| News
New 2010 boxers introduced
The R1200RT, R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure are announced with the expected DOHC cylinder heads. The engines are not identical to the HP2 Sport motor, and in fact the maximum horsepower is not increased from the previous engine (first seen in the R1200R) but the maximum torque is up 3 ft-lb at 6000 RPM.
This is a very positive change; rather than going to a larger displacement the company has used better technology to improve the engine. There will be a lot more to say about the engine changes in the December OTL.
Other significant changes for the RT include ESA2, new instruments, new audio system and controls, and the new switchgear which was first seen on the K12300 models. ESA2, also introduced with the K1300 last year, and provides spring rate control.
The GS and Adventure models do not have the new switchgear, but have subtle changes to the bodywork and instrumentation.
Rally awards
The RA's PC-XT has finally finished crunching the numbers from the 2009 rally. Look for the high-mile youngsters and oldsters, and more, on the awards page.
Racing
Check in on our racing editor Will Guyan's blog. All about racing and the S1000RR.
Summer of Love BMW promotion
Want a new bike? BMW wants to sell you one. In fact, they are offering a special discount to members of the RA, MOA and VBMWMO. If you were a member in good standing as of June 30 of this year, and you're a member on the day you buy the bike, BMW will give you $500 off any new bike you buy other than the S1000RR. Limit one per customer, full details here.
Make your best deal at the dealer, buy the bike, then fill out the form and you'll get your $500.
Note that you have to be a member in good standing as of June 30, so if your membership lapsed you won't qualify. Check with the Association Administrator if you're not sure.
S1000 RR
 MSRP: $13,800
The options include either standalone new 4-stage Race ABS
or Race ABS combined with multi-stage Dynamic Traction Control. Other must have options include the truly awesome Gear Shift Assistant
that allows clutchless upshifts during acceleration, Anti Theft Alarm
and the WSBK-inspired Motorsports Paint Scheme.
This new Superbike from BMW weighs only 404 lbs, and puts out a 193 hp. The S1000 RR is the most powerful production 1000cc sport bike in the
world.
In addition to the most potent power plant in its class, the S1000 RR
introduces new tech features such as the first-ever 4-stage Race ABS system
with settings for Rain, Sport, Race and Slick conditions. This groundbreaking
new ABS weighs only about 5.5 lbs complete, which is nearly 20 lbs lighter
than the competition.
The S1000 RR also introduces a new multi-stage Dynamic Traction Control
(DTC) which allows smooth acceleration on wet roads, or puts down full-on
power on the track and settings in between depending on the road and riding
conditions.
Photos by Jeff Yost of the new BMW S1000 Superbike Streetbike
at BMW USA HQ.This is the only one in the USA with the team colors.
Click for S1000RR gallery
Discontinued Models
The F800S, G650 Xchallenge and G650 Xmoto are discontinued for the 2009 model year (meaning now). The F800ST and G650 Xcountry will remain in the 2009 lineup, although the Xcountry might not make it beyond 2009. Thoughts? Wish you'd bought one, or that you hadn't? Let us know.
Welcome to the BMW Riders Association
If you're serious about your riding, you're in the right place. The BMW RA is an international community of BMW riders focused on the machine, the marque and the company that makes it all work. It is our mission to enhance the BMW motorcycling experience for our members and provide a forum on the history, current offerings and the future of the marque. We're glad you're here.
Cool links
Latest newsletter of the International Council. |
Notes
Voting
Members can vote on the bylaw amendment here. You'll need your membership card, your most recent OTL, or a very good memory.
Black Eagle Shop
2009 Rally shirts are back in stock. M, L and XL in both long and short sleeves.
Rally Lost & Found
We have a couple of items left from the rally. Send a note to the Admin with a description to claim one.
- Camera
- Pack Bag
- Hat
- Ignition Key
Ground work
One of the chores of putting together the RA Rally is going to a brewery and selecting the beer for our rally. While there Chris Long took this photo through the window at Mountain State Brewing Co in Thomas WV.
 Does it get any better than this?
OTL
Those with a 8/31/2009 expiration date
will not receive the September 2009 OTL.
Renew online or call the office.
Racing
Our Racing Editor (Will guyan) maintains a racing blog that we're working the last bugs out of. This should be fully functional by the first week in August.
Clubs
Club elections
The RA doesn't have an election until 2010, but many local clubs will be having annual elections this winter. As mentioned, the RA can organize and host online voting for any chartered club. Club webmasters or election coordinators should contact the RA webmaster.
New Club Logos
The ICC has yet again updated logo requirements for chartered clubs. For regional clubs (typical clubs in the US) the biggest point seems to be that the 3D roundel is now required, whereas before BMW was willing to accept the older roundel due to printing difficulties. The final word on that will be here soon. The RA will assist any chartered club with logo design. |
