifications:
Engine: Liquid-cooled, 90 degree V4 four-stroke, desmodromic DOHC, four valves per cylinder.
Capacity: 799cc
Maximum power: More than 200hp
Maximum speed: In excess of 310 kph/192 mph
Transmission: Six-speed cassette-type gearbox, with alternative gear ratios available. Dry multiplate slipper clutch. Chain final drive.
Carburation: Indirect Magneti Marelli electronic injection, four throttle bodies with injectors above butterfly valves. Throttles operated by EVO TCF (Throttle Control & Feedback) system.
Fuel: Shell Racing V-Power
Lubricant: Shell Advance Ultra 4
Ignition: Magneti Marelli
Exhaust: Termignoni
Final Drive: Regina Chain
Suspension: ?ûhlins upside-down 48mm front forks and ?ûhlins rear shock absorber, adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping.
Tyres: Bridgestone 16.5" front and rear
Brakes: Brembo, two 320mm carbon front discs with four-piston callipers. Single stainless steel rear disc with two-piston callipers.
Dry weight: 150kg



gpone.com: Rossi – “I need five months”
Rossi does not think he will be 100% until May

motomatters.com: Dorna rejects legal action against Suzuki – for now

Formula 1

Ferrari.com: Domenicali – “Tyres and KERS very important in 2011”

Other Racing

speedbrain-rally.com: 2011 Dakar Stage 10





1000ps.at: BMW S1000RR (TGP moto racing)
BMW S 1000 RR bike tuning - Tom TGP moto racing provides them with the finest racing components

thekneeslider.com: Cosentino Engineering 600cc V4 Moto2 project made in the USA
The rules killed the racing future of this bike but the designers forged forward and the interesting project lives.

On the Street

Wrooom and Rossi dominated the news on the sites I follow. Here is another Italian shocker -
HFL: Pierre Terblanche joins Norton
With the addition of this the mind boggles at what could be in store for the reborn British icon.



This showed up on The Chicane Blog.



Ah those were the days when cool cars were still relatively inexpensive.

The Mothership



PressClub: BMW Motorrad receives “2010 GOOD DESIGN™ Award” for BMW S 1000 RR and BMW Concept 6



technologyreview.com: CES video notebook




Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

The second half of the “2010 GOOD DESIGN™ Award” duo.



I would like to see this one make it to the street. I doubt I could afford one (cost of acquisition, ownership and attorney fees) but I would love to travel from dealer to dealer and take test rides.

[mika]

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

How is your Italian? From BMW Italy




MotoGP

bbc.co.uk: Matt Robert’s MotoGP column



All the hype Ducati and its pilots are getting is some what normal for this time of year, especially in Italy. The real underlying story that will haunt this season is the struggle for sponsor money the other teams and Dorna itself face. motomatters.com: Still no title sponso fro Yamaha’s MotoGP team

Formula 1

autosport.com: McLaren – Moveable wind will work

Other Racing

simonpavey.com: Stage 11

speedbrain-rally.com: 2011 Dakar Stage 11

On the Street

motorcycle.com: 2011 BMW F800R review





Ducati Recall

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
DUCATI / MTS1200 2010
Manufacturer: DUCATI NORTH AMERICA Mfr's Report Date: JAN 05, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V003000 NHTSA Action Number: PE10043


Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,196
Summary:
DUCATI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 MTS 1200S MOTORCYCLES. IN THE EVENT THE DRIVER SHOULD DOWNSHIFT OR MANEUVER WITH THE CLUTCH DISENGAGED AND THE ENGINE AT IDLE, THE VEHICLE COULD STALL.
Consequence:
ENGINE STALLING COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF CRASH.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL RE-FLASH THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DUCATI AT 800-231-6696.
Notes:
DUCATI SAFETY RECALL NO. RCL-10-004. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .



mcia.co.uk: Motorcycle sales not all bad news says Motor Cycle Industry Association
Are people finally adjusting expectations to accept what sales are available in current markets?

webbikeworld.com: 365 Motorcycle You Must Ride – Book Review

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

[mika]

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

bikesportnews.com: Knee injury calls a halt to VermeulenÔÇÖs test run

roadracingworld.com: AMA Pro Racing releases rider line-up for next weekÔÇÖs foofical Dunlop Spec Tire Test at Daytona

MotoGP

asphaltandrubber.com: nobody F*cks with the Dorna ÔÇô Ezpeleta puts PI on notice

Formula 1

formula1.com: McLarenÔÇÖs Paddy Lowe on adjustable wings, late launches and KERS


Jack Brabham

autosport.com: FOTA will ÔÇÿpower throughÔÇÖ troubles

autosport.com: HRT offered ot pay FOTA fees

guardian.co.uk: Bernie Ecclestone rules out Rome becoming a Formula One venue

[url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKLDE70E02620110115?feedType=RSS&feedName=motorSportsNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FUKMotorSportsNews+% 28News+%2F+UK+%2F+Motor+Sports+News%29]reuters.com[/rl]: Venezuela state oil company to sponsor Williams

Other Racing

simonpavey.com: Stage 12

speedbrain-rally.com: 2011 Dakar, Stage 12

Stage 12 ÔÇô Sumary


Magazine ÔÇô Stage 12


motorsport.com: Coronel ÔÇô ÔÇ£ This opportunity was too good to miss.ÔÇØ



ducati.com: Ducati and AMG

jamesallenonf1.com: The EV Cup ÔÇô the future of morsport?

On the Street

thunderpress.net: When motorcycle companies took to the skies



dealernews.com: One size does not fit all
Will other companies begin to build their own versions of the Fit Shop?

motorcyclenews.com: Triumph laughs off 125 rumors

Vintage British motorcycle safety adv via Bikes in the Fast Lane


bikeadline.com.au: Husqvarna reports record retail performance [Australia] in 2010

The Three Stooges ÔÇô Cactus Makes Perfect Part 1


Part 2


This showed up on Harley-DavidsonÔÇÖs YouTube video channel


thekneeslider.com: Timeless and period motorcycle design


motorcyclisonline.com: New Bell moto 9 Dirt helmet

ultimatemotorcycling.com: Honda proving grounds for sale

The Mothership

Facebook - Get ready for the live chat with Peter Maier, the product manager of the Concept C and post your question(s) under this link:
http://apps.facebook.com/bmwquestionsanswers
Already curious? have a look at this video...

FWIW

You can use motorcycles as well as motorcycle gear to go snowmobiling.



Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

For more information about todayÔÇÖs Bike Candy go to bikeexif.com, the source, or just drool.





If you feel inspired by the pictures take a trip to the source of the bike, HPN. Their gallery has more pictures and their catalogues are a source for parts. DonÔÇÖt feel industrious? Then HPN will build one for you.

[mika]

Members with Birthdays Today

Leon Haslam twittered today, 0650 flight tomorrow can't wait to get back on my bike. Not long now.... I can’t wait for January to draw to an end and the excitement of the racing season to rev up. Thank heavens and the organizers for Dakar that helps us get past the lack of WSBK news and incredible dribble of stories dealing with Rossi’s shoulder, F1 fights over livery and more.

If you viewed the BMW MOA BoD meeting yesterday you learned we have a new race editor for ON; a S1000RR racer and member Tom Cutter from the Rubber Chicken Racing Garage. I am really looking forward to his coverage of the national scene and more which will begin in March.

I will continue to ‘wonder’ online about racing in WSBK, MotoGP, F1 and other things that catch my imagination. As you know BMW exited F1 at the end of the 2009 season but has been racing their silly cages in other racing leagues. Readers have asked for coverage of the first three. I write the thread so you are stuck with things that catch my fancy and may just scroll past them as you desire. I would like some feed back about the BMW cage efforts. Are you interested in links to them or should I just wonder about them on my own time?

I slept in this morning after watching a Packer victory last night. I put the following together over my morning coffee. While you look at it I am off for brunch with the gang at the Official Fly-Overland-Diner. they are a bunch of Bear fans, go figure.



Good luck Bears! I would love to see a game in Soilders Field next week!




SBK

gpone.com: Biaggi “A tough situation for Rossi”
Big picture look at WSBK "I'm convinced that BMW and Kawasaki will surprise people”.], and Rossi/MotoGP.

Other Racing

simonpavey: Stage 13

speedbrain-rally.com: 2011 Dakar, Stage 13

Satge 13 Summary


fim-live.com Dakar Stage 13



Long before they became auction darlings and garage queens people actually raced the Gullwing.



Mercedes 300 SL at the Liege-Rome Rally 1955

BMW Motorsport

BMW Motorsport.com - First victory for BMW in 2011: Team Schubert wins with works driver Augusto Farfus in Dubai

FWIW – Bike Candy thoughts

Custom builders of any ilk don’t have the same limitations and can focus purely on their vision of the bike and strive to achieve that vision in the end product. I believe builders need to be fairly secure in themselves and their vision as the comments of people such as me could be scathing.

BIKEEXIF featured the Von Dutch Falcone today. Based on a 1959 Moto Guzzi Falcone purchased used in 1961 then gifted with 5000 hours of customizing work.



In its original form the Falcone came in a Turisimo and Sport models.
• Engine - 498cc, air-cooled OHV flat single
• Horsepower - 23bhp @ 4500rpm
• Top Speed - 85 mph
• Transmission - 4 speed
• Frame - tubular/plate, twin downtubes
• Launch date - 1950

The bike, in the current pictures, appears to have been extensively detailed but not ‘resotred’. In near mint condition is does show some deterioration of pin striping, Kenny Howard’s master skill, but overall the craftsmanship and detailing is superb. As you spend time looking at the pictures and using your imagination the effort to build becomes apparent. The custom formed body work and fenders. I love the engine turning that details some parts. The BIKEEXIF article details some of the engine work that went into the mechanical customization. All over the bike are signs of the work of a master 1960s builder.


More pictures are available at BIKEEXF by clicking on the link above.

Judging design work is a very subjective thing to do. You bring your personal views and values to the process. Some designs are iconic and travel well through time. The BMW R7 and the Norton Manx are examples of this in my judgment. They hold up esthetically on their own merits even when looked at with 21st century eyes. Some designs need to be viewed with period sensibilities to appreciate what builder did with the underlying piece and limitations of period products and skills.

Every now and again you come across something like the Von Dutch Falcone. The work is impeccable. The body work pushes the limitations of construction and materials for the period. I spent hours as a youth poring over cycle, hot rod and road racing magazine pictures of the day and am very familiar with the context of the period. In the end I am still left feeling the whole is less than the sum of the parts in this case.

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

raresportbikesforsale.com blog does just what the name implies; finds rare sport bikes for sale on ebay and elsewhere then post information and observations about the bike. Today’s caught my eye, not for the brilliance of the photos, but in relationship to BMW s new six:

1982 Honda CBX Supersport

[mika]

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

kawasaki-racingteam.eu: Sepang tests come to a successful conclusion

fim-live.com Road Racing FIM Superbike & Supersport World Championships and FIM Superstock Cup Regulations

Formula 1

autosport.com: Davidson – 2011 rules tough for drivers
BBC’s F1 pundit anticipates drivers having problems pulling of the cockpit ‘one man band’ the new rules create

Speaking of the rules, here are links to downloadable copies of the 211 rules for F1

2011 Formula One Sporting Regulations
2011 Formula One Technical Regulations

Regulations for other series such as WRC, WTCC and others are available at the FIA Sport page.

Other Racing

simonpavery.com: Stage 14

Dakar Podium


EN - The stage summary - BEST OF 3 - 2011/01/16


On the Street

jalenosgarage.com: 1939 brough Superior SS100


Via SoloMotoTrienta and YouTube – A visit to the BMW plant

1/5


2/5


3/5


4/5


5/5


webbikeworld.com: goreTex membrane types

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

The following picture accompanied a press release from Czech marque FGR announcing it would be taking part in the Brno round of MotoGP’s 125cc undercard race as a wild card entrant.



In 2002 FGR began its 125cc racing effort building its own bike that it began campaigning in 2003 and beyond. The bike and its main components –



Capacity : 124,8 ccm
Bore: 54 mm
Stroke : 54,5 mm
Output : 46 PS +
Gear box : removable, cartridge, six-speed
Secondary gearing : by chain EK
Clutch disk in oil-bath
FGR engine: fully developed by FPOS-Kovovyroba company
It uses own cylinders with electronically controled exhaust throttle

FGR frame – made of chrommolybden tubes, truss-frame
FGR frame : made of chrommolybden tubes, truss-frame
FGR swinging fork : made from special solidity aluminium alloy CERTAL
FGR cowling: developed in cooperation with Motoforza company
Brakes : Brembo, floating disc, radial-type of brake valves
Suspension: White power, front, up-side-down
Electronics : datarecording AIM, detonation sensors
Weight of the motorbike : 75 kg
Rims : Marchesini
Storage capacity : 14 l
- ?ûl CASTROL
Fuel : petrol ELF
- oil CASTROL
Tyres : Dunlop


The 2010 Brno race would be the second time in the team’s history it had made it to the big dance and they wanted everyone to watch them on TV. If you don’t remember this it is not surprising, if it weren’t for new press attention many would have gone without ever noticing the small Czech racing team and its building efforts. The team and their bike went well under my radar until I saw a piece about the new project from the Czech team on the HFL site.

FGR’s second project began to take form in the mind of their designer Miroslav Flgr in 2004. The company would go from the race track to the street and from two strokes to four strokes. Over the next three years the engine and bike began taking form. Financing support was derived from the Czech Ministry of Industry and Commerce and in 2008 the engine was presented.







The surprising thing is the leap this engine meant for the company, in so many ways. They were going from a 125cc race bike to a monster 2500cc V6 street bike:

Parameters
Volume 2442 cm3
Type four-temporal, water cooling, six cylindrical motor V 90*,DOHC/4
Cylindre angle 90??
Inclination angle to the horizontal level of the front wheel 10??
Weight 107 kg
Cooling Water
Inject own

With the engine well on its way a competition for design help was held. The forty-five designers that entered the first round of competition were narrowed down to eleven. Of these 10 participated in the second design round and Stanislav Hanuš was selected as the winner for the project. In this year 2009 the frame, the pivoted fork and further componets were produced and in the same time continued the works on the design. In 2010 the testing of the prototype of the motorcycle FGR 2500V6 continued.

The is scheduled to go on sale next year in a limited bespoke production run of six bikes. The V6 will put out in the range of 240+bhp and make in exess of 150lb/ft of tourge making it one of if not the most powerful street bike in the world.








The engine in its new home.


It takes a monster swingarm to deliver all that horsepower to the ground.




Imagine the exhaust note.







You start kids out on a nice little 125cc two stroke and you just never know what they will end up building and riding.

[mika]

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

SpeedTV – Video – Peter de Waal, VP of BMW Motorrad USA tells the story of the BMW S1000RR, from its inception to BMW’s motivations for wanting to build a Superbike

masmoto.net: BMW Italia and Liberty Ducati present their colors

Coming to a game box near you

Black Bean Games have released this trailer of the forthcoming PC, Xbox360 and PlayStation 3 game SBK2011. Follow Max Biaggi around Portimao in this video, which shows gameplay in development. The game is due for release in May

MotoGP

motogp.com: First day of testing at Jerez for Guareschi and Battaini [Ducati test riders]

MotoGP.com: FIM confirm 2011 race time schedule
Related
motomatters.com: MotoGP schedule shuffled again – three 45 minute sessions and an hour qualifying

Formula 1

formula1.com: Pirelli commence F1’s first-ever wet night tests

grandprix.com: Symonds – I still have a love of F1

grandprix.com: Alonso is wary of Schumacher

jamesallenonf1.com: “F1 season will start with tow Lotus teams, “ says Asmat

Other Racing

speedbrain-rally: 2011 Dakar flashback

HFL: Why you shouldn’t steal gas on the Dakar

HFL: Ten best Dakar pictures

fim-live.com: Annie finishes the hardest race ever!

Champions Forever from gt4zone on Vimeo.

BMW Motorsport

PressClub: Dunlop tyres offer invaluable advantage in the “ Green Hell”

On the Street

cycleworld.com: 2011 Yamaha FZ8 first ride.

moto.it: BMW Turbo 350hp S1000RR

visordown.com: fork in the road – Harley Street Rod vs. Yamaha R1
An interesting if unusual pair to for a comparison test, but they are “contrasting takes on a common theme”.

thevintagent.blogspot.com: ‘I am a coachbuilder'

dealernews.com: Max BMW drops Ducati

2011 Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V


1915 Triumph Motorcycle


clutchandchrome.com: Motorcycle Mama Katey Segal wins Gold Globe for Sons of Anarchy

jsonline.com: Bear’s win set up epic NFC title clash with Packers

The Mothership

facebook.com: Designing for commuting



Woot of the Day

Bike Candy


BMW Motorrad Italia SBK Team. Ayrton Badovini and James Toseland BMW S 1000 RR.






BMW Motorrad Italia SBK-STK Team. Ayrton Badovini-James Toseland-Andrea Buzzoni-Serafino Foti Sylvain Barrier- Lorenzo Zanetti on the BMW S 1000 RR

[mika]

Members with Birthdays Today

On the Street

jsonline.com: Packers, Bears keep the enemy close

jasonline.com: In Chicago, thereÔÇÖs respect ÔÇô but little love ÔÇô for Green and Gold

jsonline.com: No plans to replace Soldier Field sod



February 3 is Chinese New Years. I plan on that day to make the first of a series of post looking at BMW in the first decade of the 21st century. Many of us celebrated the turn of the millennium and the start of the 21st century in 2000 but calendar geeks will tell you both took place with the start of 2001. I took both opportunities to celebrate, but that is another story for another campfire. I have been doing some research and reading in preparation for these posts and in anticipation of the release of the BMW 2010 annual report. I wonÔÇÖt say more about them.

Two BMW press releases kept me in the paddock instead of out and about putting my normal post together. There are a few things that I have been mulling over as I have done my digging that came to mind as I read the press releases and thought about various threads discussing the business of BMW over the years.


FWIW

The press releases do simple comparisons between 2010 and 2009. I donÔÇÖt think we can be that simplistic. Mind you, I am not all doom and gloom but I am not as convinced that all is sweetness and light as sales increase numbers might suggest. A larger context (even more than what follows) is needed to understand what is going on in the motorcycle world and where BMW fits in it.

In my normal rambling order -

Sales:

September 27, 2007 Dr. Norbert Reithofer, BMW Board Chairman, laid out a reorganization of BMW AG. In that speech he set a 5 year annual production goal for the Motorrad segment at 150,000 motorcycles per year. Goals are intended to make you stretch and it will be a stretch for BMW to even come close.

BMW Sales for the first decade of the 21st century

2001: 84,713
2002: 92,599
2003: 92,962
2004: 92,266
2005: 97,474
2006: 100,064
2007: 102,467
2008: 101,685
2009: 87,306
2010: 98,047

Total: 949,586 motorcycles for the first decade of the 21st century.

1923 ÔÇô 2010: 2,451,852 motorcycles for the life of the company to the end of 2010.

These figures include numbers reported in 2004 annual report that adjusted reported sales figures to exclude C1 scooter sales. In that report BMW placed the total C1 sales through 2002 at 33,489 units. The numbers do not include any Husqvarna sales.

The lifetime motorcycle production number is based on information in a 16 March, 2007 BMW press release that placed the total 1923 ÔÇô 2006 motorcycle production at 2,061,977 then adds the remaining four years of this decade to arrive at the final figure.

India:
I have been looking at India more and more even before Harley-DavidsonÔÇÖs announcement that they are building an assembly plant there. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufactures is one source of motorcycle production figures that I have found for the sub-continent. They place the 2009-10 two wheeled production at:

10,512,889 motorcycles.

Yes this includes everything from 1- XXXX cc bikes produced within the country but their one year production number dwarfs the BMW above and H-D figures will follow.

China:
Everyone talks about China and the size of the market. If you have a fraction of an ounce of entrepreneurial blood in you a bit of drool begins to form at the corner of your mouth as you think about the potentials. I have not found a reliable source for motorcycle statistics so pick a number, any number, and you are probably right.

Market Share
Whenever sales figures come into doubt the fall back position every manager talks about is market share. But what are they talking about? In very simplistic terms I keep the following in mind.

Four ways to increase market share.

1. In a static market increase your sales while your competitionÔÇÖs sales decrease in proportion to your increase.

2. In an expanding market increase your sales at a greater rate than the competition.

3. In a contacting market
a. decrease your sales at a slower rate than the competition or
b. increase your sales while the competition remains sales remain constant or decrease.

4. A combination of the above scenarios.

No doubt you can come up with other and better ways to think about market share. For me BMWÔÇÖs increase in market share falls in the last category when you look at it either world wide or in the US.

Harley-Davidson
We are always looking sideways at Harley ÔÇôDavidson; so here goes.

I follow Harley-Davidson and have read their annual reports for many years. A few years ago I wondered how their sales for the first decade of the 21st century would compare to BMWÔÇÖs for a) the same period, b) since the resumption of motorcycle production after WWII, c) the 1923 through 2010 production number.

2001 -2009: 2,641,884

Harley-Davidson will report 2010 sales when it releases its 2010 Q4 earnings estimates on January 25th. The gap between their decade sales and BMWÔÇÖs lifetime sales will only increase. This has no real meaning beyond context and conversation value.

Keep in mind the above along with a dollar and tax will get you a large cup of Reindeer Antler coffee at the Official Fly-Over-Land coffee shop. I posted it here because it provides some of the context I use when I read press releases like these.

Finally
You canÔÇÖt pay bills with percentages of increases or unit sales. You pay bills and investors with revenue and bottom line. For that we will have to wait until the annual report.


The Mothership

BMW Motorrad raises sales by 12.3% and boosts global market position. Encouraging sales trends on all relevant motorcycle markets. Market leader in eleven countries. Strong sales figures from Husqvarna Motorcycles.

18.01.2011
Press Release

Munich. BMW Motorrad can look back on an extraordinarily successful motorcycle season in 2010. By December 2010, 98,047 motorcycles worldwide were delivered to customers (previous year: 87,306 units), a growth of 12.3%. In a highly challenging market environment, BMW Motorrad has recorded the strongest growth by far in the competition.

BMW Motorrad has recorded considerable growth in virtually every country. Supported by its continued product offensive, the blue and white brand could raise its market share to a historical high.

Hendrik von Kuenheim, Head of BMW Motorrad: ÔÇ£The 2010 motorcycle season was a delightful year for us. Our range of innovative models met with great customer interest all over the world. Not only could we sell 10,741 more motorcycles than in the previous year, but at the same time we were able to considerably strengthen our market position in a highly discouraging market environment. Our market share rose to an all time high, and by December BMW Motorrad was the volume leader on eleven markets.ÔÇØ

In Germany, again the largest single market in 2011 for BMW Motorrad, 17,816 BMW motorcycles were registered (previous year: 15,833), a growth of 12.5%. BMW Motorrad could therefore maintain its leadership on both the total market and the 500 cc plus segment.

The share of the total market was 21.5% by December (previous year: 17.7%), and 23.2% (previous year: 19.0%) on the 500 cc plus segment. In other words, almost every fourth new motorcycle over 500 cc registered in Germany originated from the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin.

Italy continues as the second strongest single market for BMW Motorrad. Here 14,386 BMW motorcycles (previous year: 13,089) were registered, a growth of about 10%. The BMW Motorrad share on the 500 cc plus segment rose to 18.4% (previous year: 14.3%). On the highly traditional motorcycle market in Italy, BMW Motorrad could considerably expand its market position and take over as volume leader.

The next most important sales markets are the USA, France, Spain, and the UK, followed by Brazil. The latter emerging market is gradually becoming one of BMW Motorrad's strongest sales markets. To do just to the importance of this market, BMW Motorrad will continue to expand its local motorcycle production facility in Manaus/Brazil, which was first established at the end of 2009.

R 1200 GS once again the most successful BMW Motorcycle.
And once again the most successful model overall was the large touring enduro BMW R 1200 GS, selling 18,768 units (previous year: 15,864 units), followed by its sister model, the R 1200 GS Adventure, selling 11,648 units (previous year: 8,803 units). Third place went to the classical tourer BMW R 1200 RT, with 11,132 vehicles sold.

BMW Motorrad also experienced extraordinary success with the S 1000 RR. In the first full year of marketing, 10,209 units were delivered to customers, and the first supersports motorcycle from BMW is heading the sales statistics in Europe. Considerably more than 90% of the orders for these vehicles opted for the innovative ÔÇ£Race ABSÔÇØ and the dynamic traction control DTC.

At the same time, excellent sales figures were also achieved with the F 800 GS (9,669 units), the F 800 R (7,805 units), and the F 650 GS (6,951 units).

BMW Motorrad outlook for 2011
There are excellent opportunities for a successful 2011: in 2010 BMW Motorrad could increase its market shares over a wide front, take over leading positions on other markets, and so create the optimal platform for future growth.

At the start of the 2011 season, BMW customers will benefit from the revised flat-twin engine roadster BMW R 1200 R that for the first time will also be available as a classical variant. Moreover, BMW Motorrad will be presenting the new G 650 GS, yet another particularly appealing GS model with a single cylinder engine.

The first half of the year will see the launch of the K 1600 GT and the K 1600 GTL, innovative, de luxe touring motorcycles with six cylinder inline engines, the first of their kind in the history of BMW Motorrad. Featuring the most compact six cylinder inline engines in series motorcycle production, these two top models in the BMW Motorrad range will be unlocking new dimensions for riding, long distance, and comfort characteristics.

Above and beyond these, the model range from BMW Motorrad will be presented at its best in 2011. The adventure worlds Enduro, Tour, Urban, Sport, and HP will be presenting fascinating motorcycles for virtually every taste. The range will be supplemented with an extensive line of options and innovative BMW Motorrad rider equipment.

Husqvarna Motorcycles with strong sales figures

Against the backdrop of a heavily declining international market in the field of off-road sports motorcycles, Husqvarna Motorcycles was able to sell 12,066 units in 2010 (previous year: 13,052 / -7.6%). As compared to the relevant competition, Husqvarna Motorcycles asserted itself well, not least as a result of the model offensive started last year.

As of model year 2011, Husqvarna Motorcycles now has the new 450 cc generation in the enduro, motocross and supermoto version available for a full sales year.
These new core models with their innovative single-cylinder engine will generate powerful growth stimuli for 2011. In view of the ongoing model offensive and further expansion of the sales network, the Italian manufacturer is looking forward to significant growth during this year's motorcycle season.



BMW Motorrad USA Posts Growth for 2010

18.01.2011
Press Release
BMW S 1000 RR Superbike is Bestseller in Debut Year

Woodcliff Lake, NJ  January 18, 2011BMW Motorrad USA posted a nearly four percent growth in sales in 2010, despite a continued double digit downturn in the U.S. motorcycle market. BMW sales were bolstered by the February launch of the BMW S 1000 RR superbike, which has redefined the limits of sportbike performance.

The most powerful production 1000cc sport bike in the world, the S 1000 RR quickly surpassed the BMW R 1200 GS to be the best selling bike in BMWÔÇÖs model lineup for 2010. In its debut year, the BMW S 1000 RR earned numerous awards from the U.S. media, including Robb ReportÔÇÖs ÔÇ£Best Sportbike,ÔÇØ Cycle WorldÔÇÖs ÔÇ£Best Superbike for 2010,ÔÇØ and MotorcyclistÔÇÖs coveted ÔÇ£Motorcycle of the YearÔÇØ Award. Other popular core models in BMWÔÇÖs lineup ÔÇô the R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure, and R 1200 RT ÔÇô benefitted from the introduction of a new engine and posted strong sales, as well.

BMW executives credited the companyÔÇÖs sales performance to a stable of leading-edge products as well as to a strong dealer network.

ÔÇ£BMW dealers did a tremendous job in 2010, despite the headwinds they faced with a tough economy,ÔÇØ commented Mac McMath, National Sales Manager, BMW Motorrad USA. ÔÇ£While many dealers in the country struggled last year, BMW dealers remained committed to the job at hand and worked tirelessly to capture every sale they could.ÔÇØ

According to McMath, BMW is anticipating another strong year in 2011 as supply improves to meet continued demand for the S 1000 RR and as the new six-cylinder touring bikes make their debut.

ÔÇ£The new K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL should give motorcyclists a compelling reason to head down to their local BMW dealer this spring,ÔÇØ McMath added. ÔÇ£We expect strong sales from these bikes as nearly 400 customers have placed deposits for them since we kicked off our pre-sale program in late December.ÔÇØ

McMath also predicts continued growth in 2011 from strong consumer interest in new and re-launched models, such as the F 800 R naked bike, G 650 GS dual-sport and R 1200 R.

Bike Candy

The first model in the line of BMW Motorrads...


Lord Sebastian Coe, two-time Olympic champion and Chairman of the London Organisation Committee for the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympics (LOCOG), with the BMW R32 at the BMW Museum (01/2010)

 and the latest BMW Motorrads.


BMW K 1600 GT, BMW K 1600 GTL

[B1Pilot]

Very cool research and info this morning, thanks!

[mika]

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

visordown.com: Xaus ÔÇô ÔÇ£S1000RR is crazyÔÇÖ
The Spanish rider compares his chances to return on his Honda to two years with BMW.

crash.net: Toseland ÔÇô BMW Italia is primed for success
ÔÇ£As a package, BMW are giving us everything they can for us to succeed,ÔÇØ
Just not all the same things as the Team BMW Motorrad.

leonhaslam: Just finished a three day test, small crash but all ready for OZI cant wait

worldsbk.com: More top WSBK and WSS teams getting set to test



worldsbk.com: Rea and Xaus inspired by new Castrol colours.
I guess Xaus is inspired by having a contract. I do wish him luck with his new team.
-related-
bikesportnews.com: video - Jonathan ReaÔÇÖs thoughts on Castrol Honda

Suzuki-racing.com: Waters to race WSBK for Yoshimura-Suzuki

facebook: Project Superbike on DVD

BSB ÔÇô [/url= http://www.bikesportnews.com/news-detail.cfm?newstitle=Lowry-joins-Laverty-at-Buildbase-BMW&newsid=7113]bikesportnews.com[/url]: Lowry joins Laverty at Buildbase BMW

MotoGP

gpone.com: Guareschi, Ducati moving forward

motomatters.com: Qatar MotoGP round to be spread over four days

motogp.com: Ducati completes second day at Jerez

Gpone ÔÇô video ÔÇô A closer look at the GP11


Formula 1

Wrooom 2011 ÔÇô Interview with Fernando Alonso


autosport.com: Lotus naming case to begin next week.

reuters.com: Chinese GP circuit faces March inspection

McLaren.com: New trainer for Lewis
McLaren is keeping quiet about the delay in the release of their 2011 car but they find time to get Hamilton a new trainer and brag about it.

Pirelli F1 tyre test at Abu Dhabi


Other Racing

www.motorsportretro.com: TT heroes for Island Classic

Dakar 2011 Highlights


On the Street

APRC Aprilia ÔÇô ATC system ÔÇô Aprilia Traction Control
Turn off the volume unless your Italian is good and put this on full screen to better read the white lettering with the white shirted presenter in the background.
]

nytimes.com: Me and my algorithm

dealernews.com: Harley-Davidson growing its rental business.
Another dealer revenue stream

The Mothership

The car vs. S1000RR chestnut comes to Top Gear
Film when it comes.

BMW-Yachtsport: BMW is partner of the European dragon Championship



Business Week ÔÇô BMWÔÇÖs Ian Robertson talks about cage global strategy



Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

A clean simple bit of Italian sweet.


Ducati Mono CR

[mika]

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

Dual Press releases from WorldSBK and FIM on the future of SBK

worldsbk.com: FIM and Infront press release

fim-live.com: FIm & Infront fully aligned to further strengthen the FIM Superbike World Championship

Cutting through the release-speak that would make Al Haig smile, the FIM and Infront met and set plans to define and develop WSBK in relation to the up coming changes in the MotoGP formula. The key thing for everyone in the racing chain from these two through to fans is to clarify what the differences are and build on the resulting product each has to offer.

MotoGP’s move to liter bikes makes all sorts of sense within the MotoGP formula but has blurred the distinction between it and WSBK. WSBK has in the eyes of many been encroaching on the prototype territory of MotoGP. FIM/WSBK must define their brand to secure manufactures/teams/races to participate, provide a viable advertising vehicle to attract sponsors and in the end provide events that fans want to watch. The heads of the involved parties got together to do that.

Now back to testing then racing.

MotoGP

motogp.com: Ducati conclude Jerez programme

Formula 1

sepnf1.com: Color coded tyre compounds for 2011
Pirelli wants to help you understand team tyre strategy during a race.

auto-motor-und-sport: Interview with Gerhard Berger and Willi Weber
Very interesting read

Other Racing

racecar-engineering.com: Honda reveals all new Le Mans project

thechicaneblog.com: Art appreciation – Cooper 500

FWIW

asphaltandrubber.com: US Highland idles factory while looking for funding
and
tulsaworld.com: Motorcycle manufacture idles plant

The story here is how and if the company will survive. The importance of this story to motorcycling is how new companies survive from startup status to the next stage in their development. The business model for the innovator takes them through several stages of company development.

In the startup phase venture capital (from credit cards, second jobs, mom/dad and eventually vulture capitalist) keeps the business afloat and developing its product. This is the bleeding phase of development when the neophyte company bleeds red ink on its balance sheet.

The next step is the exit strategy. This can take several forms that boil down to three primary paths: take the product into self production, be taken over by an existing major manufacturer in your area or some combination of the two.

One major risk for entrepreneurs and investors in the startup phase is the dependence on key individuals for the company’s survival to any exit form of exit strategy that yields a return on investment. Key people can be poached by rivals, run out of ideas or have their muse fail. In the case of Highland tragedy struck. Unlike Apple, which is facing its own version of this with Steven Jobs recent health leave, small companies like Highland do not have either the corporate structure or deep pockets to bridge them to survive.

The auto and motorcycle industry are in a transition stage. Changes in demographics, regulations and energy sources to power their vehicles are making the industries more and more dependant on the innovations of small companies. The motorcycle segment of the transportation industry more so than other segments. During the coming decade I anticipate two recurring themes.

At the major brand level, such as BMW, we will see brand consolidation. This will happen either through the buy out or demise of some current existing brands. The major brands will be rolling out products that will have marginal shelf life but that they need to get some return on development dollars invested. Corporate reorganizations and belt tightening will continue to be the major focus for the near term.

Below the major motorcycle brands is where the fun is. Startups have and will continue to provide the bleeding edge development for the future of two wheels. We are seeing this in the electric bike development, the aftermarket parts segment and more.

Highland was set to release a very interesting bike when a tragic air crash took three of its leadership. How and if it survives to the next stage will speak to the tenacity of those involved with it now. I wish them all the best. It will also speak volumes to the willingness of the investment community to invest in US/any small business innovators.

I am big on innovators but never have had much faith in the vision of the next step investor. I hope they see chances for the future in this segment of the transportation industry that I do.


Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

Many of the sites I have been visiting have been all excited about this R45 Caf?® bike that showed up on BikeEXIF.com yesterday. A link to pictures of it even made it to one of BMW/Motorrad’s twitter pages.



You can follow the links to find more pictures of this very nice bike.

I spent some time at ChromeHeads.org and Blue Moon Cycles and came away with this treat.

[mika]

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

It is not a factory team but the factory website is please to announce
ducati.com: Team Althea Racing to present its 2011 Livery at Termingnoni Day saying, "The Italian motorcycle manufacturer has always participated in SBK and we are proud to be able to equip Genesio Bevilacqua's Ducati outfit in 2011."

MotoGP

Another take on yesterday’s FIM/Infront press releases.
motogpmatters.com: A curious missive: FIM and Infront Motor Sports announce they are officially BFF

moorcycle-usa.com: Indain manufacturer enters Grand Prix
Mahindra announced it is campaigning a bike in the 125GP class this year and will stay on when the class bumps up in 2012 to 250cc four strokes. India is on of the last bastions of 2 stroke bikes but are slated to disappear if the Indian government continues its clean air policies.

technologyreview.com: the web is now the last place you should read anything

Formula 1

formula1.com: Visionary vehicle concept designer joins HRT
I don’t write the headlines nor do I know if Daniel Simon is a true F1 visionary. However, it is good to see HRT get someone that may be. F1 don’t ask designers to bring sponsor dollars to secure their chair they pay them. As much as we root for and the press wags on and on about the drivers the big money key men of F1 are the designers. Red Bull is where it is today because of Newey in the same way Brawn was responsible for his name sake being on top the year before. The real F1 race is in the design room.

Williams is talking about securing its future
attwilliams.com: A statement from Frank Williams on behalf of Williams F1

attwilliams.com: Q&A with Adam Parr – Chairman, Williams F1

Retirement may not be on Frank Williams agenda but how it will be dealt with and what impact it will have on the team as a company will be on investor minds. Williams, like F1 itself must deal with ageing management in senior positions of teams and the sport. McLaren dealt with this two years ago and Ferrari before that. It is a story line that will pop up again and again in the next two years.

Other Racing

facebook: BMW Motorrad – A Dakar to remember

racecar-engineering.com: Lotus heads to Le Mans with Evora


On the Street

This could be a great exhibit to see:

MV Agusta Motor S.p.a.
The Museum of science and Art Alden b. Dow of Midland Center for the Arts (Midland, Michigan, USA) will be the stage for the biggest and most extensive collection ever accumulated, to illustrate the story of MV Agusta in all its forms and functions, complete and accurate history.


Bikes in the Fast Lane: File this under amazing female statistics, especially after reading this story from Bikes in the Fast Lane: Granmother trades husband in for motorcycle.

cycrilhuzeblog.com: Royal Enfield introduced 2 new models at the New York show

Harley-Davidson introduces its new lean mean riding machine. According to Harley-Davidson, the new Blackline is: “A rebellious creation of the Dark Custom movement, the Blackline celebrates three fundamental elements of motorcycling: mechanical beauty, internal combustion and the long black line of the road ahead.”


I get Harleys. I like it when I have a chance to ride one. If I were a man of more means I would own one in addition to my BMW and a couple other brands. I like the look of the blackline but would probable go in the V-rod direction. What I don’t get is the bad ass image and building a brand on that image. I poked around the blackline site. I like the looks and as I said if I had the money I could see a H-D in the garage. Then I look at the video. It does not make me want to go out and ride. Instead I want to head to Charming join SAMCROW and go kick someone’s butt before going off to prisons to end my riding season there. I do understand you have to play to your customer base but even Sonny Barger smiles when he talks about bikes.

usridernews.com: Virginia may ban children on motorcycles

The Mothership

PresClub/US: BMW Debuts New BMW Documentaries Franchise to Kick-Off Unique Project Dedicated to the Future of Mobility
FWIW

I am not a gamer. I would rather be out riding my bike. I will admit to having spent a good number of rainy days playing old F1 games on my computer. The bike games don’t do a thing for me beyond sending me to the garage. With the improvements in the games I may have to talk one of the pit crew out of an Xbox and get a new F1 game.



Daffy Duck – Wise Quakers
A crash landing from 1949, a time with very different sensibilities.



Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

Classic Ads: Steve McQueen rides the Honda CR250



Dang, the King of Cool and the music still makes me smile and wish I could ride in the dirt. Alright the music may be a bit sappy but McQueen is still the king of cool riding off into the desert with a smile. How do we make people understand how much fun he was having and we still have riding? Think about that while I go look at my bike and dream of warmer days without snow.