2010 Rally

BMW RA International Rally

The weather gods looked down upon the race track in Pownal, Vermont, and decided it needed some good weather. The Canadian god arranged to send a Canadian high, and all attendees, except those wrapped in ponchos, enjoyed the cool.

For those who didn't come, you missed quite the event. Peter Nettersheim brought in his collection of vintage BMWs, complete with white carpet, spotlights, and timeframe, and punctuated with numerous spins around the building and parking lot on old BMWs. Max and Ben Stratton (Max BMW Motorcycles) built a fantastic GS course, including a teeter-totter, loaned numerous G450s out for people to take on the course, ran the timed trials, and led several increasingly difficult GS rides. Attendees had many self-guided on-road rides to choose from, and the Town of Pownal entertained us with fireworks on Saturday night, in celebration of their 250th birthday. A lot of people from the BMW RA, BMW Motorcycle Owners of Vermont, various vendors, and many, many attendees pitched in to make this a memorable weekend. Thanks to all of you.

Photo albums

Daniel Falgerho - album - website
MAX BMW - album - website
Will Guyan - album
Jason Adams - album (pre-rally)
Andrew Phillips - album
Gail Hatch - album
Reid Dalland - album
Chris Owen - album
Jeff Yost - album
Bill Costello - album
Tom McGee - album
David de Bruyn - album

Video overview of GS Trials.
 

News

9/2/10
The BMW motorcycling community lost our good friend, Paul Bachorz, this evening. Paul passed away due to heart failure after a brief illness. He was actively involved with the RA as a Trustee and had recently chaired the RA Vermont Rally in July. Paul approached everything he did with enthusiasm and joy. He will be missed by everyone. Services are pending.

S1000RR videos
The tablecoth trick video from BMW has been their most successful ever, according to DealerNews. If you haven't seen it, it's one cool ad!
A few other S1000RR videos are on YouTube also. Here's one where MAX BMW goes ice racing. From either of these links, you'll find lots of other S1000RR related content.

2010 NARS and GS events
The BMW/AMA National Adventure Riding Series schedule for 2010 has been announced and includes 75 events located all over the country (even Alaska!).
Additionally, BMW has compiled a list of GS-type events nationwide.

New Dealers
BMW has opened eight new dealership in the last five months:

At least one (Montgomeryville Cycle Center) has previously been a BMW dealership.

F650/F800GS and K1300 models recalled for engine stalling.
Recall 09V471 describes the K1300 recall, which involves reprogramming the BMS-K to provide better idle airflow when the idle air passages become restricted with debris.
Recall 09V499 affects the new F650, providing for rerouting the vent hoses to eliminate the chance of water being drawn into the evaporative emissions canister as the engine runs.
Both recalls can be found on the NHTSA website.

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 K1300 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.

control

Racing
Check in on the racing blog. All about racing and the S1000RR.
Offroad coverage is handled by Jason Adams; the latest results from the newly-reborn Dakar Rally is currently described in the Forum.

 

Chartered Clubs

If your club has not renewed its charter for 2010, it's missing out on some benefits including:

  • Free listings of club events in the "Rally Map" section of the web site and OTL.
  • One free BMW RA gift membership
  • One free ¼-page, or two 1/8-page rally ads in OTL.
  • Automatic distribution of RA updates and/or OTL Intel

Plus the RA is always ready to assist your Chartered Club events by donating door prizes for your club event if your club is chartered with the RA. The cost of renewing of your club charter is only $10 or free with RA membership minimums.

If you or your club has any question please call the RA Headquarters or email us at charterclubs@bmwra.org.

Elections

Board of Trustees Election
Results are in; read the full report.

President: Debbi Harbour
Vice-president: Jeff Yost
Treasurer: George Nyktas
Trustees:

  • Julia Shirley
  • Bob Alexander
  • Paul Bachortz
  • Gary Haydel
  • Will Guyan

Notes

OTL didn't come this month?
Members with a 8/31/2010 expiration date who have not renewed their membership, will miss receiving their September 2010 OTL. Renew now online or call Headquarters today so you don't miss an issue. Your expiration date is on the label of your OTL.

Black Eagle Shop
2009 Rally shirts are back in stock. M, L and XL in both long and short sleeves.

Clubs

Club elections
The RA can organize and host online voting for any chartered club. Club webmasters or election coordinators should contact the RA webmaster.

New Club Logo Help
The BMW ICC has updated logo requirements for all BMW 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 compliance.

Welcome Visitors

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.