Bench Racing & The Morning Reads

[mika]

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

The holiday season for us has always meant long working days for the web-crew at WorldSBK.com. Wednesday worldsbk.com went into construction mode. This rebuild is the first by Infront under the guiding eyes of Bridgepoint. What happens with the website and in the coming months with the series itself will be a theme for SBK fans to watch.

worldsbk.com: Official WSBK website on hold for the holidays



We'll see.

gpone.com: SBK | the other side of BMW
The gpone site looks at BMW Motorrad Italia

MotoGP

motogp.com: Jerez to hos 2012 Spanish Grand Prix

twowheelblog.com: Gresini CRT team to get engines tuned by Ten Kate?

Formula 1

F1 is snoozing in the news while they pound away in their garages. This gives us time to look back at the 1970 Monaco GP and Jochen Rindt


Other Racing



Dakar 2012 Edition

dakar.com: Driving Solo

dakar.com: Car Category

motoracinglive.com: Welcome to Mar del Plata



Dakar Blogs ÔÇô not a comprehensive list but ones that have shown up in previous news posts.

bc2dakar.com: Bill Conger ÔÇô Husqvarna TE449

On the Street

cyrilhuzeblog.com: New and interesting | Cool Ride liguid heat shield coating

beemerandbits.com: Fix leaking fork brace studs

motorcyclenews.com: Redesigning the Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer

ultimatemotorcycling.com: JAMA November motorcycle sales up 4.4%

webbikeworld.com reviews AltRider
Headlight Guard
Crashbars
for the BMW F800 and others


More re-runs mixed with some new video









The Mothership



FWIW

Slow news day in Fly-Over-Land and in London.



Another reason I live in a condo and rent a garage.

Cage World

roadandtrack.com: The Great Leader's Lincoln

Reference::

bmwmoa.org/forum: Bolt and Torque Information
Thread contains information about bolts, nuts, terminology, and torques for common fasteners on BMWs.

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

Packers.com

greebaypressgazette.com

jsonline.com

MSF Motorcycle Operators Manual

TIP: When doing your T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection, check air pressure in tires when cold; adjust to load. http://t.co/FyUxd9Ah

Bike Candy

One more take on the Moto Guzzi 850

[mika]

Members with Birthdays Today

MotoGP



Motogp.com: Hayden has been injured in a training accident while riding at a flat track facility near his home in Owensboro, Kentucky

superbikeplanet.com:
Aprilia – Our CRT is to legit to quit

Other Racing



Dakar 2012 Edition

motoracinglive.com: The Michelin Desert Race

Dakar Blogs – not a comprehensive list but ones that have shown up in previous news posts.

bc2dakar.com: Bill Conger – Husqvarna TE449

On the Street

roadrunner.travel: Vintage and celebrity motorcycles at the Reagan Library

asphaltandrubber.com: Spy Photos – 2013 BMW R1250GS caught testing







Early design iteration of the GS...


nytimes.com: This family's attic is full of motorcycles



The Mothership

[Application] method for reducing the noise in the drive train of a motor vehicle

[Application] Motor vehicle having an Internet connection and method of operating same

FWIW



The Raven does not appear to be a garage queen.

spiegel.com: Will Germany stall in 2012?

Cage World

roadandtrack.com: Lotus on the block?

Reference::

bmwmoa.org/forum: Bolt and Torque Information
Thread contains information about bolts, nuts, terminology, and torques for common fasteners on BMWs.

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


Packers.com

greebaypressgazette.com

jsonline.com

MSF Motorcycle Operators Manual

Bike Candy

From BIKEEXIF a Moto Guzzi V50 – Brat Style

[Visian]

Interesting patent applications.... Good find, John.

[mika]

Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

roadracingworld.com: Althea Racing renews with ÔÇ£Key SponsorÔÇØ Unibat

MotoGP

asphaltandrubber.com: Yamaha loses Petronas sponsorship
another take on it from -
motomatters.com

Other Racing

Official video of the "Africa Eco Race", the official desert marathonrally alternative to the legendary "Dakar Rally", which moved to South America in 2009. See more at marathonrally.com.






Vintage Dakar footage from the African race





Dakar 2012 Edition

facebook: Dakar ÔÇô Two days left

hondaproracing.com: Fianl preparations

ultimatemotorcycling.com: Dakar | Aprilia's Fancisco Chaleco Lopez bio









They may be struggling for sponsorship in MotoGP but in South America -
motorcyle-usa.com: Yamaha pushing for Dakar glory

Dakar Blogs ÔÇô not a comprehensive list but ones that have shown up in previous news posts.

bc2dakar.com: Bill Conger ÔÇô Husqvarna TE449



On the Street

motorcyclenews.com: Husqvarna's new G650GS powered Strada 'street bike'

cyrilhuzeblog.com: Air powered motorcycle - 62mph

Children and motorcycles are a recurring topic around here. A look at the topic from another countries perspective
jounal.com.ph; Kid's motorbike safety bill

thesunnews.com: 2011 Motorcycle, pedestrian fatalities up

homwetownlife.com: Motorcycle show rolls into Novi Jan 6-8
Husqvarna will be there but not the Mothership









cyrilhuzeblog.com: Fast motorcycle industry news

The Mothership

[APPLICATION] Motor vehicle with connection elements between a chassis frame and a vehicle...

[APPLICATION] Method and device for distributed configuration of telematics services in...

[APPLICATION] Method for automatic shutdown of an internal combustion engine

FWIW

mostexpensive.net: Desert cake.





webbikeworld.com: Delkin Wingman HD Review

Cage World

indiancarsbikes.in: TATA Motors interested in ailing Swedish brand SAAB?

Reference::

bmwmoa.org/forum: Bolt and Torque Information
Thread contains information about bolts, nuts, terminology, and torques for common fasteners on BMWs.

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


Packers.com

greebaypressgazette.com

jsonline.com

MSF Motorcycle Operators Manual

Bike Candy

Saturday, 31 December


Members with Birthdays Today

SBK

roadracingworld.com: Althea Racing renews with ÔÇ£Key SponsorÔÇØ Unibat

MotoGP

asphaltandrubber.com: Yamaha loses Petronas sponsorship
another take on it from -
motomatters.com

Other Racing

Official video of the "Africa Eco Race", the official desert marathonrally alternative to the legendary "Dakar Rally", which moved to South America in 2009. See more at marathonrally.com.






Vintage Dakar footage from the African race





Dakar 2012 Edition

facebook: Dakar ÔÇô Two days left

hondaproracing.com: Fianl preparations

ultimatemotorcycling.com: Dakar | Aprilia's Fancisco Chaleco Lopez bio









They may be struggling for sponsorship in MotoGP but in South America -
motorcyle-usa.com: Yamaha pushing for Dakar glory

Dakar Blogs ÔÇô not a comprehensive list but ones that have shown up in previous news posts.

bc2dakar.com: Bill Conger ÔÇô Husqvarna TE449



On the Street

motorcyclenews.com: Husqvarna's new G650GS powered Strada 'street bike'

cyrilhuzeblog.com: Air powered motorcycle - 62mph

Children and motorcycles are a recurring topic around here. A look at the topic from another countries perspective
jounal.com.ph; Kid's motorbike safety bill

thesunnews.com: 2011 Motorcycle, pedestrian fatalities up

homwetownlife.com: Motorcycle show rolls into Novi Jan 6-8
Husqvarna will be there but not the Mothership









cyrilhuzeblog.com: Fast motorcycle industry news

The Mothership

[APPLICATION] Motor vehicle with connection elements between a chassis frame and a vehicle...

[APPLICATION] Method and device for distributed configuration of telematics services in...

[APPLICATION] Method for automatic shutdown of an internal combustion engine

FWIW

mostexpensive.net: Desert cake.





webbikeworld.com: Delkin Wingman HD Review

Cage World

indiancarsbikes.in: TATA Motors interested in ailing Swedish brand SAAB?

Reference::

bmwmoa.org/forum: Bolt and Torque Information
Thread contains information about bolts, nuts, terminology, and torques for common fasteners on BMWs.

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


Packers.com

greebaypressgazette.com

jsonline.com

MSF Motorcycle Operators Manual

Bike Candy

[mika]

Bit of house keeping - The links to the Lo Rider photos are fixed. Sorry, I thought it was working when I left this AM.

What can i say Big V... the discussion of a road test is usually worth a lot more than the test itself.

[AZ-J]

Bit of house keeping - The links to the Lo Rider photos are fixed. Sorry, I thought it was working when I left this AM.

What can i say Big V... the discussion of a road test is usually worth a lot more than the test itself.

+1 on discussion of a road test, I read that one and found it illogically done.

As for the Lo Rider, like last time, I'll say it again I WANT ONE! When is BMW going to learn it has build products we want, besides the best rated sport bike (the S1000RR). I still like my boxer S better.

[mika]

+1 on discussion of a road test, I read that one and found it illogically done.

As for the Lo Rider, like last time, I'll say it again I WANT ONE! When is BMW going to learn it has build products we want, besides the best rated sport bike (the S1000RR). I still like my boxer S better.

I don't know. Let me play devils advocate.

Imagine we were having coffee and strudel Hendrik von Kuenheim, head of BMW at the local official M??nching coffee stop.

You ask him; 'So Hendrik, when you going to...'

He says; Vhat do you mean? Ve are making record sales vhen the rest of the market is still struggling to get back to 2000 sales levels. So ve are building motorrads people seem to vant.

Still have my devils hat on.

I take most road test with a huge grain of salt. What did you guys think when they named the GS bike of the year and sport bike of the year etc.

Devil's advocate hat off
I want one too, just don't know which one.

[AZ-J]

BMW killed the R1200S for HP2 Sport. Now that's dead and they sell a S1000RR, whcih is nice but too sharp for most of us.

Now I know it sells in the good ole USA, but is it what we BMW Riders want? I am guessing, not.

[mika]

Zen who is und vat are they building?

[mika]

Monday, 9 January


Members with Birthdays Today


SBK

crash.net: Grillini returns with Aitchison on BMW

WORLDSBK: 2012 Race Calendar | Championship Standings Rider / Manufacturer

Other Racing

fia.com: World Rally Championship
Last Friday the FIA served notice to terminate its contract with North One Sport, the Promoter of the FIA World Rally Championship.
-related-
racer.com: FIA – North One gave no assurances
-related-
reuters.com: Rallying – FIA terminates world championship promoter contract

roadracingworld.com: Race tire service to take over Dunlop Road Race Tire Distribution trackside service for the entire U.S.

DAKAR 2012

Husqvarna first half photo scrapbook

motorcycle-usa.com: 2012 Dakar Rally rest day recap

hondaproracing.com: Bel-Ray HondaB team prepares for Dakar second half

motoracinglive.com: Part of Michelin service and maintenance

motorcycledaily.com: KTM Racing News Dakar 2012 Stage 7 – Press release



Dakar Blogs – not a comprehensive list but ones that have shown up in previous news posts.

trackingdakar.com: Standings available for stages in many sorts.

bc2dakar.com: Bill Conger – Husqvarna TE449

advrider.com: Dakar 2012 Official Event Coverage

advrider.com: Tales from the bivouac, Dakar 2012

On the Street



cyrilhuzblog.com: First electric self-balanced motorcycle

thekneeslider.com: Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is expanding

The Mothership

Rolls-Royce confirms record sales in company's 107 year history

FWIW



gizmag.com: SolarKindle promises three months of unplugged reading time

bbc.co.uk: Video – Bizarre hotels show a new trend in travel

Cage World

jalopnik.comL Cadillac ATS

jalopnik.com: Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept

Reference::

BMW MOA 2012 International Rally

SBK
2012 FIM Superbike Championship Calendar

[url=http://www.fim-live.com/fileadmin/alfresco/Codes_et_reglements/SBK_fr.pdf]FIM

Changes to the FIM Superbike, Supersport and Superstock regulations for 2012:
Some more details of changes to the championship regulations were delivered by the FIM in a press release.

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

mic.org: Motorcycle Industry Council | Tire Guide 2011.pdf

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: Practice swerving, when and where it's safe to do so. That way, you'll be ready for the emergency maneuver when you need it.

QOD: In every state except California, which of the following is true of lane sharing? http://t.co/iIZe7WFZ


Bike Candy

[AZ-J]

Mika, one of my freinds has that lovely R 1200CL, another has the C. Case in point, what do they buy next? A medium size Japanese cruiser?

[mika]

Parts?!?

[mika]

Stage 8

DAKAR 2012 Update

Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain - Rallye Dakar - Stage 8
09.01.2012
Dakar 2012, Stage 8
Copiapo - Antofagasta
722 km in total, 477 km special test

Full throttle - but not without problems

Stage eight of the Dakar 2012 saw mixed results for the Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain. Joan Barreda was fighting for another podium finish before ending the day in fourth. Paulo Goncalves meanwhile had a difficult stage. Lying fourth overall in the morning, the Portuguese lost one place. He was finally content to complete today??s race at all.

The stage was fast and dangerous, often full throttle and sometimes really tricky. Former race leader Cyril Despres and Goncalves became victims of a mudhole that was not marked in the roadbook. Both got stuck.
Goncalves generously helped Despres out of the mess, and the Frenchman promptly sped away. Goncalves was then assisted by the race director.

The incident costed a lot of time, which was handed back to Goncalves afterwards. But more bad luck occurred, when he hit a stone one kilometre from the finish line. Goncalves had to push his bike to the finish with a damaged drivetrain. Quite lucky under the circumstances, he "only" lost 24 minutes on Marc Coma, who won the stage. Goncalves dropped back to fifth overall. But on a day when it was important to finish, he did just that.

Joan Barreda avoided the mudhole and was going for a top three result. He just missed out, as Ruben Faria and Helder Rodrigues got the better end. Barreda lost valuable time and a precious podium riding in the dust of Stefan Svitko and Juan Pedrero. Good: the Spaniard rode smart and didn??t take too many risks.

Z?® H?®lio also suffered at the mudhole and lost almost one hour. Discussions are going on whether to credit him lost time. Jose Manuel Pellicer keeps improving. He??s sitting right behind his teammates in 25th.

Tuesday brings the longest special of the rally. Canyons, loose sand and 556 kilometres of special test await the riders. The stage ends with a georgeous descent to the Pacific Ocean at Iquique.

1. Marc Coma (SPA) KTM, 5:03:52 hrs
2. Ruben Faria (POR) KTM, 7:00 min behind
3. Helder Rodrigues (POR) Yamaha, 7:10
4. Joan Barreda (SPA) Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain, 8:44
5. Stefan Svitko (SVK) KTM, 9:09
16. Paulo Goncalves (POR) Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain, 24:26
23. Jose Manuel Pellicer (SPA) Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain, 34:34
37. Z?® H?®lio (BRA) Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain, 56:49

Overall standings
1. Coma, 23:24:18 hrs
2. Cyril Despres (FRA) KTM, 1:26 behind
3. Rodrigues (POR) Yamaha, 49:01
4. David Casteu (FRA) Yamaha, 1:09:52
5. Paulo Goncalves (POR) Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain, 1:12:11
23. Joan Barreda (SPA) Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain, 3:26:04
24. Z?® H?®lio (BRA) Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain, 3:27:51
25. Jose Manuel Pellicer (SPA) Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain, 3:53:19







Dakar Blogs ÔÇô not a comprehensive list but ones that have shown up in previous news posts.

trackingdakar.com: Standings available for stages in many sorts.

bc2dakar.com: Bill Conger ÔÇô Husqvarna TE449

advrider.com: Dakar 2012 Official Event Coverage

advrider.com: Tales from the bivouac, Dakar 2012

[mika]

Tuesday, 10 January


Members with Birthdays Today

The Mothership

BMW Group posts highest sales ever in 2011
TOP
09.01.2012
1,668,982 BMW Group vehicles sold
Record year for all three brands

Munich. The BMW Group concluded 2011 with its best sales result ever. Worldwide sales of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce automobiles rose 14.2% last year to reach a total of 1,668,982 vehicles (prev. yr. 1,461,166). The company therefore strengthened its position as the leading provider of premium vehicles. In December, sales were 11.9% higher than in the same month last year with 158,125 vehicles (prev. yr. 141,358).

“2011 was an excellent year for the BMW Group. We have clearly attained our sales target of over 1.6 million vehicles and our models continue to be in high demand right across the world,” said Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales and Marketing, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. “Looking ahead, we want to continue to grow, with balanced sales growth across all continents, and we plan to remain the world’s top selling premium automaker in 2012. Growth will also be driven by the new BMW 3 Series which will be launched worldwide next month. This is the best BMW 3 Series sedan we have ever built and we are confident it will continue this model’s success story. Due to the BMW 3 Series model changeover, we expect to see momentum increase in the second half of the year.”

BMW brand: New models drive sales. BMW 5 Series clear segment leader.
BMW brand sales rose 12.8% in 2011 to reach a total of 1,380,384 vehicles, the best sales level in its history (prev. yr. 1,224,280). In December, a total of 128,182 vehicles were delivered – an increase of 10.9% (prev. yr. 115,570). The clear frontrunner in terms of growth was the new BMW X3. With 117,944 vehicles sold, this highly-successful model grew at a rate of 156.4% (prev. yr. 46,004) in 2011. The BMW X1 also continued to report strong gains in 2011 with a total of 126,429 vehicles sold (+26.4%; prev. yr. 99,990). The BMW 5 Series solidified its position as segment leader, with a total of 310,050 vehicles delivered to customers in 2011 (+46.3%; prev. yr. 211,968).
*The flagship BMW 7 Series also continued to perform well, with deliveries reaching 68,774 vehicles last year (+4.5%; prev. yr. 65,814). Customer response to the newly introduced BMW 1 Series has also been very positive. Sales of the 5-door rose 42.6% in December to 12,507 units (prev. yr. 8,769).

MINI brand: New sales record
The MINI brand can also look back on its best year ever. Global sales climbed to a record 285,060 vehicles in 2011 (+21.7%; prev. yr. 234,175). It finished on a strong note in December with 29,467 vehicles sold (+16.2%; prev. yr. 25,359). The brand’s positive annual result was bolstered by the MINI Countryman, which totalled 89.036 deliveries in its first full year of sales. Further momentum is expected in 2012 with the new additions to the MINI family: the MINI Coup?® and the MINI Roadster. The U.S. remains the largest market for MINI, with 57,511 cars sold last year, followed by the U.K. with 50,428).

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars: record sales in company’s 107-year history
With a total of 3,538 cars, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars achieved its highest sales ever in 2011 and an increase of 30.5% on the 2010 total of 2711 cars. The previous record of 3,347 cars was set in 1978. All regions reported significant sales growth last year with bespoke content at highest-ever levels.

Markets: Balanced growth across the globe
The BMW Group made sales gains in all regions and virtually all markets in 2011. In Europe, the region with the Group’s highest sales, retail volumes increased 8.5% to reach a total of 857,792 units (prev. yr. 790,751). The company experienced rigorous growth in Asia, with 373,613 vehicles sold (+31.1%; prev. yr. 285,003). In America, a total of 379,332 vehicles were delivered to customers last year, an increase of 15.3% (prev. yr. 328,860). The U.S. was the company’s largest single market in 2011, with a total of 305,418 vehicles sold (+14.9% / prev. yr. 265,757). BMW was the number one premium brand in the U.S. last year, with 247,907 cars delivered to customers.

In Germany, the company finished the year on a strong note – the number of new BMW Group vehicles registered in December rose by 16% to 27,377 (prev. yr. 23,601). With a total of 297,483 new vehicles registered in 2011 – (+11.5% / prev. yr. 266,768) – the company spearheads the German premium auto segment. BMW brand registrations climbed to 257,132 units in 2011 (+9.3%/prev. yr. 235,299). A total of 23,507 new BMW vehicles were registered in December (+12.4%/prev. yr. 20,910). The MINI brand also reported an excellent month with an increase of 43.8% to 3,870 vehicles (prev. yr. 2,691). China’s dynamic sales growth continued right through to the end of 2011 – 232,586 BMW Group vehicles were sold last year in the company’s third largest market. This was an increase of 37.6% (prev. yr. 168,998).

BMW Motorrad reports best sales ever
With a total of 104,286 motorcycles (prev. yr. 98,047 / +6.4%) in 2011, BMW Motorrad delivered more vehicles than ever before in its nearly 90-year history. Growth was recorded in each month of 2011. In December, 4,232 Motorcycles were delivered worldwide, which reflects an increase of 12.4% over the same month in 2010. The total year’s result exceeds the previous high in 2007 by 1.8% (102,467). BMW Motorrad increased its market share by more than 12% in the segment above 500cc and has doubled it within the past four years. Husqvarna delivered 9,286 motorcycles in 2011 (-23%; prev. yr. 12,066). December accounted for 1,330 deliveries (-26.1%; 1,800).


SBK

SBK's version of the announcement - [/url=http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/5-news/9835-team-grillini-return-to-sbk-with-aitchison-and-bmw.html]worldsbk[/url]: Team Grillini return to SBK with Aitchison and BMW

WORLDSBK: 2012 Race Calendar | Championship Standings Rider / Manufacturer

motogp

timesofindia.indiatimes.com: India is MotoGP's next stop – Jorge Lorenzo

ducati.com: The spotlight is on Wrooom 2012

motogp: 2012 race calendar | Results and Statistics


Formula 1

formula1.com: Raikkonen to test 2010 spec Renault in January

Formula 1: 2012 Race Calendar | Results Season/Team/Driver


Other Racing

racer.com: Barcelona may reconsider GP deal

discovery.com: Motorcycle is part jet, part helicopter

motorcyclistonline.com: Indian on the Island – The first American motorcycle to win the Isle of Man




DAKAR 2012

Some old footage from Husqvarna 2012 prep


Dakar Blogs – not a comprehensive list but ones that have shown up in previous news posts.

trackingdakar.com: Standings available for stages in many sorts.

bc2dakar.com: Bill Conger – Husqvarna TE449

advrider.com: Dakar 2012 Official Event Coverage

advrider.com: Tales from the bivouac, Dakar 2012

On the Street

motorcycle-usa: 2012 BMW G650GS Sertao first ride


motorcyclenews.com: Hi-vis gear compulsory in France from next year

visordown.com: Roofs on bikes – why?

sundayworld.com: Harley Davidson launching exciting new line



FWIW



Cage World



BMWBlog.com: Cadillac ATS – GM's BMW 3 Series fighter







Reference::

BMW MOA 2012 International Rally

SBK
2012 FIM Superbike Championship Calendar

[url=http://www.fim-live.com/fileadmin/alfresco/Codes_et_reglements/SBK_fr.pdf]FIM

Changes to the FIM Superbike, Supersport and Superstock regulations for 2012:
Some more details of changes to the championship regulations were delivered by the FIM in a press release.

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

mic.org: Motorcycle Industry Council | Tire Guide 2011.pdf

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.

TIP: Practice hard stops, when and where it's safe. If you ride with passengers, practice w/them, tell them to hold on tight

QOD: Why does operating the clutch require special skill? http://t.co/xaKNODvl

Woot of the Day

MSF Motorcycle Operators Manual


Bike Candy

Electrifying the retro debate - via gizmag.com: The beautifully retro Juicer ebikes

Giz -Gallery



[img]http://m1ka.smugmug.com/photos/i-psSm25b/0/M/i-psSm25b-M.jpg[/img\

[mika]

DAKAR 2012 Update

Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain - Rallye Dakar - Stage 9
10.01.2012
Dakar 2012, Stage 9
Antofagasta ÔÇô Iquique
606 km in total, 557 km special test

Husqvarna-Speedbrain riders post strong results

Stage nine of the Dakar 2012 was expected to be a crucial one due to offering the longest special of the rally. The Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain was not intimidated and enjoyed a great day with Joan Barreda and Paulo Goncalves both finishing inside the top five. Barreda made up a lot of ground in the standings and Goncalves moved up to fourth place overall. Z?® H?®lio and Jose Manuel Pellicer also improved in the classification.
Barreda started the day ahead of Cyril Despres. He rode the fast opening kilometres alone before Despres caught him. The two formed a pair for most of the remainder of the stage. The young Spaniard was able to benefit a lot from the Frenchman??s experience. Barreda finally ended the day in third - on the podium again.

Paulo Goncalves had an excellent day also. The team changed his engine yesterday as scheduled, just like they did at Barreda??s bike. Basically all top teams have this type of service planned or already completed. The Portuguese rode the long stage - which was extended to 600 kilometres - without major complications, arriving at the finish around 15 minutes behind the winner. Despite the exhaustion Goncalves eventually had fun during the magnificent descent to Iquique and the ocean.

Joan Barreda: "I??m happy how things went and especially delighted with my error-free offroad navigation. I made up time and places in the overall standings. The bike and team spirit are top-notch."

Z?® H?®lio and Jose Manuel Pellicer looked strong all day as well, rounding out an impressive outing for the Husqvarna-Speedbrain squad. The team is looking forward to Wednesday??s stage from Iquique to Arica. It should be another challenge with plenty of sand and waves at the beginning.

1. Cyril Despres (FRA) KTM, 5:04:33 hrs
2. Marc Coma (SPA) KTM, 3:54 min behind
3. Joan Barreda (SPA) Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain, 8:28
4. Helder Rodrigues (POR) Yamaha, 11:44
5. Paulo Goncalves (POR) Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain, 15:12
20. Jose Manuel Pellicer (SPA) Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain, 40:07
23. Z?® H?®lio (BRA) Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain, 42:49

Overall standings
1. Despres, 28:30:17 hrs
2. Coma, 2:28 min behind
3. Rodrigues, 59:19
4. Paulo Goncalves (POR) Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain, 1:25:57
16. Joan Barreda (SPA) Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain, 3:33:06
21. Z?® H?®lio (BRA) Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain, 4:09:14
23. Jose Manuel Pellicer (SPA), Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain, 4:32:00


yamaharacing.com: Yamaha aiming for bike and quad podiums as Dakar enters home straight







Dakar Blogs ÔÇô not a comprehensive list but ones that have shown up in previous news posts.

trackingdakar.com: Standings available for stages in many sorts.

bc2dakar.com: Bill Conger ÔÇô Husqvarna TE449

advrider.com: Dakar 2012 Official Event Coverage

advrider.com: Tales from the bivouac, Dakar 2012