BMW R-Series 1970 Motorcycles, page #42

Moto blog

Around the world on a Multistrada

Ever since Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman rode their BMW’s around the world it seems anyone with a ‘GS’ has an open ticket to ride around the world and then write about it. And fair enough, if I could afford the bike and the trip then I’d be gone as well. Obviously, BMW reaped the rewards when Ewan and Charlie showcased what their GS could really do, changing BMW’s image from solid but stuffy, to solid and cool overnight.

WSBK: 2011 Utah Results

Carlos Checa extended his lead in the 2011 World Superbike Championship, winning both races at Utah’s Miller Motorsports Park. The Althea Ducati racer recorded his second double of the season and now has six wins in ten races. Checa also scored the double in Utah in 2008 when Miller Motorsports Park made its debut on the WSBK calendar.

BMW 1000RR and the Honda C70, are they indestructible?

I’ve managed 1374 miles on the Michelin Power Pures (mostly on track) and although we’ve had some decent temperatures they still look like new so there’s plenty meat left for another month at least. I’ve been running them at 30psi front and 32psi rear and find they warm up after a few miles but I wouldn’t say the temperature comes any quicker than any of the competition so it has to be four miles before I get brave. I’ve had a few out the seat moments with my BMW but I have got the rear suspension  set pretty hard (8 rebound,8 compression, two turns on pre load) and in slick mode, so 190bhp in first gear at the Knockhill hairpin is always going to be dodgy.

Looking for a CBR250R or K1600GTL Forum?

Every year in the motorcycling world there are a few new motorcycles that gather the collective interest of enthusiasts across the country. This year those two models included the new entry-level sportbike from Honda, the CBR250R, and the new luxo-touring bike from BMW, the K1600GT and K1600GTL. While enthusiasts are gearing up for delivery of their new bikes there is a place for them to enthusiastically discuss their new purchase, or perhaps, for those who have not yet purchased, a sounding board for their thoughts.

Cal looking good

Make no mistake Cal Crutchlow is doing an amazing job during his short career in Moto GP. He is asking not to be compared to Ben Spies but when you consider Spies had three Moto GP races under his belt at the same point in his career, Cal's 8th position in Qatar qualifying then 11th in the race is a pretty solid start.  He ended 2010 as one of the best world's best superbike riders but the 800cc Moto GP machines require different riding skills. Watching trackside it is easy to see the the riders have to brake later backshift quicker before getting back on the throttle on the corner entry. With the help of advanced electronics this loads the front tyre earlier giving the potential for greater momentum that continues past the apex to the corner exit and beyond.

Turn your BMW into a fire engine

German fire engine and pump manufacturer Rosenbauer have utilised the ubiquitous BMW 1200 boxer engine to produce a powerful and lightweight water pump.  The engine runs as normal, using it's torqey qualities to power the high pressure waterpump attached.  Firefighters can carry this compact pump closer to the fire, and go where the normal fire engine cannot reach.

Competition Accessories Steps Up Sponsorship of Foremos/Pegram Racing AMA Superbike Team

Competition Accessories, the well known direct merchant of motorcycle parts and accessories and Other Accessories has stepped up its promotional support for Larry Pegram and the Foremost/Pegram Racing BMW S1000RR campaigning in the AMA American Superbike Championship for 2011. In addition to increasing its traditional long-term level of support for the team, Comp-A® is sponsoring the distribution of specially designed (see image) 50th Anniversary shirts for several hours each race day from the Pegram Racing Transport / Garage area. A minimum of 1,000 shirts will be available for distribution at each race weekend.

Epic biking holidays - of a lifetime?

I never had the rudimentary gap year traveling before university, seeing it as a bit of a cliché I set upon knuckling down with my studies and getting a degree. I never had that moment of discovery and finding out 'who I really am' and to some extent it's a regret. But I'm feeling inspired and the inspiration comes from two adventures offered by Compass Expeditions.

Chris Pfeiffer Plays Chicken on a BMW G450X Against a Bobsled [Video]

When I first saw this video, I thought it had to be a trick. Like the Gillette video of Roger Federer knocking a can off a man’s head with a tennis serve or the Nike ad with a couple of Dutch soccer players and an air vent, the first reaction is it has to be fake. But then I remember this is BMW stunt rider Chris Pfeiffer we’re talking about here.

Thumbs up for a chilly N.E.C.

Apart from the freaky weather I have to say last week’s Carole Nash Motorcycle Live N.E.C. show was the best Birmingham event I've attended in the ten years. I really appreciate the fact that manufacturers chose to ignore the recession giving us great stands to cater for every enthusiast young and old.  Aprilia made a welcome return and I don’t know anyone that didn’t enjoy admiring the WSB RSV4, surely the the most gorgeous bike on the planet? The Honda stand rarely disappoints and this year was no exception with banking bikes providing fun for all the family.