August 2006 - BMW Club Journal Archives - bmw

Transcription

The BMW Club
JOURNAL
£2.50
November 2006
2
BMW Club Journal • November 2006
The Journal
November 2006
CONTENTS
All Rights Reserved
Editorial : ......................................... 4
National and Section Officers............. 8
President’s Platform ........................ 9
Torque Reaction.................................. 10
Diary Of Events .................................. 40
Around The Compass .........................45
German Jottings ............................
46
Where We Meet.................................. 63
Section News...................................... 64
Social and Register Secretaries.......... 64
Mutual Aid........................................... 76
Small Business Adverts....................... 80
HONORARY EDITORIAL TEAM
Features
The Official BMW Club
within the UK and
Republic of Ireland
Affiliated to BMW Club Europa e.V
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
Please send all letters to Paul Nadin, Mutual Aid to
Owen Vaughan, features Dave Bertram. All other
correspondence or queries should be sent to the
Editor.
EDITOR: CHRIS FLEMING, 58 Janes Lane, Burgess
Hill, West Sussex. RH15 0QR. Tel/Fax: 01444
245367. e-mail: [email protected]
SECTION NEWS & ‘COMPASS’: Please send to the
Editor at present.
FEATURES EDITOR: DAVE BERTRAM “Kimberley”,
4 Southcrest, West Hunsbury, Northampton, NN4
9UD. Tel/fax 01604 479749.
e-mail: [email protected]
TORQUE REACTION: PAUL NADIN, 49, Berkshire
Drive, Congleton, Cheshire. CW12 1SB. Tel. 01260
279443 e-mail: [email protected]
MARKETING MANAGER: ROB PEARCE, 16
Forestfield, Horsham, RH13 6DZ. Tel/fax 01403
754912 e-mail [email protected]
MUTUAL AID: OWEN VAUGHAN, 16 South
Meadows, Pembroke, Pembs. SA71 4EW. Tel 01646
SMALL BUSINESS ADS: CHARLES KNIGHT, La
Petite Fosse, St, Ouen, Jersey JE3 2GU Tel: 01534
485474 eMail: [email protected]
DIARY OF EVENTS: GORDON CATCHPOLE,
Avenida de las Especias 58, Pinar de Campoverde,
03190 Pilar de la Horadada, Alicante, Spain. Tel/fax:
(0034) 966762893. e-mail: [email protected]
DISPLAY ADS: JIM BRUCE, 6 Lime Park Terrace.
Broadford, Isle of Skye IV49 9AF Tel/fax : 01471
TECHNICAL OFFICER: MIKE FISHWICK, Sirgon,
24250 Daglan, France.
100,000 MILE AWARDS: BOB HARRISON, 251
Preston Road, Coppull. PR7 5DS. Tel: 01257 793209
e-mail:[email protected]
And grateful thanks to: Tony Wood for assistance with
proof reading and sub-editing.
Something Completely Different .......
September in Switzerland .................
BMW R1200R Review ......................
BMW R1200S Tested .......................
Tech Tip : Solo Camping ...................
Getting Down and Dirty ....................
A Rally Good Time ..........................
The Old Codger ...............................
A Day In The Life .............................
19
25
32
36
38
49
52
54
59
For problems regarding distribution of the
Journal please first contact your Section
Secretary. Should there still be a problem then
contact the membership secretary. Their details
are listed on page 8.
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 motor-cycle 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 Web site
The cover : BMW’s Chris Pfiffer and an
F800S at the Arena Civica, Milan, in
September 2006
3
Editorial
Freewheeling
BMW Motorrad claims top accolades in
the 2006 RiDER POWER survey
The BMW Motorrad R1200 RT has been
crowned the UK’s number one motorcycle by
readers of RiDE magazine in its annual RiDER
POWER Survey – the fourth time a BMW
motorcycle has won this coveted title in the
survey’s eight year history.
The R1200 RT was awarded the accolade
after RiDE readers were invited to nominate
and assess their favourite bike according to a
number of rating categories. These included
build quality, engine performance, rider
comfort, reliability, handling and overall
impressions. The RT – which also won the
2005 MCN Best Tourer Award in its first year
of production – received an overall score of
85.14 per cent, beating 149 other motorcycles
to the number one spot.
Over 10,000 readers voted in the survey and
each was asked to justify their choice of bike.
“Overall this is a brilliant bike – I haven’t had
so much fun in ages” said one RT owner. A
second writes: “I’ve had no faults, build quality
or reliability issues. I’m extremely impressed
with my BMW.” Another claims that his RT is
“the best bike I’ve ever owned”.
The R1200 RT is not the only BMW model to
appear in the countdown. The top ten alone
features four BMWs, including the 2005 MCN
Award-Winning K1200 S, which comes in at
number five with an overall score of 82.05 per
cent. BMW’s sportiest-ever bike receives
ample praise for its “excellent handling”,
“fantastic performance” and “total reliability”.
The BMW R1100 GS Adventure and K1200
RS were placed at seven and nine
respectively, proving that BMW owners
4
continue to enjoy their bikes in the long-term.
Eleven other BMW models were featured in
the countdown.
BMW Motorrad did not only excel in the Best
Motorcycle section. When asked the question
“if money was no object, what bike would you
buy?” a large number of those surveyed chose
the BMW R1200 GS as the motorcycle they
lust after, making the 2005 award-winning allrounder the second most popular “dream
bike”.
In the ‘Your Favourite Dealer’ section, BMW
Motorrad scored a triple victory. Ocean BMW
in Plymouth, CW Motorcycles in Dorchester
and Rainbow Motorcycles in Rotherham being
placed in first, second and third position
respectively in the Best Dealer in the UK
section. Ocean and CW also came top of their
regional categories. Readers cite the
courteous and friendly staff, excellent service
and a wide range of BMW accessories as
reasons for voting these BMW Motorrad
Dealerships as the best in the country.
When it comes to protective clothing, BMW
Rider Equipment came top in the both the Best
Leather Jacket and Best Leather Jeans
categories – receiving votes for comfort,
protection, style and waterproofing. The BMW
SportIntegral helmet was awarded first place
in the Best for Silence category and came 12th
out of 66 products in the Best Helmet category.
BMW Motorrad also scored a number five
rating in the Best Glove section.
New General Secretary takes up office
The Federation of European Motorcyclists'
Associations (FEMA) has a new General
Secretary, Ms. Aline Delhaye. Ms. Delhaye will
be responsible for the coordination of FEMA
activities and lobby work, defending,
representing and promoting European
motorcyclists' interests in Brussels.
Representing and defending European
motorcyclists in Brussels has never been an
easy task. Since the 1980’s, when
motorcyclists were totally ignored in Brussels,
the Federation has been able to participate to
several major debates thanks to the work of
Simon Milward, initially through the Federation
of European Motorcyclists (FEM) and FEMA
from its foundation (1998 to 2000), Bob
Tomlins (2000-2002), and Antonio Perlot
(2002-2006). Today, the Federation is well
established in Brussels and being listened to,
though this does not mean that motorcyclists
are being heard: the 3rd Driving Licence
Directive, which will unfairly limit the access
to motorcycles, as well as the White Paper
on Transport Policy, which totally ignores the
benefits of motorcycling, are just two examples
of how motorcycling is being considered.
Ms. Delhaye has a clear opinion about
motorcycling. “Motorcycling is a means of
transport such as cars or bicycles and should
be treated equally. I personally make use of
the three of them in addition to public transport
depending on my needs. Accordingly, I just
want to be considered as a citizen with full
rights, regardless of which mode I use. But I
feel this is not the case. Motorcyclists
throughout Europe are too often unfairly
excluded from transport policies while at the
same time being singled out in the road safety
debate.”
The Federation of European Motorcyclists'
Associations (FEMA) warmly welcomes Ms.
Delhaye within the Federation. The new
General Secretary, the first woman to hold this
position, took up her duties on September 1st
2006. Ms. Delhaye is FEMA’s 5th General
Secretary.
Technical Tips Relaunched
In the tradition of club members sharing their
experience and knowledge for the common
good, The Journal is to launch a new technical
tips feature sponsored by Motorworks.
Members are invited to submit their technical
hints and tips to us and each month one will
be published and the lucky author will receive
a £20 (twenty pounds) Motorworks voucher.
For particularly noteworthy contributions an
occasional £50 (fifty pounds) voucher will be
awarded.
Contributions must be of a technical nature
but this can cover a wide variety of topics,
provided of course that it relates to BMW
bikes! You may have some useful guidance
on some awkward repair job or have put
together a spares and tools package for your
own use which may be helpful to other
members planning a trip.
The length of the contribution is less important,
though with photos or drawings we would
anticipate using at least a page. More space
can be given over when a contribution requires
and warrants it.
The choice of contribution to be published will
be made by the editor after input from
technical experts where appropriate, though
Motorworks will be adjudicating the occasional
£50 (fifty pounds) prize. Contributions will be
judged on their usefulness to others, originality
and quality of presentation.
Usual copy deadlines apply though we would
hope to build up something of an archive over
a period. What gets published when may be
affected by other content in The Journal on
that month.
So…….over to you; we hope to start in the
January issue which will be out in time for you
to digest with your Christmas dinner.
Initially, please send your contribution to The
Editor. If you wish to use photographs, please
ensure that they are of high resolution. Poor
quality photos probably can’t be used and that
will quite likely rule out your contribution.
…and finally, please remember that something
previously published will probably be subject
to copyright and cannot be repeated without
the copyright owners permission.
5
From The Membership Secretary
This Journal should contain a Renewal Form
for the membership year 2007, unless you are
on Direct Debit (you lucky people don’t have
to do anything!). A small number of you won’t
need to renew as you have only just joined
the club in the last few weeks and, if this is
the case, please don’t action the form. The
front of the Journal carrier or envelope tells
you when your current membership ends. So
if it expires on the 31 JAN 07 you need to
action the Renewal Form. Please, please
when you have finished filling in the form use
the address that is in the “Return to Section
Membership Processor” address field.
Complete the form now and return it with a
cheque for the required amount. The full UK
membership fee has increased to £25, Irish
membership is €38 and other fees are
unchanged. Write on the back of the cheque
your membership number (that’s the number
above your address on the Journal envelope)
and your section. Don’t forget to sign the
cheque! If your cheque is returned you will
not be a member until payment is received
and processed by the Club. This could make
your insurance invalid if you have taken
advantage of a special insurance deal for
BMW Club members.
Remember your Section Membership
Processor has the task of renewal to complete
over his or her Christmas break. They are
unpaid and wish to enjoy their Christmas as
much as you, so please get that form in the
post ASAP.
The February Journal will be the first Journal
that you won’t receive if you don’t renew your
membership. If you do renew, then the
February Journal will contain your
membership card while the March Journal will
contain the Associate Members card.
Any questions or queries please contact your
Section Membership Processor or myself.
6
I would like to wish you a Happy Christmas
even though it is a fair way off at the time of
writing (2.10.2006). I hope that you are
looking for places to ride in the 2007 season.
I am planning my tour of Europe now.
Dick Boyd
National Membership Secretary
01343 870389
[email protected]
Work In Progress
The plans to revamp and revitalise the Journal
that have been alluded to in past issues of
The Journal are now more or less ready to go
ahead - all we need now are some extra
volunteers to join the team to help put these
ideas into practice and to spread the workload
internally.
Photos Of Bikes For Sale
We are hoping to introduce a new Journal
section that has thumbnail -sized photos of
member’s bikes for sale - rather like the
adverts you see in MCN and the like. This
means that someone has to receive them,
process them and then make them available
for printing so (ideally) we are looking for
someone who knows their way around an
image scanner program, while a broadband
internet connection would be nice too !
Obviously the club will pay all expenses
associated with the work. Debates are still
taking place about how much ( if anything )
we will be charging the member for this service
so there may be some book-keeping duties
associated as well - but nothing too onerous.
Assistant Editor(s) * 3
I’m about halfway through my useful working
life as Editor - assuming a three-year lifespan
in post, that is - so it makes sense to start
thinking about succession planning. The
Journal is put together by a dedicated and
enthusiastic team, but it still makes sense to
build a youth-team for the future. If nothing
else it means that we would have backup
capacity in place to keep the Journal going if
something untoward were to happen to any
member of the team - motorcyling is an
inherently risky pastime, after all. More
seriously (?) its an opportunity for these
volunteers - three, perhaps ? - to become
closely involved with all aspects of The
Journal’s production and to help steer it
through the times ahead and to contribute to
club life in all its manifestations.
It would obviously be helpful if you have an IT
or desktop publishing background here, but
its not essential as training and support from
the existing team is readily available, and we
have well-established template systems in
place which makes production life easier. As
the Journal is very much a team effort the
workload isn’t too onerous, but things do get
a little hectic around the copy date times each
month when everything seems to happening
NORTHERN SECTION WINTER HOSTEL
& CAMPING WEEKEND
8th to 10th December: The Venue is Plas Y
Nant, Betws Garmon, Caernarfon in beautiful
North Wales and the owners are bikers and
seem friendly and helpful.
There are two large comfortable lounges and
with Budget Rooms, Standard Rooms and
Delux Rooms available as well as adjacent
camping there should be something to suite
everyone. The bar can be stocked with any
beer we fancy for the weekend (real ale etc)
let Rhys know your preference!
Prices are as follows:
En suite £25pppn
Inc breakfast
Shared £18pppn Inc breakfast
Evening meal £12.50 Set menu-(no choice)
to be booked when booking accommodation.
Basic Camping is 100 meters down the road
but all facilities will be available at Plas Y Nant
at once ! Once again all expenses associated
with the job will be met by the club - in this
sense we are and will be investing in The
Journal’s future.
Monthly Competition
It would be nice to have a monthly competition
of some sort up and running - perhaps a
crossword puzzle or something similar. If you
have any ideas and can spare the time to set
it up and run it, we’d love to hear from you
If you are interested in any of these new
roles, please get in touch with me for an
informal chat : 01444 245367 or
[email protected]
There will be a Saturday ride out, exploring the
Snowdonia National Park, led by Rhys Jones on
his F650. The owners said they would like to come
along on the ride out (VFR riders) so he’s looking
forward to showing them how it’s done on a 50hp
Single.
All places must be booked ASAP with Plas Y Nant.
Campers are requested to make their intentions
known to the Venue.
Plas Y Nant LTD
Plas Y Nant
Betws Garmon
Caernarfon
Gwynedd
LL54 7YR
Telephone 01286 650227
[email protected]
www.plasynant.com
As always members from all Sections are welcome!
Please direct any questions to Rhys Jones on 01286
881076 or [email protected]
7
National Officers & Section Secretaries
HONORARY NATIONAL OFFICERS
PRESIDENT: TONY MOORES, 54 Lingmoor Drive
Manor Park, Burnley, BB12 8UY. Tel/Fax: 01282 421628.
SECRETARY:STEVE SHEPLEY, Tulloch Mor Tullynessle
Aberdeenshire AB33 8DD Tel 01975 564199 e-mail:
[email protected]
TREASURER: DEREK JOHNSON, 32 Eason Drive,
Radley Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 3YD Tel: 01235
532622. Fax: 01235 539689
ASSISTANT TREASURER: GEOFF CLOUGH, 46 Laurel Drive, Southmoor, ABINGDON. OX13 5DJ Tel:
SOCIAL SECRETARY: GEOFF THOMPSON, 44
Bamford Road,Heywood, Lancashire OL10 4TA Tel
01706 629206 e-mail: [email protected]
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: DICK BOYD, Stewart
Place, Garmouth IV32 7LX. Tel: 01343 870389, Fax:
01343 870591. e-mail: [email protected]
POST/5 TOOL HIRE SECRETARY: MIKE DELACOE, 4
Charwelton Road, Preston Capes, Daventry. NN11 3TA.
01327 360945.e-mail [email protected]
PRE/5 TOOL HIRE SEC: PETER DUNN, 101Station
Road, Thatcham, Berks.RG19 4QH Tel: 07941 075165.
REGALIA SECRETARY: KAREN THOMPSON, 44
Bamford Road,Heywood, Lancashire OL10 4TA Tel
01706 629206 e-mail [email protected]
VINTAGE & CLASSIC REGISTER SECRETARY:
MALCOLM McNAIR, 27 Syon Gardens, Newport Pagnell,
Bucks, MK16 0JU Tel: 01908 216623 e-mail:
[email protected]
SPORTING REGISTER SECRETARY: ROBERT
BENSLEY, Oak Tree Farm, Heath Road, Banham NR16
2HS. Tel: 01953 888415 (+fax)
e-mail:
[email protected]
SIDECAR REGISTER SECRETARY: PAUL POTTER, 56
Hollywell Road, Lincoln. LN5 DA Tel 01522 723760 eMail
[email protected]
HONORARY SECTION SECRETARIES
East Anglia: CLIFF BATLEY, 46 Nemans Rd., Sudbury,
Suffolk, CO10 1UA. Tel: 01787 378064 e-mail:
[email protected]
Irish: JAMES CONNOLLY, Landenstown, Sallins, Kildare,
Ireland.
Tel:
0035345868638.
e-mail:
[email protected]
London: NICK FRY, 4 Newbury Close, Chancellors Road,
Stevenage, Herts. SG1 4TE. Tel: 01438 749 913. e-mail:
[email protected]
Mercia: RAY SMITH, 1,Parsons Close, Church Gresley,
Derbyshire. DE11 9NQ. Tel: 01283 551915.
e-mail:
[email protected]
Midland: ROB HARVEY, 33 Rochester Court, Bourne,
Lincs PE10 9EW Tel: 01778 393187
North East: ANN WRAY, Hoge Veluwe, 19 Greenhills
Byers Green, Spennymoor, Co. Durham. DL16 7QJ. Tel:
01388 605764 e-mail: [email protected]
Northern: BERNARD J. TAGG, 349 Tag Lane, Ingol,
Preston. PR2.3XA. Tel: 01772.466205 Email:
[email protected]
Oxford: TIM READ, 15 The Limes, South Cerney,
Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5RF. Tel. 01285 869 320. e-mail
[email protected]
Scottish: JASON GOODWILL, 3 Upper Burnside Court,
Thurso, Caithness. KW14 7XT. Tel: 01847893935.
South East: BRIAN SHEARS, 100 Park Avenue,
Northfleet DA11 8DL. Tel. & Fax: 01474 566142. e-mail:
[email protected]
Southern: GREG SMITH, 2 Claudius Gardens, Chandlers
Ford, Hants. SO53 2NY. 02380 251146. e-mail:
[email protected]
South West: LESLIE MADGE Glenthorne, Yeoford Road
Cheriton Bishop Exeter Devon EX6 6JA Tel 01647 24523
e-Mail [email protected]
Ulster: BOB BARKER, 88 Browns Bay Rd., Islandmagee,
Larne, Co., Antrim. BT40 3RX. Tel: 02890 777490. e-mail:
[email protected]
Western: RON ELMSLIE, 8 Cleeve Lawns, Downend,
Bristol. BS16 6HJ. Tel no: 0117 9569209 e-mail:
[email protected]
Yorkshire: DAVID MILNE 132 Sandgate Drive, Kippax,
Leeds LS25 7QR Tel: 0113 2860604
HQ Register: TONY PAINTER, 101 Gillards, Bishops Hull,
Taunton, Somerset, TA1 5HJ. Tel: 01823253897. Fax:
ASS. SEC. FOR AMERICA: BRUCE PRESTON
WEBMASTER:
GREG
[email protected]
SMITH,
e-mail:
VICE-PRESIDENTS: BRUCE PRESTON, 0208 979 1555
e-mail: [email protected].
TONY CARTMELL, 28 Houseman Place, Blackpool. FY4
5AE
Tel:
01253
768421.
Email:
[email protected]
DELEGATES to other ORGANISATIONS
BMF: BRUCE PRESTON, TONY CARTMELL, DEREK
JOHNSON, JEFF DYMOND, RICHARD POWELL and
PETER MAPES
FBHVC: M McNAIR
DVLA : BRIAN PRICE 01792 862152. e-mail:
[email protected]
PETER DUNN ( as above ! )
Please restrict any calls or enquiries to these Club officials to between the hours of 10 am
and 10 pm, and let the Editor know if any of these details need amendment
8
President’s
Platform
D
UE TO THE VAGARIES of copy dates and
commitments (holidays) this is the first
opportunity I’ve had to thank all concerned for
organising a cracking do during the late August
holiday weekend at Moreton Morrell. The
Midland section team led by Graham Parker
had all eventualities covered and the
accommodation, camping, facilities and
entertainment ensured we all had a great time
at this picturesque venue. As I prepared to
leave the event on the Sunday for a holiday, I
noticed Robert Bensley tying a scantily dressed
mannequin to step ladders and making
reference to a skills competition! Unsure as to
whether I needed to know this I
quickly donned my helmet and
headed for Dover and the
Speedferries
service
to
Boulogne, £19 each way and the
crew carefully secured all bikes
prior to the 55 minute crossing, a
good start to the trip.
Before leaving home and sorting
the bike and luggage out, I
secured the GPS unit onto its mount, packed
the small and effective digi camera, followed
by the mobile phone. However, that’s not the
end of the story, I then need to pack the GPS
leads and adapter to allow me to plan routes
during the evenings in hotels, then the camera
and phone chargers! Metres of wiring and
plugs stuffed into the panniers. All signs of the
rapidly changing world we live in and all very
useful when functioning well.
commands and following the compass
heading and road signs the best option. One
definite plus was at the press of a button
converting the read-out to metric and having
a large Kph display on the screen. Confusion
on my (or ‘her’) part ultimately led to me
leading an unofficial club run in the Dordogne
to the home of Technical Officer Mike Fishwick
and wife Heather and within 200 metres I had
led the bikes down a bumpy farm track before
turning around and ‘re-positioning’ the group.
(All very good for banter and leg pulling)
Prior to the trip the GS had a major service
and diagnostic update, which caused the bike
to ‘pop’ on the overrun. Enquiries on my return
confirmed that this is the result of the latest
programming which reduces the fuel input on
a closed throttle and isn’t a cause for concern.
The bike ran well and returned 60 mpg in rural
France. On returning, I
received the BMW extended
warranty cover offer and
noted that the £659 year
premium doesn’t include
‘windscreen wiper cover’. I
think I will trust in build
quality and good luck!
This is the time of year when
section AGMs take place
and I have noted the annual pleas from some
sections for ‘new blood’. If you have
volunteered or have once again stayed on
board, welcome and thanks for committing
time to the club.
Time waits for no man, and I was reminded
recently that 2006 makes it 30 years since the
iconic R100RS was launched at the Cologne
show. This year’s UK NEC bike show will in
full swing from October 27th – November 5th
where rumour has it BMW will launch up to
five new model variants. I wonder if the
passing of time will remember them? Mike
Warrillow and team will be on site promoting
the club and once again BMW GB have
supplied show bikes for our stand. Perhaps
we shall see you there?
Many words have been printed regarding the
use of GPS units and during my 2,500 ml trip I
reckon for 90% of the time ‘she’ was very useful
not only finding farmyards and filling stations
but on occasions hotels in small villages. One
of the downsides became apparent when on
two occasions the hotels had closed for the
year-end and more miles were required to find
a bed for the night. When confused and often Safe riding - Tomy Moores
in busy town centres I found ignoring the voice
9
Torque
Reaction
STAR LETTER
(£10 MotoBins Voucher Winner)
First Timers, Great Time - But
Where’s My Razor?
Hi Just thought I would drop a note to say thanks
for a really enjoyable and ‘welcoming’ time Sue and
I had at our very first BMW Club meet - this year;s
National Rally at Moreton Morrell. We set off from
Bedford on Friday at about 5pm. although I knew
the way I decided to use the SAT NAG!! (called
this because I now have two women moaning at
me on the bike, the electronic one has started
saying things like “She’s on the bike again isn’t she,
tell her her bum looks big in her leathers etc etc” a
bit worrying this artificial intelligence). Anyway back
to the story. The SAT NAG obviously sulking took
us on the shortest route via Northampton Town
Centre arriving just as the Northampton Saints
Rugby Club opened their gates so it took a little
longer to get to the Rally.
We arrived at about 6.45pm rode onto the
field Sue on her Honda Deauville and me on the
LT. Received a cracking welcome from the
registration team and got collared for a key ring,
someone did warn me about ‘HIM with the keyrings’
as we walked into the tent. Having registered and
got the key to the room (yes in the POSH area).
Sue and I got back onto the bikes and started to
ride back across the field, Sue hit the gas a little
too hard and over she went bike sliding to the floor
before I had time to stop people were already
helping her up and picking up the bike luckily only
very slight cosmetic damage, thanks to everyone
for that. We settled in went for our evening meal
and then into the bar for a pleasant social evening.
Saturday we went to Stratford for a look
around and some shopping, Sue had a small child
be sick on her back (not her weekend so far)
however she ended up buying two T Shirts to
replace it ? (how does that work !!) We did feel that
it was a little too long in town but still enjoyable.
10
Nov. 5th is the deadline for
the Dec. Journal. Please
send letters or e-mails to
Paul Nadin, his details are
on page 3.
Saturday night was excellent and what a
cracking entertainer set just at the right level. I did
end up taking 35 minutes to get a drink but heyhoe these things happen, I was lucky because one
bloke went in clean shaven came out with two drinks
and a full set !! Sue on my return had met up with
some ‘famous’ club members and we had a very
enjoyable chat got to bed about 1am I think.
Sunday we went out for a trip around doing
some of the Round Britain Rally, then returned in
time for the First Aid talk prompted by Fridays slip
up. This was very informative and as a first aider I
would recommend everyone should take up the
course that was being offered. The Race Night and
Raffle was excellent again thanks to everyone we
met for making us so welcome.
Monday packed up and left except I left my
very expensive Philishave Razor in the room as I
write this I am still trying to recover it, tried to blame
Sue but it was no good it was down to me (this
time). So we left had a pleasant ride home SAT
NAG turned off this time.
My views overall a very enjoyable weekend,
lots of people talked to us and made newcomers
very welcome thanks for that. The rally was very
well organised.
The club one thing there was not a lot of
members who are from visible ethnic minorities.
So a question what are we doing as a club to
promote a more diverse membership ?
I think I will without doubt renew my
membership when it comes time to do so. So to all
the organisers and helpers a very big thank you.......
Cheers - TM
Diversity Trainer
TADS
Bedfordshire Police
Glad you enjoyed it and hope you will come along
to many more club events in the times ahead! Who
were the “famous” club members ???
Ed.
But On The Other Hand ...
I along with 2 friends along with our respective
wifes, decided to attend the National Rally at
Moreton Morell as advertised 25th - 28th
August. Having read that the rally was over the
whole Bank Holiday weekend, we decided to
travel up for the Mondays day of events. We
set off from London, 3 bikes and packed
lunches made, we even included a bottle of
wine. Our journey was quite uneventful and the
100 or so miles quickly passed and we arrived
just before 1100hrs.
On our arrival, we were shocked to find
that almost everything had been packed away
and everyone left on the site was packing up
to leave! We were informed that the Rally had
been on the Saturday and Sunday!
The point of this letter is why on earth
advertise the event as being over 3 days when
in fact it was over 2 days? While we were at
Moreton Morell deciding what to do for the day,
there was a steady stream of riders turning up,
like us, on their BMW's expecting the Rally to
be in full swing. So it was not only us who had
read about the Rally being held from the 25th
to the 28th August. During the 2 hours we were
at the venue, there were about 30-50 others
that turned up, had a quick look, then rode off
in disgussed! Even on our way out there were
others still arriving.
I dont think that the event organisers
were aware of the situation as they were all at
or behind a large marque tent. While there,
several riders stopped and spoke with us, some
had also travelled like us over 100 miles only
to find there was nothing happening on the
Monday other than clearing the site.
I hope that the organisers take note and
make next years event a 2 Day event with overnight camping for those wishing to leave on
the monday. When advertising the event
PLEASE make it CLEAR what is intended. We,
like a lot of others, were left with no Rally having
waisted our time travelling over 100 miles to
have breakfast in a half empty field. To say we
were annoyed, cheesed-off and fed-up is an
understatement!!!!! Although we ended up
having a very nice tour around Statford-UponBMW Club Journal • November 2006
Avon, it did not make up for the inconvienence
of being left high and dry and missing the event/
Rally.
Yours VERY ANNOYED,
Jon Spencer. Welwyn Garden City
I’ve spoken with Geoff Thompson, our National
Social Secretary and Martin Ellis of the Midland
Section who organised this year’s rally although the advert(s) stated that the rally
would take place between the Friday and
Monday, the programme of events was clearly
shown as being on the Saturday and Sunday
only. We can see where the confusion arose
and will try to avoid similar confusion for next
year’s event. In the meantime, if you contact
me with your membership number, I’ll send you
a £5 MotoBins Gift Voucher.
Ed.
Osmington Mills
Cracking good weekend at Osmington Mills
in Dorset. Good site, good and varied
company, and aided by exceptional weather.
Many thanks are due to Andy Allman, Mike
and Gemma Groves.
I’ll go again next year ....... if I can overcome
my shy and retiring nature! and remember to
bring all of my tent.
Ted Devey SW Section.
Pannier Systems
You begin to realise your quality of life has
taken a swerve when you start measuring it
not in years, birthdays or anniversaries, but
in pannier systems.
I can’t remember much about the years
Before Panniers but 1 AP (After Panniers)
started with an R1100RS in 2001. A great bike,
with very impressive panniers. What a superb
11
locking system, and so easy to locate and
remove. Also a great safety feature, as I learnt
during a long horizontal slide down the M6
when the combination of pannier and cylinder
kept a nice space for me to slide in without
being crushed by the bike. They took a fair
amount of luggage, provided it was shaped
like a very big football. But no, they wouldn’t
take my Caberg Justissimo, or my HFC full
face, or my wife’s Caberg F1, and they
wouldn’t take my briefcase or my lap top, or
anything with “A4” as part of its name. So a
socking great big top box was the answer.
And the other thing they wouldn’t take
was slipping through skinny gaps. They stuck
out like a pair of armoured Mae Wests and
after twice becoming so firmly wedged on
Western Avenue that I almost had to get off
and push backwards, I changed the lids to
“City style”. So could sneak through the rush
hour but with only enough storage for two
peanut butter sandwiches and an A to Z.
Fate lent a hand and the horizontal
slide led me to a K1100RS. Hmmm, they’re
nice panniers, and after Mick Barr had shown
me how to get them on and off without bending
the indicators we really got on well. By
squashing one corner of my brief case down
that could be forced in under the slopey top,
and the laptop fitted in the other side if there
was nothing else so it could be “leant” in at an
angle. But still no luck with the helmet. I’m
aware that all the fitting instructions show the
outline of helmets inside them, but Germans
must have smaller heads.
Anyway, I really got to like the K cases
and we became firm friends after an Alps
crossing with casual clothes for a week, a
business suite, the brief case and 47 VHS
video tapes. They only got a bit wet in the rain.
But here we go again, another
intervention by fate and I’m no longer a K
owner but a 1993 R100RS with BMW touring
cases. Now this is really going back in time.
Big square boxy things with a flimsy aluminium
band round the rims, and fiddly little caps over
the keyholes that only pixies can get their
12
finger nails under. And a fixing system that is
definitely improved by the smart black and red
webbing suitcase strap that goes all the way
round the pannier and the frame so it’s not
going to fall off over the cat’s eyes. And rain
widdles in all the way round, thank goodness
for bin bags.
But – wait for this – Helmets fit in them!
Brief cases fit in them! Laptops fit in them and
even A4 Lever Arch Files!!!!! This is pannier
heaven, and I’m very happy. Except it does
seem odd to be going back in time at such a
rate to get a better life. I suppose the modern
answer would be the big aluminium mess tins
on the GS. They remind me of the things
school dinners used to be delivered in.
John Boileau. Leamington Spa.
Crap Advertising and Advertising
Crap
Do you, like me, feel an irresistible urge to
take-the-Mickey when you hear bulls—t?
Vis, one stand at the Paignton Bike
show this year; that of Ultraseal. If I didn’t know
it to be OK and use it, I would have walked
away laughing when amongst the mass of
sweeping claims I read (and I quote) “an
intelligent thinking product that uses its own
initiative” Ah, so we have a human brain in a
plastic bottle have we? - And I thought it was
just a blue gunge that fixed holes in your tyres!!
Silly me.
On the same stand they had an aerosol
can of stuff that you spray on your number
plate supposed to stop speed cameras
reading it. “How’s this work?” I asked the fresh
faced young man there flogging the stuff?
“Oh, very simple” says he. “You know
that cameras flash twice? And you know they
need two timed pictures? Well, the flash from
the first picture is reflected back at the exact
time that the second flash picture is taken and
blinds the camera”.
MMMmmmmm? I sensed a bit of sport coming
on, so I asked him “D’you know the speed of
light? He didn’t. “D’you know the time between
the flashes?” He didn’t.
So I helped him out .————”It’s 186,000
miles a second and I think the flash spacing
is around 0.3 of a second, so the light gets
back to the camera in that 0.3 of a second,
right?”
isMotorcycle loft hotel “Groenedijk”
groenedijkstraat 5A Oudenburg (close to
Ostend)Hope to see you in the future and
greeting to Mr.Bikerstaff who was in the Hotel
but didn’t saw me playing Rock and Roll.Johan
SchaeverbekeNote just bought a new scooter
Zundapp Bella and there was a cafe racer
BMW for sale that probably will be
mine??????
AGM Venues and Costs
I loved his enthusiastic agreement!
“OK —— but in 0.3 second the light travels
about 56,000 miles, and since that’s out and
back, for it to hit the camera at the right time
the bike must be about 28, 000 miles away,
yes?? !! So how does it work?”
His confused response ———-”Well, that’s
what they told me to say”.
It reminded me of Dr John’s covered wagon
in Dodge City selling Patent Cure-all Elixir.
WHY DO THEY BULLS —T?
Ted Devey. SW Section
Erratum
Hallo,Please excuse us for what happened in
the month of August......The owner of the
motorcycle loft “Groenedijk” in Oudenburg
asked the museum to bring over the total
collection to his hotel. This was for me a
surprising moment because we worked close
together but never believed that there was still
plenty of space in the Motorcycle loft Hotel.We
had already a lot of English visitors because
your countrymen were very curious when I
moved out of the van some vintage
motorcycles.Due to the fact that one of your
members was standing at the old address and
showed me the journal ,I immediately try to
draw your attention that was published in
August is not up to date ....sorry sorry
sorry.The info phone and mobile are the same
my site is the same but the address
Having just re read the year-end accounts for
our club the amount of expense involved in
holding the AGM beggars belief. Do we need
such lavish expense? I think not. Maybe this
in its self puts members off attending so we
don’t hear the views of the majority. Are we or
are we becoming elitist and losing the plot that
biking is our hobby to be enjoyed and not
suffered?
Surely our AGM could be added onto
a National Weekend such as the one just held
at Moreton Morrell. This would still give
individual sections chance to host the event
but keep it low key.
We have just been to a National Rally
of another equally large bike club. On the last
day of the rally the AGM is held promptly at
10am in whatever location is available (this
year it was the Ionians Rugby clubhouse)
where full catering facilities (which had been
on hand all weekend) were provided at very
reasonable cost. This arrangement allows for
a wider range of participants, and for those
who just want to come to the meeting there is
no need for expensive accommodation or
indeed expenses at all it is treated as a day
out on the bike.
Food for thought from the Biker Chick,
Yorkshire Section.
Elaine West.
Yorkshire Section Committee Member.
13
Re the New R1200 R.
I have been waiting for over two years for this
model. I have tested other models in the 1200
range. The GS was great for me and my wife
but with arthritis in my knees I found it difficult
to climb on to. I am sure that the RT is a good
bike but I have always had sports-tourers and
will not test drive a machine I have no intention
of buying.
I had a ride on the ST but it was not as
good as my 1150 RS, so that was not pursued
– I have not seen many of these models at
all. The 1200 S looks a bit too sporting for our
riding.
So we test rode the R1200 R. It was
black (our colour) and I was its first rider. I
always carry my wife as pillion and when we
saw it it had no grab rail it did not look so
inviting. However we did over 100 miles on it
and it did have its pro’s and con’s.
One advantage was that it was very
light and agile. This gave me it more power
and economy, good handling and the small
cockpit fairing was quite effective.
However the disadvantages were no
grab rail, no centre stand (£85 extra). We’ve
had BMs since 1961 and never had one
without a grab rail or had to pay for the centre
stand. The pillion seat was too hard, too
narrow and not at all comfortable. The
footrests were too high, plus £80 extra for a
chrome exhaust.
I was hoping the R1200 R would fit my
criteria in that it is a classic roadster and would
be pillion friendly and probably appeal to riders
of a mature age, like us.
The basic bike cost £8,295 but with the
extras that we would require would be nearly
£11,000. I was told that most dealers only had
one R1200 R for the launch in September and
no others were available until sometime in
2007. It confuses me to have a launch one
14
year and not to be able to buy until the
following year. If the bike had suited us I would
have tried to but the demo there and then but
we were not impressed at all.
We have always been loyal to BMW
since 1961:- R60/2, R45, R100, K75S,
R100RS, and our current R1150 RS. We buy
new and keep them for several years. Our
current machine is fantastic but we are looking
for something lighter, which the 1200 range
does provide.
The 800 range does not appeal to us.
I may be that we will test drive the R1200 RT
with all its good write-ups.
However, back to my original point. I
was sure that the R1200 R would be our
machine (possibly our last), but I think we are
being taken for granted by BMW when we
have to pay for essential extras that have
always been regarded as part of the original
package.
Geoffrey Johnson. Sheffield
A Precarious Enterprise?
I bought my first BMW in 1981 from L&C’s at
Tunbridge Wells who I see have since given
up bike sales though they continue with the
marque as a car dealer.
The bike needed some minor warranty
work soon after I collected it and as it was
closer to my home the work was carried out
by Benrea at Erith – long gone!
After that I started to do my own
maintenance and for several years bought my
bits from Slocombes of Neasden but they fell
out with BMW and went over to Honda instead.
Also of that era was Gus Khun’s at Clapham
who sold out to Wheels International who went
bust and so RGS set up shop a few miles just
down the road but they went bust as well.
Other premises I called upon, slightly
farther away were Fairfield in Southend –
another firm still doing cars but no longer bikes
– and another in Essex, Ongar Motorcycles
who defected to Triumph. On the other side of
town Hughenden M40 – what happened to
them?
In this journal I read recently that Prestige in
Bexleyheath had decided to throw in their lot
with the company and become an
independent BMW bike dealership. So,
welcome to the South East, Cooper BMW in
Tunbridge Wells for how long we shall see!
Based on my experience it could be a short
marriage!
In contrast my two nearest motorcycle
dealerships are Chambers of Rochester who
were Honda main agents when I moved to
Kent more than 35 years ago and are still with
them. They recently opened a second large
Honda showroom in Maidstone and Milton
Motorcycles in Gravesend who have been
Yamaha dealers for more than 25 years.
Eddie Barnes. Rochester
A Good Tour
In the depths of winter 05/06 two friends and
wives started to plan a tour to Switzerland and
Austria. Spent a week or two finding out the
best way down, France or Germany? Decided
to go the French way, a quick blast down the
A26 / A31 from Calais to Dijon, after leaving
Nottinghamshire to Dover. Then over to
Lausanne for a look at Lake Geneva, “That is
one big lake!”
Then off up into the Alps via Sion to a
biker hotel by the name of Astoria in a small
but pretty village Ulrichien, which sits next to
the Furka-pass to name one of many in easy
distance. You could put this village onto a
Swiss chocolate box lid very pretty. The Hotel
very good with food to match. The bikes
BMW’s R1100RT and R1200RT. Just the ticket
for this kind of trip.
Next off up into the passes taking the
Fuka-pass then onto the Susten-pass and
back to the hotel via the Grimsel-pass. This
was the first time over such passes for my
mate so had a strong introduction. Off the bike
for a day and up into the hills to the Eggishorn
Glacier. Now that is a place to see and at over
4,000 meters the view well, it just blows the
mind away, you cannot take in the size of this
lump of ice, but I thought it could keep a few
drinks cold!
Spent a few days taking in more passes
in the area such as Pass pso-del Licomagno,
Oberal-ppass, Hospental, Nuffenenen Passes
and the Gotthard-pass. From there to St Moritz
via the Passo del San Bernardino and its
tunnels and over Maloja-pass and Julier-pass.
From St Moritz off to Austria via SilvaplanaPass and forest roads to the boarder to
Seefeld close to Innsbruck for the next week.
From Seefeld the roads call out to be used so
we did.
The 187/314 from Garmisch
Partenkirchen to Fussen with its fairy tail
castles like Linderhof and Neuschwanstein
and inland lakes has to be seen one of the
best roads I have ever road along. Then back
over the Fern-pass to end a good day but
getting dark and this is not the place to be in
the dark.
A few days off the bikes and a bit of
walking and at 5,000 meters ish, it’s hard on
the chest, but don’t tell my mate he thinks he
was the only one suffering.
The yearning for more passes getting
strong again so off a quick look at the waterfall
Stuibenfalls in Umhausen were they found the
5,000 year old Ice Man (looked dead to me)
and onwards over Zwieselstein, Timmelsjoch
passes (now back in Italy) on over St Leonardo
and back down out of the sky for a blast back
to base in Seefeld.
With a trip over to the Kimmler
Waterfall via Gerlos-pass and Thurn-Pass.
The waterfall is rather on the large side and a
good hike up to the top but again very pretty
views of both the falls and surrounding area.
The return trip to Seefeld back over the passes
proved interesting with sheep on the road but
when you get cows just sat in the road looking
15
at you as to say what are you doing on my
road? They are a large target but when around
a tight hairpin bend they can hide very well
along with the deposits on the road makes for
interesting riding.
With lots more site seeing put into this
trip, it was a scenery mind blow. One which
will stay in the mind for a very long time. Total
miles 2,673.
Now getting ready to plan the next trip
back in the big hills but on the West side I
think?
Graham Parker. Midland Section
enthusiasm for France and the sights of
Normandy will I am sure encourage others to
visit the area.
Roger Bickerstaffe. South East Section
More about the R1200 RT
I read Neville Dalton’s criticism of the R1200
RT with great interest, but I feel that he is far
too restrained, so here is some Yorkshire
bluntness.
If you would like to travel a bit further afield on
your next European motorcycle tour consider
coming to Baku, Azerbaijan. We are currently
based here and will offer free accommodation
to any BMW Club UK members should you
get this far.
1)
My honeymoon period with this model
ended abruptly with not one but four brake
failures. After the first two, bike recovered to
dealer, I’m told” Computer reset – should be
OK”. After two further failures I’m told it’s my
fault for using the brakes wrongly. In fact, the
way to fool BMW’s foolproof brakes is to sit
on the bike, switch on (covering the front
brake, of course), watch the red triangle
change to yellow and set off. Only luck leaves
me alive.
To take advantage of this please
contact us by email, preferably, well in
advance as we are here most of the time, but
we do take time out. For an idea of the journey
here read the “long winded” article in the
December 2005 and January 2006 editions
of the Journal.
2)
I noted no fuel injection problems on
my test ride i.e. lag. With my model, seemed
reasonable at first but worsened. Back to
dealers. When bike returned I asked mechanic
if any improvement. “Couldn’t see owt wrong
in’t first place” I was told in best juvenile
Rotherham accent. No help there then.
Hope to hear from you.
Ben Hodgson and Phyllis Lyon.
Scottish Section.
Encore, S’il Vous Plait.
3)
Neville Dalton mentions the panniers.
but not the problem. They are so wide (40” or
1 metre) that traffic filtering can be forgotten,
one may as well be towing a caravan. Inching
along in traffic with awful fuel injection lag and
still lousy gear change reminds me of miners
scrabbling at the coalface, and certainly
equally tiring and unpleasant.
Congratulations to Dave Hunt, not only on his
maiden voyage by bike to France but also for
his most entertaining article, ‘Bude to Omaha
Beach’. It was a read enjoyed both by myself
and favourite pillion and we look forward to
the future tales of adventure of Dave and
Mathilda penned for the journal. Your
4)
Neville mentions the tank bag (£160).
Anyone can remove it in a second – but there
is no lock. It could contain hundreds of pound
worth of gear – camera, ‘phone, passport,
cash. The plastic rail it sits on is ugly, but
removing the rail exposes even worse
ugliness.
Fancy Azerbaijan?
16
that it did not affect the warranty.
I’ve had quite a few BMWs, all sold with low
mileage and great relief. My St1100 Pan
European took me all round Europe and
Scandinavia for eight years, though note that
the new ST13200 is putrid.
Yes, I’ve read all those ‘Motorcyclist Journalist’
eulogistic articles on the RT and the ST1300.
Bring back hanging.
D. Middleton. Batley
Removal of Bearings
I was interested to see Malcolm Thomason’s
ingenious method for removal of head bearing
outer races in the Oct 2006 issue. However, it
is also worth remembering that all that is
usually necessary is to run a bead of weld
around the inside surface of the race. As the
weld cools it shrinks, and the bearing falls out.
I take no credit for this, as it appears in
the hints and tips section of the MotoBins’
catalogue (contributed, I understand, by Steve
Scriminger of SED); but I can confirm that it
works every time, and is especially useful for
applications where there is no access to the
back of the bearing, as in the swinging arm of
my R80GS.
John Osment
Candid Comments on an R1200RT
I would like to reply to Neville Dalton regarding
his letter in the October Journal.
Re the main concern about oil and the breach
of warranty. I own a 1200 RT, now nine months
old and on my 600 mile service (which was
done by Williams of Manchester) I was
informed that they had used semi-synthetic
oil. My immediate reaction was concern, but
having spoken to their service manager he told
me that it was their normal practice to do this.
I later spoke to BMW customer service; they
informed me that it was not a problem and
Other issues:1)
No problem with the tank bag.
2)
No problem with the fairing and hacked
shins.
3) I agree with observation that the panniers
weigh too much.
4) I agree that the inner bags are a bit fussy.
5) I agree that the instrument screen is not
good in bright sunlight.
6) I have no problem with the engine bars
obscuring the oil-level sight glass.
7) I agree with some vibration under heavy
braking.
8) No problem with oil usage – 3,000 miles
and not used any.
All in all I’m glad I got rid of my Pan.
Tom Stoate. Stoke-on-Trent
The Brave and Daring Tour
After 23 years since our last forage into
Europe on our R80RT, this summer my wife
and I finally had chance to head out together
on a biking holiday, hence the brave and
daring tour.
We were determined to reach Biarritz
as we had failed to reach this destination 23
years before due to technical problems;
somebody else’s not ours (but that’s another
story). This trip was to be done alone, no
accompanying riders to hinder or deter us from
our goal, ferry to Santander and a short ride
to Biarritz. We spent 3 glorious days
meandering around this coastal town avoiding
the rich and famous and overly expensive
hotels & restaurants.
After three days we set off for
Angoulême to the first of our journal picked
B&B’s, highly commendable it was too, set in
a small village close to the Charente river and
decent walking distance along the river to town
17
approx 5km. Superb touring roads out to the
coast with La Rochelle, Rochefort and Royan
all within 2hrs ride. The owners run a tidy outfit
of a high standard and hospitality is good. We
opted for the evening meal 4 course option
and were not disappointed either night,
delicious food and good wine at a very
reasonable price.
We moved on after 2 days to our
second journal picked B&B (this is where the
French pussy comes in). Set just north of the
Loire valley this old farmhouse has converted
into a traveller’s rest of pure tranquillity. Run
by Richard and Pat who are, as they put it, in
working retirement. They run this oasis of calm
superbly with what seems like great teamwork.
The food again was just excellent and the wine
taken from local produce was very good. The
French pussy well that’s Rossi a wild little
kitten found in the middle of the road by
Richard whilst out on his GS one day. Rossi
is the ultimate riding cat as he travelled home
in the top box, hence the name. When we left
this place we didn’t just leave a B&B we left
our new friends behind.
From there we headed up through
Suisse Normandy on some of the best roads
of the journey to Ouistreham to catch the ferry
back to a very wet Portsmouth and a quick
but soggy ride home. Never the less it was a
great experience and a very unusual way to
celebrate 30 years of marriage, so many
thanks to my dear wife for her company on
this journey and here’s to the next 30.
Cheers!!!!
run. The idea of the ‘drop-off’ system is to
ensure that any number of bikes can ride from
A to B in safety, and hopefully lose nobody
along the way. Any deviation in the route will
be marked by a rider, so it is not essential to
keep sight of the rider in front of you – just
simply ride at your own pace.
I am afraid I had to sympathise with
the gentleman who was left behind in France,
as there appeared to be a problem with the
rear marker. Personally I would feel
disappointed to lose anybody on a club run,
and feel responsible for the outcome to a
certain extent.
Anyway, I’m not writing to condemn
anyone. I would just like to think that riders,
regardless of age, bike and ability could feel
they could turn up for a run and enjoy the
company and day out as we are a friendly
bunch really.
Oh, and lastly, Stan Walnets,
(September Journal) don’t think about
resigning. I think you have a point and are
entitled to express it.
Paul Ashby. South East Secretary
Contacts: 1st stop over:
[email protected]
2 nd [email protected] or www.la-janais.com
Nick and Dee Shaw. Woburn Sands
Some Comments on Club Runs
After reading Rob Spindler’s submission
(October Journal) I just thought I had to write
on a more serious note concerning ‘BMW Club
Runs’.
Anyone participating in a ‘Club’ run
should not feel under pressure to exceed their
riding ability in order to maintain the pace of a
18
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING
COMPLETELY DIFFERENT ...
Barry Tinson has a go ...
I understand what Nigel Tailyour is getting at,
I too find it difficult to read and follow articles
that really need to be accompanied by a map.
Personally, I prefer the “flavour” of a ride or
tour rather than a detailed account.
So, how about something a little different?
Lunch stop in Poland
I had entered Poland from Slovakia. It was
lunchtime. It was a typical continental transport
diner - bar leading into a surprising large dining
room. It was perhaps a third full. Drivers,
salesmen and a few couples.
I nodded towards a table and the
waitress nodded in agreement. She spoke to
me - probably asking if I wanted the menu - I
What most
Mauritania
looks
indicated
that Iofwanted
to eat.
Shelike
nodded - a
worried look flashed across her face - a
foreigner! Before she turned away I said
‘English?’ More for her information rather than
in any hope that she spoke English.
The menu arrived. A single sheet obviously menu of the day - and a more
elaborate 4 page document. I say document
because that what it was, a 4 page document
in Polish that was absolutely meaningless to
me! The single sheet was also totally
meaningless for the same reason - it was in
Polish!
In vain I scanned the documents for
some sign of recognition of any of the dishes
or their content. French, Italian, Spanish,
Portuguese, German even Turkish - I can look
at a menu and get some signal but Polish nothing.
I looked round to see what others were
eating. Not too many clues.The waitress
returned and looked at me expectantly, poised
to take my order - little did she know!
I indicated that I did not understand and
gave her my helpless look. She look round
her then said to the room in general ‘does
anyone speak English’ - or at least that is what
I assumed she said. A number of shaking
heads, closed off that route.
She looked at me, now quite agitated.
I raised a finger, indicating that I had an idea.
I pointed to one of the items on the
menu and made a sound - Baaaaaaaa. She
looked confused. So I made another sound Mooooo. She was now not only confused but
startled.
So I made another noise, still pointing
at the menu - Quack, Quack! At this point, the
young man of one of the couple said
something to her. Suddenly the penny
dropped!
Soon we were happily going through
the menu - mooing, baaing, qucking, cluck,
clucking and oink, oinking. Lots of oink,
oinking and cluck, clucking. We had a
common language, we were communicating.
The young couple had quickly tuned in, and
others were starting to get the message, they
seemed to be enjoying it, there were certainly
a few smiles.
By this time, the waitress had relaxed,
others in the dining room felt involved, so the
19
next bit was easy, I stood up and indicated to
the young couple, that I would like to look at
what they were eating. No problem, same at
a number of the tables, there was even the
occasional ‘cluck, cluck’ and ‘oink, oink, to
assist me in my recognition.
I enjoyed my meal; Pork cutlets in a pepper
sauce, new potatoes and red cabbage.Then
it was time to choose the pudding!
Or something different again ... ?
Weary in Slovakia
I had crossed from Hungary to Slovakia at
Komarno on the 64 heading North.
It was past lunchtime and I hadn’t eaten. I
turned the bike into a small town looking for
at least a sandwich and a coffee. I rode
through the town, it was hardly bigger than a
village, but it had a town centre and pedestrian
area.
I parked up at the edge of the
pedestrian area - next to a Tatra, the first I
have ever seen. They are very big. There was
no eating place open in the precinct but I had
caught sight of a likely spot on my way in. I
walked back round the corner through some
garage doors into a court yard where there
were tables laid up.
I sat at a table and a woman appeared,
wiping her hands on her apron, suggesting
she had come from the kitchen. ‘Coffee?’ I
enquired. She nodded and returned to her
kitchen.
It was a pleasant courtyard, to the rear
and side of a big house, flanked on the other
side by what looked as if they had once been
stables and a coach house. This was now the
kitchen area. The whole place looked as if it
had been ‘made over’ on the past few years.
There were perhaps a dozen tables, some with
chairs others with benches.
I could hear talk in the kitchen and
when the coffee appeared it was being carried
my a man in his 50’s. He put the coffee down
and then asked “you speak English?” ‘Yes’ I
said with some surprise. “You German,
Hollander?” He asked. ‘No, I am English’. He
20
beamed! “You travel on a motorcycle alone?”
‘Yes, can I eat here?’ “Yes, come” he lead me
to the kitchen and spoke to the woman who
opened up her large bread bin containing a
few French loaves and then one of her fridges
that contained a York ham, cheese, etc. I
looked at the woman and pointed to the
French bread and York ham. She took a
French loaf and positioned her knife half way
along. I nodded.
I had eaten my ham sandwich had a
second cup of coffee and was contemplating
my next move. As I relaxed a wave of tiredness
came across me. My time in the saddle over
the previous few days was catching up on me.
The man appeared from the big house.
I caught his attention as asked ‘Is there a hotel
near here?’ - more in hope than expectation,
it was only a large village. He beamed again.
“Here, this is my hotel” he pointed to the large
house. “Come” he said. I followed him through
the back door, and a dining room to the
reception, where a young lady smiled at me
across the reception desk. ‘How much’ I
asked. “One night with breakfast 18 Euro” the
man said. ‘OK, I will go and get the moto’ The
man then lead me through the front door and
showed me where I could put the moto, the
other side of some gates that he would unlock.
I got the bike parked up behind the
gates, which was a bit awkward and involved
a bit of pushing and pulling of the bike. The
receptionist stood at the top of the hotel steps
watching with some interest. I was now feeling
very tired and having carried the quite heavy
panniers up the steps to the hotel and to the
reception desk, my breathing was becoming
quite heavy and I was wheezing. The
receptionist, who spoke no English, took my
passport and gave me a key and indicated
two floors up. ‘Elevator?’ I asked. She shook
her head. I patted my heart, pointed to the
stairs and shook my head - by this time she
had my passport open at the back and was
looking at the details.
A worried look flashed across her face,
she turned and looked at the keys on their
rack. She indicated I should wait a moment
and picked up the phone. After a short
conversation she gave me another key and
pointed across the hall to a corridor, she then
picked up one of my panniers and escorted
me to a room. A nice room, a large double
would be a fair description. I took off my riding
gear and just flopped onto the bed - knackered
would be a fair description! It was 16.30 hrs.
I woke at 19.00, showered, dressed
and looked round the hotel, small lounge,
larger dining room and reception. No bar. I
met several hotel staff who smiled and nodded
at me in a kindly way. The receptionist, looked
quite pleased to see me (alive!). She pointed
at me and enquired “OK?” I smiled and nodded
and asked ‘beer?’ She indicated out the front
door and round to the left. I smiled my thanks.
It was quite a large bar, with tables in
alcoves round the wall - very German. It was
virtually empty. I took a stool at the bar and
ordered a beer, indicating a tall one. I rubbed
my thumb on my finger - the universal sign for
money - and shrugged my shoulders,
indicating, how much? He told me, I should
not have bothered asking. I put my hand in
my pocked and deposited a pile of coins on
the counter.
In my travels across Europe, I had
made a point of keeping a separate pocket in
my jeans - that were normally in my panniers
- for the coins of the various currencies. Just
keeping the current coins in my riding coat.
When putting on my jeans I had transferred
today’s coins from my coat to my jeans. The
pile of coins I deposited on the counter
suggested than my plan had gone astray, for
even I could see coins of four different
currencies.
The bar tender looked at me with pity
in his eyes, he shook his head gently and gave
me a half smile. He then carefully started to
sort the coins into their various currencies. He
arrived at four piles and looked at me as if to
21
say ‘do you understand?’ I smiled, shrugged
my shoulders and placed another pile of coins
on the counter from my other pocket. He rolled
his eyes and said something to a local sitting
at the other end of the bar. The local joined us
and he and the barman carefully sorted the
coins. I finished off my beer, indicated I would
like another and invited the local and the
barman to join me in a drink. Another local
came in, shook hand with the three of us and
asked about the piles of coins. The barman
explained. The new arrival smiled and nodded
at me knowingly -I could almost hear him
thinking ‘poor old sod’. I indicated that the new
arrivals drink should be put on my tab.
By now the four piles of coins had
grown to five piles.. The barman then came
up with four small plastic bags into which he
carefully put the coins. He indicated that I
should put these away and keep them
separate. I nodded. He looked at the
remaining local coins and it was obvious it
would not be enough to pay for the drinks.
Whilst he was struggling in his mind of how to
get this across to me, I put a note of ample
denomination on the counter. He smiled, the
locals smiled, I smiled. We all drank our beer.
I enquired about food - knife and fork motion
and chewing motion. One of the locals took
me to the door and indicated a place across
the square. I gave those inside a wave, shook
hands with the local and went in search of
another adventure.
It was a Wild West themed restaurant!
Johnny Cash CD playing, and a job lot of wild
west gear hung on the walls. One of two smart
‘dinette’ style waitress greeted me with a big
smile and then I suspect wished she had not
been so quick off the mark - a foreigner!
22
The menu was easy to understand as
it was in the Czech version of American
English. I had a very passable steak and chips
accompanied by a carafe of pleasant red wine.
Sitting finishing off the red wine and listening
to Johnny Cash, I was feeling quite mellow.
I did a lap round the square looking in the shop
windows and ended up back at ‘my’ bar.
I looked in the door and it was heaving!
I was about to give it a miss, when someone
grabbed my arm - it was one of the earlier
locals. He led me over to one of the cubicles,
they all shuffled up and made room for me on
Ben Nevis I wrote my
the bench. I was then introduced.
name on a napkin. I then shook hand all round
and they wrote their names on the napkin. One
of them had a little English. There was the
usual where are you from? Where have you
been? Where are you going? Alone! They
shook their heads, not so much in disbelief
but more in wonder. I looked across the bar
and there was the receptionist at the bar,
chatting to the barman. They both caught my
eye and gave me a wave.
I wondered, had she told him about this
ancient Englishman, riding a huge motorcycle,
with what appeared to be a dodgy heart, who
could hardly breath and for all practical
purposes was deaf and dumb? To which he
had added he doesn’t even understand the
different currencies! What is he doing out
alone! I wondered how far had this permeated
through the village?
It was late when I staggered back to
the Hotel. A woman emerged from the lounge
where she was watching the TV and gave me
a worried looking smile as I staggered to my
room. I slept well! At 08.30hrs, I had put the
panniers on the bike and dressed in riding gear
I took my beer and ventured into the dining
room. There before me sitting at long tables
were rank upon rank of grey haired men and
women - mostly women. Whilst I was
gathering my senses a waitress took my elbow
and propelled me foreword into the hoard. A
group of women indicated that there was a
chair free at their part of the table and to there
I was propelled, sat down and had a menu
thrust in my hand - the waitress was obviously
used to handling befuddled old men! The
woman next to me planted some cutlery before
Travelling alone, you certainly get to meet nice me and nodded in approval.
people. As I rode out of the village, several
I wanted to run, but would I get by the
people gave me cheery waves - that was nice.
waitress on guard by the door? Suddenly there
was a plate of soup before me and the lady
Or perhaps something even more different? next to me again smiling and nodding at me.
Then she asked me something and I nervously
blurted out ‘sorry I don’t understand’ - as she
Sanctuary in Poland
was reaching for the bread basket as I spoke,
I would probably have got away with my
The Narodni National Park is among the impersonation as a befuddled old Pole if I had
mountains of Southern Poland. There is skiing said nothing and just taken a piece of bread.
there in the winter but in May, is it just high
As it was it was now the ladies turn to
meadows, rushing rivers and spring flowers. be surprised along with three or four others in
It is between seasons and therefore the hotels close vicinity. The lady said “Deutsche?
are good value.
Hollander?” “English” I replied. Together all of
them exclaimed “Englishman!” Within
I chose a modern hotel, just on the seconds the news had passed down both
edge of town with a nice car park behind big sides of my table jumped a gap along another
gates. The car park was empty as was the table, and so on until it had lapped the room.
hotel. Twenty Euro a night B&B, nice room At some point the waitress guard picked up
third floor - with elevator! I had picked up a the news. She approached me with some
bottle of red wine at my lunch stop earlier. It consternation - her system had been
was now 16.30. I showered and settled down breached! She spoke to me. All I could do was
with my bottle of wine and pipe, looking out of to show her my key and room number. She
the window across the mountains. After only was unsure, but they my companions on the
one glass a drowsiness overcame me, so I table came to my rescue. What was said, I
flopped on the bed. I woke at 19.00 hrs. Quick know not, but she retreated and soon my main
slosh, dressed and downstairs - dinner was course - rabbit stew? - arrived and the ladies
at my table were all smiles and nods. As I was,
from 19.00 to 20.00.
I like rabbit stew..
The ladies made an attempt at
Gob smacked is not a word I normally conversation, but all I could indicate was that
use, but I can’t think of a better to describe I was touring on my moto. Big mistake! Now it
my reaction on reaching the lobby. The place was the ladies turn to be concerned. Again
was heaving with elderly people, it was a sea the news did a lap of the dining room.
of grey hair. I made quickly for the bar and
Now they were talking to me very s-l-o
ordered a beer. By gesture I enquired of the
barman, where did all these people come -w-l-y. I did pick up on one word, family. It
from. He pointed out of the window and there would appear that they were worried that this
in the car park stood my bike and three very old fool who couldn’t even find his way to his
proper dining room was wandering round
large coaches.
Europe on a big moto without a keeper and
presented myself for breakfast. I was alive and
hungry - all the hotel staff, including the owner
seemed to be delighted that this was so! Whilst
I was enjoying my scrambled eggs, ham
accompanied by fresh bread and plenty of
butter and a large jug of coffee, the owner
joined me. We spoke of the end of
communism, the split from the Czech Republic,
the prospects of them joining the EU, his
struggle to establish his hotel.
23
were wondering if my family knew where I was.
I nodded and said ‘family’ and
produced my wallet and a picture of my wife,
then my children and onto my grandchildren.
They smiled and nodded approval and my
pictures disappeared on a lap of the dining
room. I think they gradually came to the
conclusion that I wasn’t senile, just deaf and
dumb, and of course a man!
I survived dinner, that was really quite
good, and during the mass exit from the
dinning room, made my escape out of the
hotel. It was a very nice village, typically alpine.
On my stroll through the village, I had noticed
a couple of pleasant looking bars and I had
just past one when I was accosted by 4 ladies
walking in the opposite direction and steered
into the bar I was passing. There sat ‘my’
ladies drinking chocolate. Another round of
chocolate was ordered which the waiter duly
served and then topped it up with a great slug
of Slivovitz! - plumb brandy to the uninitiated.
I am not being unkind when I say, these
were large ladies and at the rate the chocolate
and Silvovitz was disappearing it is easy to
24
see why. At some point I managed to excuse
myself and get to the toilet. The door to the
gents was in a quiet corner of the bar and there
sat a couple of elderly gentlemen. They smiled
and nodded. I did likewise and enquired by
gesticulations if they were part of the coach
group. They nodded and both rolled they eyes.
I sat down beside them. They knew
why, like them, I was seeking sanctuary! I
guess the Slivovitz eventually took it toll,
because suddenly it was quiet. The ladies had
departed. The three of us stood at the bar, no
longer under threat and had a quiet beer
before we to headed back to the hotel.
I took breakfast in my proper dining room alone!
They were getting on the coaches when I took
my panniers down to the bike. Lots of smiles,
head wagging, waves and even a few hand
pats. They were obvious wishing me well, as I
wished them.
You meet the kindest of people when you
travel alone!
September in Switzerland
David and Myfanwy Williamson try a
“MotorcycleSport & Leisure” Tour
S
UMMER 2005 HAD BEEN HECTIC, out
and about on our K1200 GT and we had
just returned from a week away to the BMW
National Rally at Kelso. We therefore, decided
that a leisurely start to the MSL tour to
Switzerland was in order. To achieve this we
left a day early, took the Dover – Boulogne
ferry and after a gentle ride down the A26
indulged ourselves with a quiet evening in a
nice little Logis hotel in the small town of Le
Nouvion en Thierche to the east of Cambrai.
The next day we continued east on the N43
and what a stunning road this turned into.
Then just east of Charleville Mezieres, in the
village of Douzy we turned south on the D946
to Verdun. This road followed the river Meuse
and the Canal de L’Est in a wide-open valley.
The road was empty, the surface good and
the views across the valley were excellent in
the still clear air; does riding get any better
than this?
A bit of jiggery pokery in Verdun due to a
complete lack of signs and we were on our
way to Pont-a-Mousson where we were to
meet up with the rest of the group of 32 people
on 18 bikes. Not surprisingly we were the first
to arrive and after a quick shower to freshen
up we set off to explore the abbey in which we
were staying and then into the town itself. It
was a glorious day and so we soon found a
café from where we could watch the rest of
the group arrive. We recognised quite a few
of the usual suspects from the Southern
Section, but also lots of new people to meet.
At dinner that night we met our comrades for
the week and started to get to know each
other. One of the delights of these tours is
meeting new people and finding out what they
do in and out of work and as usual there was
a wide spectrum of interests and professions.
Myfanwy and I on top of the Jungfraujoch
25
The Sustens Pass
Myfanwy and I tend to be early risers and so
we were the first to leave the next day, but not
by much as Gail and Phil, from the Southern
Section, drew in just behind us at the petrol
station in the town. Fully fuelled we set off
down the motorway and skirted around Nancy
and onto the A33 and the N333 / N59 to St
Die and over the Col du Bonhomme to Colmar
where we picked up the A35 to Mulhouse and
Basel.
We do not normally use the autoroutes as
much as we did on this day but there was no
easy alternative route and so it was a case of
head down and get there. At Basel we entered
Switzerland and much to our surprise
encountered border guards with a good sense
of humour, which they exercised to good affect
as we bought our vignette. This cost 30 euros
and runs for a calendar year and is a
necessary purchase if you want to use the
Swiss motorways, however little. No sooner
had we left the border than we were plunged
into a tunnel, which was undergoing some
major repairs.
26
At the end of the tunnel the road corkscrewed
upwards into the daylight and we were met by
a major junction with no signs, well none that
we could understand anyway. Relying on
intuition we stuck with the flow of traffic and
more by luck than judgement found ourselves
on the right motorway heading for Bern. I had
expected the Swiss to be very law abiding and
had geared myself up for a slow run down the
motorway to Interlaken. So I settled in to the
flow of traffic and relaxed and it wasn’t until I
looked at the speedo that I realised that we
were approaching three figures, no wonder we
left Basel quickly.
B
Y NOW THE NAVIGATOR was asking to
be fed so we pulled in at the next major
service station. We had not been there long
when Phil and Gail joined us and the four of
us proceeded to totally confuse the waitress.
Two people went to four, then we moved
tables. Then Phil ate Myf’s starter and Gail
had my main course and because we could
not find a common language the poor waitress
was more than baffled by the whole
27
The K1200 GT looking back up the Sustens
Pass.
experience. Still, we all got fed and we gave
the waitress something to talk about that night,
mad British bikers!
Given the fast and free flowing nature of the
traffic on the motorway I set the cruise control
and it was not long before we arrived at
Interlaken and began the long climb up to
Grindelwald. Enroute we could see the
enormity of the damage caused by the recent
floods. Bridges had been washed away, the
railway had disappeared in some places quite
a lot of houses had been undermined. There
were boulders as big as houses that had
obviously been moved by the flooding and
there were landslips everywhere. We were
very glad we had not been in the area when it
happened. What was also impressive was
the quantity of men and machines involved in
the clean up and repair.
The hotel in Grindelwald was definitely a
highlight of the tour. The hotel was situated
in the centre of the town close to all the
facilities and all our rooms had an
uninterrupted view of the North face of the
28
Eiger, simply stunning. It was also very well
equipped and the staff were exceptionally
friendly and helpful.
We had 3 days in Grindelwald and everybody
was keen to make the most of them. Our first
full day dawned cool and misty, but we were
assured that the weather was clear at altitude.
Due to this promise most of the group decided
to take the train to the top of the Jungfraujoch.
Unfortunately we were not able to enjoy the
scenery at low altitude because of the mist
and it was not until we stopped at the station
inside the Eiger and were able to look out of
the window in the north face that we realised
what a stunning day we were in for. After about
1 ½ hours in the train we arrived at the final
station deep in the mountain and then walked
to one of the many viewing stations and
eventually outside into brilliant warm sunshine
at over 11500 ft asl. The contrast with the
misty valley below was incredible and although
this train journey is not cheap it is definitely
worth it.
When we pulled the curtains back the next
On top of the Schilthorn
morning we were delighted to see that
miraculously the mist had cleared and the air
was cool and still with magnificent views in all
directions. So it was down to breakfast
forthwith; there was a real buss in the group
as most people had decided to take the
opportunity to ride some of the major passes
that lie to the east of Interlaken.
As Myfanwy and I left the hotel it was warm in
the sun but really cold in the shade as there
had been a light frost over night. But Myfanwy
was well equipped (??? Ed.) and on went the
Widder heated waistcoat and happiness was
immediately restored. This is the best
purchase we ever made. I have one as well
but I am too tough to tell you about it! On the
way to the passes the traffic was heavy and
slow and I commented to Myfanwy that if all
the roads were like this it was not going to be
a very good day. But as we approached the
bottom of the Sustens pass all the traffic turned
off and that was the last traffic we saw all day.
Now the K1200 GT is not the most nimble
round the bends, but we did our best to give
29
the old girl and airing in between the numerous
photo stops. The roads are beautifully
engineered and surfaced unlike the high
passes in the Pyrenees for example and
completely empty. I think the party wore quite
a few nobbles off their tyres that day. The
weather was perfect, still clear and warm even
on top of the passes at over 7500 ft. We
managed four passes, Sustens, St Gottard,
Nufenen and the Grimsel and all were
completely different in character. We met Jon
and Jackie Riche and Steve and Sharon Silk
at a lunch stop and waved to other group
members enroute, if corners and
concentration allowed and a great day was
had by all.
Our last day in Grindelwald was equally
spectacular as some of us took a helicopter
ride around the Eiger and the Jungfraujoch
and then went up to the revolving restaurant
on top of the Schilthorn for lunch. We had
promised ourselves a walk but when we got
back to the hotel we decided to sunbathe on
our balcony and admire the view instead.
Unfortunately the next day it was time to leave
30
and so it was up for breakfast at 07.00 hrs so
that we could have a prompt start, as there
was a long day ahead.
Once on the road the heated waistcoat was
called into service again as we retraced our
steps to Bern. Just north of Bern we turned
west heading for Biel Bienne and as we
dropped into the river valley we rode into cold
dense mist. Fortunately this did not last long
and we soon lost it as we climbed out of the
valley on the A6 through Moutier enroute to
Delemont and Porrentruy where we found a
sunny spot for coffee.
Over coffee we reflected on the past few days
and how lucky we were to be able to participate
in such tours and what we had seen and
experienced. We also shed some layers,
Myfanwy even decided to risk it without her
heated waistcoat, so it shows you how warm
it was. While we were rearranging maps and
route cards Phil and Gail breezed past.
Onwards to Belfort and the N19 towards
Vesoul where we planned to stop for lunch
unless we saw something suitable on the
roadside.
The group photo at Grindlewald
Eventually an Auberge came into view and a
brief consultation via the intercom confirmed
that it looked suitable. As we pulled in imagine
the amusement when we saw Phil and Gail
sitting in the shade around the corner. Then a
few minutes later Alan and Carole Steed joined
us and yes, you’re got it, we proceeded to
completely baffle the poor waiter even though
we could engage him in some school boy
French. The afternoon was spent enjoying
the delights of the N19 all the way to Langres.
This road was made up of fast sections linked
by sweeping bents and we ground yet more
of the centre stand away. Then on to
Chaumont where we had stayed earlier in the
year and then yet more of the great N19
towards Troyes.
The directions to the last hotel were somewhat
vague and in the absence of any good
directions we made the only navigational error
of the whole tour and indulged ourselves and
several others who thought we had GPS on a
tour of the Foret D’Orient before finally giving
in and asking for directions. Once on the scent
of the hotel we disappeared deep into the
forest like rats up a drainpipe all eager to get
to the shower and bar after 300 miles of hard
riding.
So the last night had arrived all too quickly
and the volume at dinner was louder than ever
as legs were pulled and addresses swopped.
The next day Myfanwy and I pulled out of the
car park of the hotel near Troyes at 08.00 hrs
and after a remarkably quick trip up to Calais
on an empty peage we arrived outside our
front door in Hampshire at 15.30 hrs.
We were tired but happy to be home safely
after a really enjoyable tour. The hotels were
great the routes varied but at the end of the
day it is the people who make a successful
tour. Time and time again the bike proves to
be an excellent common denominator for
breaking down the barriers and we look
forward to meeting you again.
31
BMW R1200R
Kevin Ash
Pictures: Arnold Debus, Bernhard Limberger
A
S THE BASE, standard model in BMW’s
boxer twin range the new R1200R ought
to be the hardest to get excited about.
You could argue even BMW was thinking
along those lines as the bike it superseded,
the 1150R, was the last to get the upgrade to
the bigger motor. Even the styling has been
toned down from the good looking and rather
radical looks of the 1150, to something still
handsome but a little more conservative. This
is a deliberate move, says BMW, in order to
make clear the distinction between the
R1200R and the company’s wild and whacky
K1200R, which has the extrovert side of the
streetbike sector well covered, leaving the
R1200R to meet the needs of, well, more
considered riders.
So it’s worthy but dull then is it? Two things
say no, emphatically! The first can be spotted
32
in a pair of important numbers: the R1200R’s
power output has been raised a huge 28 per
cent to 108bhp. That’s enough to liven up just
about any bike, but in conjunction with the bhp
boost comes a major reduction in weight – a
common BMW theme since this was first
focused on with the R1200GS, and the
R1200R has lost almost as much as that did
at 25kg less than the old 1150R. The two
together make for an improvement in powerto-weight ratio, which doesn’t fall far short of
40 per cent, a staggering difference in
consecutive models!
Secondly, BMW has made its often-unique
technology work better on the 1200 than any
previous model, in terms of how it works with
the rider. The Telelever front suspension for
example, familiar enough these days, offers
better feedback and sharper low speed
steering on the R1200R than it ever has –
personally I’ve always appreciated Telelever’s
inherent anti-dive properties but disliked the
low speed awkwardness, but the 1200R
changes that. Still you can stop with ferocious
force without upsetting the bike’s geometry or
overwhelming the suspension, even on bumpy
surfaces, but now the front end has a much
more tactile, accurate feel, so you can execute
feet-up, full-lock U-turns or wriggle slowly
through the traffic with new-found poise and
balance. It’s quite a transformation over the
old bike, but comes down to nothing more than
the continuous development BMW has been
putting in to the Telelever system.
As with any engineering solution, there are
always compromises to balance against the
advantages, and still the ride quality is a touch
harsher at high speeds than an equivalent
telescopic fork set-up (which is because the
front wheel moves forwards and up when it
hits a bump, whereas on forks it moves back
and up, which makes for better compliance).
But against the stability and braking ability
that’s a small price to pay.
So, this is technology working with the rider
and enhancing the riding experience, just as
it should be, and to the same end the old
power-assisted brakes have been deleted.
They’re needed less anyway with 25kg less
to stop, but BMW had noted how some owners
disliked the discernible switching action which
made modulating their power difficult when
feathering the levers, and now this will no
longer be an option throughout the range,
except on the heavyweight K1200LT. The front
Brembo callipers do a fine job of hauling up
the bike with no more than human finger power
anyway, while the new-generation ABS stays
quiet until you’re braking astonishingly hard.
Even an experienced rider prepared and ready
to stop will find it tough to outbrake this ABS
system, let alone a tired owner thinking about
something else having to a sudden emergency
stop late at night in the wet. The rear appears
to cut in too early – the foot lever starts
chattering even when only light pressure is
applied – but you have to bear in mind the
brakes are linked, so the handlebar lever is
already slowing the rear wheel as well as the
front. The foot pedal incidentally doesn’t work
the front brake though, only the back.
When the ABS is chiming in you feel only a
high frequency buzzing through the levers,
33
rather than the heavier thumping of older
systems, which could be disconcerting. And
the whole system weighs about half the
previous generation.
So once again, useful technology now so well
developed it doesn’t interfere with your riding,
it only enhances it (in this instance by keeping
you upright when you might otherwise fall off!),
while the technology, which could get in the
way for some riders has been dropped.
What this adds up to is where we came in:
while the R1200R could have been one of the
less exciting machines in BMW’s range (or
even the least exciting…) it’s actually a really
vivacious, exciting motorcycle that is, plain and
simple, great fun to ride. This isn’t journalist
double speak for some sort of wheelying stunt
monster (and with the optional ACS Automatic
Stability Control electronics will stop you doing
that anyway, which we’ll come to), but a
reflection purely of how the bike responds
crisply, strongly and accurately to what you’re
asking it to do. That applies to the chassis,
which sits securely on the line you’ve pointed
at but willingly switches to a new one with a
quick tug on the bars,
34
and it’s just as true of the engine. The fuel
injection continues to be refined so there’s no
sign of the too-sudden response to opening
the twistgrip from fully closed which many
bikes are guilty of, nor does it hunt gently on
very small throttle openings at low speeds,
which some BMW have tended to do. I tried
all sorts of ways to catch it out in fact, but all I
got was the faithful, predictable response that
makes any bike a pleasure to ride, backed up
with surprisingly strong performance. It’s not
a performance bike per se of course, but
thanks to the depth as well as spread of torque
it’s more satisfying and indeed useful for all
sorts of riders. For touring, loaded and twoup for example, it will manage much better
than the old 1150, while overtaking is effortless
now – we’ll tick the safety box for that, but
most riders will simply be enjoying it.
Despite the extra capacity the motor is also
more willing to rev than previously, and happily
the vibration levels aren’t bad either, even if
you’re exploring close to the 8000rpm red line.
There is a balance shaft now, although this
reduces the amplitude of the vibration while
doubling its frequency rather
than cutting it out altogether, but it’s a useful
improvement nevertheless.
The ACS mentioned earlier is a type of traction
control system that will become available on
the 1200R and other BMWs as an option by
the end of this year. What this does is compare
the speeds of the front and rear wheels, and
if it detects the rear spinning up it cuts the
engine power in stages. First the ignition is
retarded, but there’s only so far you can do
this without risking engine damage, so the next
step is to stop the ignition in one cylinder. On
the twins that’s as far as it goes, but where it’s
fitted to the fours another two cylinders can
be switched off to help prevent wheelspin.
Wheelie prevention is really a side effect of
this rather than the original intention, as during
a wheelie the front wheel slows down while
the rear usually accelerates, which the system
recognises as a loss of rear traction. But an
inability to wheelie is hardly likely to put off
many potential R1200R owners…
More bad news for stunt riders (and no one
else) is that the ABS system includes stoppie
prevention: the same system as the ASC also
detects rear wheel lift, which can be a problem
when the combination of front brake and
Telelever has so much stopping power, and
when it does the front brake pressure is
relieved briefly, in the usual ABS manner.
un-BMW sop to fashion over practicality is the
lack of protection around the rear wheel. It
looks cool, all exposed as it is, but after a
stretch of wet road there was a brown line up
the back of my jacket, and the backs of my
calves copped some mud thrown off the rear
tyre too. Some sort of hugger will cure it
relatively cheaply, but it would be good if it
didn’t happen in the first place. I’d like to see
an adjustable seat too – instead, you have to
specify a low, standard or high version when
you first buy.
That’s it with the negatives though. I’d call the
R1200R fun, but that almost diminishes it as
it’s more than that: it certainly has the
dynamics to excite, but it’s really moved BMW
forward in several respects, it’s good looking
(I think so anyway), and it’s very versatile. If
there was an award for the biggest
improvement in a new model over the old, the
R1200R should win it this year. And the 1150
wasn’t bad either!
Oh, and just in case any of you have read my
report on the R1200R in Ride magazine, which
finishes with an overall negative impression,
and are thinking I’m being two-faced for loving
the bike here, unforgivably Ride changed the
sentiment of my test to suit their
preconceptions. The report I wrote for them
was just as positive as here, but in their
‘wisdom’ they decided to change it. Well they
hadn’t ridden it, I have, and so should you!
Criticisms? As a regular long
distance rider I’d like to see a
bigger tank capacity – four
gallons is not bad, especially
as the 1200 twin can be very
frugal with its fuel. 50mpg is
readily obtained, so that’s a
200-mile range, but I suspect
a lot of these bikes will be used
for touring, in which case
another 50 miles would be
handy. Yes, I’m being picky…
One
35
BMW R1200S tested
Moses falls in love
I
HAVE BEEN PRIVILEGED to attend track
days (great fun, every one should try it at
least once) on several occasions when I had
the opportunity to ride different bikes. I often
wondered about the previous generation
R1100S, which was used extensively in the
Boxer Cup series, as I thought it was a bit of a
dog. I also drove its successor, the R1200S
on the track. I was not very impressed.
At the gentle suggestion of BMW’s publicity
man, Conor, I took the R1200S with about the
same enthusiasm reserved for receiving intra
muscular injections. Never have I been so
wrong. Once on familiar roads I loved the bike.
It was light, powerful, and blessed with a
chassis that was always composed and
balanced through corners. BMW’s unique
front suspension also helped out avoiding
36
unnecessary dive and squat when braking into
corners, adding to feelings of stability.
I should have known as the engine comes
from the much loved R1200GS (Ewan Mc
Gregor’s wrong way around special) with the
same lights, dials, shaft drive, and a similar
suspension. The driving position is more
jockey like, bent forward, helmet to the wind,
and with minimum shelter. Despite the
exposure, what shelter you get works well, the
bike is still comfortable to the legal limit. On
smooth roads. But take to rough back roads
and the jockey analogy comes right back.
Now I have never inspected the underside of
a jockey, but can only imagine what they feel
like. The R1200S has minimal saddle foam,
and a stiff suspension on back roads causes
the said jockey to leave the saddle now and
again only to meet it when gravity slaps back
in.
As I have enthused about the engine before,
it is powerful, relatively smooth for a
horizontally opposed twin, and torquey. With
a smooth throttle, it pulls cleanly from 2,000
rpm to the 8,500 rpm red line. The nether
regions give way well before the bike will.
BMW gear boxes are improving all the time
and this is very nearly right up there with the
smoothest Japanese boxes. As this is a light
(for a 1200cc) bike at 213 kgs, the powerful
brakes have less work to do arresting this bike
from speed, maintaining bodily fluids where
they are meant to be.
Low maintenance is meant to be the order of
the day, with sealed for life drive shaft and
clutch fluid that never needs changing.
Electrics are meant to be simpler as well, but
not so simple for your local mechanic. I have
argued about cost as a factor in ownership.
However the only really significant factor in
BMW is annual servicing, with quality and
longevity generally considered to be excellent.
And so are there any bad points? Well the
mirrors are great for looking at your elbows,
but if I tucked in my elbows, I could see behind
well enough.
The engine is a little lumpy below 2,000 rpm,
but that is easily sorted with a twist of the wrist.
And although I know what the official MPG is,
I don’t know what it translates to in real life.
After I picked up the bike and gave it a good
trashing, I saw the fuel light on after 100kms.
If I fine tooth comb things, I could mention the
rear seat. Your passenger would have to have
the physique and grip of a chapoquin monkey
to be able to stay on the back. Not a bike for
passengers unless in an emergency!
At the end of the day, would I take one if I got
one? Certainly, and I’d be happy with it. Would
I put my own money in one? Maybe, BMW
has a slightly more sane version of this bike
with a slightly taller screen, slightly more
relaxed driving position and slightly less power
called the R1200ST. But the R1200GS would
get a long and very careful consideration first.
On bikes, I go for comfort, not for speed.
Comfortable bikes are often fast enough for
me!
If you buy it, you will love it.
37
Are you a solo camper?
Ted Devey tried-and-tested
d.
drill 2 fixing holes in the platform, to
locate with M6 welded nuts already in the
frame tubes (pic3)
If you have an R850/1100R, travel solo and
want more space for baggage, try this :a.
Remove the rear seat
b.
make a 13mm marine ply platform,
shape to suit (don’t blank off the pannier
mounts and cut clearance slots for seat lock)
c.
fit correct height block underneath at
the rear to sit on the cross member (pic1),
e.
Black paint, stick on wetsuit foam top
and fit bungee hook eyes if required.
f.
Fit it ! Locate the rear in the hook just
like your seat and bolt the front down with
M6x1 pan head St. Steel screws and penny
washers. (pic4)
g.
and refit your front seat.
h.
If you’re very fussy fashion a black
foam wedge to blank off the gap under the
front seat.
with hole to locate in the rear seat hook (pic2)
38
Dead simple. Job done. A nice platform at
pannier level for unnecessary rubbish we
campers carry and of course the kitchen sink!
39
Diary of Events - November 06
These activities have been arranged as agent for and on behalf of The BMW Club
1
2
3
3-5
5
6
7
8
9
10
40
N.East
Belmont Community Centre, 7.30 p.m.
Natter Night and Top Box Sale with
Pizzas.
S.East
Club Night at ‘Riano’s’, Maidstone.
8pm.
Southern 12.00 Station Cafe, Alton. “Old Gits
Run”.
Western Evening Meeting – Codrington
Arms.19.30 hrsDenis Bradbeer –
01454 775786
Oxford
Natter night, George & Dragon,
Erlestoke, Wilts 7.00pm.
Southern 20.00 The Two Counties Inn (Flying
Bull), Rake.
Northern 8PM The Briars Hall Hotel Vera Hunt.
01257 464429
S.West Hippo Rally Anew venue for this popular winter camping weekend. This
year’s Hippo will take place at The
Plume of Feathers public House, on
the B3212 at Princetown, Dartmoor 7
mile N E of Yelverton.£5.50 /night.
Nobby Donno 01726 812471.
E.Anglia The Crossways Inn Scole Norfolk 1200
Midland Rangers clubhouse (indoors with hot
snacks) Islington Rd, Towcester,
Northants. 12 noon to 3.00pm John
and Janet Winn (01604) 631043
S.East
The Ford Run. Depart 10.30am
McDonalds Restaurant, Orbital Park,
Ashford. B2070 from M20 Jct 10. Also
11am for ‘Oakdene’ pick-up (Paul
Devall 01303 237549)
Southern 11.00 Breakfast run meet at
Morrisons Devizes.
Yorkshire 12:00 - Cracoe village hall.
Scottish Meldrums Hotel, Ceres, Fife. 19.30
Scottish Barbax, Paisley Road, Glasgow. 19.30
Mercia Four Counties Inn
Midland The Three Kings, Saltersway,
Threekingham, Lincs. (01529) 240249
Pub meet 7.30pm (Phone Bill Rodgers
on 01526 834480 to book January’s
evening meal)
Southern 20.00 Phoenix/Saddlers Arms.
Ulster
Club Meeting – Corr’s Corner 8.00 pm.
Western Evening Meeting – New Inn, Claines,
Worcs. 19.30 hrs. Bob Dunn – 01384
39044
Mercia Bull & Swan Inn
Mercia Cross & Bowling Green
Midland Green Dragon, Blind Lane Oxton,
Notts (0115) 965 2016 Pub meet
7.30pm
S.East
‘The Green Man’, Ringmer. 8pm.
12
E.Anglia “The 5 Miles From Anywhere”,
Upware, Nr. Soham Cambs. 1200
Noon.
Midland Greetham Community Centre - Indoors with hot snacks and bar. 11.30
onwards - lunch at 1.00pm Judy and
Mick Moyne (01572) 755519 - Tickets available for December’s Christmas lunch from Sally Cluley (01572)
813639
N.East Samye Ling Buddhist Temple; 10.00
from Safeway, Hexham; Tim Gorman
on 01429 232291.
Northern 2PM Section Gathering. Hale Barns
Geoff Thompson. 01706 629206
Oxford Section AGM, Uffington village hall,
2.00pm.
S.East
Dave’s Day Out. Depart 10.30am
from lay-by on A20 at Jct with M26.
(Dave Streeter 0208 462 4461).
Scottish Log Cabin Hotel, Kirkmichael,
Perthshire. 12.30
Southern 11.00 Skittles at The Phoenix:
booking essential Richard Tavener Tel
01252 838384
Ulster
Ride and meet for lunch – Halfway
House, Dromore 12.30 pm for 1.00
pm.
Western Easter Compton Meeting. 13.30 hrs.
‘Members Table Top Sale’. Sell your
own items – make some pennies to
keep your bike on the road.
Yorkshire 12:00 - The White Swan Inn at Blythe.
13
Yorkshire 20:00 - The Triton Inn at Brantingham.
14
London Coach and Horses, Newgate Street,
8pm
Oxford Natter night, Waggon and Horses,
Southmoor 7.30 pm
15
N.East The Waggon Inn, nr. Ponteland.
S.East
8pm.
Southern 12.00 Jack’s Fish & Chip Shop,
Bagshot. “Bikers Meet”.
16
Midland The King’s Head, Kinsgway, Tealby,
Lincs (01673) 838347 Pub meet
7.30pm
Southern 20.00 The Two Counties Inn (Flying Bull), Rake/True Lovers Knot.
17
Northern 8pm The Jesters Inn 810 Burnley
Road Loveclough Rossendale. Alan
Stretton 01706 656606
17-19 Western Hotel Weekend. Carlton Hotel,
Ilfracombe, North Devon. Details
Chris & Ali 0117 965 7757
19
E.Anglia The Shoulder Of Mutton Fordham
Essex 1200
London
21
22
23
26
27
28
29
30
Ride out to Ashwell, Herts. 10.00am
from Services S Mimms
S.West Pub Meet 12:00 The Globe at
Sampford Pevrell.
Yorkshire 12:00 - How Stean Gorge Cafe.
Midland The Park Hall Tavern, Park Hall Rd,
Mansfield Woodhouse, Notts (01623)
460267 Pub meet 8.00pm
Midland The Queen’s Arms, Isham Road,
Orlingbury, Northants. (01933)
Northern 7.30PM The Creek, Peel Isle of Man
Mercia The Chetwynd Arms
Mercia Whipping Stocks
N.East Jackson’s Wharf at Hartlepool Historic Quays.
Northern 8PM The Whipping Stocks - A50 2
miles South of Knutsford Mal
Wagstaff. 0161 747 4443
E.Anglia The Tatterset Café, junction of A148/
B1454 Nr. Fakenham Norfolk 11am
Mercia Tony Seddons African motorcycle trip
slide show & talk. Repton Village Hall
12noon 3pm
S.East
‘The Blue Bell’, Beltring, near Paddock Wood, 12 noon.
Scottish Hopeville Social Club, Harlaw Road,
Inverurie. 12.30
Scottish Crook Inn, North of Moffat on A701.
12.30
Southern 10.00 Breakfast run; meet at the
Flying Club Shoreham Airfield.
Northern 7.30 PM The Haraby Inn - Carlisle
John Bell. 01228 535173
London Old Guinea, Ridge, 8pm
Oxford Natter night, Dog & Partridge, Riseley,
nr Reading 8.00pm.
Yorkshire 20:00 - Gildersome Conservative
Club.
E.Anglia The Compasses Littley Green Essex
1900hrs
Mercia Four Counties Inn (noon
Southern 20.00 The Two Counties Inn (Flying Bull), Rake.
December 2006
1
2
Northern 8PM The Briars Hall Hotel Vera Hunt
01257 464429
London Christmas Dinner, details in Journal
Mercia Xmas dinner
Scottish St Andrew’s Night Dinner. Log Cabin
Hotel, Kirkmichael, Perthshire. Bookings to Dick 01343 870389
Western Ride to Bethlehem. Meet 12 noon.
Sarn Services Junct.36 – M4. Craft
Fair & Post your Christmas Cards.
Brian Price – 01792 862152.
3
E.Anglia The Crossways Inn Scole Norfolk
1200
Midland 2 Course Christmas Lunch plus Mince
Pies and Coffee and a glass of wine
at Greetham Community Centre at
1.00 pm, all for £9.00 - under 12’s
£5.00. Tickets available from Sally
Cluley (01572) 813639 Bar opens at
12.00
Yorkshire 12:00 - Cracoe village hall.
4
Scottish Meldrums Hotel, Ceres, Fife. 19.30
Scottish Barbax, Paisley Road, Glasgow .
19.30
5
Mercia Four Counties Inn
Midland The Three Kings, Saltersway,
Threekingham, Lincs. (01529)
240249 Pub meet 7.30pm (Phone Bill
Rodgers on 01526 834480 to book
January’s evening meal)
Ulster
Club Night and Christmas Carvery –
Corr’s Corner 8.00 pm.
Western Evening Meeting – New Inn, Claines,
Worcs. 19.30 hrs. Bob Dunn – 01384
390344
6
N.East Belmont Community Centre, 7.30
p.m.Dr. & Mrs J. Herbert’s Quiz Night
with mince pies.
S.East
8pm.
Southern 12.00 Station Cafe, Alton. “Old Gits
Run”.
Western Evening Meeting – Codrington Arms.
19.30 hrs. Denis Bradbeer – 01454
775786
7
Oxford Natter night, George & Dragon,
Erlestoke, Wilts 7.00pm.
8
S.East
‘The Green Man’, Ringmer. 8pm.
8-10 Northern Hostel & Camping Weekend, Plas Y
Nant, Betws Garmon, Caernarfon.
Rhys Jones on 01286 881076
9
S.West Xmas Party - The Globe at Sampford
Peverall from 7pm onwards
10
E.Anglia Xmas bash at The Five Miles Inn. A
large buffet has been arranged .
www.fivemilesinn.co.uk
Irish
Leinster Area – Christmas Lunch –
(venue to be confirmed). Anne
McDonald (01) 2865471
London Run out to Winslow, Bucks, 10am
from A41 Hemel Hempstead bypass
Midland Rangers clubhouse (indoors with hot
snacks) Islington Rd, Towcester,
Northants. 12 noon to 3.00pm John
or Janet Winn (01604) 631043
Northern 2PM Section Christmas Party. Hale
Barns Geoff Thompson 01706
629206
41
42
43
Oxford
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
19
20
21
24
26
44
Indoor meeting, Uffington village hall,
2.00pm.
S.East
Christmas Lunch. 12 noon. Venue to
be given at a later date, see Journal
or phone Margaret 01474 566142
Scottish Log Cabin Hotel, Kirkmichael,
Perthshire. 12.30
Western Easter Compton Meeting. 13.30hrs.
Christmas Party.
Yorkshire 12:00 - The White Swan Inn at Blythe.
Yorkshire 20:00 - The Triton Inn at Brantingham.
London Christmas Party, The Old Guinea ,
Ridge
Oxford
Natter night, Waggon and Horses,
Southmoor 7.30 pm
Mercia Bull & Swan Inn
Mercia Cross & Bowling Green
Midland Green Dragon, Blind Lane Oxton,
Notts (0115) 965 2016 Pub meet
7.30pm
Northern 7:30PM Christmas Dinner at the
Harraby Inn - Carlisle John Bell
01228 535173
Southern 20.00 The Flying Bull, Rake.
Northern 8pm The Jesters Inn 810 Burnley
Road Loveclough Rossendale. Alan
Stretton 01706 656606
Yorkshire Yorkshire Section Christmas Dinner
at The Rising Sun Inn, Whitwood, Nr
Castleford. Deposits to Dave Milne
01132 860604.
Yorkshire 12:00 - How Stean Gorge Cafe.
Midland The Park Hall Tavern, Park Hall Rd,
Mansfield Woodhouse, Notts (01623)
Midland The Queen’s Arms, Isham Road,
Orlingbury, Northants. (01933)
Northern 7:30PM The Creek, Peel Isle of Man
N.East The Waggon Inn, nr. Ponteland.
S.East
Festive Frolics at ‘Riano’s’, Maidstone. 8pm.
Southern 12.00 Jack’s Fish & Chip Shop,
Bagshot. “Bikers Meet”.
Midland The King’s Head, Kinsgway, Tealby,
Lincs. (01673) 838347 Pub meet
7.30pm
Northern 8PM The Whipping Stocks - A50 2
miles South of Knutsford. Mal
Wagstaff 0161 747 4443
Southern 20.00 True Lovers Knot.
E.Anglia It’s Xmas Eve let me know if you are
thinking of going to The Shoulder Of
Mutton we could always have a get
together but no doubt most of us will
“stay local”
S.West Boxing Day meet :12:00 The Globe
at Sampford Peverell. bring your new
toys to show off
Southern 12.00 Wickham Square. Meet with
27
28
Vintage MCC.
Western Boxing Day Bike Meet. Tipputs Inn on
A46 south of Nailsworth. From 11.00
hrs. Janet Wilson – 01225 858876.
E.Anglia The Compasses Littley Green Essex
1900hrs
Mercia The Chetwynd Arms
Mercia Four Counties Inn (noon)
Oxford Natter night, Dog & Partridge, Riseley,
nr Reading 8.00pm.
Mercia Whipping Stocks
N.East Jackson’s Wharf at Hartlepool Historic Quays.
Southern 20.00 The Flying Bull, Rake.
Please remember entries are only
accepted for inclusion in the ‘Diary’ and
‘Around the Compass’ from either your
Section secretary or from your Section
Social secretary. This is to ensure that
the Club abides by the rules which
provide our insurance cover. Any other
events should be sent to the Editor for
inclusion in ‘Events not organised by
the BMW Club’
Around The Compass
These activities have been arranged on behalf of The BMW Club
3-5 November 2006 : Hippo Rally
A new venue for this popular winter camping weekend. This years Hippo will take place at The Plume
of Feathers public House, on the B3212 at
Princetown, Dartmoor 7 mile N E of Yelverton.£5.50
/night Contact Nobby Donno on 01726 812471
NEC VOLUNTEERS
The BMW Club will be back to the
Motorcycle & Scooter Show again this
year. The dates are Thursday the 26th
October through to Sunday the 5th of
November.
Joking aside if you have a day or days to give the
club some help at this premier motorcycle event
please get in touch. You will be briefed on what is
involved.
The rewards are astounding, you get in the show
free from 8am if you want to, laughs are guaranteed
and we even supply the tea and coffee, with the
odd biscuit thrown in to keep your sugar levels
up.
J u n e 11 t h
to 14th Hotel
So you want to know more? Contact me at
Week-End in
32, Fairthorne Way, Shrivenham, SN6 8
Cumbria
EA, or phone 01793 782 428, email
Ride outs
[email protected].
We need your body to help run the stand and
the main qualification is that you are enthusiastic
about our Club. You will be expected to convey this
enthusiasm to any person who shows a remote
interest in BMW motorcycles and if they actually own
one then you will be obliged to make them a member.
If you have helped before and mentioned
that you would like to help again still contact
me so that I can get your details up to date.
Mike Warrilow.
45
German Jottings
by John Bentall
A
N AFTERMARKET ESA SYSTEM called
EDS is now being offered to the Dutch
firm White Power for the 1200GS/
1150GS&GSA and the 11150RT. Electric
motors adjust compression and rebound
damping front and rear and preload at the rear.
When the ignition is switched on the preload
adjustment lights are displayed first and after
20 seconds the damping characteristics
selection becomes available. In issue 16
Motorrad tested a 1200GS thus equipped. The
system responds immediately to pressure on
the rather small “up/down arrow” buttons with
noticeable effect. In the comfort setting the
suspension irons out quite coarse bumps and
in sports mode provides a settled ride on
motorways and fast, smooth A-roads. The
sports mode certainly provides plenty of
damping reserves for spirited road riding whilst
normal damping plus intermediate pre-load is
good compromise for everyday riding with an
80kg rider aboard. The system costs €1850
from WP dealers.
Issue 16 also contains an account of the first
27,000km with the long-term K1200S. The
fierce, grabby clutch was changed
immediately after delivery before the bike
started its hard life in the hands of the testers.
There were no problems in the early months;
testers favouring the ergonomics, engine,
stability and the ESA system, whilst criticising
the heavy clutch, mid-range vibrations,
awkward brakes, pitchy handling at low speed,
and noisy gearbox. The testers gave fulsome
praise the Michelin Pilot Power tyres fitted at
13,200km, after 2 seats of rear and 1 front
BT014 that required more effort to hold on
course and more self-righting tendency when
braking in corners. Other tyres tried during the
test were Pilot Roads which were OK but not
as good as the sports tyres and the Metzeler
Sportec M1 that offered plenty of grip but a
hard ride thanks to its stiff carcass. At 15,000
km the bike suffered its first mechanical
problem when it started to lose water, which
was eventually traced to a leaking water pump
seal that allowed water to mix with oil 46
fortunately without damage. At the same time
the team discover that reason for the
increasing stiff operation of the rear brake was
that the return spring was chewing into the
soft metal aluminium mounting plate. Owners
should keep an eye on the lever and its
mounting. At 26,000 km the cam chain
became rather noisy. In spite of the Dealer
saying “TADT” (they all do that), replacing the
tensioner and adjusting it to 3mm of free play
certainly cured the rattle. Other minor
problems included a faulty left indicator switch
and an increasingly grabby clutch. Oil
consumption has been minimal. The workshop
replaced a Duolever ball-joint for a later
version to cure complaints over low speed
handling.
The Wunderlich catalogue was raided to
experiment with a number of accessories
during the test. The Remus Titanium
Powercone exhaust was removed even before
the “dyno” test because it was so antisocially
loud the no-one wanted to drive around with
it; the smart Rizoma SportVario footrests were
removed because they caused the rider to
splay his legs out further and made the sidestand awkward to reach, and the VarioLever
hand controls were not particularly effective
or comfortable. However the “Power Sportego”
superbike top yoke and handlebar conversion
was enjoyed for several thousand km, as the
wide bars felt secure and comfortable both
around town and on the open road. The MRA
Vario-Touringscreen with its 7-way adjustable
spoiler provided effective wind-protection at
Autobahn speeds, even with the high-bar
conversion.
Motorrad reviewed Bluetooth communication
system in issue 19/2006. On test were the
System 5, Dainese Airstream Bluetooth, Nolan
N102 N-Com and Momo Jet Bluetooth helmets
as well as two add-on systems – the Bluebike
Basic and the Midland Intercom Bluetooth.
The prospective buyer must be careful to test
all the equipment before leaving the shop.
The BMW helmet bluetooth system
Helmet manufacturers normally give a list of
compatible mobile phones but one can never
be too careful even if they purport to follow
the same Bluetooth connection standards.
There can certainly be further problems when
one tries to connect two helmets and a mobile
phone at the same time. Although this should
be perfectly possible, one connection or the
other would be lost time and again. As for
adding a further connection to a Bluetoothenabled Satellite Navigation system, none of
the systems tested could cope with this
combination. It is not clear when links to
Bluetooth enabled music players will be
available – the famous iPod will currently only
connect to its own headset and not to a helmet.
BMW is meant to be announcing music
compatibility for the system 5 at the Cologne
show but it will not be cheap.
Other considerations are the fact that the
knobs on some systems as so small as to be
usable only with thin summer gloves; that the
weight, especially with a flip helmet, can touch
2 kilos, and that future music interfaces may
rapidly discharge the integrated batteries.
The Dainese (69 marks out of 100) proved to
be the top helmet, narrowly pipping the Nolan
(67) on the basis of speech clarity and wind
noise, albeit with merely a “satisfactory’ rating.
The BMW (61) suffered from poor rider-pillion
speech clarity at modest motorway speeds
and the Momo (40) was overwhelmed even
at town speeds. The Bluebike kit (66) did fairly
well on speech but was rather expensive and
featured “agricultural” build quality.
In conclusion one should wait as long as
possible, since this first generation of solutions
appears to offer modest performance whilst
more new entrants to the market will force
prices down over the coming months.
47
How Bluetooth Technology Works
(taken from the www.bluetooth.com website )
Bluetooth wireless technology is a short-range,
robust, low-power communications system that is
intended to replace the cables that connect portable
and/or fixed electronic devices. The Bluetooth core
system consists of an RF transceiver, baseband,
and protocol stack. The system offers services that
enable the connection of devices and the exchange
of a variety of data classes between these devices.
Overview
The Bluetooth RF (physical layer) operates in the
unlicensed ISM band at 2.4GHz. The system
employs a frequency hop transceiver to combat
interference and fading. During typical operation,
a physical radio channel is shared by a group of
devices that are synchronized to a common clock
and frequency hopping pattern. One device
provides the synchronization reference and is
known as the master. All other devices are known
as slaves. A group of devices synchronized in this
fashion form a piconet.
Why Choose Bluetooth wireless technology?
Bluetooth wireless technology is the simple choice
for
convenient,
wire-free,
short-range
communication between devices. It is a globally
available standard that wirelessly connects mobile
phones, portable computers, cars, stereo headsets,
MP3 players, and more. Thanks to the unique
concept of “profiles,” Bluetooth enabled products
do not need to install driver software. The
technology is now available in its fourth version of
the specification and continues to develop, building
on its inherent strengths — small-form factor radio,
low power, low cost, built-in security, robustness,
ease-of-use, and ad hoc networking abilities.
Ease of Use
Bluetooth technology is an ad hoc technology that
requires no fixed infrastructure and is simple to
install and set up. You don’t need wires to get
connected. The process for a new user is easy –
you get a Bluetooth branded product, check the
profiles available and connect it to another Bluetooth
48
device with the same profiles. The subsequent PIN
code process is as easy as when you identify
yourself at the ATM machine. When out-and-about,
you carry your personal area network (PAN) with
you and can even connect to others.
Globally Accepted Specification
Bluetooth wireless technology is the most widely
supported, versatile, and secure wireless standard
on the market today. The globally available
qualification program tests member products as to
their accordance with the standard. Since the first
release of the Bluetooth specification in 1999, over
4000 companies have become members in the
Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). Meanwhile,
the number of Bluetooth products on the market is
multiplying rapidly. Volumes have doubled for the
fourth consecutive year and are likely to reach an
installed base of 500 million units by the close of
2005.
Secure Connections
From the start, Bluetooth technology was designed
with security needs in mind. Since it is globally
available in the open 2.4 GHz ISM band, robustness
was built in from the beginning. With adaptive
frequency hopping (AFH), the signal “hops” and thus
limits interference from other signals. Further,
Bluetooth technology has built-in security such as
128bit encryption and PIN code authentication.
When Bluetooth products identify themselves, they
use the PIN code the first time they connect. Once
connected, always securely connected.
The Bluetooth SIG permits news and editorial usage
of our trade names without license. We encourage
the proper usage of our marks as it relates to
distinguishing Bluetooth wireless technology as a
particular short range wireless technology,
therefore, please always refer to the Bluetooth
brand book when using the marks in a news or
editorial piece
Ed’s Note : Rumour has it that BMW will be
introducing a bluetooth “hub” in the near future that
will allow you to interconnect several bluetoothenabled-devices together. Will this be the end of
wiring-as-we-know it ?
Getting down and dirty in
Wales with BMWs!
by Helen and Clive Holloway, and Lorraine Noble-Thompson
W
E LIKE TO live up to the title of the
article and did this big time on the
BMW Off-Road Skills course over in
Abercrave, South Wales. Only we decided to
add ‘and very wet’ to the ‘getting down and
dirty! This was the first course of the seasons
– the heavens opened and the rain persisted
for the two days, along with low level cloud
over the welsh hills. This led to dramatic,
muddy and challenging trails for the
participants and was welcomed by many as
being ideal conditions to learn the skills. To
be honest, we were all having so much fun no
one cared about the rain.
Lorraine Noble-Thompson, Clive and Helen
Holloway (normally tucked up in their classic
MG’s), along with 25 others joined the first
BMW off road skills course of the season,
which had been completely booked for
customers of Astle BMW Grimsby. Simon
Pavey, Chief Instructor and 6 times Dakar
Rally rider, was pleased to report that this is
the very first course in the history of the World
of BMW to have been completely booked out
by a dealer. It was a huge success organised
by Sarah and Nigel Hall who brought the likeminded group together.
We arrived at the Unit where we were kitted
out and collected our brand new, clean & shiny
bikes for the 8 mile ride up to the off road area
set in 4,000 acres of forest trails, hills and open
cinder areas which make up the challenging
terrain of a former open cast coal mine. We
were split into groups of similar skills level and
experience but whichever group you were in,
huge enjoyment and a great learning
experience was guaranteed by Simon Pavey
and the team of superb instructors.
The first session was all about bike control
and balance – finding the centre point, how to
hold the bike up with one finger whilst moving
around the entire bike, clutch and throttle
control to move the bike whilst walking
alongside (from either side). One of the most
important things we were taught was the
correct way to pick up a bike. (Some of us
had the opportunity to practice this more often
than others during the course of the
weekend!). Lorraine even managed to pick up
the new launch 1200gs adventure, through
sheer true grit and a little hand from Simon;
wow that’s one lot of bike.
We then went on to riding a slalom course
around cones on a loose, shale and broken
rubble surface and, mud, mud glorious mud
followed by a challenging ride within a 2m x
3m box. Most of us found one direction easier
than the other so we had to do it both
clockwise and anti-clockwise. I must say
…sorry about the squashed cones Simon.
Simon has his own version of ‘Simon says’,
which includes riding the bike standing with
both feet on either the left or right foot-peg,
kneeling on the seat, riding side saddle and
culminating on riding with no-hands. Please
do not try this at home folks!
After lunch of Hot soup, very large baguettes
and copious amounts of tea/coffee, the
49
braking techniques started – this involves
riding as fast towards a point as you dared
and slamming the rear brake on to
demonstrate how little the back brake does in
those situations. Nick Palmer, one of the
instructors referred to it as the grin factor! The
faster you go, the bigger your grin and how
right he was! Front braking using opposed
front brake and throttle wasn’t quite as
dramatic but was also a key skill to master –
(a bit like the effect of ‘heeling and toeing’ in a
car).
Then it was time to practice these skills in real
conditions and we took our first ride out onto
the forest trails. The course is based on the
building blocks principle so that you build on
skills already taught. We rode some wide
muddy and gravel strewn trails, narrow forest
tracks and even Wales’s own Road of Bones
which is a short section of heavily broken
tarmac with some the size of breeze blocks.
Helen got hit from behind by a rider who hadn’t
seen the group stop – this took out her rear
light and number plate. The second bike
toppled her bike, which snapped the clutch
lever off. Luckily the instructors carry some
spares so a quick five-minute repair and we
were off again.
We stopped at a slope that many of us
wouldn’t normally think of walking down but
this is where we learnt to ride down using just
engine braking – so simple when you’ve done
it once and it gives you a great feeling of total
control. Some of us did it by repeating the
mantra, ‘don’t touch anything, look ahead, and
look AHEAD!’
Rode back to the hospitality area in driving
rain for hot drinks and then headed back to
the unit where we dropped some very filthy
bikes. We were all mud splattered and happy
but some of us were plastered from head to
foot!
That night the entire team and instructors met
up at the Abercrave Hotel for a meal together
– it was a great opportunity to meet together
with like-minded biking people and share
stories. We especially enjoyed hearing all the
off-roading and Dakar experiences of the
instructors.
There was a lot of good-natured banter
amongst the group next day about those yet
to take a spill and get really dirty. Lorraine in
particular was still looking pristine in her gear.
That would change by the end of the next day!!
T
HE INSTRUCTORS really inspire total
trust and faith but they do enjoy having
their bit of fun with us – we were taken up a
steep cinder hill and stopped about 15 feet
short of the crest. Our instructor turned
around, grinned mischievously and yelled,
‘right then – follow me one at a time!’ as he
disappeared in a shower of gravel over what
appeared to us to be a sheer vertical drop.
We looked at each other, no one saying a word
but all thinking, ‘blooming heck!’ (or words to
that effect). A second’s hesitation and over
we all went like a bunch of lemmings. We all
had grins from ear to ear when we arrived at
the bottom.
50
Day two started off dry for the ride up to the
off road area but as soon as we went out to
start the heavens opened again. Day 2
included learning a lot more skills and building
on what we’d done yesterday but presented
greater challenges. Our instructor found an
even more challenging hill this morning but
this time with a strong right to left slope with
big rocks to avoid. We had to keep to the
uphill side due to the rocks on the left and to
totally weight the left peg to maintain maximum
grip. All went ok on the first run but then we
had to stop on the slope using a combination
of front and back brake. Easier for some than
others but no one complained about the spills
– it’s a case of laugh, pick yourself up and go
try it again until you succeed. How to recover
your bike on a hillside was a fascinating
technique and one we all enjoyed learning.
Letting the brake off and holding the clutch in
to get moving is very much a ‘leap of faith’.
However, the confidence it gives you knowing
the technique to deal with most situations is
amazing. We had to cross a small river
crossing at the bottom of one a sleep slope,
this was one of the three times Lorraine
decided to “ drop “ her bike. Instead of going
the way that everyone else went Lorraine’s
bike decided that it wanted to go through the
reeds and then changed it’s mind: too late
Lorraine was already flat on her back in the
water laughing her head off saying “ I’m wet
but still not muddy “. A couple of challenging
down hills later and Lorraine emerged, just like
one of us muddy from head to foot, still
grinning.
The scenery (in clear weather) is incredibly
beautiful but even in the rain it has it’s own
unique attraction. The wooded trails are
varied, some narrow with bushes whipping you
in the face, some wide gravel areas, some axle
deep mud which a few of us inspected a little
more closely than we’d have liked. At least
the landing is very soft! One trail descended
beside the course of beautiful stepped
waterfalls, which were really full of water
because of the rains.
With the day over and 28 very tired riders we
all rode back to the centre to have our bikes
and ourselves hosed down with a pressure
washers. Once dried off we were presented
with our certificates for completing the course.
Saying goodbye to all our new friends we
headed East and home. Well done to
Mick from Hull who travelled there on
his 1150 GS and after the course
travelled all the way back…what s a
true biker.
To get the best out of the course you
need to come with a sense of humour,
the ability to listen and to do whatever
the instructors tell you, to be able to
laugh at yourself when you get it wrong
and the willingness to help others. If
you do all this you’ll have the time of
your life. We’re all going back for sure
so see you there maybe I know from
Sarah at Astle BWM that there are
already 140 names booked to go on to
the course and all the courses are full
until 2007.
51
WHAT A RALLY GOOD TIME
Geoff Thompson
Congratulations to Graham Parker, the
Midland Section Committee and all the
willing helpers who made the Club’s
National Rally, which took place over the
August Bank Holiday, an outstanding
success.
Moreton Hall, Moreton Morrell, Warwickshire
normally provides conference and banqueting
facilities, whilst the remainder of the site is part
of the Warwickshire College and provides a
campus for hundreds of students during term
time. With its large camping area, halls of
residence, refectory and bars it only took the
addition of a large marquee and portaloos to
turn it into an ideal rally site. Once nearly 600
BMW Club Members, a full programme of
entertainment and rides plus good weather
were added all the essentials of a good rally
were in place. However, for me what made it
really work was the enthusiasm and welcome
52
of the organisers. Signing in at the main
marquee on Friday night I was welcomed with
a big smile and friendly banter and this
continued throughout the weekend.
Everywhere I went I found a friendly faced,
red T shirted Midlander encouraging me to
enjoy myself.
Smiles and a positive attitude are infectious
because everyone I met seemed to be laid
back, smiling and enjoying themselves. I was
also encouraged by the wide age range of
attendees. There were children, Club
members in there 20s, Club members in their
70s and many in between. There was
entertainment for all; a Saturday bus trip to
Stratford was very popular as was Sunday’s
family sports and Bracket’s Riding Skills
competition. A singer/comedian entertained
on Saturday night and on Sunday Virtual
Horse racing provided entertainment with a
difference. Thanks are also due to the
Traders, whose stands showed a wide range
of interesting things for rallyists to browse in
the quieter moments, and to those who gave
informative presentations.
As always walking round the camping field and
accommodation parking areas revealed what
a diverse bunch club members are! There
were the latest new bikes to stare at longingly,
well used bikes of all vintages and some
beautiful classic machinery to drool over too.
There was also evidence of what an innovative
bunch we are too when it comes to packing a
bike. The designer of Dr Who’s Tardis could
take a lesson from some of our 2 up campers!
The Midland Section certainly found a
successful formula with the Morton Morrell
Rally with both camping and room
accommodation combined with family
entertainment. We shall try to emulate this in
future National Rallies.
Speeding Ticket ? What Speeding Ticket ??
53
Disconnected Jottings from
an Old Codger
Hi Chris, I always look forward to receiving
the Journal & especially enjoy the articles on
biking abroad. Dave Hunt’s article has helped
to dispell some of my fears regarding the cross
channel bit, loading & unloading from
whichever cross channel device you use.
Being a bit more than three score & ten in
years I feel I just have another year or two left
on two wheels, so I feel it is now or never.
Living in the Lakes it is quite a treck down to
Dover so I have been considering Newcastle
as a more convenient port. Does any member
have an experience of using the ferries there?
Regarding the Trials & Tribulations article by
Nick Lowe I had a similar experience as his
friend a couple of weeks ago. I was searching
for Pendragon Castle ruins of King Arthur
fame, near Kirkby Stephen, in Nateby village
54
& took the wrong turnoff which took me onto a
narrow road with occasional wider passing
places.
After travelling a couple of miles I realised it
was the wrong road so I attempted to turn
around using a layby/passing place. I put my
right foot down to steady myself but there was
a slight hollow covered with fine gravel where
I planted my foot so I had to stretch a bit too
far, I lost my foot grip, did the “splits” astride
the bike & over we went, I managed to lower
the bike gently onto its side rather than drop
it. I know a K75 is a heavy bike when upright
but once passed the 45 degree position,
phew!! The only damage was the edge of the
mirror pod which came adrift on impact from
it’s snap on mounting. I attempted to pick up
the bike but it was on a slight slope with the
wheels at the top and poor foot grip because
of the gravel, I gave up as a bad job, plus I
did’nt want to cause any damage if I dropped
it again.
I was standing on the road in the middle of a
moor with only sheep for company wondering
how I could get help. After 10 minutes elapsed
a Volvo estate came over the hill and down
towards me. They managed to sqeeze passed
the back wheel of the bike which was halfway
across the road and parked on the layby. The
two couples got out of the car and asked if I
was ok.
One of the ladies said she was a keen biker
and volunteered her hubby to give me a lift.
Before we lifted I pulled down the side stand
and the two of us with a bit of grunting got the
bike upright again and over onto its side stand.
I turned the bike round to face downhill, fixed
the mirror back onto it’s mounting. I thanked
them gratefully for their help, they waited untill
I started up to make sure I was ok then on my
way home, forget Pendragon for today, to
nurse my injured pride and dignity but
thankfull for no damage elsewhere.
Looking back on the incident I was glad I was
able to keep clear of the bike and not trapped
underneath it otherwise I would have broken
something I’m sure. Next day however I was
very stiff in the lumbar region and my groin
felt strained,( I had a hernia op 10 years ago)
the surgeon had done a good job as, so far
nothing has come adrift down there.
I started my motorcycling in 1950 with a brand
new 197cc Villiers engined Ambassador with
rigid frame and Webb girder forks, bulb horn
and speedo showing 55mph at the end of it’s
semi circle face. 84 pounds on the road with
a full year’s road tax. My provisional driving
license was 5 bob (25p) which lasted 3
months. I immediately applied for my driving
test which took a couple of months to come
through, passed first time, got my Group G
annual 5 bob license and next day bought a
500cc AJS. Oh the luxury of a “springer” and
the performance and the powerful lights after
the direct lighting of the little 2 stroke, bliss.
I had a variety of bikes over the next few years,
Ariel, BSA. Douglas Dragonfly, & 1952 I
55
bought the first Douglas Vespa 125cc ( 125
quid plus road tax) in my home town in
Cumberland. I bought it so that I could travel
to country dances dressed in best bib and
tucker rather than oilskins. It did not pull the
girls though, so it was dumped in the back of
the garage and as I had by this time passed
my car driving test it was replaced in 1952 by
my first car, a 1936 BSA aircooled V twin 3
wheeler.
I remember one very cold frosty night I went a
country dance in the car and to keep it warm
and defrosted I lit a portable parrafin sump
warming heater inside the cabin. During the
dance a while later the MC made an
announcement from the stage. “ could the
owner of BAO 740 please go to the car park
where he will find his car on fire, thankyou,
carry on dancing” I rushed outside and saw
my car in the distance with clouds of what
looked like smoke billowing from the canvas
roof. It was steam due to a heavy frost and
the heat generated by the parrafin device
inside. The car was snug on the way home
though.
Commandant, was an Alvis fan, he had two
12/50s with a “dicky seat”. I used to wash &
polish them for something to do & kill time.
After demob, back into the family business,
marriage, two sons followed, thank goodness
one of them has a love of bikes like his old
man, although beit of Japanese origin. He
restores FS1 E’s ( his first bike) to better than
original condition, he has some other rare
Yams taking his total collection to eight bikes.
My K75 is the first break- away from British
I saw this car again 36 years after selling it to
a farm worker. I bought a Francis Barnet 225cc
in 1956 during my National Service. It was a
lovely little bike let down by the AMC engine.
I was a driving instructor diring N/S and taught
on M20, Matchless G3 and Ariel as well as
Bedford & Austin 3 tonners.
My final 3 months was on staff cars based in
Longtown with the Fanny Barnet as transport
to & from camp. My boss, the Camp
56
bikes, the left hand side gear change was the
trickiest bit to get used to but the electric right
leg is a real pleasure ( untill yesterday when
the battery gave up the ghost) The brakes,
the lights, the lack of oil drips, the comfort and
reliability make it a pleasure to own.
It uses very little oil between changes, 12 ltrs
of unleaded gives me 170 miles before
needing a fuel stop with plenty of squirt for
right hand to use. I have owned it 3 years &
have put 9000 of it’s 93000 miles on the clock.
The RT fairing is a winner in my book. Spoilt
rotten!!. ( They are nice bikes - but there again
I’m more than slightly biased ! Ed. )
My son bought my club membership for my
birthday when we were at the Staffordshire
Show 3 years ago. One of these days I intend
to have a club run under my belt. I am now
involved in the restoration of 3 1950
Brockhouse Corgis. I wanted one at the age
of 15 when they were all the rage in the town
& county as a cheap,easy way of getting
around.
My father & I lettered the number plates for
the local dealer who sold Corgi, Dot &
Ambassador bikes. One day we were in his
workshop lettering a Dot 197cc ice cream
tricycle, for his client, when he persuaded me
to buy this Ambassador still wrapped up in its
crate as there was a price increase of 3 quid
on the next one delivered. As my wage as an
apprentice to my father was 75p for a 44hour
week this did’nt take much persuasion, so I
lettered the number plates there & then.
It was a few weeks before my 16th birthday
so my father road it home for me. He hand
never ridden a bike before with foot gear
change or twist grip throttle, his last bike was
a V twin Jap engined Matchless with sidecar
in1919. So with peak cap back to front me
clinging on the back (first time on a motorbike)
off we went. The dealer, who was a local
scramble hero said “ give it plenty of throttle
cos twostrokes thrive on revs & it gives them
plenty of oil as well”. I looked back over my
shoulder as we set off and could’nt see the
street for clouds of smoke we had left behind.
57
My father often took it out for a spin and really
enjoyed himself, he was 64 at the time. An
interesting story re the Matchless, he & my
mother used to travel on it to Kirkby Lonsdale
to visit his sister there. Riding through Shap
village on route he used to stop at Simpson
Garage to fill up with petrol and just a few yards
after leaving the garage a farm dog would leap
out from a gateway to snap at his coat tails &
ankles for a few hundred yards. It was
notorious and had frequently caused near
accidents to solo riders in the past.
That night however, on the return journey
through Shap, my father saw a pair of eyes
reflecting in his acetylene headlight beam
belonging to the troublesome dog. In those
days no sidecar light was needed so it must
have been invisble to the dog. The sidecar
had a huge bull bar frame at the front holding
the wickerwork body. The poor dog was struck
by this protusion and with a yelp flew over my
mother ’s head . My mother was very
distressed so my father did’nt stop. The next
weekend when my father called in for petrol
Tom the garage owner said “ you know that
58
blasted sheep dog, Zak, well somebody
clouted it last Sunday night and it’s never run
after a bike since”. My father feigned surprise!
He also used to stop at a garage just north of
Kendal at Selside ( its now luxury holiday
cottages) for ROP petrol( Russian Oil
Products) and in later years when I was a
toddler he used to fill up our 1932 Riley 9
Monaco with it saying how much better it
performed. At 7p a gallon who could argue.It
was only 10p when I started filling my tank.
The guy at the garage gave me a lapel badge
for ROP in the shape of an old bowser pump,
now either lost or traded at school or
something. The enclosed picture shows the
AA call box at the top of Dunmail Raise just
south of Thirmere, before dropping down to
Grassmere. Reminiscing is a sign of old age,
Confusious he says” when man looks back
he is getting old, when woman looks back,
follow her”
I hope I can manage my trip abroad before
it’s too late ( its never too late ! Ed. ) , but
happy & safe riding.
A Day In The Life
Did someone mention Trade-In ??
To: [email protected]
Subject: Fw: Case 90409
Chris, please take a look at the attached and let
me know if you would print an extract in your
“letters” page or similar. I am a club member who
was fast becoming a BMW fan after countless
Japanese and Italian models, and of course
Vincent.
I appreciate BMW are spending a
substantial amount with you on advertising, but
in 40 years of motorcycling I’ve never
experienced such a poor responce (or trade in
deal) from a manufacturer.
I feel that people should realise that all
the hype around BMW “value” in regard to their
“new breed” of K series needs a bit of deflation,
and BMW could do with a bit less corporate
arrogance!
I’m used to the trade in penalties associated with
change.
However, no past trading with Japanese
and Italian bikes prepared me for what I
experienced today. I am (was) looking to trade
the K1200R for a K1200S with similar full spec.
of extras. My K1200R is in top condition and has
covered 4,000 miles. From Balderstons I was
offered £6,000, they said they didn’t really want
it! And from SBW a similar response and an offer
of “perhaps £7,000 ish”. I await a response from
Cannon’s, my nearest dealer.
I cannot believe what appears to be the
myth of BMW “value” is in fact such rubbish,
especially in the face of the fact that I was looking
to purchase another top spec BMW!
I had considered writing to MCN and the
various other magazines I subscribe to in order
to publicly comment on the true residual value
of these machines, but thought it more
reasonable to seek a reply form BMW first. I look
forward to any comment you may have. I would
remain enthusiastic in buying the K1200S, but
not in the face of such intolerable loss against
what I had thought to be a prestigious model.
Best Regards
Steve Wright
Regards, Steve Wright
To:[email protected]
Subject: BMW Motorrad
Dear Sirs,
in July 2005 I purchased a new
K1200R with just about every available extra from
SBW. It was difficult at the time to locate this
model for sale. Therefore, no discount was
received, even for a cash sale with no trade in.
In all the bike cost me around £12,000. I was
considerably swayed by so called “high residual
value of BMWs, especially when fully loaded with
extras” as described by their salesman. I had
always thought this to be true, although I had
not previously owned a BMW bike I have faired
ok with BMW cars in the past.
I would have to say I was not overly
impressed with the finish, low speed fuelling and
gearbox, but otherwise it provided the change I
required at the time. I should mention that I’m 57
years old and have owned motorcycles without
a break since the age of eleven. I buy on average
one or two new bikes a year, and have lost count
of how many new bikes I have bought.Therefore
59
We appreciate your comments that the
values offered give you cause for concern and
we would recommend researching alternative
prices and the possibility of selling your vehicle
privately. BMW UK appreciate feedback from
our customers and we have noted your
comments under case number 90409.
We are sorry that the dealerships
contacted have been unable to offer you the price
you would have hoped for for your motorbike and
we can assure you of our attention, should the
need arise, at any stage in the future.
Regards Zoe Shambrook BMW Group UK
From: [email protected]
Subject: Case 90409
Dear Mr Wright
Thank you for your e-mail dated August 12, 2006.
We are sorry to learn that you are disappointed
with the trade in value offered for your vehicle
and we would like to apologise for any concern
that this may have caused. BMW UK have no
influence over the values however our vehicles
are among the best performers for residual
values in the market place.
We are aware that the UK motorbike
market as a whole has suffered over the last year
with poor performance and sales units reported
by the majority of manufacturers and that this
has had an effect on the current residual values.
We can advise that the trade in or buy
back prices offered by a dealership will depend
on a number of factors. The age, mileage and
condition of the vehicle are all taken in to account
along with the current demand for the vehicle in
question. Valuations on used vehicles are usually
dictated by companies such as Parkers Guide
or CAP Monitor that set valuations based on
current market conditions.
60
From: Steve
To: Zoe Shambrook
Subject: Fw: Case 90409
Zoe, I am not impressed by the explanation as
to how the motor trade works in regard to “We
can advise that the trade in or buy back prices
offered by a dealership “ etc. I buy and sell a
number of motorcycles and was making the point
in my previous note that this was by a huge
margin the worst performing purchase I have
ever experienced in terms of residual value. A s
for “BMW UK have no influence over the values
“, the fact that according to your dealers BMW
finance what amounts to a £2,700 new price
reduction on K1200R’s, I would suggest that it
would be hard to think of anything more influential
on residual values!!
For the record, Cannon’s came back to
me today. They were very sympathetic, but would
not take my K1200R in part exchange, regardless
of price. In common with the other dealers I spoke
to, they cannot sell what they have in stock. What
chance would one have in a private sale, do you
think? Very impressive for a one year old, low
mileage near top of the range bike!
special tool additions. Then I look at the 1200GS
and wonder how well this will behave in 16 years
time . That said, in my experience ( mainly K’s )
BMW motorcycles *are* built with the long-haul
*and* long-term ownership aspect in mind : if you
chop and change any vehicle on a regular shortterm basis - especially if buying new each and
every time - you will obviously take a hit on
depreciation !
Politeness requires me to contact BMW
about this before considering any publication as matters stand this is a “private” exchange
between you and the company so they may wish
to expand and/or elaborate on their reply.
Regards Chris Fleming
Editor : The BMW Club Journal
From: Deepthroat
To: BMW Club Journal Editor
Subject: Re: Case 90409
My next move will be to see if BMW’s advertising
revenue manages to influence free speech in the
“letters” pages of the various publications I
subscribe to, including the Owner’s Club
magazine.
Regards, Steve Wright
From: BMW Club Journal Editor
To: ‘Steve’ ; GBCustomerSupport
Subject: RE: Case 90409
Hello Steve
Thanks for sending this : food for thought, indeed,
and a possible “subject-for-discussion” in The
Journal. For what its worth I have thought for
some time that in their recent attempts to reinvent and repackage their motorcycles to a new
generation of riders (dare I say younger ... ?),
BMW appear to have exchanged the concept of
“quality” for “quantity” in many respects. For
example my 16-year-old K75RT is still going
strong, it has no surface rust or corroded screw/
fittings apparent, it has good quality electrical
connectors and wiring throughout, and it can be
serviced with a basic toolkit with one or two
Chris
This really is an amazingly high depreciation rate
- as bad as any Ford!!
It may be that what is seen here is
replicated throughout the UK market particularly
as we head towards the end of the season and
the launch of next year’s models. The fact that
dealers are saying ‘not at any price’ can only
mean that they fear being stuck with it over the
winter - capital tied up is ‘dead’ capital. If you
study the car market, where anyone can buy a
year old Focus for about 60% (or less) of list price
from a supersite, then bike users are very hard
done by. The point is that those Ford Focus’s
are nominal Ford employee operated cars and
nobody has ever paid anything like list price for
it anyway. It ain’t like that with bikes because
BMW and no doubt other bike makers have a
61
you for your continued support and I wish you
an enjoyable remainder of the motorcycle
season.
Yours sincerely James Collins
BMW Group UK
strong interest in maintaining high prices. Both
BMW cars as well as Honda cars are seldom
discounted thanks to Head Office price controls.
Dealers are told ‘discount at your peril’.
To: ‘[email protected]’
Subject: Case 90409
Dear Mr Flemming
Many thanks for taking the time to forward
us a copy of this mail offering us opportunity to
communicate with you. Thank you for your
support and comments in your mail to Mr Wright.
As you are aware, we cannot influence
the residual value of vehicles, as this is
determined by various market forces, but I do
still consider BMW motorcycles to fair
exceptionally well residually in comparison to
other manufacturers. Personally I do not share
Mr Wrights views with reference to the build
quality. BMW build motorcycles of extremely high
build quality and tolerances, but no
manufacturers can offer a product and guarantee
that it will not fail over the course of its life, but
BMW (UK) Ltd do offer an initial warranty with
the option for a customer to purchase an insured
warranty policy on the originals expiry.
I do hope that this offers you an explanation in
our thoughts on this matter and confirm that I
would be more than happy to discuss this matter
further with you if you wish to. Once again, thank
62
To: BMW Club Journal Editor
Subject: Re: Case 90409
Chris, an update on my earlier note:
I contacted Pidcocks as I read good
things about them in various places. The attitude,
and just as importantly the deal offered was in
sharp contrast to the other BMW dealers I had
spoken with. Our negotiations resulted in an
order for a new K1200S, taking my K1200R in at
a reasonable price with October delivery. They
are 170 miles from me, hardly ideal but needs
must.....
However, to say I’m still taken aback at
BMW’s attitude and that of several of it’s dealers
is an understatement. In particular I would have
to say Balderstons and Sawbridgeworth left by
far the worst impression, followed by Cannons.
At least Vines offered a deal, however derisory!
South London Motorcycles never even returned
with a quote for my K1200R, only offered a price
on a stock K1200S they couldn’t shift, and then
with no mention of trade in value for my bike.
So in conclusion my stance remains
almost the same in that in I would modify my
complaint to commend Pidcocks on their
refreshing attitude, which really goes to make
BMW and the other dealers mentioned even
worse by displaying such contrast in behaviour.
Sorry about the rant, what a start to BMW
ownership!!
Cheers, Steve Wright
Editor’s endpiece : The UK bike market is very
fragile, more so than in previous years. We have
seen all sorts of inducements to sell bikes including
virtually free finance and ‘cash back’ deals but little
discounting of list prices. That’s likely to change
since the winter will see bike dealers closing as
the harsh business environment bites. By their own
admission BMW make more bikes than they can
sell so either prices will drop or heavily discounted
almost-new dealer demo bikes will become very
common indeed!
The answer? Don’t buy new then you won’t see
such high depreciation. Easier said than done,
though, when you see the “temptations “on offer !
Where we meet
EAST ANGLIA: The Cossways, Scole Norfolk.
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.
IRISH: Dublin Meeting:- 4th Thursday 8.00 pm
West County Hotel, Chapelizod. Michael Ganly
4945871 [email protected] North West
Meeting:- 2nd Sunday in Coffey’s Café, Carrickon-Shannon, 11.00am. Jim O’Connell 0862805974. Limerick Meeting:- 2 nd Tuesday.
Woodfield House Hotel, Ennis Road, 9.00 pm –
Peter Deevy, 087-2570855, 061 354 379 Email:
[email protected] Limerick Meeting:- 1st Monday.
Jurys Hotel at 8.00pm. Contact Pat Mulcahy 0872377312 Donegal Diamond Meeting:- Last
Sunday. John Couzens 074-9541741 Cork
Meeting:- Every Tuesday for June, July, August.
Run from Statoil Frankfield at 7.00pm Sharp.
LONDON: The Coach & Horses, Newgate Street
Village (M25 J24, A1000 towards Hatfield, then
right on B157) 20.00 second Tuesday. The Old
Guinea, Ridge (about 1 mile West of M25/A1
interchange at South Mimms) 20.00 fourth
Tuesday.
MERCIA: Four Counties Inn, No Mans Heath.
19.30 1st Tues and 12 noon last Wed.; Cross &
Bowling Green, Branson Cross, on A435 at
junction B4101. Adj Q8 petrol station. 19.30 2nd.
Thurs. The Chetwynd Arms, A34 Brocton Nr.
Stafford, 19.30 4th Wed; Bull & Swan, Diseworth,
Off A453 Nr East Midlands Airport 2nd Wed.
19.30.; Whipping Stocks, A50 Peover, Nr.
Knutsford – 19.30 4th. Thurs. (with Northern
Section)
MIDLAND: All year round meetings - The Fox,
Grantham Road, Ropsley Lincs. NG33 4BX
(01476) 585339 1st Tuesday 7.30pm ~ The Green
Dragon, Blind Lane, Oxton, Notts. NG25 0SS
(0115) 9652012 2nd Thursday 7.30pm ~ The Park
Hall Tavern, Park Hall Road, Mansfield
Woodhouse, Notts NG19 8PX. (01623) 460267
3rd Tuesday 8pm ~ The Queen’s Arms, Isham
Road, Orlingbury, Northants. NN14 1JD (01933)
678258 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 – both
occasional Sundays, October to March – see
Midland website.
NORTH EAST: Belmont Community Centre,
Sunderland Road, Gilesgate, nr Durham.19.30.
1st Wed: The Waggon Inn, on A696, 3m NW of
Ponteland, 19.30. 3rd Wed: Jackson’s Wharf Pub,
Jackson’s Landing, Hartlepool Historic Quays,
19.30. Thursday following 4th Wed.
Please send all changes to Where We
Meet to the Editor
NORTHERN: The Briars Hall Hotel on A5209 near
Burscough, Lancs, 20.00 1st Fri.; All Saints
Church Hall, Hale Barns, A538, 14:00, 2nd Sun;
The Deer Play A671 Burnley Road, Nr Bacup.
19:30, 3rd Friday; Harraby Inn, Carlisle, A6, 2
miles west of M6 J42, 19.30, last Monday; The
Whipping Stocks, south Knutsford, A50, 20.00,
4th Thurs.
OXFORD: George & Dragon, Erlestoke, Wilts
7.00pm, 1st Thursday; Waggon and Horses at
Southmoor off the A420, 19:30, 2nd Tues; Dog &
Partridge, Riseley (off end of Swallowfield by-pass
[A33]) 19:30, 4th Tues; Village Hall, Uffington,
Oxfordshire, 14:00 occ. Suns
SCOTTISH: Meldrums Hotel, Ceres, Fife, 19:30,
1st Mon; Gairdeners’ Arms, 232 Paisley Road,
Glasgow, 19:00, 1st Mon; The Log Cabin Hotel,
Kirkmichael, Perthshire, 12:30, 2nd Sun; Crook
Inn, A701 north of Moffat, 12:30, last Sunday;
Hopeville Social Club, Harlaw Road, Inverurie.
12.30, 4th Sun.
SOUTHERN: The Phoenix Inn, Twyford, Hants,
on the B3335 1 mile south of M3, J11, 20:00 alt
Tues; The Saddlers Arms, Send Marsh, Nr. Ripley.
20.00 alt. Tues; The Flying Bull, Rake, on the
B2070 between Liphook and Petersfield, alt
Thurs;The True Lovers Knot at Tarrant Keyneston,
Dorset, 3 miles east of Blandford on the B3082
Wimborne Road, 20.00. 3rd Thursday
SOUTH EAST: Riano’s, A26, Maidstone, 20:00,
1st/ 3rd Wed; The Green Man, Lewes Road
(B2192), Ringmer, East Sussex, 20:00 2nd Fri;
The Blue Bell’, on the A228 opposite the Paddock
Wood Hop Farm, 4th Sunday, 12 noon
SOUTH WEST: Jamaica Inn: At Bolventor, off A30
east of Bodmin. (Signed from A30); The Globe:
Exit M5 J27 to A361 for Barnstaple and first left to
Samford Peverell. All meets 1200 as per calendar
of events. Good Knight Inn, Cheriton Bishop: off
A30 between Exeter and Okehampton as per diary
of events.
ULSTER: Corr’s Corner, Glengormley, Co Antrim,
20:00 1st Tues; Wed. Evening Runs, Corr’s
Corner, 19:00 April, May, Sept, 19:30 June - Aug;
Sunday Morning Runs. Sandyknowes
Roundabout (unless specified), 10:30, most Suns,
(July - Oct).
WESTERN: Easter Compton Village Hall - on the
B4055 (south of Junction 1 - M48)13.30hrs - 2nd
Sunday.New Inn, Claines, Worcester - 19.30 hrs
- 1st Tuesday. Codrington Arms, Codrington,
Westerleigh - 19.30 hrs - 1st Wednesday
YORKSHIRE: Cracoe Village Hall on B6265
between Skipton and Kilnsey Crag, 12:00, 1st
Sun; The Triton Inn, Brantingham, N Humberside,
20:00, 2nd Mon; White Swan Blyth, 12:00, 2nd
Sun; The Conservative club, Town Street
Gildersome, 20:00, last Tues of the month. How
Steam Gorge Cafe, Lofthouse, near Pately Bridge
12.00 3rd Sunday
63
Social and Register Secretaries
East Anglia: Paul Brown,
33a March Road, Wimblington, March, Cambs,
PE15 0RW. Tel: 0845 1560715 e-mail
[email protected]
Irish: Claire Mullen,
11
Knocknarea
Villas,
Sligo.
Tel:
00353719170887, e-mail: [email protected]
London: Mick Miles,
Shepherd’s Ley, Lamb Lane, Redbourn, St
Albans. AL3 7BS. Tel: 015 8279 3188.
Mercia: Keith Hamilton,
12 Meridith Close, Horninglow, Burton on Trent,
Staffs DE14 2SL Tel: 01283 516793
Midland: Lisa Parker,
7 Harter Avenue, Wood End, Cranfield,
Bedfordshire MK43 0EE Tel: 01234 750959
Northern: Geoff Thompson,
44 Bamford Road, Heywood, Lancashire. OL10
4TA.
Tel:
01706
629206.
e-mail:
[email protected]
North East: Tony Seed,
3 Friarswood Close, Yarm, Stockton on Tees.
TS15 9JG. Tel: 01642 785880. e-mail:
[email protected]
Oxford: John Hillier,
27 Stephens Close, Mortimer, Reading. RG7
3TX. Tel: 01189 332152.
Scottish: Bill Gault,
01771 637194
email: [email protected]
Southern: Nigel Page,
6 Eversleigh Court, High Path, Easebourne,
Midhurst, W. Sussex. GU29 9BP. Tel: 01730
South East: John Smith,
12 Castleton Avenue, Barnehurst, Kent. DA7
6QU. Tel: 01322 342320.
South West: Keith Hackett,
41 Primley Park, Paignton, Devon. Tel: 01803
Ulster: Michael Sweeney,
34 Edward Street, Downpatrick, Co Down, Nr.
Ireland. BT306JD. Tel: 028 44 615692.
Western: Janet Wilson, 4 Brow Villas,
Batheaston, Bath BA1 7NA. Tel:01225 858876
eMail [email protected]
Yorkshire: Dave Milne, 132 Sandgate Drive,
Kippax, Leeds LS25 7QR tel: 0113 2860604.
For contact details for the Associate Sec for America, and secretaries for the Sidecar,
Sporting and Vintage & Classic Registers see under National Officers at the front of this
Journal.
Section & Register News
Sporting News
Robert Bensley
Would you believe I am writing this sitting in a truck
waiting to be loaded in a cold store near Barnsley,
just seen an R100RS in the car park (wonder if he
(or she) is a member). Rather than tell you about
my trip up the A17-A1, I‘ll tell you about the sporting event at Moreton Morrell (August Holiday Rally).
I set up the usual obstacle course, riding
the planks, bursting the balloons etc. (the K1200LT
broke the scaffold board on the see-saw) ably as-
64
sisted by about 15 helpers including Tracey who
was volunteered to be part of the competition.(She
had travelled there in the back of the truck, (Essex
girl style) (knickers round her ankles) much to the
amusement of truckers and young lads in white
vans). I left her guarding our caravan when Pete
Leach kidnapped her, later she was seen disappearing and reappearing from several tents, to coin
a phrase “ A good time was had by all”.
With the constant threat of litigation the only
section I dare time was the slow riding bit and that
which involved undoing Tracey’s bra. I took into
account when marking whether it was done from
sitting on the bike and how many hands were
needed Andy done it in 3 seconds flat with one hand,
he also got the best score over all.
Jenny Batley was first lady, (didn’t get the
fastest time on the bra removal though) but asked
me to undo hers (during the presentation) (embarrassingly I took my time) (never could get the hang
of those things) (usually found it easier in the dark)
so she now knows my technique, (really should have
asked Andy, he‘s the expert).
East Anglia
Paul Brown
Hi, Well as our Section AGM will have been held
on the 8th October, I may well no longer be your
Social Secretary. These news letters have to be
written a considerable time in advance which is why
I have always promoted our BMW Club website
where, as those with computors will already know,
all the latest information on club activities can be
gleaned. Should I have been re-elected then you
have to tolerate my ramblings for another year!
Otherwise, a warm welcome to our new Social Sec!
Although not an East Anglian event but
more of a National Event, I must remind you of The
Hippo Rally run by the Southwest Section. This
annual rally is taking place 3 rd to 5th November at
The Plume of Feathers, Princetown, Dartmoor.
Some of our section have “survived” The Hippo in
past years and I hope we can produce a good turnout to this meet. As an incentive I will buy any East
Anglian Member present a pint! This is one of the
camping weekends that will sort the men from the
boys! More information can be obtained from Nobby
Donno on 01726 812471
The Blackbull Rally run
jointly with the Northern
Section at the end of
September was a great
success, a dozen or so
enjoyed the last of the
September sunshine
camping (see picture)
but a couple took advantage of the luxury mobile
homes on site. Friday
and Saturday evenings
were spent in The Black
Bull with splendid meals
from their extensive
menu. The Saturday
rideout, of some sixtyfive miles through spectacular Yorkshire scenery in brilliant sunshine,
resembled views of
Switzerland. Lead by
Geoff Thompson our
National Social Secretary this terminated at
Whitby for the now customary Fish and Chips.
From here riders made
their own way back with several visiting Goathland
and Pickering. Watch out for this one next year and
note that B&B is also available. It is a sad reflection on our Section that, just like the Normandy
Week, I was the only member from East Anglia.
The 26 th of November brings yet another Sunday
Café Meet at The Tatterset Café, located at the junction of the A148/ B1454 near Fakenham Norfolk
this will be from 11am.
Our Section Christmas Gathering is on Sunday
10th December at The Five Miles Inn. Remember
they do have rooms available so, if you are travelling a considerable distance and fancy a drink during the afternoon without the long ride home, please
book directly with the Inn as soon as possible.
Mercia Section
Keith Hamilton
September what a month lots of rain and lots more
rain but the busiest month for the section
First ride was Reg and Jackies coast to
coast 7 bikes 11 members we started in the rain
and ended in the rain .We arrived at Morecombe
and three in the group went to Greenwoods and
brought matching green jumpers £4 each (you know
who you are). Lunch stop was in Leyburn, Sams
coffee shop what a great bunch they served us
with food and drinks ,they even gave us a mop and
bucket to mop up all the water that came out of the
65
green jumpers .I have never rode in weather like it!
the rain followed us all the way to Whitby we all
stayed in different accommodation but met for dinner at night . A great weekend despite the weather
thanks to Chris& Jackie.
Sept 10th My run to Llandudno we could not
have asked for better weather ,a good mix of A &B
roads to the Horse Shoe Pass coffee stop at the
Ponderosa we could see for miles . We set off
across country with great view of the Snowdonia
Mountains. Some narrow lanes some wide with
sweeping bends a great run up to Great Horm . 20
bikes on the run thank you all for your support and
thanks to Bernie for tail end Charlie.
16th Sept County Air Ambulance Jeff Lane
led a run of 12 bikes from the Warwick bypass to
hand over a cheque for £1000 sadly as we left Stratford Jeff came off his bike Paramedics called! road
blocked !police in attendance !.The ambulance was
45 minutes away Jeff in a lot of pain but in good
spirits the Air Ambulance was called. But not
County! Coventry& Warwickshire (The yellow one)
the helicopter landed in the road Jeff was loaded
up and of they went to hospital .I would like to thank
all the members involved for the team work they
did in assisting Jeff ( Cheers)
Jeff spent just over a week in hospital and
is now back at home to recuperate hope you get
well soon. The rest of the group carried on to hand
over the cheque to County Air Ambulance who were
very grateful for the members hard work and generosity .. Thanks to Jeff for sorting the run and corresponding with Air Ambulance over the last year
it’s a shame you missed the roast pork Jeff it was
beautiful !!!
Terry&Sue’s YHA weekend in the Brecon
Beacons A very WET start we rode through six
inches of water in places after the Stourport coffee
stop the weather got better the run to Hay was great
.A good thing they have a drying room .We awoke
to good weather on Saturday morning the plan for
the day was a run in and around the Black Mountains with lots of cake stops, back to the youth
hostel for a three course dinner and a quiz . Sunday good weather again a ride up to the Black Mountain Railway. A great Railway with fantastic views
and very friendly staff well worth a visit they are
restoring a bigger engine in their own workshops
it’s a big number 2 .. Six bikes and ten members
enjoyed the weekend and one of the ladies took it
upon her self to keep the rhubarb watered (you know
who you are ). Thanks to Terry & Sue for a great
weekend unfortunately the last as the YHA are closing the centre down at the end of the year also
thanks to Paula & Paul who run the Hostel for putting
up with us. 26 th Nov Repton Village Hall Tony
Seddon is giving a talk and slide show on their
motorcycle tour of southwest Africa with the South
African Army .12noon to 3pm.
66
PLAS TELGARTH 9th Dec Xmas party there are
still some places left £40 per person per night
with great Raffle prizes 1st prize a BMW helmet
voucher from Roy Pidcocks and many other
prizes
Midland Section
Martin Ellis
September was a quiet
month for the section
where runs are concerned, and we really only
had Richard’s ride to
Kenilworth Castle. At least
the weather stayed good
for the ride, but Richard
had to cope with the fact
that a large part of our regular team were on holiday over that particular weekend.
The Sleaford show provided an excellent showing
of bikes from section members as usual, and Bill
Rodgers offers his thanks for the support. The inclement weather lessened the turnout somewhat,
but we still had over 40 bikes on display. Well done.
As you know, our section AGM took place
on the 8th of October, but due to publishing deadlines for the Journal, it was too late to be able to
produce a report in time for this issue. A report
should however, be on the Midland website by now
for those with internet access, and further details
will appear in the December section news for those
without. Catering was by Judy and Mick Moyne,
and they’ve also agreed to cover November and
next January at Greetham for us too, so if you fancy
giving them a hand either on the day, or with preparation beforehand, please call them now and let
them know (01572) 755519. We need volunteers
to cover the catering for Greetham next year too –
fancy having a go?
The Three Kings at Threekingham seems to be
settling in now as our replacement for the Fox, and
we will be having our post-Christmas lunch there
on Saturday January 13th next year (my birthday!).
As always, Bill Rodgers is organising it, and all
places need booking in advance. Please do this as
soon as you can as we need to know how many to
cater for. Bill is reachable on (01526) 834480.
It looks as though you’ll be stuck with me for another year as Social Secretary, and with that in mind,
there should be a provisional calendar for next year
at Towcester on the 5 th, and Greetham on the 12th
for any of you to suggest ideas for rides and events
for 2007, and to register your support with me if
you fancy leading a run or arranging a camping
weekend yourself. I already have some rideout
ideas, and leaders for some of those would be
greatly appreciated. Seek me out and I’ll let you
know what’s involved.
Our indoor Sunday gatherings over winter are now
in full swing at both of our venues, and as I like to
try to attend all of them if possible, I look forward to
seeing many new, and familiar faces. The meeting
places are the community centre, Great lane,
Greetham, Rutland (Judy and Mick Moyne), and
the Rangers clubhouse, on the right at the bottom
of Islington Road in Towcester, Northants (Janet
and John Winn 01604 631043). There is always
something to talk about, and you’re guaranteed a
good chinwag, a chance to put faces to names and
enjoy hot snacks and other refreshments, all for
only a couple of quid. Details in the diary section,
in the centre of each Journal. At the end of last
season, we had numbers in the 50s at Towcester
and in the 60s at Greetham. Long may it continue.
Sunday 3rd December will see us once again
enjoying a 2 Course Christmas Lunch plus
Mince Pies and Coffee and a glass of wine at
Greetham Community Centre, courtesy of Sally
Cluley from whom tickets are available. The meal
is at 1.00 pm and costs £9.00 - under 12’s £5.00.
Tickets available from Sally on (01572) 813639.
If you can, check the Midland website regularly for
more information, along with updates and late
news. http://www.bmw-club.org.uk/midland and
don’t forget the midland chat area on the club forum at http://forum.bmw-club.org.uk/ Start times/
locations and contact details can be found in the
diary section of The Journal, or I’m available by
phone (even on the bike!) on (07970) 682972 or by
e-mail at [email protected]
Northern Section
Geoff Thompson
By the time you are reading this the clocks will have
gone back, the dark evenings will be upon us and
many will have put their bikes away for the winter.
With that in mind no Section Sunday runs have been
planned for November, December and January.
However, Rhys Jones has organised a Hostel and
Camping weekend in North Wales over the weekend of the 8th -10 th December; further details are in
the Diary of Events pages. There is also the
Christmas Party to look forward at Hale Barns
on 10th December. To help with the catering you
are asked to bring suitable food to share. Sausage rolls, fancy cakes, jellies and so on will all
be extremely welcome. On 14th December John
Bell has arranged a Christmas Dinner at the
Haraby Inn at Carlisle; if you are interested in
going please contact him as soon as possible
on 01228 535173.
Looking back now, the end of the summer was very
busy for the Section and I have the following reports to whet your appetite for next year. If you are
one of our many “unseen” members why not join
us on an event soon? They are fun!
Bob Harrison: French week 2nd – 9th September.
Fourteen participants on six BMWs and two
Yamahas enjoyed a hot Dordogne in sultry France.
Static caravans and frame tents provided the accommodation and the weather was superb, lending itself to barbecues and red wine. The first
evening on site was enlivened by a local chap’s
fortieth; beer, wine and good music added to the
ambience, that’s French for a cracking good time.
The bar, the pool, canoes on the Dordogne, the
GPS moments, all made for a memorable week.
Why is France so nice? Next year is Barcelona.
Paul Nadin: My thanks to those who were able to
join me on 6 th September for the run into North
Wales. I hope you enjoyed the day - I did, apart
from the wet run home. It always seems to rain
whenever I arrange something which includes the
Ponderosa! I can inform you that there is no petrol
available in Llangollen - I ran on fresh air and got to
Ruabon. So be aware if you are ever short of fuel in
that area.
John Bell: The run around Southern Scotland last
Sunday was enjoyed by ten of us; some from as
far away as Edinburgh and Manchester. The
weather was changeable; one minute it was raining and the next minute it was pouring down. We
had stops at Sweetheart Abbey for coffee and
toasted teacake and lunch was taken at a great
little cafe in New Galloway. Excellent home made
soup and bread mean its well worth a visit if you
are in the area. The run was over 170 miles and
everybody enjoyed it.
Mike Gibson: Mid week run 20 th September. Despite a gloomy weather forecast, six bikes and
seven hardy souls left Devil’s Bridge on the front
edge of a shower for what turned out to be a most
pleasant ride through three counties. We followed
the dales lanes up to Tan Hill and the highest inn in
Britain for our lunch and natter stop. Here the blustery winds forecasted certainly made their presence
felt! After lunch the weather had become much
warmer and sunnier for our return to Devil’s Bridge
via Teasdale, Kirkby Stephen, Sedbergh (the A683
is a really cracking road - try it if you haven’t already done so), and the Lune valley. A cuppa and
chat rounded off a good run of about 115 miles.
Ed’s Note - To all Social Secs - please send in or
EMail a passport-sized photo to accompany your
reports each month - thanks to those who already
have. National Social Sec. Geoff & I are in the
throes of revamping and reorganising the Journal’s
Section News column layout - we’ll be contacting
you soon with more details.
67
North East Section
Tony Seed
We record with great sadness that on the 25th September Dave Gill passed away after fighting illness
valiantly and with tremendous dignity throughout
this year. To Sheila his wife and his son we express
the deep sympathy and support of all this sections’
members. Dave was a long term club member who
left a happy mark on all who met him. He carried
on his loved pastime with Sheila as long as he could.
He never laid bare his trouble to us, but remained
composed and determined. He leaves us with fond
memories. Over twenty Club members on fifteen
bikes attended the funeral at Mountsett as Sheila
had wished, to give him a send off reflecting how
he enjoyed his days, and show our heartfelt support for her and her family.
This sad event clouds the month and the year so
the report will be factual and to inform members of
forthcoming activities.
The meeting at MSF Repairs early in the month
was informative and interesting to those non-appreciative of how fixing damage was managed.
The camping weekend was well attended with
around 25 tents, several with twin occupants, thanks
likely to the fine weather we were granted. Pete
Cullen lead a ride through the scenic Borders area
shared by seven bikes, one with a passenger.
On the 20 th we followed another Pete Cullen route
around the castles of Northumberland, and it was
enjoyed by eight bikes, three with passengers, and
the weather remained fine for the ride.
The Waggon evening was well attended too that
same evening. The Hartlepool meeting had a quorum, but no new faces.
In November we will have the Top Box sale and
pizza night on the 1 st; come along with your unwanted bits and pieces.
There is a ride out this month, again engineered by
Pete Cullen who all this time is adventuring in Africa until before Christmas; Tim Gorman will lead it
from Safeway carpark in Hexham at 10.00 on Sunday the 12 th November. It will take in the Samye
Ling Tibetan/Buddhist temple near Eskdalemuir. It’s
the last this year. The informal club nights will take
place as normal.
Looking further forward, Pete Cullen has been busy
planning a Boreen style ride around the byways of
Northumberland next June 23 rd and 24 th . It is suitable for all types of bikes with alternative routes
where sections might be daunting for those used
68
to normal roads. Accommodation has been arranged for two nights. Details will appear later, but
it will be popular nationally, so if you are interested
put it in your diary and be ready to book. It will be a
major section event for the year.
Oxford Section
John Hillier
On the 24th of September we
had Norman and Peggy
Larkin’s ride out to the Hawk
Sanctuary near Andover,
Peggy had devised a very
twisty route to get there,
through some picturesque villages. Nine of us met at
Pangbourne, the sun had decided to make an appearance
even though the weather for
Sunday was forecast rain, we
kept stayed dry all day though
in the distance we could see bad weather even
whirlwinds, we were lucky! As we neared Kingsclere
I saw a R1200 RT go past in the opposite direction,
I thought was that Steve and Catherine Moxey? sure
enough a couple miles further on I looked in my
mirror to see Steve and Catherine steaming up with
lights a blazing so I shifted over and let them join
our merry band. We arrived at the Hawk Sanctuary
at about noon then immediately found the café as
we BMW club members do! Nick Dingwall made
his own way down and met us in the café so then
we were twelve.
The Hawk Sanctuary is well worth a visit, the collection of birds is fantastic especially when seen in
flight under the control of the falconers, the condor
with its eleven foot wingspan, the majestic American bald eagle and the sheer speed of the peregrine
falcon are most memorable.
This month’s main meeting is the section’s AGM at
Uffington village hall on the 12th at 2.00 in the afternoon, a chance to have your say on the way the
section is run or even volunteer to help on the committee yourself.
Southern Section
David Williamson
First of all congratulates to Eddie Fitzpatrick who
has been awarded 2nd overall in the Welsh National
Rally which took place in early May. Over 500 riders took part in this event.
Co-incidentally Eddie, Nigel Page and I represented
the Southern Section in Wales in early in Septem-
ber by taking part in the
Welsh Boreen run called
Lon Gefn (translated into
“back roads”). This was
a two day event riding the
minor roads of Wales and
it also took in some forestry tracks as well as
other byways. The whole
route was meant to be
possible on road bikes but
the forestry tracks certainly tested the metal of
those not on trail orientated bikes.
12.00 hrs onwards. Booking is essential as there is
a limit of 30 people. The cost will be £10 per head
to include a meal and raffle prizes.
Finally on the 26 Nov we have a breakfast run to
Shoreham Airfield; meet in the Flying Club at 10.00
Eddie did the event on his Triumph Sprint and because it was not very nimble on the slippery forest
tracks he could not avoid the puddles which had
formed in the ruts following heavy rain. The result
was that anybody who was riding near him got plastered in mud as Eddie’s bike directed water and
debris to either side of the fairing like a snow plough.
If you escaped the sideways bow wave you were
just as likely to get sprayed from the rooster tail
caused by his spinning rear wheel. As a result of
all this Eddie had the dirtiest bike at the end of the
event. Many thanks are due to Jerry, Ken and
Andrew for organising the weekend. The route and
the accommodation were superb and we raised
money for the Marie- Curie charity as well as having some fun.
Brian Shears
On the 9 September 10 members enjoyed a night
out at the Hollycombe Steam Fair near Liphook in
Hampshire. All the traditional fair ground rides are
powered by steam engines and are accompanied
by old fashioned organ music. As it became dark
all the coloured lights became apparent and gave
the fair ground a real atmosphere. We all let the
child within come out and had a great time enjoying the various rides. I for one am still undecided
what to be when I grow up.
Twenty one people spent the week 16-23 September with fellow club members Tim and Sarah Austin at their gite complex near Bergerac. A host of
routes and means of transport were used to get
there and back, but once assembled a great time
was had by all. Some camped some luxuriated in
the gites and Myf and enjoyed the unique delights
of a caravan. By day we went on ride outs, walked
canoed, or simply lounged by the pool. Then at
night we ate great meals and partied in true Southern Section style. Thank you Tim and Sarah for a
great week. For further details e mail Tim and Sarah
at [email protected]
November
On the 5 November we have a breakfast run to
Morrisons at Devizes. Meet at the in store café at
11.00 hrs.
Then on 12 Nov Richard Tavener (01252 838384)
is organizing skittles at the Phoenix Inn at Twyford
December
I am afraid there is not much on in December, due
to the expected weather and a small event. But
look on the bright side, it will soon be over.
South East Section
September began with
Roger
and
Jill
Bickerstaffes’ ride-out
on the 3rd , starting from
The ‘Hogs Back’, on
the A31. A well chosen
route took us through
the lanes of Sussex,
stopping at a lovely little farmhouse/tea room
for a morning coffee
and snack. It was a
very rural setting with
farmyard animals wandering around everywhere. The pot-bellied pigs amused everyone and
I heard it mentioned that they bore a strong resemblance to the missus and myself? Damned sauce,
those pigs weren’t a patch on us! Then it was onwards to our lunch stop at the ‘Green Man’, Ringmer,
and from thereon through Kent’s highways and byways for a tea stop at the home of regular member,
Kevan Green, at Maidstone. It was a couple of
hundred miles of fun and enjoyment, organised by
Roger and Jill, for which we thank them. Our thanks
also go to Kevan for inviting us back to his home.
The ‘Photographic Competition’ was very well supported with an amazing selection of photo’s being
entered in the four categories. Our judge for the
evening was Rob Hickmott, who we have not seen
for a few years. As a previous winner and photography student Rob, by his own admission, found it
difficult to make his selections as the quality of the
entries were so good. After a lot of head scratching, the results in each category were as follows.
Humour:- Winner; Gordon Diplock, Runner-up;
Roger Bickerstaffe. Scenic:- Winner; Ken Hall,
Runner-up; Kevin Goldfinch. Just Bikes:- Winner;
Roger Bickerstaffe, Runner-up; Ken Hall. Action:Winner; Carolyn Drage, Runner-up; Carolyn Drage.
Well done Carolyn! I think that this was the first
time that anyone has achieved a first and second
place in the same category. Our thanks to Rob for
doing a great job and to all the winners and entrants for taking part.
69
Paul Ashby’s ride-out, on the 10th, was a little different and took us into Surrey for an educational
visit to the Watts Art Gallery. Both Mr and Mrs Watts
were famous Victorian artists and sculptors. The
collection on view, at what was their home, was
very interesting and entry was free. On our way to
the gallery we stopped for an excellent pub lunch,
where the roast dinners were accompanied by TWO
of the largest Yorkshire puddings you have ever
seen. Truly, each one was the size of half a loaf
and I have the pictures to prove it! We continued
our run, visiting Box Hill on our way homewards.
Our thanks to Paul for an educational and bellybursting day out plus another couple of hundred
miles of different scenery!
Mick Foxwell led us on a good run through the roads
of Kent and Sussex, stopping for lunch at what was
Ogri’s café and shop at Horam, which is now called
Wessons. It is a really good place for motorcyclists to stop at as not only is the food good but the
shop has lots of biking gear and goodies for sale.
If you have already been there you will know what I
mean. Mick then took us onwards to Challock near
Ashford, where we enjoyed a T and P stop at the
Beech Court Gardens, where they serve excellent
home made cakes and fancies. All of which are so
necessary when you have just ridden a fair distance
around the country lanes! Thank you Mick for a
good day out.
Reminders. Don’t forget that there is an additional
pick-up point for Paul Devall’s ‘Ford Run’ on the 5 th
November which is 11.15hrs at the ‘Oakdene Café’,
Wrotham.
Also, that the Christmas Lunch is taking place
at the Poultwood Golf Centre, near Tonbridge,
on the 10th December and early booking with
Margaret, on 01474 566142, is essential.
South West Section
Keith Hackett
Andy Allman has sent in this report on the Jurassic
Jaunt weekend.
A new site, a new rally and a good weather forecast! What more could you want? The site proved
a success with the choice of two bars and two restaurants within a genuine five minute walk of the
tents. The South West Coastal Path was too much
of a lure for many with people walking into Weymouth and getting a great view of stunning countryside on the bus back to the site. One couple did
a 13+ mile walk and still had the energy to make it
to the pub!
70
Facts and figures: 44 camping; 7 day visitors;
people from 5 sections as far apart as Rugby,
Gower, Fowey, Peterborough and Kent. The ride
out expertly lead by Mike Groves, left with about 8
following and returned with 11. Well done, Mike(!)
My thanks go to Mike and Gemma for their help
and local knowledge; to everyone who attended and
joined in with whatever was going on and made the
effort to make new friends. See you again next year
(I’ve already booked the site),Andy Allman.
As I was away for most of September I was not
able to do a full write up for the month but I am sure
a full report will be in next months journal.
As this is my last report as social secretary (you
should have a new committee by now!) I would like
to thank all the members of not only the South West
Section but of the other sections who have supported me over the last four years. It has been lots
of fun interspersed with a few minor upsets. I wish
the new committee all success and hope that you,
the members, support them in all there endeavors.
9 December 2006
Christmas Party – The
Globe at Sampford Peverell from 7pm
Ulster Section
Michael Sweeney
The Section meeting held on Tuesday 3rd of October was our AGM and once again the coup d’etat
that we half expected, never materialised. There
was no power-hungry young Colonel at the head of
a platoon of armed soldiers masterminding a military takeover and seizing control. Instead, the most
exciting part was when John made a vain attempt
to wriggle out of the glamorous post of Regalia
Secretary.
It has to be said that he tried manfully and put forward a good argument for his standing down. The
Chairman searched the audience for anyone who
might like to take on the job but the assembled
crowd just looked up at the ceiling and whistled.
So, in the absence of any volunteers poor John
agreed to do the job for “just one more year.” Ha
ha. There is no escape from the committee. In short,
the entire committee was returned for another year.
Tommy however, feels that he will not be able to
organise the next North West 200 camping weekend as in previous years because of other commitments and we are casting around for a volunteer
who might be able to do it in 2007. Last years event
was pretty successful and we received quite a
number of riders from across the Irish Sea who like
to come over for the racing. So, if you think that
you can help please get in touch with Tommy and
he’ll provide details of what needs to be done.
Billy, the club historian presented a report on his
work during the year and informed us that everyone who had wanted one the DVD’s had now got
one and he extended thanks to Richard for his technical support on this. He has also been able to put
together a collection of BMW sales brochures which
cover all the models produced since the club’s formation in 1980 to the present day. We also have
an almost complete collection of club journals.
There were reports from a few runs and rallies which
were held recently. For example, eleven people from
the Ulster Section attended the Thatch Rally held
in Portumna in County Galway during September.
It was quite unusual that the visitors from the North
actually outnumbered those from the Irish Section
and Tommy and Jackie and others were obliged to
sort out T shirts and accommodation for the other
visitors as well as providing their customary Irish
stew and Irish coffee.
The rally was held in the grounds of a hotel and
country club and accommodation was provided in
excellent holiday chalets. The weather wasn’t too
bad and I think it’s fair to say that everyone who
went really enjoyed themselves. As a Thatch Rally
virgin I really enjoyed it, particularly as I won a trophy for having the best post 85 bike and I would
recommend it as an enjoyable and relaxing end of
season weekend away.
We are indebted to Hurst’s BMW Motorrad who put
on another first class Sunday Breakfast Run during September. I believe that over forty hungry souls
turned up and were taken on a trip through the hills
and valleys of County Down, stopping off for a traditional cooked breakfast in Ballynahich before setting out for the Mourne Mountains. Many thanks to
Jim and the lads and lassies.
Most unusually, we have managed to put together
quite a few speakers for the near future with speakers booked for January, February and March. Also,
Corr’s Corner Hotel management have confirmed that they will host our annual Christmas
Carvery again as usual in early December with
the price being the same as last year.
Western Section
Chris Bates
There are still vacancies for the November Hotel
weekend this year, see Journal for details.
There is a Western Section Lunch 21st January
2007at the Salutation Inn, The Gibb, between
Burton & Castle Coombe. It will be a served carvery
@ £7.95 per person, booking is essential. Cheques
made payable to ‘The BMW Club’ and sent to Janet
Wilson no later than 14th January 2007.
Breakfast Meet - Western Section Style
71
Due to the virtual closure of Bristol for some marathon or the other, Ron and Margaret had a difficult
time with the SS Great Britain visit. Although some
attempted to get there it will be re-scheduled one
day next year when the Marathon is not being run!
What a glorious day Martin chose for his Castle
Coombe Walkabout. The famous village positively
glowed in the sunshine. The refreshments beside
the the hall were really super. Speaking of Walkabouts the honourable Arthur will be leading his own
again on the 15th. Probably on that new 1200 GS
of his.
The ‘big day’ eg,. the AGM will be at Easter
Compton on 8th October and this one will be a real
edge of the seat occasion, as they always are. Who
if anyone will volunteer? Could the Treasurer move
towards the top job? What is the top job? Will Jan
Wilson prove to be a formidable force with that orange and black handbag. One thing is for sure,
the 2007 Calendar will be a good one.
Heading ‘the ups and down of the Mendips’ Sunday October 1st saw a merry, but a trifle wet band
of brave souls arrive a the Lockside Cafe for breakfast. 13 of us sat down to a fine cooked breakfast
and each wondered if the rain was going to stop in
time for the ride, Denis assured us he had booked
fine weather for 10.30am and all would be well.
Sure enough at 10.40 it faired up and even a bit of
sunshine appeared this lulled us into a false sense
of ‘it’s not so bad now so we will go on the ride as
planned’. Progress was a little slow as the riders
negotiated lanes awashed with bits of trees and
gravel, the bikes nicely covered with mud & grit. A
stop at Cox Hotel at Cheddar Gorge for coffee, not
alfresco weather as the heavens opened again!
Response to Denis’ reassurance that the weather
would get better was greeted with ‘you can be
bloody sure of it as we are not moving until it does’
After a conflab in the car park it was decided to call
it a day and everyone headed for a sunny ride home.
It was a good ride, not spoilt by the weather. Thanks
to all who turned up at the cafe and went on the
ride and to Mark and Julie for being back markers.
Yokshire Section
Elaine West
October’s Report
First a report from Pete Wright on the Cranedale
weekend which started Friday 4th August with 15
people and 13 bikes and looked set to be a good
weekend. Some had been last year and 6 were new
to the event. The evening meal was at 7pm and
everyone soon got to know each other. Two ride
outs over the Moors, one went west the other east
72
on Saturday and Sunday, which everyone enjoyed.
The tranquillity of Cranedale with excellent food,
accommodation and bar on-site made it a memorable weekend. Thanks to all those who came and
took a chance to do something different. Maybe
more people will support the event next year. Dates
are Friday 3rd August to Monday 6th – cost £37.00
bed, breakfast and evening meal.
The BBQ at Dave and Doreens proved a great success again with members from all sections including Robin Walker – Southeast section its amazing
how far folks will go for a free meal! Seriously the
food was great especially the puddings a big thanks
to the two Ds and everyone who made it a “Grand
day Out”
We missed Morton Morell but no doubt there will
be plenty of reports for you to read (yawn)!.
We still have room for two more ladies on our trip
to Prague next year so have a word with one of us
at the AGM if you are interested.
Its section AGM on Sunday 15th at Gildersome with
the reduction in capitation fees (this is a percentage of your money we get back from the £22 membership fee to administer the section) together with
the on going claims against all sections for VAT
liability plus interest and fines (remember this is a
motorbike club not ICI) do we want to belong to the
BMW club in 2007 in its present form?. Now’s your
chance to come on down and really get involved
with running the section how you want. Lets all try
to get back on track, where we want to go, its our
bike club and its up to us to stick together as a
section. We really do need some feedback from
you all. Remember the Yorkshire saying “tha na gets
owt for nowt”.and if tha wants owt doing do it for
thysell.
Next Years Diary is almost ready so please do have
any dates, details of venues etc. If you cant attend
the AGM we will be voting in a new Social secretary and their phone no will be made available at
the meeting so you can contact them to check
dates.
Great turnout again today at Cracoe and the good
news is they are having an extension built and guess
what its for - a motorcycle workshop so you can do
any maintenance on your bike whilst enjoying one
of Mary’s bacon Butties. If you do come to Cracoe
and want to lend a hand in the kitchen we are always glad of extra help just join in. Future dairy
dates Christmas Dinner at the Rising Sun again,
by popular request, Sat 16th December ring Doreen
for further info. We are doing the New Years day
buffet again at Cracoe. Finally if your club sweater
is getting a little thin on the elbows then Christine
is the girl to contact.
November’s Report
The last couple of months in our section have been
fairly quite. Maybe because you’ve all had other
events family holidays etc. Dave and Doreen are
away as I write doing a” taste of Spain” so will report on this later.
Harry Beadles run on the 17th attracted 12 bikes
doing a grand tour of the Yorkshire moors taking in
Fryup, Egton, Rosedale Chimney and Helmsley a
total of 79miles covered with a lunch stop halfway.
The following weekend was the last camping event
for our section at Gargrave, which was well supported considering the weather forecast. Most went
to the Pub on the Friday night to dodge the rain,
but Saturday dawned with brilliant sunshine some
walked into Skipton via the towpath, others riding
over to Hawes. Together with a couple of visits from
friends on the Saturday it was a good weekend.
Thanks to Harry for taking the time to organise this
event.
half hours of surgery to rectify a detached retina
and was told that if it had not been done within 48
hours all sight would have been lost, and even now
I may still not regain all. Sight is so precious but we
all tend to take it for granted; don’t hesitate if in
doubt.
In mid September the Stinkwheel Classic Show took
place in Leicestershire but I was unable to attend.
Reports are that the attendance of members was
down on last year which is a shame really as the
weather was good and the Register had a designated area to display. This was the last Register
event for 2006 apart from the Moto-Piston Rally in
Spain this October.
Plans are underway for the 2007 season and the
6th Vintage & Classic Rally is already booked for
the third week in June. Venue as always Llwyngwair
Manor Holiday Park, Newport, Nr. Fishguard,
Pembrokeshire, South Wales.
News from the FBHVC newsletter concerning Agerelated registration numbers that may raise a smile.
Steve Stout, who runs theYorkshire challenge, which
finished on the 1st of October, will have the results
to me for December journal and the trophies will be
presented at our Christmas dinner. Whilst speaking to Steve it seems this event did not receive as
much advertising as at could have. So will make
sure this is put right for 2007Steve thanks again.
On behalf on the committee I’d like to thank those
of you who do arrange events and also those who
attend them. Please do try to come to our AGM as
we need feedback on what we are doing or could
do to keep our section one of the best in the club.
Due to mailing schedule the report on our Section
AGM on 15th at Gildersome will be covered in the
December Journal. But a copy will be available at
Cracoe on November 5th.
Were off to Glencoe in a couple of days to join the
Scottish guys hope to see some of you there.
Vintage & Classic Register
Malcom McNair
I must offer my apologies for not sending in a report for the October Journal but a health situation
developed quite rapidly at the Moreton Morrell Rally
and I was hospitalized just before I would have prepared it. Thanks to all those who contacted me with
best wishes, it was most appreciated. What I can
recommend to everyone after my experience is to
get to the doctor as soon as possible if you have
any indication of eye problems. I had one and a
Firstly, on the serious side, due to the high volume
of related numbers issued, the DVLA have exhausted their current UXA-UXY range. In the future the replacement series will be 123UXA to 123
XUY.
For some years the replacement marks for pre-1930
vehicles have been in a ‘two letter, four number’
format and issued from the DS range. This has
become exhausted and marks will now be issued
from the BF range, which has previously been unissued (with a few exceptions). The letters BF were
allocated to Dorset in 1904 but local motorists objected and it was withdrawn. Apparently it was
deemed to be offensive and motorists were offered
the opportunity to exchange their number for a replacement in the FX range. (I would think they would
be apt letters to use on cars nowadays as most of
the drivers are BF’s!) Another mark to fall foul of
the morality police was WC, however VD was allocated to Lanarkshire and…. FU to the Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, so those guardians of early 20th
c morals may have led rather sheltered lives. How
times change.
A word of caution now to all those seeking 250cc
spares. A month ago a non-runner, un-restored, R26
was stolen in Wales. Registration No. SXB 553
Engine/Frame No. 341592. If you are offered any
parts that arouse suspicion please contact the
Welshpool police on 01938 552345. Thanks.
More articles are wanted for the ‘News’, especially
for the post ’69 machines.
73
Scottish Section
Liz Sandland
Glen Coe camping weekend at the end of September was as popular as ever, despite rumours concerning the demise of the Glencoe Hotel. Apparently the Hotel will be remaining open until at least
2010 before it is due for redevelopment. So the
section will be returning to the Invercoe campsite
as usual in 2007. There were over 50 bikes in attendance. Furthest travelled was probably Peter
from the London section on his black and white 75/
5. He must like Scotland (as I do) since he was at
Ullapool as well this year. A few members were also
in Kinlochleven bunkhouse or B&Bs. Friday night
saw most of us gathered in the Glencoe Hotel. Dick
ordered cheesecake for dessert which came with a
cute little football-shaped candle; the waitress was
tipped off that it was his birthday. (No Dick, you are
not supposed to eat the candle.)
On the Saturday the day dawned bright and
clear. A small band of intrepid adventurers (none of
which were on a GS Adventure) meandered up the
single-track road for 22 miles to Kinloch Hourn. At
the end of the road an ad-hoc cafe was discovered
serving tea, sandwiches and cakes from the front
parlour. With no mains electricity, the proprietor was
happy to engage in meaningful conversation about
his working Lister Start-o-Matic 7.5kw generator to
interested parties whilst the pillions chatted about
knitting (only kidding). Other groups visited Mull,
Fort William (for the Jacobite steam train to Mallaig)
or the east side of Loch Ness during their stay. In
the evening a party of ageing rock and rollers
cadged a lift to the Clachaig Inn to see a group
called Deep Blue. The less musically inclined returned to the Glencoe Hotel for more catching up
on the gossip. Sunday morning saw the majority of
tents packed away before the persistent rain started.
Unfortunately, due to far too much gossiping and
saying goodbyes, mine wasn’t one of them.
Don’t forget the last social event of the year,
the annual St. Andrew’s Night Dinner on Saturday
the 2nd December at the Log Cabin Hotel,
Kirkmichael, Perthshire. The cost is £15 per person for the Dinner plus £20 per person per night for
B&B on Friday and/or Saturday night. Places are
limited so please contact Dick on 01343 870389
ASAP if you wish to attend.
Looking forward to next year’s Calendar of
Events, if you would like to organise an event then
please let the committee know. Contact Dick Boyd
(email [email protected];tel. 01343
870389). The section Calendar will be going to press
in December this year, so get your thinking caps
on now. Dick has been in touch with the campsite
in Fort Augustus and they are willing to accommodate us next year. The committee are hoping to run
an event the weekend before or after the Longest
Day rally at Ullapool (June). This would allow members to tour the country in between two Scottish
Section events. Robert Carson initiated a series of
midweek lunchtime meets in the south of the coun-
74
try this year. These attracted a steady following and
it is hoped that they will continue next year. The
equipment that we purchased this year, the 6x4
metre Marquee and a barbecue will hopefully get
more use next year and will go towards improving
socialising at the events.
Finally, I stood down at the AGM as section
Social Secretary and have been appointed to the
post of National Committee Representative for the
section. I’d like to thank all the members who helped
with the organization of events throughout the year.
I hope that you will give the new Social Secretary,
Bill Gault, your full support next year.
London Section
Grahame Marshall
Not much to report this month, only the hotel weekend at The Malvern Hills Hotel - 7 of us participated
in an excellent weekend, working our way through
the gastronomic delight that is the alacarte
menu,the food really was superb.When we were
not eating, the days were spent, train riding, book
shopping and riding down “memory lane “.
By the time you read this the AGM will have
been and gone and you may find a new committee
has been installed (or not as the case may be).
Just the one ride out in November to
Ashwell in Herts which is 10.00a.m. from South
Mimms Services on Sunday 19th.
Ernest Mathewson 1921-2006
My father and brother were active members
of the South Western Section of the BMW club
during the 60s and 70s and sadly my father
‘Ernie’ Mathewson passed away on the 12th
Sept 2006. He regularly joined in on club
nights and was a delegate on the committee
Born in Paddington London in 1921 at
the age of 16 following his father into
engineering, worked for Varley pumps of Park
Royal. When the company was blitzed in 1941
the family was evacuated to Weston-s-Mare
and set up there, manufacturing the firing
mechanizm for the Browning machine gun.
Following VE day he was called up as
reserved occupation and joined the Royal
signals as a dispatch rider. It was early in the
60s that father and brother Stuart became
interested in the BMW marque. Starting with
Irish Section
Jan Browne
Sunday 10 th of September marked a great BBQ Run
event for BMW Motorrad Owners in Bloomfield
House Hotel, Belvedere near Mullingar in the Midlands. 200 Motorcycles and 300 participants enjoyed an excellent BBQ lunch prepared by the catering staff from the hotel on the front lawn while
enjoying the company of likeminded BMW Motorrad
enthusiasts and enjoying the picturesque scenery.
We also enjoyed music from the Band, who serenaded us through the afternoon. The weather was
reasonable and everyone was happy enough to stay
dry as it threatened to rain on occasion but never
properly succeeded to do so. The event kicked off
for most owners at their local BMW Motorrad
Dealerships in the morning and the first arrivals at
the Midlands venue were there shortly after 11am.
We had a charity prize draw on the day and
special thanks to Conor McRory, BMW Motorrad
Ireland for all the very nice BMW prizes he put forward. Thanks also to Tony McDonald for the
StarCom Intercom and Mick Ganly from the MSA,
for a Days Motorcycle Training. We managed to
sell tickets for the prize draw totalling €2,000 which
was then presented to David Mitchell from the Route
66 Challenge. He and others are currently preparing for their Route 66 trip on the 1 st of Oct. David
was accompanied by Road Captains Tony Toner
and Joe Heffernan who are also involved in the
fundraising drive in aid of Temple Street Children’s’
Hospital, and who will also be taking part in the
Route 66 challenge. We wish them well. On behalf
an 1960 R50 solo and then Steib 501,
progressing on to and R60 Steib combination
a well known machine in it’s chocolate and
cream livery. Whilst losing contact with the
club Dad still continued with rebuilding an
1950 R25 from a basket case of rubbish. It
became a 30 year restoration finally finished
5 years ago.
He always felt that the R60 outfit was
underpowered and to his delight came across
an K100LT Headingham in 1993 10 years after
his retirement and purchased it, he finally
found his dream machine.
Ernie fondly remembered the camping
weekends at Ashburton and get togethers with
Jack Gibbs from the Oxford section.
Survived by wife Dulcie of 61 years and two
sons Stuart and Nigel, the K passed through
the family, still takes pride of place along with
a comprehensive collection of other BMWs.
of the BMW Club, we would like to thank Conor for
organising the BBQ and all those who attended for
making the day a great success.
Although the numbers attending this years Thatch
rally were dramatically down on previous years, it
did not detract from the enjoyment of the weekend.
A major word of thanks must go to Tommy Atkinson
and Jack Hunter from the Ulster Section who
manned the check-in for us and dished up the Irish
Stews and Irish Coffees – we could not have managed without them. Noel Kerrigan made a special
journey to Portumna on Saturday to lead a great
ride-out for everyone through Co. Galway and into
North Clare with a lunch stop in Ballyvaughan and
back to base for a well deserved rest before dinner. Jack Hunter did a run on Sunday to Connemara which included the Sky road, this is a “must
see” for everyone. The scenery here, as in the
Burren area is spectacular. Angie Morton (a new
comer to our events) along with Phil Holtom made
sure that everyone received their polo shirts on the
day. Lads, thanks a million for all your effort and
hard work it is much appreciated. The Lodges at
the Shannon Oaks are very spacious and comfortable and this along with the good food on Sat. night
in the adjoining hotel and good company led to a
memorable time for everyone.
We are in discussion at present with 2 possible locations for next years Thatch and hopefully we will
be back up to our usual numbers for this event.
Remember, this is your club and all ideas for possible events (and help) will be gratefully received
by the committee.
75
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 excludes trade advertisers.
1. Note adverts are NOT accepted over the phone send them by
post to the Mutual Aid Officer: Owen Vaughan, 16 South
Meadows, Pembroke, Pembs. SA71 4E, or by e-mail:
[email protected] (Please remember to include
your full postal address). Phone queries only between 10:00 –
20:00 please, to 01646 683188. .
2. All adverts should be readable and punctuated. Please TYPE,
PRINT or e-mail clearly using a standard font. Fancy script
might look pretty but is hard for us to read!
3. The maximum length is 50 words, excluding your phone
number and name. If you wish to use more than 50 words your
option is to pay for the advert at 20p a word for the WHOLE
advert. Payment with advert before submission. Note one advert/
month per section. At the editor’s discretion adverts can be edited
where deemed necessary due to space.
4. In your advert, include your forename and one phone number.
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
membership number; these will not be published but we will check
membership.
6. Mutual Aid Adverts are accepted for a one-month insertion
only. Any subsequent submissions are the responsibility of the
advertiser.
7. Please note the copy deadline in the Journal and understand
which edition it applies to before querying why your advert hasn’t
appeared two weeks after you sent it! Please do not leave it to the
copy date until you send your advert as we are very busy then:
It’s First Come, First Served at closing time!
8. The BMW Club cannot be held responsible for the quality or
availability of items or goods or for any arrangements for delivery
or payment.
9. Adverts from non - club members may be accepted in special
circumstances. For information, please contact the Mutual Aid
Officer.
Business Advertisement (Disclosure) Order 1977
Any advertiser who places an advertisement concerning the sale of
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.
MOTORCYCLES FOR SALE
NOTE : DEC. JOURNAL COPY
DEADLINE IS 1ST NOV
F650 ‘N’ reg, 35,000 miles, Black. Ex cond, MOT
04/07, FSH, BMW tankbag, crashbars, scottoiler,
recent gold chain & sprockets, slick 50, any trial
£1400 Iain 0141 636 1375 (Scotland)
K100LT, 1987, 86,000 miles, Champagne, N ew
clutch & tyres, braided hoses. Ex cond , very reliable, great bike, selling due to knee injury finding it
a bit heavy to move around. £1695 Peter 01844
278898 (Oxon)
F650GS Dakar 2005 12,000 miles, Blue/Silver. K
h/grips, hazards, top box, panniers, tankbag,
Touratec centre stand & rad protector, Tax 06/07.
Just completed Athens trip & still immaculate. Your
turn now, ready to go. £4950 Roger 01784 457343
(Surrey)
K100RS 1986 41,000 miles, Imola Red. S/s fittings,
panniers & top box. New wheels, discs, tyres, battery & seat in past 18 mths. Tax 07/07, MOT 11/06.
All MOT’s, ex cond, Something lighter required
£1900 Brian 01723 353623 (Yorks)
K75RT 1995, ‘N’ reg, 41,000 miles, Black. BMW
panniers, top box, crash bars, alarm, FBMWSH,
T&T, ex cond, new tyres, £2300 Peter 07709 566086
(West Mids)
K100RT 1985. Low seat, MOT 08/07, Tax 01/07,
BMW luggage, Ultimate Source screen, new battery, gd cond £975 ono Paul 01209 215979 (Cornwall)
K75RT 1996 currently non-runner due to lack of
drive, probably clutch problem, engine running well.
Neither time nor expertise to sort out, urgently need
garage space. Best offer secures. Edward 028 9268
3634 (Ulster)
K1100RS ‘M’ reg, 51,000 miles, Classic Black.
Datataged, tank bag & pannier rails, some history,
all MOT’s, ABS2, tyres nearly new, T&T, ex cond.
£1995 Paul 07901 977793 (Kent)
K75RT 1996, N ‘reg’, 60,000 miles, Blue. Panniers,
new clutch & rear tyre, front good, gearbox checked,
gd cond, ready to tour. £1800 Tony 01642 785880
(Cleveland)
K100 ‘Ongar‘ 1989, 23,500 miles, Karibic Blue
Gold/Silver pinstripe. MOT 08/07, TAX 02/07, fitted
from new with R series RS fairing, & Ongar lower
fairing. Top box, panniers, recent discs, tyres,
braided brake lines, regularly serviced. VGC. ‘R‘
looks with ‘K‘ performance! JPEGS available £1750
ono. Geoff 01934 830016 (S’set)
76
K1100LT 1993 ‘K‘reg, 39,600 miles, Turquoise.
MOT 05/07, Tax 06/07, VGC, BMW panniers, kappa
topbox, elec screen, h/grips, SH, excellent tyres &
runner, garaged, £2650 ono Chris 01772 465885
(Lancs)
K1100LT SE 1998 ‘S’ reg, 18,500 miles, Grey. Luggage, Top box, Radio/Cass, h/grips, Garaged, ex
cond. Ill health only forces sale £3500 ono David
01643 841139 (Non Mbr)
K1200RS SE 2001, 33,000 miles, silver/Blue. ABS,
h/grips, s/s fasteners, tool kit & manual, panniers
& tank bag. 2 owners from new £3850 Bob 01562
820324 (Worcs)
R60 1976 60,000 miles Black/Red. Tax 09/07, MOT
02/07, loads spent s/s exhaust, new paint, cast iron
discs, new loom & switch gear, new tyres, seat
cover. Boyer ign, progressive fork springs. Fitted
800cc engine & /7 tank, original tank available.
£1500 ono Andrew 0115 9233822 (Notts)
R60/6 1974 very nice cond for age, very sweet
engine,T&T £1200 ono. Ivor 0151 428 5428 (L’pool)
R65 1979, 21,000 miles, Red. 2 owners, MOT 07/
07, reg, SORN, ex cond, BMW panniers & screen,
new rear Michelin, engine bars, fork gaiters, almost
original.Summer use only. £1600. Brian 01792
850809 (S. Wales)
R80 Monoshock 1992, 74,000 miles, Red. Tax, MOT
07/07, panniers, trailer tow hitch. Perfect camping
machine. Owned and serviced by me since 1995.
£1500 ono John 01275 844085 (Bristol)
R80 1995 ‘M’ reg, 29,000 miles, Red. Gd cond,
summer use only Noel 01727 863342 (Herts)
R80RT Mono, 1995, 52,000 miles, Metalic Red. S/
s exhaust, h/grips, crash bars, panniers, T&T, original, VGC £1800 ono Roger 01673 861448 (Non
Mbr)
R80ST 1984,18,000 miles Silver.T&T, ex cond.
£1750 ono Milo 07941 608761 (Staffs)
R80/7 1979. Owned 23 years, unused for 2. Needs
T.L.C. to return to use. Some new parts fitted, exhaust pipes, brake discs, tyres. Excellent easy winter project. Must go space needed £600. Full details Roger 01978 265784 (N. Wales)
R90/6 1977, Black. Twin disc, s/s hoses, rebuilt
wheels, new rims & s/s spokes, blasted hubs, new
seat, tyres & tubes. T&T, gd sound bike John 01507
472445 (Lincs)
R100R 1993, ‘L’ reg, Black. T&T, panniers, exceptionally tidy, offers. Clive 01889 576578 (Staffs)
R100RS 1979, 64,000 miles. Mechanically VGC,
cosmetically fair. Tax 03/07, MoT 09/07. Cast iron
disks, re-built trans, rear drum brake, alloys, recent seat cover & front tyre, Konis, s/s exhausts.
£850. More info call Dave 01423 860463 (Yorks)
R100RS 1980, low mileage, Green. MOT 08/07,
gd cond bike. Call for full details & price. Tom
01821640215 (Scotland)
R100RS 1981, 36,000 miles, Silver. S/s exhaust
system & brake hoses, Parabellum tall spare
screen, rack, Boyer Bransden ign, new fork seals
& gaiters, tools, rebuilt gearbox. VGC mechanically,
some scratches on fairing. Well maintained for 22
years, always garaged. £1750 Phil 0161 653 2464
(M’chester).
R100RT 1979 78,000 miles Flame orange. VGC,
new tyres & battery, panniers, crash bars, front
calipers just serviced, totally reliable, year MOT, Tax
11/06, newer beemer & wife forces sale! Sensible
offers only. Dave 01883 744485 (Surrey)
R100RT 1981 ‘W’ reg, 68,000 miles, Red. H/grips,
s/s exhaust, panniers MOT 04/07, Tax 05/07 gd
cond. £1050 ono Kevin 01603 897950 (Norfolk)
R100RT 1981, 15,000 miles, Smoke Red. Panniers,
rack, T&T, high screen, Immac cond. For details
Paul 07901 977793 (Kent)
R100RT 1981, 89,000 miles, Gold/burgundy. Fully
refurbished, T&T, ex cond, 70 bhp engine, Jpegs &
documented rebuild history available. Pc frame, two
pack re-spray, full luggage, new clutch, konis, battery, comfort seat, s/s fasteners. Need room for next
restoration, priced to sell at £1600 ono Phil 01207
544851 (Newcastle)
R850R 1997, 21,400 miles. Blue. Givi top box &
panniers, Acryber screen, Baglux harness & tank
bag. Tax 03/07, MOT 11/06 & all previous certificates. One owner from newm garaged, VGC, £2699
George 01206 762426 (Essex)
R850R 1997 ‘P’ reg, 21,500 miles, Dark Green,
VGC, T&T, panniers, screen, Givi top box , hd/
guards, h/grips, haz lights, sola alarm, fenda
extenda, power socket. FSH. garaged, all old
MOT’s, two local owners, £2850 p/ex F650GS Alan
01307 468362 (Scotland)
R1100GS 1994 ‘M’ reg, 69,000 miles, Marakesch
Red. H/grips,Jama engine bars, recent service.
Clean, reliable, gd cond, MOT 10/07, Tax 03/07,
£2800. Alan 023 8060 1395 (Hants)
R1100GS 1995, 25,000 miles. FBMWSH, ABS,
Datatag, panniers, h/grips, tall screen, comfort seat,
Baglux tank bag, T&T, garaged, ex cond, £3450 ono
Stuart 07890 167010 (W. Mids)
R1100RS SE 1998 ‘S’ Reg, 14,000 miles only, Blue.
ABS, h/grips, panniers, Datatagged, cyl/guards.
New rear tyre, recent service, MOT 07/07, Tax 01/
07, ex cond. £3500 Alun 07785 745479 (Warks)
R1100RT 1995 ‘N’ reg, 14,072 dry miles, Sienna
Red. Full BMW luggage, fenda extenda, cyl/guards,
s/s bodywork fasteners, Oddesey battery, newish
front tyre. All MOT’s, MOT 04/07, ex cond £4000.
Sale due to lack of use Dave 01942 200765 (Lancs)
R1100RT 1998, genuine 40,000 miles, Silver, genuine 40,000 miles. T&T, ex cond FSH, panniers, top
box, h/grips, ABS. New Gel battery. Fabulous touring bike. Bad back forces sale. £3250 ono. Bernie
01384 376085 (West Mids)
R1100RT, 1999 ‘T’ reg, 24,000 miles, Graphite. SH,
GS air intakes fitted, ABS, Datatag, gd tyres. MOT
06/07, Tax 01/07, Tall smoked screen plus clear &
standard screens. Panniers, top box & inner BMW
bags. Baglux tank cover. Tank bag & map case
optional. All VGC £4250 John 01363 84696 (Devon)
R1100RT 1999, 28,000miles, Red. H/grips, top box,
fender extender, cyl/guards, comfort seats. Spyball
alarm/immobilizer, Baglux tank cover, extended
screen, FSH. £4400, p/x late low mileage 1100cc
Pan Euro Pete 01455 553254 (Leics)
R1150GS 2000 ‘W’ reg, 18,500 miles, Silver.
FBMWSH, includes 18,000 service, h/grips, BMW
top box & panniers. Adv screen plus tobinators, ex
cond. £5500 Peter 01460 54799 (S’set)
R1150GS Mar 2001, 28,000 miles, Blue/ White. Ex
cond, transferable BMW used bike warranty until
03/07, T&T 03/07, FBMWSH, panniers & top box,
77
h/grips, h/light protectors, hand/oil-cooler/sump
guards, footbrake extension, Fender extender & Adv
beak. First to see will buy £5250 ono Ian 01709
889662 (Yorks)
R1150R Rockster, 2004, ‘54’ reg, 1,100 miles,
Black/Citrus. H/grips, centre stand, six speed.
Matching Baglux tank cover, soft luggage optional.
Good to ride. Space required £4750 John 01363
84696 (Devon)
R1150RS June 2002, 7,000 miles. One owner, garaged, h/grips, ABS, panniers, luggage rack, Baglux
tank cover, cyl/guards, new metzelers, BMWSH,
T&T. £5750 Brian 01364 631350 (Devon)
R1150RT 2001 51 reg, 17,000 miles, Tital silver.
VGC, FBMWSH, full luggage & inners, monokeyed.
H/grips, cyl/guards, tall/wide screen & orginal,
spyball alarm & immob, starcom, T&T 06/07 £5000
ovno Ben 0208 464 7912 (Kent)
R1150RT 2002, ‘52’ reg, 21,800 miles, Titan Silver.
One owner, ex cond, ABS, elec screen, h/grips, Full
BMW luggage, FSH, cyl/guards, Meta alarm/immobiliser, Datatag, garaged, Tax 02/07, MOT 08/07
£5000 ovno. Andy 07790 639209 (Lancs)
R1150RT SE 2004 Oct reg, 11,000 miles, Metallic
Black Pearl. Radio, cassette. Colour coded panniers, large capactiy pannier lids & top-box, Chrome
pack. Wired Autocom & Garmin 2610. Rack adaptor for Hepco & Becker topbox, Bike Bubble, taller
& standard screens. £7200 ovno. David 01905
426388 (Worcs)
R1200CL 2003, 5000 miles, Silver. ABS, cruise ctl,
radio/CD, panniers, topbox, Odyssey battery, higher
screen included, aux centre stand, FSH, Tax 04/
07, superb cond £6500 Tony 01905 774524 (Worcs)
R1200RT 2005 24,000 miles, Red. FBMWSH,
VGC, panniers, top box & tank bag, cyl/guards,
fender extender. Reluctant sale £7650 Roger 01684
540249 (Herefs)
R1200RT, May 2006, 2,500 dry miles, Dark Graph.
Tax 05/07, h/grips, BMW alarm, cr/ exh, OBC with
oil warning, cyl/ prot, pan/prot, bar risers, small t/
box, white indic, a/key oil filler, beespoke t/bag.
Genuine bike, mature rider, immac & ready to tour
£10200. Spence 01980 671272 (Wilts)
R1200ST Mar 2005, 14,000 miles, Piemont Red/
Silver. ABS, h/grips, panniers, centre stand, belly
pan, fender extender. New tyres, immac cond, BMW
warranty until 03/07. Light, fast, 50-55mpg & superb headlights. £6500 John 07779 225051
(Shrops)
Norton Commando Interstate 1972, 22,000 miles,
Stunning in Yellow. Mot’d. £2999 ovno Andrew
01233 851112 (Kent)
Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom. 2002, 13,500 miles. Blue.
Ex cond, Factory centre stand, crash bars, T&T,
£3500, swap for GS. Mike 01228 710800 (Cumbria) (Non Mbr)
78
BITS & BOBS
Baglux black tank bag £45. BMW R1150GS top
box & mounting bracket, 33 Ltr, black, small scuff
on lid, hence £115 complete. Andy 01233 851112
(Kent)
BMW Htd waist coat. Size Med, with plug and controls, as new, cost £180 sell £95 plus p&p Ivor 01582
418611 (Beds)
BMW R1100R / R850R clear touring screen and
mounting kit. Screen part No 46632317446.
Approx 21 inch X 23 inch. Mounting Kit part no
C71.60.2.337.078 & fitting instructions. Some
scratches to the bottom right hand side, may polish
out. £45 plus p&p or collect. John 07921 648608
(Yorks)
BMW R1100R / R850R, brackets & rubber mounts
from BMW kit , part no C71.60.2.337.078. Purchased to replace cracked item. Cracked bracket
now been brazed & good as new. Hindsight is a
wonderful thing. £15 plus p&p or collect. John 07921
648608 (Yorks)
BMW tank bag for R1100/1150 RT. Exchange for
similar or Baglux for K75/100 series Phil 10207
544851 (Newcastle)
Breaking R80 mono 1987, most parts available,
can post.Bill 01375 407305 (Essex)
Clear out, R45, R65, 6/7 R80, R90, R100 spares
parts, engines, electrics, forks, wheels, gear boxes,
bevel boxes, sub-frames, brakes, no seat & more.
Job lot or swap for K parts welcome. For details
call Bill 0208 659 2563 (London)
For Honda VFR V-Tec, Baglux tank harness, red
£35. Haynes manual £10. Both plus p&p. Terry
01691 652988 (Shorps)
For R1100/1150RS, BMW Multi-Vario tank bag c/w
raincover £35. Mike 0113 253 8197 (Yorks)
For R1100RT Baglux tank bag cover £20. High
screen £30. Top box £50. Hd/bar risers £25. Dennis
01246 453873
For R1100S, seat £35. Baglux tank cover, Red £30.
Both plus p&p Don 0117 949 3867 (Bristol)
For R1100S, Tank cover, black leather £40. Rear
seat bag, black £35 ono. Rear seat throw over bags,
yellow/black £20 ono. Steve 01785 851307 (Mids)
For 800cc aircooled Boxer’s, a restrictor kit off R80
Mono. Limits performance to 25KW/33BHP for restricted licence cost £177, fitted 2003 sell £35. RS
logo transfers for both sides R100RS fairing, new,
black with template. Introduced on Mono RS, will
fit all RS fairings £25. Both plus p&p Haydn 01392
851285 (Devon)
Gd cond blk panniers,spare locks/keys £90. Black
STX- APPOLLO leather jacket size 44 double
zipped pockets for armour heavy duty jkt gd cond
£45 Buffalo childs blk leather jkt size 10, pockets
for armour double zipped front £35. Other childs
clothing avilable Frank 07886 326487 (London)
K100 (2-valve) ’83 to ’92, K75 ’85 to ’96 Haynes
Manual. Gd cond £8. David 01480 393262 (Cambs).
Sub frame for K series, leading link forks, & small
wheels. Bill 0208 659 25 63 (London)
Ladies Belstaff cordura waterproof sallopetts,
black, size small, but fits up to 14, ex cond £35
Chris 01308 897879 (Dorset)
Touring panniers to fit 1992 K75RT Chris 02392
595307 (Hants)
Ladies Savannah 2 Jacket, size 12 / 14, Red &
Grey, cw, removable waterproof lining, worn once
£100 Stuart 07833 690972 (Midlands)
1990 - 1992 K100RS 16v. Gd cond, ready to go,
original. Panniers, tank cover/bag, top box. Less
than 50K miles. Stewart 07900 575 850 (London)
New Remus Revolution exhaust for 8 valve
K100RS, VGC. Give your bike a great sound & extra “grunt”. Easy to fit. £150 ono. Pannier Inners for
BMW K100, ex cond, hardly used £50 ono. Top box
for K100 VGC. £25 ono Bernie 01384 376085 (West
Mids).
Rear Wheel off R100RS, Snowflake pattern with
good tyre, size 110/90-18 61H & s/s disk, £110 ono.
34/11 bevel gear for twin shock. £25. Both plus p&p.
Dave Tel 01423 860463 (Yorks)
R100T petrol tank, new & unused, 1979, in Red/
Sivler, mint cond £195 Andy 01233 851112 (Kent)
Surefoot side stand. Fits /6 series boxers. As new,
orginal packing £30 plus p&p Roger 01978 265784
(N. Wales)
Vanson ‘Enfield’ leather motorcycle jacket, 44"
chest. Virtually unused, in perfect cond. USA, made,
probably the finest leather jackets made. Cost £400,
sell £200, with separate, unused liner, cost £80 inc
Andy 01494 725169 (Bucks)
WANTED
Baglux harness & tankbag for K75/100 Phil 10207
544851 (Newcastle)
BMW Club Journals for Feb & Mar 2006. Roger
01205 480805 (Lincs)
For R100R Classic 1996 Speedometer W1148. Y
Section Exhaust Pipe Mick 0116 2418123 (Leics)
For 1983 R100RT a 15 inch rear wheel Chris 02392
595307 (Hants)
Honda Pan European 1100cc, see R1100RT for
sale Pete 01455 553254 (Leics)
K100 or K1100 panniers, with touring badge, any
condition considered Paul 07901 977793 (Kent)
Panniers to suit R1150RS. Rear yellow indicator
lamp, RH side. Large tinted 17 inch screen. Tony
00 35 387 245 7174 (Eire)
R27 Bing Carburetter No. 1/26/83 or 1/26/68 or
seviceable carb housing block. Gd frt & rear wheels
or rims. Pagusa pillion & luggage rack. Patrick
01789 773801 (Warks)
Sigma Sport “Targa M”, 8 function speedo computer £20. Ultraseal puncture prevention £18. Ferodo
FBD204 brake pads, GS & all twins ’85 on £11.
Oxford Barrier Chainlock, heavy duty, 1.5m long.
£18. Malaria 112 tablet travel pack, (paludine/
avloclor)by astrazeneca £10. All items new Bryan
01782 393398 (Staffs)
To keep your articles, photos, letters and
ideas coming in - we can never have too
much of a good thing. And with Christmas
looming on the horizon, how about digging
out some of your festive snaps ( or even
schnapps .... ) ?
In the pipeline :
The Editor versus Bluetooth ( at the moment,
Bluetooth is still winning comfortably )
Tim’s K1100 Technical workshop
How to blag a 1200GS
The Orkneys
79
SMALL BUSINESS ADVERTS
Small Business adverts are available to any individual or business. For rates and terms please
contact: Charles Knight : La Petit Fosse : St Ouen : Jersey : JE3 2GN
Phone/Fax: 01534 485474 Email: [email protected]
4 STAR B&B in MACHYNLLETH.Luxurious bungalow, stunning Mid-Wales scenery. Hearty breakfasts, traffic-free roads. Lock-up garage. 01654
702562 www.dyfiguest.co.uk
4 STAR B&B IN WONDERFUL PERTHSHIRE.
Luxury en-suite accommodation in tranquil
Balnaguard 5 miles south of Pitlochry. Wonderful
breakfasts, spectacular views, £22.50 - £28 pppn.
Lockable garage for m/cycles. Ann Croft Tel: 01796
482627. e-mail: [email protected]. Website:
www.balbeagan.com
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]
ALMERIA VELEZ RUBIO. Self contained apartment sleeps 4, own private courtyard, pool, BBQ
200 Euros per week. A92N 3km, Granada 1 ½
hours, beach 40 mins. Secure parking. Phone Pat
or Chris Payne 00 34 690152979
ALPINE CHALET 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, garage. 3kms from Chatel centre. From Euro 575 per
week. More info: www.chaletdow.co.uk Phone
01494 562872
AN CALA GUEST HOUSE, Grantown-on-Spey. AA
5 Diamonds. Ideal base for Highlands. Kingsize
doubles, magnificent 4 poster. All rooms en-suite.
On site parking, also garage. £27-£31pp b&b. 01479
873293 www.ancala.info
AUSTRIA (Southern) – Summer/ Winter Sports.
Self Catering fully equipped flats (Sleep 2-6). Superb touring roads & mountain passes. Close Italy/
Slovenia. Excellent amenities. Secure Parking.
Cyril/Liz Cannard (Bikers). Tel/Fax: 0043 4769
B&B CALVADOS / NORMANDY. Destination Normandy or en-route stop? Great meals, secure garage/drying, ideal UK ferries. Details http://
perso.wanadoo.fr/bandbjanville/ or phone / fax +33
(0)231391037
B&B Edinburgh, secure garage parking, colour tv,
tea & coffee. 15 minutes from City Centre £30 pppn.
Tel 0131 669 3570 or 07931 718584
B&B PLYMOUTH, just 20 mins to Continental Ferries. Quiet location, en-suite, garaging for bikes.
www.beckdaleguesthouse.com
email:
[email protected] Tel Bruce on 07152
881504 or 07929 222961
BED AND BREAKFAST, MOFFAT, SOUTHERN
SCOTLAND, B & B, garage parking, wonderful bik-
80
ing 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
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). great biking are with masses to do
and see. Big savings on ferry costs.
www.benodetbreaks.com or call Steve Jackson on
01543 473089
DORDOGNE. Self-catering cottages sleeping up to
8. Garage parking. Pool. Club members.
www.lesflamands.com/bikes or telephone 0033 553
50 12 39
DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY, South West Scotland - 2 cosy wee s/c cottages each sleeps 2 in
twin beds. Quiet location adjacent our home. 4 miles
from Wigtown, 22 miles from Stranraer ferry terminal. Beautiful scenery and great biking roads. Shopping service on request. Short Breaks available.
Sorry No smoking/pets. Tel: 01671 830422 mail:
[email protected]
www.duddingstonelodge.co.uk
EXMOOR, Porlock. Situated in the centre of this
lovely ancient village on the edge of Exmoor, we
offer Bed and Breakfast (evening meal by arrangement), in our CH/En Suite rooms. AA 4 Star rated.
Off
street
secure
parking.
www.cottageporlock.co.uk. Tel: 01643 862996
FRANCE – CHARENTE MARITIME REGION
House sleeping 6 to 8 on outskirts of riverside village. Five minutes to bars, restaurants, shops. 30
minutes to the Atlantic Coast/Royan/La Rochelle/
Cognac. Only 4 hours from St Malo. Surrounded
by quiet biking roads. Lockable garage, Private
garden. English housekeeper. Contact Lee or Viv
Tel/Fax: 01526 345866 or 07947 439630 Email
[email protected]
FRANCE – LOIRE ATLANTIQUE REGION Farmhouse, tranquil location, close to Chateaubriant, Le
Mans an hour away, surrounded by miles of quiet
motorbiking roads. B & B plus 2 gites, sleeping 8
and 4. Evening meals available, swimming pool.
Mature owner active motorcyclist. Phone (00 33) 2
40 97 08 44, e-mail [email protected] Website
www.la-janais.com
GERMANY, BRITISH B&B,17th century house,
rooms en-suite. Ideal for Rhein, Mossel valley
Nurburgring, Mohn Dam, Cologne. Drying and Laundry facilities, well stocked bar,Bar food.Email
[email protected] www.vinecottage.de Tel
00492742911728
GERMANY, BEAUTIFUL HARZ MOUNTAINS 10
bedrooms all en-suite. Huge bar, conference room,
restaurant. 2 underground garages, drying room,
fantastic roads, scenery & architecture. Friendly
biker hosts that make you feel part of the family.
Inexpensive, warm & cosy. Email [email protected]
www.hotelharmoniebadgrund.org.uk Tel: 00 49 5327 86 98
60
ITALIAN RIVEIRA 12th century house near
Monacco,14 kms coast , great mountain rides.
www.vine cottage.de bob@vine cottage.de 00 492
7429 11728
LAKE DISTRICT holiday bungalow – comfort for
four plus garage. Ideal touring location & available
April to November. Member owned. TEL: 01695
422210
LAKE DISTRICT B&B IN BOWNESS-ON-WINDERMERE. Panoramic views of Bowness and lake.
En-suite. Covered/lock-up parking. Leisure facilities.
015394
88658
Web:
http://
www.abovethebay.co.uk
LAKE DISTRICT. Peaceful 17th century barn in lake
shore hamlet - just for two! Log fire. C.H. Garden.
Secure indoor bike space. Non-smoking. Breaks
available.
Tel
01229
885643
or
www.townyeatbarn.co.uk
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
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
SOMME MOTORCYCLE TOURS and farmhouse
B&B, Northern France. 100 miles from Calais in
quiet village near A1 autoroute. Secure parking on
site. 1 to 3 day battlefield tours with author, historian
&
GS
owner.
www.martinpegler.com or call 00 33 3 2286 5672
SOUTHERN SPAIN, Sierra de Almijara an area of
outstanding natural beauty. 2 bed townhouse in historic village of Frigiliana, close to Nerja and Med
Coast. 50 km East of Malaga. Fine foods, restaurants and all manner of sports available locally. Bike
parking 1 minute from house. Further information
on 01932 881231 (No pets or smoking)
SOUTH OF FRANCE, NARBONNE. Choice of B&B
or self catering apartments. Awesome roads, &
stunning scenery, Close to Mediterannean, Andorra,
Pyrenees, Corbieres, Minervois & Spain. Guided
Motorcycle Tours available. All with secure garaging. Call Martin on 0033 468333671. email: [email protected], or visit www.st-georgesfr.com. 5% discount for BMW Club Members
SPAIN, TORREMENDO – MURCIA AREA Beautiful two bedroom house in small Spanish village
surrounded by countryside. Swimming pool & secure garage. Spanish bars and small supermarket
in vilage. Superb biking roads and scenery. Good
weather for biking throughout winter months. Active bikers John & Janine Fitzgerald 0034 965 368
285 Email: [email protected]
SW FRANCE - HEART OF COGNAC COUNTRY.
B&B (dinner optional), secure parking, swimming
pool. Easy days run from all west coast ports. 5
mins from Angouleme by-pass. Call Maggie on
(0033) 545 691003 or e-mail maggie.teal
@wanadoo.fr
LYNBROOK INSURANCE for Special Member’s
Schemes including Classic and Modern motorcycle insurance (all makes) - plus Travel and Overseas Breakdown arrangements. TEL 0845 130 4662
BUYING PROPERTY IN SPAIN?. Let us help you
with every aspect of purchase. Support services in
Spain and UK. From independent lawyers, to furniture pack. Contact, Homelife International Properties. 01242 663759. [email protected]
FANCY OWNING A PLACE IN THE SUN? A place
where you can ride the motorbike al year round on
excellent biking roads of inland Spain? Or just relax at the local Spanish bars for your tapas? Interested? Call Janine at Sunline International 0034
966 761 818 or visit our website: www.sunline.ws
GOING OUT FOR A RIDE THIS WEEKEND? Need
an accurate weather forecast ? Then check out the
free 5 day forecast from Weather Commerce Ltd.
For National, European and Regional 14 day forecasts log on to www.weathercommerce.net Director Chris Blowes is a member of the BMW Club
and is happy to take consultation calls from fellow
members
BMW SEAT SPECIALIST 20 years experience.
Comprehensive service. SAE for information.
www.motorcycleseatworks.co.uk 366 to 370
Woodside Road, Wyke, Bradford, BD12 8HT.
Damon Tel: 01274 604672
www.eBolt.co.uk For stainless steel nuts, bolts and
fasteners, tools and consumables
SHEEPSKIN m/cycle seat covers, custom made.
01604
714103
or
www.easirider.com/
motorbike_sheepskin.htm
PANNIER INNERS R80/100/1100/1150RT/RS/GS/
850GS. Standard £62, extended lid width £68 pair.
K75/100/1100/1200RS Standard £62 pair. K1200LT
three piece set £97. Adventure three piece set £91.
R1200GS expandable £75 pair and £99.50 three
piece. R1200RT £65 pair & £99 three piece. Black/
Royal Blue piping all incl P&P. Send cheque to Mane
Event, 8 Cornhill Road, Davyhulme, Manchester
M41 5TJ, Telephone 0161 747 3939
www.maneevent.org.uk
TRY MOTORWORKS for Ohlins, Hagon, Remus,
Hawker batteries, Keihan, Goodridge, PFM brakes,
Metzeler/Continental tyres, Seats, Screens, Luggage, Service items, Clymer, Haynes, Huggers,
Mudguard extenders, Heated jackets, Tuffmaps,
81
genuine parts, performance chips..much more.
Used guaranteed spares for all models. BMWs
1970-2006 wanted for breaking. Free catalogue.
www.motorworks.co.uk Tel 0845 458 0077
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 £2,650. 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
CRAY ENGINEERING BMW 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. Phone/Fax
01795 431444 Sittingbourne, Kent
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
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.
MICK BARR INDEPENDENT BMW SPECIALIST.
Trained BMW Technician, GEARBOX SPECIALIST.
Twin spark head machining, mail order parts for
classic twins from 1953. Service and repairs at my
home workshop, Scraptoft, Leicester LE7 9UL. Call
Mick or Glenyse 0116 2419316, Monday to Thursday to 6.30 pm.
ANDREW SEXTON NORTH OXFORDSHIRE
WARWICKSHIRE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE BORDER. BMW Quality service, repairs, restoration and
special tuning work, on all models. Collection and
delivery arranged. MOTORCYCLES Tel 01608
730111
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.
[email protected]
SERVICING, REPAIRS, SPARES: Boxer & K servicing; Breakdown & crash repairs; Pickup and delivery service, weekend work, loan bike available;
BMW’s always being broken; Only BM’s worked on.
Tel: Neil on 0208 546 2600 (S.W. London)
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 (12/06)
Here’s a photograph of an interesting bike I
saw in the Wolfgangsee area of Austria in early
September.
It's totally enclosed
with
retractable
stabilisers. From the
few bits I could see by
peeping
through
openings in the
bodywork I'm fairly
certain it's based on a
K series BMW.
Regards
Roger Richards
82
83
84

August 2006 - BMW Club Journal Archives - bmw

Transcription

Similar documents

BMW ETK installation instruction manual

BMW Isetta - Studio 434

OPTOR IE S May/June 2014

10% OFF*

New Transport Models and Smart Use of Transport Infrastructure

2016-07 - RGMotorsport

BMW6 Series - magazine media case study

Performance Realty

Birmingham News Article - Monday Morning Quarterback Club

June - Madison BMW Club