5x WINNER
BMW Motorrad USA
“BEST SPORT TOURING” 5x WINNER
K 1600 GT K1600 GTL
“BESTTOURING”
The Ultimate Riding Machine®
2x WINNER
“MOTORCYCLE OF THEYEAR”
K1600 GT K1600 GTL 8x WINNER
“BESTTOURING” 3x WINNER
“MOTORCYCLE OF THEYEAR”
A TEST RIDE CONVINCED THEM. NOW LET IT CONVINCE YOU.
This summer, test ride an award-winning BMW like the K 1600 GT or GTL and take advantage of great factory-to-dealer incentives on select 2014 models. Discover for yourself why these are some of the most decorated motorcycles ever. Unless you’ve ridden one, you haven’t experienced this level of luxury, control and excitement. Just contact your authorized BMW Motorrad dealer to schedule a test ride today. Find one near you at bmwmotorcycles.com.
UNSTOPPABLE TOUR. Surprisingly low monthly payments are available through 3asy Ride financing, ask your local dealer for details. Motorcycle awards referenced to publications Cycle World, Motorcycle.com, Motorcyclist, Motorcycle USA, RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel, Rider Magazine and Robb Report for the years 2011, 2012, and 2013. ©2014 BMW Motorrad USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name and logo are registered trademarks.
OTL Over the LINE Photo by Jenny Jurnelius
B
ig changes at BMW USA, with former VP in charge of the US, Canada and South America vacating the Roundel Throne to Kris Odwarka, a man with lots of motorcycle expertise. Kris has extensive motorcycle experience on every level. He joined the BMW Group in 1992 as a Sales Trainer for BMW of North America, did lots of work on several continents, and returned to the U.S. in 2010 as President of Husqvarna Motorcycles. Hey Kris, sure
On the cover
The one of a kind prototype Concept Ninety is BMW’s statement that reads like this: From now on, we won’t be building your father’s motorcycles. We will be building heart-stopping bikes that blend art with acceleration, and passion with fully controlled brute force.
Unique Custom Cycles R nineT.
had my heart set on that beautiful F800 motored Nuda! Welcome to Kris, and the US can look forward to good things coming from this man. Simply stated, he’s one serious, savvy, genuine enthusiast. The US Market needs Kris Odwarka.
carbon fiber wheels and lots of racer bling on board. Although it’s a superb street bike, it’s simply not intended to be a race bike, so Nate’s and Atlanta’s work is cut out for them. We’ll report as we find out more.
Also moving on from BMW is Marketing Director Todd Andersen, familiar to OTL readers, who’s now marketing airplanes, one of Todd’s passions. We’ve had the opportunity to ride with Todd many times, and he can spit serious dirt from a knobby as well as carve a significant apex. See you on (and off) the road, Todd, and best wishes.
Perspective check # 12: Remember the scene back in 1952? This is a quote from the Vincent Black Shadow owners manual: “Decarbonizing the engine. No hard and fast rule can be laid down as to the periods at which decarbonizing should be performed. As a general rule, provided the performance is up to standard and there’s no evidence of trouble in the form of poor compression or excessive smoke, it is best to leave the engine undisturbed, and phenomenal mileages have been covered by machines which have been well cared for. Eight to ten thousand miles should be a reasonable average estimate.”
Our Euro intel spy tells us there’ll be a significant new S1000RR model coming to market, but it’s top secret, so our lips are sealed. There’ll be a big media launch in the Fall, and we’ll be watching closely to see how BMW can improve such a finelyhoned cornering tool. But that’s what BMW engineers do – constantly improve their hardware. And their software. Nate Kern, BMW NA’s S1000RR Ambassador, bought an R nineT to turn into a race bike, with sponsorship and mechanical help from BMW of Atlanta. Nate loves the beast, but being a racer he can’t leave well enough alone. So far he’s changed to a super trick, specially-built Ohlins fork, Ohlins TTX shock, and oneoff Ohlins steering dampener. He has BST
This weathered old booklet emphatically tells the story of what the norm used to be. Look at where metallurgy was compared with the 200,000 miles and more that modern engines can attain. What was different back in the post WWII days that made the usual tear down time 10,000 miles? The metals and their treatments to a large degree, and the leaded fuel, too. Chrome, Nikasil and other cylinder bore materials, and the rapid development of metallurgy since then has been impressive. Pistons, cranks, con rods, july/august 2014
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Over the Line OTL Mail BMW News Racing Technology Rally Map Buy-Sell-Swap Two-in-one gloves by BMW Motorrad and Held AltRider Beautiful Metal Michael Dunlop Wins Isle of Man TT Superbike Race for BMW Motorrad Adventure Riders University What I Learned at the 2014 RA Rally at Barber Motorsports Park The R26 and R27, 1956-1966 – The End of the Single Vintage Motorcycle Auction Do’s and Dont’s Quail Motorcycle Gathering Ricardo Merino, BMW Artist BMW Re-focuses Racing Strategy on Customers The R100RS – The Game Changer Creating Body Styles: BMW Design Team Fit2Ride
OTL is about the stuff motorcyclists like. Our experiences were gleaned over many decades of riding. We have an edge that we bring to the mix and don’t care if some don’t like it. We don’t have time to search for the fabled curmudgeon who collects R37 fenders, but will include what we think makes a good enthusiast magazine. We’re pragmatists and still players in current, real world motorcycling, and we can spot BS from a distance. New BMWs, old BMWs, history, sundry interesting historical machines, custom BMWs, motorcycle art, stories, rider training, racing and technology, major events, new bike launches, rallies, good photographs, are what we consider entertaining magazine content.
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bearing metals and aluminum alloys galore, as well as finely-honed casting procedures have appeared after endless testing of new metal alloys. We have it much easier today, with such marvelous, long-enduring machines. And many of these leading edge refinements have come from BMW. No wonder their world-wide markets are expanding rapidly; no wonder it’s taxing BMW’s production capacity to keep all their market areas fat with R nineT and S1000R machines on the sales floor. Some dealers have already sold their entire yearly allotment. What’s going to take care of this conundrum? Expansion into Asian engineering factories? They already have.
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I recently asked a long-involved friend what he perceived as the RA’s most valuable asset. He thought for several seconds and said it was the fact that the RA was smaller and didn’t have to rent a state fairgroundsized costly venue for their rally. Frankly, I was expecting him to opine that the best RA asset was their magazine. But the focus sometimes seems more about rallies than the future. Reminds me of all the years when the RA was kept static while the MOA was rearing its head like a racehorse.
Twitter stuff. They like to do their reading on their ‘phone.’ It’s apparent OTL must go electronic if we are to survive. The younger lifeblood the clubs need are all electronic oriented. This is the future, and the sooner we face it the better. Yes, printed quality magazines are expensive to produce and mail, but we ‘boomers’ love them.
The younger riders don’t seem to care as much about joining a club as our generation do. They think differently than the baby boomers, in large part thanks to hand held ‘devices’ and all that Facebook/
Another thought; maybe the club should hold 2 - 4 regional rallies per riding season including the west where the club is under represented. They could be smaller, camping oriented, simple cook-out events,
1-800-397-7815
www.racerpartswholesale.com and be about riding, campfire chatter, tire kicking and laughing with your buddies. The vendor stuff we can see at our dealer, or at the yearly International Motorcycle Show that goes around the whole USA. National rallies are not moneymakers. They are minimally incomeproductive and sometimes cost more than they bring in. Big rallies are a thing of the past. If you have something to say, PC or not, post on the BMW RA Forum: www. bmwra.org/forum and let’s stir up some discussion about this, traction control vs. the wrist, and the price of carbon fiber or whatever floats your Bavarian barge.
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July/August 2014
oTl July/auguST 2014 Vol. 43
BMW riderS aSSoCiaTion
Join BMW RA Today! Membership includes member card, club decal, and 6 issues annually of ON THE LEVEL. For new memberships, renewals or change of address call: 866-924-7102 or fax: 262-522-1103. Visit our website: http://www.bmwra.org/membership/ BMW ra offiCerS George Nyktas Karen Jacobs Lisa Malachowsky Bob Ulrich David Bromfield Gary Haydel Kent Cook Kent Skoug Andrew Pretzl
President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee
ConTaCT BMW ra RA Headquarters: P.O. Box 570 Mukwonago,WI 53149-0570 Tel: 262-409-2899 Fax: 262-522-1103 Toll-Free: 866-924-7102 E-mail: RAadmin@bmwra.org Website: http://www.bmwra.org
ra rally inforMaTion CoMplainT deparTMenT rallyinfo@bmwra.org Website: http://www.bmwra.org RAPrez@bmwra.org CluB CharTerS Karen Jacobs – Chartered Clubs Coordinator Email: charteredclubs@bmwra.org
ON THE LEVEL-OTL-(USPS 023-559; ISSN 0199-9036) is published monthly, six times per year by BMW Riders Association Inc., 206 Travis Lane, Unit 8,Waukesha,WI 53189. OTL arrives to most members at the end of each issue month. RA members may submit an address change online at bmwra.org/membership or to the address below by the last day of the month for the next OTL issue to arrive at a new address. Periodical postage paid at Waukesha,WI and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to BMW Riders Association, P.O. Box 570, Mukwonago,WI 53149-0570
Katherine Tsikitas, Advertising Sales Manager E-mail: advertising@bmwra.org Cell Phone: (717) 448-8733
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oOfficial n The leVel publication of the BMW Riders Association RA HQ Phone Number: 262-409-2899 RA HQ Fax Number: 262-522-1103 RA HQ Toll-Free Number: 866-924-7102 E-mail: OTL@bmwra.org Website: http://www.bmwra.org
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ediTor Will Guyan, P.O. Box 570 Mukwonago,WI 53149-0570 E-mail: editor@bmwra.org TeChniCal QueSTionS By uS Mail or phone
Oak Okleshen 22637 Ridgway Ave., Richton Park, Il 60471 (708) 748-8151 and online at: onlinetechline@bmwra.org Oak Okleshen Anton Largiader Joe Katz oTl deadlineS Deadline for submitting all material for publication in OTL is on the 15th of the previous month.
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Except in those rare instances in which OTL pays monetary compensation for an article or photos, the submission of any text or photos to OTL grants to OTL, for a period of not longer than thirty (30) days from submission, a firstright of refusal regarding publication of said material. OTL reserves the right to refuse publication, to edit or modify any submitted material prior to publication, and to hold material accepted for publication for a period of not longer than six months. Upon publication of any submitted text or photos, OTL thereafter retains a non-exclusive right to reproduce this material in printed or electronic media. Submission of text or photos to OTL constitutes acknowledgement of and agreement to these terms.
(ISSN 0199-9036)
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2014 BArBer rAlly
Jeff Ray caught this moment in Rally time with his gyrocopter camera.
the 2014 Rally at Barber Motorsports Park Happy to be back in tent city! Note the dual exhaust on the GS to the left.
John Elwarn, David Van Wert and Nancy Wagley arrive at Barber.
By Tina Doggett Photos by Jim Dohms arber Rally Recipe: Take 700 vintage, rare, restored motorcycles and open wheel Formula cars in an astonishing private museum worth multi millions of dollars (this is the largest motorcycle museum in the world, I’m told,) blend in 1150 willing and grateful motorcycle enthusiasts, and mix in great camping on pristine never-ending lawns, with unique motorcycle art here and
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there, and vibrant live music to dance to ‘neath the stars while enjoying the company of friends old and new, and one’s favorite beverages. Lastly, bake in warm Alabama sunshine with an occasional shower that keeps the lawns green, and simply enjoy 3 days of pure southern style hospitality. Nearby Birmingham is a world class city with all the accoutrements, and the riding nearby the Barber museum and race track is excellent. The rally also was held while California Superbike School was showing
Kermit chairs rock! No, we mean they’re fantastic and worth every penny.
Uber Photographer Jim Dohm’s colorful display of his art was very well attended.
off their fleet of BMW S1000RR superbikes to riders willing to learn the fine art of cornering. Motorcycle eye candy was everywhere. There was a very wellrepresentative vintage show filled with rare and historical BMW machinery shown by some of the most astute collectors and restorers in the USA. This was arranged by notable collectors John Landstrom and Darryl Richman, and the rugged, naturallysited GS trails that were presented by off road expert Ian Schmeisser was superb. Vendors displayed a large variety of riding gear and useful motorcycle products. It was one of the nicest displays of gear, bling and components we’ve seen in quite awhile. Motorcycles were everywhere, and there was no dust! What a beautiful site to hold our annual rally. Rallyers rode from California (Don and Donna Gangemi on their R1200R and F650GS) and from lots of states all over the country. Interesting seminars were held in the plush Barber Museum and Theatre. Comfortable seating, air conditioning, and interesting speakers regaled the rally guests. We had Nate Kern, BMW USA resident S1000RR and HP4 Ambassador, spouting the amazing features of the BMW Superbike falmily; Sarah Schilke of Schuberth helmet fame told the tale of the most amazing helmets available on the head protection market (and, Schuberth now takes care of the fine riding gear presented by German company Held); and land speed record holder Valerie Thompson told the story of her amazing exploits going well over 200 mph on her RR. There were important and poignant discussions about hearing protection from Big Ear (if you’re not wearing ear plugs, you’re making yourself go deaf.) How to deal with emergency situations while riding on a trip when you can’t ride your motorcycle was presented by Med Jet Assist, plus there were many other interesting topics. We heard some great motorcycle stories, including an excellent set of short stories about adventuring on the world-wide roads led by motorcycle writer and film maker Neale Bayly and famous speaker Tamela Rich. Mike Hernandez, Parts and Accessories Manager at BMW Motorrad USA, brought Garmin motorcycle expert Ben Johnson who gave an enlightening presentation on the many features of the new Navigator V GPS. Mike also presented BMW’s amazing HP Race Parts with storied road racer Nate Kern.
Big Ear does a great job with custom fit ear plugs and speakers.
Schuberth was there to show us why Germany makes the best helmets. And Ohlins showed off the best suspension upgrades on the market.
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R100RT Last Edition custom.
Happy to be at Barber was rider Nancy Wagley.
This lady rider loves her F650 GS.
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It was a great rally from the vendor perspective.
Kent Cook takes the S1000RR out on the Barber Race track.
Regarding the S1000RR track instruction from the California Superbike School and Keith Code, CSS is arguably the best known and most successful on-track motorcycle instruction in the world, and there were parade laps around the track for 200 lucky riders. Special thanks to co-chair Kent Skoug, and all our hard working committee chairs and volunteers, without whose efforts we
couldn’t have made this rally happen. Thanks to Jim Dohms for volunteering to shoot the rally images. Thanks to the Vintage Show participants for arranging such a wonderful show. (See the Vintage Show coverage following this article.) And thank you to our vendors for their generous door prizes. Please join us for our 43rd rally in 2015, at an as yet undisclosed site somewhere fun.
The California Superbike School flagger giving a yellow ‘caution’ to the track riders.
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2014 BArBer rAlly A beauty of a Wehrmacht WWII sidecar complete with heavy machine gun.
A touch of chrome never hurt any bike.
‘You touch my sidecar, you answer to this guy.’
Jay Lindquist’s ‘Best Preserved’ R60.
The venerable R32
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A 1941 R71 at the BMWShow RA Trustee Kent Vintage Cook showing ‘em how it’s done on the RR
R32 details
R69S and R60
The 1936 R5 july/august 2014
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2014 BArBer rAlly The undeniable draw of antique machinery is palpable. Kudos to the collectors who put on this amazing BMW show.
First Prize Single
1952 Harley Davidson Model K in the Barber Museum
A unique old R69S
Most Unique bike, a well patinated old steed.
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World’s Best R12 and 1928 R62
One of Barber’s treasured Triumphs.
A 1927 R47
Toaster reflections
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Barber’s perfect R60.
Blue Moon Cycle John Landstrom and Norm Buck of Flagler Beach, FL.
Barber’s showroom-fresh Knucklehead
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Vintage BMWs Shine at Barber By John Landstrom, words and photos
T
he 2014 BMWRA national rally was host to a fine assemblage of legendary motorcycles from Germany. The vintage tent was front and center on the rally grounds, brimming with BMWs from 1935 thru 1985. The 50 year production span included nearly a dozen prewar BMWs. The centerpiece of the display was Craig Vechorik’s 1925 R32. 1960’s /2’s were well represented and there were also some very nice modified BMW boxers from the 70’s and 80’s. Awards were given in ten classes and everyone was winner just by attending the fantastic event. I’ve been to many vintage bike shows where the majority of the motorcycles on display were not running or regularly ridden, this show was the exception. Craig and I had fun riding around the rally grounds on my 1928 BMW R62 Cannonball bike and Craig on his R32. I think this show stands apart in the fact that every bike on display was a runner, but then again would you expect any less from a BMW owner?
Paul Meredith bought this 1941 R71 at an auction in England. Paul soon learned that this was only a two owner bike and it was used in England for dispatch riding during the London bombings of WWII. Paul restored the BMW to its current state over many years. Pete Kerwin rode his 1969 R69S from Tallahassee. Pete’s bike has original paint and a set of Wixom saddlebags. He’s owned this bike for 30 years.
Norm and Belinda Buck brought their 1963 R69S. Norm bought this motorcycle new over 50 years ago. They’ve won lots of events on this bike through the years. This motorcycle took a Palmetto award at Hilton Head concurs and it was judged 100 points by the AMCA, it just doesn’t get any better than that.
Jeff Bronsdon from Naples Florida shows off his Dover White 1969 R60US, Jeff has owned this bike since 1985, he has ridden it 30,000 miles and he restored it twice.
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Jay and Corinne Lindquist came from Long Island with this cool 1968 Granada Red R60US. Corinne bought it for Jim as a surprise Christmas present. The Lindquists took the Preservation award due to the bike’s originality.
Ted Smith’s “world’s best” R12. This bike was grossly misrepresented when it was sold, it was in horrendous shape internally though represented as the “world’s best R12”. Ted spent several years and several times the purchase price making the bike right. I asked Ted what attracted him to the Vintage BMW scene. His reply: “Mental Illness.”
Ted Smith’s 1928 R62. This bike took 1st place in the prewar class. Ted bought this motorcycle in rough condition, out of Holland. It took him eight years to restore it. The outcome was well worth the effort.
Here’s Somer Hooker’s interesting custom from the late 1940s. Colloquially know as an R73 (which was never made) this motorcycle was assembled in France by a small company named CMR after the war using surplus R75 engines and R71 frames. This motorcycle also has most of its original paint and a great patina.
Somer also brought his beautiful 1941 R71. These bikes are close cousins with the Russian-made M72 so a buyer has to be careful that he’s getting a genuine BMW and not a Russian knock-off. Several details in casting quality and engine numbers indicate this is the real deal.
BMW R4 belonging to Vech was found in disrepair with a bent fork and bent frame, she now stands proud, looking like new.
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Vech proudly displays his 1925 R32. This bike was originally delivered to a dealer in Bremen Germany. Without a doubt, Vech took home the Best In Show award.
Vech’s BMW R12 was reportedly left in Spain by German army deserters. Craig got it several years later and restored it. Like all of Vech’s bikes, she runs like a top.
Craig Vechorik bought his Wehrmacht R75 in several boxes. He spent 4 years putting the machine together, and says it’s the most challenging project he ever undertook. The hardest part was rebuilding the gearbox, 4 speeds forward, reverse and high/low range. Craig’s rig, now perfect, carries many authentic wartime accessories not the least of which is the M34 machine gun. Craig won the Best Sidecar award with his R75.
Vech restored his stunning R50S in Bristol grey. He simply got tired of owning black BMWs and chose this rare but authentic BMW color. This 60’s BMW has some of the best accessories from the period. Denfeld swinging pad, VDO cam-driven tachometer, Albert mirrors, Hella turn signals, Denfeld saddlebags and Hella spotlight mirror.
Paul Meredith proudly displays his serial number 1, 1977 R100S. This bike is restored to very high standard. Paul thought that since this was the first R100S it would be worth restoring at any cost.
Steve Dameron, Akron OH. Steve’s 1975 R90/6 was a barn find he dragged out of a tool shed. The bike was very rough when Steve found it. Now it sports a complete restoration with many cool custom modifications. Better than new, I think.
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Chuck and Dean Ruth rode two-up from Knoxville on their 1967 R60/2. Dig the Enduro bags and period Sifab windshield that he found in a well!
Ridge Marriott, retired Army Lt. Colonel, brought his 1962 R69S. It’s a recent purchase although he owns several other vintage BMWs. Ridge has only owned the bike of a month, he’s ridden it a little over 300 miles, and he loves the way it rides. Ridge says the bike has a 7 gallon tank, one gallon more than a standard sport tank.
Who says Poverty Riders don’t ride great bikes? This gold R75/5 toaster with solo seat and Krauser bags was a blast from the past.
That’s my, John Landstrom’s, 1976 R75/6. I put this bike together last winter using many of my favorite BMW accessories.
John Landstrom’s 1951 Nimbus bobber. You should hear the ‘twice pipes’ sing!
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We went all out on the plaques this year. Norm Buck proudly displays his 25th place award for his 100 point R69S.
Vech receives his just award, Best Black Bike for his 1925 R32
Somer Hooker also brought this 1938 R66 which came from California and still has 85% of its original paint. The previous owner ran into some bad luck with the law and, facing a long prison sentence, was forced to sell his R66.
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Elemental. Unique. Pure metal art with the heart of a hyper Boxer.
The BMW concept roadster T
his machine is almost too exciting for words, but we’ll try. The aspirations of BMW Motorrad regarding future generations of the roadster with boxer engines take shape - a concrete form and full of emotion that is presented in the guise of the BMW Roadster Concept at the Concorso d’ Eleganza Villa d’ Este 2014 (see elsewhere in this OTL!) It was there last year that BMW introduced the Concept Ninety, a modern interpretation of a classic boxer that caused quite a stir. In contrast, the BMW Concept Roadster represents the future of BMW Boxer-powered roadsters. “The BMW Roadster Concept shows that BMW motorcycling goes beyond the concept of function, and becomes a symbol of how a BMW roadster-type bike can be modern and exciting yet powered by a historical yet modern iteration of the boxer engine, “says Edgar Heinrich, Head of BMW Motorrad Design. The unique Roadster Concept is a machine powered by the new unit construction two-cylinder “waterboxer” engine with singlesided swing arm, driveshaft and lightweight steel tubular frame, interpreting classic roadster elements in a modern, dynamic, and advanced way. “The Concept Roadster is both beautiful to see and exciting to ride,” says BMW Roadster Concept Vehicle Design manager, Ola Stenegard. In its latest generation, the (water) Boxer engine delivers 125 hp at 7,750 rpm from 1,170 cc with a maximum torque of 98 lbs at 6,500 rpm. From the aesthetic point of view, the engine
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The sculpted-by-milling tail piece and the titanium silencer are marvels.
is also perfectly balanced. With compact proportions, the low front and high rear form a wedgeshaped silhouette that expresses dynamism even when the bike’s parked. The geometry has a strong concentration toward the front wheel and promises both high agility and maneuverability. The two-tone coloring gives a visual separation between the bottom area of the engine, dark, and the lighter tone of the seat with the tank and the rear section. The lower section approaches dark, visually tying the Concept Roadster to the road surface, emphasizing riding geared for ‘roadster’ use. At the same time, the upper section clearly communicates lightness and visually lowers the perception of the center of gravity.
The pure beauty and the presence of the ‘predator as motorcycle’ are formed.
The unique projector headlamp offers a modern interpretation of the classic circular light. LED
lights allow use of a projector lens that’s flat and opaque, shaping the “face” as being very high tech. Behind the projector, a tasteful instrument panel provides the important info with refined style. The interaction between the tank, seat and radiator is well done with high style. The BMW designers have given the area an organic quality that no computer could create. The tank in ‘Sparkling White Light’ expresses the orientation toward performance and its shape offers a perfect ergonomic support for the knees for optimum cornering ability. A cover made of matte stainless steel adds a refined yet rugged focus at the center of the tank. The tapered rear section is made of hand-worked polished aluminum . The rear structure is made from a single piece of billet. july/august 2014
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The machine is stunning; maybe BMW’s best motorrad work yet.
The design process is begun with the artist translating the designers ideas.
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Ola Stenegard and Edgar Heinrichs explore the myriad ways of presenting the highly customizable machine.
The entire design was molded in a resin material and final shaped by hand. From its final form the milled components were shaped in metal.
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Heinrich contemplates the superb fork presence.
The milled aluminum side covers.
The exhaust is a marvel of available space shaping. The welds are art.
The machining process is handled by precision tools that mill sculpture in metal.
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the MOst excitiNg BOxer ever MAde
Edgar Heinrich at left and Motorrad President Stephan Schaller at right.
Deliberately visible machined surfaces create a rough industrial look, contrasting with the painted and anodized surfaces. The saddle comes from motorcycle racing, an interpretation of the stylistic cues of the bike. At the same time, an emphasis in Neon Yellow color in the lower part of the seat adds contrast under the perforated leather. Additional accents of Neon Yellow are found on the valve covers and cooling fins inside the vents of the side trim, which helps to lighten the side appearance. The tubular frame is presented in Sparkling Racing Blue, a highly expressive finish that adds a touch of contemporary style to a traditional sporty Boxer roadster. With white on the tank and the intense blue of the chassis, the Roadster features a traditional and contemporary interpretation of traditional BMW Roundel colors. In addition to the rear structure, other parts in aluminum laminate emphasize the sculptural aspect technically from the side view. The most obvious here are the vents. They’re made of polished aluminum with machining marks visible and highlighted with respect to the black surfaces of the radiator. They follow a triangular shape open towards the front, forming a ‘gill’ typical
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of BMW’s S1000RR sportbike, directing air to the radiator. A protective pad on the valve covers indicates that the Concept Roadster is able to handle the curves with rather pronounced lean angles. Inspired by the knee sliders of an armored leather racing suit, it gives the Concept Roadster an extra touch of sportiness. Form, function and beauty are combined in an aerodynamic engine spoiler under the engine. This not only plays an aerodynamic role but includes the entire complex front exhaust in order to meet future regulations on the noise issue. The spoiler’s concentrated form and function around the engine emphasizes the dynamic aspect of the side as well as the compact, lightweight tapered rear . In addition to the machined aluminum parts, the fork tubes, rear shock and brakes are clearly distinguished by their anodized finish, giving the BMW Concept Roadster a unique sporting touch. Nicely done, Team BMW Design. Will it come to market? If it does, we can expect different exhaust and rear end, according to the usual DOT demands. Stay tuned with OTL.
OTL
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Altrider’s NeW sOFt luggAge
A
ltRider’s new American made tank bag is designed to be durable and completely waterproof, and it is. Take this touring or across the Continental Divide on any machine capable, and your camera, credentials, wallet, maps, energy bars, water, cell phone and more will be clean and bone dry. 1050 denier ballistic nylon is tough material, like the ballistic armor on a high end riding suit. The bag has an inner ‘dry bag’ (familiar to kayakers) that envelopes your stuff and is waterproof even if immersed. Military grade stitching on all seams means it’ll last a lifetime, no matter the abuse you throw at it.
Easy to install on any bike, the base remains and the bag unzips for easy gas stops or overnight reconnoiters. And its large zipper works easily without any fuss. The inner compartment has stiff separation barriers to keep your stuff in their own slots. It’s not a large tank bag, but it easily holds the stuff you need for your daily sojourn, and at your fingertips. We love the one snap closure, too. It’s become our favorite rank bag!
www.altrider.com july/august 2014
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