News

BMW RA International Rally
This year's rally will be held July 29 through August 1 at the Green Mountain Energy Park in Pownal, Vermont. Details are being posted to the rally page as they develop.

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

New 2010 boxers introduced
The R1200RT, R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure are announced with the expected DOHC cylinder heads. The engines are not identical to the HP2 Sport motor, and in fact the maximum horsepower is not increased from the previous engine (first seen in the R1200R) but the maximum torque is up 3 ft-lb at 6000 RPM.

This is a very positive change; rather than going to a larger displacement the company has used better technology to improve the engine. There will be a lot more to say about the engine changes in the December OTL.

Other significant changes for the RT include ESA2, new instruments, new audio system and controls, and the new switchgear which was first seen on the K12300 models. ESA2, also introduced with the K1300 last year, and provides spring rate control.

The GS and Adventure models do not have the new switchgear, but have subtle changes to the bodywork and instrumentation.

control

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

S1000 RR

S1000RRMSRP: $13,800
The options include either standalone new 4-stage Race ABS or Race ABS combined with multi-stage Dynamic Traction Control.  Other must have options include the truly awesome Gear Shift Assistant that allows clutchless upshifts during acceleration, Anti Theft Alarm and the WSBK-inspired Motorsports Paint Scheme.
This new Superbike from BMW weighs only 404 lbs, and puts out a 193 hp.  The S1000 RR is the most powerful production 1000cc sport bike in the world.
In addition to the most potent power plant in its class, the S1000 RR introduces new tech features such as the first-ever 4-stage Race ABS system with settings for Rain, Sport, Race and Slick conditions. This groundbreaking new ABS weighs only about 5.5 lbs complete, which is nearly 20 lbs lighter than the competition. 
The S1000 RR also introduces a new multi-stage Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) which allows smooth acceleration on wet roads, or puts down full-on power on the track and settings in between depending on the road and riding conditions.

Bylaws Change & Officer Elections

Board of Trustees Election
The 2010 Officer Elections Ballot is in the January/February OTL, and is also available online. Please look at the nominee statements here or in OTL, and then vote with the link provided or with the paper ballot.

Notes

OTL didn't come this month?
Members with a 12/31/2009 expiration date who have not renewed their membership, will miss receiving their January/February 2010 OTL. Renew now online or call Headquarters today so you don't miss an issue. Your expiration date is on the label of your OTL.

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

Rally awards
The RA's PC-XT has finally finished crunching the numbers from the 2009 rally. Look for the high-mile youngsters and oldsters, and more, on the awards page.

Rally Lost & Found
We have a couple of items left from the rally. Send a note to the Admin with a description to claim one.

  • Camera
  • Pack Bag
  • Hat
  • Ignition Key

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

Welcome Visitors

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