News

BMW Custom Concept survey
Got a minute? Want to let BMW Motorrad know what you think looks good and what doesn't? We have another survey for you but it only takes about two minutes.
Head over to the BMW website, choose the configuration you like best and also let them know your thoughts on price, performance, and features.
Who knows, you might actually influence a new BMW model and it won't cost you a cent.

Team USA wins the GS Trophy!
US riders Brad Hendry, Jason Adams and Jim Stoddard were on top of the points score at the conclusion of the competition in Tunisia. Journalists Jimmy Lewis, Jonathan Beck and Ryan Dudek accompanied the team.
The selection process for the GS Trophy was covered in detail in the September OTL, and full coverage of the event itself will be in December and January.

Scot Harden joins the Husqvarna team
Best known these days for connections with KTM, Scot is back with Husqvarna where he started out 26 years ago. This can only mean good things for BMW's Husqvarna division, as Scot brings a wealth of experience in racing and training to the team.

Discontinued Models
The F800S, G650 Xchallenge and G650 Xmoto are discontinued for the 2009 model year (meaning now). The F800ST and G650 Xcountry will remain in the 2009 lineup, although the Xcountry might not make it beyond 2009. Details in the next OTL. Thoughts? Wish you'd bought one, or that you hadn't? Let us know.

Welcome to the BMW Riders Association
If you're serious about your riding, you're in the right place. The BMW RA is an international community of BMW riders focused on the machine, the marque and the company that makes it all work. It is our mission to enhance the BMW motorcycling experience for our members and provide a forum on the history, current offerings and the future of the marque. We're glad you're here.

Cool links
How a BMW motorcycle is produced
Latest newsletter of the International Council.

Notes

Is your OTL missing pages?
The December issue may have some pages missing.  If you receive on of these contact HQ (866) 924-7102 or email the admin and a complete issue will be sent to you.

Black Eagle Shop
Add an RA flair to your gift giving this Christmas season! To ensure arrival before Christmas, orders must be received by:
- US Orders: December 18
- Canadian Orders: December 16
- International Orders: December 10
Check out the new Pilsener and Hefeweizen glasses!

Those with October or November 2008 expiration dates will not receive the December 2008 OTL.
Renew online or call the office.

Racing

World Endurance Cup Season Finale
For this final 24-hour race of the 2008 season, BMW Motorrad Motorsport fielded two three-rider teams on HP2 Sports. Richard Cooper, Thomas Hinterreiter and Rico Penzkofer rode the #17 bike, and Stephane Mertens, Sebastien Le Grelle and Brian Parriott were on #71. The other entrants in the Open Class were the Metiss 1000, Ducati Endurance team with a 1098R and an 848, and Thorn Bikes' Honda CBR 1000.
Within the Open Class, the #17 bike ran second place (behind the Metiss) most of the first half, stopping at one point for about an hour, with the #71 bike a lap or two behind. BMW moved to the front when the Metiss dropped out after 16 hours, but the #17 bike stopped less than two hours later. That left the #71 bike leading the class, finishing the 24 hours with 670 laps. The Ducati 848 also ran the full 24 hours and completed 627 laps. The CBR and the 1098 were early retirements, completing 40 and 10 laps respectively.
The overall winner, leading the entire race, was the Suzuki team with 747 laps.
This event marks the end of BMW's WEC efforts, and the end of the HP2 Sport's racing career with BMW AG. BMW will now shift gears for World Superbike with the S1000RR.

Clubs

Club elections
The RA doesn't have an election until 2010, but many local clubs will be having annual elections this winter. As mentioned, the RA can organize and host online voting for any chartered club. Club webmasters or election coordinators should contact the RA webmaster.

New Club Logos
The ICC has yet again updated logo requirements for chartered clubs. For regional clubs (typical clubs in the US) the biggest point seems to be that the 3D roundel is now required, whereas before BMW was willing to accept the older roundel due to printing difficulties. The final word on that will be here soon. The RA will assist any chartered club with logo design.