APRIL 2019
www.bmwmcq.org.au
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE BMW MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF QUEENSLAND INC. Established 1958
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OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE BMW MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF QUEENSLAND INC.
The Committee President- Paul Hughes Ph: 0409 814 633 President@bmwmcq.org.au 1200 GS / 700 GS
Vice President - Richard Maher Ph: 0415 111 454 vpres@bmwmcq.org.au R 1150 R
Secretary - Tony Gray Ph: 0409 493 605 secretary@bmwmcq.org.au R 1200 GS (The Grey Ghost) Treasurer - John Eacott
Ph: 0428 383 826 treasurer@bmwmcq.org.au 2017 K1600GT 2016 R1200GS Tripple Black
Editor - Dave Hepburn
Ph: 0422 080 524 editor@bmwmcq.org.au R 1200 RT
Records- Greg Gaffney Ph: 0411424 219 records@bmwmcq.org.au R 1200 RT & R 90 S Events -
Ph: events@bmwmcq.org.au
VACANT Regalia -
Ph: regalia@bmwmcq.org.au
VACANT
Tools/Spares - Bill Luyten Ph: 0438 123 747 tools@bmwmcq.org.au R1150 Rockstar - R1200 GS LC
This Issue - APRIL 2019 Contents:Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Committee Reports . . . . . . . . . . 5 PHOTOS JOLLYS LOOKOUT RIDE . . . 6 TREASURERS REPORT . . . . . . . . . . 7 General Meeting Minutes. . . . . 11 CLUB RIDE COMBINED RIDE. . . . . . 12 LEAKING FUEL PUMP MERV BONE. . 16 RIDE TO THE ROCK . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 FROM THE VAULT - TONY GRAY. . . . 18 CAMPING WEEKENDER . . . . . . . . . 21 DID YOU KNOW - GARY BENNETT . . 22
20th FRIGID DIGIT . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 FOR THE AIRHEADS . . . . . . . . . . . 25 TOUR OF RUSSIA - ARE YOU GAME. . 26 BMWMCQ Supports. . . . . . . . . . . 28 ADVERTISING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 BMWMCQ Events Calendar 2018. 30 Cupla Adverts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 DUST HUSTLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 PHOTO GALLERY . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Advertisers
TeamMoto - Back Cover
Caloundra Motorcycles Cafe2U - P.28 Good Wool Store - P.32 Munich Motorcycles - P.32 Northside Motorcycles - P.34 Morgan and Wacker - Front Cover
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n The Cover... On the 15th of March 2019 an event of monstrous proportions occured in 2 Mosques in and around Hagley Park Christchurch, New Zealand. 50 innocent citizens died and a significant number of others received horrendous injuries. New Zealand still needs our support and if you were thinking of holidaying in NZ now would be a good time to go. NZ lost its innocence and will never be the same.
Kia Kaha
Sub Committee
• Dealer Liaison / Advertising - Don Grimes Ph: 0411 601 372 • Forum Moderator - Garry Hilton
Club Details BMW Motorcycle Club of Queensland Inc.
2. Improving the service and availability of spare parts for BMWs in Queensland using the advantage of a united effort.
Address all correspondence to: The Secretary PO Box 3669 South Brisbane QLD 4101
4. Organising day trips, tours and outings.
ABN 30 351 243 651
Monthly meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month at the:
Geebung RSL Club
323 Newman Road Geebung A Club Ride is usually held on the first Sunday after the monthly meeting. BMWMCQ AIMS The objectives of the BMWMCQ are to increase the enjoyment of motorcycling by: 1. Improving the opinion of the public towards motorcycling in general and associated members particularly, by careful, courteous, considerate riding, especially when riding with the Club, and rendering assistance to all road users in difficulty.
3. Decreasing maintenance and running costs by mutual assistance on mechanical problems. 5. Encourage and support Regional Ride Groups 6. Affiliation with other clubs/associations where such affiliation would be of mutual benefit. DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this Journal are those of each contributor and are not necessarily shared by the Editor, management, and / or membership of the BMWMCQ. The Editor reserves the right to refuse any advertising or delete any material which could be considered or interpreted as questionable, libellous or offensive, without consultation. WEB SITE Visit: www.bmwmcq.org.au
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Editorial
APRIL 2019
Dave Hepburn
Editor’s Report
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his editorial is written with a somewhat heavy heart as a result of the events that transpired in my home country, New Zealand, on Friday 15 March 2019 wherein 50 innocent people died horrendous deaths and many many more suffered terrible injuries. The events of the day have been well and truly dissected and investigated by the authorities and the media and I do not intend to give the perpetrator any credence or acknowledgement in this magazine: suffice to say that New Zealand lost its innocence forever on 15 March 2019. This event touched hundreds of families throughout the two nations, including my family. I have acknowledged the BMW Motorcycle Club New Zealand Group throughout the magazine and offer all their members and families’ wishes of aroha (love) and Kia Kaha (stay strong) from the BMW Motorcycle Club Queensland. My hope is that one day we may come together either in NZ or here in Australia to ride the good ride. I am a member of the BMW Motorcycle Club New Zealand Group Facebook and enjoy reading and seeing the events through their members’ articles and photos…they have a great club. Gary Bennett’s article in last month’s magazine contained a link in the story for a video on You Tube that did not work according to plan…..the video took 26 hours to download to my computer and a similar time to upload to You Tube and be processed: 625 megs will do that and the format was not that crash hot either. To that end I advise members that submit videos for inclusion in the magazine do so by providing me with a link to their particular video on their YouTube/Face book page ala Mark Morrissey and I can paste that directly into the article or send me a small file .mpeg4 and I will upload from my end.
To that end I have included the correct link for Gary’s video for last month’s article…please enjoy: Fingers crossed….. I recommend you watch it in 1080p: https://youtu.be/1N4mKvkofJk
As Paul has stated in his report the committee is doing all that it can to provide members with a wide variety of activities to choose from……choose wisely and enjoy the rest of the riding year.
VENUE FOR BMWMCQ GENERAL MEETINGS GEEBUNG RSL CLUB 323 NEWMAN ROAD GEEBUNG MEALS OPEN AT 6.00 PM MEETING STARTS 7.30 PM
NEXT MONTH : 7.30PM 2 MAY 2019
Committee Reports Paul Hughes
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APRIL 2019
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President’s Report
hanks to everyone for the support and thank you to the elected committee members for this year. We hope to provide you this year with many varied and interesting activities. We are currently moving some of our social events around on a compass course to ensure we cover E, W, S and North. Hopefully this will make it more accessible to members who have found it difficult to attend fixed venues. So far, we have had a great response and also tried some interesting venues. I can highly recommend Kenmore Tavern and The Glen Hotel. Aprils “Drinks with dinner if you like” is being held in Capalaba at a boutique brewery which come highly recommended for pizza and great beers. Hope to see you all there. The “Crows Nest Pub” is hosting our April club lunch ride and I am sure there will be some small groups forming to ride up to the pub. March ends with another of Bill’s great service days. Come along even you don’t need your bike serviced and learn a bit more about your BMW machine. Of-course the highlight of April is the “Cullendore camping weekend”. This is a fabulous facility in the scenic rim. Last time we were there we had a really great experience. Let’s hope the weather stands up and we have a great roll up for a chat around the open fire pit. You will notice on our face-book page and the web calendar some major events later in the year have already been posted: ASKB racing in July at Morgan Park (Warwick). I have attended here before and you certainly can get up close and personal to the racing here. We will organise a ride up together for this or just join us there. Also, in July is the famous Frigid Digit. See Gary now as there is limited availability in what promises to be a memorable weekend. In October the reincarnated Cane Toad Rally is on again at Nindigully. This is a great venue with really good camping and country pub beds: Iconic Queensland Pub and not to be missed. Please don’t forget about our new swap library for motorcycle printed media. Let’s keep moving great information and stories around for everyone to enjoy. If you have something to place in the library, please bring it along to the General Meeting. Just want to shout out our thanks to the Geebung RSL who complimentary hosts our monthly meetings. Their food and staff hospitality are fantastic. Hope you all will come along and join in the club event. Please take note in the journal of our great sponsors that advertise with us. They deserve our support and always welcome club members to their various businesses. Lastly, this is a motorcycle club and we strive to provide activities that we are all interested in. Volunteers work very hard to provide a fun filled schedule and I know we all appreciate their great efforts. Riding safety has been a media issue lately. It is very IMPORTANT that you are all here this time next year, so please ride within your own limits and enjoy the open road.
Ride safe and have fun Paul
Gary Bennett being congratulated by President Paul Huges at the March AGM to have the offer to issue Life Membership to Gary... It was passed UNANIMOUSLY. Well done Gary, now just keep those articles and weekend rides coming.....Ed
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APRIL 2019
Richard Maher
Committee Reports Vice President’s Report
Thanks Paul Malcolm for providing the link to these great 1940s’ motorcycle photos…Ed 1940s Bike Girls from LIFE....
Committee Reports John Eacott
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Treasurer’s Report
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Committee Reports
APRIL 2019
POSITION VACANT Greg Gaffney
Events Coords Report Records Officers Report
O Cheers Greg
ur year is off to a great start and I’m looking forward to the many great upcoming events, rides and rallies. I led two rides last year so I need to start planning some interesting routes and destinations so I can help spread the load and lead one or two rides this year. New Memberships Gerald Grubwinkler R1150R Rockster Dennis Greenfield R1200GS Michael Grace
BMW 2019 JEGMar2019
Another year, another Committee Farewell to some, oh what a pity! Cindy & Duncan, you did your jobs well But you’d rather travel we can tell Anita, you’re having a well-earned rest The Club events are some of the best Tony’s joined up but he’s been there before He must have had fun as he’s back for more Paul & Richard at the helm once again “You must be crazy”, the oft heard refrain! Greg & Dave, John, Bill & Don Thanks for your time & continuing on The Club’s running smoothly, we’re all having fun We thank & applaud you, you get the job done Gary became the latest Life Member Scanning Club history so we can remember Events and Regalia left vacant on the night Hopefully soon this will all be put right
Submissions for the Next Journal (MAY 2019 Edition
Committee Reports Bill Luyten
Service Day
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he Club will hold a Service Day on Sunday 31 Mar. Rob Wynne has kindly offered to use his place once again, thanks Rob.
Timing 0930-1400 Location: 61-63 St Jude Circuit Jimboomba (Just off Mt Lindesay Highway)
Some members have already requested to reset the service reminders on their bikes with the GS911 diagnostic tool which won’t take too long. As well we can check your bike for fault codes. Oil drain pans, oil disposal as well as a comprehensive tool kit available. We will be providing a Sausage Sizzle and Drinks for a gold coin donation (proceeds to the RFDS). Even if you’re not going to maintain your own bike, come along and help someone else or give your expert guidance/ opinion on how it’s done. There are special tools available (see below list) including the GS-911WiFi and 3 pin diagnostic tools. The club also has various service manuals so let me know if you would like me to bring one along. For those that like to tinker with their bike see listed below the comprehensive bunch of tools available. Still a couple of spares left at a bargain price.
Tool’s Report Clutch alignment shafts (3 sizes) Compression gauge (cylinder pressure) Steering head bearing puller and seating tool Gearbox output flange puller GS-911 Wi-Fi Diagnostic tool (Wi-Fi and USB Version) GS-911 3 pin interface Tyre Pressure Monitor Sensor (TPMS) tool Enduralast hall sensor tester
Club Tool Loan
There is a $50 deposit (refundable) for the GS911. Tools and spares can be picked up or brought along to the next meeting or Club ride. Contact Tools Officer:Bill Luyten 0438 123 747 (wluyten@bigpond .net .au) or Club email: spares@bmwmcq.org.au
Tony Gray at Taralga 28 March
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ex at rest at the head of the avenue of trees leading into/out of Taralga NSW. We had just ridden the sweetest piece of road between Laggan and Taralga. This 28 km of new bitumen seal is just a constant string of 70/80km posted sweepers. Sat on about !!! and didn’t touch the brakes for the length of the road. This road used to be gravel and obviously no one else has heard it’s been sealed as no other traffic. Sweet.
Tools for loan
There are special tools available including the GS-911WiFi and 3 pin diagnostic tools.
Special Tools
Twinmax electronic carburetor balancer (Twin BMW engines) Vacuumate (electronic synchronization of throttle valves up to 4 cylinders)
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APRIL 2019
n) closes on 15 APRIL 2019 - Just soes y’all know!!!!!!
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APRIL 2019
REASONS TO VISIT NEW ZEALAND
Committee Reports
APRIL 2019
Tony Gray
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Secretary’s Report
BMWMCQ Meeting Minutes 7 March 2019 Venue: Geebung RSL Meeting Opened:
8:50 pm
Apologies:
Cheryl Abbott Maggie & George Steven Johnson Dave Hepburn Les Fitzgerald & Kelly Weeks
Minutes of Previous General Meeting: Accepted: Rosi Johnson Seconded: Mark Mustchin Number of Attendees:
New Members (Name & MC): Visitors: Returning Members: Treasurer Report:
Editor Report: Tools Report: Regalia Report: Records Report: Events Report:
Secretary Report: Dealer Liaison Report: Vice President Report: President Report:
Other Events/Buy/Sell/Swap: Past rides: General Business Closed:
Tony Gray secretary@bmwmcq.org.au
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Dennis Greenfield rides a 1200GS Evangeline Kannis Nil
$2k from Clubs Australia for Rally in 2020 Net income YTD $2565.07 Balance $21,000 approx
Looking for articles of interest
Next Service Day 31st March at Jimboomba A couple of spares still in stock some R1100S air filters ($5 each) Nil
Current members 246, looking to increase membership in 2019. Members encouraged to invite potential members along to events.
Next Club ride is a dusk ride to Sandstone Point Hotel on 10th March departing Mitchelton Caltex at 4pm Friday 15th March Glen Hotel Dinner ride Sunny Coast Riders and Warrego Riders have events as well Black Dog Ride 17th March – Sunny Coast or Gold Coast Coffee Morning 23rd March 0900 Elixir Coffee Stafford Lunch ride Sat 30th March Crows Nest Hotel Service Day 31st March at Rob Wynn’s place at Jimboomba Nil to report Nil to report Nil to report
1. Looking for Events and Regalia roles on the Committee 2. Moving events around as a trial to get more members to attend, recommendations sought on local suitable places 3. Reminder that committee positions are voluntary and people do their best Nil
Kenilworth lunch ride was successful with about 20 people 9:15pm, next meeting 4th April.
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APRIL 2019
CLUB RIDE - Sunny Coast BMW Riders
Sunday 10/3/2019 Sunny Coast BMW Riders Day Ride. Destination; German Bake and Wurst House, Helidon Spa. The wrap up of the ride
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endy and I left home at Moffat Beach at around 0630 hours on a warm Sunday morning and ready for a good day of motorcycling on our K1600 GTL the ‘Blue Knight’. The designated start point for the ride was at the BP Service Station on the Steve Erwin Way at Glenview. Ready and waiting at the service station was a new member to our group, Marcus Koolen who was also on his first ride with the group. Wisely, Marcus was also riding a K1600. Fantastic. Great to meet Marcus. By 0715 hours, after meeting and greeting Marcus, we were on the road via Landsborough, Beerwah and Peachester. Always love those twisties after Beerwah, when there is no traffic blocking the path heading in the same direction. And that was the case on this particular morning. On cue we arrived at Kilcoy at the second pick up location; and there were Huw and Liezel Samuel with their GS and Mark Gillmore with his K1300, waiting. We were now set for an enjoyable day of motorcycling and socialising. Not sure if the emphasis should be ‘socialising and motorcycling’ or ‘motorcycling and socialising’. Ok; we will keep it simple and accurate. We were ready for a ‘great day’.
We all hit the road and after riding on the slowly deteriorating road surface with its many bumps, depressions and uneven surface on the twists and turns (regardless of the road those twists and turns are always enjoyable) around the edge of Somerset Dam, where many vehicle drivers were towing beautiful ski boats and without doubt ready for a magnificent day water skiing on Somerset Dam, we eventually reached our morning tea stop at Enigmas Café, Esk. Fortunately; a suitable table with a very shady umbrella was unoccupied on the footpath. Motorcyclists are without doubt very wise individuals. Warming sun, table, 6 chairs, shade and café. There was no hesitation in securing the table for the group. Yes; motorcyclists are indeed very wise individuals. I should jump ahead a little here; and let you all know that on our ride on this particular day; it definitely did not rain. However; the sun was already starting to demonstrate it has warming qualities; and I don’t mean warming as in ‘warming to you’ in friendship. I had planned to spend around an hour at Enigmas Café, eating, drinking and socialising. And that we did; plus, an additional 15 minutes. When a group is enjoying each other’s company, why rush? Motorcycle clubs are about motorcycling (and we were going to do plenty of that on this particular day), and socialising in a friendly atmosphere with like minded people (and we all certainly love our motorcycling) and when a new member joins the group, quickly making that new member comfortable with the group. So; as far as I was concerned, why be in a hurry to leave the shade of Enigmas Café? Did I mention that the sun was demonstrating its warming qualities? By 1015 hours we were again on the road from Esk across to the Warrego Highway near Gatton and then rode on the old highway through
CLUB RIDE - Sunny Coast BMW Riders Gatton and Grantham where Wendy saw a sign indicating it had been some 6 years since the devastating flood waters destroyed the town and the lives of many Queenslanders. I also noticed the many new houses on the ridge to the north of the original town. Riding through Grantham always brings back sad memories of a terrible tragedy. Back to motorcycling and good times: We re-joined the Warrego Highway at Helidon and then it was time to navigate to our lunch destination at the German Bake and Wurst House, Postmans Ridge Road, Helidon Spa. Fortunately, I had confirmed the best route from the Warrego Highway to the venue during a prior phone call with the venue owners. Paul had also provided some useful information, as a consequence of a previous visit. The turnoff is impacted by the new road system at the Helidon end of the massive road building project that is the 2nd range crossing and Toowoomba bypass presently under construction.
Sometimes you have to go forward to go back, and as per the route instructions, that is exactly what we did and without any difficulty we soon arrived at the lunch venue. Almost on cue, just after we settled into a shaded outdoor area of the venue, with many cooling fans operating, Paul Hughes on his trusty R1200 GS, arrived to join our group for lunch. Paul rode direct from Brisbane and was intending to return direct to Brisbane so we could join the Brisbane Ridge group’s Sunset Ride to the Sandstone Point Hotel, Sandstone Point for dinner that evening.
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We all enjoyed our lunch at the venue where (apart from Paul who had stopped to sample the food provided at the venue after he had read the event notice for this particular ride some days earlier) none of our group had previously been. Always good to try something new. Nobody was disappointed. Fantastic. After a long and enjoyable lunch, Paul
departed on his return ride to Brisbane and the rest of our group continued up the range into Toowoomba and on to the well know Picnic Point. Well it was well known to many; however, the reason for heading to that location was that when planning the event, I became aware that two of our members had never been to the location. As it turned out, three of our members had never been to the location. It is very evident that we are in a serious drought. Personally; I have never seen the Toowoomba area looking so dry, as was much of the country we rode through on this particular ride. In Toowoomba the temperature was 35.5 degrees Celsius. We were all feeling the heat in our motorcycling outfits. Photographs were taken to capture our visit to Picnic Point: then in was back on the road towards Highfields and down the range via Ravensbourne National Park back to Esk. However, whilst riding out of Toowoomba on the New England Highway, we executed a planned ‘U’ turn in order to stop at a good viewing area to take in the view of the new viaduct up the range and which is part of the Toowoomba bypass project. Photographs were taken to capture the group with the viaduct in the background. Afterwards, we were again on our way to Esk.
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CLUB RIDE - Sunny Coast BMW Riders
As we neared Esk the temperature reached a maximum for our group for the day of 38.5 degrees Celsius. We parked our Beemers in the shade outside Nash Gallery and Café in Esk and very wisely found a suitable table in the shade on the café veranda. Cool drinks were enjoyed and much discussion took place regarding the activities of the day and eventually (nobody was in a hurry to leave the shade of the veranda) we were again on our way via Toogoolawah, Gregors Creek and Kilcoy. Esk was our last planned stop for the day and prior to departing Esk we all said our goodbyes to one and other as Huw and Liezel were heading home, as was Marcus, and Wendy and I and Mark were intending to continue on through Woodford and to the Sandstone Point Hotel for join the Brisbane ride group members for dinner at the hotel where they planned to arrive at 1830 hours. Wendy and I and Mark reached the very cooling atmosphere of the hotel at around 1730 hours and quickly sought a seat overlooking the beautiful waters of Pumicestone Passage. Wonderful venue. As it turned out, some members of the BMWMCQ were already in attendance however not with the ride group and eventually we joined them after Cheryl Abbot very kindly came looking for us after being told some other motorcyclists were at the establishment. Thanks Cheryl, that was very much appreciated. Shortly afterwards about another eleven members of the Brisbane ride group joined those of us who were already relaxing, drinking cool drinks and enjoying the atmosphere. I didn’t take a head count, however around 18 BMWMCQ members had dinner and socialised at the wonderful Sandstone Point Hotel. Wendy and I for two; had never been to the location previously. Well done Cindy Bennett for selecting the venue. After a long dinner, we all again said our goodbyes and Wendy and I headed home to Moffat Beach. Some 15 hours and 485.5 kilometres after leaving Moffat Beach we arrived home at 2130 hours. After parking the ‘Blue Knight’ in the garage and turning off the ignition, Wendy men-
tioned something about it being a long day. I am still trying to fathom what Wendy meant. To summarise; it was a long, hot, very enjoyable day of motorcycling and socialising with our Sunny Coast BMW Riders group members and for Wendy and I and Mark with the Brisbane ride group members at the Sandstone Point Hotel. It was a wonderful day which I know (because they told me so verbally and by messages) was enjoyed by all our group who joined the ride. Wendy and I certainly enjoyed the ride, the company of the group members and the day, regardless of the heat. The only negative of the day was seeing how much the country needs rain. Thanks Liezel, Huw, Mark, Paul and Marcus for join Wendy and I on our group ride for the day and helping make it a very enjoyable day. Thanks also to Cindy for organising the dinner location at the Sandstone Point Hotel.
Cheers, Richard.
Another reason why you should ride NZ roads....Ed
CLUB RIDE - BMWMCQ Riders Group Sunday 10/3/2019. BMWMCQ Riders Group Twilight Ride. Destination: SANDSTONE POINT HOTEL BRIBIE ISLAND The wrap up of the ride.
D
Twilight Ride
uncan and Cindy organized a twilight ride for the March club ride as a welcome break from the very hot summer weather that had stretched into autumn. The meeting point at Mitchelton Caltex servo saw a gathering of 12 bikes - all solo. Jane my usual pillion, better half and unofficial ride photographer had a one year old to contend with at home so was a reluctant non-starter. The new order of rider briefing accompanied by signed ride sheet was conducted efficiently. The conga line of bikes, book-ended by the two Triumphs of Duncan and Cindy, hit a 4pm departure time for the cross town ride towards our first stop at Dayboro. In the first kilometre we crossed Samford Rd and went through two sets of traffic lights before Duncan pulled over, me beside him but not another bike in sight. I congratulated Duncan on his leadership skills - never in the annals of BMW Club ride history had someone managed to lose so many so quickly. Truly a Herculean effort. Eventually the other 10 bikes arrived and we set off on our second attempt. En-route the familiar sight of the yellow jacketed John Eacott on his white stallion K1600 loomed into my rear vision mirror as our ride group swelled to 13 bikes. For those of us from the south-side of the river the rare opportunity to ride across Bunyaville, Clear Mountain and Mt Samson is always a delight and this day was no exception with little traffic on the varied and twisting roads with excellent views across Lake Samsonvale. The Dayboro stop caused a hiccup in proceedings as our ever vigilant Tool Officer Bill pointed out to Kim that the brake light on her Suzuki was not working. Closer inspection revealed that the tail light had also been ‘taken out’. The assembled brains trust was unable to get to the blown lamp without reverting to force (how much to replace a smashed Suzuki tail
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light lens?) or stripping several metres of plastic shrouding from the Zook’s rear end. A Google search of youtube failed to find a solution so the question - how many BMW riders does it take to change a lightbulb? - remains a mystery. Kim and partner Gino took the safe option and left the run to return home before it got dark. The rest of us tackled Mt Mee as light was quickly draining from the day and the temp had dropped to a pleasant riding level. We were following a route map set by Ian Sayce for a night ride a couple of years previous so we left the delights of Mt Mee for the narrow and tight descent of Campbells Pocket Road which bought us down to Wamuran. From there the corner markers were critical as the route cut across unfamiliar territory before hitting the main road to Bribie Island and our dinner stop destination at the Sandstone Point Hotel. All credit to Duncan and Cindy as we all arrived safely and without incident with all agreeing that we should have more twilight/night rides on the club program. The remnants from Richard & Wendy’s earlier Sunny Coast Riders day ride were waiting for us at the Hotel along with Editor Dave so it was a great social gathering for dinner. Richard let us know that his air temp monitor had topped out at near 40 deg descending the Toowoomba Range during their ride reinforcing the attraction of the late 4pm start for our ride. Thanks to Duncan and Cindy (and to Richard and Wendy) for putting in the time to organize and lead such enjoyable rides.
Tony Gray
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APRIL 2019
LEAKING FUEL PUMPS - Merv Bone
LEAKING FUEL PUMPS
t all started with a phone call from a mate in Yamba NSW who had a 2011 R1200RT (37,000ks) which he had just sold. The new owner Jason from Macksville NSW had fuel leaking from the pump. A call to BMW Ballina and was told that it was not covered by the Technical Campaign which covered 2004 to 2008 models only. Jason started to pull the quick release unit apart to try and fix the problem. A few days later I did the 40,000k service on my 2012 R1200GS and upon starting the bike discovered that I also had a leaking fuel pump. Bugger.
I phoned BMW Melbourne and a woman on the other end told me the same thing that Ballina had told old mate: not covered by any recall and that she was not aware of any problems with fuel pumps on the later models (2008 to 2012). I got very blunt with her telling her about the total recall in the USA from 2004 to 2012 and that Australia would have been aware of the issues. Her advice was to take it to the dealer and they would evaluate it and advise Melbourne as to what they found. The next week I rode my GS to Morgan and Wacker and spoke to Jullian (Service Manager) who said that he had seen about 30 of them, the pump has to be replaced. They would inspect it and talk to BMW Melbourne. You know that sinking feeling you get in your gut when you are being softened up for a $1000 slug for a new fuel pump. Jullian then said I will ring you before we do anything.
At 11am Jullian calls, yep just as I thought the pump has to be replaced. I have spoken to Melbourne and they are going to replace it at no cost to you. We may have one in stock; I’ll get back to you. At 3pm Jullian calls, all fixed come pick up your bike. By 4.30pm my GS was living back in the garage and I had a smile from ear to ear and thinking I had just won lotto. The service I received from Jullian at M&W was fantastic. I would also like to thank the members of our club who shared information about their fuel pump issues. Brendan Jones, 2007 R1200GS, 94,000ks replaced at no cost. Tony Gray, 2007 R1200GS, 88,000ks replaced at no cost (See his article in Sept 2015 on it). John Allan 2010 R1200GSA in June 2015 with 20504ks paid $1000 to have pump fixed. Also thanks to Les Fitzpatrick and Mal Cremer for their research into this. More good news, Jason from Macksville got his fixed at no cost also, good will replacement. My feelings are that if you have a fuel leak from the pump on any R1200 models from 2004 to 2012 take it to a dealer and have it inspected. I feel it will be replaced as BMW Australia do not want any bad press in relation to this fault. The USA did a full recall which would have cost heaps.
Merv Bone 3663
CLICK ON URL BELOW FOR MERV’S VIDEO RE LEAKING FUEL PUMP LINK 1:https://youtu.be/m2CSyrrmdCo
Thanks Paul Malcolm
RIDE TO THE ROCK UPDATE! - Cindy
APRIL 2019
Ride to the Rock Update!
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he Ride to the Rock (R2R) is coming around quickly, and departure is set for Saturday morning 4th May at 9:00am from BP Blacksoil following the route as outlined below. We have 10 keen riders/pillions at this stage, but it’s not too late to join in and any riders wanting to come for just the weekend are more than welcome (this is a long weekend for Labor Day). The first night in Miles is at the Miles Crossroads Caravan/Cabin Park and they are putting on a camp fire stew on for us for dinner, and the local riders will drop in for a drink and catch-up. At this stage there is no planned return route, but there is a general consensus of travelling south through the Territory to Port Augusta and Broken Hill. There is also the option of travelling north to Darwin and shipping your bike home from there. Date
Destination & km
Sat 4th May
Brisbane (BP Blacksoil) to Miles 359km
Sun 5th May
Miles to Blackall 629km
Mon 6th May
Blackall to Longreach 214km
Tues 7th May
Longreach to Mount Isa 648km
Wed 8th May Thur 9th May Fri 10th May to Mon 13th
Mount Isa to Tenant Creek 661km Tenant Ck to Alice Springs 509km Alice to Uluru 468km
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FROM THE VAULT
ewly vested life member of the BMWMCQ, Gary Bennett, has done a fantastic job in scanning and cataloguing the Club’s history through more than 50 years of the club’s newsletters/journals. These can be viewed and downloaded from the Downloads section of the club website. They make great reading not just into the history of the club but to the joys of motorcycling from bygone days unfamiliar to some but a cloudy memory to others.
I randomly selected the March 1974 newsletter that forms the basis for this story and which opened a Pandora’s Box of memories for me personally. To put this into context in March 1974 I was a long haired, bearded, single, 20 yo riding a Honda 750/4 with loud 4 into 1 pipes and wearing the then mandatory black Brando leather jacket, Levi jeans and leather boots. To me BMW’s belonged to the more civilised, Belstaff-wearing tourers who rode mega miles to attend rallies in far off unknown parts of this wide brown land. Surprisingly I knew and rode with several members of the BMWMCQ who were very decent people and with whom I shared a common love of motorcycling. I knew President Peter Hempel who was not a small man. At one stage he acquired an ‘end of line’ brace of small 2 stroke engined Maico motorcycles which he rode with gusto.
FROM THE VAULT - Tony Gray These had the full race replica look with rear-set pegs and clip-on bars. To say that Peter’s derriere ‘swallowed’ the narrow seat of the little Maico was an understatement. At least they were German manufactured albeit not BMWs. I understand sadly that Peter passed away from illness many years ago at far too young an age. In ‘members news’ it was noted that Bruce and Karen Prescott had moved to Canberra to live and their assistance in typing the newsletter would be missed. Bruce was a riding buddy who at that time was riding a TX650 twin cylinder Yamaha demonstrating the diversity of bikes belonging to Club members. Bruce worked for the Tax Dept. and moved to Canberra for work never to return to Brisbane. Jane and I stayed with them in Canberra on our way to Tasmania in 1978 on our Ducati. Bruce now retired, rides a Harley. Still in ‘members news’ it was noted that Duncan Raymont was trying to sell his Norton and was planning to get a Honda for trials riding.
FROM THE VAULT - Tony Gray Now Duncan could best be described as a similarly hirsute 1970’s version of our own beloved Craig Brennan. Duncan was an Engineer who I worked with at the then PMG Department. His Norton was a classic 750 cc Interstate which he really did not want to sell and kept resisting the financial pressures created by home ownership. He never did buy that Honda trials bike but instead a Yamaha TY250A that I later acquired to start my own short lived trials riding career. That bike still sits in pieces under the house awaiting restoration.
Secretary Ian Aitchison lived at Chelmer not far from Jane and I and had just avoided the ravages of the devastating 1974 floods. His early 1950’s R68 BMW had been spared. Ian was well known throughout the BMW community of the time as he dealt in BMW motorcycle parts both recycled and imported. Ian had purchased the BMW spare parts from Mayfairs (who remembers them?) when they stopped selling the BMW marque. I remember Ian had a reputation as a hard rider who sadly ended in a wheelchair after an accident. Another clubbie of the time was Ian “Butch” Fraser who rode a white R60/5 as hard as any. Once he wound that R60 up there was no turning back and he was very hard to catch. I have just finished restoring a Monza blue R60/6 that
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will probably never see the revs that Butch used to subject on his mount. Contained in the March newsletter was a letter from John Hargreaves that explained the process he undertook to import a set of SS pipes and silencers from England for his R75/5. This was of particular interest as I have just imported a set of SS silencers for the R60 from Motobins in the UK. The comparisons are very interesting and show how some things change and some things stay the same. In 1974 John’s silencers took 41/2 months from time of order to time of delivery and because of manufacturing delays the header pipes took 7 months (both include 21/2 months on the high seas). I ordered mine on a Monday and they were delivered 8 days later. Consider this next time you complain about postage costs from the UK or Germany for your special bits. The exchange rates at time of order were remarkably similar at about $1.87aud to the pound. Currently imported goods are supposed to attract GST of 10% but bureaucracy being what it is this is very much ‘hit & miss’ as to whether it is charged. In 1974 Australia did not have a GST but we had a manufacturing industry to protect so certain goods attracted import duty.
Continued on page 20
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For John this meant paying duty on the header pipes because they were considered to be a part of the engine BUT not on the silencers because they were considered to be part of the frame and therefore free from duty. If that isn’t confusing enough there is the question of country of manufacture. Mother England attracted a lower 38.72% duty whereas Germany attracted a duty level of 53.8%. Customs assessed that the pipes were for a German motorcycle therefore subject to the higher rate even though they were made in England? Monty Python anyone? Sales Tax of 15% was then applied making the whole exercise somewhat expensive. I can’t help but wonder how John Hewson lost an election based on GST on a birthday cake when this was what was happening in the country? Of note from reading these 1970’s newsletters is a comparison of the demographics of the club then and now. The club was roughly half the size it is now and from my experience most of the active members were 20 somethings, somewhat ahem, younger, than today’s membership. BMW were then as now a more expensive option for the buying public. It was hard to get committee positions filled and there was much debate about the type of runs and functions the membership wanted. The newsletter editor was also appealing for members to put pen to paper for articles. Sound familiar Dave?
Tony Gray
FROM THE VAULT - Tony Gray
CAMPING WEEKENDER APRIL 2019
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CAMPING WEEKENDER The Sequel 13~14 April 2019 Due to popular demand we are returning to Cullendore High Country again this year, so If you missed out last year, here’s your chance to share the memories of a great location. Just over the border into NSW, south-east of Warwick and 2.5 hrs from Brisbane is 2,000 acres of well maintained campgrounds with spectacular views. Hot & Cold showers, flushing toilets, fire pits, Gas BBQ and firewood supplied. BYO everything else. 3.5km of dirt road suitable for road bikes to access. We have the area “Greygum”, booked for our group in the “Forest Camp” For further info visit www.cullendore.com or phone Gary Bennett 0411 784279 $17 per person, see facebook page or Club website for payment details to secure your place in this great weekend.
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DID YOU KNOW ?? - GARY BENNETT
The following was found in a Journal from the late ‘60s. Club Members are encouraged to wear Club helmets (i.e. white helmets with black and blue stripes over the top). “Let’s make Club outings look like CLUB outings, and not a herd of brown’s cows! Is this to be the B.M.W. MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF QUEENSLAND or just an unknown, unseen, unrecognised group of irresponsible bikies? How about a bit of support for YOUR CLUB? YOUR effort counts! Where has Club spirit gone? Club stripes will be available at the next meeting”.
I also read in an old Journal where they would have a get together day, where they would paint their helmets white, ready to put the stripes on. Fortunately the idea didn’t take off. Researched by Gary Bennett #509 From old Club Journals
RUPTURED BUDGIE RALLY 2019
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THE 20th FRIGID DIGIT !!!!!
MYSTERY WEEKENDER FOLLOWING A PROUD TRADITION OF OVER 23 YEARS, 3 “BEST ORGANISED RIDE AWARDS”, TOTAL DISTANCE TRAVELLED OF MORE THAN 6,300km, MORE THAN 640 PARTICIPANTS AND 14 DESTINATIONS.
BMWMCQ PRESENTS
THE 20th FRIGID DIGIT The Tradition: A Mystery Weekender on the last weekend in July, travelling on great motorcycling sealed roads to a destination within 2.5 hours from Brisbane and guaranteed to be cold. Camping and Cabin accommodation. Enjoy each others company at social gatherings at morning tea, lunch and in the evening and cap the night off with some warming liquids telling yarns around a campfire. Some previous destinations have included, Queen Mary Falls, Jondaryan, Esk, Goomburra, Binna Burra, Bunya Mountains, Stanthorpe and Kilkivan. This Year: It’s on again (27~28th July) and the location will be revealed on Ride Directions handed out on the morning of departure or on the GPS Route emailed out the night before. The ride directions will guide us, via morning tea and lunch stops, to our mystery destination. With lots of cabins available this year, it has the potential of being largest turnout since 2009. A venue is close by for the evening meal and social gathering. So be quick to book and get your winter woolies ready, because it’s going to be a lot colder than Brisbane and hopefully we can match last years sub zero temperature. Camp Details: Camping costs $27 per tent (1 or 2 people). Excellent amenities with hot showers and fireplaces. Cabin Details: $130~$160 for 1 or 2 people. Linen is included. Each cabin has an ensuite and kitchenette. There are two cabins set aside for lone riders Contact:
Gary Bennett on 0411 784279 or gbennett777@gmail.com
FOR THE AIRHEADS - and there are many
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MMM BOXERWORKS AIRHEADS GROUP PAGE Each month Mark will endeavour to provide a couple of links to his instructional videos on dealing with all matters pertaining to BMW Airhead Motor Cycles. These are the three links this month to Facebook Video’s: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNrsj2usjp_m-yzCvPwrd0DrUx-ks13SyytTj4zhdaecBNX9Ux9aiJakT QNCE6oMQ/photo/AF1QipPogRvheMOI02og9p1oUL6CawZKZ71GkI5c0M2d?key=NlUxclRlQzFrdzQ5aUk 1N1pDemlrU3N1NGdXYmlB https://www.facebook.com/Boxerworks/videos/1968077376584538/ https://www.facebook.com/Boxerworks/videos/1924150211241604/
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TOUR OF RUSSIA - ARE YOU GAME ! !
ARE YOU GAME?????
W
e’re thinking of Russia. Just seems like a well organised group. Only BMW’s. Pricey at first, but when you consider it includes 3-4* Motel every night, All petrol, Insurance, Service, Oil, Brecky and Dinner on all ride days (just over 20 + days). At first I was thinking of taking mine (Viola), but then there’s, shipping, ride-travel to Moscow, carnet, insurances various, plus petrol wear and tear (tyres, service, oils etc.), bureaucracy with Visa, et al. Bike cleaning, crating, shipping from Vladivostok just to mention a few. Instead, Just Economy air to Moscow, Ride, and economy air home, done, all in less than a month. And we’re thinking of two 800 GS bikes, Ann riding too. If we decide down the track to go and if we favour just going one bike instead, we’d pick the R1200 GSA. Have a look. We haven’t decided for sure, but getting interested. Plan for 2020. August appears more popular, probably a bit warmer and has thawed by then. Love the chance to swim Lake Baikal, which has 20% of the planets’s fresh water! It’s what I understand a southern route on pretty new 95% bitumen. I think it’s all part of a new Silk Route (Trade) investment of Russia. Sure is one for the Bucket list. Have a look. https://rusmototranssib.com/moscow_vladivostok#!/tab/80229993-1
And an interesting review: https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g298484-d13277092-Reviews-Rusmototravel-Moscow_ Central_Russia.html But if we seriously consider, will do some more research. Cheers Royal They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin
new zealand motorbike safety
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ADVERTISING & BMW SUPPORTS
ADVERTISING & BMW SUPPORTS
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Date Thu 04
Start 7:30 PM
BMWMCQ Club Eventes Schedule April 2019 Event
Club General Meeting
Sun 07 7:00 AM
Club Ride
Thu 11
Social Drinks with Dinner
Mon 08
Sat/ Sun 13/14
BMWMCQ 2019 Events Calendar
APRIL 2019
7:00 PM 6:00 PM
AM/ PM
Details
Contact
Geebung RSL Club, president@bmwmcq.org.au 323 Newman Road, Geebung Qld…Meals from 6:00pm with meeting commencing at 7.30pm. ALL WELCOME! Come and meet people who share a common interest.
Caltex Australia Richlands - 209 Progress rd Cnr Garden Road Richlands 4077 to ride to ELTHAM PUB NSW - meet 7:00AM for a 7:30AM departure
vpres@bmwmcq.org.au
Bacchus Brewing Co 1/2 Christine Place Capalaba. Come and enjoy a social night in the
president@bmwmcq.org.au
Cullendore High Country : Just over the border into NSW, south-east of Warwick and 2.5 hrs from Brisbane : For further info visit www. cullendore.com or phone Gary Bennett 0411 784279
Gary Bennett 0411 784279
Good Friday
ANZAC Day
Committee Coorparoo RSL, Meeting 45 Holdsworth St, Coorparoo
CAMPING WEKEND
company of fellow club members....Its OK to park Bikes inside the gates if you to want to.
president@bmwmcq.org.au
REFER TO ADVERT ON PAGE 21
Fri 19
Mon 22 Thu 25
Public Holiday
Public Holiday
Tue 30 6:00 PM
DATE Fri Sat Sun 1719 May 2019
Public Holiday
Easter Monday
German Brisbane German Club, 416 Vulture Street, East Club Social Brisbane ....Come along and enjoy the company of Dinner your fellow Club members.
editor@bmwmcq.org.au
EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS CALENDAR TIME
All Weekend
EVENT
DETAILS
BMW OWNERS CLUB SOUTH AUSTRALIA
PELICAN RALLY 2019 BIENNAL Rally which will be held at CAMP KEDRON on the Banks of Lake Bonney riday to Sunday 17th to 19th May 2019… more details will be posted closer to the event
CONTACT
BMW OWNERS CLIUB SA PO BOX 193 NTH ADELAIDE SA 5006
BMWMCQ 2019 Events Calendar
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APRIL 2019
BMWMCQ Club Events Schedule MAY 2019 Date
Start Event
Thu 02
7:30 PM
Details
Contact
Club General Geebung RSL Club, 323 Newman Road, Geebung president@bmwmcq.org. Meeting Qld Meals from 6:00pm with meeting commencing au at 7.30pm. ALL WELCOME! Come and meet people who share a common interest.
Sat 04 Sat 18
Grand Tour
Ayres Rock Planning commenced in January. All welcome. See current programing this months magazine page 17
Mon 06 7:00 PM
Committee Meeting
Coorparoo RSL, 45 Holdsworth St, Coorparoo
president@bmwmcq.org. au
Mon 06
Public Holiday Drinks with Dinner Club Monthly Ride Coffee Ride
Labour Day Qld - May Day NT
Hamilton Hotel, 442 Kingsford Smith Drive, Hamilton. Come and enjoy a social night Ride TBA
president@bmwmcq.org. au
Fri 10 Sun 12 Sat 18 Sun 26 Tue 28
6.30 PM 9:00 AM 12;00 PM 6:00 PM
Lighthouse Bar and Cafe - 237 Shore St Cleveland Lunch Ride O’Shanleys Irish Bar and restaurant - 54 Cnr Fisher and Clark St Clifton QLD 4362 (121km) German Club Brisbane German Club, 416 Vulture Street, East Social Dinner Brisbane. Come along and enjoy the company of your fellow Club members.
Committee president@bmwmcq.org. au events@bmwmcq.org.au
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A Couple of Adverts................
Call now for our frEE parts CataloguE
Genuine & Aftermarket parts (from 1955 onwards) • Accessories • Australian Agent for Hepco & Becker Luggage Systems and Crash Bars Electronic Ignition Systems Unit 5&6 / 9 Hayden Crt Myaree, Perth, 6154 Western Australia
www.munichmotorcycles.com.au TrAde enqUiries WelCoMe (open till 7pm est.)
Phone: 08 9317 3317 Fax: 08 9317 3359 email: munich@iinet.net.au
??? SMOOTH OUT YOUR RIDE ???
We’ve got you covered. GENUINE AUSTRALIAN
SHEEPSKIN SEAT COVERS
ADVERTISING SPACE AVAILABLE
From business card to full page, all sizes are available. The BMWMCQ journal is distributed to members throughout Queensland and is also displayed in QLD dealerships. In addition, copies are sent interstate to other BMW affiliated Clubs. Get your message out to people who own, ride and restore BMW motorcycles. Rates are below. Phone your requests to Don Grimes - Ph: 0411 601 372
Good Wool Store Pty Ltd 49 Queen St BERRY 2535 P 02 4464 2081. F 02 4464 3344
www.goodwool.com.au
DUST HUSTLE - MAY & SEPT
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PHOTO GALLERY
Dinner with the Sunny Coast Gang on the Coast
AUSTRALIAN Super Bike Championship
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BMWMCQ CLUB RIDE 7th July 2019 Australian Superbike Championship Rd. 4 at MORGAN PARK, Warwick, Qld.
Glenn Allerton riding a BMW S1000RR Won the Championship in 2011 & 2014 Can this be his year to win again on the mighty BMW? And what about Troy Bayliss and his incredible return to ASBK in 2018 at the age of 50, how good will he be at his home track? It’s Round 4 of this great Aussie series right here in our back yard. See our facebook page or Club Website for more details or contact Gary Bennett 0411784279
2019 S 1000 RR THE SUPERBIKE REDEFINED
BMW Motorrad
Ten years after the first generation of the RR first mesmerized the world of motorcycles, we’re now entering the next level of performance. We have revised almost every component of the RR - the result: less weight and noticeably higher performance. Are you ready for the pole position and victory? The RR awaits you.
AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER Contact the TeamMoto BMW Springwood team now to preorder your brand new 2019 S 1000 RR model!
TEAMMOTO BMW SPRINGWOOD 59 Moss Street, Springwood I (07) 3442 1397 teammotobmwspringwood.com.au