journal - BMW Club Journal Archives

Transcription

journal - BMW Club Journal Archives
The BMW Club
JOURNAL
April 2010
£2.50
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr+VMZ
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2
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
The Journal
April 2010
The Official BMW Club within
the UK and Republic of Ireland-
www.bmwclub.org.uk
General Enquiries: 0800 0854045
FREEPOST: THE BMW CLUB
The BMW Club is the Trading name of The B.M.W. Motorcycle
Club Ltd; Registered in England; Registration Number 4261129
whose Registered Office: Charter Court, Midland Road, Hemel
Hempstead, Herts, HP2 5GE.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
For problems regarding distribution of The Journal, please
contact your Section Secretary. Should there still be a
problem then contact the National Membership Secretary.
Contact details are on page 6.
The Editor reserves the right to alter/amend any item or image
submitted to The Journal. Such amendments will usually only
be to make an item more readable or easier to understand.
Submission of items/images will be taken as acceptance of
this condition.
EDITORIAL TEAM
Any correspondence not covered by the officers listed
below, or any queries, should be sent to the Editor.
Editor: Martin Ellis,11 Mapplewells Road, Sutton
in Ashfield, Notts NG17 1HZ (01623) 437578
[email protected]
Features/Articles: Please send to the Editor for
the time being.
Torque Reaction: Paul Nadin, 49 Berkshire Drive,
Congleton, Cheshire CW12 1SB
(01260) 279443 [email protected]
Marketing/Commercial Sales: Brian Price
Address details as ‘Features’ above.
[email protected]
Mutual Aid: Maurice Weldon, 21 Lawnwood
Drive, Goldthorpe, Rotherham, South Yorkshire
S63 9GD
[email protected]
Commercial Display Advertisements: Jim Bruce,
The Firs, Bayview Crescent, Broadford, Isle of
Skye IV49 9DB (01471) 820197
[email protected]
Small Business Advertisements: Charles
Knight, (Tempaorary address)148 Victoria Road,
Dartmouth, Devon, TQ6 9EG (07797) 730008
[email protected]
Section News: Steve Foreman (01536) 722048
[email protected]
Diary of Events: Ian Caswell
[email protected]
Around The Compass: Ian Thomas
[email protected]
Club/Section Display Ads: Piers Kurrein
[email protected]
Forum Administrator:
Phil Knight (PK)
[email protected]
Forum Address: http://forum.bmw-club.org.uk
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
CONTENTS
Regular/Occasional items
From The Editor’s Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Club Officers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
President’s Platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Torque Reaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Star
Letter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Websight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Caption Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40/41
Mutual Aid (Club member ads) . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Small Business Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . 79
The BMW Club - Out and About . . 54
Articles/Features
The 2010 BMW Club Photo Competition . . . 13
Possible New Model? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Report of February NCM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
My Boxer years. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EWS Problems Explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Profile - Church Stretton Motorcyles. . . . . . .
Exploring Universal Joints - Part 2 of 2 . . . .
Snetterton ‘Improve Your Riding Skills’ Day .
Rhino Rally 2010 - A Report . . . . . . . . . . . . .
National AGM information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spring National Rally Information . . . . . . . . .
An Irish K1 Treffen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BMW Aero Engines - Part 1 of 2. . . . . . . . . .
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16
18
24
27
31
32
38
42
43
45
48
DISCLAIMER
The BMW Club Journal accepts for publication articles and letters written in good faith; however,
the views expressed in articles and letters which are published are not necessarily those of the
Editor of The Journal or those of The BMW Club or its officers or members.
The information, including advice and suggested modifications published in the The BMW
Club Journal has not been approved, tested or otherwise checked by The BMW Club Journal
or The BMW Club. Before acting on information, advice or suggested modifications published
in The BMW Club Journal you should always obtain technical advice, and if appropriate have
a professional motorcycle engineer carry out the work for you.
The BMW Club Journal and The BMW Club cannot accept liability for any loss, damage
or claims occurring as a result of any modifications or work or other action carried out on
the advice or based on the suggestions given in any article or letter published in The BMW
Club Journal and (save for death or personal injury arising from The BMW Club Journal’s
negligence) all such liability is hereby excluded.
The BMW Club Journal is published for and on behalf of The B.M.W. Motorcycle Club Ltd.
The BMW Motorcycle Club Ltd, The BMW Club Journal, it’s Editor and Officers accept
no liability in respect of loss or damage occasioned directly or indirectly as a result of the
publication of any advertisement in The BMW Club Journal or Website.
This month’s cover photo is explained
on page 14. Nuff said.
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From
The Editor’s Desk
National AGM time
The National AGM takes
place in Caernarfon, North
Wales this month, on
Saturday the 17th. There
will be much to discuss, and
free food before it happens!
If you haven’t booked
yet, what have you been
playing about at?
Booking
technically
closed on March 5, but it
might be worth checking
with organiser Rhys Jones to see if there is
anything which can be done.
Please read the information shown on p42
to ensure that you have a productive and
enjoyable time.
You will no doubt have seen in the AGM
booklet which accompanied March’s
Journal, that some of the positions are being
contested, and I encourage you to go (if at all
possible) to support your preferred candidate.
This really is vital, and I might even go so far
as to say that it’s almost a duty
AGM booklet
National Treasurer, Mary Crompton has
requested that you take your AGM booklet
with you along to the meeting, as although
there will be some on the chairs when you
arrive, attendance numbers are unknown
(last year’s broke all records for over ten
years, I believe), and it’s the best way of being
certain that you’ll have one on the day.
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Back to normal
If one of the proposals
being put forward at
the National AGM is
successful, among other
things it will mean that
we won’t have to make you
wait for March’s Journal
next year. It should also
make it easier for your hard
working National Officers
to spread the load a bit
where AGM preparation is
concerned. Curious? Why not go to the AGM?
Journal Distribution
Just to clarify (as we have quite a few new
members ), when I finish compiling and
producing The Journal each month, the
completed document is then sent to our
printers, Newman Thompson for (would
you believe ?) printing! After that point, I
have no part in the processes which allocate,
distribute and post out your magazine.
Although I really do enjoy talking to Club
members and reading your e-mails, I’m not
the person who can answer the question
“Where’s my Journal”?
I hate to have to pick anyone up on it, but
p3 of every Journal explains who to contact
if you don’t receive your Journal at the
expected time. This is not necessarily to say
that there is anyone to blame, or even that
there is any blame at all to be apportioned simply that I really don’t know!
All Journal distribution queries should be
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
I was hoping that this issue of The Journal
would carry the options for our new Club
logo, but circumstances have conspired
against us, and the article (plus voting
form) will appear next month. The new
logo choices will however, be revealed at the
forthcoming National AGM in Caernarfon
later this month.
Of course, if there’s a real interest there, we
will happily provide the features Editor with
a copy of the soft ware used to produce The
Journal, in the hope that fully formatted
laid-out articles may be what I receive, as
opposed to a Word document. This is by no
means FYQFDUFE of a Features Editor, but it
may even lead to possibly being able to take
over as Editor for holiday periods or during
illness. Please initially contact me via the
details on p3 so we can have a talk about it please do it NOW though - I really need the
help. I will of course be at the National AGM
if you’d prefer to discuss it face to face.
Features Editor needed
End of the Profiles
With Brian price stepping down from the
role, I find myself in dire need of some
Editorial assistance. My backup plan has
hit a rock due to the person I’d asked to
take on the role now having to decline, for
fear of overstretching his club commitment
(he already does so much, it’s quite
understandable).
It basically means being the ‘buffer’ between
me, and the readers who kindly send in
articles for inclusion in The Journal.
Each new item is sent to the features
Editor, and his/her job is to liaise with the
contributor to ensure that I receive a readable
document in a format I can use, rename any
supplied photos so that I can identify them
as being a part of that particicular item,
and to ensure that I have all the requisite
contact details and other information about
the sender, as often it may be some months
before an item is used.
Ayone with reasonable PC skills should be
able to do it, but it is a really important job,
and can save me many hours work.
Oxford Section’s John Boileau has made
in inestimable contribution to The Journal
since I took over, travelling all over
the country visiting many of our more
prominent contributors and friendly faces,
producing in the process a series of ‘Profi les’
which have graced the pages of The Journal
since last July.
addressed initially to your Section Secretary
or Membership Processor. Alternatively
you might like to contact the National
Membership Secretary (whoever that may
be after the AGM) or his/her assistant. All
relevant details are on p6.
New Club Logo
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
That initial series comes to an end this
month, with Church Stretton Motorcycles
being the final subject.
I really would like this series to continue,
and have asked John if he fancies doing some
more. The fool (sorry, extremely obliging
gentleman ) has said yes, so we need some
new possible subjects. Any ideas? Please let
me know via the details on p3 and I’ll discuss
them with John.
In the meantime, how about a letter or two
to Torque Reaction with your opinions of
the profi les, or anything else club related?
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National Officers & Section Secretaries
National and other officers
PRESIDENT: Dick Boyd, Stewart Place, Garmouth,
Morayshire IV32 7LX
(01343) 870389 [email protected]
SECRETARY: Dave Cooper, Greensleeves, Exmouth
Road, Exton, Exeter. Devon EX3 0PQ
(01392) 876991 [email protected]
EDITOR: Martin Ellis. Contact details on page 3
TREASURER: Mary Crompton, 117 Andover Avenue,
Alkrington, Middleton, Manchester M24 1JQ
(0161) 653 0998 [email protected]
SOCIAL SECRETARY: Paul Brown, 33a March Road,
Wimblington, March, Cambs PE15 0RW
(05603) 168734 [email protected]
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: Liz Sandland,
Freepost, The BMW Club, Stewart Place, South
Road, Garmouth. IV32 7LX(0800) 085 4045
[email protected]
STANDING ORDERS: Keith Wills. 01289 382247
[email protected]
POST/5 TOOL HIRE SECRETARY: Mike Delacoe,
4 Charwelton Road, Preston Capes, Daventry
NN11 3TA
(01327) 360945 [email protected]
PRE/5 TOOL HIRE SECRETARY: Peter Dunn,
101Station Road, Thatcham, Berks RG19 4QH
(07941) 075165 [email protected]
MERCHANDISE SECRETARY: Cath Broughton, 17
Strawberry Hill, Northampton NN3 5HL
(01604) 416896 [email protected]
VINTAGE & CLASSIC REGISTER SECRETARY:
Malcolm McNair, 27 Syon Gardens, Newport Pagnell
MK16 0JU
(01908) 216623 [email protected]
SPORTING REGISTER SECRETARY: Robert Bensley,
Oak Tree Farm, Heath Road, Banham NR16 2HS
(01953) 888415 [email protected]
SIDECAR REGISTER SECRETARY: Tony Robson
(01729) 825862 [email protected]
GS REGISTER SECRETARY: Terry Ryan, 257
Wakefield Road, Drighlington, Bradford BD11 1EB
[email protected]
ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR AMERICA:
Position currently vacant.
100,000 MILE AWARD: Ian Collins
(01270 781097) [email protected]
WEBMASTER: Nick Fearn
[email protected]
TECHNICAL OFFICER: Mike Fishwick
Sirgon, 24250 Daglan, France.
[email protected]
VICE-PRESIDENTS:Tony Cartmell, 28 Houseman Place,
Blackpool FY4 5AE
(01253) 768421 [email protected]
Dennis Crompton, contact details as National
Treasurer, above.
SECTION SECRETARIES
EAST ANGLIA: Mark Weavers, 25 Hill Avenue,
Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 6HP
01493 600585 [email protected]
IRISH: TJ McHale Tavanavghmore, Foxford, Co Mayo
087 2470111 from within Irish Republic,
or +353 87 2470111 [email protected]
LONDON: Nick Fry, 4 Newbury Close, Chancellors
Road, Stevenage, Herts SG1 4TE
01438 749 913 [email protected]
MERCIA: Colin Ainsworth, 22 Marlborough Road,
Breaston, Derby DE72 3DD
01332 874935 07799 653789
e-mail: [email protected]
MIDLAND: John Winn,16 Ardington Road,
Northampton, NN1 5LJ. 01604 631043
[email protected]
NORTH EAST: Philip Oughtred, Ponteland Cottage, Pipe
Bridge, Rowland Gill, Tyne & Wear NE39 1PQ
01207 544851 [email protected]
NORTHERN: Lynn Tagg, 63 Ambrose Court, Moss
Lane, Leyland, Preston. PR25.4XA.
[email protected] 01772 431324
OXFORD: Tim Read, 15 The Limes, South Cerney,
Cirencester, Glos GL7 5RF
01285 869 320 [email protected]
SCOTTISH: Marjorie Burnett, Crawick Lea, Glasgow
Road, Sanquahar, Dumfrieshire. DG4 6BZ
01659 50091 [email protected]
SOUTH EAST: Brian Shears, 100 Park Avenue,
Northfleet DA11 8DL
01474 566142 [email protected]
SOUTHERN: Dave Williamson, Hollywater House,
Standford Hill, Standford, Hampshire GU35 8QU
01428 751756 [email protected]
SOUTH WEST: Dave Little, Corner Cottage, Yarcombe,
Honiton, Devon. EX14 9BD 01404 861285
[email protected]
ULSTER: Bob Barker, 88 Browns Bay Road,
Islandmagee, Larne, Co Antrim BT40 3RX
028 9338 2558 [email protected]
WESTERN: Ron Elmslie, 8 Cleeve Lawns,
Downend, Bristol BS16 6HJ
0117 9569209 [email protected]
YORKSHIRE: David Milne, 132 Sandgate Drive,
Kippax, Leeds LS25 7QR
01132 860604 [email protected]
HQ REGISTER: Tony Painter [email protected]
01823 253897 After Midday only please
DELEGATES TO OTHER
ORGANISATIONS
BMF: Primary contact: Tony Cartmell – Other delegates;
Lisa Parker, Paul Devall, Jeff Dymond, Richard Powell,
Peter Mapes and Paul Brown.
FBHVC: M McNair - Details on left
DVLA: Brian Price 01792 862152
e-mail: [email protected]
Please restrict any calls or enquiries to these Club officials to between the hours of
10am and 9pm, and let the Editor know if any of these details need amendment
6
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
President’s Platform
Looks like the weather is
changing for the better at
last. March the seventh
and the sun is out and the
snow is melting. Got some
new tyres on the R110RT
the other day and it is
almost ready for Glen
Luce next weekend, might
even stay in B&B. Am I getting soft? This
will be my first event on the bike this year
and boy am I looking forward to a decent
run on two wheels and socializing with
some of my friends.
Well that’s my first year as President and
I must say it was harder than I expected.
As the former Membership Secretary
and a National Officer of over 10 years
standing, I must say that membership
processing was much easier and
straightforward. As the President I have
to be much more diplomatic and possibly
don’t get it right all the time, but I am
trying.
Times are changing and we have certainly
come to a crossroads within the club. The
NCM heads the management structure
of this club not the Forum. We cannot
conduct business efficiently and correctly
at National Committee Meetings
(NCM) if we have to contend with the
disruptive behaviour evident at the last
meeting. We on the NCM all need to put
the club’s interests foremost at all times
when making management decisions. A
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
large amount of business
is being discussed on
the BMW Club Forum,
which is not the place for
formulating management
policy. Do you want back
door management? The
National Officers elected
by you should be discussing
business at the NCM and taking note of
the ensuing comments on the Forum,
not the other way about.
Three weeks (or thereabouts) after this
Journal drops through your letterbox, we
will be having the AGM at Caernarfon
and I hope that you will be attending.
There are a number of contentious matters
which need addressing and I hope they
will be openly discussed and debated by
you - the membership. It is after all, your
Motorcycle Club and this is the one time
in the year when you can stand up and
tell us where we got it wrong or what we
should be doing. Hope to see you there,
possibly on the Friday night before the
event.
For 2010 I and the NCM need to
toughen up and run this club from
the front and resist the back door
management techniques. We need to run
it democratically and in a courteous and
efficient manner, for you the members.
As we approach our sixtieth year in 2011,
never forget this is a great club!
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#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Letters
Torque
Reaction
Speed Limit Advice.
Congratulations to Bob Harrison on
passing his IAM test (Star Letter, February
Journal). Bob raised a valid point in relation
to the haphazard way in which some of our
speed limits are posted. I agree that there are
many instances where the signing is such
that the speed limit is unenforceable, if not
ridiculous.
I further agree with Bob when he said that
he wouldn’t advocate exceeding improperly
signed limits to test whether a court would
find in his favour on a contested speeding
charge, although they probably would.
There is however, another critical area of the
law which wasn’t discussed – the potential for
liability in a civil court should we be involved
in a collision in one of these improperly
signed ‘limits’. Clearly a partial indication
of a lower limit, whether enforceable or
not, would very likely be drawn upon when
a court apportions blame on a much lower
standard of proof, that of the balance of
probabilities. Imagine if we kill or seriously
injure someone and an expert witness gives
evidence that we were travelling well over
the intended speed limit at the time, even if
the signs were incorrect? Do you think that
deficient signage would hold much water as
your defence? I don’t think so.
My advice is that just because one of the
signs is missing, that does not mean you
should travel at whatever speed you fancy, it
simply means the limit cannot be enforced
until the signs are rectified.
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Please send all submissions for
May’s Torque Reaction to Paul
Nadin, before April 7
Details on page 3
As an IAM member and RoSPA Examiner, I
encourage and seek to develop safe, systematic,
smooth and (where circumstances permit)
progressive riding and driving. But just as
importantly, I’m in favour of always riding
with restraint and discipline and within the
spirit of the law, which is there for everyone’s
safety - even though we may not always agree
with the posted limit. It’s not for us to cherry
pick which laws we adhere to.
A good question to ask yourself before
carrying out a manoeuvre or deciding on
your speed is ‘Would I do this on a driving
test’? If the answer is ‘No’ or ‘Probably not;,
then think again. Ride Safely.
Bill Bradford. Ulster Section.
Lorna Recycled?
Nick van Zyl’s ‘Aegean Odyssey’ (February
issue) was impressive and enjoyable, and I look
forward to more. I can’t resist pointing out
though, an amusing oversight in the writing
which suggests Nick would be wise to get
wife Lorna to check over his next story before
submitting. I’ll copy his second and third
paragraphs and you’ll see what I mean: ‘My
suggestion to travel by motorcycle at first was
made in jest, but when Lorna didn’t really
object, I became enthusiastic about the idea.
Before I bought the 12-yr-old BMW R80 some
years ago, she had been sadly neglected. After
months of painstaking restoration she now
looked years younger and was ready to take
on anything.’. Was she indeed?! (Hmmm…
Ed )
9
Letters
On another matter, while I’m writing. Please
would our excellent new Editor make a point
of naming the contributors of articles? The
‘40 Years of BMW Motorcycles’ piece was
interesting, but it was oddly written in parts,
and made one wonder if it was a translation,
perhaps from German? (You should have
seen the original transcript – Ed) In which
case, was the writer/translator a BMW
employee? Not that I’ve any objection to
that: except that future articles provided by
BMW might well be a bit biased in favour
of the company’s products. Nothing wrong
with that -- but we need to know. Best
regards to everyone.
Stan Walinets. North East Region.
(The article was ‘extracted’ from one of many
‘Press releases’ which BMW circulate for
use by interested ‘BMW related’ bodies. To
the best of my knowledge they never carry
a by-line and are almost certainly originally
written in German).
A VOICE FROM THE PAST.
I’m delighted to see the old club is deep in
consideration of weighty scientific matters,
specifically Jim Lepley’s ‘weighty problem’
(Nov 09 Star letter - p16). They’m woindin’
you up ole’ chap! Of course the total weight’s
the same! However many points you stand
something on, the weight’s the total of the
load is on all the points!
Think about it -both wheels on load cells:1) Flat - 130kg forward, 170 kg aft - Total
weight 300 kg (your C of G is about 57%
of the wheelbase back from the front wheel
axis)
2) Lift the front to an angle of 45 degrees the front wheel load becomes about 127kg
and the rear about 173 kg - still adds up to
300kg.
10
3) Now take it to the extreme, stand the bike
vertically on its back wheel with the front
directly above it. Front wheel load = zero,
rear wheel load = all of it. Add ‘em together
and surprise – it’s 300 kg! (The point of the
original query Ted, was that both wheels
XFSFOU on scales at the same time! The
front was on the ground while the back was
weighed, and vice versa. Although I’ve seen
the explanation written down, I still can’t
get my head round it – Ed).
Just as John Rousseau explained, but perhaps
a mite simpler! What intrigues me is what
logic did the others use to try to persuade
you otherwise? (I think that between
Steve [Bodger] Foreman and myself, it was
prompted by about nine pints! – Ed )
So here’s one for you chaps - a 300 ton train
is travelling west-to-east at 60 mph. A bee
travelling east-to-west at 30 mph hits the
front of the train and of course ends up
going with the train west-to-east. Now to
do this, the bee has had to decelerate from
30mph east-to-west to zero velocity and
then accelerate in precisely the opposite
direction to 60 mph. When the bee was at
zero velocity it was in contact with the front
of the train - so the train was therefore also
at zero velocity. So the bee stopped the train
– discuss!
I look forward to getting on the bike again
with you shy retiring lot when the sailing’s
out of my system. Have a great biking year
all of you
Ted Devey - Cornwall.
Using a Satnav.
Recently while looking for a UK address
with the number 1 of a particular street, as I
approached the street in question, (which was
actually a right turn into said street, i.e. No
1 Wotsit Street), the sat nav then announced
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Letters
that I was ‘’Arriving at destination, on right’’,
while I was still on the approach road. This
was therefore UFDIOJDBMMZ incorrect as I actually
needed to turn right into Wotsit Street to get
to number 1.
Out of curiosity I later tried No. 3 Wotsit
Street, and got exactly the same result, i.e. the
sat nav was sending me to the gable ends of
these two respective buildings which were on
the approach road - not to the front of them
in Wotsit Street. The two addresses (i.e. Nos 1
& 3) were the first properties in Wotsit Street,
both were large buildings with the front
access 50 or so yards down Wotsit Street, and
not actually on the approach road.
I’ve never come across this previously in
the several years of using the sat nav, and as
the approach road was a main road it was
impossible to actually stop at the suggested
location. So obviously don’t believe every
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
thing JU tells you! Has anyone else had similar
‘in town’ problems?
T’Upside Down Tyke.
(Andy from Bradford).
Key problem.
My 1979 R65 now requires seven keys, all
different. Is this a record? (I’m tempted to
say no - a record is a small circular piece of
vinyl which produces music - but they get on
at me for it - Ed )They fit: 1) ignition 2)
steering 3) disc lock 4) fuel filler 5) seat lock
6) panniers to frame and 7) pannier lids.
Of course, if I ever find a proper top box, that
will make eight! However, I do have a top
box fixed to the rack already, but it’s a small,
ex-Netherlands Air Force ammunition box
from Silverman’s. It has no lock, but it does
still carry a sticker warning of explosives - in
Dutch!
John Humbach. Folkestone.
11
Letters
Star Letter
As chosen by The Editor
Very loud R1200GS.
My colleague and rideout friend Nick
(who sold me his old R1200 GS of 2005
vintage), went straight out and bought a
brand new 2010 R1200 GS to replace the
old one.
He’s been for a couple of rides on the new
bike now and everything’s very nice, but
you know what? He finds it to be far too
loud! BMW have deliberately re-tuned
the exhaust to give it a more rorty note.
This is probably great for younger riders
who relish this kind of thing but Nick
thinks it’s way over the top.
I write this just as a warning to those
proposing to buy a new GS. Have a good
12
test ride. Give it plenty of revs and listen to
that exhaust. Make sure you could endure
the volume on a long all- day run.
Piers Kurrein – Northern Section
BMW Club Ads officer 07866 622196
[email protected]
Piers’ letter has won him a pair of the
superb Moto-Safe hearing protectors
supplied by Nippy Normans (www.
nippynormans.com) and as soon as he
contacts me with his address, they’ll be
winging their way to him without delay.
Your letter could just as easily be chosen
next month, so why not get typing? Ed.
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Competition
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13
New Model
News
Scoop?
You saw it here first - How do we do it? Well, luck, really! The Editor reveals that
it would appear there may soon be a major announcement due from BMW.
Not strictly a triple, but...
Look closely at the above picture. Notice
anything a little... unusual... no? Count
the foot pegs - one - two - three? No, you’re
not going senile, there are indeed three
pegs. While on holiday in Austria, some
friends of mine couldn’t believe their eyes
when while sitting at a pavement cafe in
14
the small village of Fal Porilo, what should
breeze into town but this beast, apparently
currently under development inMunich.
It soon disappeared, and I have no further
information at the moment, but I’ve been
promised an exclusive for next month’s
Journal. Don’t miss it.
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
R
1
A
LL
2
0
M
O
0
D
G
E
LS
ON
LY
S
£1
0
9
F
F680
5 0G
0
G S
S &
TW
IN
ON
LY
£
9
9
Fit a MudSling and keep your
bike and yourself clean!!!
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
15
BMW Club
Business
Taking Care of (Club) Business
A report on the activities and discussions at the recent National Committee meeting,
which took place on Feb 20th at The Appleby Inn, in South Derbyshire.
President’s opening remarks
The President did not give an opening
address since the volume of business to be
dealt with required an immediate start on
the agenda.
Regarding the President’s Opening
Remarks in the report of the June 2009
National Committee Meeting (August
Journal page 15), it was incorrectly stated
that the book keeper prior to Hillier
Hopkins was Derek’s daughter. This is not
the case; the previous book keeper was Mr.
John Hamer, of Leicester.
The meeting agenda
Club administration
The committee decided that its national
officers will now be expected to attend the
two national rallies, for a trial period of one
year. The committee further decided that the
national officers would be entitled to have
their and their partner’s costs reimbursed.
The accounts for the year ended September
2009 were examined and approved. Owing
to a technical problem, VAT will now be
reported on a three monthly basis; this
will affect how both the Section Treasurers
and the National Treasurer plan their
work. Despite the recession, membership
numbers are holding up at similar levels
to last year. Mail and an e-mail shot have
produced a significant boost in renewals.
The development of a secure site for both the
e-mail system and the electronic storage of
Club documents continues. The reporting
of officer expense claims records is now
16
installed and working. A Job Description
has been approved for the General Secretary,
and the remaining officers’ job descriptions
will follow shortly. A Code of Professional
Conduct for the Club’s directors has been
introduced. The administrative link with
the Irish Section has been resolved and a
procedure drawn up.
The M&AA (the Rule Book)
The Memorandum and Articles of
Association have been reviewed and a
resolution is required at the forthcoming
AGM to bring changes decided in 2007
and 2009 into effect. These changes relate
to eligibility for membership in respect of
both age and ownership or interest in BMW
motorcycles. This is necessary as the official
Companies House record shows the M&AA
of 2005 to be the definitive document. Two
further proposals are to be submitted by the
National Committee at the AGM, relating
to honorary membership and to the timing
of the AGM.
Website
A new look site has been developed and will
be installed shortly. The emphasis is on an
attractive layout and ease of use, with more
information about Club activities readily
accessible.
More money for the Sections
There will be an increase in capitation from
the existing level of £3.50 to £4.00, the
details to be decided by the committee at its
June meeting.
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
BMW Club
Business
Promoting the Club
Thank you
Grants of £350 were given to the Scottish
and North East Sections for the Kelso Rally
and Bikewise events respectively, to assist
with recruitment of new members. The NEC
show input was reviewed and although costly
for the Club at approximately £5,000, it was
felt that attendance there is worthwhile. It
was recognised that it is difficult to gauge the
effect of a presence or absence at such events
and the committee feels that this level of
funding demands a wholly professional and
focused approach to selling the Club. The
committee voted to offer new members a
half price sign up deal for their first year, but
only if they pay on the day at promotional
events attended by the Club. Half price
members will attract the standard capitation
allowance. It is hoped this plan will capture
those who would otherwise take the papers
away to think about it.
Associate members who assist with the
Club work of their ‘other halves’ will now
be given free membership; it’s nothing in
terms of money but the committee wanted
to recognise and thank those who toil away
in the background.
Events
The Spring National Rally is filling up
and the charges will soon revert to the
commercial rate. A progress report and
budget update for the Summer Rally in
Ulster was discussed, and the organisers are
hoping for a good turnout.
Postal Voting
The pros and cons of this, especially in
respect of voting for officers were briefly
debated. Volunteers were sought for a subcommittee to study the matter but none
came forward. The matter was not pursued.
Summary of decisions
Subject
For
Against
Abstain
1 year trial of officer attendance at N/R
12
5
2
Approval of Accounts year end Sept 2009
18
0
2
Approval of Gen Sec Job Description
17
1
1
Code of Professional conduct
16
3
1
Capitation increase
18
1
0
Irish Section administration
Unanimous
BMF Kelso grant
Unanimous
Durham Bikewise grant
Uanimous
NEC Show attend 2010
14
2
2
Half Price membership promotion
18
2
0
Free membership for working associates
18
2
0
Please note that variations in the number of votes reflect the fact that committee members
have occasion to leave the room from time to time, note the duration of the meeting!
The meeting opened at 11.00 am closed at 6.15pm.
David Cooper General Secretary
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
17
Recollections
My ‘Boxer’ Years
Ron Allen (Midland Section) recalls some of his experiences over the years.
$BSSZJOHPVUASVOOJOHSFQBJSTBU4U*WFT$PSOXBMM
Thirty years ago, I was a young man who
liked nothing better that to spend his free
time ripping around on a noisy red Italian
motorcycle. It was smooth, quick (for its
day), and contrary to the tales in the press,
reliable. I liked the noise it made, its rarity
and the way it delivered its power. I even
enjoyed the hours spent fiddling about
with the valve shims every three thousand
miles. Best of all it made me feel like Mike
Hailwood as we swept by another group of
suckers on their wobbly Jap fours. I went
touring France on it with no problem (even
though the weather was consistently awful)
and travelled from Lyon to Wakefield in one
go with a four-hour break in the middle,
courtesy of Sealink.
And yet… There was always a feeling of
fragility about the Ducati; you just knew it
18
wasn’t going to be your faithful friend for the
next twenty years, and that when something
EJE let go it was going to be expensive to fix,
unobtainable or both, if that’s possible. I was
also still in my twenties and keeping a bike
for two years was a long time.
One Friday night I went to the motorcycle
exhibition/show in Leeds with my dad. It
was held at the old tramsheds in Leeds, which
had been optimistically renamed Queen’s
Hall. It was there where I saw my first
R100 RS close up, at the ‘Jeffries of Shipley’
stand. They were selling last years models at
a slightly cheaper price as they were to be
replaced by the new ‘no points and lighter
flywheel’ models. The cheaper price was still
over three grand; my Ducati was eighteen
hundred brand new. I had read about these
revolutionary bikes in the motorcycle comics
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Recollections
and this being a rare time when the less than
mature rags were not slagging off BMW,
the reviews had been good. Lenny Setright
had written a piece in Bike magazine about
keeping on keeping on; or how you could
go faster over a distance than on anything
else currently made, thanks to the fairing
and the relatively unstressed nature of the
engine. The handling (although not up to
Italian or British standards) was supposed
to be better than anything from the Orient,
and the only criticism was a slightly lumpy
engine at certain speeds: big deal. Well, you
know how it goes; I spoke to the nice man
from Jeffries, and having just paid off one
lot of hire purchase, I signed up for another.
Easy come easy go, I was the IPQFGVMMZproud
owner of my first BMW (splendid in a sort
of metallic beige), and as it was my birthday,
complete with chrome crash bars and luxury
panniers.
The big day arrived and I sped to Shipley
praying that this was not the day when the
rods came through the case. It wasn’t, and
after the usual formalities (including being
showing around the bike) it was time for
the off. I lifted the choke lever (still quaintly
situated on the side of the engine) and fired
up the motor. It shook itself into life like
a waking beast and settled into a faintly
rattling tickover while I straddled the bike,
8IFSFFMTFCVUBUBCFFSGFTUJWBM
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
3FQPTJOHJOąF'PSFTUPG%FBO
tried out the slightly strange ergonomics
and selected first gear with a resounding
clunk. So; a rattling good engine and clunky
gearbox: had I done the right thing here or
would I be wishing I had the V twin back
after a few weeks?
I have to tell you; the ride home did not leave
me too impressed: for a start the nearest
thing I had come to weather protection
was a screen on a Guzzi California which
I’d traded in for the Ducati. Now I was sat
behind what seemed like half an acre of ABS
(no hectares in those days) with something
called a Bing sticking into my leg. The
engine seemed lumpy and unresponsive and
the switchgear was a little strange. My wife
liked it, and proclaimed it very comfy, so
that’s all right then.
After duly running in the machine for a few
hundred miles (allowing time to get used
to one another), the bike had transformed
itself into a smooth, powerful, long-distance
runner. I could sit at any speed I wished on
motorways, had recorded one hundred and
twenty five on the speedo (oh those far off
days before electronic surveillance) and seen
off a Kawasaki Z1000 over the Chilterns on
my way to Sussex to visit the mother-in-law.
My brother had just traded in his Honda
gutless-wonder for a Guzzi LeMans and the
fun was about to begin.
19
Recollections
hours a day in a
pub. One by one
my fine collection
of
motorcycles
was sold to pay the
usual collection of
bills, and buy nonessential fripperies
such as food! First
went the Sunbeam
and Gold Flash,
then the Triumphs,
until
eventually
I even sold the
Beemer, leaving me
with a rigid Royal
0OUIF/PSUI:PSL.PPST
Enfield 350 to run
We had decided to dare each other to do around on for the next few years. This was
outrageous rides out, usually Friday night entertaining and surprisingly reliable after
returning Saturday morning. They’d started its rebuild, and my son and I spent many
off rather mildly: a pub in the Peak District carefree days and decently long runs with
or something, but the silliness was building that old machine. After a few years I found
up nicely. Our latest run had been a tour reasonably paid employment, instead of the
of Wales; camping at Ross and drinking holiday camp, low-income rubbish I’d been
our own body weight in dry cider, before FOKPZJOH while living near Scarborough. As
travelling the next day over the Devil’s this initially entailed commuting back to
Staircase to Tregaron, then past Cader Idris North Yorkshire, it was a fine excuse to buy
and out to Chester and home Saturday a better motorcycle for the job, and a new
dinner as domestic chores called. Not too MZ Skorpion was purchased. This was not
bad for a trip which started out after work ideally suited to long distance work but was
one Friday. Other epic adventures included a thoroughly enjoyable little bike, especially
lightning tours of Devon and Cornwall, with the hooligan silencer I fitted.
and a winter trip to the Solway Firth, where From the moment I bought it, my son
we became so drunk we camped too close to coveted this bike and because it was a good
the water and almost ended up in the Irish handling and secure little machine without
sea. Mrs Allen enjoyed many trips on this too much raw power, I was happy for him to
bike and with the twenty odd mile commute have it. I ordered myself a Harley Sportster
to work it was averaging almost twenty (a bargain at under five grand) and looked
thousand miles a year, with only the battery around for an old bike on which to run
(exhausted after three years of operating the around in the meantime. My son found me
groaning starter) and the usual consumables a BMW R100RT in moderate condition,
needing replacement.
and after a little work it was soon chasing
In 1983, we all went on strike and money the Skorpion around. Although not an ideal
became a little tight, despite working twelve racing tool, I really liked it and the secure
20
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21
Recollections
way it went about
its business. Along
with the extremely
effective
fairing
it felt safe and
easy to use in foul
conditions, and had
a fair cruising speed.
I wish I had another
one for bad weather
riding.
The time came to pay
for the Harley, and I
set off to Worcester
/PSUI#BZ4DBSCPSPVHI
accompanied by a
friend on a Road
King. While on the M5 he gave the Harley The only downside for me were the scary
some stick, and I sat behind him on the electronics and fuel injection which are
ancient BMW at about 110 mph (on half difficult to diagnose and repair in the
throttle) smoking a cigar! Well… OK… comfort of your own shed, but as none of
not FYBDUMZ, but it XBT rather effortless. I these gave any trouble I can’t really complain.
should have realised UIFO that the Sportster 5FMMJOHMZ the tool kit was now much less
would be a disappointment after all this comprehensive, although there was a decent
easy speed. I mildly tuned the little Harley little puncture repair kit provided. This was
and bored it out to 1200cc, which certainly also the only vehicle I had ever taken back to
improved matters. I even toured Bavaria on the dealers for a service.
it, but it wasn’t really the machine for me. Difficult circumstances at the start of the
Don’t get me wrong, it was a decent little new Millennium meant that I had to sell
bike and went like a latter day Commando the 1100 privately and stop motorcycling
once in 1200 guise, but I’d been spoiled. A altogether for a while. After a year or two
couple of years later, I sold off the 100RT of flirting with east European smokers I
and traded in the Sportster for a four year recently decided to buy a decent machine
old R1100RT.
again, and eventually decided on another
What can I say? Smooth engine, trick BMW. A visit to the website had me
suspension and a fairing almost as good confused. With chain driven twins, across
as the old RT while looking much better. the frame fours and even bigger Ks, yet
This fine machine toured Europe on many without the boxers, I felt that I could have
occasions and managed one hundred and been looking at the products of any major
thirty on the Autobahn from the Ruhr with manufacturer: quite a shock for an old
myself, Mrs Allen and two panniers full of fashioned boy. I had fancied an R1200RT
the usual unnecessary clothing. I used it initially but the price was eye watering and
during the winter and it felt secure even I eventually settled for an R1200R - thirty
years after buying my first BMW. The
when riding through snow.
22
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Recollections
new(ish) machine is still on probation as I
have not used it enough so far. After thirty
years of boxers I now have a model which is
smoother, fifteen miles per hour faster, yet
far less practical than my original boxer.
The toolkit is a joke and the reliance on
electronics is truly scary. It corners superbly
and is quite economical with its use of fuel.
Is it any better though? I really don’t know,
although a ride on one of the old boxers
might be a disappointment as glasses become
more rosily hued as the years go by. Speaking
to a long-time owner of boxers (who now
owns an R100S and an R1100RS, both with
vast mileages under their belts), he believes
that BMW have lost their way. I am not so
sure though. Selling air-cooled boxers into
the twenty first century was never going
to be a real option. Building a value added
product at twice the cost of similar models
from other companies (while still complying
with modern emissions legislation) is no
longer viable. The twins and fours now
produced are of no interest to me, but will
no doubt appeal to a newer generation of
motorcyclists. Facing competition from the
usual suspects, along with products from
the like of Triumph and KTM has probably
spurred on the development of new models.
The other option would be to become a niche
producer in the fashion of Brough, Vincent,
Munch and others and we all know where
UIFZBSF now.
I’ll stick with my new bike and no doubt
grow to love it. It’s still different from the
run-of-the-mill stuff, and basically quite
a simple and sorted design mechanically.
Performance is almost irrelevant in 50mph
Britain but it has enough, and I struggle to
achieve the unnecessary (in my opinion)
sixth gear on most non-motorway rides. So
here’s to a new year of riding and enjoying
what will probably be my last machine.
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price. Call 01752 202828 to find out more.
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K 1200 LT
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01752 202828 www.oceanbmwbikes.co.uk
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Minor
and Annual
Major
and Annual
R 1200 GS
£265
£299
F 650 / F 800
£128
£159
Prices are inclusive of VAT and correct at time of going to print,
however are subject to change without prior notice.
23
Technical
EWS Problems Explained
Or... Why won’t my bike start, mister? Many recent BMW bikes suffer from ‘Antenna
Ring’ problems, causing intermittent starting. Here follows an explanation.
What does EWS mean?
It’s German for ‘Elektronische Wegfahr
Sperre’
The most common symptom:
biggest by far being the (un)reliability of the
Ring Antenna and Evaluation electronics.
The fault code diagnosis
The motorcycle does not start and the legend
‘EWS’ is intermittently or permanently
displayed on the instrument cluster.
According to several dealerships and dealer
techs we spoke to, a faulty ring antenna raises
a Fault code within the BMS-K(P) control
unit, roughly only 50% of the time...
The problem
General description
A really simple explanation is that there is
a device (called the Antenna Ring) which
The electronic immobilizer consists of 4
parts:
detects that the correct key has been inserted
into the ignition. If it’s not the correct key
(or in this case if the Ring system fails) the
bike simply will not start.
This is a single point of failure, and if
it doesn’t work, there is NO chance of
authenticating the Key and no chance at all
that your engine will start and run.
Since the system’s inception in 2004, it
has been plagued by various problems, the
1. RF Transponder in the Key
2. The Ring antenna
3. The Evaluation electronics integrated
into the Ring antenna module
4. The Engine Control Unit (BMS-K
or BMS-KP)
When the ignition is switched on, the
engine controller initiates communication
with the transponder chip in the key.
24
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Technical
Data is exchanged, and if the request is
authenticated (i.e the correct key is used), the
BMS-K(P) will unlock the ignition (spark),
fuel injection, fuel pump and starter motor.
The transponder chip
The I.C. (or ‘chip’) in the Key does not
contain a battery. It’s powered instead by
the magnetic field of the Ring antenna,
which also acts as the RF communication
medium. In essence, the transponder is a
wireless read/write EEPROM with a unique
serial number.
The Ring antenna
The ring antenna both powers and
communicates with the transponder chip
in the key. The maximum communication
distance between key transponder and ring
antenna is approximately 2cm, and is the
reason why there should NEVER be any
other Keys (with a transponder) in close
proximity, as they would both be powered by
the ring antenna’s magnetic field and would
both try to communicate, thus essentially
corrupting each others signals.
The evaluation electronics
This is integrated into the antenna ring
unit and conditions both the RF and data
signals to the BMS-K(P), so that they
might communicate with each other (read:
rf <-> digital conversion). The evaluation
electronics are powered by ignition and have
the following pin-outs:
pin1 : Terminal 15 (ignition)
pin2 : Terminal 31 (ground)
pin3 : data
pin4 : data
The BMS-K(P) ECU
A certain portion of the BMS-K(P) software
is dedicated to the EWS. This block of
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
software integrates the data from the key
into the rest of the engine management
functions of the ECU.
It's primary tasks are:
r To retrieve the identification data from
the transponder in the key and validate
its authenticity.
r To release the rest of the engine
management functions if the key is
authenticated.
r To manage up to a total of 10 keys.
r To manages keys which have been
blocked (typically if you've lost a key,
you can have it blocked).
r The EWS procedure at start-up is as
follows:
r When the ignition is switched on, it
powers the evaluation electronics, and
in turn, the transponder chip in the
key.
r The BMS-K(P) authenticates the key
data against its corresponding internally
stored data.
r Based on a secret algorithm, a random
number is manipulated by both the
transponder and the BMS-K(P). The
key's answer is transmitted back to the
BMS-K(P), and if they are a match,
the rest of the engine management
functions are released.
What to do when things go wrong
Unlike losing your key, or an electronic
failure within the BMS-K(P) (highly unlikely
– cars have been using these modules for
years!), the unreliability of the ring antenna
and evaluation electronics does have a silver
lining… Anyone can replace it! (no special
matching by the BMW diagnostic computer
required) – unlike the learning of a new key
or the replacement of a BMS-K(P) control
unit! That’s why you should have at least
ONE spare unit within your riding party…
25
Technical
and always carry your spare key. The spare key
is essential as it’s required for the emergency
ring antenna substitution procedure for the
following reason:- The actual original ring
antenna is difficult to replace, so a substition
will only involve temporarily plugging the
new one in and leaving it suspended. In
this position however, the wires will not
allow the substituted ring to sit around the
ignition key slot, so you will leave your spare
key taped to the new ring, thus fooling the
system into believing that the key has been
inserted, while you use the main key to do
the mechanical bit of actually operating the
ignition. Simple, really.
What you’ll need
r
r
r
A spare ring antenna (New part number:
61 35 7 705 247 ) released
06 2008
Your spare ignition key!
Some cable ties and/or tape (to fasten
the spare key to the replacement ring
antenna).
What to check first
r
Cycle the ignition again, and if the
problem persists, then check the wiring
and wiring connector to the Ring
antenna for:
r Any damage (possibly caused by chafing
etc. or rodent damage)
r Over tightened cable ties
r Poor connection at the connector to the
ring antenna
r Read the fault codes with GS-911
Just be aware that the ring antenna is not
always responsible for the bike not starting!
I first came across this as result of a posting on the
Club’s Forum, and I’d like to. thank Stefan Thiel
for granting permission for this article (found at
http://www.hexcode.co.za/techinfo) to be used
- Ed.
Is the ring antenna always to blame?
NO! In some situations the symptoms of
the motor not starting and ‘EWS’ being
displayed intermittently or permanently on
the instrument cluster are NOT the result
of a faulty ring antenna!
If the dipped headlight beam comes on
and ‘EWS is displayed when the ignition is
switched on the first time after the battery
has been removed, the Ring antenna is
NOT faulty!
This happens when the BMS-K(P) boots up
incorrectly. A correctly intitialised BMSK(P) always shows the gear indicator in the
instrument panel, provided the gear selector
potentiometer is NOT faulty (Test unit GS911 will tell you this).
Once the ignition is switched on a second
time, the EWS should function normally!
26
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Profile
Time for Church (Stretton)
Oxford Section’s John Boileau explains the almost religious way in which
Ian Forbes has gone about setting up his own successful enterprise.
At the age of fifty four, Ian Forbes is a the oil tankers. The first ship which I joined
member of the first NPEFSO generation of was a 214,000 ton super tanker called The
Ardlui. There was
motorcyclists. He
lot’s of pressure.
just missed the
There’s only one
world of oil leaks,
radio operator, so
BSA
Bantams,
if he gets a problem
Franny Barnetts,
there’s only him to
Falcons and BSA
fix it. I used to deal
Gold
Flashes.
with the radar, the
By the time he
maintenance, the
was sixteen, the
VHF radios, all of
brighter, cleaner,
the transmitters,
faster and more
receivers and echo
reliable world of
sounders - all of it
Japanese bikes was
a similar kind of
there to explore.
electronics.
The 1965 Suzuki
50 Sportsman, a
When the kit was
125 Yamaha, the
working well, it
Suzuki Super 6,
was great: you
*BO'PSCFT)JTPXO#PTT
then 175cc and
didn’t have to
350cc Bridgestones whetted Ian’s appetite do anything - just keep the old man (the
for the open road. Deep in his brain they Captain) happy and you were pretty much
also planted a dream of running his own your own boss.”
motorbike shop.
Being his own boss is where Ian finds
Church Stretton Motorcycles is the result, himself now: and especially happy with the
and Ian runs it with his brother Bryan – electronics side of modern BMWs, which
Ian in charge of servicing and all things hold no fear for him whatsoever. But there
mechanical, with Bryan running the sales is one last connection with the sea before we
and showroom. But like most dreams, it was finally hit dry land.
realised by determination and hard work, In 1980 Ian left P&O, and he and Bryan
not luck, as Ian explains:set up their first motorbike shop in Church
“I went to college and did a radio course Stretton. Unfortunately, it didn’t prosper,
at Riversdale, in Liverpool (it’s a housing so a year later Ian left Bryan to keep things
estate now) and then moved on to P&O ticking over while he went in search of more
bulk shipping division, the gas carriers and finance. North Sea oil provided it.
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
27
Profile
6TJOHBMBQUPQBTKVTUBOPUIFSUPPM
(FUUJOHTUVDLJOUIBUTXIBUJUTBMMBCPVU
“It was good money on the oil rigs. After
eighteen months I came back and injected
some cash into the business which Bryan
was still running, but it was hard going. It
was motorcycle sales and repairs but on a
very small scale, so we changed direction.
We had all the wrong sort of bikes - I think
that’s why it didn’t go”.
The pointer to a new direction was the
market then opening up for ex-police
BMWs, and the unsatisfied demand for
second-hand bikes at an affordable price.
They were an expensive bike new, and still
quite so, second-hand. They held their value
well. Ian and Bryan seized the moment.
“Some forces were getting rid of their BMWs,
so we bought some and never looked back. I
must have done 300 and could sell as many
as I could get my hands on. They were three
and four years old, the old R75/7 with Avon
fairings, and then came the RTs. They were
about £800 - £1000 and there was a huge
market for folks who wanted a BMW but
couldn’t afford one. Suddenly here were bikes
which were affordable (albeit ex-police), and
I could just sell as many as I could get.
In selling them, we met more and more
people who were keen on them, and wanted
their own bikes servicing. That’s how I got
into the BMW side of things. They were
good bikes. They were well maintained and
sometimes they came with all brand new
kit.”
Ian and Bryan held a BMW franchise
from 1987 to 1992 but the battle to meet
corporate sales targets was tough, best suited
to dealerships in highly populated and
affluent urban areas. As Ian puts it, “You sell
more bikes where there are lots of chimney
pots.”
Like many independents, Ian knows that
it’s the personal touch which makes friends
and brings repeat business. “When I had the
BMW franchise (and as is in a lot of shops),
the workshop was around the back. You take
your bike in there for a service, you hand
over the keys, and then the bike disappears
and you come back X number of hours later,
when he bike’s back round the front, and
you pay your bill.
The workshop here is open - customers come
in and have a chat and a cup of coffee. They
can see you working on the motorbike, and
they like the feel of it. I looked at the way
motorcycle shops are today and it’s very
clinical - very up-market. Some folks like
that, but there are still a lot of people who like
to see a mechanic working on a motorcycle
and like to know what he’s doing. They also
like to ask questions, and I think that they
EP appreciate that here. Folks like the fact
they can sit and talk to you while you are
28
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Profile
doing something on the bike and pointing
things out”.
Ian is a GS fan, and business has boomed
since Ian McGregor and Charley Boorman
went around the world. GS sales went up
by about 40%, and after a couple of years as
the new bikes dropped out of warranty, Ian’s
share of the servicing work mushroomed.
“Probably six or seven out of every ten BMs
I get now are of the GS variety.
They’re very well put together, very easy
to maintain, and nice bikes to ride. I do
Japanese bikes along with Triumph and
Ducati, because nobody around here really
does them. The 1150 GS is my all-time
favourite though… style, handling, ability
to work on them. It’s a cracking all-round
bike”.
The central location of Church Stretton
Motorcycles is an asset. “There’s no dealer in
Wales, right up to Chester and right down
to South Wales so there is a huge market
(although not many chimney pots) and still
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
a lot of people who want BMs. They may buy
from dealers, but after the warranty runs
out they want them serviced, and that’s the
market I’m in now”.
Older bikes aren’t ignored. “There isn’t
anything we don’t do: I look at everything as
a challenge and we’ve had some challenges!
The only bikes I won’t work on are the
Chinese ones. ABS is not a problem; it’s
really quite simple and quite straightforward.
The modern stuff is a bit more technical, you
need a computer to read fault codes and so
on but its not that difficult, it’s not a huge
problem.
A lot of people like to tinker with older BMs
themselves. They’ll do most of the work
themselves and bring it in if they have an
electrical fault, or something they can’t sort
out. I’ll tackle most things: the only problem
is sometimes you can spend a lot of money
on an old bike because it’s time-intensive
and you do get corroded wiring and odd
faults which take time to track down; it can
be quite expensive”.
29
Profile
Church Stretton Motorcycles draws Ian’s a Shropshire lad and enjoys the scenic
customers from as far north as Cumbria, and beauty, but there’s not much time for leisure:
as far south Bristol, and from any direction “I don’t have a motorcycle because I ride six
days a week
it’s a great ride
on the bikes
through some
here: if I had
of the best
a motorcycle
of
English
I’d
be
countryside.
divorced… my
Ian doesn’t
wife wouldn’t
have
loan
see me! Had I
bikes,
but
not got the
the station
business, I’d
is only fift y
have a GS,
yards away
and
when
and connects
I retire I
into
the
will have a
main line at
motorcycle.
Shrewsbury.
quite
C u s t o m e r s $PODFOUSBUJOHTPNVDI*BOEJEOUFWFOLOPXUIJTXBTCFJOHUBLFO I’m
sometimes leave their bikes for a week for happy as I am, the level of business is good,
longer jobs, or enjoy a day’s hiking on the I’m as busy as I can be, I’m just happy doing
Long Mynd if it is to be finished in the day. what I’m doing”.
All BMW Models catered for — from R60 to K1200LT
Servicing Costs (includes parts & labour) starting from:
Service interval
Intermediate/Annual Major
Airhead Boxer
£135
K series
£170
K1200LT
£220
Oilhead Boxer
£185
F650/F800
£165
(All above prices + VAT)
— Collection Service Available —
£185
£195
£365
£220
£195
F650/800GS Scottoiler auto chain lube kits in stock
Onsite fault code diagnostics available — All models
Ultraseal tyre sealant — installed onsite / DIY packs
Meta cat1 insurance approved alarms system
Bridgestone – Michelin – Dunlop – Metzler – Conti
All tyres supplied/fitted and dual plane balanced
6v/12v battery optimizers c/w fitted BMW plug
EElleeccttr
alliittyy
r ssppeecciia
ur
mss oou
roobblleem
all ppr
riicca
Only Castrol oils used in your machine
Contact Ian to book in your BMW or for any queries
Crossways (A49) Church Stretton Shropshire SY6 6PG
FFaaxx ::((0011669944)) 772244773388
TTeell :: ((0011669944)) 772233554466
www.churchstrettonmotorcycles.com
30
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Technical
Exploring Universal Joints (Pt2)
A reply to last month’s dissertation by TJ Sands, this time from
Brian Price of the Western Section - He of toilet door fame!
What follows is the combination of a few
articles which I wrote some time ago, and
have adapted in response to TJ Sands’ article
in last month’s Journal, concerning universal
joints (UJs). In particular it’s concerned with
the use of a single UJ as employed in many
BMW motorcycles. Although fundamentally
I do not disagree with TJ’s article, further
consideration must be given before doing
what he proposes, i.e. shortening the rear
shocks and thus increasing the angle of the
drive shaft. The main concern I would have is
rotational speed which a single universal joint
can produce. Two joints set 90 degrees out of
phase, cancels out this effect. So back to my
theorising - when the bike is accelerating, the
ąF)PPLF+PJOUPS6+
that most insurance companies would need
notifying that a bike had undergone this type
of modification, and some may even refuse to
insure it.
My own R80 gearbox
Having to rebuild the gearbox on my 1981
R80 (as a result of the catastrophic failure of
the output shaft main bearing), prompted me
to surmise why the bearing should fail. After
all, the bearing is a great deal bigger than the
other bearings in the box, so why does this
one fail? I already knew that the drive shaft
on this bike employs a single universal joint
in its design; the norm being two joints 90
degrees out of phase. The reason why two
joints are used is to elimination the variable
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
3PUBUJPO4UFQT
variable rotational speed is realised at the back
wheel and there’s probably enough flexibility
in the drive train (particularly the tyre) for
this not to be an issue. When the bike’s
decelerating however, this variable rotational
31
Technical
speed is realised at the gearbox bearing as
it occurs ‘in phase’ with the position of
the rolling elements (the ball bearings) of
the bearing. This in itself, is perhaps not a
problem, but as some of the gears are of the
helical cut type, this variable rotational speed
can produce intermittent axial loading on
the bearing. Because this axial loading is
happening on the same contact point for the
rolling element, premature failure is a distinct
possibility.
Although this is only theory, I felt that it
would help to explain how a universal joint
can convert a constant rotational speed into
a variable rotational speed. What follows
is a more detailed explanation of this
phenomenon.
'JHVSF
History
The UJ as we know it was invented by Robert
Hooke (or he was at least, the first person to
produce a working model) in 1684, although
the Italian mathematician Girolamo Cardano
had proposed the idea about a century earlier
and may or may not have built one. The type
of universal joint we are discussing here is
more correctly called a ‘Hooke’ type joint
Figure one below shows a typical single
universal joint through a complete revolution,
in steps of 45° (Steps 1 to 8)
'JHVSF
which is tipped over at an angle of 20°. This
would be typical for the rotation between
points 1 and 3, also between points 5 and 7.
From point 1 to point 2, red (input shaft)
has to rotate 45° and blue (output shaft) only
has to rotate approximately 43°. This also
true from point 2 to point 3, therefore blue
does not have to travel as far as red. Red has
rotated 90° and blue has only rotated 86°.
Therefore blue’s angular velocity is less than
red. See figure 3.
From point 3 through to point 5 however,
red still only rotates 90° but now blue has
to rotate 94°, so the angular velocity is now
greater than red. See figure 4.
This is then repeated; points 5 to 7 blue’s
angular velocity is slower and points 7 to 1
blue’s angular velocity is greater. With this
increase and decrease in angular velocity
there is a corresponding decrease and increase
in mechanical advantage available to turn
the shaft.
Problem defined
Figure 2 shows the trigonometry involved
in calculating the angular rotation for red,
compared to the angular rotation for blue,
32
'JHVSF
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Technical
angular velocity for blue. The frequency of
this sine wave is twice the RPM of red.
Some further problems
'JHVSF
These angles have been calculated for angle
of tilt for the output shaft of 20°, but the
amount of change in angular velocity
increases or decrease as the angle increases or
decreases. There is however, a maximum, at
which point the shafts lock up, caused by the
decrease in mechanical advantage to such a
level that there is not enough power available
to turn the shaft. The angle at which this
occurs is dependant on the power available
and the strength of the bearing containing
the output shaft.
In reality, blue speeding up and slowing
down is not a step change but follows the
rules of simple harmonic motion, or in other
words, a sine wave - see figure 5. For the
mathematically literate, points 1, 3, 5 and
7 are points of inflection (transition point
from an increasing slope to a decreasing
slope, or visa versa). Points 2 and 6 are where
we get minimum angular velocity for blue,
points 4 and 8 being where we get maximum
'JHVSF
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
The variations in the mechanical advantage
transmitted through the shaft (see above),
increases the force required to turn the shaft
with increased peak loading on the bearings
within the UJ.
All shafts are subjected to a ‘critical speed’;
basically a harmonic of their natural
frequency when the two parts of the shaft
are in line. This usually occurs at a relatively
high speed, but as the angle between the
input and output shaft increases, further
resonance is introduced which can make
the critical speed happen at a much lower
RPM. The speed at which this becomes a
problem is extremely difficult to calculate
(there are formulae available) and is usually
determined by testing, but can damage the
shaft and UJ if it becomes extreme.
Some further information
Universal joints are usually used in pairs,
with the two being in phase in order to cancel
out the effect. It’s also important to have the
engine side and the driven side parallel, in
side and plan view (Fig 6) This will keep the
amplitude of the sine waves the same so they
will fully cancel each other out.
In conclusion, the biggest stumbling block
to doing what TJ suggests is the possibility
of rendering your insurance void, and no I
have never experienced a UJ locking up on
a motorbike.
33
Rider Skills
Improve Your Riding Skills
BMW Club Sporting Register Secretary Robert (brackets) Bensley gives us
a brief history lesson, and a chance to improve our riding skills.
(Those of us familiar with Robert’s VOJRVF
writing style will be aware that he’s an
Editor’s worst nightmare , but he’s damn
entertaining, so basically I’ve given up on
this one. To ‘tidy it up’ would be to spoil it –
enjoy! – Ed)
Let me introduce myself – I’m Robert Bensley
– vintage 1952 - self confessed motor cycling
BEEJDU, user and NJTuser - and abuser of
brackets! I’m a welding engineer by trade, but
for the last thirty years have made a reasonable
living getting rusty cars thro` the MOT test
(hence my trading name of R.B.Chassis
welding) (once I start using them I don’t
know how to stop (brackets that is) (bit like
riding my bike) (lack of jungle juice usually
does the trick) (which I have been ridiculed
about on numerous occasions) but do I have
to wait until the pen runs dry) No I’ll be
strong, I’ll start another paragraph thingy.
After learning to ride a bicycle along the
pavements in the Wimbledon Park area
some while ago, I longed for something
34
which throbbed between my legs. At the age
of ten or so (can’t remember exactly), I HPU a
throbbing, but it wasn’t going to propel me
up the A120 at 100mph (by then I’d moved
to Essex) (unless that is, it had got me into
trouble and I was being propelled by the boot
of the father of the sweet little blonde who
lived round the corner) (even though she was
an Essex girl). In the bad winter of 62/63 I
moved to Norfolk where one of the lads had
a D3 Bantam to ride around fields and tracks
(not much of a UISPC, more of a little tingle).
My brother took me to Snetterton for the
International Race of Aces, where I caught a
glimpse (I was only small) of the Honda six
and Yamaha fours, and the sound (and smell)
of forty Manx Nortons and G50s on the first
lap was to have an influence on me to this
day.
My motor cycling career was to start for real
in 1968 on a brand new BSA Starfire. That
bike did its best to cure my addiction. First of
all by nearly killing me as it refused to stop no
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Rider Skills
matter how hard I pulled the lever (7” single
leading shoe drum), then by disheartening
me every time its big-end broke. A real good
looker though and the throb was what I’d
dreamt about all those years ago.
At seventeen I was bike-less for the winter
until I made a ‘runner’ from a van load of AJS
spares I bought for a fiver (high compression
piston, no advance and retard) (let alone valve
lifter), pig of a thing to start (one hell of a
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
throb when it did though) (I put Plasticine on
top of the piston and worked out that I could
machine an extra 1/8” from the bottom of the
barrel) and best part of 100mph, with worse
brakes than the BSA, (maybe partly due to
my method of shortening the inner cable (I
tied a knot in it).
At 18 a good friend let me pay in installments
for a pre ‘unit’ Bonneville with a 6T
Thunderbird engine, gem of a bike, ran like
a little bird (7-1 pistons in that one). Any
eighteen year old bike nut wanted a real
throb though (to equal the real throb that
was permanently between the legs), so yes I
****ed it up by fitting 10-1s and e3134s, and
advancing the timing. I toured the continent
on that bike, but money couldn’t buy a good
magneto in the late 70s (even a brand new
K2FC (cost two weeks’ wages) let me down
at Hockenheim) (Germany, that is, not the
bungalow in Thorpe Abbotts which I gave
the same name).
Enough of all this stuff, what about
Snetterton? Well, I needed to tell you all of
35
Rider Skills
the above to get to the bit about when I used
to Marshal there, the main attraction, apart
from getting free lunch, and walking around
with an official armband, was that you got to
do a couple of laps of the circuit. These had to
be done at maximum speed and lean angles,
after all we only had two laps and they were
broken up by stopping at your Marshal’s post
(for anyone not quite with me, you rode to
your post, stopped and parked up, Marshalled
for morning practice, then completed the lap,
then did the same in the afternoon). I loved
the experience of being on a circuit, but the
expense of building the previously mentioned
‘Hockenheim’ ensured that I wouldn’t do it
for real, ZFU.
In 1978 I bought the dogs unmentionables,
a wire wheeled R100RS (one careful owner
who told me that London to Canterbury
on the M2 was all ‘120 QMVT’), I joined
the club (BMW) in January ‘79 and met
some members who were competing in the
Triumph, Vincent and Velocette high speed
trials and race meetings. In early 1980 I
watched at Cadwell and thought this is for
me. In those days, ACU licence holders could
pay a fiver and ride around Snetterton all day.
I used two tanks of petrol just going round
and round, starting off with a time of over one
NJOVUFGPSUZ(this is when Russells corner was
a 100 mph death trap), and finishing the day
at 1.29. Rather than bore you with my racing
history, may I just say in my first proper
meeting I knocked four seconds off the
time. One of the highlights of my career was
competing in the Race of Aces meeting (in a
Battle of the Twins round), reducing my time
to 1.20 and finishing eleventh, unlapped by
Roger Marshall on the Cosworth (on a bike I
had ridden to the circuit, taken the plate off
and taped over the lights)
Why am I telling you all this you may wonder?
I’m organising a track training day for August
16. It won’t be an all-out track day, but will be
beginner friendly with three groups of riders;
Beginners, improvers and experienced. The
36
beginner group will have only thirty riders
(we’re actually allowed forty eight). There’ll
be excellent instructors, and the aim of the
day is to start at your own pace (just like I did)
and learn to enjoy gliding through corners
smoothly and building up a comfortable pace.
More experienced riders are also welcome but
must realise that there could be a vast speed
difference on the Revett straight. Even the
best rider on an airhead boxer could be 30mph
slower than a reasonably ridden K1300S.
Let me tell you a little about Snetterton
circuit. The first right hander (Riches) is one
of the best attacking corners in the country,
it’s double apex, you turn in, pass the first apex,
drift out a little, cut the second apex tight (by
now you should be ‘on the gas’) (a Rossiter
expression) and the exit is slightly hidden so
if you have enough speed it takes you right
out to the white line, to which you stick like
glue for the approach to Sears, another right
hander, which in my opinion is one of the
easiest to ride from white line to apex and
back to white line again. It’s sharper than 90
degrees (there’s plenty of run off although the
run off area used to be very bumpy), and you
can see all the way through. An important
skill can be learnt and practiced at these two
corners. Who hasn’t taken a corner on the
road (a right hander), then continued to turn
after the corner and ended up in the middle
of the road with another right hander coming
next? I have, and still do when riding badly.
The reason for this is through not looking far
enough ahead.
After Sears comes the long Revett straight,
which is the approach to the FTTFT. This is one
place I believe, where a braking point needs
to be established, On numerous occasions
during commercial track days, I’ve seen
inexperienced riders be all over the track,
then brake and open the throttle when they
haven’t a clue where to shut down, (and this
is in the afternoon, they’ve had all morning
to get it right). In road riding, we’re normally
taught to do the braking in a straight line,
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Rider Skills
then turn and make the corner. Here at the
end of the Revett straight, to be smooth you
need to shut down, turn and brake all the way
to the way to the apex (on a slow bike it would
be turn, shut down and brake). Exiting the
FTTFT, again it’s good practice to hug the white
line aiming dead straight for the bomb hole
(another white line-apex-white line corner),
then again exit on the line, and you should
end up where you need to be for Coram curve
(a long right hander). This is one place where
you EPOU want to exit on the white line, as the
approach to the new tight Russell’s complex is
probably the most difficult part of the circuit.
The braking for Russell’s needs to be done
with care, as a degree of banking is needed to
make it smooth. I prefer to put all of my effort
into slowing down smoothly, then do a down
shift as I turn from right to left for full power
up the start/finish straight.
So there you have it. It may be an airfield
but it has some challenging parts and I’d
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
say is a good place to ride your first time on
a circuit while learning more about yourself
and your bike and having some fun. You’ll
meet like-minded people too. If I feel up to
it, in the lunch break I may tell the story of
the first meeting, as told to me by one of the
founders.
I’ve been asked how to improve riding skills,
and the simple answer is that there’s no better
way than to LFFQEPJOHJU (why ask me anyway,
I make loads of mistakes?). I’ve told people to
find a few roads which you can link together,
join them up and keep riding them (but this
is (I believe) against the law). You may ride
to work on the same road every day but you
don’t do the same corner until twenty four
hours later. I say do a track day, you’ll take the
same corners again in less than two minutes,
and if you ride within your limits, watch and
take notice of where you brake, turn in and
exit, it’s soon possible to find the best line.
37
Event
Report
A Rhino - in Wales?
A brief report on this popular rally, which took place in February at Beddgelert, Wales.
We had three or four reports submitted, but this one’s from East Anglia’s Mark Handley.
Another
great
Rhino
Rally!
Went up Thursday and checked into
the Saracens Head, impressed how the
new owners Min & Ray Tarling have
transformed the place, complete with a
talking parrot which greets you as you come
down the stairs in the mornings! Food was
excellent, rooms clean and warm, beer well
kept, and the evening entertainment was
great. Personally, I couldn’t fault the place.
Min & Ray have offered a 15% discount
on the room rate throughout the coming
year if you mention The BMW Club when
booking http://www.saracens-head.co.uk/
38
I led an impromptu rideout on the Saturday
to Ty Coch http://www.tycoch.co.uk/ where
we were made welcome with hot soup and
pies, followed by a walk along the headland
to the lifeboat station. Unfortunately we
missed the lifeboat as it had just left on
a rescue. Weather was great while I was
there, with clear skies and no rain or snow.
The campers I spoke to, informed me that
everything was great up at the site with
hot food and soup, and breakfasts made
available. Many thanks to Rhys Jones for
all the hard work putting on a great rally –
already looking forward to Rhino 2011.
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Event
Report
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
39
Competition
February’s Competition
February’s competition seems to be firmly ‘seated’ in your imagination, so here are
some of those which merited a ‘Good effort - better luck next time’...
...So I decided to fit a comfort seat - Phil Oughtred - North East
Sorry chaps - reserved seating... ladies only - Prashant Gosavi - India
We’re not leaving the kids at home after last year... Gary Stanley - North East
The winner though, is Chris Rayment (East Anglia Section) with;
What...? You told me I should fit a chair!
As Chris included his details with his entry, a free BMW Club voucher (worth £25.00)
will be on its way to him shortly.
It really is easy, but as the cliché goes; “You have to be in it to win it!”
Get those keyboards clicking, or those typewriter clacking.
If all else fails - write in, but please remember to include your Section name,
along with your address and phone number in case you win.
40
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Competition
The Caption Competition
Now UIJT one looks painful! Here’s your chance to win a BMW Club voucher valued
) caption for the above
at £25, simply for sending in a witty (and family-suitable
picture which was once again sent in by Alec Quinn, from Ireland. April’s competition is
sponsored by Church Stretton Motorcycles (Thanks Ian). Entries should be sent by post
or e-mail to the Editor (details on p3), and the cut-off date for submitting your caption(s)
is May 1st
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
41
National
AGM News
42
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
National
Rally News
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
43
Websight
Websight
More pearls of Forum wisdom from Forum Admin - Phil Knight (PK)
Banned e-mail addresses
Last month I mentioned
that I wanted to talk about
the Forum’s ‘banned’ list,
including banned e-mail
addresses, and how that might
affect you if you have a Gmail
or Hotmail e-mail address.
Behind the scenes on the Forum, there are
many tools which the administrator can use
to help keep things secure. One of these is the
‘banned’ list. This enables the administrator
to ban either an individual e-mail address,
or a whole e-mail domain.
The purpose of this is again, security. Not
everyone who applies for an email address
has honest intentions, and the way that
checks are carried out by some online sites
handing out e-mail addresses is frankly,
pathetic. That is why we have a few e-mail
domains which are now banned. One of the
previous Forum administrators had already
banned all Gmail addresses, (Not the full
Googlemail domain though) and at the
end of December, I had to take the step of
banning all Hotmail addresses. For interest,
we had 28 spam attempts on the Forum
from December 1 - 21 - that’s more than
one per day – all extra work for the poor
administrator.
Don’t worry though if you’re already on the
Forum with a gmail or hotmail address –
you’re absolutely OK. The ban only affects
new members trying to register. If you are
wanting to register and only have a gmail or
44
hotmail address though, don’t
despair. All you need is another
e-mail address (temporarily)
to use for registration. Perhaps
you could use a work e-mail,
or the address of a partner or
friend. You can also get one
from just about any internet
service provider, or even sign
up with one from Yahoo.
Finally, It’s that time of year when those
who were paid up members in 2009 but
haven’t renewed for 2010, are about to
have their status on the Forum reverted
to ‘Forum Member’ as opposed to ‘BMW
Club member’. Of course if anyone hasn’t
renewed, they won’t be reading this issue of
The Journal, so why am I even mentioning
it? Simply because if anyone with ‘BMW
club member’ status IBT renewed, and finds
that their Forum status has suddenly been
downgraded by mistake, then we’ve hit a
problem. You should then PM or e-mail
me, and contact your Section Membership
processor too, so we can look into where the
error has occurred.
Problems?
Don’t forget - you can ask me any questions
about the Forum (whether relating to
registering or usage) by e-mailing me at
[email protected]
and let me answer your questions and
queries. Alternatively if you’re already a
Forum member, send a private message
(PM) to username PK.
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Event
Report
An Irish K1 Treffen!
Getting two of these machines in the same photo is unusual, but five?
Stephen Somers explains how it happened.
On Sunday 11th Oct 2009, a rendezvous
of K1s was organised by Deck (the Teck)
O Dwyer and Alyn Walsh in Gorey, Co
Wexford - A total of six of these rare (and
getting rarer) machines were mustered
together in the one county ... 5 initially,
when one of the faster, more desirable red
and yellow ones had to leave to be replaced
later by a blue one ..So OFBSMZ six K1's
together! What are the chances? So well
done to Deck, Alyn, Ciarian, Stephen and
John for introducing the bikes and owners
to each other. Some of them had not seen
each other for twenty years or so, and some
had come all the way from the US. If there
is anyone else out there with a K1 and
interested in further rendezvous, contact
Alan at [email protected] or Deck at
[email protected] - Already there is talk
of attending an international K1 treffen in
Switzerland in May 2010 ...
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
45
BMW
History
BMW Aero Engines
Club Technical Officer Mike Fishwick reveals the fascinating history of BMW’s
involvement with aero engines. Part 2 follows next month
Part one - From Four Cylinders to Twenty Eight
Many owners of BMW cars and motorcycles
are unaware of their favoured manufacturer’s
roots as a major manufacturer of aero
engines. The story began in 1912, when Karl
Rapp joined the Flugwerke Deutschland
46
aero engine company. He designed a fourcylinder engine, the FD1416, for the
prestigious Kaiserpreis competition, but
it was eliminated at an early stage, shortly
before the company became bankrupt. Rapp
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
BMW
History
took over the company, renaming it Rapp
Motorenwerke, and continuing the limited
manufacture of the Rapp ll, a small V8.
His first new product was a six-cylinder engine
of 14.8 litres, the Rapp III. This produced
125 bhp at 1350 rpm. Unfortunately
though, it was the four-cylinder engine with
one more main bearing and two cylinders
grafted onto the back end. The magnetos and
bevel drive to the overhead camshaft were
therefore sited between cylinders 4 and 5.
This dictated that the cylinder bore spacing
was asymmetrical, which, in combination
with the inadequate crankshaft bearing
dimensions and poor material, resulted in
rough running and crankshaft failures.
In 1917 Rapp developed his engine into ‘IIIa’
form, a radical redesign introducing seven
main bearings, symmetrical bore spacing,
and pushrod operated four-valve cylinder
heads. In this form, with twin carburettors,
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
it produced 175 bhp. Unfortunately Rapp’s
designs no longer enjoyed the confidence of
the War Ministry, with the result that his
company was relegated to manufacturing
spares for other makes of engine.
The Austrian Navy however, placed a
contract for some licence-built AustroDaimler engines, and sent Öberleutnant
Franz Josef Popp to oversee their production.
He soon became Technical Director, and
persuaded Rapp to employ Max Friz, an
ex-Daimler-Benz designer. After Rapp’s
departure in 1917 Popp reformed the
company as Bayerische Motoren Werke,
using backing from Camillo Castiglioni, an
Italian-Hungarian financier.
Max Friz quickly produced a totally new
design, also known as the IIIa, as the
engine type number was specified by the
government, based on the power output. This
was the BMW llla, using a high compression
47
BMW
History
ratio, with two valves per cylinder driven by
a single overhead camshaft, and fitted with a
single high-altitude carburettor designed by
Max Fitz.
While the engine had to be throttled back
at low level, it provided then-unheard of
performance at high altitude in the Fokker
D VII, making it the best fighter of 1918. A
Mercedes-engined D VII and a BMW IIIa
can be seen in the French National Air and
Space Museum at le Bourget, in the north
of Paris.
At the end of WW1, the punitive provisions
of the Versailles Treaty left BMW bankrupt,
and without any saleable products – even
spare parts had to be destroyed. Even so, they
managed to produce a flat twin motorcycle
engine, the M2B15, based on the engine of
a Douglas owned by engineer Martin Stolle,
who was to become famous throughout the
German motorcycle industry. This engine
48
was sold to manufacturers such as Victoria,
Bison, Helios, and several others, but it was
not sufficient to keep the company going.
BMW became a sub-contractor for Knorr
Bremse, a manufacturer of brakes for
railway rolling stock. Knorr soon absorbed
BMW, and in 1922 Popp (aided again by
funds from Castiglioni) bought back the
BMW designs and re-formed the company.
New premises were found in the form of the
derelict BFW (Bayerische Flugzeug Werke)
factory nearby. It was at this time that BMW
began to produce motorcycles.
Many ‘histories’ of BMW claim a connection
with AGO (Aeromotor Gustav Otto) which
later became BFW (both founded by Gustav
Otto, son of Nicolas Otto, the inventor of the
four-stroke engine) but the official company
history (‘BMW - a Company in its Time,’
by Hörst Monnich) makes it very clear that
no commercial links ever existed. BFW
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
BMW
History
failed in 1922, and Otto shot himself in
1928 after his Augsburg factory was bought
by Messerschmitt. Even so, BMW like to
hint at a pedigree traceable to the inventor
of the Otto cycle engine, but the only such
connection was a derelict factory.
The first post-war aero engine was the BMW
IV of 1924, a 250 bhp development of the
IIIa. This engine made BMW’s reputation,
being favoured for long-distance flights. It
was finally developed into IVa form, using
higher crankshaft speeds permitted by a
torsional vibration damper.
BMW’s engines were steadily developed
through the six-cylinder types V and Va,
which led to the outstanding 580 bhp veetwelve type VI, their first fuel-injected design.
This was manufactured in large quantities
in Japan, Czechoslovakia, and Russia. In
supercharged form it was developed as the
type VII and VIII, finally being produced in
1929 as the Type IX.
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
By 1933 BMW’s V-12 designs culminated
in the 1,100 bhp type 117, which was
more powerful than anything produced
by Daimler-Benz or Rolls-Royce at the
time. By the end of 1936 its development
was cancelled, for the air-cooled radial
configuration would dominate BMW’s
future designs.
During 1928 BMW had purchased a licence
to produce the nine-cylinder single-row
49
BMW
History
Pratt and Whitney engines, the Wasp and
Hornet. BMW’s version of the Hornet was
soon developed into a metric-sized engine,
the 132. This 450 bhp engine was sold in
substantial numbers, and was eventually
rated at up to 1,000 bhp for emergency use,
with fuel injection on 96 octane leaded fuel.
The final variant, the 520 bhp Type 132Dc,
was developed for use in the Panther tank.
Franz Popp, the founder and Managing
director of BMW, had pressed the German
Air Ministry (Reich Luftfhart Ministerium,
or RLM) to fund the purchase of a license
to build the twin-row Pratt and Whitney
Twin Wasp. This was declined, as it was
thought the drag penalty of a radial engine’s
cross section would nullify its use as a
fighter power plant. By the mid-thirties
this attitude had changed, but the US
government by then classed the Twin Wasp
design as a strategic asset, and blocked the
sale. It was therefore necessary for BMW to
50
! "#$"% % &!% ' " % ( " ( ( % ) " * +!," ( + - ./- 0 12345 612121
+ 12345 612161
Email [email protected]
Web site www.just-ferries.com
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
BMW
History
design their own twin-row engine, initially
using their experience of the 132. While
the concept of ‘doubling up’ may seem quite
straightforward, its realisation is far from
simple.
The result was BMW’s first twin-row radial,
the 1,500 bhp fourteen-cylinder 139, which
was not a success even though it powered
the early Focke-Wulf 190. The 139 and its
2,000 bhp eighteen-cylinder equivalent,
the 140, were terminated in 1938, when
the RLM decided that these engines had
limited potential. In 1939 it was therefore
arranged that BMW should take over the
‘other’ BMW, Brandenburg Motoren Werke
(otherwise known as BRAMO) whose twinrow engine became the BMW Type 801.
This 2,000 bhp 14-cylinder radial was the
outstanding BMW engine of the war years,
powering the Focke-Wulf 190, Junkers 88,
Dornier 207 and others. It soon became the
best aero engine of the early ‘forties, enabling
the Focke-Wulf 190 to out-perform and outclimb the Spitfire of the period.
The 801 gave birth to several parallel
developments, such as the type 800, a singlerow nine-cylinder engine using many 801
components and producing 1,200 bhp,
which was developed at the BRAMO works
until 1942.
A 2,900 bhp 18-cylinder version of the 801
with variable valve timing was developed as
the 802, but this work was ended in 1942
owing to large production demands for the
801.
The 804 was another 14-cylinder radial,
developed as an alternative to the 801, and
shelved in 1942, while the 805 was a highaltitude development of the 801 employing
hydraulic tappets and a two-stage two-speed
supercharger. Many lessons learnt from this
development were used on versions of the
801 after 805 development ceased in 1944.
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
These engines embodied some significant
design features, such as direct petrol
injection, variable valve timing, and cylinder
cut-off, which are still being ‘discovered’ by
to-day’s automotive engineers.
The most impressive design was undoubtedly
the massive 4,000 bhp 28-cylinder four-row
803, which was built as a pair of independent
14-cylinder engines based on separate inline crankcases. Each engine drove its own
propeller, and either could be shut down for
economic cruising.
Liquid cooling was employed in order
to avoid the potential problem of high
temperatures in the rear cylinder banks. The
final development model abandoned the
bevel-driven overhead camshafts and poppet
valves of the original for flat disc-type rotary
valves and turbocharging.
To reduce length and weight, each 14cylinder two-row unit supported its pair
51
BMW
History
of
crankshaft
assemblies
in
only two main
bearings, rather
than the usual
practice of using
an
additional
bearing
to
support
the
coupling between
the crankshafts.
The 803 would
be
plagued
by
crankshaft
and
crankcase
problems,
in
spite of a major
redesign
to
increase rigidity.
The multi-row
radial
engine,
incidentally, was
not an unusual
concept during
that period. Most
ma nu f a c t u rer s
developed
similar engines,
the
ultimate
expression
of
this type being
the very complex
42-cylinder
Wright Tornado.
None saw service
during the war,
and all were
rapidly overtaken
by the jet age. The
only such engine
to see production
was the Pratt &
Whitney Wasp Major, a massive yet basically
simple 28-cylinder 3,800 bhp four-row
radial, of which over 10,000 were built from
the late ‘forties to power such flying giants
as the Convair B-36 Peacemaker.
The take-over of BRAMO had also led
BMW into the gas turbine field, as the
Berlin-based company had been busily
developing axial-flow jet engines since 1939.
All BMW gas turbine work was soon being
based at their Spandau works, which is now
the motorcycle factory.
This work resulted in the 002 engine, a
complex twin-spool design using contrarotating compressor stages, which due to
its potential development problems was
cancelled. Lessons learnt from this engine
were applied to the 003, which was first run
in August 1940, and made its first flight in
a Messerschmitt Me 262 ‘Schwalbe’ fighter
during March 1942. Development resulted
52
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
BMW
History
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
was drove geared contra-rotating propellers
producing 7,500 horsepower and was aimed
at long-range 500 mph bombers, but was
soon cancelled. The basic turbine section was
developed as the 018 jet engine, producing a
thrust of 3,400 kg. This outstanding engine
was the most powerful then built, but it
arrived too late, and suffered the fate of
cancellation as did many other innovative
projects, such as combined jet/rocket power
plants, missiles, rocket engines, and even
complete aircraft designs.
During those six eventful years BMW’s
engineers developed an outstanding range
of radial piston engines, and were also at the
forefront of gas turbine technology. Their
work may be over, but its legacy continues.
Photographs by kind permission of BMW
Mobile Tradition - Previously published in
the BMW Car Club Magazine.
LOW MILEAGE
Motorcycles
WANTED
&
ENGLAND
WALES
in an improved 003a derivative, which by
October 1943 had flown in a Junkers 88 test
bed.
Even by wartime standards, reliability of the
003 remained a major concern, and although
the 003 engine was originally selected for
the Arado 234 ‘Blitz’ high-speed bomber
prototypes it was found to be so dreadfully
unreliable that it was soon replaced by the
Junkers 004, which was just badly unreliable.
For the same reason the Me 262 was also
powered by the Junkers 004.
It is interesting to note that, even though
considered more reliable, by the end of the
war the 004 was only certified for a time
between overhauls of 10 hours, and a total
engine life of 25 hours! By comparison, in
1944 the first British production turbojet,
the Rolls-Royce Welland, had an overhaul
life of 180 hours, which was frequently
exceeded.
The basic cause of these poor reliability
figures was Germany’s shortage of exotic
high-temperature metals, such as the British
had developed in the form of the ‘Nimonic’
series of cobalt alloys. The time required to
develop the 003 was the penalty paid for
this, and required the use of some extremely
advanced concepts such as air-cooled turbine
blades, an annular combustion chamber, and
a variable-area exhaust nozzle, all of which
took about five years of effort to perfect in
the USA after the war.
By the time the war was almost over reliability
of the 003 had became acceptable, and it
was developing a thrust of 800 kg, but the
only production aircraft powered by it was
destined to be the Heinkel 162 ‘Volksjäger’
fighter.
This was not to be their final design effort, for
before the end of WW2 BMW had built the
first propeller-turbine engine, the 028. This
Independent
Specialist
53
Out and About
The BMW Club...
Out and About.
On the following pages, you’ll find details of the Club’s ‘social’ side, including
information about past and future events, and where you can get together
with friends old and new. Why not try something for yourself this month?
55 Diary of Events - April and May 55
Find out what’s on in the next few days/weeks
60 Where we meet 60
A complete list of regular section events,with adresses, dates and contact details
61 The Social Scene 61
The National Social Secretary imparts his wisdom
62 Around the Compass 62
Events coming up which may need booking, including UK and European Trips/weekends
64 Section & Register News 64
Keep in touch with what’s happening in the Club’s regional Sections.
Includes reports of past (and upcoming) events, and general news about your own area.
Contact details are provided at the end of each Section’s entry
2010 BMF Discount Code - BMW10C849
Stena - Irish sea crossing - SE065 (conditions apply)
See www.stenaline.co.uk/event
5XPPGUIFFS.BSJHPMET BU$SBDPF/FX:FBSTEBZ
54
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Diary of
Events
DIARY OF EVENTS:
April/May
Apr =
May =
Weekends = Red Text
Diary submission deadline for May Journal = Apr 5
These activities have been arranged as agent for and on behalf of The BMW Club.
All organisers are covered by our insurance, provided the event guidelines are followed.
April
1
2-5
2-5
4
5
6
7
Southern The Flying Bull Inn Rake GU35 7JB.
8:00pm
Oxford
Natter night, George&Dragon, Erlestoke,
Wilts 7.00 pm
E. Anglia Easter in France. Join us at the Ibis
Hotel, Douai, for a relaxing weekend.
Matt Butcher, Tel: 01621 892146
Midland Easter Camping/ B&B weekend The
Plume of Feathers, Princetown, Devon.
Camping, B&B and Bunkhouse with
central heating. Entertainment, ride
out etc. Early booking required for B&B
and bunkhouse. Motorhomes OK . All
sections invited. Details Steve Foreman
(07859)909853 Midlandsocialsec@
ntlworld.com
Yorkshire The Village Hall, Cracoe, Marigolds Hot
Snacks. 12 noon
E. Anglia Lunchtime Pub Meet. The Worlds End,
Norwich Rd, Mulbarton, Norwich, N14
8JT 12:00PM Mark Dutton, Tel: 07703
179062.
Irish
Leinster Sunday Run. Leaves from the
Spa Hotel, Lucan at 10:00am. Contact:
Jim Sweeney [email protected] 087
230 0736
Scottish Natter nite: Meldrums Hotel, Main St,
Ceres. 19:30
Western Easter Carvery. Meet for lunch at Tom
Mogg Inn, Nr Burtle, Somerset 12 noon.
Jim & Dot Martin – 01242 672360
Southern Saddlers Arms Send Marsh GU23 6JQ.
8:00pm
Western Evening Meeting - New Inn, Claines,
Worcs 20.00 hrs. Bob Dunn – 01384
390344
Midland T h e T h r e e K i n g s , S a l t e r s w a y,
Threekingham, Lincs. NG34 0AU
(01529) 240249 Pub meet 7.30pm
Mercia
Natter Night 19:30hrs Cricketts Inn
Burton Road, Acersford, Swadlincote.
Derbys. DE12 8AP 93
S. East
Club Night at ‘The Bull’, East Farleigh.
8pm.
Southern Old Gits Loomies Cafe A32/A272 GU32
1JX. 12 Noon
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
N. East
Western
E. Anglia
8
Mercia
Midland
9-11
Western
9-11
Midland
9
10
S. East
Southern
11
Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Scottish
N. East
Oxford
E. Anglia
Western
Irish
S. West
Durham Amateur Rowing Club 7.30 p.m.
Club Night; Social Evening.
Evening Meeting – The Lamb Inn, Iron
Acton. 19.30 hrs. Denis Bradbeer –
01454 775786
Lunchtime Pub Meet. The Three Tuns,
Wethersfield Rd (off the B1057 Dunmow
Road), Finchingfield, Braintree, Essex.
CM& 4NR. 12:00PM Mark Dutton, Tel:
07703 179062.
Natter Night 19:30hrs The Dog, Henley
Road, Mappleborough Green, Studley,
B80 7DR 82
The Reindeer Main Street,Edingley,N
ottinghamshire,NG22 8DE Pub meet
7.30pm 01623 882253
Invitation from H.S.O.C. Camping W/E
Tudor Arms Campsite, Slimbridge, Glos.
See Journal/Notice Board for details.
Alan & Lis Robertson – 01452 382965
Graham Parkers B&B weekend
at Ruskins,CANCELLED DUE TO
UNFORESEEN SALE OF HOTEL
‘The Green Man’, Ringmer. 8pm.
Off Road Day, contact Adrian Buswell
020 8763 0211
Alpine Run contatc Steve Lamb01904
626655
Lunchtime meet Red Heart Hotel, Blyth
12 noon
Monthly meet: Katie’s Tearoom, Perth
Road. Birnam. 12:00
Ride In Lunch Meeting at Derwent Walk
Pub. Ebchester Bank.
Ride out: Royal Armouries Museum.
Martin Ashton, 01235 765694
Lunchtime Pub Meet. Five Miles Inn,
Upware, Cambridgeshire. 12:00PM
Mark Dutton, Tel: 07703 179062.
Easter Compton Meeting. 13.30 hrs.
Ride to Australia – talk by Colin & Dee
Masters on their epic trip
N.W. Coffee’s Café, Carrick on Shannon,
12.00 noon TJ McHale . mctjrt11@
hotmail.com 087 247 0111
Ride Out Meet at: Woodleigh Hall Café,
Junction on A30, EX6 6JL Near Cheriton
55
Diary of
Events
11
Bishop 10:30AM John Dyke 01647
231510
S. East Hawker’s Hunt. Depart 10am from the
old Little Chef site, Charing, on A20
at Jct with A252 (John Hawker 01622
744665).
12
Yorkshire natter night Bear Inn South Cave, market
Place 8pm
Scottish Monthly meet, Glasgow: Malletsheugh
Hotel, Ayr Road, Newton Mearns,
Glasgow G77 6RT. 19:30
13
Southern The Phoenix Inn Twyford SO21 1RF. 8.00
pm
Oxford
Natter night, Harcourt Arms, Stanton
Harcourt 7.30 pm
Mercia
Natter Night 19:30hrs The New Inn, The
Wharf, Wilne Lane, Shardlow. Derbys.
DE72 2HG 86
14
S. East Midweek Run, Cooper Tunbridge Wells,
Depart 10.30am
E. Anglia Lunchtime Pub Meet. The Lamb & Flag
Hotel, Main Street, Welney, Wisbech,
Cambs, PE14 9RB 12:00PM Mark
Dutton, Tel: 07703 179062.
15
Southern True Lovers Knot DT11 9JG. 8:00pm
Southern The Flying Bull Inn Rake GU35 7JB.
8:00pm
Midland The King’s Head, Kingsway, Tealby,
Lincs. LN8 3YA (01673) 838347 Pub
meet 7.30pm
16-18 All Sections
National AGM, Hotel, Camping,
and Social weekend Rhys Jones
07765702276 robert.rhys@btopenworld.
com
16
Northern 8 PM Meal at the Holden Arms
Haslingdon BB4 4PD Alan Stretton
01706656606
18
Ulster
Sunday Run/Photo. Comp. 11am. Corr’s
Corner.
Scottish Monthly Meet: Buccleuch Arms Hotel,
Moffat. 13:00
Yorkshire Lunchtime meet How Stean Gorge Café,
Lofthouse. 12 noon
London Visit to The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch
Railway leaving Junction 26 at
0930hrs.
Southern Thruxton BSB, Breakfast at Glyn +
Janet’s, Newbury 8.00 am. Booking
essential: 01635 34255
E. Anglia Lunchtime Pub Meet. Shoulder of Mutton,
Fordham, Essex. 12:00PM Mark Dutton,
Tel: 07703 179062.
Western Cwmcarn Forest, Cwmcarn, Crosskeys,
NP11 7FA. Meet in the Raven Café 12
noon for coffee/lunch/natter. Ian & Jan
Hibbert – 01454 616884
S. East Tea & Cakes at the Mum-in-Laws. Meet
at ‘The Bull’, East Farleigh, 12 noon for
lunch. Run will leave at 2pm. (Paul Ashby
01322 409432).
Midland Breakfast (10.30am) Forest Corner
Snacks just off Ollerton roundabout
A614, A6075.Take the Sheffield road
56
A616 200 yd’s Good cheap food. Biker
friendly. Grid ref SK64492, 67912.
Postcode NG22 9DR Graham Parker
01623 467852 Ride TBA weather
permitting
20
Northern Meet at The Creek Peel Isle of Man
Andrew Brown 01624819088
Yorkshire Squires Café Bar, Sherburn in Elmet.
7pm
Southern Saddlers Arms Send Marsh GU23 6JQ.
8:00pm
Midland The Griffins Head, Mears Ashby,
Northants. Pub Meet 7.30pm.
Steve Foreman 01536-722048 /
07859909853
21
Northern 1 0 A M M i d w e e k r u n f r o m K i r b y
Lonsdale Mike Gibson 01229582787
[email protected]
S. East Club Night at ‘The Bull’, East Farleigh.
8pm.
N. East Social Evening at The Waggon Inn, nr.
Ponteland.
S. West Wednesday Fish ‘ n ‘ chips Meet at:
Exmouth Sea Front 7:30PM Dave
Cooper 01392 877886
23-25 Scottish Rogart Bunkhouse Weekend Booking
Essential Contact Carole Meikle 01292
262782. email: carmeikle@yahoo.
co.uk
24
Yorkshire Lunchtime meet The Bikers Café, Fimber
Road, Fridaythorpe. YO25 9RX
N. East Trip to Classic Bike Show. Stafford. Book
early with Phil Oughtred 01207544851
Mercia
Breakfast run Meet for 10:00 at
McDonald’s Markeaton J A38 / A52 Derby
DE22 4AA Contact Ian McNaughton Tel
0115 932 5537 121
25
Scottish Gerry’s Rannoch Run Contact Gerry
01250 886719
S. East Lunchtime meeting at ‘The Bull’, East
Farleigh, 12 noon.
Ulster
Ride and Meet for Lunch. 1pm.
Wildfowler Inn, Greyabbey.
Scottish Monthly meet: Hopeville Social Club.
Harlaw Road, Inverurie. 12:30
Western BMW/MZ/JAWA/CZ Meet @ AtwellWilson Museum, Stockley Lane, Calne
Wiltshire SN11 ONF. Meet 12 noon
refreshments available in café, museum
entrance £5-00. Janet Wilson – 01225
858876
GS Register
Windmills of Kent Road Ride
(roughly 150 miles). Start 10:00am
(Tanks full please) at American Diner
Bybrook Barn Ashford Canterbury Road,
Ashford, Kent, TN24 9JZ. Finish: Gorrell
Tank car park Whitstable. Contact Terry
Ryan 07889 915486. [email protected].
uk
26
Northern 7.30PM Evening meeting at The Harraby
Inn Carlisle John Bell 01228535173
27
Oxford
Natter night, Dog & Partridge, Riseley,
nr Reading 8.00pm
18
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Diary of
Events
Yorkshire Natter night Conservative Club, Street
Lane, Gildersome. 8pm
28
N. East Lucky Few run; ‘A Spring Roll’. Scotch
Corner 10.00 a.m. Eddie Thompson
01325 721313
E. Anglia Evening Pub Meet. The Compasses,
Littley Green, Essex. 7:30PM Mark
Dutton, Tel: 07703 179062.
Western Evening Meeting – 99 Neath Road. Rhos,
Pontardawe, Nr Swansea. 19.30 hrs.
Brian Price – 01792 862152
Mercia
OAPs and Layabouts-wot-lunch
12:30hrs Cricketts Inn Burton Road,
Acersford, Swadlincote. Derbys. DE12
8AP 106
29
Southern The Flying Bull Inn Rake GU35 7JB.
8:00pm
Irish
Leinster meeting 8.00pm West County
Hotel, Chapelizod . New members
especially welcome. Jim Sweeney info@
lucanstudios.ie 087 230 0736
30- 3/5 Ulster
Scottish Weekend. Strathpeffer. Leslie
Allen 02828274127
30- 3/5 N. East Dennis Maggs’s Hotel Weekend,
Oban; contact Dennis for details; 0191
3719610.
30- 3/5 Southern Chateau Weekend, nr Cherbourg.
Details from Gerri 01895 446896 before 20:00 please!
30- 3/5 S. West/ Western
Joint Western and
South West Camping Weekend Meet
at: Church Farm Camping and Caravan
Park, Near Salisbury, Wilts..SP5 5ND
Jenny Westlake 0117 9099629, Sally
Robinson 01395 597725
Midland
27
May
2
3
4
Yorkshire The Village Hall, Cracoe, Marigolds Hot
Snacks. 12 noon
E. Anglia Lunchtime Pub Meet. The Worlds End,
Norwich Rd, Mulbarton, Norwich, N14
8JT 12:00PM Mark Dutton, Tel: 07703
179062.
Irish
Leinster Sunday Run. Leaves from the
Spa Hotel, Lucan at 10:00am. Contact:
Jim Sweeney [email protected] 087
230 0736
Midland Bills Lincolnshire Wolds run Entry
forms from Bill Rodgers 01526 834480
Meeting from 9.00a.m. onwards at The
East Kirkby Aviation Museum, A155 east
of Coningsby, Lincs See Journal/ forum
for further details nearer the date
Scottish Natter nite: Meldrums Hotel, Main St,
Ceres. 19:30
Ulster
Club Meeting. 8pm. Corr’s Corner.
Southern Saddlers Arms Send Marsh GU23 6JQ.
8:00pm
Western Evening Meeting - New Inn, Claines,
Worcs 20.00 hrs. Bob Dunn – 01384
390344
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Mercia
5
S. East
Southern
N. East
Western
E. Anglia
6
Oxford
7-9
Scottish
7
Northern
9
Northern
Yorkshire
Ulster
Western
Oxford
N. East
Scottish
E. Anglia
S. East
Mercia
Irish
E. Anglia
S. West
T h e T h r e e K i n g s , S a l t e r s w a y,
Threekingham, Lincs. NG34 0AU
(01529) 240249 Pub meet 7.30pm
Natter Night 19:30hrs Cricketts Inn
Burton Road, Acersford, Swadlincote.
Derbys. DE12 8AP 93
Club Night at ‘The Bull’, East Farleigh.
8pm.
Old Gits Loomies Cafe A32/A272 GU32
1JX. 12 Noon
Durham Amateur Rowing Club 7.30 p.m.
Club Night; Social Evening.
Evening Meeting – The Lamb Inn, Iron
Acton. 19.30 hrs. Denis Bradbeer –
01454 775786
Lunchtime Pub Meet. The Three Tuns,
Wethersfield Rd (off the B1057 Dunmow
Road), Finchingfield, Braintree, Essex.
CM& 4NR. 12:00PM Mark Dutton, Tel:
07703 179062.
Natter night, George&Dragon, Erlestoke,
Wilts 7.00pm
Lochearnhead Bunkhouses. Booking
Essential. Contact Jim Lepley 01592
874592 email: [email protected]
8PM Evening Natter meeting at The Briars
Hall Hotel Vera Hunt 01257464429
Section Meeting at Chipping village Hall
Rhys Jones 07765702276 robert.rhys@
btopenworld.com
The Red Hart Hotel Blyth. 12 noon
Sunday Run/Photo. Comp. 11am. Corr’s
Corner.
Easter Compton Meeting. 13.30 hrs. Tea/
Coffee/Natter
Ride out: Westonbirt Arboratum, David
Shanks, 01869 600997
Ride In Lunch Meeting at Weardale
Visitor Centre, Stanhope.
Monthly meet : Katie’s Tea room, Perth
Road, Birnam. 12.00-14.00
Lunchtime Pub Meet. Five Miles Inn,
Upware, Cambridgeshire. 12:00PM
Mark Dutton, Tel: 07703 179062.
The ‘Deacons Day Out’. Depart 9.30am
Maidstone Services (petrol side), Jct 8 on
M20. (Dave Deacon 01580 892375).
Great Hucklow Glider Club SK17 8RQ
Meet at 10:30. Possibility of flights
(£65.00). Contact John Robinson 0115
966 3793
North West Meeting. Meet at: Coffee’s
Café, Carrick on Shannon. 12:00AM TJ
McHale. [email protected] 087 247
0111
BMW Bike Day at the Ace Café. Ace
Café, Ace Corner, North Circular Road,
Stonebridge, London, NW10 7UD
11:00AM Mark Dutton, Tel: 07703
179062.
Murder Mystery Trail, East side section
members to meet at Exeter Services
at 10am not 11 am as in the DOE.
57
Diary of
Events
9
10
Yorkshire
Scottish
11
Southern
Oxford
12
Northern
S. East
Mercia
S. West
N. East
E. Anglia
13-16 Midland
13
Southern
Midland
Mercia
14-16 Yorkshire
14
S. East
Yorkshire
15-16 E. Anglia
15
Oxford
Ulster
S. West
58
Everyone to meet at Tavistock town
centre.at 11am. For more info contact
Bryan Boothby 0126 833554
natter night Bear Inn South Cave, market
Place 8pm
Monthly meet, Glasgow: Malletsheugh
Hotel, Ayr Road, Newton Mearns,
Glasgow G77 6RT. 19:30
The Phoenix Inn Twyford SO21 1RF.
8.00 pm
Natter night, Harcourt Arms, Stanton
Harcourt 7.30
9.30 AM Northern Section Southern
Mid Week Run. Frank Hambleton
0129870194. frankhambleton@aol.
com
Midweek Run, Cooper Tunbridge Wells,
Depart 10.30am
Natter Night 19:30hrs The New Inn, The
Wharf, Wilne Lane, Shardlow. Derbys.
DE72 2HG 86
Wednesday Fish ‘ n ‘ Chips Meet at:
Captain Jaspers on the Barbican,
Plymouth 7:30PM Nobby Donno: 01726
812471
Lucky Few Run; Whiteadder Dam, the
Borders; meet Wentworth Car Park,
Hexham, 10.00 a.m. Eddie Herdman;
01434 681604.
Lunchtime Pub Meet. The Lamb & Flag
Hotel, Main Street, Welney, Wisbech,
Cambs, PE14 9RB 12:00PM Mark
Dutton, Tel: 07703 179062.
The Edinburgh Hotel Weekend Thursday
13th to Sunday 16th May 2010. The
hotel is the Sonas Guest House as
previous. The price is to be finalised
but approx £32.50 per room per night.
Contact Bill Rodgers on 01526 834480
for more information
The Flying Bull Inn Rake GU35 7JB.
8:00pm
The Reindeer Main Street,Edingley,N
ottinghamshire,NG22 8DE Pub meet
7.30pm 01623 882253
Mercia Natter Night 19:30hrs The Dog,
Henley Road, Mappleborough Green,
Studley, B80 7DR 82
Camping W/E. Ferryboat Farm Fisheries,
Old Danaby DN12 4lb
The Green Man’, Ringmer. 8pm.
Lunchtime meet How Stean Gorge Café,
Lofthouse. 12 noon
BMF Motorcycle Show. East of England
Showground, Peterborough, Cambs,
PE2 6XE. 9:00AM Mark Dutton, Tel:
07703 179062.
North Oxford Garage BBQ and Ride
out
North West 200 Weekend. Coleraine
Rugby Club.
Ride Out, To finish in Padstow for Rick
Stein Fish ‘ n ‘ chips approx. 5 pm Meet
15
at: Saltash Services, Cornwall PL12 6LF
11:00AM Don Rabson: 01840 212913.
GS Register
One Hell of a Reservoir Run. Road
Ride Start at M4 J47 services /petrol area
at 09:00am (full tanks please). Around
110 to 130 miles on road and minor lanes
(nothing too fast). 8 bikes maximum
so I require names. Terry Ryan: 07889
915486. [email protected]
16
Scottish Monthly Meet: Buccleuch Arms Hotel,
Moffat. 13:00
Oxford
Curry lunch, Colin and Anita Bembridge
0208 9538807
E. Anglia Lunchtime Pub Meet. Shoulder of Mutton,
Fordham, Essex. 12:00PM Mark Dutton,
Tel: 07703 179062.
Southern Bodim Castle Run. Meet Whiteways
Lodge Car Park A29/A284/B2139 10.00
am. Alan Steed 01243 862261
Mercia
Mercia Blue John Caverns. Depart
Little Chef Rugeley WS15 2ASat 10:00
Admission £9.00 Contact David Harris
01527 838 948
Midland Breakfast (9.30am) Jack Hills Café,
Just North of Towcester on the A5 Ride
out TBA Steve Foreman 01536-722048
/07859-909853. midlandsocialsec@
ntlworld.com
Western Visit to the National Motorcycle Museum,
Coventry Rd, Bickenhill, Solihull, W
Midlands B92 0EJ – Meet 12 noon
in café, entry to the museum £5-00.
Numbers required by 9th May. Nick Robin
– 01594 835917
18
Northern Meet at The Creek Peel Isle of Man
Andrew Brown 01624819088
Yorkshire Squires Café Bar, Sherburn in Elmet.
7pm
Southern Saddlers Arms Send Marsh GU23 6JQ.
8:00pm
Midland The Griffins Head, Mears Ashby,
Northants. Pub Meet 7.30pm. Steve
Foreman 01536-722048 / 07859909853
19
Northern 10 AM Midweek run from Kirby
Lonsdale Mike Gibson 01229582787
[email protected]
S. East
Club Night at ‘The Bull’, East Farleigh.
8pm.
N. East Social Evening at The Waggon Inn, nr.
Ponteland.
Southern Fish & Chip Run. Meet at Mrs Moby’s,
Bracklesham Bay 7.30 pm. Dave Wright
01428 684902
20
Southern True Lovers Knot DT11 9JG. 8:00pm
Midland The King’s Head, Kingsway, Tealby, Lincs.
LN8 3YA (01673) 838347 Pub meet
7.30pm
21-23 Northern Rhayader Camping / B&B Weekend in
Mid Wales Rhys Jones robert.rhys@
btopenworld.com 07765702276
21
Northern 8 PM Meal at the Holden Arms Haslingdon
BB4 4PD Alan Stretton 01706656606
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Diary of
Events
22-23 Midland
22
Yorkshire
S. East
23
Oxford
S. East
Ulster
Scottish
Southern
S. West
N. East
Western
Yorkshire
Belvoir Steam & Family Show. All classic
BMW’s welcome. Contact Bill Rodgers
01526 834480 or Glenyse Barr 01529
462860 for entries
Section BBQ Dave & Doreen Milne from
2pm all welcome, please ring first
Fish & Chip Run. Depart 6pm from West
Malling town centre, just off A20. (Brian
Shears 01474 566142).
Oxford City Bus Trip, Bob Mack 01235
767221
Lunchtime meeting at ‘The Bull’, East
Farleigh, 12 noon.
Ride and Meet for Lunch. 1pm. Halfway
House, Ballygally.
Monthly meet: Hopeville Social Club.
Harlaw Road. Inverurie. 12:30
Windsor Park Picnic. Meet Newlands
Corner at 10.00 am. Rossana 01344
621602
Pub Meet at: Holman Clavel Inn, Culmhead,
Near Taunton TA3 7EA 12:00PM John
Robinson: 01395 597725
Weekend Run; Salmon Leap Inn, Sleights,
Whitby. Meet Bowburn Services 10.00
a.m. Ernie Draper; 07985726900.
Meet 12 noon@ Fox’s Diner, Deacon’s
Garage, Oxford Rd, Dorchester on
Thames, Oxon OX10 7LY. John Osborn
– 01275 844085
Ride Out with Ross over the back roads
Yorkshire Wolds meet Neros Café,
Beverley market place near bandstand
10 am back 3ish
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
23
E. Anglia S u n d a y C a f é M e e t a n d r i d e - o u t .
Mistley Place Park, New Road, Mistley,
Manningtree, Essex, CO11 1ER. 10:00AM
Mike Davies, Tel: 01206 822671
25
Oxford
Natter night, Dog & Partridge, Riseley, nr
Reading 8.00 pm
Yorkshire Natter night Conservative Club, Street
Lane, Gildersome. 8pm
26
E. Anglia Evening Pub Meet. The Compasses,
Littley Green, Essex. 7:30PM Mark
Dutton, Tel: 07703 179062.
Western Evening Meeting – 99 Neath Road. Rhos,
Pontardawe, Nr Swansea. 19.30 hrs.
Brian Price – 01792 862152
Mercia
OAPs and Layabouts-wot-lunch 12:30hrs
Cricketts Inn Burton Road, Acersford,
Swadlincote. Derbys. DE12 8AP
27
Southern The Flying Bull Inn Rake GU35 7JB.
8:00pm
Irish
Leinster meeting. New members welcome.
Meet at: West County Hotel, Chapelizod.
8:00PM. Jim Sweeney. info@lucanstudios.
ie 087 230 0736
28-30 All Sections National Spring Rally (Camping)
Broadway House Holiday Park,
Axbridge, Somerset. 1 mile from the
Cheddar Gorge! See Journal
28
N. East Fish and Chip run; meet Bowburn Services
7.00 p.m. Tim Gorman; 01429 232291.
29
Yorkshire Lunchtime meet The Bikers Café, Fimber
Road, Fridaythorpe. YO25 9RX
31
Northern 7.30 PM Evening meeting at The Harraby
Inn Carlisle John Bell 01228535173
Ulster
Breakfast Run. 7-30am. Stormont.
59
Where We
Meet
Where We Meet
Please send Where We Meet changes to [email protected]
Don’t forget UK postcodes or GPS references where applicable.
EAST ANGLIA: The Worlds End, Norwich Road, Mulbarton,
Norfolk NR14 8JT, 12:00, 1st Sunday; The Five Miles,
Upware, near Soham, Cambs,12.00, 2nd Sunday; The
Shoulder of Mutton, Fordham, Essex, A1124 12:00, 3rd
Sunday; The Compasses, Littley Green, Essex,19:00, last
Wednesday.The Three Tuns, Finchingfield, Essex, 12.00,
first Wednesday. The Lamb and Flag, Welney, Cambs. 12.00
on the 2nd Wednesday.
IRISH: Cork meet at 6.30pm Kearys Motorrad every Tuesday
night – May to September Liam Quinlan 086 8252774
[email protected] Dublin Meeting – Last Thursday
8.00 pm, West County Hotel, Chapelizod; Jim Sweeney
[email protected] 0872300736 . North West Meeting –
2nd Sunday, Coffey’s Café, Carrick-on-Shannon, 12.00 noon;
TJ McHale, 087-2470111 [email protected].
LONDON: Section meets are as rideouts and are irregular,
please see their website and the Journal Diary for meets.
Peter Jones 07710887958, Nick Fry 01438749913 for
advice.
MERCIA: Repton Village Hall, Askew Grove, Repton, Derbys
DE65 6GR, see diary for dates and times. The New Inn, 61
The Wharfe, Wilne Rd, Shardlow, Derbys DE72 2HG, 01332
793330, 2nd Wednesday, 1900hrs. The Dog,Henley Road,
Mappleborough Green, Studley, B80 7DR 2nd Thursday,
1930hrs. Cricketts Inn Burton Rd. Acersford, Swadlincote.
DE12 8AP on 1st Tuesday at 19.30 and last Wednesday
at 12.30.
MIDLAND: All year round gatherings The Three Kings,
Saltersway, Threekingham, Lincs NG34 0AU, 01529 240249,
1st Tuesday 7.30pm; The Old Reindeer, Main St., Edingley
Notts, NG22 8DE, 2nd Thursday 7.30pm; The Griffins Head,
28 Wilby Rd, Mears Ashby, Northants, NN6 0DX 3rd Tuesday
7.30pm; The King’s Head, Kingsway, Tealby, Lincs LN8 3YA,
01673 838347 3rd Thursday 7.30pm. Winter gatherings The
Community Centre, Great Lane, Greetham, Rutland and The
Rangers Cycle Clubhouse, off Islington Road, Towcester,
Northants occasional Sundays, October to March. Alternating
Breakfast meets see Diary or Forum for details.
NORTH EAST: The Durham Amateur Rowing Club,
Green Lane, Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3JU at 19.30hrs 1st
Wednesday of the month. The Wagon Inn, 3 miles NW of
Ponteland on A696, NE20 0DH, 19.30hrs 3rd Wednesday.
Unless otherwise noted all runs start from Durham Services,
Bowburn J61 A1(M).
NORTHERN: The Briars Hall Hotel on A5209 near
Burscough, Lancs, 20.00 1st Friday; Chipping Village Hall
Chipping, Nr. Preston, 13:00, 2nd Sunday;The Holden
Arms, Grane Rd. Haslington Rossendale BB4 4PD 19.00
3rd Friday Harraby Inn, Carlisle, A6, 2 miles west of M6
J42, 19.30, last Monday. The Creek, Peel, Isle Of Man 1930
3rd Tuesday
OXFORD: George & Dragon, Erlestoke, Wilts 7.00pm,
1st Thursday; The Harcourt Arms at Stanton Harcourt at
19:30, 2nd Tuesday Dog & Partridge, Riseley (off end of
Swallowfield by-pass (A33)) 19:30. 4th Tuesday Village Hall,
Uffington, Oxfordshire, 14:00 occ. Sundays.
60
SCOTTISH: Meldrums Hotel, Ceres, Fife, 19.30, 1st Monday.
Eagle Lodge, 2 Hilton Road, Bishopbriggs, Glasgow G64
2PN, 19.30, 2nd Monday. Katie’s Tearoom, Perth Road,
Birnam PH8 0AA, 12:00, 2nd Sunday.Hopeville Social Club,
Harlaw Road, Inverurie, 12.30, 4th Sunday; Glen Café Bistro,
St Marys Loch, Selkirkshire TD7 5LH, 12.30, 3rd Sunday.
SOUTHERN: The Phoenix Inn, Twyford, Hants SO21 1RF, on
the B3335 1 mile south of M3, J11, 20.00 second Tuesday.
The Saddlers Arms, Send Marsh, Nr Ripley GU236JQ, 20.00,
alt Tuesdays. The Two Counties Inn, Rake GU35 7JB, on the
B2070 between Liphook and Petersfield, alt Thursdays. The
True Lovers Knot at Tarrant Keyneston, Dorset DT119JG,
3 miles east of Blandford on the B3082 Wimbourne Road,
20.00 3rd Thursday. “Old Gits” Loomies Diner on A32 at
West Meon Hut cross roads A272 & A32, Hampshire first
Wednesday, 12 noon.
SOUTH EAST: ‘The Bull’, Lower Road, East Farleigh, nr
Maidstone, ME15 0HD, 20.00, 1st/3rd Wednesdays. ‘The
Green Man’, Lewes Road, Ringmer, E. Sussex, BN8 5NA,
20.00, 2nd Friday. ‘The Bull’, Lower Road, East Farleigh, nr
Maidstone, ME15 0HA, on the 4th Sunday, 12 noon.
SOUTH WEST: Jamaica Inn: PL15 7TS. At Bolventor, off
A30 east of Bodmin (signed from A30). The Weary Traveller,
EX15 1BQ, at Cullompton, 100 yards from Junction 28 off
the M5 on the A3181.The Weary Traveller, Station Rd.,
Cullompton EX15 1BQ Tel 01884 32317 All meets 1200 as
per calendar of events.
ULSTER: Corr’s Corner, Glengormley, Co Antrim, 8.00pm on
first Tuesday every month. Wednesday evening runs, Corr’s
Corner, 7.00pm from beginning of April to end of August.
Sunday morning runs from Sandy Knowles Roundabout
10.30am most Sundays between July and October.
WESTERN: Easter Compton Village Hall on the B4055
(south of Junction 1 M48) 13.30hrs, 2nd Sunday. New
Inn, Claines, Worcester, 2000hrs, 1st Tuesday. The Lamb
Inn, Iron Acton, 19.30hrs, 1st Wednesday. 99 Neath Road,
Rhos, Pontardawe, Swansea SA8 3EH, 19.30hrs, 4th
Wednesday.
YORKSHIRE: Cracoe Village Hall on B6265 north of Skipton
through Rylstone, 12 noon 1st Sunday, BD23 6LQ, The Bear
Inn, South Cave, on the A1034 from the A63, Brough, 8pm,
2nd Monday, HU15 2AS . The Red Hart Hotel, Blyth, on the
B6045 from Blyth services on the A1, 12 noon, 2nd Sunday.
Squires Cafe Bar, Sherburn in Elmet, on the B1222 from the
A1 or the A162, 7pm on the 3rd Tuesday, LS25 5LQ. How
Stean Gorge Cafe, 12 noon, North of Pately Bridge near
Lofthouse, 3rd Sunday, HG3 5SF. The Conservative Club,
Town Street, Gildersome on the B6126 between Morley
and New Farnley, 8pm on the last Tuesday.The Bikers Café
Fimbar Road Fridaythorpe Driffield YO25 9RX 12 noon last
Saturday in the month
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Social Scene
The Social Scene
8IBUTIBQQFOJOHPVUBOE"CPVUCSPVHIUUPZPVCZUIF/BUJPOBM4PDJBM4FDSFUBSZ
AGM.
Please don’t forget that
the Club’s AGM takes
place on Saturday 17th
at the Celtic Royal hotel
in Caernarfon, North
Wales.
While at our recent Rhino
rally in Beddgelert, I paid
a visit to the campsite
just outside Caernarfon
(for those not staying at the hotel), and can
recommend it to you. It’s situated next to
the river and benefits from an on-site garden
centre as well as a good restaurant. There’s
also a regular bus service into the town.
The exact location is Riverside Camping,
Seiont Nurseries, Pontrug, Caernarfon,
Gwynedd. LL55 2BB. Take a look at www.
riversidecamping.co.uk
You’re advised to book for the campsite
with Rhys Jones of the Northern Section,
as soon as possible on 07765 702276 or by
completing the Journal booking form.
NCM.
No doubt active members of all sections will
be pleased to hear that attherecent NCM,
it was agreed that the capitation figure
(amount returned to sections to be spent on
club members) be increased by almost 15%
from £3.50 to £4.00.
To reward those who organise at least two
main events (of at least 2 days duration)
on behalf of their section in a year, their
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
membership will be paid
for the following year from
my discretional budget, as
a gesture of thanks from
our Club.
Our event organisers do
a great job and are used
to bearing the brunt of
any complaints, but they
rarely receive the thanks
they deserve.
I would like to remind organisers that I am
happy to support requests for main event
additional funding from national sources on
a case by case basis, especially if it’s likely that
club members from several other sections
will be attending.
Spring National Rally
Although called the ‘Spring’ National, this
event is just three weeks from Midsummer’s
day so let’s hope the weather is warm and
sunny. It certainly looks as if it’s going to be
a busy one, as the lodges and caravans have
been fully booked since last year! We also
have three ‘fi ft y-seater’ coaches fully booked
by people ready for the trip to the sea. The
hard-standing pitches for motorhomes and
touring vans are also fully booked. We have
however, secured a few more camping pitches,
but please phone me (if at all possible) before
sending in your booking form, just to make
sure. Thanks to the more than 350 members
who have now helped support this event by
sending in their bookings early. Cont p63
61
Around the
Compass
Around The Compass
Please send Around The Compass changes to [email protected]
April 2 – 5 Midland Section Camping and B
& B Weekend. Plume of Feathers, Princetown,
Dartmoor over the Easter Bank Holiday
weekend. Camping, B+B and bunkhouse
accommodation, pub on site. Three cafes
within two minutes. Featuring a pub Quiz, ride
outs and comedian Shep Woolley. Contact
Steve Foreman 01536 722048 or 0785
9909853 or email midlandsocialsec@ntlworld.
com
April 9 – 11 Midland Section B & B Weekend.
Graham Parker’s B & B weekend at Ruskins,
Monsal Head, Derbyshire, DE45 1NL. Nine
luxurious en-suite bedrooms. Overlooking
the Monsal viaduct, this is the ideal base
to explore the Peak District. Ride-outs and
convivial company. Contact Graham 01623
467852
April 30 – May 3 Joint Western and S/W
Section Camping Weekend. Church Farm
Camping and Caravan Park, Sixpenny
Handley, Nr Salisbury, Wilts.
SP5 5ND
Contact John Beer 07799666522 or Sally
Robinson 01395 597725.
April 30 – May 3 N/E Section Hotel Weekend.
Dennis Maggs’s Scottish Hotel Weekend, St
Fillans, Loch Earn; £51 p.p. D.B&B. Two or
three nights. Contact Dennis for details; 0191
3719610
April 30 – May 3 Southern Section Chateau
Weekend. 3 nights half-board at Chateau
Mont Epinguet, Normandy. €40 pppn. Contact
Gerri Chandler 01895 446896, before 8:00
p.m.
May 14 – 16 Yorks Section Camping
Weekend.
Ferryboat
Farm
Fisheries,
Ferryboat Lane, Old Danaby. Doncaster.
DN12 4LB. Join Joyce and Mick Scott for
the first event held here. Plenty of pubs and
eating places nearby. Camping £6 p.tent. Site
contact No: 01709 585092
June 11 – 13 S/W Section Camping
Weekend. Mid Summer Camp at Tiverton
Rugby Club, Bolham Road, Tiverton, Devon
EX16 6SG. Contact Chris Crocker 01884
252759.
June 11 – 14 Midland Section French
62
Chateau Weekend. Brix, Normandy. £35
pppn, half-board. Contact Steve Foreman
01536 722048 or 0785 9909853 or email
[email protected]
June 19 – 20 N/E Section Hotel Weekend.
Reiver’s
Boreen
weekend
event
in
Northumbria; starting in Wentworth car park,
Hexham at 9.30 a.m. on Saturday; £150 for
all food and 2 night’s hotel accommodation.
Nothing too rough! Contact Pete Cullen;
01434 674295
June 25 – 27 S/W Section Camping
Weekend. Axmouth Camp at Axmouth
Camping Park, Nr Seaton, Devon EX12 4BG.
Contact Dave Little 01404 861285.
June 25 – 27 Yorks Section Camping/
Caravan Weekend. Serenity C&C Club adult
only site, Hinderwell High Street, between
Staithes and Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire
TS13 5JH. On the Cleveland way, in the centre
of the village with pubs & shops 5 mins. walk.
Hotels and b&bs in the village. Contact Elaine/
Stuart 01274 832309.
July 2 – 4 Midland Section Oxford ChillOut Weekend. Camping (£25.00 for the w/e
including meals Fri & Sat eve., and b/fast Sat
& Sun. morn.), B & B (£35.00 pppn) and s/c
Studio flats (sleep two, £65 pn) on a delightful
site in deepest Oxfordshire. Bar on site. Prebooking only. Limited Numbers. Contact Steve
Foreman 01536 722048 or 0785 9909853 or
email [email protected]
July 2 – 4 Yorks Section Camping Weekend.
Naburn Lock C&C Park, Fulford, York. Quiet
riverside site with a paddle boat to take you
into the City of York. Pub about 1 mile walk
serving food. Contact Elaine/Stuart 01274
832309.
July 16 – 18 Yorks Section Camping
Weekend. Brookside C&C Park, Burton-uponStather. BMW club members-owned site. Ensuite toilets adjacent to your tent, piped music
and fitted carpets. Contact Dennis 01924
824088.
July 30 – August 2 Irish Section Boreen
Weekend. Details: www.irishboreen.com
Enquiries: Declan O’Dwyer
0877941713
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Around the
Compass
[email protected] Bookings:
Brendan
Lang 0862555214 [email protected]
August 6 – 8 S/W Section Camping
Weekend. Slimbridge Camp at Tudor Caravan
Park, Slimbridge, Glos GL2 7BP. Contact
Keith Hackett 01743 356756.
September 3 – 5 N/E Section Camping
Weekend 14th Annual Camping weekend at
Waren, nr. Bamburgh, Northumberland. No
booking needed. Google ‘Waren Camping’
and see what a fantastic place it is. Probably
(!) discounts available. Contact Graham
Walker 07931710991
September 3 – 5 Yorks Section Marigolds
Rally & Camping Weekend Threaplandis
Farm Cracoe, B6265 Skipton to Grassingtion
Road, BD23 6LD. Contact 01756 730248.
B&B at Devonshire Arms Pub 01723 730237.
Rally party Cracoe Village Hall on Saturday
night with food, silly games and live band.
September 10 – 12 Yorks/Midland Sections
Camping Weekend Jubileee Park campsite,
Stixwold Road, Woodhall Spa, Lincs LN10
6QH. Contact 01526 352448 Short walk to
town centre, £8.p.night BBQ and marquee.
Contact Steve 01536 722048/Sue 01733
205927
September 17 – 19 S/W Section Camping
Weekend. Rabbit Rally at Waterside Holiday
Park, Bowleaze Cove, Weymouth, Dorset DT3
6PP. Contact Mike Groves 01305 815361.
September 17 – 20 Irish Section Thatch
Rally. Enquiries: Declan O’Dwyer 0877941713
[email protected] Bookings:
Brendan
Lang 0862555214 [email protected]
Social Scene
As well as allowing us to offer a good
discount, this means that the organisers
have far less work to do on the day and can
join in the fun!
NB. It’s just £28 pp camping for the whole
bank holiday, at the special Club rate. If you
turn up on the day without prior booking,
the holiday park’s charge for a pitch is
currently £36 per night! Remember please,
to enclose a stamped SAE for us to return
your booking form complete with a map of
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Cont from p62
the park. You’ll need to retain this form to
show at reception when you arrive.
Well, April is the start of our motorcycling
season proper. There are many events to
choose from in the Club’s calendar, from
Dartmoor in the south to Oban in the
north, and from Wales to France.
The Summer National Rally is fast
approaching and I hope to have full details of
discounted Ferry rates for this next month.
I have a quantity of ‘The BMW Club
Main Events Diary 2010’, which was the
supplement to the February Journal. I would
like to use these to promote our Club. If you
know of a dealer or anyone else who could
hand these to prospective members, please
let me know and I’ll post them some copies.
It does at least show what the Club has to
offer to members socially through the year.
Take care on the roads.
Paul
63
Section News
Section and
Register News
Please send all Section News entries and contact detail changes
to [email protected] - not to the Editor, please.
East Anglia Section
I offer my thanks to Matt Butcher for filling the
page with his viewpoints on Section events last
month. If anybody else would like to become
a guest writer, scribing the Section news while
offering their ideas and opinions, please let me
know. The brief is simple, don’t write anything
too radical. It’s not a soapbox but more of an
information service.
On the first weekend of February, roughly
eighteen East Anglia members decided to
support the Northern Section’s Rhino Rally at
Beddgelert, and a good time was had by all. It
was really good to get out after a fairly boring
and icy January. Then after this rally (which had
a lovely sunny weather window) it started to rain.
It’s been cold and wet ever since, so I’m hoping
that the rest of the year will provide us with more
typical English weather. I feel that the recent
extremes are not conducive to encouraging
members to adopt an early booking policy.
Just to keep everyone in the loop, on one of
those wet Saturdays in February the committee
had a meeting. All members were invited via the
Section’s announcement on the Forum calendar
(kindly maintained by Mark Handley), but only
the committee turned up. Mark Weavers chaired
the meeting and it was good to check on how
arrangements were progressing prior to kicking
off with this year’s fun-packed activities. On your
behalf, I wish to thank all the committee members
for putting on Section events for the benefit of
you, the membership. Please support them, if
you can fit any of these activities into your busy
lives. Mark W also informed the committee that
Section membership numbers were around the
311 mark, which will of course increase after
the ‘Did you forget to renew your membership?’
letter goes out.
I can report that for ‘Easter in Douai’, Matt and
Sarah will be joined by about seventeen (or
more) bikes, which will be a great turn out. I wish
them a super time. I expect someone will write
a report about the comings and goings, and for
64
those not able to make it will make an enjoyable
read in a future Journal.
The national AGM will be hosted by the Northern
section at Bangor over the weekend of 17-18
April. I’m sure it will be a lively meeting and will
generate some inevitable changes within the
club. Cliff Batley and I have decided to volunteer
to be among the four prospective candidates
standing for the two Vice President positions. If
you wish to visit this attractive part of North Wales
for the weekend and cast a vote to strengthen
both of our applications, it will be appreciated.
More news to follow.
Regarding the Spring National Rally at Cheddar
(May bank holiday 28 – 31) - When compiling
this report in early March, the situation was that
the coach trip to the seaside had only a very few
places available on the third coach! However,
to get the up-to-date news about the whole
rally, please call Paul Brown on 05603 168734.
Some camping and hard standing places are still
available at the time of writing but please ring
and book - don’t just assume that they will have
accommodation.
Enough with the adverts for now. The next topic I
wish to run by you is getting involved with Section
events. We need some new faces to consider
joining the committee. Mark W is keen to keep the
large (ten-strong) committee, as this allows us to
spread out the duties and provide our fortunate
members with the best calendar of events. The
only provision I would like to add, is that if your
name is Mark, please do not apply because it
is already confusing. The other misconception is
that you have to be on the committee to host or
organise an event – you don’t! So maybe you
fancy putting something on in 2011? Just give
me plenty of notice and we can nearly do the
impossible.
We are exhibiting at two shows/exhibitions later
in the year. We will need volunteers to exhibit
their bikes and provide stand staffing, so if you
can help please discuss with me. As an incentive
to help I can provide you with free entry to the
event. These exhibitions provide a good shop
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Section News
window for the club and a chance to meet
prospective new members and produce results.
Watch out for the potholes! Safe riding until next
month
Mark Dutton 01206 212244 – 07703 179062
[email protected]
Irish Section
Just back from the Mini Thatch where fifty of us
had a great weekend. It was great to see some
new faces but it was especially great to see some
of our more long standing members returning to
the event. Killala did itself proud and even the
weather improved as the weekend progressed.
Twenty of us went for a run along the north
Mayo coast and had lunch in Belmullet. Several
more groups stopped at some of the photo
viewpoints in the northwest area. Speaking of
photo points, the club won the award for biggest
club participating in the Boyne riders photo rally
yet again. Mick Wheeler from Doncaster won the
Andy Baines award, and he also provided eight
of us with a great deal on his ‘Earinc instamold’
custom made earplugs. Check out his website
at www.adventure.gs - Mick would be a great
addition at any Section’s event. I can’t wait for
my two pairs to arrive.
This month don’t forget our Section camping foray
to the AGM in Caernarfon contact Dave Browne
or myself. B&B and hotels also available. Stena
Line is doing a special fare for us this year €46
for bike and two passengers, and that’s the best
value we’ve ever had on Irish Sea crossings.
A new event in our diary of events this year is the
ride to meet/hog roast in Thurles Rugby Club on
July 17. €20.00 gets you the hog roast bar/band/
entertainment and camping on the pitch (with
shower/toilet facilities). B&B’s are also available
for those who don’t want to camp. For further
information check the website, or call Dave
Browne on 0870525271. Bookings now been
taken by Brendan Lang on 0862555214.
Our sidecar heroes all returned safely from the
Elefant Rally, and the coldest January in thirty
years didn’t defeat them. Apparently if you are
planning such a journey the most reliable and
indeed the machine of choice, is a K1100. (Class,
sheer class – Ed)
And finally those of you who attended the Mini
Thatch will understand that you can’t beat a good
breakfast! It sets you up for the day.
TJ McHale - Secretary
Social sec Dave Browne [email protected]
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
London Section
As with the February Journal, I believe that you
will receive this Journal late, well into April. I will
investigate and report the cause in the hope that
it is a ‘one
(or two) off’ ; it is reasonable to expect to receive
a monthly magazine well before the month to
which it appertains, thus affording adequate
notice of events advertised in the Journal Diary
of Events and Around the Compass and other
advertisements. When I am in possession of
an answer it will be published on the Section
Website and in this (next issue) Journal.
(February’s Journal is always late, to allow
for the use of accurate membership renewal
numbers. February’s Journal explained (p 5 col
2) why March’s would be late, and I have no idea
where you’ve heard that April’s magazine will be
late. It won’t!
– Ed).
Now that Spring has sprung (well at least we
have Sunshine and 9oC at the time of writing),
I expect that all of you ‘non all-weather’ riders
will be bringing your machines out of hibernation
and preparing them for action. Following the
very poor turnout for the Le Touquet Run (the
number, not the quality of participants, although
that too was somewhat dubious) I am living in
expectation that numbers for the up and coming
outings will be ‘up’ somewhat!
The next run, after receiving this Journal, will be
to the Romney Hythe and Dimchurch Railway on
Sunday April 18, and will be led by Mick Miles
(somewhat disgruntled because the run leaves
from Junction 26 and not , as historically for runs
to this part of the Country, Godstone Duck Pond.)
I have every faith in Mick however, and am
confident that he will plan a decent route. He’ll
be showing off his nice new shiny motorcycle,
it being the latest incarnation of the R1200 GS
(i.e. the new double overhead camshaft version).
Apparently according to Mick, the engine is much
smoother and the torque is noticeably increased,
thus enabling him to circumnavigate roundabouts
in a higher gear than previously. Sounds like the
ideal bike for me! If upon attending this run we all
ask Mick nicely, I am sure that he will be only too
pleased to let us all have a small test ride on the
new machine. Blockbuster Marks has already
announced that, quote: “I now need to get a new
bike”, and that pronouncement was made after
having only sat on Mick`s new GS.
Looking further ahead to May, we have our
weekend away to the South coast for which I
have yet to receive any indication of interest so
65
Section News
please do get in touch, sooner rather than later.
Watch the Website for details soon.
Of the events advertised in the main diary of
events which I highly recommend, is Robert
Bensley`s beginners track day at Snetterton
racetrack on Monday August 16. Knowing
Robert as I do, I can guarantee that this event
will tick all the right boxes, and along with Barry
Salmon and Chris Rossiter, you’ll not find better
instruction anywhere. Contact Robert (or me) for
a registration form, and come and have some
fun. You’ll not regret it, I promise.
Although I have yet to see it advertised, Garth
Forbes is organising the annual Mallory Park
track day, and if the format is the same as it has
been in previous years, BMW will have their full
range of motorcycles available for 20 minute test
ride sessions on the track. This event usually
becomes fully subscribed very soon after it’s
announced, and you are advised to keep a look
out for it in the Journal, or on the Website - and
book early. It’s another great day out and not to
be missed.
As we no longer have regular ‘Natter Nights, you
may be interested in the Ace Café’s 2010 list of
events, from which you will note that on the first
Monday of every month they host a ‘German
Night aimed at (among others) BMW riders (there
is a link to the Ace on the Section website).
One final event worth considering is the better
driving course at The Nürburgring in August.
This is wrongly advertised in the Club Main
Events Diary as being organised by Robert B.
although he, and I can point you in the right
direction should you be interested (it’s actually
hosted by BMW Club Mülheim-Ruhr, with Robert
Bensley and Barry Salmon as primary contacts
– see March journal p40- Ed). I have been on
this course five years running and support the
general view that it is the ultimate training course
– quite expensive but ‘simply the best’. Safe
riding and lets see more of you out more often.
Peter Jones 07710 887958
[email protected]
Mercia Section
February’s Top-box and Pannier sale went very
well, in fact it was almost embarrassing as we
nearly ran out of tables! There was a very good
attendance from both buyers and sellers with
plenty of bargains to be had. There seemed a
lot of pleased people going home at the end of
the meeting.
66
Unfortunately we were unable to enjoy the
expected jacket potatoes and chilli, everyone
had to make do with cakes and biscuits but they
went down well enough. It was good to see a
number of members from other sections paying
us a visit, along with some of the Section’ founder
members. There were also one or two new faces,
which is always encouraging.
At the time of writing this Journal entry we are
still very short of rideouts. We could do with
some more; we had a good year in 2009 with
an average of around two rideouts each month
for most of the riding season. It would be nice
to equal that for this year. If you are planning an
event I need a couple of month’s notice to be
able to get it into The Journal and thus make it
an official event. It also needs to avoid clashing
with one of the national events.
From 10:30 onwards on May 9, there’s a visit to
Great Hucklow Glider Club. It’s arranged by John
Robinson, and he can be contacted on 0115 966
3793
The plan is to meet at the club (postcode SK17
8RQ) for a look at what’s happening, and then
have lunch. Depending on the weather there
may be a chance to take a flight at a cost of £65.
If you want to fly, please inform John no later
than May 3. It’s a very pleasant area with some
nice biking roads all around it. The club’s website
is: www.dlgc.org.uk/
The following weekend, David Harris has
organised a rideout to the Blue John Cavern. He
will be departing the Little Chef at Rugeley (WS
15 2AS), at 10:00 for a ride to the cavern and
mine. Admission is £9.00, with a group rate of
£7.00 for fifteen or more (so with over fourteen
of us, we’ll all make a saving of £2). You can
get more info on the Blue John Cavern at www.
bluejohn-cavern.com David’s number is 01527
838948.
We’ll be having a visit to Benodet again this year.
The dates are September 4 – 11. You can book
directly with Steve Jackson of Benodet Breaks
on 01543 473089, remembering to quote ‘The
Mercia Section, BMW Club for your discount.
Benodet Breaks web site is: www.benodetbreaks.
com/enquiries-bookings.htm./
Benodet is in a very nice area with lots of
picturesque towns and countryside within easy
reach, and the site is well run, has good amenities
and is within a few minutes walk of the town.
We have the usual pub meetings each month,
and as there were a number of changes last year
I urge you to look at the latest edition of Where
We Meet, on p62 of this Journal.
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Section News
If you want keeping up to date by email with
events, and items of interest to bikers, send an
email to [email protected] with the
subject line UPDATE and I’ll add you to the list.
Ride safely and have fun.
Sean Dodds 01332 723843
[email protected]
Midland Section
Well, the sun’s out at last! I’m writing this after a
two hour blast around Northamptonshire’s finest
lanes, enjoying the F650GS purchased at the
end of last year. Grin factor 10! Let’s hope the
better weather continues, though why it’s sunny
from Monday to Friday, then raining through the
weekend makes me wonder if someone’s having
a laugh! Still - c’est la vie (Yes, looking forward to
Normandy already!).
Newsflash - Unfortunately we’ve had to cancel
the Monsal Head weekend due to circumstances
beyond our control (the hotel has been sold). This
event was scheduled for the weekend of April
9-11, so hopefully you’ll get this Journal in plenty
of time.
As reported last month, there are lots of events
organised for this coming year, and the Club Main
events diary (included with Feb’s Journal) makes
me wish I had more free time, as you could be
away nearly every weekend if you wished. Don’t
forget you are welcome to the events of all
sections, not just your own.
Our second rideout of this year is on the 18th,
from Forest Corner snacks. Meet at 10.30. Led
by Graham Parker, this will (weather permitting)
be a mystery tour but I can guarantee it will
include some great roads (And knowing Graham,
no doubt some bits which aren’t roads at all!
- Ed).
Then (as previously published) over the weekend
of May 2-5, we have the Easter Bunny Rally
at Dartmoor. Although pre-booking is not a
requirement, I really would like to know if you’re
coming as we are planning to provide fish and chips
on one of the nights. No Name, no Grub! There’ll
be a pub quiz, a comedian, and the function room
to ourselves if weather is inclement.
Also in April is the National AGM. This is your
chance to make a difference in how the club’s run,
or just join us for the social side. I’m camping Fri
and Sat night, and Rhys assures us that the pub
is within walking distance. I’ll be taking supplies
just in case, as Rhys’s interpretation of a short
walk, and my interpretation, are probably not at
all similar!
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Coming up in May are Bill’s Wolds run, The
Edingburgh hotel weekend, my rideout on the
16th, and culminating at Cheddar on the late
bank holiday weekend for the Spring National. I’ll
be leading a rideout from the venue to the coast
via the medieval town of Dunster, and Bristol
BMW will (hopefully) lead a gentle off road ride
over Salisbury plain. This looks like being a great
weekend, so if you haven’t booked, now is the
time!
The Chateau in Brix (June 11-14) is almost sold
out (the main house anyway), and we have
only two double rooms left. This is a great value
weekend, at £35.00 pppn, half board, with the
added bonus of our Nat. Soc. Sec showing us
around some of the WWII sites in the area.
Details for all of the above are in the D.O.E., and
on the Forum, for those with access.
That’s about it for now - hope to see you out
there soon. Until next Month…
Steve Foreman 01536 722048 – 07859 909853
[email protected]
Northern Section
Hi all, so what’s been happening? Well,
February was not much better than January
67
Section News
for motorcycling, weather-wise, so the obvious
answer is not a lot, as far as two-wheeled activities
are concerned. If you were out on your bike, it’s a
fair bet that it was a very old one which wouldn’t
hurt your wallet too much if you dropped it. It’s
also the old ones that can stand up to all the salt
on the roads - the modern breed just fall apart.
That’s my BM bashing over for another month so
let’s get on with section news.
The February Section meeting at Lowton went
well with around fifty turning up for the ‘Bring and
Buy’ sale. Some people made some money, and
I suspect that most didn’t. As for me, I took along
a load of useless old faulty junk and came away
with £180 (all items sold as seen). Free leftover
‘Rhino Rally soup’ was handed out by the ever
so hard working catering staff (feel free to give
them a hand) and was gratefully consumed by the
masses.
The March meeting at Lowton was the last of
the winter before we move to Chipping for the
summer. Unfortunately, the talk on motorcycle
lighting by Les Wassel had to be postponed till
later in the year, more details on this to follow as
soon as we have them.
Looking to the future, we have the Section meeting
at Chipping on Sunday the 11th, with a lecture by
the North West Ambulance team entitled ‘First
bike on scene’.
Our chosen mode of transport does not come
without its risks, so you may well pick up a few
tips on what to do, or not to do, if you come across
a fallen comrade on the roads. This has been
organised by Stuart Lowthian, so please direct
your gratitude in his direction.
The midweek runs also start in April - with Mike
Gibson up north on the 21st, and Frank Hambleton
down south on the 14th. Frank is now co-ordinating
the runs instead of Paul Nadin, and he can be
contacted by phone on 01298 70194, or via e-mail
at [email protected]
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68
The other major event in April is of course the
national AGM in Caernarfon on the 17th, hosted run
and organised entirely by the Northern Section.
You can pay a lot and stay at a luxury hotel, or
you can pay a little and camp. It’s a good venue
with lots to see and do in the area, so please do
come along. Late bookings are welcome, but the
pre-book prices are not guaranteed. At the time
of writing this (March 5), we have around thirty
people camping, so you’ll be in good company.
Looking ahead to May, we have a ‘Chocolate and
Cheese run with Phil Cosgrove on the 16th (give
him a ring on 01995 61266), and the Rhayader B
& B and camping weekend on the 21st to the 23rd.
I hope to see you all out and about now that the
riding season is well and truly under way.
Rhys Jones 01286 881076
[email protected]
North East Section
Well, it’s still cold and frosty up ‘ere in t’northeast
but we seem to have shrugged off the worst of
the winter, and in fact this last week has almost
been ‘spring-like’. There is still a good bit of the
white stuff up on the tops, but even the road salt
famine in Durham will have allowed them to be
cleared by now.
Anyway what’s been ‘appening and what’s going
to ‘appen up ere?
Last months ‘ride in’ to the Shoulder of Mutton
was not well attended, the weather may have
put folk off. There were only two who turned up
to savour the superb carvery lunch. The others
don’t know what they missed!
The social evening at the Waggon on Feb 17
was well attended, with fifteen or so managing
to drag themselves away from the fire and the
telly. There was a noticeable and very welcome
increase in the number of ladies from the Section
turning out as well.
This last Wednesday at the Durham Rowing
Club, we had a talk and a digital presentation
by one of the Section members (Neil Hamilton),
entitled ‘Advanced Riding, the Hard Way’. There
was some video footage too, showing just how
myopic some car drivers can be when bikes are
around. The evening was well attended with at
least twenty five club members turning up IN
THEIR CARS. Despite a dry evening, no one
braved it on two wheels!
The first run of the year is organised for
Wednesday April 28. Meet up at Scotch Corner at
10.00 am sharp, and speak to Eddie Thompson
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Section News
on 01325 721313 to get more details.
He’s called the run ‘A Spring Roll’, so
that could mean anything!
There’s been a bit of news on the end
of season buffet too. You will recall that
last year we were sold out, with some
members being unable to attend due to
insufficient room. Well this year (October
23) it will be held at the Ravensworth
Arms in Lamesley, Gateshead. The
proposed cost is £9.95 per head, but
this may be reviewed later and actually
be a little less. Watch this space. There
is accommodation available for those
who like to a drink a little more than
might please the local traffic police.
More details later.
A little bit more advance information now
regarding the camping weekend at Warren, nr
Bamburgh. The prices are just in and they are
£10 per tent per night, which is £3.50 less than
is normally charged, so given good weather it
should be a champion weekend out.
Well that’s about it for now folks. Time to get the
bike out, clean the rust off the brake discs, evict
the spiders from the exhausts and get riding.
Oh yes a final reminder that Dennis Magg’s hotel
weekend (April 30 – May 3). If the event takes
your fancy, speak to Dennis on 0191 3719610 to
see if there still are places. Happy riding.
John King 01677 435005
[email protected]
Oxford Section
Its spring, yippee! We’ll soon be able to ride our
bikes without dressing like the Michelin man to
keep the cold out. Balmy evenings at pub nights
and sunlit rideouts are just round the corner.
The first rideout of the season takes place on
April 11. The run leader is Martin Ashton, and he’s
taking us to the Royal Armouries Museum at Fort
Nelson, down in Fareham. It’s a fort in the hills,
overlooking Portsmouth and the Solent. We’ll be
meeting at Newbury Wharf at 9.30 to leave at
10.00. Martin can be contacted on 01235 765694
for more information.
Talking of rideouts (I think it is worth repeating,
though I may be accused of trying to teach
grandma how to suck eggs), the leader of a
rideout should always ride at a pace that is
both moderate and legal. The participants of
the rideout (those between the leader and tail
ender) should be able to ride at pace which is
comfortable and safe. If you are unsure of how
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
the marker system works then please ask.
Back in February we had the annual Sunday
lunch, organised by Bob and Ann Mack. I couldn’t
go, but was told that it was a good event with
raffle prizes from both North Oxford Garage and
Bahnstormer dealers.
As I’m a bit short on content this month, I thought
that I’d put a photo in of me throwing my ‘K’ about
on a track day.
John Hillier 01189 332152
[email protected]
Scottish Section
Hopefully, by the time you’re reading this the bad
weather will be behind us. It’s certainly been a
long hard winter, and in fact, at the time of writing
this I’ve only been out on the bike five or six
times.
An unbelievable eighteen turned up at Katie’s
on February 13, though only five were on bikes
- must have been the lack of snow. It rained
instead, however!
69
Section News
Only a few flakes of snow dropped on the morning
of the first lunch meeting at the Buccleuch Arms
Hotel, Moffat. It actually turned out to be a lovely
day, a little chilly but nice nevertheless. Keith
Walker, Thomas Beglin, Robert Carson, Graham
Campbell and Clint Smith were at the meeting. A
very nice snack lunch was had and all enjoyed
catching up with everyone, and sharing the winter
riding stories. A few had an enjoyable ride home
via the Devil’s Beef Tub. Hopefully as the days
get warmer the numbers attending will increase,
but as the first meeting at the new venue it has to
be considered a success.
There was a good turnout at Hopeville on the 28th,
and a total of seventeen were in attendance.
Our section chairman, Harry Walton, has had to
step down due to health problems. A committee
decision was made to appoint the committee
member who’d also been proposed at the last
AGM, so welcome Gordon Fyfe as our new
chairman. Harry will remain on the committee,
I’m sure you will join the committee in wishing
him a speedy recovery. As a result, the Brodie
weekend has been cancelled, and the Fort
Augustus weekend will now take place on this
weekend, (July 25 – 27).
The coming month will see our national AGM, and
the Section’s first Rogart bunkhouse weekend.
The bunkhouse is now fully booked, but for
those making a last minute decision, there may
be camping or B&B accommodation in the area.
Only two weeks after this is the Lochearnhead
weekend, and little needs to be said about this
other than that we’re hoping for better weather
than the January weekend.
Jason Goodwill 01847 893935
[email protected]
South East Section
We all thought that January 2010 was bad enough
weather-wise but the early part of February was
hardly any better. The first ‘official’ run of the
year (on the 7th) became the first casualty and
all eyes turned to the mid-week run on the 10th.
Thankfully all was not lost and I am happy to
be able to give you Mick Foxwell’s version of
events on that day, which are as follows:- “For
the first mid-week run of the year, three brave
souls met at Coopers. Shaun, Rod and I set off
towards Hastings in scattered snow showers
until a decision was made to turn West and head
to Horam for a lunch break. We left there in a
snow shower, heading to Haywards Heath for
a ‘cuppa’ at the Barlow’s where the sun filtered
through at last!”
70
The continuing poor weather now directed our
attention to the cancelled New Year Party - now
due to be held on the 13th and called a Valentine
Party. Surely, we were not going to have to make
another cancellation? Thankfully the answer
was no! Unfortunately due to the change of
date, around a dozen people were unable to
attend the event. This meant that the number of
people there dropped to forty-eight, which is still
a respectable, noisy, and hungry crowd. True to
form, the buffet was more than able to cope with
our slightly ‘reduced’ swarm of locusts although
there was still keen competition in the ‘let’s-pilethe-plates-high’ stakes. But the final winner was
the Chef who still kept food on the table when
the last of our lot blew their gaskets! The evening
gave me a chance to present a few more awards
won by members during 2009, but some still have
not been given out simply because the winners
couldn’t be there. The only chance now is to take
them to Club nights and hope that the winners
turn up soon. Our thanks go to Keith and Debbie
for arranging and making the decorations, and to
the disco for getting us bopping!
The guest speaker spot on the 17th was taken
by John ‘The Professor’ Hawker who entertained
us with a talk on a totally unexpected subject in
the form of Italian artist Botticelli. John explained
that from the early days of his career, various
aspects of the artist’s work changed his own
life completely. Well, we all learn something
new every day and this was one of those
days. It shows that it doesn’t have to be about
motorcycles all the time. Thank you John for
another unusual and interesting talk, and for the
printouts of the artist’s paintings.
The ‘Cold Bum Run’ on the 21st profited from
slightly better weather and a few more bums on
saddles, but the rain didn’t give up easily. Once
again Mick Foxwell was ‘volunteered’ into the
position of run leader, and in due consideration
of the weather and condition of the local roads
selected a ’route-to-suit’. ‘Wessons’ was chosen
as the port of call for lunch, a warm-up, and a chat
with other riders. The road home was everyone’s
option after lunch, and a week of bike cleaning to
follow was anticipated.
I’ve just been informed of the passing of Perris
Coventry, who has been a staunch member of
the Club since the early 1960’s. Unfortunately,
I am not able to find any records to say exactly
when he joined. Bruce Preston and his wife have
known Perris for all of that time and hopefully
can expand on the shortage of information which
we have, due to the passage of time. In recent
years Perris frequented our Ringmer meeting
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Section News
place and was known to us all as a gentleman
who was an extremely nice person to know and
talk to. Keep well and keep safe. Brian Shears
Notes by Brian Shears (Secretary)
Social Sec – Keith Morris 0208 0311600
Southern Section
So far this year we’ve been beset with all manner
of severe weather conditions, and as I write the
Section News the forecast is for more snow
and colder-than-usual temperatures for March!
No doubt you all (like me) are looking forward
to warmer weather and getting out there on our
bikes – I know, I know, I can hear you some of
you saying that you ride your bike no matter what
the weather. I am not made of such ‘hearty’ stuff
although I must say that two of our lady bikers,
Rosanna and Erica, do just that and always
come to the Saddlers natter nights on their bikes
no matter what! So much so, that one cold and
frosty Tuesday evening, theirs were the only
bikes in the pub’s car park! Well done, Ladies!
Over forty five members turned up to the second
of our winter talks on February 7, at Rake village
hall. Matt Bailey, the presenter, was seconded
at the last minute to cover some sort of sporting
event in Dublin – something to do with an oval
ball! However, his deputy ably presented Matt’s
photographs and gave us a good insight, assisted
by Helen and Nigel, of their adventures in South
America. I’m sure it whetted the appetite of some
of our members!
Once again the weather wasn’t great for our
next event – the breakfast meet at Popham –
although about a dozen braved the cold and rain
on February 21, to have one of the renowned
breakfasts at the Popham Airfield café and a
natter with friends!
Saturday April 10 is the date for Adrian’s off-road
day. Off-roading is a popular event, so please
call Adrian on 0208 763 0211 for further details
and to book your place.
The National AGM is on April 17 in Caernarfon,
but if ‘committee stuff’ is not your thing, you could
have breakfast at Glyn and Janet’s on the 18th,
before going off to Thruxton for the BSB. Please
call Glyn or Janet on 01635 34255 to book for
breakfast!
Just a reminder that the indoor sky diving has
been cancelled due to lack of interest and
commitment.
The Chateau weekend is at the end of April (April
30 – May 3), and Gerri Chandler is your contact if
you need any details.
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Looking further ahead to the August National
Rally in Northern Ireland - Gayle has asked us
to let you know that she is planning a ‘Round
Ireland’ trip before the Rally. Although Gayle’s
trip is still in the planning stage she expects
to take the ferry to Rosslare on or about 20th
August, ride south, up the West Coast and on
to Coleraine. After the Rally, the plan is to leave
on the bank holiday Monday morning and ride
to Rosslare to take the ferry to Pembroke on
Tuesday August 31. If anyone would like to find
out more details, or like to join her on the tour of
Ireland, please call Gayle on 07527 269322.
Best wishes from the Southern Section to Anton
for a full and speedy recovery and also to Peter
who should be making good progress following
his knee surgery – let’s hope you are both back
on your bikes soon. Meanwhile, happy biking
and keep safe.
Trish 01372 378196 [email protected]
Gerri 01895 446896 (not after 20.00hrs please)
[email protected].
South West Section
Nearly Easter already. We are off to Holland
again to buy some more cheese. Lets hope for
some good weather like last year, and see lots of
familiar faces.
Feb 7th at The Bowd included Helen and her
friend and 10 others to enjoy lunch and lots of
chat. Helen is doing very well and it was good
to see her out and about again. She is minus
her leg irons now and hoping to get back to work
for a few hours - just as long as she keeps away
from anything magnetic.
Feb 21 saw Chris meeting up with seventeen
members (that’s a good showing of members) at
The Weary Traveller, including a couple of new
faces to enjoy a good plate of food. How’s the
beard doing Duncan?
Looking ahead, there’s a ride out on the 11th, and
fish and chips on April 21. Then events start to
get more frequent as the year gets going again.
May 9 has now become a Murder Mystery Trail
with Cornwall. Other members should meet and
be ready to leave Exeter services at 10am - not
11am as in the DOE. Everyone will then meet
in Tavistock at 11am, by the Sir Francis Drake
statue in the centre of the town. The trail involves
altogether about a mile of walking and forty five
miles of riding plus a lunch stop. There is no entry
fee – but a penalty if you don’t turn up. More
people – more fun .You might need some shoes
or boots for walking, instead of your bike boots.
71
Section News
Contact Bryan on 01726 833554 or email bryan@
foye.me.uk if you want more information.
One small amendment is to the other contact
number for the Sixpenny Handley camping
weekend. This is now Jenny Westlake 0117
9099629 and not John Beer. My number is still
the same. Let’s hope that we see lots of you
there, because it’s a super weekend.
Also in May, there’s a vintage motorcycle
gathering on Sunday the 22nd, at The Finch
Foundry, Sticklepath, Okehampton. EX20 2NW.
If you’re interested, contact Roger Boney 01837
840046, or email [email protected].
uk The event opens at 11 am.
Keep your DOE within reach now to see all the
events which are taking place. Hope to see you
at most of them. If any of you are going to the
National AGM, good luck and have fun, but don’t
forget you waterproofs ‘cos it usually rains in
Wales.
Sally Robinson 01395 597725
[email protected]
Ulster Section
At our last committee meeting the decision was
taken to cancel April’s club meeting on the 6th,
as it will be Easter Tuesday. In previous years
our venue was at bursting point at this time,
so hence the cancellation. Please check the
grapevine and pass on this message. Normal
Journal service should see this copy with you
before that date.
Well it looks like our long cold winter is beginning
to ease, as chargers and dust covers etc., are
being consigned to the shelf as bikes are fettled
for the incoming season. Being a slow learner,
I’ll quote another one of our weather ‘odes’ in
the hope of a better riding year: ‘If you can’t see
the Mournes, it’s raining, and if you can see the
Mournes, it’s going to rain’. Not so sure if that will
help, but here’s hoping!
During the depths of this recent very cold spell,
some members who normally meet at Hurst’s
on Thursday night for the ‘tyre kickers club’,
were unable to make this vital gathering and
are believed to have been driven to the edge
of reason, resulting in them having to remain at
home and kick their own tyres.
Good to see Wilson Lynne back from his recent
global travels, ending somewhat prematurely
when his F650GS PD was wrecked while being
transported in a truck in China. He also suffered in
the incident, being thrown about the cab. As you
72
know he’s very resourceful (being ambidextrous
in both hands), but the resulting tangle was too
much to recover from. Being a quiet modest
person who can talk the legs of a chair when it
comes to bikes, when asked to talk to the club
meeting in May he looked aghast, and said;
“What will I talk about”? To end his dilemma, the
committee are going to beat enough information
out of him by May, and will have a talk/Q&A
style talk on his experiences and travels at the
May club meeting on Tues day the 4th. Pauline
Nelmes from Tracker Network (UK) was our
guest speaker at the March club night. She gave
a very informative presentation of the ‘Tracker’
stolen motorcycle recovery system, giving us
plenty to think about regarding the security of our
pride and joy. A very advanced system with its
own VHF network and monitoring, linked directly
to the Police, it has a very high success rate of
vehicle recovery. In some instances, several
vehicles and other stolen property have been
found with the vehicle equipped with the Tracker
device. Two systems are offered for fitting to
motorcycles:- 1) Tracker Retrieve: when a bike
is reported stolen the unit is activated, giving a
signal which the Police can pick up with scanners
in their vehicles or helicopters, allowing them to
track a moving bike or locate one which has been
hidden or concealed. 2) Tracker Monitor. This
device monitors an unattended bike twenty four
hours a day, and if any unauthorised movement
is detected, the owner is contacted by Tracker
who can then confirm if the bike has been
stolen. If it has, the device is activated after the
owner contacts the Police. With both systems
the owner can choose to use the Guard and
Recover service, and this protects and recovers
the bike to any point in mainland Britain. She
ended the presentation with a live demonstration
of the system in operation with the assistance
of Mark McCully of Hurst’s, who provided the
‘stolen’ bike. With a few volunteers, Pauline
was able to locate the bike using one of the
scanners, and then repeat the process when the
bike returned to Corr’s Corner. Those who took
part in tracking the bike were greatly impressed
with the accuracy of the system, and the overall
impression is that it is a very worthwhile choice
for motorcycle security.
Some of you will by now have received your copy
of this years Diary of Events, in the form of the
business card. There are more available and we
hope to post out to all Ulster Section members
an A5 copy with a future Journal. Thanks once
again to Jim Hill at Hurst’s Motorrad for funding
the printing of both formats of the diary.
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Section News
Our next event is the first run of the season,
the Mad March Hare Run starting at 10-30am,
Scrabo Tower, Newtownards. Please keep an
eye on the Diary, as with no meeting in April
the club activities increase and come on stream
quite quickly.
Norman Shearer.
[email protected]
Western Section
Sunday January 7 found us in the centre of
Bristol, in a building alongside the famous S.S.
Great Britain. This time we were not there to
admire this seagoing record breaker, but to view
a potential landgoing speed record breaker. The
Bloodhound SSC 1000 mph record project to be
exact. No, that 1000 mph is not a misprint, nor
a coffee-bar cowboy’s claim of speed attained
down the local by-pass. ‘Rather them than me’
I hear you cry. An interesting concept this, and
one at the very cutting edge of endeavour.
On the 14th we had a talk by the Search and
Rescue Association (SARA), which covers a
very large part of our area (Severn, Wye, Usk,
Monow etc.). After the talk, we were able to
present them with a good sized cheque as
a result of our Christmas raffle. The people
involved with these sorts of outfits give a
great service and are much under-funded.
The following Sunday saw us sliding about in
snowy St Briavels in the Forest of Dean, and having
lunch at The George Inn. Good portions and good
company. Only one intrepid person made it there
on an actual motorcycle. A ‘brick’ as they were
once described. The motorcycle, that is. (Flying
brick, if you don’t mind – Ed) Well done Tony.
A visit to the Red Bull Inn near Malmesbury was the
outing for the following Sunday (Is this starting to
sound like a Diner’s Club newsletter?). A platedup buffet of generous proportions, followed by
a good natured skittles match organised by
Granville and Jo. Someone suggested that we
play ladies against gentlemen. This turned out
not to be such a great idea due to the fact that
the ladies won! One or two members of the
ladies team looked suspiciously ‘butch’ though.
Could it be that they had some male assistance?
Just to remind you that the Social Secretary
and Secretary positions will be up for grabs,
and failure to fill these two positions could
have a dramatic effect on the Section and its
continuation, so if there is anyone out there who
would like to know more about the positions,
contact a member of the committee asap.
By now a lot of you will know about Jean Davies’
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
mishap. Jean is now in Warminster Hospital, and
I’m sure we would all like to wish her well, and
hope that she’s on the road to recovery.
Notes by Chris Bates
Social Sec Janet Wilson 01225 858876
[email protected]
Yorkshire Section
Just a short report this month, as not much
happening bikewise. I haven’t been able to make
it yet to The Bike Shed for our Saturday meet,
as the weather has just been too awful. I know it
sounds like an excuse, but at my tender young
age I don’t want to slide down the road and break
owt. You should have your diary for the coming
year, so you can make your choice of where to
go and what to do. Like many of you, I’m glad the
main event pullout has been re established.
Extra to your Diary October 1-3, camping at Gargrave with postman
Pat (Harry Beadle).
April 4 at Cracoe - we will have an Easter Bunny
surprise so come prepared with fancy hats etc.
If you have any unwanted Easter eggs, do bring
them along to add to the fun. The following
Sunday (the 11th) is the Alpine Treasure Hunt,
and I hope we get to see some of you out and
about. Here’s hoping for some good weather too.
Steve does put on a good day, so come and join
us. You don’t have to be in the Yorkshire Section
to join in.
It’s the National AGM on April 16 in Caernarfon,
North Wales. Do come and give your support to
the ‘new team’ - are they doing it right or do you
want to change things? This is your chance to
see how your club officials do their jobs on your
behalf, but do remember, we are all volunteers.
Stuart and I will be camping, after travelling down
on the Friday, and we may stay over for a few
days as it’s a lovely area.
Our first Section camping weekend (May 14-16) is
at Ferryboat Farm Fisheries campsite, Ferryboat
Lane, Old Danaby, Doncaster, DN12 4LB. This
is new venue for us, and Joyce and Mick Scott
have organised it. They tell me that it’s a nice site
with pubs and restaurants all within easy walking
distance. So shake out your canvas, polish your
Billys, pack your baked beans and let’s have reet
good time.
Elaine West 01274 832309
[email protected]
73
REGISTERS
Vintage and Classic
I thought I’d mention a product which some may
not be aware of but may find useful. Removing
the tank from some machines requires that the
tank be drained completely - an annoying and
smelly job. The product I want to tell you about
is a ‘Fuel hose quick connector’, and is fitted in
the fuel line which joins each side of the tank.
It can be separated with a press of a button
and allows the tank to be removed without
draining. It’s definitely usable
on the 1955 -1969 machines,
but check for use on other
bikes. Sold by ‘Uli’s’ in Germany
(www.ulismotorradladen.de), it’s
available in two sizes; 7.5mm
and 9mm, depending on the bore
of the fuel tube. The connector is
81mm overall length. The price
is €8.95 each, including VAT at
19% but not including postage
and…. their export charge! (I
thought Germany was in the EU,
along with us!)
Now, for those who either have
an exhaust system which needs
cleaning as it’s thick with burnt
on grease and oil or….. you’ve
just been delegated the job of
cleaning the cooker!
I know, BMs don’t leak oil so let’s assume that it’s
that old British iron leaking in the garage. Well,
I tried a product recently to clean the shelves
etc of the cooker, and it was so efficient that I’m
sure it would save a lot of elbow grease when
cleaning that exhaust. Called Oven Pride, the
items to be cleaned are put in a thick plastic bag
and the liquid poured in and swilled around and
then left overnight. The result was unbelievable
as all I had to do was wash the cleaning liquid
off, leaving a brilliant shiny finish with no wire
wool necessary! The product must not be used
on aluminium, zinc, copper or painted surfaces,
and care must be used when using it. Please
read the warnings on the pack before use. This
product is available from some of the major
stores, including Tesco. Check out the company
website at www.homeprideuk.com and… no, I
don’t have any connection with the company.
A reminder about the 7th National Classic Bike
Clubs Show on Sunday May 30 at Stanford Hall,
Nr. Lutterworth, Leics. The show is open from
74
10.00 until 4.00 and is well worth a visit. Last
year, club member Robin Duer took the best in
show award with his R12. The Register will have
a presence again, and if you wish to exhibit your
machine please contact me for a free ticket.
A reminder about my request to those who have
had good quality specialised work carried out by
professionals. Please contact me with details
so that Register members can be informed.
Quality is so variable these days that referrals
are probably the best route. Thanks.
Malcolm McNair 01908 216623
[email protected]
Sporting
Not much this month. I’m now taking bookings
for our Snetterton track training day on August 16
(See article on p34 – Ed), and if you’ve already
enquired and not had a reply yet, please contact
me again. At the time of writing I have over
thirty enquiries, and there are only 100 places
available. Thanks, and stay lucky.
Robert Bensley 01953 888415
[email protected]
Sidecar Register
Tony Robson 01729 825862
[email protected]
GS
Terry Ryan
[email protected]
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Mutual Aid
Mutual Aid
Mutual Aid Adverts are to enable BMW Club Members to buy or sell
motorcycles or related items that they own. The service is free but
subject to the rules below, and is not available to trade advertisers.
1. Note – adverts are NOT accepted over the phone – send them
membership number; these will not be published (unless
requested) but we will check membership.
to the Mutual Aid Officer: MAURICE WELDON, 21 Lawnwood
Drive, Goldthorpe, Rotherham. South Yorkshire S63 9GD,
6.
Mutual Aid Adverts are accepted for a one-month insertion
or by e-mail: [email protected] (please remember
only. Any subsequent submissions are the responsibility of
to include your full postal address).
the advertiser.
2. All adverts should be readable, well punctuated and 7. Please note the copy deadline in the Journal and understand
unambiguous. If writing, olease use capital letters for clarity.
which edition it applies to before querying why your advert
If e-mailing, please only use a simple font such as Arial or
doesn’t seem to have appeared. Please submit your advert
Times new Roman. NO SCRIPT FONTS PLEASE!
well before deadline date if at all possible.The BMW Club
cannot be held responsible for the quality or availability of items
3. The maximum length is 65 words, excluding your phone
or goods or for any arrangements for delivery or payment.
number and name. If you wish to use more than 65 words
your option is to pay for the advert at 20p a word (plus VAT) 9. Adverts from non-club members may be accepted in special
circumstances. For information, please contact the Mutual Aid
for the WHOLE advert. In that case, we would need payment
Officer.
with the advert when submitted. Note – one advert/month per
Mutual Aid category. Adverts may be edited where deemed Business Advertisement (Disclosure) Order 1977
necessary by the Editor.
Any advertiser who places an advertisement concerning the sale of
4. In your advert, please include your forename, ONE phone
number and an email address if available. Extra phone
numbers, times to call, e-mail addresses, web sites, etc, will
be excluded.
5. You must include your name, full address, Section and
goods being sold in the course of business shall clearly indicate this
fact. This applies whether the advertiser is acting on their own behalf
or for another party. If you have reason to believe that you have been
misled as to the status of any advertiser, please inform your local
Trading Standards Department and the Editor immediately. The fine
for breaches of this order is up to £1,000.
Note: May Journal copy deadline is April 1st
Motorcycles For Sale
F Series
F650 - L reg. - No tax. MoT nine months. Remus
exhaust, top box (Givi), new chain and sprockets,
hand guards, mirrors. Good condition. £1,000
o.n.o. Derek 01903 856005 (West Sussex).
F800GS - 2008 (March) - Yellow and black.
Suspension has been lowered so will suit female/
shorter person. Heated grips, ABS, taller screen
by Givi, centre stand, on board computer. Taxed
until March 2011. Mileage 28,000. Excellent bike.
£4,750 o.n.o. Nina 07774 996634 (Norfolk).
K Series
K75C -1990 - 9,000 miles - Metallic red. Tax
November 2010, MoT May 2010. Engine bars,
Hepco and Becker panniers and pannier rack,
low saddle. Very nice clean condition. £1,750.
Richard 01993 706449 (Witney, Oxon).
K75RT - 1974 - Turquoise. 63,000 miles. Recent
respray pannier rails, one pannier, new screen,
heated grips, new tyres, battery, air filter, plugs.
No faults, starts first time every time. £1,250.
Frank 07886 326487 [email protected] (London).
K75S - 1987 - 28,000 miles. Blue. Taxed to
September 2010. New battery, always mechanic
serviced and garaged out of weather. Handlebars
raised. Needs nothing – ready to go. Used
daily. £1,700/€1,950 negotiable. Can meet UK
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
buyers at Dublin Port. Michael +353 1 4946868
[email protected] (Dublin, Ireland).
K75S - 1994 - Black. Imported model. 74,700
miles. Sole owner since bought from dealer.
ABS, heated grips, BMW panniers, top box, three
spoke alloy wheels, engine bars, new Odyssey
battery, BMW set of tools, extended windscreen,
Ultraseal, handbook, manual. MoT until December
2010. Excellent condition. £1,300. Ken 020 8595
5193 [email protected] (Essex).
K75S - 1994 ‘K’ - 36,500 miles. Purple. Tax until
September 2010, MoT until May 2010. Panniers,
two top boxes, heated grips, serviced, new tyres
1,000 miles ago, battery three years old. £1,500
o.v.n.o. Also full waterproof cover never used. Bill
07734 320255 (West Yorkshire).
K100RS - 1990 ‘G’ - 44,000 miles. Navy and
white. Will renew MoT/tax for sale. Panniers, Givi
box, tank protector, bag. Cast iron discs, braided
lines, stainless steel fittings, good tyres, heated
grips, power socket, King seat and original. Very
good condition. Included new Oxford all-weather
cover, various spares. Photographs available.
£1,500. Stewart 07900 575850 (London).
K100RS SE - 1990 - Blue and white. ABS,
panniers, heated grips, new battery, tyres, reliable,
owned seven years, T&T. Very nice clean original
bike. 62,000 miles. £1,100. (Consider p/ex for an
early twin.) Stephen 01512 608612 (Liverpool).
K1100LT - 1997 ‘R’ - Silver. ABS, heated grips,
electric screen, 47,000 miles, full luggage. MoT
September 2010. Good clean bike. £2,300 o.n.o.
David 01450 378573 (Scottish Borders).
75
Mutual Aid
K1200GT - 2003 - 31,000 miles. Blue. Excellent
condition. Panniers, top box, tank bag, A.B.S.,
cruise control, electric screen, heated grips and
seat, power sockets. Autocom. Alarmed. MoT
May 2010, tax April 2010. £4,200. Pete 0115 926
1104 (Nottingham).
K1200LT SE - 2001 - 27,000 miles. All extras. Very
good condition. Purple/grey. MoT until May 2010.
Taxed until October 2010. Two new tyres. £5,500
or may swap with cash adjustment. (Cruisers
preferred.) Paul 01527 545834 (Worcestershire).
KL1100LT - 1994 ‘L’ - 72,000 miles. Mardon red.
Good condition, major service September 2009.
New F/R BT45 tyres. New fork seals. Rear pads
and bobbins. MoT May 2010, tax April 2010.
£2,150 o.n.o. Stuart 01217 052478 l stuhob48@
fsmail.net (West Midlands).
R Series
R80 - 1982 - 44,600 miles. Panniers, stainless
steel exhaust, good tyres, gel battery. Clean
reliable bike, owned last 12 years. MoT April 2010.
On SORN at moment. Need space for new bike.
£850. Alan 01263 512433 after 6pm (Norfolk).
R80/7RT - 1980 - 79,042 miles. White, new MoT.
Ex Met-Police escort bike. Fully restored to civilian
specification and excellent condition. Insured
for agreed value. Garaged. Pictures available on
request. New Hepco & Becker pannier frames
and top box. £2,000 o.v.n.o. Chris 07769 875543
[email protected] (Surrey).
R80/7RT - 1980 - Two owners in 30 years. Supplied
and serviced by Diffazio. Genuine unrestored
condition, 132,276 miles. Six months tax, 12
months MoT. New Metzelers, Varta battery, all
cables, timing chain, BMW heated grips, stainless
steel silencers, panniers, j pegs available. £985.
Daniel 01225 743743 (Wiltshire).
R80RT - 1994 ‘L’ - 45,000 miles. Turquoise. MoT
September, tax August. Very good condition.
FSH. Data tag, panniers, top box. All stainless
exhaust, Comfort seat (plus original). New tyres
at MoT, some spares. £1,550 o.v.n.o. Eddie 01273
620785 (Brighton).
R100CS - 1984 - Red. 36,000 miles. Twin sparked,
gas flowed. All extras including full luggage, GPS,
heated grips. Telephone for full details as too
many extras to list. Ready for touring at 60 m.p.g.
100 per cent reliable and a head turner. Reluctant
sale due to health reasons. John 01481 257358.
R100RT CLASSIC - 1997 January - Monolever
(last of the line). 73,000 miles but in excellent
condition. Recent new rear shock, Keihan
stainless steel silencers, new cam chain, valves/
guides. New H/Becker rear rack. New taller
screen. Many stainless steel fasteners, colour
matched panniers, twin plugged. MoT to May
2010. Taxed to February 2011. Only £2,450 o.n.o.
Roman 01254 888250 (Lancashire).
R1100RS - 1998 ‘S’ - Blue and grey. Panniers,
Wunderlich handle bar risers, Garmin sat nav
power cable. Genuine 18,000 miles. Tax until
76
August, MoT until July. 500 miles since 24,000
mile service. Excellent condition. Reluctant sale
due to ill health problems. John 01895 446896
[email protected] (Middlesex).
R1150GS - 2003 ‘53’ - Blue and white, 45,000
miles with F.S.H. Usual high specification with
ABS, heated grips, full luggage etc., fastidiously
maintained and in excellent condition. Open to
any inspection. £4,250 o.n.o. Willie 01383 830866
(Fife).
R1150 ROCKSTER - 2004 - Black and gold.
Taxed and tested. 15,950 miles. FSH. Panniers,
crashbars, etc. (too may extras to list). Very good
condition. Bargain. £3,650 o.n.o. Kevin 01924
369556 (West Yorkshire).
R1200GS - ‘55’ reg. 2006 model – Grey/silver.
12,000 miles. ABS, heated grips, Garmin GPS,
engine bars, full Givi luggage (silver), high screen
and standard, summer use only. £6,500 o.n.o.
07753 987382.
R1200GS - 2007 June - 7,900 mainly dry miles.
Night black and in excellent condition. Full luggage
to include Vario panniers, top box with back rest
and Touratech tank bag. Motech engine bars.
Chrome exhaust, clear lenses and intercom. (Non
ABS.) Low seat. 136dB Magnum air horn. Throttle
rocker. Mudsling hugger. Fenda extender. Side
stand and brake pedal extenders. New Avon tyres
at 6,900 miles. £7,250. Granville 01666 841403
[email protected] (Wiltshire).
R1200GS - 2008 - Blue, 8,000 miles. One owner.
Full BMW service history, ABS, ESA, full luggage
and tank bag. Engine bars and rider pillion
Autocom fitted. TOM TOM Rider wired. New rear
tyre with six months tax. Heated grips and white
indicator lenses. Additional BMW paint work to
heads and guards. Immaculate condition first to
see will buy. £8,200 o.v.n.o. Karl 01912 368602
[email protected] (Newcastle).
R1200R - 2006 (October) - Silver. 15,200 miles
in excellent condition. ABS, heated grips, trip
computer, chrome exhaust. Also included are
BMW panniers, hugger, handlebar risers, GS hand
guards, Givi screen, BMW screen and BMW tank
bag. £5,750 o.n.o. Paul 07719 930312 (Ulster).
R1200ST - 2006 - Blue and silver. 22,000
miles. Tax November 2010, MoT May 2010.
Superb condition. Full BMW service history (CW
Dorchester). Heated grips, ABS. Spare screen,
BMW tank bag, BMW top box and BMW panniers.
Tool kit (unused) and all documentation present.
£5,500. Tim 0787 232 1899 t.a.marshall@hotmail.
co.uk (Salisbury).
Others
GILERA 150 ARCORE - Total restoration to better
than new condition. 1974 registered. First to see
will buy. £2,050 o.v.n.o. Chris 01225 722247
(Bath).
HONDA PAN EURO STX 1300 - 54 plate, one
owner, 30,000 miles. Excellent condition. Dark
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Mutual Aid
blue. Heated grips, ABS, top box. Baglux tank
harness. T&T September 2010. £6,400. Geoff
01572 822296 (Rutland).
Bits & Bobs
1200GS - Brand new silencer, £250 plus P&P.
Aluminium BMW panniers and top box for
Adventure, £475 plus P&P. Touratech small
volume tank bag, used once, £70 plus P&P.
Graham 01224 742610 [email protected]
(Aberdeen).
ARAI QUANTUM F - Large, in titanium grey, £75.
Shoei XR 800, small, in metallic grey, £50. Belstaff
two piece leather suits in silver grey. Gents large,
ladies medium, with matching gloves, £150 per
suit. All as new. Hank 01654 702562.
BMW AIRFLOW JACKET - Size 46, black and
silver; BMW summer trousers, size XL, black,
with zip, removable lower legs, both in very good
condition. Excellent for European hot weather.
£75 o.n.o. R1200C Cruiser original BMW screen,
good condition, no scratches, no fittings. Offers
over £25 plus P&P or collect. Graham 01453
899046 (Gloucestershire).
BRAND NEW PADDOCK STAND - To fit K1300S
and K1200S, £80 o.n.o., and BMW trickle charger,
£40. A discount if both bought together. Norman
07903 664171 (Kent).
BRAND NEW TYRES FOR R1100RT - Labels
still stuck on, one Bridgestone B57 rear and one
Bridgestone BT011F front. £160 the two (will
separate). Ed 01753 676091 (Berkshire).
BREAKING - R1150GSA, K1100LT, R850R, all
parts. Mick Kendrick 07828 281003 (North East).
BUMP-LOK FLOOR LOADING SINGLE BIKE
TRAILER - Seldom used, stored indoors.
£350. Alex 01603 716735 alexwmason@yahoo.
co.uk (Norwich, Norfolk).
CLYMER MANUAL - K series 1985-1995. Very
good condition. £10 plus postage. Alan 01275
372637 (Bristol).
EXCHANGE INHERITED COLLECTION - Of
commemoratives and coins (about 45kg weight),
for a twin or single motorcycle. Would prefer
a BMW or British bike. Brian 01539 441130
(Cumbria).
FERODO FDB204 BRAKE PADS - Fits
R80/100GS and all twins 1985 on with single
disc, £10. Ultraseal, one bottle - two tyres, £15.
Oxford Barrier chain lock, 1.5m long, heavy duty
links, duplicate present, £18. All items new. ‘BMW
Journals’, January 1999-December 2007, nine
years, mint condition with three binders, £25.
Bryan 07729 175476 [email protected]
(Staffs.).
GENTS BMW TOURANCE JACKET - With liner.
XXL. Blue and grey, £75. Gents BMW Tourance
trousers, black with braces. XXL, £60. Ladies
BMW Tourance jacket with liner. Small. Blue and
white, £75. Ladies BMW Tourance trousers, grey
with braces. Small, £60. System 4 tinted visor
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
(new). £60. System 4 helmet (a few scratches),
£50. BMW K1200LT tool kit (full), £40. Autocom
easy 7 kit, working order with two headsets, two
7 pin extension leads and bits £60. Stuart 07836
348204 [email protected] (Leicester).
K75/100 PARTS - Fournales Duo alloy pneumatic
shock absorber with push button adjustment for
pillion use. Boxed complete with pump, protective
boot and fitting instructions, £275 plus £10.56
post. City Panniers, £80.00 plus £12.74 post.
Valve shim tool with 10 shims, £25 plus £3.65
post. Steve 01904 626655 bmwalpine@btinternet.
com (York).
K1200RS LIMBERGER REAR HUGGER - Perfect
condition, hardly used, £130 (£200 new). Buyer
to collect or plus postage. Peter 07802 226056
[email protected] (Kidderminster).
LOW SEAT FOR K1200S - Black, as new condition,
£70 o.n.o. (BMW charge £190.) Nearside pannier
housing for R850/R1150/R1150GS models with
upswept exhaust, as new condition, £30 o.n.o.
Gordon 07766 421110 (Durham).
PAIR OF STAINLESS STEEL SILENCERS - For
a 1981 R100 RS, some marks but no accident
damage, £60 plus P&P. Rear snowflake wheel (disc
brake), £50 plus P&P. Frame (needs some paint)
for same bike, side and main stand, headstock
and rear mudguard, no accident damage, no V5,
£60 plus P&P. Brian 01792 850809 (Swansea).
PANNIERS/CLASSIC STYLE - One pair Krauser
30L DeLuxe, excellent condition with plastic rack,
one left hand side BMW pannier with alloy rack
(off R80/7). Will separate or £125 the lot. Andy
01706 213309 [email protected]
(North Manchester).
R65/80/100 MONOLEVER FRONT WHEEL - With
new Continental TKV11 tyre. Excellent condition
(no disc), £120 plus post. /6/7 rear mudguard in
white, good condition, £20 plus post. Chris 01225
722247 (Bath).
R80/R100 ETC. - Snowflake front wheel, £50;
rear wheel with disc, £35; rear light, £10; rear
indicators and bar, £12; front guard bracket,
£5; rear sub frame, £25. Ladies leather jeans,
Belstaff, padded, size 12, £25. Ralph 01935
813767 (Dorset).
R80RT MONO PARTS TO CLEAR - Touring
panniers and frames, seat, pillion foot pegs,
luggage rack, rear light (including bar and
indicators), lift handle, centre stand, complete
air filter housing (including hoses to carbs) etc.
All at half of Motorworks second hand prices
and postage at cost, can email photographs on
request! Steve 01743 462214 stevepoensgen@
googlemail.com (Mercia).
R850 GS/R, R1150 GS/R PANNIERS - Including
frames and inner bags. Used but in good
condition. Buyer collects. £200 o.v.n.o. Journals
1995 to date all bound and in good condition,
FREE to first caller to collect. Nick 01438 749913
[email protected] (Herts.).
77
Mutual Aid
R850/1100R BMW TANK - With cover and fittings
(as new), £60 also handlebar screen with alloy
arms and fittings, top quality (as new), £60. R100
twin ‘Been can’ ignition trigger assembly with
points and new condenser, good condition, £50.
For R100 new front mudflap, £10. Roman 01254
888250 (Lancashire).
SCHUBERTH C2 FLIP-UP HELMET - In silver.
Size 54/55. Excellent condition. Second helmet
so only used on the odd occassion. Still have box.
£120. Also RST two piece leathers. Colour black,
red, white and silver. Size 40” chest, 32” waist.
Excellent condition. £60. Paul 07769 682507 or
01455 212464 (Hinckley).
SPRINT FAIRING TO FIT K75/K100 - Complete
with all fixings. Colour light blue top/black bottom
half. Good all-round condition. £350 o.n.o. 01384
271767.
TOURATECH ‘KAHEDO’ COMFORT SEAT - For
a 2007 GS. Lovely condition, used for touring only.
Better than the stock seat for longer trips, £65.
Wunderlich tail bag for under the rear carrier of the
GS, £10. BMW long black suede/leather jacket,
excellent condition, with elbow and shoulder
protection, size XXXL/66, £80. Paul 01924
265409 [email protected] (Wakefield).
Wanted
2 No SPOT LAMPS - To install on my R1150RT.
Any you may have, perhaps old GS lamps or
78
similar, everything considered. Peter 07964
302386 (Wiltshire).
‘CASH IN THE GARAGE’ - Just sell those never
to be used parts so that I can finish my 1973
R90S. Most bits from /6 or /7 will fit. Roger 01932
240150 [email protected] (Surrey).
FOR POST 1982 R100RT - Swap good condition
roll on roll off centre stand for standard stand.
Roman 01254 888250 (Lancshire).
HANDLEBARS AND IMPACT PAD - For K75C.
Ron 01793 782363 [email protected]
(Swindon).
K1200LT - Pannier/top box inners. Keith 01946
725152 (Cumbria).
K1200S REAR HUGGER - Black, R1150RS rear
hugger - black. Gordon 07766 421110 (Durham).
R80GS - 1980s Monolever model, preferably
in good condition. Roger 01291 672491 roger.
[email protected] (Monmouthshire).
R850R - 2003 model standard height riders seat
required. Can swop with a low seat for same
model, interchangeable with R1150R seat of same
model year. Matt 01507 522872 (Lincolnshire).
TANK GLOVE OR HARNESS - For R series
BMW. Café racer type seat 900SS? style for Mono
Boxer. Also police type front mudguard. Stephen
01512 608612 (Liverpool).
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Classifieds
Small Business Adverts
Small Business adverts are available to any individual or business. For rates and terms please contact:
Charles Knight : (Temporary address)148 Victoria Road, Dartmouth, Devon, TQ6 9EG
(07797) 730008 Email: [email protected]
Accommodation & Touring
UK & Ireland
4 STAR B&B IN WONDERFUL PERTHSHIRE.
Luxury en-suite accommodation in tranquil
Balnaguard 5 miles South of Pitlochry. Wonderful
breakfasts, spectacular views. £25-£30 pppn. £150£175 per wk. Lockable garage for m/cycles. Ann
Croft Tel 01796 482627; website www.balbeagan.
com (3/10)
5 Star AA & STB An Cala Guest House, Grantownon-Spey. Ideal base for Highlands. Kingsize doubles
and magnificient 4 poster. All en-suite. On site parking,
also garage. £35-£40 pp b&b. 01479 873293 www.
ancala.info (2/10)
B&B DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY – 3 Star STB,
Trewan, Dalbeattie. Kingsize Adjustamatic Massage
beds. Ensuite or private bathroom. Own entrance,
large car park, double lock-up garage. 5 minute
walk to town. Wonderful biking area, local, empty
roads and scenic routes to Ayrshire. 1 hour drive
from Carlisle. Large garden backing on to forest with
use of BBQ. Tel: 01556 612337 www.freewebs.com/
trewan
B&B IN THE BORDERS. A68 Jedburgh. Luxury
accommodation. Secure bike parking. Short walk to
town centre. Friendly hosts Chris & Amanda, Club
Members. From £25 pppn. Tel: 01835 862216 Email
[email protected] www.airenlea.co.uk (3/10)
B&B PLYMOUTH, just 20 mins to Continental
Ferries. Quiet location, en-suite, garaging for
bikes. www.beckdaleguesthouse.com email: info@
beckdaleguesthouse.com Tel Bruce on 01752
881504 or 07929 222961 (10/09)
BED AND BREAKFAST, MOFFAT, SOUTHERN
SCOTLAND, B & B, garage parking, wonderful
biking area. One mile from M74 J15 on Edinburgh
scenic route. Why not break your long journey here or
spend a few days riding the local roads, enjoying the
hills and bends. Club member. Chris 01683 220378
see www.buchanguesthouse.co.uk (2/10)
EXPLORE MID WALES--Holiday Bungalow, 2 beds
can sleep 5, quiet village location. Serene scenery,
mind blowing mountains, crystal clear waters and
the freedom of the open road, Ideal for Snowdonia
National Park. Member owned Please ring for further
information 07812 133753 (3/10)
FERMANAGH NORTHERN IRELAND Wonderful
countryside B&B, en-suite quality rooms, secure
garage for bikes. Ideal for touring North & West of
Ireland. Club member. Tel: 028 895 31124 www.
aislinghousefermanagh.com (12/09)
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
GREEN ROUTE MOTORCYCLE TOURS The
“Green Route” takes you on some of the most
scenic drives in Ireland and Scotland. On roads less
travelled so you can relax, enjoy great biking and
experience some of the best scenery in the World.
Good accommodation close to restaurants and pubs.
“A journey is best measured in friends rather than
miles” www.greenroutesmotorcycletours.com Tel
+447914528782 (12/10)
LAKE DISTRICT holiday bungalow – comfort for four
plus garage. Ideal touring location & available April
to November. Member owned. Tel: 01695 422210
(12/09)
LAKE DISTRICT B&B IN BOWNESS-ONWINDERMERE. Panoramic views of Bowness
and lake. En-suite. Covered/lock-up parking.
Leisure facilities. 015394 88658 Web: http://www.
abovethebay.co.uk (12/10)
PLYMOUTH, En-suite accommodation very close
to continental ferryport. Secure parking for bikes.
Early breakfast for ferry passengers.Caraneal Hotel.
12 - 14 Pier St. West Hoe. Tel 01752 663589. email;
caranealhotel@ hotmail.com (11/09)
SOUTH SHROPSHIRE Clun Farm House, 16th
Century B&B situated in stunning South Shropshire
hills. Village location, 2 pubs. House parties catered
for. Fantastic touring suggestions, great biking roads
in to Wales. Secure parking. www clunfarmhouse.
co.uk Tel: 01588 640432 (12/09)
Europe
AE AVENTURES BASED NEAR TO SPA in a
quiet village providing B&B and half board, secure
garaging, recommended touring in the Ardennes
& Eiffel and escorted Nurburgring experience.
Motorcycling adventure only 3½ hours from Calais
that’s a bit special. See www.aeaventures.com
Phone/Fax Neil or Ann on 0032 80398788 email
[email protected] (4/10)
AUSTRIA - S/C fully equipped Chalet & Apartment
(Sleeps 2-6). Superb touring roads & mountain
passes. Excellent amenities. Secure parking. Close
Italy/Slovenia Discounts for bikers - phone/mail for
details. Liz Cannard. Tel/Fax 0043 4769 26415 www.
alpine-dollshouse.com (2/10)
B&B Germany. The Beautiful Westerwald. Tudor
Home. All facilities for Bikers, Drying room ,secure
parking, Bar ,evening meals, all rooms on suite
.Fantastic roads great rides Mosel ,Rhein Valleys
The Dambuster Run, Nurburgring and much more...
Special for BMW owners 5 nights for the cost of 4.
www.vinecottage.de email [email protected]
00492742911728 (5/10)
79
Classifieds
B&B Normandy-France. 3 en-suite bedrooms, great
roads, lovely region, perfect for weekend escape,
10% discount for club members, call 0033233640023
www.maisonlaudiere.com (2/10)
BRITTANY - TOP QUALITY MOBILE HOMES on
coastal 4 star site in this tranquil region. ideal for family
holidays or Section rallies (as Western Section June
04 & 07). Great biking area with masses to do and
see. Big savings on ferry costs. www.benodetbreaks.
com or call Steve Jackson on 01543 473089 (1/10)
FRANCE – LOIRE ATLANTIQUE REGION,
Rural Farm house B & B’s plus 2 gites sleeping 8
& 4, near Chateaubriant, St. Malo closest port,
great roads, little traffic, guided group ride outs by
arrangement. Evening meals, private bar, swimming
pool, undercover parking alongside our bike.. Phone
Richard or Pat on (00 33) 2 40 97 08 44, e-mail info@
la-janais.com, Website www.la-janais.com (2/10)
FRANCE - LOIRE VALLEY - B & B plus ideal gite for
two - north of Saumur.
Tranquil location - Use of pool/hot tub. Evening meals
available. Covered parking.
tel: (0033) 241821184. www.theloireaffair.co.uk
(12/10)
FRENCH B&B BARN, POITOU CHARENTES.
Exclusive use of our converted stone barn in the
Vienne, 10km from the N10 south of Poitiers. Sleeps
up to 5, indoor parking, 60 euros per night for 2, 16
euros per extra person. Evening meals available.
www.bikers-bb-barn.com www.bed-breakfast-yurts.
com , Tel 0033 5 49 87 09 01, email kevin.lindsey@
aliceadsl.fr (12/09)
FRENCH PYRENEES Self contained apartment in
200yr old farmhouse near Lourdes. Secure parking.
Old Gascony, high mountains and Spain on your
doorstep see www.flyride-pyrenees.com
Tel:
0033(0)562354526 (2/11)
GERMANY SPECTACULAR HARZ MOUNTAINS
TOURS. Biker only B&B established 15 years. Let
Greg and his R1200S be your guide to some of the
best Biking roads in Europe. 200 year old beamed,
newly renovated 10 bedroom B and B. All rooms
ensuite. Courtyard garden for drinks and food. BBQ
evening Saturdays in the season. Local beers and
wine. Come and meet bikers from Denmark, Sweden,
Holland, Germany and UK. Large locked garage for
20 bikes. Trained mechanic on call. 2 mins walk
from lively local town with bars and restaurants.
Run by bikers for bikers. Special rate for BMW club
members. Email [email protected] www.
harzbiker.co.uk Tel 0049 5524 3749 (9/10)
ITALY – ABRUZZO REGION. Secluded & tranquil
countryside farmhouse B&B only 30 minutes from
Adriatic beaches or national park mountains.
Fantastic roads, scenery, people & wildlife! For more
information visit www.moto-abruzzo.eu or Email:
[email protected] (12/10)
NORMANDY / BRITTANY BORDER - Gourmet Bed
& Breakfast Close to Mont St- Michel large elegant
200 year old town house restored and renovated to
a very high standard. Individually designed en-suite
bedrooms, guests dining room, drawing room, lounge
and conservatory for the comfort and hospitality of our
guests. With landscaped walled garden and secure
80
garage parking. Gourmet dinners are our speciality
let us pamper you and tantalise your palate for a truly
memorable dining experience. In the town of SaintJames just off the A84 auto route, twenty minutes
from Mont-St Michel and the beautiful coastline
with scenic routes and great biking roads. Tel: 0033
(0)233-589025,Email: [email protected] Web
Site: www.petit-illyria.eu.com (4/10)
NORTH PORTUGAL- MINHO VALLEY.Penedes
Nation Park and Galicia. Interested? We offer
farmhouse self catering and luxury B&B both with
pools. Come and sample the real Portugal see
our Website. www.portugal-holidayvilla.co.uk. Tel
Maggie on 00351-251648107 or Mobile 00351912860707 (12/09)
RIDE MOTORCYCLE TOURS - ADVENTURES IN
EUROPE & THE UK
Join us on an exciting biking holiday, relax and
ride the best roads through stunning scenery
staying in nice hotels while visiting interesting
places. Try the Spa Classic and Black Forest,
Croatian Adventure, 5 Countries Ride, French
Alps,Lakes
&
Gorges,
Pyrenees,
Moto
Piston, Spains Picos de Europa. While at home why
not try our 3 day taster of the beautiful Lake Disrict,
the fantastic NW200 road race in Ireland or ride some
of the best roads in the world with scenery to match
on our Scottish Highlands and West Coast Tour.
www.ridemotorcycletours.co.uk
email: bsogri@
aol.com Tel: 0191 522 0217. (3/10)
SOMME & YPRES BATTLEFIELD TOURS. Our
secluded farmhouse B&B, 100 miles from Calais,
has secure, covered parking and workshop. Evening
meals available. Your host is GS owner, author and
historian. See World of BMW or www.martinpegler.
com. Phone 00333 2286 5672. (3/10)
SOUTHERN BRITTANY Close Redon 3 spacious,
comfortable gites, set in 3 acres of tranquil grounds
which may be rented separately or altogether for a
larger group: Sleep 2 – 16. Secure garage parking
for bikes. Contact: Anne & Dave Chapman Tel:
01732-456459 e-mail: anneanddave.chapman@
virgin.net (12/10)
SPAIN TOUR SEPTEMBER 2010 Join us on a two
week trip our house near Granada in Spain’s Sierra
Nevada. We will be taking the Portsmouth –Bilbao
ferry on the 10th. September and returning to
Portsmouth on the 25th. Ring Colin or Lila for further
details, 01302 811767 (Doncaster) Mob.07747
012167.(5/10)
Rest of the World
MOTORCYCLE
TOURING
HOLIDAYS
IN
NORTHERN THAILAND. Based in the beautiful old
city of Chiang Mai, we offer a selection of motorcycle
touring holidays in the mountainous area of Northern
Thailand. The roads are excellent, the scenery is
stunning and we provide first class accommodation.
You will be looked after throughout the holiday by
experienced English guides. We offer either five
day (touring only) holidays or longer breaks which
offer more time to explore the area. Hotels, meals,
motorcycle and fuel are all included. Reduced rates
for pillions and up to 25% discount now available for
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
Classifieds
BMW Club members. For further information please
have a look at our website www.thaimotorcycletouring.
com, or telephone us on 01260 279443.(04/10)
Services
LYNBROOK INSURANCE for Special Member’s
terms including Classic & Modern Motorcycle
Insurance (all makes) Tel 0845 130 4662 or 01277
206285. Also Travel and Europewide Breakdown/
Recovery Tel 0151 336 5881 (quote Lynbrook)
(12/10)
Accessories & Spares
Stainless Steel Fasteners Part or full kits available,
most models covered. SAE or e mail info@
shawstainless.co.uk for list. Chris Shaw Engineering
24 Station Road, Halton Holegate, Spilsby, Lincs,
PE23 5PB Tel: 01790 755515 Mobile: 07702 862508
www.shawstainless.co.uk (12/09)
www.eBolt.co.uk For stainless steel nuts, bolts and
fasteners, tools and consumables Tel 020 8133
5241(11/10)
Servicing
ANDREW
SEXTON
NORTH
OXFORDSHIRE
WARWICKSHIRE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE BORDER.
BMW Quality service, repairs, restoration and special
tuning work, on all models. Collection and delivery
arranged. Tel 01608 730111 (6/09)**
B.E.M.W. For competitive prices on: Restorations,
repairs & spares. Spares for vintage/classic BMW’s from
1935. CJ750, copies of 1938 BMW R71, from £3,455.
Some new 1957 models in stock, LH/RH sidecars plus
OHV machines available. Machine tools for the small/
home workshop, including Chester MultiFunction lathe/
mill/drill. Parts made to pattern or drawing. S.A.E. for
specification and services or visit our website. 2 Forman
Street, Derby DE1 1JQ. Phone/fax 01332 298523. Eves
& w/ends 01332 824334, www.bemw.co.uk (1/10)
Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and surrounding counties
BMW motorcycle servicing , repairs & restoration Steve
Grover t/a Motoscot senior BMW Technician (ex service
manager at Slocombes of Neasden for over 20 years)
BMW diagnostic equipment and special tools on site
Loan bike available collection/delivery service arranged.
Will also service/repair all makes, models Phone 01582
419812 or Mobile 07843 056201 Email motoscot@dsl.
pipex.com www.motoscot.co.uk (1/10)
BERKSHIRE & Surrounding Counties. BMW Motorcycle
services. K, R & F Series. Independent BMW Specialist
Servicing, Repairs & Spares. Collection & delivery.
Weekend work & loan bike available. For all enquiries
please contact Garry Webb Tel: 01344 860580/07770
444794. Email [email protected] (4/10)
BRISTOL BMW SPECIALIST Independent qualified
engineer & ex-racer with over 30 years BMW experience
for all your servicing & repair requirements. Regularly
breaking airhead twins, R80 / R100 bought for cash. All
makes & models catered for but specialist in pre 90’s
bikes & BMW twins. Collection available. 10% Labour
discount to fellow BMW Club members! Contact Dave
at FERALWORKS. 0794 1950 266 or 01454 851 461
Email; [email protected] (11/09)
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
CARDIFF MOTORRAD Wales’ Number One
Independent BMW Motorbike Specialists BMW Factory
Trained Technician Services - Repairs - Diagnostics Tyres - MOT’s All Makes Welcome 10% off labour to
all club members Please call Mike on 07843528377 or
02920 565666 E-mail: [email protected]
(12/09)
CENTRAL LONDON BMW SPECIALISTS - All
models to date 2v, 4v, BMW Diagnostic equipment,
ex dealer Tech, 30 years exp. Servicing, repairs,
insurance work.Tyres, spares FROM stock. 5 star
workshop - full facilities.BMW authorised supplier.
Bikes bought/sold - see Biketrader web page. Jap &
German 102 Druid St, London SE1 2HQ Tel:0207 237
2299, www.japandgerman.co.uk (2/10)
CRAY ENGINEERING BMW Twins road & race
performance specialist. Fully equipped workshop
for servicing, repairs, rebuilds & engineering. Tuning
packages to suit your requirements. New & used
spares. Tyres fitted & balanced while you wait. (Callers
by appointment only) Phone/Fax 01795 538282
Faversham, Kent (11/09)
EURO CLASSICS. A small family firm dedicated
to servicing, repairs and renovation of BMW’s. We
build bikes to order (GS a speciality). Insurance work
carried out. Supply and fitting of tyres. New & second
hand parts. Exchange drive shafts, Varta batteries.
BMW’s for sale. or sell your BMW at no cost to you.
Please phone Phil or Dinah on 01604 591222 or www.
euroclassics.co.uk. (04/10)
GJB MOTORCYCLES BRISTOL. Service, repairs,
onsite MOT’s and full diagnostics. Collection and
delivery available. 10% discount on MOT’s for fellow
BMW club members. Telephone Garry on 0117
9677016.(12/10)
MOBILE MOTORBIKE SERVICES Professional
repairs and servicing for all BMW models at realistic
prices. We offer a mobile service within a 40 mile
radius of Nottingham. Call Jim Hill on 0797 123 6087
or 0115 9727153. www.ifixyourbike.com.(10/09)
NORTH EAST Independent BMW Specialist. Full
service & repair for all models up to present day.
Factory trained senior technician. Mobile service within
60 miles of Sunderland. Call Mike Kendrick 0191 510
0265 or 07828 281003 (12/09)**
SCOTLAND NEAR GLASGOW Mostly Bricks &
Boxers. Independent BMW specialist. Professional
motorcycle servicing and repairs at realistic rates.
Agreed labour cost restorations. Phone Jim Downie
01505 850341 or 07973 326928. bricksnboxers@aol.
com (4/10)
SERVICING, REPAIRS & SPARES: Boxer & K
servicing. Breakdown & crash repairs. Pickup &
delivery service. Weekend work. Loan bike available.
BMW’s always being broken. Only BM’s worked on.
Tel: Neil on 0208 546 2600 (SW London) (12/09)**
THE BOXER MAN – THE INDEPENDENT BMW
SPECIALIST. Full Service, Repair & Restoration
facilities for R and K Series machines. Mobile service
available within an 80 mile radius of LEICESTER.
Call Phil on 0116 2668913 or 07860 588076, www.
boxerman.co.uk (12/09)
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t10,000 new part lines on the shelf
t1,000s of BMWs broken
tUK’s largest supplier of BMW parts
t12,000 sq ft of pure BMW
t NEW, SECONDHAND AND RECONDITIONED BMW PARTS t
t FAST MAIL ORDER t
t SALVAGE COLLECTED NATIONWIDE t
We cover all BMW motorcycles from 1970 to the present day 1200GS etc.
Remember-all our sales staff are riders themselves. Between them there is not
much they don’t know about your bike! We are quite happy to give you the
benefit of this experience and to recommend the best manuals and guides for
your needs. There is usually no need to pay somebody else to do your servicing,
upgrades or repairs when we can give you a wealth of experience and the choice of
new, secondhand and reconditioned parts. Many of our new parts offer a huge saving
on dealer prices. We can provide you with service items, replacement parts, accessories and performance parts. We have the largest range of parts available anywhere in
the UK - in fact we are not aware of anybody, anywhere in the world, who can offer
our range and depth of stock. Planning a trip - ring us for advice on spares etc. to
carry. Remember, we distribute world wide so we can deliver emergency parts to you
anywhere. If you want it we’ve probably got it! If not and BMW make it we can get it for
you. Try us!
#.8$MVC+PVSOBMr"QSJM
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0845 458 0077
International: 00 44 1484 353600 Fax: 00 44 1484 353604
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Tyres t Ultraseal t Keihan t Ilmburger t Rugged Roads t etc. etc.
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