Bench Racing & The Morning Reads

[mika]

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

worldsbk.com: Rough ride for Berger at home.

MotoGP

motogp.com: Barbera has successful surgery, but will miss the Australian GP

reuters.com: Cudlin to replace Barbera in Australia

bikesportnews.com: Dovizioso pens MotoGP deal with Tech3 Yamaha

ultimatemotorcycling.com: Ktm's Moto3 engine ready to race

yamaha-racing.com: Kenny Roberts

Formula 1

Formula1.com: Final practice ÔÇô Button makes it three for three

Japanese Grand Prix Qualifying

bbc.co.uk: Live qualifying

Q1
Rosberg's Mercedes-GP had technical problems and did not turn a time in for Q1. He will not make the 107% cut in qualifying. Based on past races the stewards will no doubt allow him to race based on his Practice times. The team reported unspecified technical difficulties with the car. Luzzi did not turn in a time with his HRT. Unlike Rosberg, it is doubtful the stewards will grant an appeal based on his practice times. No news on his problems.

Hamilton had a brief off road stint in the Spoon. He recovered and came in 4th for the first sessin.

Kobayashi and Sauber F1 set the crowd into a frenzy as he topped the charts for Q1 with a 1:32.626


Q2
Hamilton took top honors for the first round of hot laps. His 1:31.139 knocked more than as second and a half off his Q1 time. Vettel was in P2 followed by Button Webber Alonso Massa. Schumacher was where his expected to be: P7. Kobayashi had added 10 grid spots dropping from P1 to P11 when everyone headed to the pits before the final round of flying laps ÔÇô if needed and he did.

Perez was out of his car and did not advance to Q3 and will start in P17 as a result. The team reports hydraulic problems with the car.

Kobayashi finsihed his final flying lap after the flag dropped to end the session. He was in P7 when he crossed the line then Petrov and Senna in their LRGP machines pushed past him. As the team predicted both LRGP machines advance to Q3.

Q3
Ten cars compete for the front row of the Japanese GP. Hamilton has found the pace Button showed in P1,2,3 and appears to have the best chance of beating Vettel out for the pole.

Kobayashi was the first to take to the track. The Red Bull, McLaren and Ferraris are out next. Schumacher Sena and Petrov are still in the pit. They may opt not to set a time and reserve tyre choice for Sunday in the process.

Hamilton takes the first round of qualifying with 1:30.617 and heads back to the pits. He is followed by Button Vettel Webber and Massa. Alonso is on the track but has not turned a hot lap before heading to the pits. Kobayashi did not set a hot lap time breaking it off and dropping into the pits like Alonso.

Schumacher decides to head out to play with the kids from the top teams and heads out for the final flurry of laps. Kobayashi Sensa and Petrov remain in the pits. Finally the LRGP cars head out and drop Kobayashi's Sauber to P10.

While this was going on Vettel pulled out another pole leaving Button and Hamilton behind him. Massa pips Alonso for P4.

Provisional Grid:
1 Vettel
2 Button
3 Hamilton
4 Massa
5 Alonso
6 Webber
7 Schumacher
8 Senna
9 Petrov
10 Sutil
12 De Resta
13 Barrichello
14 Maldonado
15 Buemi
16 Alguersuari
17 Perez
18 Kovlainen
19 Trulli
20 D'Ambrosio
21 Glock
22 Ricciardo

Not posting a time
Rosberg
Luzzi

Vettel takes another pole and is setup to claim the title.

Look for updates latter today with all the F1 reports.

Other Racing





On the Street




visordown.com: Ridden ÔÇô BMW R1200GS Adventure

thekneeslider.com: Kawasaki supercharger patent drawings

dealernews.com: Zero Motorcycles to unveil 2012 models at EICMA

nortonmotorcycles.com: Stars at Darley Moor










The Mothership

The new 6 Series Coupe




Rolls-Royce Motorcars opens a new showroom in Paris


hmm...been looking for a reason to go to Paris again.

FWIW



Whale sited again: I was going through the Tottoti Motori blog to see if he had any part in building it. Roberto Totti is an excellent Italian custom builder has questions of his own about the whale.






Cage World

thechicaneblog.com: But it sure doesn't taste like tomato juice!






ÔÇ£The Gallery Brummen in The Netherlands is a unique concept in the field of classic and sportcars and lifestyle. Over 350 Classics and sportcars! Under one roof you can find not only three floors with classic cars but also several shops, a lunchroom and Toymuseum Toy Gallery.ÔÇØ


Reference::

FIM: Official Documents
Link to the current year official documents for all classes and search tool for other years.

FIA Regulations ÔÇô Formula 1 World Championship

WEATHER
US:
http://www.weather.gov/ | NOAA's National Weather Service
Select to go to the NWS homepage. National Weather Service - or - Follow the National Weather Service on FaceBook

http://www.weather.com | Bloomsburg, PA

CA:
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html

ROAD CONDITIONS
US:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/ : National Traffic and Road Closure Information
511 - America's Traveler Information Telephone Number; Construction Related; Local and State Transit Links; Traffic Conditions; Regional Links; Weather/Road ...

CA:
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/drivebc_supp/canada_map.htm :
Canada Road Condition Information: Links to provincial highway condition websites across Canada..

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

SportRider.com: Motorcycle Riding Skills Series ÔÇô Street bike and motorcycle riding skills techniques articles at Sport Rider

BMW-Motorrad.com: Service
Electronic Parts Catalogue
Download Manuals
Breakdown Dictionary
Tyre Options
Tips
Before every journey
Before a log trip
Before winter
How to clean your motorcycle

ascycles.com: BMW Motorcycle Service and Maintenance Schedules

Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

pure-gas.org: Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. And Canada

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Woot of the Day

MSF Motorcycle Operators Manual

TIP: Weighting the inside axle of the gyro (aka the foot peg) helps turn your bike into the corner

QOD: Which of the following is true of the motorcycleÔÇÖs front brake? http://t.co/p0LsogW5

QOD: When approaching an intersection as shown in the illustration above, what should you do? http://t.co/QNlJsScr


Bike Candy
This lovely Benneli Seis has been floating around the internet this week. From Bike EXIF and for sale at The Gallery Brummen

[mika]

Saturday, 8 October : Update – F1 Japanese GP

Formula 1

Post Qualifying Press Conference transcript for the 2011 Japanese Grand Prix
DRIVERS
1 - Sebastian VETTEL (Red Bull)
2 - Jenson BUTTON (McLaren)
3 - Lewis HAMILTON (McLaren)

Qualifying Classifications
Lap Times
Maximum Speeds
Sector Times
Trap Speeds

Several changes have been made to the starting grid since my post last night. Four cars which advnaced to Q3 did not set an official lap time in the session. Once stewards had gone through the minutia of the Formula 1 racing regulations the order for these cars was shuffled. Kamui Kobayashi – Sauber F1 – had been listed in P10 will not start the race in P7 with Michael Schumacher – Mercedes GP – next to him in P8. The Lotus Renaults will make up row 5.

Race regulation minutia setting starting grid order seems more than a bit pedantic and not in the spirit of racing on first blush. The fine details of who turned a wheel on the track, only came out to the pit or stayed in the garage is the price the sport and fans pay for teams finding a way to gain a possible advantage on the Sunday grid. By not turning a wheel these teams are preserving starting tyre choice for the race and adding to the strategic brew of the event. Keep in mind a train wreck in turn 1 could take out the leaders setting them up to take over. Lacking that carnage additions to the race strategy pot are key to presenters making the race exciting for fans in a sport that has drivers in cars that can not pass each other with out assistance.

The race stewards reports have not be posted on the FIA site to explain the makeup of row 12. The official starting grid lists both Nico Rosberg - Mercedes GP in P23 and Vitantonio Luzzi – HRT P24. Neither driver set a qualifying time in Q1 that was faster that the 107% requirement.

Rosberg suffered hydraulic problems that prevented him from completing a hot lap. In previous races race stewards have allowed teams and drivers in this situation to race on Sunday based on a posting time in any practice session that exceeded the 107% threshold. Rosbergs times in the three practice sessions show that he was on pace to fight with Kobayashi and Schumacher for P7 on the starting grid.
By granting the Mercedes GP appeal and allowing Rosberg to start the fans get another fast car on the grid to watch. Rosberg will charge through the field entertaining us all while making the sponsors and promoters money. A win-win or at least something as a fan I can rationalize and get behind.

Luzzi and HRT are another story. I like rooting for underdogs. HRT Car no 23 should fit in the underdog category. Yet, I don't get it.

Luzzi blew his engine and could not set a qualifying time in Q1 as a result. Fans would expect him to advance, as Rosberg did, based on a time during practice that was better than the 107% mark 91:39.109). Neither Luzzi, nor HRT test driver Karthikeyan (P1 pilot), were able to set a lap time better than 1:41.097 almost a full second off the 107% minimum time requirement to be on the grid.

There is the letter of the rules and the spirit of the rules. The letter of the rules is rigid and would keep a worthy competitor, in this case Rosberg and his Mercedes GP, out of the race if rigidly applied. The spirit of the rules was considered and he starts from the back of the grid. In the case of Luzzi and his HRT both the letter and spirit of the rules appear to be ignored. A clearly slow car is put on the grid. It is an obstacle for the other qualifying drivers to be blue flag around while remaining a potential danger to if it crashes or blows up on track. I don't understand. Unfortunately the stewards report, when and if it is posted, will shed little light on the subject. We can expect to read something along the lines: 'Stewards have granted the HRT appeal supported by the other teams on the grid and will allow Luzzi and the HRT car to start the Japanese GP in P24.'

formula1.com: Qualifying analysis

formula1.com: Selected team and driver quotes

bbc.co.uk: Doubts emerge of 2012 Bahrain Grand Prix

[mika]

Sunday, 9 October : Update - Japanese GP Formula 1
Formula 1

The Japanese GP started without incident but not without controversy.

Pole winner Vettel won the race to turn one and beyond but in a 'very aggressive' fashion. In the race to turn one he edged out Button almost driving him onto the grass. In the process Hamilton took P2. Button complained and either on their own or as a result of the complaint the Stewards began to investigate the incident.

By the end of the first lap Vettel had a 1.3 second lead over P2 Hamilton and it would increase.

Massa was away ahead of teammate Alonso but under attack. Lap 6/53 Alonso passed to take P4. Massa was left to deal with Webber who was pressing too. At the same time the row 12 pair of Rosberg and Luzzi were having very different races. Rosberg had gained five positions being listed in P18 and charging while race officials were looking at replays of Luzzi spinning and rejoining in the Esses.

Race officials made a quick decision. During lap 7/53 they announced no action would be taken against Vetttel for the 'Button incident'.

Lap 9/53 Vettel was complaining about lack of rear grip and pitted for new tyres. Hamilton had a puncture and need to pick up new tyres. This started the first round of pit stops. Vettel would rejoin the race in P6 but quickly rise in the standings as other pitstops sorted out the field. With the top ten cars having taken their first pit stop by lap 12/53, Vettel would be in P1 trading fast laps with Button 2.5 seconds behind. By lap 15 Button still owned the race best lap but the gap to Vettel was not 2.5 seconds. The German may not have been running away from the field but he was squeezing precious tenths out of the field.

Lap 17/53 Button set a new fast lap dropping Vettel's lead to 2.4 seconds. Alonso was behind him followed by Hamilton, Massa, Webber, Schumacher, Petrov, Perez and Sutil in P10 to round out the points positions. Perez' teammate Kobayashi had a bad start and fell to the far side of mid field. While Button was setting a new fast lap he was engaged in a battle with Alguersuari and Maldinado for P13. He made it past Alguersuari while Maldinado dove into the pits.

Lap 20 Vettel head in for a fresh set of rubber and was almost too closely followed by Webber. Vettel exited the pit just in time for Webber to enter and pick up his set of tyers. Button was now in the lead followed by alonso Hamilton Massa with Vettel returning to the race in P5. Tyre wear is becoming the talk of the paddock. Vettel and Schumacher had blistering on their first set of tyres. They will be challenged to manage them for the rest of the race.

There are many ways to manage rubber. The Red Bull Team's method was a bit aggressive. Lap 21 Vettel set a new fast lap as he crossed the start finish line followed by Webber who did the same when he crossed.

Lap 22/53 Button set a fast lap in an effort to catch Massa the then current race leader and stay ahead of a charging Vettel just 0.9 seconds behind him. Massa would pit shortly yielding the lead to Button. He would return in P5 just ahead of Schumacher.

Vettel was setting Button up for a DRS pass when the Safety Car deployed. The first explanation was debris on the track from a clash between Massa and Hamilton. This set off a flurry of pit stops for P7 and beyond.

Stewards announced they would be investigating the Massa Hamilton incident.

The field behind the Safety Car was

1 Button
2 Vettel
3 Alonso
4 Webber
5 Massa
6 Hamilton
7 Schumacher
8 Petrov
9 Perez
10 Di Resta
11 Sutil
12 Rosberg
13 Kobayashi
14 Barrichello
15 Alguersuari
16 Senna
17 Kovalainen
18 Maldonado
19 Trulli
20 D'Ambrosio
21 Glock
22 Ricciardo
23 Liuzzi

Buemi was out of the race by this time.

Lap28/53 the Safety Car returned to the pits and Button bolted away and sets a new race fast lap. The stewards announced no action for the Hamilton incident.

Tyres had been a bugger for most teams but Perez P8, Petrov P10, Alguesuari P17 and Sena P19 were shown having made only one stop at this point to everyone else have taken 2. How will this play out for them was the question in my mind.

Lap 30/53 Senna has a runoff in turn 16 but survives the incident.

As lap 32 times were set Button was in P1 with a 2.8 second lead over Vettel in P2. Alonso was 2.0 seconds behind the German with Webber 1.3 seconds behind him.

Lap 33/53 with less than eight seconds covering the top six drivers Vettel pitted from P2 for a set of medium tyres and re-enters in P11. Webber followed him on lap 35. Vettel began picking off the competition by passing on the track and taking advantage of others pitting. This was good news for Button who was 3.8 seconds ahead of Alonso and 21.1 seconds ahead of Vettel when he pitted on lap 36. He rejoined in P3 ahead of Vettel.

Vettel was told to manage his tyres and finish the race on the current set. Using the new Red Bull tyre management strategy he set two fast laps in an effort to catch up Alonso ahead of him in P3 to get at Button in P2 behind Schumacher listed as the leader on lap 39/53. Shumacher had made only 2 stops at this point.

During all of this Perez ducked into the pits without notice for his second pit stop. He returned in P12 and quickly set a race fast lap to everyone's surprise. Within a couple laps he was in P10 and in the points just behind Kobayashi in P9. He would quickly pass his teammate.

Lap 2/53 Rosberg made his third pit stop from P8. He would return in P13. Row 12 roommate Liuzzi was motoring around the track in P23 two laps down and 8 seconds a lap off the pace of Button the race leader.

Button took the lead when Schumacher pitted form P1. He returned in P6 ahead of Massa and just behind Hamilton. On lap 44 he was 1.4 seconds behind Hamilton and closing. He was having a very good race.

Lap 45/ 53 Button leads +4.8 on Alonso and +6.1 on Vettel. Webber in P4 was 2.8 seconds behind his teammate but 9.9 seconds ahead of Hamilton.

Vettel was frustrated with back markers and showing it. ÔÇ£Replays show Vettel gesticulating in frustration...later...Vettel is slightly peaved by a tricky to pass back marker VirginÔÇØ was the call by F1.

Lap 48 Radio Red Bull tells their drivers to take it easy. They would be happy with P3 and 4 which would give Vettel the title. Vettel clearly heard the orders. Alonso and Vettel have narrowed the gap between P1 and P3 to 3.2 seconds and by lap 50 narrowed it further. The following lap sanity found its way into the Red Bull cockpits but Alonso was still pressuring Button and forcing him set new best sector times and a new best lap on 52/53.

Lap 53 begins with Button 1.1 seconds ahead of Alonso P2 and 2.0 seconds ahead of Vettel. They would finish in that order.

Button wins the Japanese GP.

Alonso takes the second rung of the podium.

Vettel takes the bottom rung of the Japanese GP podium but is the 2011 Formula 1 Champion and the youngest ever double champion.

The provisional top 10
1 Button
2 Alonso
3 Vettel
4 Webber
5 Hamilton
6 Schumacher
7 Massa
8 Perez
9 Petrov
10 Rosberg.

Vettel takes the championship.

Button will be happy with the win but no doubt will wonder what if...

Alonso has to feel good about how the season seems to be finishing.

Mercedes GP has to be very pleased. Schumacher finished in P6. He was reeling in Hamilton but lacked the time to finish the task. He was able to hold off a scrappy Massa. All in all a very good race for him. Rosberg started next to Liuzzi on row 12 and took P10, the last points position for the race, in a strong effort.

Liuzzi finished the race in P23 ahead of Buemi who DNFd, 3 laps down to Button the winner and a lap down to teammate Ricciardo in P22. Virgin drivers Glock and D'Ambrosio were just ahead but 2 laps down to the race winner. These four were the only drivers running at the end of the race that Button lapped. I like the idea of a 24 car grid but this is ridiculous and the springboard for another days rant.

Vettel brings home the title I predicted. Now on to an action packed race weekend next week. All three featured groups will be racing. F1 goes to Korea, MotoGP heads to Australia for their next race and WorldSBK finishes their season at Protimao.

I need to sleep.

[mika]

Tuesday, 11 October


Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

BMW Motorrad Motorsport - WSBK - Portimao - Preview
10.10.2011
Portugal ÔÇô Portim?úo.
Preview.


14thÔÇô 16th October 2011
13 of 13 race weekends


Munich/Stephanskirchen, 10th October 2011. In the FIM Superbike World Championship, the final chequered flag of the 2011 season will be shown this coming weekend. Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport will be in Portim?úo (POR) for the season finale from 14th to 16th October. The team from Munich and Stephanskirchen is hungry to follow on from the successful race weekend in Magny-Cours (FRA), where works rider Leon Haslam (GBR) claimed another podium finish and a fourth place. Furthermore, Leon and team-mate Troy Corser (AUS) scored a total of 43 points for the team in France ÔÇô more than ever before on a race weekend in the FIM Superbike World Championship.

Ahead of the finale of the 2011 season, Leon is currently fifth in the RidersÔÇÖ Championship on 216 points with Troy fifteenth on 85 points. Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport already has 301 points to its name this season ÔÇô 100 points more than at the same point of last season. In the ConstructorsÔÇÖ Championship, for which only the manufacturerÔÇÖs best result in each race is taken into consideration, BMW lies in fourth place on 261 points.

After the final race weekend of the season, the Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport will remain in Portim?úo for a day of testing in preparation for next year. A further-developed version of the BMW S 1000 RR will be used for this test session.


Leon Haslam:
ÔÇ£We are looking forward to the season finale. The last few races we have been getting the most out of our RR, which gives me confidence. Sure, we still have some small issues, but we will work on them. It is the last round of the year and we are still pushing for the first win.

The track is very up and down, and there are a lot of gradients in the circuit. This is sometimes difficult, as the bike tends to wheelie on these parts of the track. As such, it is a challenge to find the right set-up for these characteristics. Last season I had two second places, so it is a circuit that I enjoy. The weather looks very good for the weekend, so we are optimistic that we can have another good race.ÔÇØ


Troy Corser:
ÔÇ£I like the Portim?úo track. It has lots of elevation changes and I think that the track will suit our RR, because it is quite fast and flowing. However, there are a few crests over the hills where these strong bikes could pull wheelies. This might be our biggest struggle this weekend.

I am really optimistic. To go fast in Portim?úo you need a bike that is steering well, and this is the case with our RR. It is an area that we improved with the chassis set-up and I was quite happy with the settings at Magny-Cours. We are aiming to find a similar set-up and the same feeling at Portim?úo. We will also try to improve the tyre life over the race distance. Then we should be well prepared.ÔÇØ


Bernhard Gobmeier, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director:
ÔÇ£We will travel to the Algarve with the momentum gained on Sunday in Magny-Cours, which was a successful day. We showed in France that we can have a significant say in the fight for the places on the podium. Our lap times were up there with the leaders. Obviously, we are now looking to convert this into top results again at the last weekend of the season. We are hoping for two more exciting races in Portugal, and that our RR is right up there in the leading group.

We have no time to catch our breath after the finale. As soon as the 2011 season is over, we will dive straight into preparations for next year. We are staying in Portim?úo to test our further-developed and, in many areas, optimised 2012 bike on Tuesday.ÔÇØ


Background:
Portim?úo is located in the south of Portugal, in the western Algarve, about 200 kilometres south of the capital Lisbon. With a population of 50,000, the city is a popular tourist destination thanks to its plentiful beaches, impressive cliffs and many leisure activities. Motorsport also found a new home here a few years ago. In October 2008, the ultra-modern ÔÇ£Aut??dromo Internacional do AlgarveÔÇØ was completed in the hilly countryside to the north of Portim?úo. It was officially opened on 2nd November 2008 ÔÇô with the season finale of the FIM Superbike World Championship.

Since then, the FIM Superbike World Championship has returned to Portim?úo every year, with this season marking the fourth occasion. This season, the circuit in the Algarve will host the season finale for the third time, having previously played this role in 2008 and 2009. In the meantime, Portim?úo has become a regular destination for many other motorcycle and automobile championships. Many teams and race series use the circuit for testing, due to its demanding layout. The racetrack is part of the ÔÇ£Algarve Motor ParkÔÇØ, which is also home to a modern karting track, a technology park, a racing driver school, and a five-star hotel.

The racetrack has a very unique character. It blends into the hilly landscape with a number of uphill and downhill sections, whilst also featuring changes in direction and gradient, a lot of long bends, and a winding infield. The teams are faced with the challenge of finding the right set-up for all these characteristics. In particular, the bike must lie perfectly when accelerating out of corners. The key to a good lap time is the final corner: here, it is important to take enough speed into the start-finish straight, which is almost a kilometre long.

British BMW factory rider Leon Haslam has good memories of Portugal: last year he stood on the podium as runner-up after both races in Portim?úo. His Australian team-mate Troy Corser also claimed a podium finish in 2008, when the FIM Superbike World Championship made its debut in the Algarve.

kawasaki-racingteam.eu: Portimao the final pit stop on the 2011 campaign trail

worldsbk.com: KTM move forward in Superbike development

MotoGP

motogp.com: Phillip Island set for arrival of home hero Stoner

motogp.com: Stoner can clinch MotoGP title at home race

MotoGP Videos
MotoGP Rewind: Motegi
After the Flag from Motegi

bbc.co.uk: Andrea Dovizioso signs contract to partner Cal Crutchlow in 2012

Formula 1

What if? bmw-motorsport.com: BMW congratulates world champion Sebastian Vettel

formula1.com: Japan analysis ÔÇô played to perfection

formula1.com: Unassailable, unstoppable, unbeatable ÔÇô Vettel's historic double

formula1.com: Koreaa preview quotes ÔÇô Mercedes & Sauber on Yeongam



Other Racing



On the Street

thekneeslider.com: Ducati 1199 panigale Superquadro engine ÔÇô over square design and huge power



nytimes.com: A design that lets two wheels act as one






The Mothership

BMW Group achives record sales for September

BMW Motorrad continued its growth path and with sales of 8,612 motorcycles (prev. yr. 8,066 / +6.8%) also reported a record September in worldwide sales. From January to September sales increased by 6.6% to 86,892 motorcycles (prev. yr. 81,508). BMW Motorrad clearly performed well in the challenging market environment for > 500 cm3. For the whole year, BMW Motorrad is aiming for a new sales record.
Husqvarna Motorcycles delivered 6,080 motorcycles in the first nine months of 2011 (prev. yr. 7,260 /-16.3%). September accounted for 1,351 deliveries (prev. yr. 1,282 /+5.4%).



FWIW



Cage World





Reference::

FIM: Official Documents
Link to the current year official documents for all classes and search tool for other years.

FIA Regulations ÔÇô Formula 1 World Championship

WEATHER
US:
http://www.weather.gov/ | NOAA's National Weather Service
Select to go to the NWS homepage. National Weather Service - or - Follow the National Weather Service on FaceBook

http://www.weather.com | Bloomsburg, PA

CA:
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html

ROAD CONDITIONS
US:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/ : National Traffic and Road Closure Information
511 - America's Traveler Information Telephone Number; Construction Related; Local and State Transit Links; Traffic Conditions; Regional Links; Weather/Road ...

CA:
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/drivebc_supp/canada_map.htm :
Canada Road Condition Information: Links to provincial highway condition websites across Canada..

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

[url=http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/results.cfm?rcl_id=11V491000&searchtype=quicksearch&summary=true&refurl=rss]NHTSA Campaign ID no 11V491000
Dated: OCT 03, 2011 GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 CHEVROLET CORVETTE COUPE VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 24, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREME...


SportRider.com: Motorcycle Riding Skills Series ÔÇô Street bike and motorcycle riding skills techniques articles at Sport Rider

BMW-Motorrad.com: Service
Electronic Parts Catalogue
Download Manuals
Breakdown Dictionary
Tyre Options
Tips
Before every journey
Before a log trip
Before winter
How to clean your motorcycle

ascycles.com: BMW Motorcycle Service and Maintenance Schedules

Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

pure-gas.org: Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. And Canada

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Woot of the Day

MSF Motorcycle Operators Manual


Tire blowout? Hold handlebars firmly and itÔÇÖs best NOT to brake ÔÇô hereÔÇÖs what else you need to know. P.44 http://t.co/jfDAORhW

QOD: If you must swerve to avoid a crash, what should you do? http://t.co/9lbqLMXW



Bike Candy

[mika]

Wednesday, 12 October


Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

worldsbk.com: Algarve circuit host season finale

motomatters.com: Eugene Laverty rejects BMW for Aprilia
Where will Camier go? Will he land at BMW Italia. That would be an interesting twist.

MotoGP

MotoGP Video: Will Stoner take the title at the Island/

motogp.com: Doohan believes Stoner has the mental edge on Rossi

ducati.com: Back to back fly-aways in Australia and Malaysia for Ducati Team

gresiniracing.com: Super Simoncelli charged for Phillip Island

teamaspar.net: Barbera replacement Cudlin hopes for ÔÇ£confident start' art Phillip Island

motomatters.com: MotoGP silly season ÔÇô are we facing another small grid

Formula 1

formula1.com: Track evolution ÔÇô the change from green to mean







Other Racing









On the Street

sportrider.com: Advanced traction control

webbikeworld.com: RK GXW Series ÔÇô 20,000 mile motorcycle chain








BMW Riders would never do this...rofl...HP2 Enduro burn Rodeo Erzberg



The Mothership

Munich. The new BMW 3 Series Sedan celebrates its world premiere on October 14th 2011 at the BMW plant in Munich. The unveiling will be broadcast by livestream on Facebook via the link http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup?sk=app_251023654929514 from 4.00 pm. Press material on the world premiere will be available in the Pressclub from 5.15 pm.


FWIW



Cage World

cyrilhuzeblog.com: Oldest car auctioned for $4.6 million

Reference::

FIM: Official Documents
Link to the current year official documents for all classes and search tool for other years.

FIA Regulations ÔÇô Formula 1 World Championship

WEATHER
US:
http://www.weather.gov/ | NOAA's National Weather Service
Select to go to the NWS homepage. National Weather Service - or - Follow the National Weather Service on FaceBook

http://www.weather.com | Bloomsburg, PA

CA:
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html

ROAD CONDITIONS
US:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/ : National Traffic and Road Closure Information
511 - America's Traveler Information Telephone Number; Construction Related; Local and State Transit Links; Traffic Conditions; Regional Links; Weather/Road ...

CA:
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/drivebc_supp/canada_map.htm :
Canada Road Condition Information: Links to provincial highway condition websites across Canada..

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

SportRider.com: Motorcycle Riding Skills Series ÔÇô Street bike and motorcycle riding skills techniques articles at Sport Rider

BMW-Motorrad.com: Service
Electronic Parts Catalogue
Download Manuals
Breakdown Dictionary
Tyre Options
Tips
Before every journey
Before a log trip
Before winter
How to clean your motorcycle

ascycles.com: BMW Motorcycle Service and Maintenance Schedules

Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

pure-gas.org: Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. And Canada

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Woot of the Day

MSF Motorcycle Operators Manual


TIP: Clothes that are just right when you leave in the morning might be too hot after riding for a few hours. Better to dress in layers

QOD: What is a way to remember the pre-ride inspection steps? http://t.co/cVS3wDBx


Bike Candy

I was all set to post a BMW R75/5 from BikeEXIF until I saw this BMW R100RS over on Cafe Racer Culture









Bing translates their description -


Bmw r100rs aluminium polished mirror-1982: the bike has been completely disassembled and repainted frame, simplified electrical system, rear Lighthouse style round 70, tommaselli handlebars, handlebars aluminum rocker arms, footrest fast motorcycles, ammortizzatiri aluminium-made discharges and gazi, welded hand using part of the original, Pintail aluminio beaten and welded by hand polished to a saddle-stitched leather, hand-built aluminum tank always beaten and soldered by hand and polished to a replica of the famous tank norton manx tables port number most aluminium construction of several more details not available on the market and handmade pieces arrows mini blinker

[mika]

Thursday, 13 October


Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

BMW Motorrad Motorsport - WSBK - Rainer B?ñumel switches to BMW Motorrad Development.
12.10.2011

Rainer B?ñumel switches to BMW Motorrad Development.


Munich/Stephanskirchen, 12th October 2011. Change in personnel at BMW Motorrad Motorsport: Rainer B?ñumel (45), Head of Race Operations, will leave the factory team at the end of the 2011 season, to take on the role of Project Manager on a new vehicle project at BMW Motorrad. The man from Landshut played a crucial role in the entry of BMW Motorrad Motorsport in the Superbike World Championship, and was involved in the sporting development of the team in various roles. B?ñumelÔÇÖs successor as Head of Race Operations will be announced at a later date.

Hendrik von Kuenheim, General Director BMW Motorrad, says: ÔÇ£Over the past four years, Rainer B?ñumel played a crucial part in setting up and developing BMW MotorradÔÇÖs Superbike project. As Project Manager, Technical Director and Head of Race Operations, he poured his heart and soul into the subject and was influential in defining the character and sporting development of BMW Motorrad in the World Championship. I would like to thank him for this, on behalf of BMW Motorrad. Within the framework of our product offensive, we must redeploy some of the capacity existing within the company. This also applies to motorsport. From mid-October, Rainer B?ñumel will take on the role of Project Manager within a new vehicle project at BMW Motorrad.ÔÇØ

B?ñumel says: ÔÇ£The last few years were a very formative time for me. When you work so closely and intensely together in competitive racing, the team becomes like a second family. For that reason, it will not be easy to bid farewell. On the other hand, I am very much looking forward to the new challenge in BMW Motorrad Development and will, of course, continue to keep my fingers crossed for the team.ÔÇØ

BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Bernhard Gobmeier adds: ÔÇ£Rainer B?ñumelÔÇÖs departure is without doubt a loss for the team. We wish Rainer all the best in his exciting, new role. We will now sound the market and appoint an adequate and experienced successor as soon as possible.ÔÇØ

Rainer B?ñumel studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Landshut between 1986 and 1991. From 1994 to 1997 he was employed as Test and Technology Editor at the specialist magazine ÔÇ£MotorradÔÇØ, before moving to BMW Motorrad as an engineer working in the field of advanced chassis development in 1997. Between 2000 and 2007 he was Project Manager of the Boxer series. In 2007 he moved into motorsport with the Endurance project with the BMW HP2 Sport. In 2008 Rainer B?ñumel took over the project management and technical management of Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport in the Superbike World Championship, before stepping into the role of Head of Race Operations in 2011.

FWIW: I am not certain what to think of this.

worldsbk.comDucati Roma Team to make WSB debut in 2012

MotoGP

motogp.com: KTM signals Moto3 entry with an exclusive motor

ultimatemotorcycling.com: Stoner analyzes Phillip Island

Formula 1

fia.com: Korean GP Preview

formula1.com: Sahara Grou becomes co-owner of Force India
-related-
bbc.co.uk: Sahara Group invests $100 m in Force India Formula 1







Other Racing

On the Street

motorcyclenews.com: Kawasaki refuses to deny new Versys 1000 adventure bike

cyrilhuzblog.com: Royal Enfield sets new sales record in 2011

fim-live.com: ACEM and FIM pledge to strengthen co-operation

motorcyclistonline.com: 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 | First Look

utlitmatemotorcycling.com: 2012 Husqvarna TE310 Quick look













The Mothership




FWIW




Reference::

FIM: Official Documents
Link to the current year official documents for all classes and search tool for other years.

FIA Regulations ÔÇô Formula 1 World Championship

WEATHER
US:
http://www.weather.gov/ | NOAA's National Weather Service
Select to go to the NWS homepage. National Weather Service - or - Follow the National Weather Service on FaceBook

http://www.weather.com | Bloomsburg, PA

CA:
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html

ROAD CONDITIONS
US:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/ : National Traffic and Road Closure Information
511 - America's Traveler Information Telephone Number; Construction Related; Local and State Transit Links; Traffic Conditions; Regional Links; Weather/Road ...

CA:
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/drivebc_supp/canada_map.htm :
Canada Road Condition Information: Links to provincial highway condition websites across Canada..

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

SportRider.com: Motorcycle Riding Skills Series ÔÇô Street bike and motorcycle riding skills techniques articles at Sport Rider

BMW-Motorrad.com: Service
Electronic Parts Catalogue
Download Manuals
Breakdown Dictionary
Tyre Options
Tips
Before every journey
Before a log trip
Before winter
How to clean your motorcycle

ascycles.com: BMW Motorcycle Service and Maintenance Schedules

Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

pure-gas.org: Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. And Canada

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Woot of the Day

MSF Motorcycle Operators Manual

TIP: If you ride often at night consider adding auxiliary driving lights, wired into the high-beam circuit. Check that they meet state law

QOD: To spot approaching traffic as soon as possible while in a curve, what should you do? http://t.co/D9xA7Cy1


Bike Candy

[mika]

Friday, 14 October


Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

foxsports.com.au: Karl muggeridge and Josh Waters called up for final WSBK round as Chris Vermeulen drops ut

worldsbk.com: 2012 FIM Superbike Championship Calendar ÔÇô The final edition???
Mille Motorsport Park will be Memorial weekend and run on an odd schedule.

speedweek.de: Portimao ÔÇô everything worth knowing
FWIW: I guess I can stop posting once you have read this

Rumor: http://translate.google.com/translat...tf-8]gpone.com ÔÇô Fabirzio expects BMW
-or could it be-
gpone.com: Ducati at risk of losing Checa
FWIW: We will have an answer by Sunday. Who ever it turns out to be he must be ready for Monday's test session.

speedtv.com: Haslam looks ahead to 2012




MotoGP

sydneymorningheral.com.au: Stoner quickest is Aust MotoGP practice

For the first time this season the 2011 MotoGP crown could be settled this weekend, if current leader Casey Stoner scores ten points or more than defending World Champion Jorge Lorenzo.

motogp.com: Fast start for Stoner in Australia

Predictions ÔÇô bbc.co.uk: Mick Doohan believes Casey Stoner will have to wait for MotoGP title

teamtech3.fr: Edwards and Crutchlow fired up for Phillips Island

Formula 1

fia.com: Thursday Press Conference
DRIVERS - Jaime ALGUERSUARI (Toro Rosso), Fernando ALONSO (Ferrari), Lewis
HAMILTON (McLaren), Pastor MALDONADO (Williams), Sergio P?ëREZ (Sauber), Sebastian
VETTEL (Red Bull)

P1 Classifications: Schumacher, Vettel and Di Resta top the field in Korean GP first session

bbc.co.uk: Live Korean GP practice commentary



Other Racing

BMW Group: Another successful DTM test for BMW Motorsport in Lausitz

On the Street

motorcyclenews.com: Editors picks ÔÇô BMW R1100S
The BMW R1100S is now beginning to hold the timeless appeal of a modern classic, with classy sports-touring styling, VFR-like comfort and versatility plus typical BMW quality and residuals making for an attractive all-rounder. The plush ride delivered by the...


visordown.com: Caught speeding with no bike?

ultimatemotorcycling.com: Motorcycle eye protection -tips

thekneeslider.com: US Highland gets funding and new executive management then sponsors UFC fight?



The Mothership

BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna Motorcycles press conferences at the EICMA 2011
Munich. For the first time, the two motorcycle brands of the BMW Group will be appearing under one roof at this year's EICMA 69th Salone Internationale del Motociclo, 10th ÔÇô 13th November. Models of both brands will have their world premieres in Hall 14 of the Milan trade fair centre


FWIW



Cage World







Reference::

FIM: Official Documents
Link to the current year official documents for all classes and search tool for other years.

FIA Regulations ÔÇô Formula 1 World Championship

WEATHER
US:
http://www.weather.gov/ | NOAA's National Weather Service
Select to go to the NWS homepage. National Weather Service - or - Follow the National Weather Service on FaceBook

http://www.weather.com | Bloomsburg, PA

CA:
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html

ROAD CONDITIONS
US:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/ : National Traffic and Road Closure Information
511 - America's Traveler Information Telephone Number; Construction Related; Local and State Transit Links; Traffic Conditions; Regional Links; Weather/Road ...

CA:
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/drivebc_supp/canada_map.htm :
Canada Road Condition Information: Links to provincial highway condition websites across Canada..

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

SportRider.com: Motorcycle Riding Skills Series ÔÇô Street bike and motorcycle riding skills techniques articles at Sport Rider

BMW-Motorrad.com: Service
Electronic Parts Catalogue
Download Manuals
Breakdown Dictionary
Tyre Options
Tips
Before every journey
Before a log trip
Before winter
How to clean your motorcycle

ascycles.com: BMW Motorcycle Service and Maintenance Schedules

Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

pure-gas.org: Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. And Canada

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Woot of the Day

MSF Motorcycle Operators Manual


TIP: Insulated riding suits offer a good alternative in cold weather, and are especially popular with commuter riders. http://t.co/ZWxeceol

QOD: What is the best way to enter a highway when riding in a group? http://t.co/gRxTjgf0


Bike Candy

From BikeEXIF a beautiful bike by Kosman Specialties

[mika]

October 14 Friday : Update - SBK/MotoGP/F1

SBK

worldsbk.com: Rea ahead of Checa in FP 1

Q1 Results

Checa takes the provisional pole in the closing laps of Q1.

Badovini drops from his FP1 third to 11th on the provisional grid. Haslam 13th and Corser 15th do enough to advance to the Superpole round. Corser should be safe but that is a question to be answered in Saturday's Q2.

Portimao - SUPERBIKE - Qualifying*1

1. Carlos Checa (Althea*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'43.579
2. Eugene Laverty (Yamaha*World*Superbike*Team) Yamaha YZF R1 1'43.666
3. Sylvain Guintoli (Team*Effenbert-Liberty*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'43.860
4. Jonathan Rea (Castrol*Honda) Honda CBR1000RR 1'43.895
5. Max Biaggi (Aprilia*Alitalia*Racing*Team) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'43.907
6. Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki*Racing*Team) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'44.030
7. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki*Racing*Team*Superbike) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'44.111
8. Marco Melandri (Yamaha*World*Superbike*Team) Yamaha YZF R1 1'44.112
9. Noriyuki Haga (PATA*Racing*Team*Aprilia) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'44.144
10. Jakub Smrz (Team*Effenbert-Liberty*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'44.201
11. Ayrton Badovini (BMW*Motorrad*Italia*SBK*Team) BMW S1000 RR 1'44.278
12. Mark Aitchison (Team*Pedercini) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'44.410
13. Leon Haslam (BMW*Motorrad*Motorsport) BMW S1000 RR 1'44.426
14. Leon Camier (Aprilia*Alitalia*Racing*Team) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'44.598
15. Troy Corser (BMW*Motorrad*Motorsport) BMW S1000 RR 1'44.631
16. Maxime Berger (Supersonic*Racing*Team) Ducati 1098R 1'44.715
17. Michel Fabrizio (Team*Suzuki*Alstare) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'45.243
18. Davide Giugliano (Althea*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'45.454
19. Javier Fores (BMW*Motorrad*Italia*SBK*Team) BMW S1000 RR 1'46.076
20. Karl Muggeridge (Castrol*Honda) Honda CBR1000RR 1'46.116
21. Joshua Waters (Yoshimura*Suzuki*Racing*Team) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'46.526
22. Santiago Barragan (Team*Pedercini) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'46.967


MotoGP

Classsifications – Free Practice 2 Australian MotoGP

motogp.com: Stoner leads the pack down under

bbc.co.uk: Stoner boosts championship hopes



Formula 1

Friday P2 classifications: McLaren duo -Hamilton/Button – dominate wet session

fia.com: Friday Press Conference – Korean GP

formula1.com: Selected team and driver quotes

formula1.com: Friday analysis

[mika]

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

worldsbk.com: Checa rules the roost in Superbike Friday qualifying

hondaproracing.com: Rea on pace in Portugal

suzuki-racing.com: Fabrizio looking to improve in Portugal

Note: Silly season rumors will get old and moldy very quickly this weekend. What you read in this post could be last year's news/rumors. Stay tuned

gpone.com: Superbike ÔÇô who is going where?

bikesportnews.com: Portimao WSBK ÔÇô Friday news, gossip and rumors

crash.net: Eugene Laverty no contract yet


BMW Motorrad Motorsport - WSBK - Portimao - Qualifying Practice 1
14.10.2011
*
Portim?úo ÔÇô Free Practice & Qualifying Practice 1.
Friday, 14th October 2011.



Weather conditions: Sunny.
Temperature: Air: 30 ÔÇô 31 ??C, Track: 40 ÔÇô 44 ??C
Number of riders participating: 22 from 13 teams
Fastest lap Free Practice: Jonathan Rea (Castrol Honda) 1:43.945 min
Fastest lap Qualifying Practice 1: Carlos Checa (Althea Racing) 1:43.579 min


Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport had a difficult start to the final round of the 2011 FIM Superbike World Championship at Portim?úo (POR). Factory riders, Leon Haslam (GBR) and Troy Corser (AUS), finished the first Qualifying Practice in 13th and 15th respectively. The team is confident that both riders can improve their positions tomorrow. Ayrton Badovini (ITA) and Xavier Fores (ESP), from the BMW Motorrad Italia SBK Team, finished in 11th and 19th respectively.

Leon Haslam:
Fastest lap Free Practice: 1:45.150 min (P14)/Fastest lap Qualifying Practice 1: 1:44.426 min (P13)
ÔÇ£It was a difficult Friday. We experienced issues that we have already had a few times this season. It worsened when the temperatures rose in the afternoon, but we have an idea how we can solve this. We know in which direction we have to work tomorrow.ÔÇØ

Troy Corser:
Fastest lap Free Practice: 1:45.094 min (P12)/Fastest lap Qualifying Practice 1: 1:44.631 min (P15)
ÔÇ£It has been a tough day for us. We have worked hard to find a set-up that suits the characteristics of this track, but at the minute we still have some issues. The track has a lot more bumps than when we last rode here, and that has made it extremely difficult to find a good feeling on the bike. However, the conditions are the same for everyone, we just need to work hard in the sessions tomorrow to refine the set-up and then we will see what is possible. We all have to remain optimistic and work hard to put ourselves in a good position come Superpole.ÔÇØ

Rainer B?ñumel (Head of Race Operations):
ÔÇ£It was a difficult start to the weekend. This track is a little bit like a rollercoaster, and we are still working on finding the best set-up for these very special characteristics in order to make the bike easier to ride. In the afternoon, when it was hotter, we also had some issues with the grip. But I am sure tomorrow morning we can climb up the time sheets.ÔÇØ


TroyCorser.com

Troy endured a tough day in first practice and qualifying in Portimao, ending 15th fastest. Some previous problems resurfaced and because the track is more bumpy than last year, Troy found his bike a bit of a handful in both todayÔÇÖs sessions. If the team can make some changes to get the bike to ride the bumps more smoothly, Troy is confident that he can improve his lap times and get further up the grid. Newly crowned Champion Carlos Checa (Ducati) topped the standings today, with a lap of 1:43.579. Eugene Laverty (Yamaha) finished second quickest, ahead of Sylvain Guintoli (Ducati) and Jonathan Rea (Honda). Troy - 15th, 1:44.631 After the last few races, I felt pretty happy coming into this weekend, but things didnÔÇÖt turn out the way we expected. The bike was very physical to ride and it was a bit of a handful round here - especially as there are more bumps on the track than last year. Our bike has always been a bit of a handful on bumpy tracks and I tend to think that itÔÇÖs more to do with the engine characteristics than suspension. After all, we tried many different set-ups and changed the suspension quite a bit today, but still had the same problems. Imola and Magny had some bumps, but both tracks were relatively smooth compared to this one and thatÔÇÖs probably why these problems have shown up. LeonÔÇÖs comments today were exactly the same as me, as you can tell as heÔÇÖs only two places ahead of me. At the moment, weÔÇÖre struggling a bit to understand exactly whatÔÇÖs going on and what changes to make, but IÔÇÖm sure the mechanics are pouring over the telemetry and will come up for some ideas for me and Leon to try tomorrow. See ya, Troy



BMW MOTORRAD ITALIA SUPERBIKE TEAM - PORTIMAO - PRACTICE DAY 1
14.10.2011

A Portimao, ultima prova del Campionato Mondiale Superbike 2011,* Ayrton Badovini*coglie un buon risultato nella prima giornata di prove.* Javier Fores *continua a migliorare. I piloti della* Superstock*Barrier e Zanetti, rispettivamente 5?? e 11??, dovranno migliorare nella seconda giornata.

Ayrton Badovini*nelle prove libere della mattina aveva stabilito il terzo tempo a tre decimi da Rea. Nelle qualifiche del pomeriggio, migliorandosi di un decimo rispetto al mattino, ha staccato l''undicesimo tempo a solo quattro decimi dal terzo classificato. Domani Ayrton avr?á margine per migliorare la sua posizione nello schieramento.Terza gara con la BMW S 1000 RR Superbike per Javier Fores che ha stabilito il 19?? tempo, migliorandosi di quasi mezzo secondo rispetto alle prove del mattino.

Nella* Superstock,* Sylvain Barrier *ha portato la migliore BMW S 1000 RR al quinto posto anche se lontano dal leader provvisorio della graduatoria.* Lorenzo Zanetti *(undicesimo) dovr?á *migliorare per contendere a Petrucci *la seconda posizione nella FIM Cup.

Serafino Foti,*direttore sportivo del BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike team, ha commentato la giornata di prove: "Giornata abbastanza positiva. Ayrton ha dimostrato di aver un buon passo in ottica gara. Ed essendo la *classifica delle prove molto corta,*in pochi decimi troviamo infatti otto piloti,*l'11?? tempo da lui realizzato non ?¿ male.Fores ha fatto quello che ci aspettavamo. Cercheremo di aiutarlo per fare un piccolo passo in avanti domani.Nella Superstock*siamo un po' in difficolt?á con entrambi i piloti,*cosa inaspettata, ma siamo sicuri che domani, riusciremo a trovare il bandolo della matassa per migliorare."

Superbike*- Qualifiche: 1?? C. Checa (Ducati) 1'43.579 - 2?? E. Laverty (Yamaha) + 0.087 - 3?? S. Guintoli (Ducati) + 0.281....11??* A. Badovini (BMW) *+ 0.699 ... 19??* J. Fores (BMW) *+ 2.497
Superstock*- Qualifiche: 1?? D. Petrucci (Ducati) 1'46.012 - 2?? S. Morais (Kawasaki) + 1.285 - 3?? L. Baroni (Ducati) + 1.664... 5??* S. Barrier (BMW) *+ 2.091...11??* L. Zanetti (BMW) *+ 2.515

There is the racing silly season then there is the silly side of racing promotions ÔÇô Thursdays WSBK style


MotoGP

motogp.com: Stoner holds the lead on home soil at FP 3
-the-
motogp.com: Stoner sweeps practice, takes pole. Results

ducati.com: Uphill start for the Ducati Team at Phillip Island

gresiniracing.com: Super Sic makes fine start at Phillip Island

teamtech3.fr: Fantastic 4th for Edwards in Phillip Island practice

suzuki-racing.com: Bautista looking strong at Phillip Island

teamaspar.net: Cudlin makes solid progress on day one at Phillip Island

Formula 1

formula1.com FP-3: McLaren dominates in the dry too.

Hamilton went on to take the pole for the Korean GP.

Provisional Grid

1 Hamilton
2 Vettel
3 Button
4 Webber
5 Massa
6 Alonso
7 Rosberg
8 Petrov
9 Di Resta
10 Sutil
11 Alguersuari
12 Schumacher
13 Buemi
14 Kobayashi
15 Senna
16 Maldonado
17 Perez
18 Barrichello
19 Kovalainen
20 Trulli
21 Glock
22 D'Ambrosio
23 Liuzzi

No time for ÔÇô Ricciardo

I will post more F1 timing with the WSBK Superpole results.

bbc.co.uk: Qualifying live commentary transcript







Other Racing



On the Street

ultimatemotorcycling.com: 2012 Yamaha WR250R



webbikeworld.com: AFX Magnus helmet review

motorcyclistonline.com: Vemar Attivo Helmet ÔÇô review









The Mothership




FWIW







Cage World



Reference::

FIM: Official Documents
Link to the current year official documents for all classes and search tool for other years.

FIA Regulations ÔÇô Formula 1 World Championship

WEATHER
US:
http://www.weather.gov/ | NOAA's National Weather Service
Select to go to the NWS homepage. National Weather Service - or - Follow the National Weather Service on FaceBook

http://www.weather.com | Bloomsburg, PA

CA:
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html

ROAD CONDITIONS
US:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/ : National Traffic and Road Closure Information
511 - America's Traveler Information Telephone Number; Construction Related; Local and State Transit Links; Traffic Conditions; Regional Links; Weather/Road ...

CA:
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/drivebc_supp/canada_map.htm :
Canada Road Condition Information: Links to provincial highway condition websites across Canada..

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

SportRider.com: Motorcycle Riding Skills Series ÔÇô Street bike and motorcycle riding skills techniques articles at Sport Rider

BMW-Motorrad.com: Service
Electronic Parts Catalogue
Download Manuals
Breakdown Dictionary
Tyre Options
Tips
Before every journey
Before a log trip
Before winter
How to clean your motorcycle

ascycles.com: BMW Motorcycle Service and Maintenance Schedules

Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

pure-gas.org: Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. And Canada

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Woot of the Day

MSF Motorcycle Operators Manual

TIP: SEE: Don't pause or second-guess your course of action. In critical situations, time and space are at a premium. http://t.co/ZWxeceol


QOD: Which of the following is true of brightly colored, reflective helmets and clothing? http://t.co/obtKqZQV


Bike Candy

BMW R80 Kosaka Toshiyuki via [/url=http://caferacerculture.blogspot.com/2011/10/bmw-r-80-kosaka-toshiyuki.html]Cafer Racer Culture Blog[/url]







Hello!
First of all, thank you for maintaining your blog.*
I am a big fan of your blog! I check it everyday.*
I finished making my BMW Cafe Racer. Here are the pictures.*
Please update your blog with my pictures.*

Here are the specs. of my Cafe Racer:*
BMW R-80
Handmade SSR Original Seat Rail*
Handmade SSR Original Seat
Alluminum Tank
NCR Racer Fairing
Color: White Pearl and Frame Color:Candy Blue*
and more...

Thank you,*

Kosaka Toshiyuki* JP

[mika]

Saturday 15 October : Update - Qualifiying - WSBK/MotoGP/F1

SBK

Saturday ÔÇô

Q 2

worldsbk.com: Four different machines fill top four qualifying spots

On to Superpole and things did not turn out as well for BMW.

Portimao - SUPERBIKE - Superpole*1

1. Marco Melandri (Yamaha*World*Superbike*Team) Yamaha YZF R1 1'42.583
2. Carlos Checa (Althea*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'42.657
3. Eugene Laverty (Yamaha*World*Superbike*Team) Yamaha YZF R1 1'42.671
4. Jonathan Rea (Castrol*Honda) Honda CBR1000RR 1'42.708
5. Jakub Smrz (Team*Effenbert-Liberty*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'42.840
6. Leon Haslam (BMW*Motorrad*Motorsport) BMW S1000 RR 1'42.919
7. Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki*Racing*Team) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'42.970
8. Leon Camier (Aprilia*Alitalia*Racing*Team) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'42.985
9. Sylvain Guintoli (Team*Effenbert-Liberty*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'43.021
10. Noriyuki Haga (PATA*Racing*Team*Aprilia) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'43.021
11. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki*Racing*Team*Superbike) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'43.028
12. Ayrton Badovini (BMW*Motorrad*Italia*SBK*Team) BMW S1000 RR 1'43.054
13. Maxime Berger (Supersonic*Racing*Team) Ducati 1098R 1'43.306
14. Michel Fabrizio (Team*Suzuki*Alstare) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'43.661
15. Davide Giugliano (Althea*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'43.683
16. Mark Aitchison (Team*Pedercini) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'44.078

[b]Not advancing to Superpole rounds[b]
17. Max Biaggi (Aprilia*Alitalia*Racing*Team) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 
18. Troy Corser (BMW*Motorrad*Motorsport) BMW S1000 RR 
19. Karl Muggeridge (Castrol*Honda) Honda CBR1000RR 
20. Javier Fores (BMW*Motorrad*Italia*SBK*Team) BMW S1000 RR 
21. Joshua Waters (Yoshimura*Suzuki*Racing*Team) Suzuki GSX-R1000 
22. Santiago Barragan (Team*Pedercini) Kawasaki ZX-10R

Haslam continued his fall in the charts in Superpole 2 finishing in P11 and not advancing to the final round. Badovini stayed in the pits shown in P7 while others took a final flyer and was bumped.

Portimao - SUPERBIKE - Superpole*2

1. Eugene Laverty (Yamaha*World*Superbike*Team) Yamaha YZF R1 1'42.097
2. Carlos Checa (Althea*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'42.168
3. Sylvain Guintoli (Team*Effenbert-Liberty*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'42.222
4. Jonathan Rea (Castrol*Honda) Honda CBR1000RR 1'42.235
5. Jakub Smrz (Team*Effenbert-Liberty*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'42.323
6. Noriyuki Haga (PATA*Racing*Team*Aprilia) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'42.417
7. Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki*Racing*Team) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'42.423
8. Marco Melandri (Yamaha*World*Superbike*Team) Yamaha YZF R1 1'42.456

Not advancing to Superpole 3
9. Ayrton Badovini (BMW*Motorrad*Italia*SBK*Team) BMW S1000 RR 1'42.645
10. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki*Racing*Team*Superbike) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'42.740
11. Leon Haslam (BMW*Motorrad*Motorsport) BMW S1000 RR 1'42.879
12. Leon Camier (Aprilia*Alitalia*Racing*Team) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'43.012
13. Maxime Berger (Supersonic*Racing*Team) Ducati 1098R 1'43.306
14. Michel Fabrizio (Team*Suzuki*Alstare) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'43.661
15. Davide Giugliano (Althea*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'43.683
16. Mark Aitchison (Team*Pedercini) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'44.078

Portimao - SUPERBIKE - Superpole*3 and the final grid.

1. Jonathan Rea (Castrol*Honda) Honda CBR1000RR 1'41.712
2. Carlos Checa (Althea*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'41.951
3. Eugene Laverty (Yamaha*World*Superbike*Team) Yamaha YZF R1 1'42.173
4. Marco Melandri (Yamaha*World*Superbike*Team) Yamaha YZF R1 1'42.259
5. Sylvain Guintoli (Team*Effenbert-Liberty*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'42.627
6. Jakub Smrz (Team*Effenbert-Liberty*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'42.710
7. Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki*Racing*Team) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'43.282
8. Noriyuki Haga (PATA*Racing*Team*Aprilia) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'43.307

9. Ayrton Badovini (BMW*Motorrad*Italia*SBK*Team) BMW S1000 RR 1'42.645
10. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki*Racing*Team*Superbike) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'42.740
11. Leon Haslam (BMW*Motorrad*Motorsport) BMW S1000 RR 1'42.879
12. Leon Camier (Aprilia*Alitalia*Racing*Team) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'43.012
13. Maxime Berger (Supersonic*Racing*Team) Ducati 1098R 1'43.306
14. Michel Fabrizio (Team*Suzuki*Alstare) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'43.661
15. Davide Giugliano (Althea*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'43.683
16. Mark Aitchison (Team*Pedercini) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'44.078
17. Max Biaggi (Aprilia*Alitalia*Racing*Team) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'43.907
18. Troy Corser (BMW*Motorrad*Motorsport) BMW S1000 RR 1'44.131
19. Karl Muggeridge (Castrol*Honda) Honda CBR1000RR 1'45.268
20. Javier Fores (BMW*Motorrad*Italia*SBK*Team) BMW S1000 RR 1'45.274
21. Joshua Waters (Yoshimura*Suzuki*Racing*Team) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'45.311
22. Santiago Barragan (Team*Pedercini) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'45.495

hondaproracing.com: Haga with Rea in 2012

Silly Season Rumors ÔÇô continued
gpone.com: Buzzoni - ÔÇ£Checa a betÔÇØ

Announcements should come Sunday if the deal is done.

MotoGP

motogp.com: Stoner tears up Phillip Island taking pole at his home Grand Prix

gresiniracing.com: Super Sic on front row at Phillip Island

Ducati.com: Second row for Hayden, Rossi thirteenth

rizla-suzuki.com: Best ever qualifying for Bautista

teamtech3.fr: Edwards confident of top 10 at Phillip Island

teamaspar; Cudlin doubtful for race


motomatters.com: Press release roundup for all the Phillip Island propaganda I missed

Formula 1

Qualifying Press Conferenc

Qualifying

Classifications
Lap Times
Maximum Speed
Sector Times
Speed Trap

formula1.com: Qualfying analysis

formula1.com; Selected team and driver quotes

[mika]

SBK





BMW Motorrad Motorsport - WSBK - Portimao ÔÇô Superpole
15.10.2011

Portim?úo ÔÇô Qualifying Practice 2 & Superpole.
Saturday, 15th October 2011.


Weather conditions: Sunny.
Temperature: Air: 24 ÔÇô 28 ??C, Track: 32 ÔÇô 42 ??C
Number of riders participating: 22 from 13 teams
Fastest lap Qualifying Practices: Jonathan Rea (Castrol Honda) 1:42.569 min
Fastest lap Superpole 3: Jonathan Rea (Castrol Honda) 1:41.712 min


As expected, Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport experienced a challenging Saturday at Portim?úo (POR). Its factory riders, Leon Haslam (GBR) and Troy Corser (AUS), will start the final round of the 2011 FIM Superbike World Championship from the third and fifth rows respectively. Leon finished 11th in todayÔÇÖs Superpole Qualifying after setting the fourth fastest time of the Qualifying Practices. His team mate, Troy, struggled to qualify for the deciding Superpole and occupies 18th on the grid on his BMW S 1000 RR. Ayrton Badovini (ITA) from the BMW Motorrad Italia SBK Team will start on his RR from ninth. His team mate, Xavier Fores (ESP), qualified 20th.

Leon Haslam:
Fastest lap Qualifying Practices: 1:43.090 min (P4) / Fastest lap FP: 1:44.303 min (P13) / Fastest lap Superpole 2: 1:42.879 min (P11)
ÔÇ£On Friday we had an issue which meant we missed out on a lot of valuable track time, but today we have worked well and made some positive adjustments to the chassis. Obviously qualifying didnÔÇÖt go according to plan, as we struggled to obtain the full potential from the qualifying tyres, but on race tyres we are looking good, so I am still confident. The start tomorrow from the third row will be really important, but if we can run with the leaders in the early laps then we could be on for a good result. We will have to wait and see.ÔÇØ

Troy Corser:
Fastest lap Qualifying Practices: 1:44.131 min (P18) / Fastest lap FP: 1:44.185 min (P11)
ÔÇ£Sadly we have struggled to combat the issues from yesterday. The trackÔÇÖs bumpy and undulating nature has made a good set-up very hard to find. We have been working overtime to try and pull everything together, but sadly we ran out of time and missed out on Superpole completely. Now we have to do our utmost with the time available tomorrow to try and find a good setting for the races, and hopefully improve on what is an obviously disappointing starting position.ÔÇØ

Rainer B?ñumel (Head of Race Operations):
ÔÇ£It continues to be a difficult weekend for us. Today we were able to progress with both riders, but unfortunately for Troy it was not enough to qualify for Superpole. Overall our gap to the very front is still too big. We will work hard and try to reduce this gap tomorrow. In the races a lot is possible. Leon is a fighter, he will certainly give his best and you can easily overtake on this track. Troy is facing an even bigger challenge starting from the fifth row. However, in Free Practice we were able to improve his RR in many areas, so also for him a lot is still possible.ÔÇØ

TroyCorser.com
Despite all the efforts of the team, Troy was unable to improve even enough to qualify for Superpole. The bike improved a little, but the Portimao bumps are still upsetting the bike and preventing Troy from pushing any harder. Troy will have to start tomorrowÔÇÖs two 22 lap races from way down the grid - from the fifth row of the grid - and faces a mountain to climb if he is to have any chance of finishing the season with a couple of good results. Jonathan Rea (Honda) won Superpole today, with a lap of 1:41.712, inside the lap record. Second is Carlos Checa (Ducati), with Yamaha team mates Eugene Laverty and Marco Melandri in third and fourth. Troy - 18th, 1:44.131 More frustration today and although the bike improved, it was not enough. WeÔÇÖre still having problems riding the bumps and that makes the bike very hard to ride. Today the team made heaps of changes to the bike. They changed the geometry, spring rates - pretty much everything really - but there was no big difference and that is very frustrating for sure. WeÔÇÖre not giving up though, because weÔÇÖll try a few more ideas in tomorrowÔÇÖs warm-up and see if we can get the bike more easy to ride. If we do that, I am confident that I can make up a lot of ground at the starts and at least be in with a chance of a good top ten finish. If we canÔÇÖt improve the bike, itÔÇÖs going to be a very long and difficult day. Wish me luck! Troy



BMW MOTORRAD ITALIA SUPERBIKE TEAM - PORTIMAO - SUPERPOLE
15.10.2011
BMW MOTORRAD ITALIA SUPERBIKE TEAM - PORTIMAO ÔÇô SUPERPOLE

In Portimao, for the last round of the Superbike World Championship 2011,* Ayrton Badovini*made Superpole and qualified on the third row.* Javier Fores *will start from fifth. In* Superstock, Barrier is fifth and Zanetti starts from eleventh.

Ayrton Badovini*will start from the third row after two days of practice that saw him putting in a strong performance. The Biella rider was in the top ten at the end of free practice before Superpole, in which he finished ninth. Ayrton was just two tenths off the time needed to access the third Superpole round.

Ayrton said: "I am happy with qualifying as putting together a good lap is not my specialty. ItÔÇÖs a pity that I couldnÔÇÖt find the those two tenths to get to the final stage. We are, however, happy with the race pace which gives me confidence for tomorrow. "

After another two practice sessions on his new bike,* Javier Fores, who finished twentieth in qualifying, will line up on the fifth row.

In* Superstock,* Sylvain Barrier *managed to take a second row grid slot, with the fifth fastest time recorded in the final session, while* Lorenzo Zanetti*is on the third row. He will do his best to overtake Danilo in the FIM Cup rankings.

"We are partly happyÔÇØ - said* Serafino Foti , sports director of* BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike Team *at the end of the second day of testing ÔÇô ÔÇ£but not totally because we still have to sort the last sector where we pay. Regardless, Ayrton did his best to ride well in Superpole. Fores, however, didnÔÇÖt get to Superpole and his goal is to score some points in the races tomorrow. The Superstock team hasnÔÇÖt shown what we can do judging by the grid positions for both riders. We tried to take different a route that did not work. Tomorrow we will try put that right. "

Superbike - Superpole: 1?? J. Rea (Honda) 1'41.712 - 2?? C. Checa (Ducati) + 0.239 - 3?? E. Laverty (Yamaha) + 0.461....9??* A. Badovini (BMW)... 20??* J. Fores (BMW)

Superstock - Qualifyng: 1?? D. Petrucci (Ducati) 1'45"282 - 2?? Baz (Honda) + 1.275 - 3?? N. Canepa (Ducati) + 1.348 - 4?? S. Morais (Kawasaki) + 1.408 - 5??* S. Barrier (BMW) *+ 1.477 ...11??* L. Zanetti (BMW)* + 1.958

Superstock results came in - Danilo Petrucci (Barni Racing Ducati) secured the final win of the year in a race shortened to 11 laps after a technical issue with the starting lights. A distant second place went to Sylvain Barrier (BMW Motorrad Italia Superstock) after a close fight with Sheridan Morais (Kawasaki Lorenzini by Leoni) and fourth placed Bryan Staring (Kawasaki Pedercini Team).



Portimao - SUPERBIKE - Warm*Up

1. Carlos Checa (Althea*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'43.492
2. Jonathan Rea (Castrol*Honda) Honda CBR1000RR 1'43.510
3. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki*Racing*Team*Superbike) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'43.681
4. Eugene Laverty (Yamaha*World*Superbike*Team) Yamaha YZF R1 1'43.704
5. Sylvain Guintoli (Team*Effenbert-Liberty*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'43.724
6. Leon Camier (Aprilia*Alitalia*Racing*Team) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'43.729
7. Marco Melandri (Yamaha*World*Superbike*Team) Yamaha YZF R1 1'43.841
8. Noriyuki Haga (PATA*Racing*Team*Aprilia) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'43.848
9. Leon Haslam (BMW*Motorrad*Motorsport) BMW S1000 RR 1'43.857
10. Maxime Berger (Supersonic*Racing*Team) Ducati 1098R 1'43.915
11. Jakub Smrz (Team*Effenbert-Liberty*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'43.935
12. Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki*Racing*Team) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'44.026
13. Max Biaggi (Aprilia*Alitalia*Racing*Team) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'44.220
14. Davide Giugliano (Althea*Racing) Ducati 1098R 1'44.244
15. Ayrton Badovini (BMW*Motorrad*Italia*SBK*Team) BMW S1000 RR 1'44.556
16. Michel Fabrizio (Team*Suzuki*Alstare) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'44.619
17. Javier Fores (BMW*Motorrad*Italia*SBK*Team) BMW S1000 RR 1'44.682
18. Mark Aitchison (Team*Pedercini) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'44.754
19. Troy Corser (BMW*Motorrad*Motorsport) BMW S1000 RR 1'44.953
20. Joshua Waters (Yoshimura*Suzuki*Racing*Team) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'45.008
21. Karl Muggeridge (Castrol*Honda) Honda CBR1000RR 1'45.515
22. Santiago Barragan (Team*Pedercini) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'47.355


MotoGP



motogp..com: Stoner clinches title on home turf

Formula 1

formula1.com: Vettel seals Red Bull title with dominate Korean GP win

formula1.com: Red Bull retain Constructor Crown

formula1.com: Selected team and driver quotes

formula1.com: Petrov handed five place grid penalty for India


Back this evening with a wrap up.

[mika]

Sunday, 16 October : Update ÔÇô WSBK/MotoGP/F1...

SBK

worldsbk.com: Checa takes another win



worldsbk.com: melandri wins and Laverty second



hondaproracing.com: Rea rounds out season with double podium

crash.net: Troy Corser announces retirement form racing
-related-
foxsports.com.au; Australian two time World Superbike Champion Troy Corser announces his retirement

crash.net: Fabrizio joins Badovini at BMW Italia


BMW Motorrad Motorsport - WSBK - Portimao ÔÇô Races
16.10.2011

Portim?úo ÔÇô Races.
Sunday, 16th October 2011.


Weather conditions: Sunny with light clouds in the afternoon.
Temperature: Air: 26 ÔÇô 30 ??C, Track: 32 ÔÇô 39 ??C
Number of riders participating: 22 from 13 teams
Fastest lap Race 1: Sylvain Guintoli (Team Effenbert Liberty Racing) 1:43.453 min
Fastest lap Race 2: Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki Racing Team) 1:43.553 min


It was a historic Sunday at Portim?úo (POR): After being part of the FIM Superbike World Championship for nearly 20 years, BMW Motorrad factory rider, Troy Corser (AUS), rode the last races of his long and successful career in this series. To mark this occasion, Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport surprised Troy with a special green ÔÇ£crocodileÔÇØ-livery on his RR. Starting the final round of the 2011 season from 18th on the grid, Troy faced a big challenge at his farewell performance. But the double world champion was committed until the final chequered flag, despite knowing that the bumpy and undulating nature of the track would cause some difficulties for him and team mate, Leon Haslam (GBR). Troy put in two solid races and finished 14th and 16th. Leon came home in ninth and 15th.

Ayrton Badovini (ITA) of the BMW Motorrad Italia SBK Team was 13th and ninth. His team mate, Xavier Fores (ESP), retired in race one and finished 19th in the second one. The races were won by Carlos Checa (ESP) and Marco Melandri (ITA). In the ridersÔÇÖ championship, Leon finished the season in fifth with 224 points. Troy is 15th with 84 points. In the manufacturersÔÇÖ standings BMW is fourth with 275 points. Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport will now stay at Portim?úo and on Tuesday will test there with the 2012 RR.

In the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup race Sylvain Barrier (FRA) of the BMW Motorrad Italia Superstock Team celebrated another podium, crossing the finish line in second. His team mate, Lorenzo Zanetti (ITA), was fifth. In all five BMW S 1000 RRs were classified in the top 11. Fabio Massei (ITA) from Team Piellemoto finished eighth. The two riders from the Garnier Alpha Racing Team, Brett McCormick (CAN) and Markus Reiterberger (GER), were tenth and 11th respectively.

Troy Corser:
Result Race 1: 14th / Gap to 1st: 00:31.822 min / Fastest Lap Race 1: 1:44.063 min
Result Race 2: 16th / Gap to 1st: 00:31.057 min / Fastest Lap Race 2: 1:44.064 min
ÔÇ£I am a little disappointed with the results. That was not really how I wanted to finish my racing career. We struggled the whole weekend. We were able to improve the bike by changing some settings, but we still did not have enough grip. I just rode as hard as I could with what I had and gave my best. It was a shame because we have made very good steps throughout the year and I was hoping to transfer that here to a good result. The boys and I tried everything, but that was not enough. But I was not the only one to struggle with grip, as a lot of guys were sliding around. So it was just a matter of bringing it home without a crash. All in all I have to say that I enjoyed every bit of my time with BMW so far. It was frustrating at times, but there have been a lot of great moments as well.ÔÇØ

Leon Haslam:
Result Race 1: 9th / Gap to 1st: 00:26.695 min / Fastest Lap Race 1: 1:43.967 min
Result Race 2: 15th/ Gap to 1st: 00:30.951 min / Fastest Lap Race 2: 1:44.535 min
ÔÇ£We knew that it was going to be a tough weekend and, as we had expected, we were struggling with the bike already in race one. From the first lap on we had to fight and it was a long, hard race. It was just about bringing it home and trying to get as many points as possible. We were in the top ten, so we improved from where we qualified. At the start of the second race I was struggling so much that I ran off the track. That put me way back. Throughout the race the consistency was a little bit better, but I lost the front quite often and the rear tyre had blistered. There were too many issues to get a good result. Now I am looking forward to the future and to the 2012 season, which starts on Tuesday with our test here.ÔÇØ
*
Bernhard Gobmeier (BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director):
ÔÇ£Due to it being TroyÔÇÖs last start in the Superbike World Championship, this was an historic day. Of course we would have hoped for a better result for him, but this weekend was difficult from the beginning on. In the early stages of race one it went quite well for us, but then we experienced severe issues with grip and tyres. I want thank our riders and the entire team for their commitment and efforts during the whole season. Now we are looking forward to the new 2012 season and getting our preparations into full swing, starting with our test on Tuesday.ÔÇØ



BMW MOTORRAD ITALIA SUPERBIKE TEAM - PORTIMAO ÔÇô RACE
16.10.2011

In the last race of the Superbike World Championship 2011,* Ayrton Badovini*scored important points that confirmed his tenth place in the standings.* Xavier Fores, unlucky in race one, finished 19th in race two. Sylvain Barrier took a credible second place in Superstock, after a great comeback during the race. Lorenzo Zanetti, with a 5th place today, finished third in the FIM Cup 2011 ranking.

The* BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike Team *finished the 2011 season of World Superbike Championship - the first year in the top level category for the Italian team - with a strong result.* Ayrton Badovini *had a problem with his rear tyre in race one that prevented him from finishing higher than 13th, but still scored valuable points. In race two he put in a strong performance, running as high as sixth place and finishing in 9th place. The points collected confirmed his tenth position in the overall standings, fulfilling one of BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike TeamsÔÇÖs objectives for their first year in the series.

Ayrton Badovini*said: "Race two was fun and certainly better than the first. On the starting grid I spoke with my mechanics and didnÔÇÖt know if I would make it to the end but I gave it my all and made it up to sixth and finished well. I'm happy with race 2 and the season as a whole. It was a great experience and certainly challenging. The team was fantastic and helped me grow a lot. To finish in the top ten is a small victory for me. Thanks to the experience and technical development of the bike this year we will definitely be more competitive next season."

Xavier Fores*failed to take points this time out in what is a very competitive championship.*

Superstock*saw Sylvain Barrier ride a beautiful race with a late comeback that earned him second place.* Lorenzo Zanetti*had a bad start, recovering to finish in fifth place. The final ranking of the FIM Cup Superstock saw Lorenzo in third place and Sylvain in fourth.

The two riders commented on the race: "It has been a difficult weekendÔÇØ -* Sylvain*said after the race ÔÇô ÔÇ£because we had difficulty finding the right set up. The team has worked hard to solve the problem and did a great job getting the bike sorted for the race. I had a difficult start, but then the bike felt good, especially when braking. I would like to thank the team for the support they have given me during the whole season."

"In the last race I struggledÔÇØ said* Lorenzo*ÔÇô ÔÇ£but here we found we were competitive. I have not found the "twist of luck" at the end of the season but IÔÇÖm happy with the points, given six podium finishes. I'm pleased with the season and I want to thank the team for the work it has done for me this year.ÔÇØ

Serafino Foti, sports director of BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike Team, said today: "Unfortunately in race one Ayrton was affected by a degraded tyre and finished in thirteenth place. In race two we changed something which helped with tyre wear and it went much better.*The Superbike Championship is the pinnacle of the sport and Fores has struggled. We thank him, however, for his commitment in recent races.*After testing in Superstock our ultimate goal was second place which Sylvain achieved. Lorenzo made a bad start, finishing in fifth place."

Superbike
Gara 1: 1?? C. Checa (Ducati) 38'13.293 - 2?? S. Guintoli (Ducati) + 2.860 - 3?? J. Rea (Honda) + 8.481... 13??* A. Badovini (BMW)*+ 31.765
Gara 1:* 1?? M. Melandri (Yamaha) 38'11"326 - 2?? E. Laverty (Yamaha) + 1.075 - 3?? J. Rea (Honda) + 1.363...9??* A. Badovini (BMW)*+ 19.128...19?? *J. Fores (BMW)*+ 1'04.011
Campionato: 1?? C. Checa (Ducati) p. 505 -* 2?? M. Melandri (Yamaha) p. 395 - 3?? M. Biaggi (Aprilia) p. 303 - 4?? E. Laverty (Yamaha) p. 303 - ...10??* A. Badovini (BMW) *p. 165 ...22??* J. Toseland (BMW) *p. 13 - 23??* J. Fores (BMW) *p. 12 - 24??* L. Lanzi (BMW)* p. 10.....29?? *B. Veneman (BMW) *p. 3
Superstock
Gara: 1?? D. Petrucci (Ducati) 19'31.819 - 2??* S. Barrier (BMW)*+ 8.019 - 3?? S. Morais (Kawasaki) + 8.115 - 4?? B. Staring (Kawasaki) + 8.364 - 5??* L. Zanetti (BMW)*+ 9.354
FIM Cup: 1?? D. Giugliano (Ducati) p. 171 - 2?? D. Petrucci (Ducati) p. 169 - 3??* L. Zanetti (BMW) *p. 148 - 4??* S. Barrier (BMW) *p. 132 - 5?? N. Canepa (Ducati) p. 109

Translation by Bing


Michel Fabrizio is BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike TeamÔÇÖs new rider

16.10.2011

Michel Fabrizio is BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike Team ÔÇÖs new rider. Fabrizio will join Ayrton Badovini in an all-Italian team in the 2012World Superbike Championship.

Michel Fabrizio will take part in the 2012 World Superbike Championship on board the BMW Motorrad Team Italy S1000RR Superbike.

Michel Fabrizio was born in Frascati, near Rome, on September 17, 1984.He is 27 years old and married with two children. Fabrizio has significant international experience from taking part in different classes of the World Championship namely Superstock, Supersport and Superbike. Besides his passion for riding bikes, which he has done since he was a boy, he is an avid golfer.

Thanks to his international experience he knows all the circuits on the World Championship calendar. During his career he has ridden several multi-cylinder motorbikes, and also has worked with members of the team in which he ran in 2009.

His international racing career began in 2002 with his first season in MotoGP on the Gilera 125. The following year, riding a Suzuki GSX-R 1000, saw his debut on a 4-stroke engine and, in his first year, won the Superstock Championship.

In 2005, riding a Honda, he participated in the World Supersport Championship the following year made his debut in the World Superbike Championship. 

In 2007, he rode for Honda in the World Superbike and also had the opportunity to ride for the same marque in MotoGP.

In 2009, with the Ducati Xerox Team, Michel took his first victory and finished the season in third place.
In 2010, with 1 win, 1 second and 4 third places he earned 195 points and was 8th in the standings at the end of the season.

This year, with the Team Alstare Suzuki World SBK he won 152 points and finished 12th in the season classification, just two places behind Ayrton Badovini.
With consent from his current team, Michel will ride the BMW S1000RR for the first time in a test scheduled for Tuesday, October 18th at Portimao.

Andrea Buzzoni, Director of BMW Motorrad Italy and Project Director of BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike Team, on the announcement of the new rider said: "We are delighted to have Michael in our team for 2012 which will show a significant performance jump, thanks to more planning than was possible for the 2011 season. He is a talented rider who has not yet had the results that he deserves. I am confident that the technical and personnel support will ensure that Michel can show his potential . With the appointment of Michael and the confirmation of AyrtonÔÇÖs place, it will be a good all-Italian team of riders and engineers combined with the extraordinary BMW technology. "

Michel Fabrizio said: "I am very pleased with the signing of this contract and I hope to repay the trust that the team has shown in me. I am happy to be working again with people that were part of my team for three years and that will provide a stable environment that will help me do well. I am very motivated and ready to play my part next season because I know that the project is ambitious and the team is good. "


MotoGP

Honda's Casey Stoner's World Championship effectively was over with Lorenzo's crash in morning warmups. With that Stoner needed to score ten points or more to in the race to win the title. That he did surrounded by Honda riders on the podium. In a MotoGP Interview Stoner talks about how good it feels to finally seal the championship; especially on home soil.

gresiniracing.com: ÔÇ£Super SicÔÇØ finishes second behind new World Champion Stoner

teamtech3.fr: A fantastic fifth for Edwards in windy Phillip Island

ducati.com: Rossi falls while Hayden seventh

rizla-suzuki.com: Bautista caught out by the weather at an unpredictable Phillip Island

yamaha-racing.com: Jorge Lorenzo injury update

Formula 1

Korean GP Press Conference[/url]

Starting Grid
Classifications
Lap Chart
Lap Analysis
Fastest Laps
History Chart
Maximum Speeds
Pit Stop Summary
Sector Times
Speed Trap

fia.com: Petrov penalized after collision

Other Racing

foxsport.com: Indy 500 Champion Dan Wheldon killed in crash at Las Vegas


2011 WorldSBK ÔÇô as seen by the photographers with the BMW PressClub

Click on the photo to go to gallery of 1780 pictures from the 2011 SBK season from both BMW teams.

[mika]

Tuesday, 18 October


Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

ducati.com: World Champion Carlos Checa closes the 2011 season with a win and the contract renewal with Althea Racing and Ducati

worldsbk.com: Laverty with Aprilia in 2012


Formula 1

speedtv.com: Kubica still in running for Renault race seat






Other Racing

youtube.com: Indycar Tribute to Dan Weldon



On the Street

webbikeworld.com; JIS Screwdrivers - Review

visordown.com: Honda reviving some old names?

ultimatemotorcycling.com: 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS| Preview














FWIW

thekneslider.com: Yamaha R1 Aluminum girder front suspension from SuspensionSmith of Australia

Cage World





Reference::

FIM: Official Documents
Link to the current year official documents for all classes and search tool for other years.

FIA Regulations ÔÇô Formula 1 World Championship

WEATHER
US:
http://www.weather.gov/ | NOAA's National Weather Service
Select to go to the NWS homepage. National Weather Service - or - Follow the National Weather Service on FaceBook

http://www.weather.com | Bloomsburg, PA

CA:
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html

ROAD CONDITIONS
US:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/ : National Traffic and Road Closure Information
511 - America's Traveler Information Telephone Number; Construction Related; Local and State Transit Links; Traffic Conditions; Regional Links; Weather/Road ...

CA:
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/drivebc_supp/canada_map.htm :
Canada Road Condition Information: Links to provincial highway condition websites across Canada..

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

SportRider.com: Motorcycle Riding Skills Series ÔÇô Street bike and motorcycle riding skills techniques articles at Sport Rider

BMW-Motorrad.com: Service
Electronic Parts Catalogue
Download Manuals
Breakdown Dictionary
Tyre Options
Tips
Before every journey
Before a log trip
Before winter
How to clean your motorcycle

ascycles.com: BMW Motorcycle Service and Maintenance Schedules

Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

pure-gas.org: Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. And Canada

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Woot of the Day

MSF Motorcycle Operators Manual


TIP: Do NOT balance a bag of groceries between your legs, not even for a short ride. P. 52 http://t.co/jfDAORhW

QOD: Which of the following is true of over-the-counter drugs? http://t.co/VqAoEdFd


Bike Candy

[mika]

Wednesday, 19 October


Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

Preparing for 2012: Successful test for BMW Motorrad Motorsport at Portim?úo.
18.10.2011

Portim?úo, 18th October 2011. Only two days after the 2011 season finale Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport already is in full swing preparing for next year’s FIM Superbike World Championship. Today, the team tested the further-developed and, in many areas, optimised 2012 BMW S 1000 RR at Portim?úo (POR). With sunshine and warm temperatures the conditions were ideal and the factory squad was able to collect important data and information with next year’s RR.



Modifications have been made, for instance, to the frame geometry and the fairing. For example, the fairing at the rear has been shortened and modified according to the new 2012 production RR design in aerodynamics. The front fairing is slightly steeper compared to the 2011 bike in order to optimise the aerodynamics and riders’ ergonomics. A new radiator, adapted to the modified geometry and body parts, has been installed for better thermodynamics. The 2012 RR also features a new engine spec which improves rideability and low end torque. Additional efforts have been made for optimising the weight balance and to improve ergonomics.

“It was a positive test day”, said BMW Motorrad factory rider Leon Haslam. “The new engine spec is a progress; you can feel a difference there. We now need to push more in that same direction. The main thing we were working on today was the chassis set up. The new bike needs to be set up a little bit differently than the 2011 one. I am confident in that area, too. Overall, I am glad to be back testing, looking for next year. We do not have to go out and race but can only focus on improving the bike. That is always good.”

“We were waiting for this day eagerly, as for the first time we went out on the track with both a new rider, Marco Melandri, and a new spec of our RR”, commented BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Bernhard Gobmeier. “We put a lot of work into the developing of this bike aiming to improve it in several areas. The feedback of both riders was exactly how we expected it to be. Overall, this was a very positive test and a confirmation of all the hard work of everybody in the team.”

Marco Melandri also was happy with his first test day and reported about many positive impressions. He used the test to get acquainted with the new team and his new working environment.

The collected data will now be analysed at the team’s facilities at Munich and Stephanskirchen for further development steps. The team will also conduct additional tests in the next few weeks. The 2012 season starts officially with the first race on February 26 at Phillip Island (AUS).


speedweek.de: Marco Melandri for the first time on a BMW
“a lot of work ahead of me”

roadracingworld.com: Haslam, Melandri test 2012 BMW S1000RR superbike at Portimao

worldsbk.com: Michel Fabrizio is BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike Team's new rider

superbike-news.co.uk: Althea Racing Team confirms plans for the 2012 racing season

worldsbk.com: Pirelli notes from Portimao

gpone.com: Superbike – 2012 in Portimao

speedtv.com: Corser reflects on final season

sltrid.com: World Superbike returning to Miller Motorsports Park




MotoGP

motogp.com: Phillip Island tyre performance review

fim-live.com: jorngge Lorenzo surgery update
-related
bbc.co.uk: Jorege Lorenzo feared he was left with a permanent disability

ducati.com: Ducati team in Malaysia to continue work on the GP 11.1


Formula 1

Formula1.com:
Q&A with Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel
Q&A with Sauber's CEO Monisha Kaltneborn


Other Racing

motoracinglive.com: Sebastien Gimbert – “a Great Year”
A month after securing his second French Superbike title, S?®bastien Gimbert (BMW-MICHELIN) looks back at his successful 2011 campaign

autosport.com: Dan the man – a personal recollection

reuters.com: No margin for error in IndyCar, says Mansel



On the Street

Are You Ready?


motorcyclenews.com: New Aprilia SRV850 superscoot debuts

cyrilhuzeblog.com: Harley-Davidson earnings, retail, motorcycle sales rise in 3rd quarter
Retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles grew 5.1 percent worldwide in the third quarter compared to the prior-year period, led by a 5.4 percent rise in the U.S.

rapidcityjournal.com: City of Sturgis releases final rally numbers






FWIW



Cage World

Reference::

FIM: Official Documents
Link to the current year official documents for all classes and search tool for other years.

FIA Regulations – Formula 1 World Championship

WEATHER
US:
http://www.weather.gov/ | NOAA's National Weather Service
Select to go to the NWS homepage. National Weather Service - or - Follow the National Weather Service on FaceBook

http://www.weather.com | Bloomsburg, PA

CA:
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html

ROAD CONDITIONS
US:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/ : National Traffic and Road Closure Information
511 - America's Traveler Information Telephone Number; Construction Related; Local and State Transit Links; Traffic Conditions; Regional Links; Weather/Road ...

CA:
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/drivebc_supp/canada_map.htm :
Canada Road Condition Information: Links to provincial highway condition websites across Canada..

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

SportRider.com: Motorcycle Riding Skills Series – Street bike and motorcycle riding skills techniques articles at Sport Rider

BMW-Motorrad.com: Service
Electronic Parts Catalogue
Download Manuals
Breakdown Dictionary
Tyre Options
Tips
Before every journey…
Before a log trip…
Before winter…
How to clean your motorcycle

ascycles.com: BMW Motorcycle Service and Maintenance Schedules

Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

pure-gas.org: Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. And Canada

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Woot of the Day

MSF Motorcycle Operators Manual


QOD: How should you react if your face protection is struck by a bug? http://t.co/dvF77Avu


Bike Candy

[mika]

Thursday, 20 October


Members with Birthdays Today

SBK



speedtv.com: Badovinin's learning curve

worldsbk.com: New rider-machine combinations on show at Portimao

motomatters.com: World Superbike silly season – some certainties, many unkowns

motorcycle-usa.com: Pirelli WorldSBK tires go to 17 inch in 2013





MotoGP

motogp.com: Sweltering Sepang welcomes 2011 Champion Stoner

fim-live.com: Katsuyuki Nakasuga to replace Lorenzo for Malaysia

Formula 1

ferrari.com: An important week for FOTA

gurardian.co.uk: F1 champions Red Bull claim gamesmanship is inevitable

speedtv.com: US GP to offer boost for homegrown drivers.

Other Racing



On the Street

dealernews.com: Vintage BMWs fuel business at Bench Mark Works

motorcyclenews.com: Would you buy a hyper-scooter?
FWIW; Well, would you?

londonbikers.com: Piaggio Beverly 350 gets ABS and traction control

motorcyclistonline.com: 2011 BMW S1000RR – Doing time
-then-
motorcycle-usa.com: 2012 BMW S1000RR – First look

webbikeworld.com: Stubby tire tools – review



The Mothership

google.com/patents: Method for early induction of and additional start of an internal combustion engine



FWIW



Cage World

autoblog.com: McLaren test new F1

Reference::

FIM: Official Documents
Link to the current year official documents for all classes and search tool for other years.

FIA Regulations – Formula 1 World Championship

WEATHER
US:
http://www.weather.gov/ | NOAA's National Weather Service
Select to go to the NWS homepage. National Weather Service - or - Follow the National Weather Service on FaceBook

http://www.weather.com | Bloomsburg, PA

CA:
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html

ROAD CONDITIONS
US:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/ : National Traffic and Road Closure Information
511 - America's Traveler Information Telephone Number; Construction Related; Local and State Transit Links; Traffic Conditions; Regional Links; Weather/Road ...

CA:
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/drivebc_supp/canada_map.htm :
Canada Road Condition Information: Links to provincial highway condition websites across Canada..

Shameless Trolling For Touring Tips

NHTSA.dot.gov Vehicle Recalls RSS

SportRider.com: Motorcycle Riding Skills Series – Street bike and motorcycle riding skills techniques articles at Sport Rider

BMW-Motorrad.com: Service
Electronic Parts Catalogue
Download Manuals
Breakdown Dictionary
Tyre Options
Tips
Before every journey…
Before a log trip…
Before winter…
How to clean your motorcycle

ascycles.com: BMW Motorcycle Service and Maintenance Schedules

Gasbuddy.com: Search for local gas prices along your trip route.

pure-gas.org: Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. And Canada

Cycle-ergo.com motorcycle ergonomic simulator.

Woot of the Day

MSF Motorcycle Operators Manual


TIP: Never assume that making eye contact with a driver means they see YOU or will yield. P.22 http://t.co/jLCSL9Kj

QOD: What is the best procedure to follow for control when making turns? http://t.co/JOwrEigh


Bike Candy

Some pictures just make you remember and smile.