Moto blog

Need more from your S1000RR?

BMW has launched an HP Race Power Kit for the S1000 RR costing £2,850 including VAT.For trackday riders and racers, the kit - a new ECU and an Akrapovic exhaust system - increases peak power and torque, while optimising the bike’s engine, braking and power management systems, claim BMW, for short circuit riding and racing.Ayrton Badovini’s 2010 FIM Superstock 1000 championship-winning bike uses the HP Race Power Kit. It can also be found on the Jentin Racing-BMW Motorrad S 1000 RR being raced by Richard Cooper in the British National Superstock championship.• Maximum engine output increased by 4bhp and 6lb.ft to 197bhp (147kW) and 88.5 lb.ft (120 Nm) with power and torque significantly bolstered throughout the key 5000 to 9000 rpm midrange• Once installed, the power mapping for the four engine management riding modes (‘Rain’, ‘Sport’, ‘Race’ and ‘Slick’) is identical and the S 1000 RR delivers the full 197bhp across all four modes• The different modes instead alter the electronic rider aids with the Race ABS reducing input and the Dynamic Traction Control allowing full power at greater lean angles as the modes move from ‘Rain’ through to ‘Slick’• Engine braking on overrun is reduced giving more balanced corner entry• Pit-lane limiter activated when the start button is held down in first gear (actual speed maintained may vary with the bike’s gearing)• Akrapovic titanium and carbon-fibre full exhaust system saves 6.8kg over stock and includes a baffle which allows the exhaust to meet noise regulations in place at some circuits

Free BMW panniers for new 1200GS owners

BMW is offering a set of complimentary panniers with the purchase of any new R 1200 GS motorcycle registered between 01 June and 30 September 2010 to celebrate the GS's 30th Anniversary.The offer covers both the standard R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure machines, as well as the special-edition 30 Year Anniversary R 1200 GS and Adventure models.The company's Vario Panniers, worth £506.57, will be offered (given) to anyone buyingthe R 1200 GS, and a pair of Aluminium Panniers, worth £665.45, to new GS Adventure owners.

McQueen’s Husky on the Auction Block

Thirty-two years after his death, Steve McQueen still reigns as the coolest movie star to ever ride a motorcycle. One of his preferred brands was Husqvarna (another, seen here, was Triumph) and to the delight of motorcycle enthusiasts and McQueen fans alike, one of his bikes will soon be in the hands of a new owner. This 1970 Husqvarna 400 Cross owned and ridden by Steve McQueen will be up for auction on January 10th, at Bally’s Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, by Bonhams. The motorcycle comes with an exhaustive quantity of documents supporting its provenance and authenticity.