Rider Magazine has named BMW Motorrad’s F 800 GS adventure tourer its 2009 Motorcycle of the Year. The award announcement appears in the July 2009 issue of Rider Magazine, currently on newsstands.

“We are delighted to receive this prestigious award from Rider,” commented Pieter de Waal, Vice President, BMW Motorrad USA. “This recognition is a true credit to all those who played a role in the development of this bike and confirms why it has become so popular among riders today.”

Here is an excerpt of what the editors of Rider had to say about the BMW F 800 GS:
“BMW has been thinking way out of the box… and there is perhaps no better evidence than its unstoppable new F 800 GS adventure tourer. It’s taller and longer than the R 1200 GS Boxer twin, and not much lighter, but is far narrower with its upright parallel twin, and like the 1200 offers a tremendous amount of satisfying performance.

Chain final drive, 9 inches of suspension travel, a 21- and 19-inch front/rear spoked wheel combination and plenty of twin-cylinder torque give it much better off-road ability than its Boxer breatheren, yet the F 800 GS has enough on-road legs that you can haul down the highway from fill-up to fill-up in satisfactory comfort without stopping…. and starting at $10,520 the F 800 GS is priced $4,000 less than the 1200.

           
With a complete range of available adventure accessories (including great expandable locking hard bags, GPS and a low-seat option), as long as it suits your inseam and you don’t mind a little business now and then, it’s hard to find a more capable machine for a ’round-the-world adventure or just a run to the next town, on- or off-road.”

Fans of BMW Motorrad are looking forward to March 1st 2009 with great excitement.

At the introductory race to the Superbike World Championship in Phillip Island / Australia, two BMW motorcycles will be in the starting line-up for the first time.

After recent tests in Portimao and Valencia, riders Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus are optimistic about the future and the mood in the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team is positive.

The racing bikes will be fairly close to serial production models, allowing for the greater audience identification characteristic of the sport. Behind the scenes meanwhile, production of the serial machine is getting underway: the BMW S 1000 RR.

The package of this completely newly developed motorcycle with its 999cc in-line 4-cylinder engine is very compact and light. The dry weight of the motorcycle is 183 kg.

Both its supreme performance figures and its outstanding riding properties make the BMW S 1000 RR an extremely attractive offer in the supersports segment.

The engine has a very compact cylinder head and is narrow in shape. The valves are activated by means of very small, light cam followers, virtually at Formula 1 level in terms of their dimensions. This construction ensures very high engine speeds and allows maximum freedom in engine design in terms of torque and output.

For the supersports bike BMW S 1000 RR, a completely newly developed sports ABS featuring four different modes as well as the dynamic traction control system DTC will be available. The functional principle of the traction control system has been borrowed directly from racing.

The distinctive design of the S 1000 RR reflects the general style of the segment but also clearly represents the brand BMW. The new S 1000 RR will be available in the four finishes Mineral Silver metallic, Acid Green metallic, Thunder Grey metallic and – based on the BMW Motorrad racing colours – Alpine White/Lupine Blue/Magma Red.

The serial production machine BMW S 1000 RR will be presented to the public in the early summer of 2009 but can already be ordered in dealerships. In 2009 the price of the S 1000 RR in Germany is 15,150 euros incl. VAT.

Here is the picture of the puppy !

As always enjoy and drive safe !

Honda introduced to the world what many have deemed the most radically styled production Honda ever built: the 2010 Fury.

The Fury radiates attitude and seems ready to deliver performance to the outer limits of motorcycling.

The Fury opens the door to the most extreme level of custom looks. But once you’re rolling, the Fury experience is all about that special bond between rider and machine: the unmistakable big V-twin pulse, the characteristic Vee engine note and the no-nonsense riding stance bring you back to the core elements of riding.

In all we think, the Fury captures the pure, undiluted chopper essence, places it within easy reach of nearly every rider and then backs it up with the same quality and reliability built into every Honda.

Fury Key Features:

· Full-on chopper styling
· Longest wheelbase ever in a production Honda motorcycle
· Muscular V-twin power, sound and feel
· Clean looks, superior attention to detail
· Spacious riding position
· Low seat height
· Single-shock rear suspension features “hard tail” look
· Extra-wide 200-series rear tire
· Slim-look 21-inch front tire
· Legendary Honda fit, finish and reliability
· Unrivaled value

BAVARIA Yachtbau GmbH is utilizing the expertise of BMW Group DesignworksUSA and will present the first boat from its innovative production line at the Düsseldorf Boat Show.

For many years now, BMW Group DesignworksUSA, a global design consultancy and subsidiary of the BMW Group, has attracted the interest of numerous industries through the creation of trend-setting design. In addition to the projects realized for BMW Group, some of the work that has been widely acknowledged over recent years has included innovative designs for the aviation industry, for which BMW Group DesignworksUSA has become a firmly established partner.

Last year the consultancy was also able to make a name for itself in the yacht industry with the design of an innovative luxury sailing yacht. One of the companies to which BMW Group DesignworksUSA drew attention was BAVARIA Yachtbau GmbH, one of Europe’s leading yacht manufacturers, and BMW Group DesignworksUSA was soon appointed a new design partner for the yacht builder from Giebelstadt. The first motorboat resulting from this joint collaboration, the Deep Blue 46, can be seen at the Düsseldorf Boat Show from 17th to 25th January 2009.

Here are the sketches and photos of the actual yacht. 

BMW Yacht Design - Side view

As always enjoy and ride safe !

Not too sure what to make of it and would love to hear from you readers on your take. 

Despite a weakened motorcycle market, BMW Motorrad USA reported a gain (0.6 percent) in 2008 sales compared to 2007.  Following a strong performance during each of the last six consecutive months, BMW motorcycle sales outperformed overall U.S. motorcycle sales, which dropped more than seven percent last year.  Both retail and wholesale performance during October 2008 established all-new BMW Motorrad USA records.  

“Our sustained success during these very difficult economic times speaks volumes about the strength of our brand, our new model initiatives and the quality of our dealers.” commented Pieter de Waal, Vice President, BMW Motorrad USA.  

BMW motorcycle sales were boosted by consumer interest in several new adventure/sport-oriented models – the upgraded BMW R 1200 GS and GS Adventure and the all-new BMW F 650 GS and F 800 GS enduro motorcycles;  the G 450 X sport enduro; and the HP2 Sport.

“The popularity of these new models demonstrates that more motorcyclists are embracing an adventure-sport lifestyle and seeking a modern combination of on- and off-road capabilities to explore roads less traveled,” added Mr. de Waal.  “We have just the right motorcycles for these riders.  We also have a great partner in BMW Financial Services which has allowed us to continue to finance consumers’ motorcycle purchases during these difficult financial times.”

This year, BMW Motorrad USA will introduce several new models to the U.S. market: the 2009 BMW K 1300 S — the most powerful street-legal bike offered by BMW, the 2009 K 1300 GT, and BMW’s all-new 2009 World Superbike contender, the S 1000 RR.

The videos of the K 1300 are  here 

In Europe, the sales where a bit down 101,685 vs 102,467 from 2007. 

Husqvarna Motorcycles, the second motorcycle brand of the BMW group, on the other hand grew by about a third.  Its the oldest motorcycle brand in the world still in active production and was taken over by the BMW Group towards the end of 2007. Growth stimuli here came mainly from overseas markets.

As always enjoy and drive safe.

The Robb Report is a luxury lifestyle magazine, featuring products for affluent connoisseurs, such as cars, watches, and real estate.

It was originally started by Robert White as a magazine to complement the purchase of a Rolls-Royce automobile.

A number of other magazines are also published under the Robb Report brand. Including, The Robb Report MotorCycling. In 2002 the Robb Report brand was sold to Curtco Media. After which Curtco was renamed Curtco Robb Media and acquired titles in vertical markets such as Homes, Motorcycles and most notably Worth magazine. 

The Robb Report MotorCycling has been renamed to Ultimate Motor Cycling. 

Recently the publishers of Ultimate MotorCycling magazine have launched a new and more encompassing online presence at www.UltimateMotorCycling.com.

The high quality photographs and quick reviews make the site a must visit. Check it out !

Thank you for those of you who took time to give us feedback. We truly appreciate it.

We have introduced two new features on the site.

1. Google Maps.

On the browse advertisement page we now display the (near about) location of seller and give you buyers a easy way to get directions to drive down.

Again please exercise caution.

Sellers – post well populated mall or location address if you feel safety is an issue. The idea is to give the seller an idea of how far you are.

Buyers – please meet sellers in an area with lot of traffic.

2. FaceBook Connect.

You can after uploading your advertisement –

Click on the Facebook link.

It prompts you to log into your FaceBook account and once you approve posts to your profile.

Now everyone in your friend list gets to see and hear about your listing with minimal effort from you.

Same goes for Buyers if you see a ride you fancy – Click on the Facebook link on the upper left hand corner of the classified.

Good luck and as always stay safe !

BMW Motorrad, Europe’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, unveiled the new BMW K Series at the INTERMOT 2008 in Cologne, Germany, on October 7.

The three new models, BMW K 1300 R, BMW K 1300 S and BMW K 1300 GT are upgraded successor to their previous models.

The BMW K 1300 S has an engine output of 129 kW (175 hp) combined with overall weight of 254 kg (560 lb) including fuel while the BMW K 1300 R develops maximum output of 127 kW (173 hp) and weighs 243 kg (536 lb) with a full tank.

Below are the riding scenes and stills of the three new models.

Enjoy and as always ride safe !

Choppers: Highly customized motorcycles based on a cruiser-style frame with long rake (longer front forks). They are also usually bare of various accessories and other non-essential parts. Many are created more for show than rideability.

Cruisers: A range of small to large motorcycles designed for comfort and looks with a relaxed upright or reclined seating position. They often use lots of chrome and may be highly customized.

Sports bike: Performance bikes that are usually lighter and smaller in structure than the cruiser. These motorcycles are racing bikes and have four-cylinder engines ranging 600cc to 750cc. “Super bikes” can also provide up to 1,000cc are included in this category.

Touring bike: These motorcycles offer large displacement parts, to protect from inclement weather and heavy winds; high-torque engines; comfortable, upright seating positions; and large capacity fuel tanks for long-range mileage.

Sports – Touring bike – these motorcycles are designed to blend performance of a sports bike with long-distance capabilities of a Touring bike – performance while providing comfort and relative safety to the rider. Sport touring has evolved over decades from simply strapping a bag to the back of any sporty motorcycle to a very specified genre of motorcycle riding for which specific models of motorcycles, luggage, riding apparel and other accessories have been designed.

Standard/Street bikes: Standard bikes have a riding position midway between the forward position of a sports bike and the reclined position of a cruiser. Luggage capabilities are often an optional extra. Standard bikes are popular for commuting and other city riding because the upright riding position gives greater visibility in heavy traffic (both for the rider and to other road users) and are more comfortable than the hunched over sport bikes. Naked bikes are included in this category.

Off-road bikes: These include dirt bikes and are built for rougher terrain. They have larger, deeper-treaded tires, small engine, long suspension travel and high ground clearance, and no street accessories.

Dual-Sport: these are “on-off road” bikes. Sports Touring bikes adapted for off-road driving.

Enduro – these are off-road bikes adapted for legally driving on the streets.

Mini bikes: Very small bikes designed to be simple run-around fun for both children and adults. Generally they have no hand-operated clutch or gearbox to simplify operation. Also known as Mini Motos. Not street-legal in most countries and jurisdictions. May be used for racing by all age levels.

Sidecars: A sidecar is a one-wheeled device attached to the side of a motorcycle, producing a three-wheeled vehicle. A sidecar motorcycle is different from Trike – with the sidewheel not directly aligned with the rear motorcycle wheel, and is usually powered by the rear wheel only.

Trikes: Motorcycle with three wheels. A motorized tricycle’s wheels may be arranged in either configuration: delta or tadpole. A delta trike has one wheel in front and two in back, and the tadpole trike has two wheels in front and one in back.
A common arrangement is to fit chopper-style (”ape hanger”) front forks to a VW Beetle engine and transaxle, popular because it is largely self-contained on a single subframe. Similarly, the engine, transmission and rear wheel may be taken from a large motorcycle as a single unit, and used in the construction of a tadpole trike.

Scooter: Motor Scooters are short-distance motorcycles with small wheels (357 mm or 14 in. in diameter) and engines in the swing arm. Typically, these run less than 125cc, but some larger scooters exceed 250cc. One popular scooter is the Honda Lead 80.

Mopeds: Small, light, inexpensive, efficient rides for getting around town. Usually started by pedalling (motorcycle + pedals = moped). Mopeds typically have an engine mounted to the frame with a chain supplying the drive force to the wheel.

Credit for images to respective owners at Wikimedia under GNU Free Documentation License.