March - BMWOR
Transcription
March - BMWOR
March 2005 R E T T E L S W E N http://www.bmwor.org.nz/index.cfm FEATURES REGULAR FEAURES Intercom Review The Far East. R1150RS Modification. Excelent South Island Adventure. Rag Rally 2005. Events Calendar. Branch reports. Open Market. ...and much more. BMW Owners Register Newsletter 1 March 2005 Events Calendar Meetings and events, North to South. National Send editorial copy including advertisements to: Dave Morris & Cheryl Marquis 12 Tarras Grove Kelson, Lower Hutt New Zealand [email protected] All other correspondence to: The Secretary BMWOR of NZ P O Box 109-245 Newmarket AUCKLAND 1001 NEW ZEALAND PRESIDENT Graham Smith 09-235 2414 [email protected] March, Monday 14th. BMWOR meeting. Vintage Car Club Rooms, Fairfax Avenue, Penrose. 8pm. NOT BMWOR: March, Sunday 13th. The Ulysses Club has a toy run on Starts off at the Cambridge, Town Hall at 10.30 a.m. and will finish in Garden Place, Hamilton. March, 19-20th. Rag Rally. Pokaka, Tongariro National Park. (See pages 17,18, 19.) June, Queen’s Birthday. 30 year celebrations of BMWOR (NZ), in Auckland. Keep this date free! Further information next newsletter. (See page 9) October. AGM Taupo. Auckland March, Sunday 6th. Lunch ride to the Honey Café at Warkworth. March, Sunday 20th. Ride to the Emu Café at the Katikati bird Gardens. Leaving BP Motorway, Papakura at 0900hrs April, Sunday 3rd Lunch ride to the Old Pancake parlour on SH2 in the Athenree Gorge. SECRETARY Alex Breig 09-629 2963 [email protected] TREASURER Barbara Ennor 06-843 2543 [email protected] EDITOR Dave Morris & Cheryl Marquis 04 565 3592 [email protected] MEMBERSHIP John Wuts 06 844 4751 [email protected] REGALIA Maria Walker 09-813 2310 [email protected] Please Note: Any material intended for publication in the newsletter should reach the editor no later than the 15th of the month preceding publication. The newsletter is an open forum for all members. Views expressed by members may not necessarily represent the views of BMWOR of NZ. Publication of all material is subject to the Editor's discretion. BMW Owners Register Newsletter Fly Spotters rides: Rusty Nuts Southern Cross Rally Starts Bluff. 1pm Sunday 8th May – Wed 11th May, Cape Reinga – Thurs 12th May, East Cape – Fri 13th May, Cape Egmont Rusty Nuts Grand Challenge 1000miler 15-16 th October For details [email protected] or P.O.Box 12608 Penrose. Bronz Ride Right Ride Safe. This is a good way to get to know your new bike. Normally held on the 3rd Sunday of the month at the Whenuapai Airbase. Contact Peggy on (09) 6389227 or Finn on (09) 6255533 for details. Waikato Apologies that last months rides and news didn’t make the magazine due to cyber space issues with e-mail Any Sunday Morning for coffee and/or breakfast at Zigilini’s Café, on corner of Grey and Wellington Streets, Hamilton East. Meet 9.00 – 9.30am. An impromptu ride from there. March, Sunday 13th. - Coromandel Loop day ride. Meet at Zigilini’s Café as usual and ready to ride at 9.30am. This ride is approximately 350km in total. Bay of Plenty (Clive) - your group is welcome to join us on route Bay of Plenty March, Thursday 31st. Social Night from 1800hrs onwards at New Delhi Restaurant in Wharf Street, Tauranga. Meeting later in the month than is usual. All the better for the waiting. 2 March 2005 March, Sunday 27th. Monthly Ride: Depart Caltex Tauriko at 1000hr for a ride to Te Kuiti for lunch. Home by early afternoon. March, Saturday 12th. Overnighter at Whangamomona. Depart Mobil Service Station New Plymouth (opposite Woolworth)at 11.30am. Ride around the Mountain and meet up with the Wellinton BMW riders at Stratford for lunch at 1.30pm. March, Saturday 19th Rag Rally. Depart Shell Service Station Inglewood 10.30am. You will need to book. See this issue for details. Rider training: A session is planned for Taupo in April. Call me to register your interest. This event will be road-riding focused, and will be at road speeds. This is not an event for hoons. Lady riders welcome. April, Sunday 10th. Ride to “Thomson Motorcycle Museum” at Kairanga. More details in next issue. Rangitikei March, Saturday 12th. & Sunday 13th. Whangamomona weekend trip with Wellington . Sunday 27th. Sunday afternoon ride. Tuesday 29th. Tea meeting in Palmerston North at 7.15 pm April, Sunday 10th. Joining with Wellington to visit “Thompson’s Motorcycle Museum”, Rongotea and lunching with them . Sunday 24th. A ride to explore some fabulous HB roads . Tuesday 26th. Tea meeting in Wanganui at 7.15 pm . May, Sunday 8th. We will host an interesting ride around the Rangitikei for our Wellington friends as well as sharing lunch with them. East Coast Happy New Year to all and we hope you have had an enjoyable festive season Anyone wishing to go on the Gisborne Wine Trail Ride is asked to make their accommodation bookings now (before 31 January) or advise Norma Blackett of your intention to be there. Norma’s phone number is 07 548-0156 or email her at [email protected]. We are going up on the Saturday morning early and have booked accordingly Even though last Tuesday was the end of month we did not make it to the Rose and Shamrock Did you?? So for those who can make it there this Tuesday, at the normal time we will meet you there. Any ideas for rides, meetings of interest, and the like, bring them along with you. Taranaki March, Saturday 12th. Overnighter at Whangamomona. Depart Mobil Service Station New Plymouth (opposite Woolworth)at 11.30am. Ride around the Mountain and meet up with the Wellinton BMW riders at Stratford for lunch at 1.30pm. March, Saturday 19th. Rag Rally. Depart Shell Service Station Inglewood 10.30am. You will need to book. See this issue for details. April, Sunday 10th. Ride to “Thomson Motorcycle Museum” at Kairanga. More details in next issue. Wellington March, Saturday 12th – Overnighter at Whangamomona. (Accommodation information page 6 February newsletter.) Meet at Shell Mana for an 8.30 departure. BMW Owners Register Newsletter 3 March 2005 Bulls for smoko, arrive 10.00 depart 10.30 Wanganui, BP station at Westmere, arrive 11.30 depart 11.45 Stratford, refreshment stop and gas up, arrive 1.30 depart 2.30 Whangamomona arrive 3.30 For further information phone Norman 479-1591 April, Sunday 10th – Ride to the “Thomson Motorcycle Museum” at Kairanga. A private motorcycle museum with items of interest for all motorcyclists. Entry will be $5 per person. Lunch in the area afterwards. Meet at Shell Mana for a 9.15 departure. For further information phone Norman 479-1591 May, Sunday 8th – (Mothers Day, so pencil in this ride and bring her along with you). Rangitikei are hosting a ride for us in their area, so a good turn out will be appreciated. Lunch somewhere in Rangitikei. Further details next month Nelson March, Saturday 12th. Overnighter to Karamea. Leaving Railway Hotel carpark at 2.00pm on. Accommodation available at Karamea Holiday Park Phone 03 782 6758, or fax 03 782 6738, or E Mail [email protected] Any queries to Trevor at 03 547 2685. Marlborough March, Thursday 3rd. Monthly coffee night. 8-00pm onwards Bellafico Caffe Maxwell Rd Blenheim. Canterbury First Sunday of the month; meet for lunch at The Blue Duck café which is on the Christchurch/Akaroa highway near Motukarara at noon (this café used to be The Black Tulip). An impromptu run may occur after lunch. If your partner does not ride bring them in the car to meet with other non-riding partners. Special Note: After mentioning the possibility in the last newsletter we are trying a change of venue this month so please do not turn up at Godley House. March, Sunday 20th: Ride up to Hanmer for a soak in the hot pools. Meet at the Peg, Belfast 10.30am. April, Saturday and Sunday 9th and 10th Overnighter at Wanaka to meet up with Otago and Southland members. Meet Dressmart, Hornby at 8.45am for a 9.00am start. Please book your own accommodation for the night in Wanaka, several riders have already said they will be staying at the Lakeview camping ground but there are many motels and backpackers available as well. (Canterbury riders who do not wish to do the overnighter may wish to ride out to Tekapo to meet returning riders.) 2005 Ride Calendar – This is pretty much finalised now and Canterbury members who wish to have a copy can contact Geoff or Gill on 329-4655 or [email protected] A mechanic was removing a cylinder head from the motor of a Harley motorcycle when he spotted a well-known heart surgeon in his shop. The surgeon was waiting for the service manager to take a look at his BMW. The mechanic shouted across the garage, “Hey Doc, can I ask you a question?” The surgeon, a bit surprised, walked over to the mechanic working on the motorcycle. The mechanic BMW Owners Register Newsletter straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and asked, “So Doc, look at this engine. I open its ‘heart’; take valves out; fix’em; put’em back in; and when I’ve finished, it works just like new... So how come I get such a measly salary and you get the really big bucks when you and I are doing basically the same kind of work?” The surgeon paused, smiled and leaned over, and whispered to the mechanic, “Try doing it with the engine running.” 4 March 2005 INTERCOM REVIEW Over the years that Leone and myself have been riding we have always enjoyed talking to each other while riding down the road. As most of you know this can be an exercise in futility and a distraction if one is using the yelling method between rider and passenger and a complete waste of time between riders on different bikes. A number of years ago we tried out the Audio Vox system which clips to the side of the helmet and enables one to talk between a rider and passenger and rider to rider. The system proved OK at low speeds through towns but on the open road the wind noise and microphone distortion caused by the need to yell to activate the VOX made communication unviable. Result: This system now resides in the bottom of the box in the shed along side the others we have tried since including a home made modified CB unit that we obtained in Australia when we were there. Our impression was that one could get a reasonable rider to pillion intercom for a reasonable price and so long as you worked within the limits of the unit and did not expect too much they were OK. Since Leone now has her own bike we wanted to still be able to communicate to each other and we looked at what was available on the market. As we wear full face helmets with ear plugs and are both over six foot tall there is a reasonable amount of wind disturbance for any intercom to overcome at open road speed. We found that there were two units available that would suit our purpose (there are possibly more but they are not widely marketed) and as one was under $300.00 and the other was over $1000.00 we tried out the less expensive option. Note the price above does not include the cost for the Uniden UH044 UHF CB’s that we had to buy for the units at $160.00 each. The cheaper option is marketed by Pinfold Health Services out of Rotorua and for approx $130.00 per person you get a headset with two speakers, microphone, push to talk button and the necessary leads to fit the unit to the CB. The only part of the unit attached to the bike is the push to talk button on the handle bars. The headset obviously fits into ones helmet and the leads plug into the CB which can sit in a jacket pocket. We tried this system for about twelve months and found it to be OK. The BMW Owners Register Newsletter limitation with this system is that it uses the volume of the CB unit without any amplification and with the earplugs in it was very hard to hear anything above about 70km/hr on the open road. Also we found that the leads were of light weight construction and prone to breakage if pulled hard. Therefore if budget is tight this may be a worthwhile compromise but you would need to be aware of its limitations. For those of you who get tired of yelling over the shoulder, missing the turn off or want to just chat about the scenery when you see it rather than when he wants to stop next, then this may be the answer. Have a look at the websites and make your own decisions. Cheers Just before we went down south we splashed out and purchased two of the Baehr Sono bike to bike intercoms. These are the base model bike to bike intercom Baehr make and they have no facility for a pillion rider (you need to have got the Basic or Basic Plus units for this). The unit attaches to the bike (under seat etc) and requires power from the bike. The leads need to be run around the bike for the press to talk button, helmet plug and radio plug. As we already had the CB radios we could utilise these with this intercom unit. The advantage of this unit is that it has a built in audio amplifier and noise cancelling electronics. This feature allows two riders who wear earplugs to talk rather clearly at open road speeds (or quicker) and still be able to understand each other. We found some noise still came in from Leone’s helmet but I was still able to understand what she was saying at 100km/hr plus with a side wind. The other advantage was that the CB volume did not need to be turned up full and therefore was not distorting. The only limitation with these units is the range and quality of the CB unit and for our purpose the little handheld CB was fine as we are never more that a kilometre apart. As a summary if you are looking for an intercom and money is tight the Pinfold system may be the option for you, however if you are serious about talking to your pillion or other riders that I would definitely spend the money and go for a Baehr system. These are marketed by Challenger Motors in Auckland and the have comprehensive website. The details are on the back of the BMWOR magazine. As for the CB’s the sky is the limit but we found the Uniden UH044 to be a good compact and affordable unit. It takes three AA batteries and they last for ages so long as you remember to turn it off at night. Pinfold Intercoms - Pinfold Health Services 5 Baehr Intercoms – Challenger Motors www.challengermotors.co.nz/Web Pages/pricelist.htm www.amalgamate2000.com/sales A woman brought a very limp parrot into a veterinary hospital. As she laid her pet on the table, the vet pulled out his stethoscope and listened to the bird’s chest. After a moment or two, the vet shook his head sadly and said, “I’m so sorry, Polly has passed away.” The distressed owner wailed, “Are you sure? I mean, you haven’t done any testing on him or anything. He might just be in a coma or something.” The Vet rolled his eyes, shrugged, turned and left the room returning moments later with a beautiful black Labrador. As the bird’s owner looked on in a m a z e m e n t , the dog stood on his hind legs, put his front paws on the examination table and sniffed the dead parrot from top to bottom. He then looked at the vet with sad eyes and shook his head. The vet then led the dog out, but returned a few moments later with a cat. The cat jumped up and also sniffed delicately at the exbird. The cat sat back, shook its head, meowed and ran out of the room. The vet looked at the woman and said, “I’m sorry, but like I said, your parrot is most definitely, 100%, certifiably dead.” He then turned to his computer terminal, hit a few keys and produced a bill which he handed to the woman. The parrot’s owner, still in shock, took the bill. “$150.! “ she cried. “$150. Just to tell me that my bird is dead?!” The vet shrugged, “If you’d taken my word for it, the bill would only have been $20. But with the Lab report and the Cat Scan...what did you expect? March 2005 Smithies Soapbox. Well it looks as though the New Year has bought with it some fantastic riding weather. The safari was really great and for those that haven’t been on one, you don’t know what you are missing. The scenery was fantastic and riding through some of those stations, I think you would need to be a different breed to live there. Apart from some minor injuries, not to mention names (Grant C), and a couple of very second hand looking bikes, everyone had a great time. Thanks to BMW for sponsoring the event. (Roll on the next one.) The new RT was on show and I must say it looks a lot better in the flesh, real nice, and NO Henry I don’t need one!! Don’t forget the Rag Rally and if you don’t want it to be rough, use one of the bunks. Please note new venue before you take off. The 30th Anniversary preparations are well under way, with an epistle from Terry somewhere in this issue. The AGM at the Suncourt Motel will be different this year, as by popular demand, we are having a band (who i understand are very good). So please make it a success and let your hair down, and don’t slide off to bed.!!! I have tentatively booked extra rooms this year, but book early. I am going on a ride with BOP area to meet up with East Coast members, so that should be a good one. Don’t forget about our website, it is up and running and will be added to as we can. Thanks to Alex for the great job he has done. Good riding and keep the shiny side up!! Graham. Editorial : THE BMW FAMILY OF BIKES Welcome to this edition. Look what’s new on the cover! A web address! You know, “we are family. My brothers, my sisters and me.” You might just know some of them. There’s “R”, “K”, “F” and “C”. Within these families are the “RT’s”, RS’s” LT’s and GS’s. All are faithful, dependable and reliable. R is the family of the horizontally opposed engine. R stands for tradition, honesty and heritage. R is the quintessence of Herr BMW. K is flat in-line. K is the break from traditional values; quiet, smooth and powerful. She’s also a good sprinter. F is the cutie: Simple and vertically inclined. F is popular with the ladies and F is the baby of the family. She is versatile; happy on a State motorway and just at home on a dry arid sandy desert. The C is, well, sort of a half relation to the bikes. A step outside the BMW square. Flirtatious in nature, enjoys an expensive lifestyle (a socialite, if you will) and in a cheeky way, gets away with it. Keep the tank full ! Dave and Cheryl. BMW Owners Register Risk Management Plan Introduction: The BMW Owners Register is an organisation whose members join together for rides to nominated venues and for other social occasions. The organiser nominates the destination and regrouping stages along the way, but otherwise has no influence upon the way that riders behave on the road. There is no element of organised competition in the rides. Riding Code: 1. All register members on register rides shall do so as individuals responsible for their own safety and shall take into account the safety of others they encounter on the ride. 2. Register members are responsible for ensuring that their motorcycles are in a safe and legal condition, the minimum being to Warrant of Fitness standards. 3. Riders, pillions, and sidecar passengers where required, shall have as a minimum Standards New Zealand approved motorcycle helmets, and stout footwear, gloves and clothing that will be capable of protecting their body in the event of a mishap. 4. Register members are to go to the aid of any others suffering a mishap. 5. Ride organisers shall nominate the destination for the ride as well as any regrouping locations or other stops. The organiser is not responsible for other rider’s behaviour or safety. 6. Riders shall ride at a speed and in a way that is comfortable for them. Do not ride outside your personal comfort envelope. 7. If the rider is unfamiliar with the route, they shall arrange to follow another rider who does know the way and who travels at a comfortable pace. 8. Riders who decide to travel as a group shall adopt a staggered riding formation such that there is an accepted following distance to the rider immediately in front. A reasonable following distance is indicated by a time of two seconds between riders for dry conditions, and longer for inclement conditions and on loose surfaces. 9. The Organiser and or the Register are not responsible for participant’s safety, and all participants participate at their own risk. All participants are aware that they are travelling on open public roads and are responsible for their own safety and compliance with all Road Rules and Laws. BMW Owners Register Newsletter 6 March 2005 THE FAR EAST “We could always go around the East Cape,” Neville said during a monthly BMW dinner gathering. He was commenting on the things that we might do over the next few months in response to Graeme’s question. That was all it took. Graeme and Carole had an excuse to be in Gisborne over Christmas, checked out a motel with a pool, and pencilled in the bookings. Graeme studied the map and developed a route that divided 1550 k into three equal parts, and several people put a big mark on the 2005 Wellington Anniversary weekend. Steve and Leonie, originally starters, had to withdraw as Steve had a wee problem with a gravel road over the Christmas break. Russell and Ngaire were late entries. Graeme and Carole then arranged for their son to be presented with a bonnie wee girl called Holly just before we set off on our Far Eastern adventure. And, in a coupe of planning, first grandchild Holly just happens to live in Gisborne. The weather on the Saturday was, in a word, perfect. It stayed perfect the whole weekend, and even into the following week. In another masterstroke in planning, Ngaire with Russell, Kay with Neville and Heather with yours truly met up at Ashhurst where Lesley with Max and Grandma with Grandad were waiting. In passing, it is worth noting that this was the first big ride for Carole, and she looked the part in her new riding gear. The Manawatu gorge was a doddle, because we got stuck behind a slow vehicle. Out the BMW Owners Register Newsletter other side we were on our way to Dannevirke for the first petrol stop for Russell’s ‘Zook. We all took advantage of the BP product and facilities. Waipawa’s Hum and Buzz cafe was the first serious opportunity to exchange experiences this far, to rest novice derrieres, and to be briefed on where to from here. Yes, we all had an excellent printed itinerary, but there is something about the way Graeme tells it. We swooshed through the back of Havelock North, came out at Clive, and arrived at the Ahuriri foreshore for lunch. The boardwalk access was a tad exciting, made a bit more so by the need to leap over the l00X100mm curbing to park on the grass. Some needed more fuel at Bayview, so after a quick stop we were into serious biking. The flat lands gave over to winding roads from Tongoio. Lake Tutira’s shade was the next posterior-patting point. Then it was back on the melting asphalt to Wairoa’s shaded main street. Our Leader had planned to take the inland route via Tiniroto to Gisborne. It is a bit cooler, and there was little traffic to share (or is it scare) space with. The Eastland motel was easily found, rooms were assigned and people suddenly appeared in shorts as Ngaire magically set out cheese and crackers, and Max spirited up some wine. Our new Grandad and Grandma had a different agenda, and were off like a leather jacket on a sunny Gisborne day to see Holly. Max asked if I knew there was oil leaking from the driveshaft rubber 7 boot on my bike. I didn’t. And I did wonder what the next day could bring. The group taxied into the Chinese restaurant Graeme had arranged and were joined there by two of the biggest smiles you can imagine. They murmured words like “lovely”, gorgeous”, “and beautiful”. We could have taxied back to the motel, but this is a holiday where we spent a lot of time sitting. Without getting arrested for disturbing the peace, we walked back to the chant Russell started. “Just around the corner” everyone chorused at each intersection. We spent a lot of time walking that night. Breakfasts ordered the night before appeared at the door in good time, and most were pleased. Lesley felt the need for more, and was pleased to see the big selection at the morning tea stop. We were off just after 8 am, and the destination was Opotiki via the Waioeka Gorge. The bum-break at Matawai was brief as this day was going to be a biggie. When we stopped at Opotiki, Graeme asked if anyone knew of a good cafe. He may have been thinking of Holly, because we all pointed over his shoulder. We were parked outside the Hot Bread Shop. Just a word on the side: Fantastic!!! It was so good that we decided to load up with lunch, and to find a shady spot near Te Araroa for a picnic. And to wipe oil from the driveshaft of one’s bike.The coastal route (SH35) was devoid of serious traffic. It was a deliberate plan to March 2005 ride around the coast on the “outside” of the road to get the best views. We did. The vistas were magnificent. We pulled into the lookouts, stretched, and patted (our own) posteriors, and marvelled at the landscape. As the need for refreshments came and nearly went, Graeme pulled over under a row of shady trees and we had the first of two picnics on this trip. It was cool, dappled light glinting on the oil leak. Neville enjoyed these breaks and always found nice spot to stretch right out for a snatch of serious rest. Te Araroa has a very large Pohutukawa tree that offers a large shade area, and a real sense of history. The tree, known as Te Waha 0 Rerekohu, is in the grounds of the local school is the largest Pohutukawa in the world. We rested here, a mere speck in the history of the magnificent tree’s life. We all stopped at St Mary’s Church in Tiki Tiki. This is a beautifully kept icon, being a blend of traditional Anglican style and Maori design. It also marks an Iwi relationship as Te Arawa had gifted the pulpit to the local Ngati Porou. Another place that was new to many of the travellers was the township of Ruatoria. Several noticed the range of church denominations represented in such a small community. By this time it was very hot, so any standing had to be in the shade. Even with the air conditioning set to “High” it was hot on the road. A quick petrol stop at Te Puia to give the ‘Zook a sip of fuel, and the next stop at Tolaga Bay was right outside an ice cream vendor. The one dollar You can tell when I have little to do. I start to wonder about all sorts of useless things, then that wondering becomes a quest for the next Holy Grail. I needed a longer holiday break over the Christmas season and somewhat better weather, obviously!! So that is how I began to wonder where the real middle earth is in just the North Island. I found a North Island map, and realised that the North Island is a banana shape (not banana republic), and that drawing lines side to side and top to bottom was not quite the perfect way of finding this holy grail. So I did it three ways and for each way there was a different cross on the map. BMW Owners Register Newsletter giant ice cream was big enough to create temporary shade for a BMW. Carole had chosen not to join the ride on Day 2, as help with Holly was an opportunity to get to know the wee angel. At Tolaga Bay, everyone commented that Carole would have really loved this day “on the road” as it had been so close to perfect. Graeme, always ready to improve the programme incited us to two new experiences before we got back to Gisborne. One was to visit the Tologa Bay wharf. It was a bit gusty, so we admired from the comfort of standing beside our bikes. The other was to take a quick, furtive even, look at the place where Whale Rider was filmed. Yes, it is just like it is in the movie. The pool at the motel was far too alluring to be ignored. While Ngaire sorted out nibbles, we all sorted out our figure clinging Speedos and doused our Celtic covering in the salted water. Oh the relief. Dinner was prearranged (by Grandad, who else!) and at 7 30 we were off to the Wharf. This is a glorious setting for a leisurely meal, boats bobbing in the water, and in great company. Breakfast was at the Scottish Restaurant next day, after some of us braved the Kaiti Hill lookout. The view across to Young Nick’s heads, white cliffs, and knowing this was where Capt Cook landed once again gives a sense of time and history. McDonald’s brekkies are... ummm... the same everywhere. While that sumptuous feast was being devoured, I had to fit the visor back into Heather’s System III helmet. She had dropped it on the way in, and the visor would not “sproing” back into place. With the aid of a trusty Swiss army knife and a 3 mm alIen key from Neville’s toolkit, all was well again. When I got home I found that my own toolkit has a 3 mm alien key in it. As you would expect of a BMW! The Wharerata hill is steeper than it seems, as at the rest area at the top, the bikes smelled warm. And this was only the morning. At this time, Lesley with Max chose to go on to Hastings to catch up with family. The other four bikes crocodiled to Mahia “for a look” and then to Wairoa to OsIers Bakery and Cafe. Its air conditioned. It was deliciously cool. We again decided to stock up for lunch and to use Lake Tutira for a shady lake stop, and to wipe off a little more oil. The road from Wairoa is mostly curved, but restraint was demanded by the amount of new seal that was being laid. Lake Tutira was a welcome oasis in the desert heat of the road, and Osler’s food was just the ticket. The one thing we learned on the first day was how vital it was to have plenty of water during the day. At one stage, Lake Tutira itself looked inviting and large enough to slake our collective thirsts. Napier’s new bypass made getting to SH 50 a doddle, and Maraekakaho came and went. And then my rear tyre went flat. A brand new Bridgestone 020 fitted during the 30 000 k service 3 days before we left. Worse, its the second time in a year a tyre under 2000 k on the bike has done this, ( a Z6 cut by glass last time), fully laden and on tour. Heather knows the drill. She got off; we got the bike off road, and unpacked the repair kit. Finding the leak was a problem, so a couple of bottles of air gave us the key spot to plug, then my Christmas present wee pump got a work out by Neville and me. The audience looked worried until we announced that all was well and we were WILL THE REAL (NORTHERN) MIDDLE EARTH PLEASE STAND UP I am sure that geographers amongst you will know where the true dead centre of No-ones Arc the North Island is. No jokes, please. #3 This is a serious bit of research, using If an arc is passed through both the a low quality map, high quality string and northern most and southern most points (the centre of that circle is way a blunt pencil. So here are the three questions I set out in the Tasman) intersects with an arc that passes through the eastern myself about the North Island. most and western most point, where do the arcs intersect? Top ‘n’ Tail #1 If a line is drawn from the northern most to southern most point and from the Try to guess the likely spot before you western most to eastern most point, check the answers. Think of the nearest town or city. where do the lines intersect? The answers appear elsewhere in this edition of the magazine #2 Boxer (could not resist that!) If the North Island is placed in box using just latitude and longitude references, Lance Nixon 1550 where would the diagonals intersect? 8 March 2005 on our way again, in front this time in case we needed assistance again. The great news was that our intrepid leader and fellow travellers were back looking for tail-endCharlie us within minutes of us being parked. True support for one another makes group touring special. The next stop was Dannevirke, where I prised my white hot knuckles from the bike Early bird Warning: Advance Notice. to check the state of the tyre beside the free air. The ice cream we all had at the Mobil shop was a lifesaver. There was no need for further air, no more oil was leaking out, so we were on our way again, having to decline the kind offer from Graeme and Carole for a cup of something at Granddad’s place in Palmerston North.Graeme with Carole, Neville with Kay, and Russell with Ngaire, kept watch as we made our way the last 140 Outline for 30 k to Wanganui. Graeme peeled off near Palmerston North, and by 6.15 pm (with an ETA of 6 3Opm) we were all home and safe. It is no secret that the next couple of Intrepid Journeys are half planned. Before these wonderful memories fade, we’ll be out there again, enjoying the scenery, the roads, the company and our motorcycles. Lance Nixon. 1550 BMWOR Anniversary Celebrations: Saturday 5th of June, registration, drinks and nibbles at Experience BMW, Newmarket. Sunday 6th of June 0700hrs breakfast at Experience. 0900hrs Commemoration ride to Orere Point. 1900hrs Cocktails at BMW HQ in Mt Wellington. 2000hrs Dinner, presentations and Band. Keep your calendar free. Watch for more info in the newsletter and on the website. Te Waipounamu Motorcycle Tours 28B Byron Street Chistchurch Steve Bailey a motorcycle technician with 17 years experience would like to offer his services to any BMW motorcycle owner in and around the Canterbury district. What can we offer? Workshop and Sales in central Christchurch. From Airheads to Oilheads, drum brakes to power brakes. Large range of late rental models available. We offer friendly, personal and professional service, give us a call. Sales Te Waipounamu M/C Tours www.motorcycle-hire.co.nz 03 372 3537 BMW Owners Register Newsletter Service Steves Workshop 03 374 9254 9 March 2005 ANOTHER R1150RS MODIFICATION I used to read about guys like me always modifying something on their bike and now I’m at it. I should state that there is absolutely nothing wrong with the standard RS but if you are going to do a lot of riding then it might as well be as comfortable as possible. Those that read the June newsletter might remember that I had brought the handlebars back and also had the saddles changed. Now after 9000 kms I can report that both have been a great success. The mission now was to see if we could cut down the amount of buffeting my pillion passenger was reporting, something that did not seem to happen on the 650GS, probably because we were sat very close together. I did a bit of research on larger screens but they all seemed to be overseas companies and then Norman told me about an advert in Kiwi Rider. This turned out to be a firm called Visual Plastics in Hamilton and after calling them on their 0800 number they sent me some dimensions of the screens that they produced for my bike and at a fraction of the cost of some other companies. An order was placed and I waited expectantly for the courier to arrive. Oh dear, the new screen when it was unpacked had only four fixing holes instead of six and was not a lot different from the standard screen. Another phone call and a chat seemed to confirm that these screens are made for the 1100RS and they thought that they would be the same. “Not to worry,” they said, “can you return the one we sent and let us take a pattern of your screen”. This was on the Friday and the two screens were sent up to Hamilton at their expense. A phone call on Monday confirmed that they had arrived safely and then a discussion as to what I wanted. They did also say that they only made screens for the rider and the pillion may not notice any difference. Worth a try I thought. Tuesday at 10am and there was the courier on the doorstep with my old screen and my brand new one, 50mm wider on each side and the aerofoil also 50mm longer. That’s what I call a good service, imagine the hassle if it had come from overseas. Well the new screen looks good and is really well made, plus it fits perfectly. What is even better is that there is less buffeting for my long suffering pillion and it also gives me more protection in bad weather, no bugs in the good weather either. So all in all another good modification but if 1100RS owners were thinking of fitting one I would strongly recommend using the BMW metal supporting plate from the 1150’s because of the extra wind pressure on the screen. Roll on summer. Bill Croasdale. See Last month’s front cover for photo. MORE ONE LINERS Phone answering machine message - “...If you want to buy marijuana, press the hash key...” I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day but I couldn’t find any. I went to the butchers the other day and I bet him 50 quid that he couldn’t reach the meat off the top shelf. He said, “No, the steaks are too high.” ‘Doc I can’t stop singing The Green, Green Grass of Home’ “That sounds like Tom Jones syndrome. ‘ Is it common? ‘ “It’s not unusual.” What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fsh. So I was getting into my car, and this bloke says to me “Can you give me a lift?” I said “Sure, you look great, the world’s your oyster; go for it.’ Two fat blokes in a pub, one says to the other “Your round.” The other one says “So are you, you fat bast**d!” “You know, somebody actually complimented me on my driving today.They left a little note on the windscreen. It said, ‘Parking Fine.’ So that was nice.” Ireland’s worst air disaster occurred early this morning when a small twoseater Cessna plane crashed into a cemetery. Irish search and rescue workers have recovered 1,826 bodies so far and expect that number to climb as digging continues into the night… BMW Owners Register Newsletter 10 March 2005 Leone & Steven’s Excellent South Island Adventure Day One – Boxing Day 26 December.Palmerston North– Molesworth We awoke at about 5:15am to the sweet sound of light drizzle outside and contemplated pulling the covers back over our heads and going back to sleep. However with a ferry to catch it was time to get out of bed and get moving. After breakfast and the final packing we started up the bikes and headed out the gate saying goodbye to the dogs, cats, canaries and chooks for two weeks of adventure and fun around the South Island. By now the rain had abated and the road was dry. We made good time to Wellington and boarded the ferry along with a full load of cars, campervans and a few other bikes. The sailing was pretty good and once we disembarked at Picton it was down to Blenheim for lunch. After lunch our adventure started with the ride over Taylor’s Pass giving us about 15km of windy metal road to warm up on. For those of you who don’t know Leone and I are recent converts to adventure riding and are still getting used to the metal and how it moves about. The added bonus this time was our luggage including tent, and camping gear. However the bikes handled the warm up with no problems and we got the feel of the extra weight. stretched off into the distance and so did we. After Taylor’s Pass we turned right and followed the Awatere river valley all the way to Molesworth Station Cob Cottage for the night. We had no idea what to expect at the Cob cottage but now we know. If you intend camping there take cooked food as there are no open fires allowed and no other cooking facilities available. Thankfully for us the ranger offered to cook our rice so we did not starve. We stopped at the top of Wards Pass (1400m high) for a photo and then headed across Isolation Flat. The scenery is rather desolate but in its own way spectacular all the same. We had a few stops on the way including one at Acheron house to refill water bottles and empty bladders at the only water point on the station. Lunch time was approaching and Hanmer was calling. Day Two -- 27 December. Molesworth – Lake Brunner After a good night sleep in the tent we woke to birdsong and a light frost (where the hell is summer). Went back to bed! Had to get up – bladder made me. The sky was clear and it looked like a beautiful day ahead of us. We ate, packed up, paid our fee and signed the form, then saddled up and headed of into the wild blue yonder. To stop having the public travel through the farmhouses there is a road around the side of the hill approx 500m from the gate. This road was recently graded and proved to be another good warm up exercise for us. Once on top of the hill the road After feeding and fuelling it was off to Lake Brunner via the Lewis Pass. Beautiful piece of motorcycling road with a good stopping point at Springs Junction. Unfortunately just before we arrived a tourist had backed over the LPG pump and they were in the process of evacuating everyone. We grabbed a quick ice cream and took off before the place went up. The fire engine passed us as we headed out towards Greymouth; all lights ablaze. As we got closer to the east coast the scenery started to change to lusher bush and as we arrived at Lake Brunner we were greeted with a beautiful vista of the lake surrounded by dense forest and snow capped peaks (snow at this time of the year – go figure). Below: Lake Coleridge. BMW Owners Register Newsletter 11 March 2005 (maybe our days were a bit big considering the gravel takes longer and is harder work). To treat ourselves we booked a cabin and went out for dinner – very nice. Entrance to Molesworth Station. Pulled into the camp ground feeling a bit weary. Found our spot and relaxed for the evening. Day Three. - 28 December. L a k e Brunner – Tekapo Had a rather early start at 2:00am with rowdy teenagers playing cricket. Back to sleep again to awake to another lovely morning. Once again food was of the order followed by body cleaning, packing and refuelling. Set off through the Arthur’s Pass into a crisp but beautiful day. Man, the Otira gorge is an awesome piece of engineering work and the viaduct has to be seen when you consider where the road used to go. They just carved the road into the side of the mountain! We stopped at Arthur’s Pass for a bite to eat and then carried on down to Lake Lyndon. From here we took the metal road to Lake Coleridge for lunch. After our stop it was time to get going again as we still had a reasonable way to go to get to Tekapo. The Canterbury plains are boring no matter how you look at it so we were glad to get past them and into the Mackenzie Basin area for a bit more interesting riding. We arrived in Tekapo to rather stormy weather with a howling gale and rain threatening to fall. We were also fairly knackered by this stage BMW Owners Register Newsletter Day Four – 29 December Tekapo – Ranfurly. (Not quite) Today did not look good so we packed up and left while the weather was still dry. We were planning to go across the Mackenzie Pass and the Hakataramea Pass today but due to the weather we gave the Mackenzie Pass a miss and turned off at Dog Kennel Corner onto Haldon Road. We were riding along the long straight gravel roads at about 60-70km when Leone went around a slight corner in front of me and as I rounded it my holiday came crashing to an end. I managed to get a wheel either side of a deep mound of gravel and the back wheel fishtailed out from me at which point I did a high side and flew of the bike and onto the road. This doesn’t sound all that bad you say, well it wouldn’t have been it I hadn’t broken my right wrist! Needles to say I had my first ride in an ambulance, first entrance through the emergency doors and my first plaster cast. Hence we had to cut our trip short and head home with Leone escorting me in my limited capacity. It certainly has not put us off and we will complete the trip another time. We thoroughly enjoyed the few days we had and we look forward to next time. See you all next time Steven Cooper – BMW R1150GS Leone Cooper – Honda XLV650 Above: Molesworth Station, Ward’s Pass. Below: Otira Viaduct, Arthur’s Pass. Transalp 12 March 2005 Media release 13 January 2004. - International Bike of the Year title for BMW’s R1200GS The BMW R1200GS has added yet another award to its list of achievements by being named the “2004 International Motorcycle of the Year”. Having already been chosen as the best new bike of 2004 by many overseas publications such as Motorcycle News (GB) and Motorcyclist Magazine (USA), the R1200GS has now been selected as the overall winner - as judged by 12 magazines from 12 different countries. with no less than five new models due in the next nine months. They include the much-anticipated K1200S, BMW’s first entry into the sports-bike segment, plus the R1200RT and R1200ST - replacements for the popular R1150RT and R1150RS. -End- For further information please contact: Grant Clegg, Motorcycle Manager BMW Motorrad New Zealand Telephone: 09 573-6961, email [email protected] Mobile: (025) 840-981 Mark Baker, Director, Veritas Communications Limited Telephone 09 273 3051, email [email protected] This success has been reflected in the customer demand for the new model launched last March - in New Zealand and all around the world. The R1200GS also earned an International Design Excellence “Gold” Award by the Industrial Design Society of America in mid-2004. On the local market, BMW motorcycle sales are at an alltime high, with the R 1 2 0 0 G S accounting for more than one quarter of the orders. Grant Clegg, manager of BMW Motorrad New Zealand, said there is strong demand for the new GS model from private customers as well as rental companies, reflecting the strong demand from overseas visitors to ride such a bike on New Zealand’s challenging and often uncluttered roads. Mr Clegg expects 2005 to be even better than last year, BMW Owners Register Newsletter 13 March 2005 THE MAGIC OF THE MILFORD ROAD II had seen photos of metres of snow packed up either side of the Homer tunnel and I had to see it for myself. It was 1 November before Ali and I were free to make the trip. I warmed the 1150 GS up on the 150 km trip south from Dunedin to Gore. The phone ringing at 7am prompted me to get my feet on the floor and the day underway. We left at 9 am in brilliant sun with the promise of a strong northwest wind in our faces within an hour. And can you believe it; we hadn’t got more than a few hundred metres down the road before there was another cop on our tail. This one though, was friendly; out of uniform, and had arranged to ride with us and on an Aprillia 1000! It was a bonus to be told where the ‘we take no prisoners’, Highway Patrol cars were working. On cue the northwest wind kicked in and tried its best to toss us off the road. It is only 150 kms from Gore to Te Anau, so we were there well before lunch. Time to refuel body and bike for now on there would be little on offer and what was, would require a mortgage on the bike to pay for it. The skies were overcast as we set off on the famed Milford Road but the rain was holding off. There was no hurry now. The scenery was stunning and although the road begged to be ridden at speed the sights and smell demanded that the visor be lifted and the vistas enjoyed. We rode alongside Lake Te Anau for the first 30 minutes before heading up the Eglinton Valley. Huge beech trees tower over the road on both sides while towering over them, are the seemingly vertical mountains. The crystal clear and sparkling Eglinton River winds its way gracefully down the valley. We passed the Mirror Lakes which because of the overcast day were not reflecting the mountains as they are famed to do and we turned off 3 kilometers later into Deer Flat. I was a little apprehensive about this venture as the last time I left here, (albeit with Judy, tent and the kitchen sink) I canned off in the middle of the ford. That incident left me wet, cold and my ankle hurt for weeks afterwards but it was not to happen this trip as some caring soul had placed a culvert where the ford used to be! Deer Flat is a beautiful grassy area right on the edge of the river. The mountains rise very steeply and waterfalls can be heard but not seen in the dense bush. I am always amazed at the purity of the BMW Owners Register Newsletter water. Trout can be easily seen lazily swimming in the current. I don’t know of a more glorious spot anywhere. The sun broke out, and with it came the sand flies. We had a cup of coffee and reflected on the happy times we had had camping here. But the road soon called. A couple of buses pulled into Knob’s Flat and disgorged 100 hungry Japanese tourists. The road started climbing now and we soon passed Lake Gunn at 500 metres. The wind was howling down the valley and across the lake. I remembered that it was windy last time I was here too. Lake Fergus a little further on, was calm. There were a few cars parked at the Divide, day trippers probably, enjoying the beauty of the Routeburn Track. The road narrowed now as we wound our way down to the Hollyford Valley. On another occasion we had driven the 1 kilometer down the Hollyford Road and then climbed the steep but rewarding track to Lake Marion. Lake Marion nestles high in the mountains, but there wasn’t time to walk it today. On our bikes, we started climbing again and were approaching the Homer Tunnel. Four Malaysian boys had parked under a sign that read “No stopping: Avalanche danger”. No English or no brains? It didn’t matter, this was such a great spot we joined them. Two weeks ago the avalanche danger was extreme so blasting was done. A huge wall of snow flew over the steeply rising mountains to the west and covered the road. Bulldozers were needed to clear a path through. Today the snow had largely melted and the avalanche danger was low. The tunnel is fun. It is so steep, it is so dark and the echoes are amazing. Ali wound the XJ up to about 8000 revs and it sounded like a 100 Aussie V8’s on the starting grid. We soon emerged to be greeted by a vista of mountains all heavily snowed. It was beautiful but the signs warning not to stop because of avalanche danger were still there so we 14 pressed on. It was 2p.m. when we arrived at the Backpackers. We had a cup of coffee and listened to the array of languages: Germans, Koreans and Aussies prevailed. We had missed walking to the Bowen Falls on our last trip so wanted to remedy that. Ali insisted that at this late hour of the day we were the closest to any V.I.P.s that might turn up in the hard to find parking area so we took their place. A “closed” notice still hung on the Bowen Falls track. This was crazy. It was only a 5 minute walk and they had had a year or more to fix it. We stepped over the rope and went anyway. About 5 boards were missing off the boardwalk and we easily crossed on the main beams. It hadn’t been raining for a day or two but I still got wet walking to the lookout point. The waterfall is very big and it is fabulous to have such a great sight so close to Milford. Ali spied the Milford Wanderer, a sailing ship that for $200 a night will take you out into the Sound and feed you before lulling you off to sleep to the sound of the deep thump of its diesel generators. Excuse enough to go aboard and ask to look around. Thirty minutes later and without the offer of a free night on board we made our way back to the backpackers. It rained that night, then it poured, then the thunder and lightening came. I could cope with all of that despite the fact that we were only metres from a pretty menacing looking river. It was the earthquakes March 2005 that I hoped would stay away. Not that I am afraid of earthquakes, I have experienced plenty. It was the fact that vertical towering cliffs climbed for thousands of metres straight up above the lodge and a good shake could cover us with rocks forever. I had reason to be concerned as good sized earthquakes had been felt in this active earthquake zone for the last few months. The next morning we were still alive and the rain had stopped. I asked an Australian over breakfast whether they had anything like this back home. “Let me tell you something mate” he said, “this is fantastic mate. Mate I am blown away by all of this mate. Mate, if you had told me mate about mountains as steep as this with trees growing on vertical cliffs, mate, I would never have believed you mate. Mate, here every 5 minutes the scenery is changing, back home it changes every 5 days”. I quickly agreed with my mate that it was spectacular. We were gone by 9 a.m. and there was no need for speed. The mountains were all like gigantic waterfalls. Rivers were pouring over their tops every way you looked. It was definitely visor up time as we admired the ever changing scene. I stopped and saw an amazing sight. As I watched, thousands of metres in the mountains a huge sheet of water came crashing BMW Owners Register Newsletter THIRTY YEAR ANNIVERSARY BMWOR (NZ) will celebrate the 30 year anniversary on Queens Birthday weekend 2005, in Auckland to commemorate the inaugural run by BMWORNZ. If the 20 year celebrations were anything to go by this will be a great weekend, not to be missed. Keep this date free! More information in next month’s newsletter. Hey, How’d this get in here! 2005 AGM over the tops. I guessed that an avalanche had careered into a lake and sent it on its way. It took about 20 seconds before it hit the lower snowy slopes. The ride back to Te Anau was magical despite the fact that a little bit of drizzle set in for the last 30 minutes. The ride was good for my soul. I must make a note to go again next year. This year’s Annual General Meeting promises to be something special. This year we are to have a live band to play for us. Just to recap; the AGM is at the Sun Court Motel in Taupo in October. This is where we were last year. Roger 15 March 2005 Minutes of the BMWOR of NZ INC Committee Meeting Auckland: Monday 14, February 2005 Meeting commenced at 8.05pm. Members in attendance: 33. Graham welcomes all present including new members John Blair and Arthur Taylor. Apologies: Mark Wallace, Roger Scholes, Dennis Slater, Terry Ellis-Smith, Neal Walsh. Minutes: December are true and correct . Moved by: Peter Kurz. Seconded by: Tony Jericevich. Incoming Correspondence: Usual club magazines, Letter form Vintage Car Club pointing out that the club rooms are now a ‘smoke free’ area. They have also asked us to remove any rubbish and recycling from the premises. Thank you notes from area reps for the Christmas Dinner subsidies and a letter from Colin Sweetman thanking us for his service certificate. We have received a reply from ACC for our submission to their survey regarding the payment of ACC levies. They will retain the status quo due to already high petrol prices. Editor’s report: Nil Regalia: Are available as usual sales are slow. Auckland Area Report: Christmas BBQ was well attended and broke even financially. Only four hardy riders turned up for the distress ride. Weather conditions on that day were as close to snow as you’d get in Auckland, roads were covered in hail. The lunch ride toCafe Banco was also popular with lots of Bay of Plenty riders attending. Treasurer’s report: For December the treasurer recorded a closing balance of $16,613.45 with a further $25000 in short term investment, for a total of $41,613.45 minus unpresented cheques of $3.655.89. Cheques to be approved for payment totaled : $9483.62 This included major items, such as the dinner for the Annual Rally and raffle prizes, payment for the website, the tour guide and a large newsletter. Moved: Henry Plowright. Seconded: Wayne Cann. General Business: Graham passed on information received from Terry Ellis-Smith on the 30th Anniversary function as follows: Saturday 5th of June, registration, drinks and nibbles at Experience BMW, Newmarket. Sunday 6th of June 0700hrs breakfast at Experience. 0900hrs Commemoration ride to Orere Point. 1900hrs Cocktails at BMW HQ in Mt Wellington. 2000hrs Dinner, presentations and Band. Please keep an eye out for more info in the newsletter and on the website. The Rag Rally is at a different location this year, again look for the ad and info in the newsletter and website. Please book early enough. The AGM will be at the same location as last year, the Suncourt in Taupo. Graham had been approached by members regarding hiring a band for the event. Graham has a tentative booking of the Blarney Boys. According to those present it is a good band who knows how to party. Malcolm Gibbons expressed slight concern that people may not be in the mood for all that excitement as the band members are lively entertainers. But it was generally agreed that a band would be a good thing. This raised the question whether we should not have a raffle in this case as it would be too expensive to have both, as the raffle would cut into band time. Richard Kuysten suggested a band levy of $10 which was acceptable to those present. Tony Jericevich suggested to safe raffle time by issuing a ticket per person at the door for a chance to win a prize. Moved: Richard Kuysten Seconded: Malcolm Gibbons Henry gave us an advanced notice on a new bike presentation around the 10th or 17th of March at Experience BMW in Newmarket. Meeting closed at 8:30. Alexander Breig, Secretary. BMW Owners Register Newsletter 16 March 2005 RAG RALLY MARCH 2005 BMW Owners Register Newsletter 17 March 2005 RAG RALLY MARCH 2005 BMW Owners Register Newsletter 18 March 2005 R A G R A L L Y 2 0 0 5 Saturday - Sunday (Daylight Savings Just! [ ]) NOTE NEW VENUE! March, 19-20 2005 Taylor Memorial Lodge, Tongariro National Park Bookings NOW close 10th March 2003 At the Taylor Memorial Lodge, See; http://www.dreamland.co.nz/camps/Taylor_Memorial_Lodge.html TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK March19-20th (Daylight Savings). Bunk room available (48) or real Raggers sleep in a tent. Cost: $20 per person and $7 for a badge. (To be paid at the venue.) Clifford will tender his famous roast and a please to entrants to bring vegetables plus any extras they might like. Bring your own KFS. (Knife, fork, spoon.) Where is Pokaka? The distance between National Park and Ohakune is 35 kilometers. Between these two points are four small locations; Waikune, Erua, Pokaka and Horopito (Coles are famous for vintage car parts.) Pokaka is mid way between the two points. This is rugged country and beautiful in it’s own way. Come and visit this area with Rag Rally 2005. RAG RALLY BOOKING FORM Please make cheque payable to BMWOR of NZ P O Box 109-245 Newmarket Auckland 1001 Name .................................................Membership No ..................... Please book myself and the following people ......................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................... Number of people attending = ........... @ $27.50 each = $......................... My cheque is enclosed for the total THE REAL (NORTHERN) MIDDLE EARTH STANDS UP If you are a serious Geographer or a GPS geek, you can get much closer points on the map than the blunt pencil/piece of string calculation shown. But here are some starters. If you mark the same map for all three questions, they themselves form an interesting arc. Just thought I would mention that. BMW Owners Register Newsletter #1 Top ‘n’ Tail Just east of Inglewood. #2 Boxer Just east of Morrinsville. #3 No ones Arc. Just east of Otorohanga. THE REAL TEST Did you manage to get even remotely close without resorting to a map? Lance 19 New Members A big welcome to. Leone Cooper, Palmerston North William Thomson, Papakowhai Max Bartrom, Waiheke Island Wayne Higgins, Upper Riccarton Arthur & Donna Taylor, Greenhithe Stephen & Mandy Clark, Johnsonville William Robertson, Nelson Wim & Arda Booiman, Tauranga Paul Robinson & Fiona Buchanan, Plimmerton March 2005 Open Market The purpose of OpenMarket is to provide a service for members of BMWOR of NZ. Advertisements will be accepted from members, commercial traders and non-members when it is considered in our members’ interest to do so. Currently, no charge is made for insertions and non-commercial advertisements. The Editor and other Executives reserve the right to reject any advertisement considered inappropriate and take no responsibility for errors or omissions, the quality of items, claims made, or for any transactions that ensue. BIKES FOR SALE BMW F650CS Scarver. Dec 2002 model. Fully optioned-ABS, heated grips, hazard lights, power socket, low seat. Gold-orange colour. 4500kms, mint condition, one owner. Cost $18,000 new with extras, selling for $11,995. Contact Faye 06 3688 359 or email [email protected]. Personalized plate ‘BMWCS’ available 06 756 7451 or 021 159 5391 e-mail [email protected] (2) R1150R Oct 2003, 1 owner from new, red, twin spark, BMW screen and head protectors, Pack Rack, new tyres, 13500kms very good condition, BMW warranty until Oct 2005, pos trade for large Kawasaki (V-twin Nomad or four cyl?) $18,250 ono Mark 07 823 9242. (2) separately. (1) K75C 1986 69,000km green, 3 owners, I have owned it since 1991. Excellent cond, serviced regularly, new rear tyre, panniers and top box, tank cover and genuine high screen. $5,200 Ph Barry 03 418 2078 or email [email protected] (1) R1200C Avant-garde 2002. Colour is Dust Metallic (not available in NZ). Only 10,000kms and just been serviced. Ordered to owners specifications. Panniers and inserts, touring handlebars and heated grips, screen, extremely comfortable passenger seat. Registered until Sept, WOF until Oct. Absolutely pristine condition. Can email photos if required. $22,500 Ph Phil 021 534 517 or email [email protected] (1) K1200RS 2001. Black with bags and top box. 2 X owners. 14,000kms. Immaculate condition. $22,500 ono Ph 07 542 2733. (1) R1150RT in beautiful Garnet Red. This is a 2003 model with all the goodies that come with a new BMW. Distance traveled is 9810km. Bike was purchased so Margaret & I could comfortably tour the Mainland and enjoy the Rally at Arthur’s Pass, which we did. $24,995.00 Ph/Fx 09 836 3372 email [email protected] (1) R1100RT 2000, 31800kms. Has the top box and radio fittings (no radio) along with usual RT appointments, in excellent condition with customised seat, serviced. Asking $18,995. Phone Garry BMW Owners Register Newsletter F650 1997 34,500km, Red, excellent condition with full service history. Comes with two black BMW side panniers. Serviced Nov 2004 with new tyres, battery and chain. $7,200. Phone: 07 543 4779. (2) R1100R 1996 42,000km ABS, heated grips, panniers, tank bag, owned since new. Fitted with S fairing and Harris pipe with original headlight, handle bars and exhaust $12,500 Ph Richard on 06 356 1589 or e-mail [email protected]. (2) R1150GS 2000, 35,000km Silver with BMW Panniers, GIVI Top Box, excellent condition, Ph David 021 924 133, A/H 09 527 6721 or e-mail [email protected] (2) R1150GS NZ new Sept 03. 12,900km Graphite and silver. Heated grips, panniers, hand protectors, twin spark model. One owner never dropped & sealed road use only. Full BMW service history. $17,500 Ph: Steve 021 2842867. (2) R100RS 1990 58,000km panniers, near new staintune exhaust system, koni shock, recent gearbox overhaul, new clutch and new starter motor. Ex. condition $6,500. Ph: Charlie 03 388-1842. (2) R1150GS NZ new Sept 03. 12,900km Graphitan silver. Heated grips, panniers, and protectors, twin spark model. One owner, never dropped & sealed road use only. Full BMW service history. $17,500. Ph: Steve 021 2842867. (2) 20 R65 1983 Moderate mileage, good condition, $4500. Phone and leave message for Margaret, C/- Trevor 03 547 2685. (3) R1150R 2003 Twin Spark in metallic red (best colour) with BMW accessories: Panniers and brackets, case savers, carrier, bubble screen, heated grips; just 17500 km’s (nearly run in!) A snap at $17750 - over $23,500 to replace. Would consider a FJ1200 or similar as a trade with cash diff. Call Pete on 021464-720 or 07-575 6994. Follow this link for a photo or e-mail me on [email protected]. (3) R1100RT less than 5000km!! Fantastic condition, panniers, heated grips, elect. Screen plus all the usual extras. Think of the saving against a new one $22,500. e-mail [email protected]. (3) PARTS FOR SALE R100RS Complete exhaust system in very good condition $250. Spare blade good order $20 Lower right fairing panel (pearl colour) new $50. Splitter unit with matching pair of choke cables new $50. Phone Charlie 03 388 1842. (1) Helmet BMW Evo 54-55 Piermont Red, as new hardly worn. Phone Terry 09 521 1467 or 027 498 2971 $840. (1) Inner Bags (BMW) Suit all late model BMW Panniers $100 pair. Ph 07 577 9778. (1) For: /5-/7 New voltage regulator/rectifier $100 - New 11/16 inch Piston for a Master cylinder $80.00 - New unpainted RS fairing part (in front of engine) $50.00 - Used rear shocks $50.00 pair Phone Tony at work 09 636 4600. (2) Snap on Harley Davidson 90th anniversary tool chest/roll cab. H 1.420, W 860, D 460, socket tray & 17 drawers. Stored for 10 years, very tidy, $7500 Contact Max 09 431 6944 [email protected]. (2) March 2005 K1200RS side panels and bellypandolphin blue- F650 tank surround red, R1100S side panels, very minor damage, yellow, other fibreglass bits all about half primer price. Walter de Beurs, e-mail [email protected] (2) Wanting to swap seats F650 (93-99). Have low seat, need high (regular) version Uli, Ph Mattias 025 477 610. (2) Factory Panniers for R1100/1150R, RS, GS, RT & S models, These panniers are late model and in immaculate condition and would suit anyone wanting to add quality water proof luggage to their BMW. $650 Ph Nevin on 07 542 0299 or 0274 719 404 pr e-mail [email protected] (2) R100RS/RT factory exhaust system with integral catalytic converter in unmarked condition. Comes complete with clamps and rubber mounting points $250 Ph Nevin 07 542 0299 or 0274 719 404 or e-mail [email protected] (2) Tank Bag Ventura brand Tank Bag. Lots of pockets, with clear map panel and rain cover. Strong magnets for attaching to metal tank. Great for R80 series bikes. Ideal for touring. $100 ono delivered Lance Nixon (1550) Ph 06 345 6607 evenings or e-mail [email protected]. (3) R1000R petrol tank, some scratches, a small dent, non locking fuel cap, RH fuel tap only, what offers?? Ph Nigel (03)3523956. (3) CLOTHES FOR SALE Clover Hydro Jacket size M. Matching trousers with braces size Italy 50, USA 34, inside leg 800, originally purchased 6 yrs ago for nearly $3000 and hardly used, maybe 5000kms at most. Recently dismantled, washed with Sno Seal sport wash and reassembled, deceased estate & too big for me $500, contact Max 09 431 6944 [email protected] (2) K100RT in good order, solo or would consider one with a sidecar attached. Ph Christchurch 03 332 5759 or e-mail [email protected] (3) Tank Bag in good condition for R1150GS also windshield for GS Adventure, prefer with attachments, Ph Dan 04 239 9687 or e-mail [email protected] (3) R850 R with low seat height wanted. Ph Martin 027 545 9607 or A/H 03 540 2387. (3) BMW Madison Gore-Tex suit colour red, green and blue, old suit but still good size 050 will fit 40inch chest and 34 waist 5.11ft $500.00 BMW Gore-Tex boots, new traveller boots grey & black size 40 = 7 $300 Ph 09 438 8778 wk or 09 943 6266 hm. (2) WANTED TO BUY Good second-hand Complete petrolcap assembly to suit R1150RT.Ph Mac, 0272378197.(1) Front wheel, complete, for R100GSPD (takes 90/90 - 21 tyre). Please contact Ian Sowden (04) 233 6389. (3) Bike For Sale. K100RS 1988. 53900Km. BMWOR Member: No 89. Engine spoiler, Givi top box. BMW Panniers. Excellent tires and battery. Recent oil change. Very good performer on all road types.New WOF and current REG. VG fuel economy. 20km/ltr. 21 ltr tank. 5.5 ltr reserve. 80km range on reserve. Low seat model. A well balanced bike. The bike is a Jap import 3/02/98(22868Km). I am the 3rd private owner + 1 dealer. Last owner did 17,266km.I have done approx 7000km in the last 12mths. The bike has never been in an accident and there is no evidence of it having been dropped. An excellent example. See last months Motorcycle Diaries story. Also see http:/ / w w w. t r a d e m e . c o . n z J o h n [email protected](09) 817 4785029 912 4923 BMW Owners Register Newsletter 21 March 2005 GISBORNE WINE TRIP – MARCH 2005 What? When? The Bay of Plenty BMWOR are organising a Wine Tasting Trip to Gisborne and we would like to invite BMWOR members from other areas to join us. The weekend of Friday 11th March 2005 to Sunday 13th March 2005. Where? We have reserved 15 rooms at the Gisborne Hotel and will be organising a bus trip for Saturday 12th March. This will take in some of the local wineries plus other places of interest too. How? If you are interested you can make your booking direct to: Gisborne Hotel – 06 – 868 4109 Email: [email protected] A Room Rate of $90 has been negotiated. Rooms are only being reserved for us until the end of January 2005 so don’t leave it too late. Ask for the BOP BMWOR club booking when making a reservation. If there is enough interest we can reserve more rooms but we will need to know early to avoid disappointment. We will have more information of the trip and the places we will be visiting once details have been confirmed. Please let the BOP BMWOR know if you are making a hotel reservation and joining us on the trip so that we can track numbers for the bus and other venues. Who? Your BOP contact person for this trip is: Norma Blackett Phone/Fax: 07 548-0156 Email: [email protected] URGENT! HAVE YOU BOOKED? : TIME IS RUNNING OUT! BMW Owners Register Wellington and Rangitikei Regions Ride to Whangamomona for an Overnighter – Saturday, 12th March 2005 Staying at the Whangamomona Hotel Phone/Fax: 06-762-5823 Email: [email protected] Contact person: Claire A repeat of our previous extremely successful trips, but this year visiting “The Republic of Whangamomona” The hotel has limited accommodation available. You are required to make your own bookings and this will be on a first come first served basis. The cost will be $90 per person, which will include Dinner, Bed and Breakfast A $25 deposit or credit card number will be required at time of booking Please make your bookings ASAP and use BMWOR as the group name This is also being themed as a “Hat Party” so hats will be de rigueur in Whanga Our intention is to ride to Stratford picking up others on the way and then travel the Forgotten World Highway (State highway 43) to Whangamomona. The ride home is to be via Taumarunui, although this will be dependant on road conditions. Please diary the date, book your own accommodation at Whangamomona, using BMWOR as the group name, give Norman a call or email to let him know, and include your cellphone number so we can stay in touch when travelling. For further details contact: Norman Nichol 04-479 1591 [email protected] BMW Owners Register Newsletter 22 March 2005 BMW Owners Register Newsletter 23 March 2005 Registered at NZ Post Wellington as a magazine Dave Morris & Cheryl Marquis 12 Tarras Grove Kelson Lower Hutt NEW ZEALAND Area Representatives NORTHLAND BAY OF PLENTY RANGITIKEI NELSON Ross McAulay 09 431 2311 [email protected] Clive Dominy 07 577 0117 [email protected] Graeme Flyger 06 357 3424 Gavin Tait 03 540 2677 AUCKLAND EAST COAST WELLINGTON Noel Walker 09 813 2310 NOEL-BLONDIE-WALKER @xtra.co.nz David Clark 06 844 1599 [email protected] By Committee Norm 04 479 1591 or Bill 04 586 3234 TARANAKI MARLBOROUGH Valma Kuriger 06 755 0688 [email protected] Kelvin Watson 03 577 6822 [email protected] WAIKATO Bryan Hoffman 07 838 0340 [email protected] BMW Owners Register Newsletter [email protected] 24 [email protected] CANTERBURY Geoff Odell 03 329 4655 OTAGO & SOUTHLAND Barry Richardson 03 476 2772 [email protected] March 2005